Primary Producers Union

Written by Graham Wilson

Primary Producers Union

A Primary Producers Union was formed at Koloona in June 1917.

Pastoral and agricultural practices have significantly influenced the natural environment of the Gwydir Shire.  Initially the pastoral industry relied almost entirely on native pastures but this changed with the development of improved pastures created by the use of fertiliser and the influence of the C.S.I.R.O., particularly after World War Two.  

The European settlers set out to create European landscapes by the planting of pines on driveways leading to homesteads, around the homestead and other buildings and the development of cottage gardens.  Other deciduous trees were planted to create an English landscape.

In time the large holdings were reduced by closer settlement.  The development of smaller holdings meant that farmers supplemented income by dairying and growing field crops.  This meant dramatic changes to the landscape: the felling of trees and their removal by ringbarking and poisoning, the consequential increase in dieback amongst native trees, the construction of wire fences to keep stock out of crop areas, the draining of wetland areas, the construction of haysheds and other out-buildings to house machinery, stock yards made of timber and steel, disused farm machinery and abandoned farm buildings.

As one travels the countryside one can see the influence of past grazing and agricultural practices: the old post and rail fences; the windmills; the large dams; the disused shearing sheds and shearer’s quarters; the deserted small timber farmhouse and outbuildings; the clusters of introduced trees and shrubs; the abandoned church building; the former school site; the closed railway lines and the disused stock yards.  These elements of landscape although disused, provide the opportunity for interpretation so that visitors and local residents can uderstand the changes brought about by changes in agriculture, pastoralism, depopulation or government policy.