Chris Bishop, August 2024.
1904 map of the Bunbury/Australind region. The blue shape is the current Clifton Park. [1]
1 – Discovery.
The wind was not quite there. At least not enough to disturb the still, shallow water of the estuary. It barely disturbed the oily looking surface of the mouth of a significant looking river, this quiet November morning in 1829.
The scene was being observed by sweating sailors at their rowing stations in each of two whale boats, one captained by Lieutenant Preston and the other by Dr Alexander Collie. The boats had sailed, and sometimes been rowed from Fremantle. Both Preston and Collie had arrived in the convoy that conveyed Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling to the Swan River in June 1829. Dr Collie, who had a short but active life in Western Australia, had the rightful honour of the significant river they had discovered subsequently being named after him.[2] The shallowness of the river entry required the boats to be dragged across the sandy bottom, before proceeding upstream. This operation was observed by a large group of friendly and curious Aboriginal people, the Noongar of the south west.
Evidence suggests that regional communities of Noongar moved particularly along the Brunswick and Collie River floodplain systems, and the estuary foreshore.[3] Some of their practical travel routes were used by the early Western immigrants. Collie and Preston’s journal recorded:
There are two mouths to the river, with a low sandy island[4] between them and the one we entered; the westernmost was afterwards found the least shallow. A second island is formed in the river, not a mile up, and the water rather shallow, affording a good crossing place for the natives. About half a mile above this, the water being perfectly fresh, we filled our barricoes, and soon had our native friends around us.[5]
In March 1830, an exploration party headed by Governor Stirling penetrated to the Darling Range. The official report states:
The country inland from Port Leschenault[6], as far as it has been seen, offers fertile soil and good stock stations. The climate is decidedly cooler than in this district (Perth), and judging from the quantity of grass, and the verdure of the foliage, it appears to sustain a dry season not so long in duration as that experienced in this quarter (Perth).[7]
In late 1837, WK Shenton and Richard Wells explored the vicinity of the Collie and Brunswick Rivers:
At half-past eleven they made the Collie; they observed large flocks of ducks upon the river, and followed it to its mouth over a good loamy soil, and through excellent grass, … sow thistles, and a species of jacobea, or groundsel, which grows four or five feet high, their horses luxuriated that evening, and:
After bivouacking in a pleasant spot about a quarter of a mile from the point, they proceeded E.S.E. next morning and perceived the River Collie, flowing through a district so dense with vegetation, consisting of grass, sow thistles, groundsel, and fern, that, after forcing their way with great labour, they were compelled to make the high land again, which resembled in character that of the Swan, but was considered more pleasing from its greater variety of surface. Subsequently, however, they crossed the river and were agreeably surprised at finding abundant feed for stock, not in the valleys only, but also on the hill sides and summits, on soil of an excellent description, free from stones, and capable of being readily cleared and cultivated.[8]
2 – Greenwood Farm.
