During 1988, Wentworth Shire Council requested Hassell Planning Consultants Pty Ltd to undertake a Heritage Study of the Shire, after receiving notification of success in obtaining a grant from the New South Wales Department of Environment and Planning under the National Estates Programme.
The Shire of Wentworth is located in south western New South Wales and contains some of the most significant landforms and Aboriginal relics in the country. The presence of the two largest rivers in Australia, the Murray and the Darling, have enabled settlement and the development of the Shire. Wentworth and district has played an extremely important role in the development of New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria due to the impact of early pastoral, river trade and irrigation undertakings.
Government authorities, the Council and local interest groups recognise the extensive heritage significance of the Wentworth Shire. Unfortunately, due to the size of the Shire much of the previous historical investigation has been limited to the townships. However, recent release of local publication relating to the historical development of selected areas within the Wentworth district have highlighted the local interest in understanding and recognising the Shire's environmental heritage. Current development pressures and subsequent threatened neglect, modification and demolition of potential heritage items have resulted in the need for a much more comprehensive and condensed review of the heritage significance of selected items and places.
The limitations of existing heritage investigation within the Shire suggest that further detailed analysis is warranted and this report aims to provide that information in a concise and informative manner.
The Study involved the identification and assessment of items of heritage significance within the Shire and formulation of recommendations relating to the recognition, preservation and restoration of those items.
Mr Colin Pardoe, an archaeology consultant, has undertaken work relevant to the extent and nature of the environmental heritage within the shire relating to Aboriginal culture and morphology. He has established a predictive summary of the likely locations and items that may be found in the shire, as well as identifying known sites.
The overall aims of the study are to;
identify and analyse the environmental heritage of the Shire.
make practical recommendations for its conservation and management.
The Wentworth heritage Study report has been set out in the following stages:
An overview of the methodology and documentation processes involved in the heritage study.
Analysis of the shire's historic development and description of historic themes consistent throughout each development era within the Shire.
Identification and analysis of existing legislative and council provisions to protect heritage items.
Recommendations for actions to enhance the awareness, maintenance and preservation of the Shire's heritage including recommendations regarding sites warranting specific recognition.
Appendices detailing the assessment of individual heritage items and outlining the thematic development of the Shire with additional appendices specifically relating to Aboriginal occupation/sites and potential sites within the Shire.
The heritage study could not have been undertaken without the helpful input and hospitality provided by the people of the Wentworth Shire. The consultants wish to thank all those who provided historical information and access to their properties. In particular, the following people are recognised for their valuable assistance:
John Foley, Shire Clerk
Howard Clay, Shire Planner
Jeff Whyte, President Wentworth Historical Society
Mary Dawes, President Wentworth Branch of the National Trust
John & Annabel Walsh, Moorna Station
Jock & Barbara Taylor, Nampoo Station
Peter Kiely, Wentworth Gaol Museum
Peter Clark, Western Lands Commission
Rod & Dawn Smith, Dare LALC