|
|
|
|
|
Renmark, South AustraliaRenmark is a town in South Australia's rural Riverland area. Geography Renmark is located 254 km northeast of Adelaide, on the banks of the Murray River in the desert-like Mallee country. The Sturt Highway between Adelaide and Sydney runs through the town; Renmark is the last major town encountered in South Australia when driving this route. It is 20m above sea level. History The name Renmark refers to an Aboriginal word meaning "Red Mud" - the original inhabitants of the area were the Naralte tribe. Captain Charles Sturt was the first European to pass though the area in January 1830, as he navigated the length of the Murray from the Great Dividing Range, eventually reaching Lake Alexandrina. A town began to grow in 1887, when the Renmark Irrigation Settlement was established by George and William Chaffey, who created a system of open drains using water from the Murray, to allow orchards to be planted in the area. By pumping water onto the hot red sand they transformed it into a fruit growing area similar to California. Agriculture Today the area is known for the cultivation of grapes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, vegetables, wheat and wool. Orange trees stretch for hectares as do vinyards and stone fruit orchards. Other industries include almond growing and pistachio nut cultivation. Demographics As of 2000, the population of Renmark (combined with the neighbouring settlement of Lyrup) is 8,054. The town falls within the boundaries of the District Council of Renmark Paringa.
|
 |
|
| Copyright 2005-2009 OnPedia.com. All Rights Reserved |
|
|