Clifton Park lies on historic Leschenault Location 23, in 1844 owned in absentia by George Leake. This was not one of the original 1830 grants, north of the Collie River. The swampy, flood prone and difficult to access land would not have been immediately attractive. Leake purchased this location in May 1839.[9] The area was 320 acres (130 hectares). It was being farmed by tenant Joseph Hough, on a farming area called thereafter ‘Greenwood’. In 1844, 7 persons (both family and servants) lived in the rudimentary farm buildings on Greenwood. That year 3.5 acres of wheat and 1 acre of potatoes were produced.[10]
Sometime after Nov 1844[11], Greenwood was taken over by Abraham Hurst, then his son Basil (died 1901) and wife Maria (died 1903)[12], and later again his grandson John (Jack) (married late in life May Fowler in 1917).[13] Abraham had moved out from the Australind townsite. Abraham’s occupation was noted as being an Agricultural Labourer/Tailor on the ship’s manifest on the way to Australind, and it is the agricultural aspect of this description he wanted to fulfil on Greenwood.[14] The 1903 electoral roll lists John (farmer), Thomas (farmer) and Maria Hurst (widowed mother) as residents of ‘Collie River’/Greenwood. The 1917 electoral roll lists John (Jack) as the sole resident and ‘farmer’ of Greenwood at ‘Coast Road, Australind’.[15] In August 1915, the Bunbury Herald newspaper obituary records the poignant passing of John’s unmarried brother Thomas.[16]
Thomas’s obituary tells something of his character and the lifestyle, and the nature of the small, isolated community of Collie Bridge:
The deceased gentleman had as usual walked from his house up to the mail box fixed on his gatepost on the Australind road. A few moments later his niece, Miss Crampton, read a letter to him and they were laughing over the contents. He then laid down on the couch to read the newspaper, when he gave what appeared to be a slight sigh…[and] he had gone to his long rest.[17]
Miss Crampton immediately went to Mrs D.C. Taylor’s residence[18] for assistance, and was fortunate in arriving just as that lady was leaving home for Bunbury. Dr Flynn on being summoned immediately went to Australind only to find Mr Hurst was beyond all human aid…[and] Mr Hurst was born at the Collie River on 15th December 1855. He was the second son of Mr Basil Hurst. His early years were spent on his father’s homestead on the Collie River…In later years he purchased the old homestead at Australind, and at the time of his death was in partnership with his brother Mr John Hurst of Boyanup, in the industry of sheep raising…[and] The deceased gentleman had a kindly disposition, which made him a great favourite with all who came in contact with him.
The Hursts mainly produced pigs, but also ran sheep. The remnant group of Cape Lilac trees, at the eastern end of the Clifton Park Reserve, mark the location of the farm house built by Basil Hurst, which survived into the 1960s. Up until at least the Second World War, the broader locality of where Greenwood lay was called Collie Bridge.
Later on, Greenwood was farmed by several generations of the Gibbs family, who ran chickens and milking cows, and had a strong connection to the Hursts. Samuel Gibbs married Lavinia Hurst, and John Gibbs was a pall bearer at Thomas Hurst’s burial in 1915. Greenwood had shown itself not economically viable as a farm (due to small area of arable land), so the owners sought off farm work to complement their income.[19] The 1921 electoral role is the last record of John (Jack) Hurst and wife May being residents of Greenwood. The 1925 electoral role lists Samuel and Lavinia Gibbs as being farmers at Australind Road Bunbury (believed to be Greenwood), whereas John (Jack) and May Hurst are found farming at Rathmines (closer to Bunbury).[20] The Hurst name is then locally subsumed by marriage into the Gibbs, Roberts, Urquhart, Hymus, Cain, Payne and Wood families.[21] By the 1940s Greenwood, and more generally the region, had made the significant move from horse power to combustion engine power. The 1949 electoral role lists Margaret (home duties) and Clarence Leicester (Clarrie) Gibbs (timber worker) as residents of Collie Bridge.
In 1950 it was reported:
COLLIE BRIDGE BRIDE – A wedding of interest to Collie Bridge residents took place last Saturday when Lavinia Merle Gibbs[22] married Harold Thornton Gardiner, of Brunswick Junction.[23]
The residents of the Greenwood farmhouses[24] on the 1958 electoral roll were Thomas Heeps (Tom), wife Norma Lesley (née Townsend), and Tom’s parents Margaret and Clarrie Gibbs.[25] Theirs was mostly a quiet, isolated existence (refer to Fig 1 for location). A radio perhaps provided the main mechanical entertainment. Power sourced from the modern grid and reticulated water supply were yet to arrive. Kerosene lamps and candles for lighting, water from rainwater tanks, and in summer from a groundwater well set back from saline areas, enabled people to get by. The Gibbs family ownership ceased when Tom Gibbs sold the property in 1961.[26] That sale included Alexander Island, as this came within the title. In 2005 the Western Australian Planning Commission purchased the 5.4 ha island from Greycote Pty Ltd, at a then cost of $110 000. This was reserved as regional open space.
Following the sale in 1961, Fred Roberts and Forrest ‘Barney’ Hay (Mayor of Bunbury) acquired and ran Greenwood as part of their larger rural enterprises. Later the Patterson family occupied Greenwood, before the residential developer Pioneer Holdings Ltd took ownership. From about 1965 the Pattersons lived in the housing estate being developed by Pioneer. This was at 15 and 17 Lucy Victoria Avenue, and overlooking the reserve that contained the remainder of what had once been Greenwood. Agricultural pursuits on this land had ceased by 1971, and there were no farm building remnants.[27]
3 – Post war development.
By 1945 most of the Australind community area south to the present Eastwell Rd, and between the rivers and the estuary, had been developed. There were two undeveloped ‘super blocks’ south of Eastwell Rd. One was the location on which Clifton Park now lays, and between it and Eastwell Rd, Location 31. Two great great granddaughters of Marshall Waller Clifton, Cecile and Emily ‘Emmie’ Ker Clifton inherited Location 31. It had been purchased from first owner Samuel Moore by Marshall Waller Clifton for his son Gervasse in 1856. Around 1945, the granddaughters were approached by the Bunbury Golf Club to sell the southern portion of this land for a golf course, which initially they were reluctant to do. When eventually persuaded to sell to advocates for the golf course, the stipulation from their side was that it be called the Clifton Park Golf Course.[28] Events there were subsequently advertised as Bunbury Golf Club events at the Clifton Park course.
The golf course was opened in June 1948, and the course name appears to have influenced the eventual naming of the suburb to the south.
In 1961 Cecile and Emmie Clifton sold the northern portion of Location 31 to the industrial company La Porte (now Tronox), where a mineral sand processing plant was built. This major facility had significant impacts on social, environmental and transport matters affecting Clifton Park. Its existence and influence facilitated the upgrade of the Collie River Bridge in 1962. Many local residents have worked at the processing plant, which on occasion has been the cause of night-time noise and odour complaints.[29]
Australind and Collie Bridge appears to have been in a period of stagnation and isolation from the First World War until the early 1960s, based on newspaper commentary during that period. Factors in this included advances in pasture fertilisation, not requiring access to coastal limestone land for stock, the poor condition of the Coast Road from the end of White Road/Austral Parade Bunbury to well north of Australind, the movement of historically influential families to inland locations, changes in local government boundaries, and the political focus from the early 1950s shifting to development of the Port of Bunbury and Bunbury itself.
A significant activity that impacted on the quiet existence on Greenwood was speedway racing at Blick’s Raceway on Point Douro. Reg and Josie Blick owned a large portion of Point Douro, and gave the Bunbury Car Club free access. This occurred from 1964 to 1971, when the Blicks sold the land and the current Bunbury speedway arose where it is now.[30] It was the Bunbury region’s first purpose built hard stand race track. Some major races were held there and attracted attendees from far away.
4 – Rare Earth transforms to Clifton Park.
A few houses were built on Lucy Victoria Avenue from 1965. Number 17 being first, and first occupied by the senior Pattersons, and then by widowed Mrs Patterson. At number 15, and built in 1968 lived SD and J Patterson, the son and daughter in law.[31] When mass development for private housing commenced, the land between the Clifton Park golf course and the curve of the Collie River was owned by a Perth based consortium called Pioneer Holdings Ltd, with DB Johnson as the managing director. Stage 1 called Magpie Estate went on sale in 1973, with blocks costing about $3400.[32]
In 1978 lots within what was now called Clifton Park Estate, were widely advertised as for sale on West Australian TV, radio and newspapers, under the sales pitch name of ‘Rare Earth’. Lots were sold quickly in what was supposedly an otherwise depressed local real estate market. The advertising campaign was highly effective, and many in the broader South West recall the name ‘Rare Earth’ and the accompanying logo of a hand holding up a lump of earth with trees on the top. These newspaper advertisements normally covered a whole page. The blurb used included: ‘Clean, uncluttered, natural bushland, undisturbed by modern development’.[33] In February 1978, a cleverly worded advert was published, stating:
A Rare Apology – It’s very rare these days when a land development company as large as we are has to admit that we are running short of blocks to sell…We are almost sold out of finished lots in the first three stages.[34]
The effective sales campaign and low cost of the lots shook up the local real estate industry. This is evident by media discussion in early 1978[35], including a lengthy Letter to the Editor, of 9 February 1978, from Pioneer Holdings Ltd managing director DB Johnson. In this interesting and open letter Johnson makes it clear that the lots are cheap, because:
- sewerage was not required, after successfully appealing to Planning Minister Cyril Rushton (who apparently overruled his department’s standard position),
- they had the general support of the then Liberal government of Sir Charles Court,
- the size of the development was cost effective for ‘leveraging’ the relevant State government agencies and local government for lower costs for installation of roads and drainage.
Many years later infill sewerage was required, to be paid for by the State and homeowners. This was due to the actual or perceived risk to the ground and river water quality.[36]
The early residents formed a tight knit community, with a lot of group socialising and eating, and progressive dinners. The Collie Bridge Tavern and the golf course were central for socialising and within easy walking distance.[37]
The cost of the lots in 1978 were a couple of thousand dollars less than equivalent land in the greater Bunbury area. A housing lot in January 1978 could be bought from $7000 to $10,000 (more than $40,000 in 2023 terms).[38] Eventually most of the established local real estate agents were promoting Rare Earth. Notable being Southern Districts Realty, run by prominent regional based realty agents of the time.[39] Well-known names like Saunders, Emerson, Coote and Ranson were part of Southern Districts Realty.[40]
A decade later in 1988, the few residences being offered for resale, represented improved value: a three bedroom brick residence in a ‘quiet cul de sac’ was sold for $58,000, while a three bedroom brick and tile residence went for $76,500.[41] At the top of the hill and with sweeping views a Casteau Close residence was ‘reduced to $149,000 for quick sale’.
Victor Tomich, a Perth based real estate agent for Clifton Park, facilitated naming the main feeder road Lucy Victoria Avenue in honour of his sister.[42] Lucy Victoria Tomich, or as elsewhere stated Victoria Lucy, had died at about 50 years old in Perth in 1967. Although the pairing of Lucy Victoria (old English) with Tomich (east European) sounds unlikely, evidence says otherwise. Lucy had a younger sister called Mary Victoria (died at 9 months old), and a grandmother called Lucy.[43]
The Government Gazette of Western Australia of 1963 and 1968 lists: ‘licensed under the Land Agents Act, 1921-1966, Tomich, V. D.; Globe Estate Agency; 808 Canning Highway, Applecross’.
This is probably the Victor of Lucy Victoria fame, although how he was able to have that level of naming influence is unclear. The road name was in place by 1971.[44] Otherwise, most of the street names in Clifton Park honoured Harvey Road Board and Harvey Shire Council members, whose terms had expired prior to residential development, e.g. Becher, Birch, Casteau (should be spelt Castieau), Christison, Harding, Perrin (should be Perren), Poller and Shine.[45]
5 – Sense of place.
Clifton Park exhibits a sense of the environment in which it sits, or what George Seddon would call a ‘sense of place’.[46] It is located where the relatively infertile north south orientated Basendean Dune landform is cut by the Collie River and the accompanying narrow fertile aluvial floodplain. This floodplain encouraged the potato growing and pig raising carried out by the Houghs and Hursts in the 1800s. The fertility was counter balanced by flood risk and the salinity of salt-marsh areas close to the river mouth. Salt-marsh grows in areas that are saline, either through tidal inundation by salt water directly, or as a result of tidal inundation, followed by evaporation of water trapped by a shoreline levee.
The significant levee of the earthen ramp up to the 1911 Collie River Bridge caused increasing salinity within the Clifton Park Reserve, and cut it off from the Point Douro delta, of which it was once a part (refer to Figure 1).[47] This reduced freshwater flushing events.
This is evident in widespread death of freshwater paperbark and other non-salt tolerant species, particularly in lower lying land close to the ramp. Smaller areas of saline marsh or salt scalds are found along the floodplain, such as south and east of the vicinity of Kau Close. The scald areas are increasing, this being exacerbated by low level Council mowing, removing the samphire and associated vegetation cover, and increasing evaporation. Salt scalds have also likely expanded due to piped diversion of local stormwater flows, that would otherwise provide fresh water flushing.
The salt-marsh vegetation on the western part of Clifton Park Reserve has high conservation values, and is mainly comprised of samphire (Sarcornia quinqueflora and Halosarcia indica), with patches of the shore rush (Juncus krausii).[48] The occurence of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) is significant. A shoreline strip of shore rush along the Collie River frontage, and a man-made rock wall, are the first line of erosion protection against motor boat wake.
Cessation of the removal of fallen branches and trees or large woody debris, otherwise called snags, from the river has reduced shore erosion and improved fish habitat.[49] The over-storey consists of individual trees and remnant stands of the flooded gum Eucalyptus rudis, the small paperbark Melaleuca viminea, and rehabilitation plantings of these and other relevant species.
The artificial linear cadastral northern boundary of Leschenault Location 23 (Clifton Park) is balanced by the natural curve of the lower Collie River. The curve of Lucy Victoria Avenue mirrors the path of the river, as does the associated organic road layout. In the case of flood, river water would tend to be pushed towards and across the southern shore of the river by the relatively sudden westerly swing of the water course, the deeper river channel south of Alexander Island, the flat open expanse of the Eaton foreshore, the 1962 bridge northern causeway barrier, and the Eaton relief floodway.[50]
The central northern residential area of Clifton Park climbs up onto the Bassendean Dune ridge of the golf course and Mayne Way, with a visual pinnacle at the water tower on Christison Way. The best way to determine the location of Clifton Park from a distance is to look for this water tower. The soil infertility and poor water retention capacity of the dune heights would not have encouraged farming activity.
6 – The Collie River.
In South West terms, the Collie River is a major water course, although flows have been significantly reduced by upstream water diversion infrastructure (dams, irrigation).[51] The last high flow and flood event causing impacts to buildings and infrastructure was in 1964, and before that in 1945. The 1964 event caused significant flooding on the Eaton floodplain.[52] There have been lesser flood events in Clifton Park since then, mainly inundating the Clifton Park Reserve.
The water quality characteristics of the lower Collie River are similar to those of other rivers on the Swan Coastal Plain. The river has high seasonal water flows (mostly in winter), including incoming micro-tides that move back up stream and across Point Douro. Enrichment with organic material and nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorous runoff from agriculture, artificial lawn and domestic leach drains. The latter only prior to infill reticulated sewer system being installed in 2006), led to numerous phytoplankton (algae) blooms. Phytoplankton populations are at their highest in summer and autumn. They reduce in density when the Collie River flows increase during winter and early spring, and there is good water exchange with the ocean. Breakdown of dying Phytoplankton algal blooms withdraws oxygen from the river and can cause fish deaths.
A key aim of the 2006 Clifton Park infill sewerage program by the Water Corporation was to reduce the number of residential septic tank systems, to improve the environment by reduction in human sourced nutrients entering the Collie River. The soil in the low-lying flat areas is generally water logged and the groundwater level is near the surface in winter. The groundwater is influenced by the estuary tidal movement. The following three premises were not included in the infill program:
- The Australind Tourist Caravan Park (14 motel units, three ablution blocks, 119 caravan sites and a private dwelling),
- The Garden Palace Chinese Restaurant, and
- The Collie Bridge Tavern and bottle shop.[53]
The water exchange between the ocean and the estuarine lower reaches of the Collie River and Leschenault Estuary, and impacting thereby aquatic flora and fauna, is via the artificially created ‘The Cut’. This is near Turkey Point. The Cut is a 70 metre wide and about 5 metre deep channel between the Leschenault Estuary and the Indian Ocean. It was opened in 1951.
Waters in the lower Collie River are typically stratified, with fresh water overlying saline water during autumn, early winter and spring. Stratification at the mouth of the Collie River in summer, is common and can have impacts on fish health and movement.[54] Salinity decreases in winter when fresh downstream flow washes out residual saline marine waters. The seawater/freshwater interface is generally regarded to extend upstream to approximately the interception with the Australind Bypass in summer (about four km up the Collie River), with a variable downstream movement in winter, to reflect increased freshwater flows over these months. This allows salt loving marine life, including dolphins, to move up to at least the Millars Creek (Eaton) intersection in summer.[55]
There are often low oxygen conditions in the bottom layer of the lower Collie River, and deoxygenation events can lead to increased stress levels or even the death of fish and other aquatic animals. Fish kill events were recorded in the lower Collie River in 2002, 2003 and 2004. These events were associated with, and caused by the breakdown of algal blooms. No reports of fish kills were recorded in this area prior to 2002.[56]
Point Douro and Clifton Park Reserve are considered significant and problematic mosquito breeding sites by the Health Department of Western Australia and the Shire of Harvey.[57]
This is because summer inundation leaves shallow pools of stagnant water, ideal for mosquito breeding. Salt-marsh mosquitoes, in Ochlerotatus vigilax and Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus, cause the most problems. They are important vectors of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, and will disperse substantial distances (up to 6 kilometres for Och. camptorhynchus and up to 50 kilometres for Och. vigilax) from breeding sites in search of a blood meal. Some Clifton Park residents have contracted either or both viruses, which is an inherent risk of living in the area.[58]
7 – Clifton Park Reserve.
What is now the Clifton Park Reserve (Lot 131 and Reserve 31576) has a complicated ownership history, and some proposals for it have generated high emotion and intense political debate. Originally it was the focus of the Greenwood farming enterprise. On April 5 1971 the South Western Times reported that the first stage of a $12 million ‘Gold Coast’ type development of Clifton Park would soon commence with the building of a 47 acre hotel and shopping centre complex, with housing to follow. A subsidiary of Pioneer Holdings Ltd had been given a provisional licence for the hotel, which eventually ended with the Collie Bridge Tavern. The rest of the development did not happen.
From 1978 the commercial private owners of Clifton Park Reserve put forward controversial proposals for residential development, including a lake, and a canal based residential development.[59] Firstly it was Pioneer Holdings Ltd seeking to progress what was called Stage 3 of their development. They had purchased Greenwood from the Patterson family in about 1965. Then came co-owners Vukelic Holdings Pty Ltd (majority owner), Kintyre Holdings Pty Ltd and Koombana Investments Pty Ltd (all using a Bunbury postal address), who had purchased from the politically frustrated Pioneer Holdings Ltd. There is irony in Pioneer Holdings Ltd’s position, as they had used political patronage to commence their subdivision. Such is the nature of planning and development.
The central action driving discussion was the proposed rezoning from ‘General Farming’ to ‘Residential R15’. This rezoning was endorsed by the Shire of Harvey, but not by the higher authority of the State government. Community concern culminated in late 1992 with the State government purchasing the majority of the reserve from the Vukelic Holdings Pty Ltd grouping, guided by its principal Paul Vukelic.[60] The local MLA member of parliament and Minister for the relevant cabinet portfolios was David Smith,[61] who became instrumental in this purchase.[62] Prior to that the key Minister, and who visited local activists at their homes, was Kay Hallahan. The Deputy President of the Shire of Harvey was quoted as saying: A pressure group has won its battle.[63]
Of high importance was a large number of vocal local residents. The initially unincorporated Clifton Park Community Association (formed in 1990) was key, with the strong personality of Margaret Radge as a reluctant President[64], along with some local representatives of State government agencies. A key person in the latter category was the recently arrived local resident Eric T Wright, employed as Senior Inspector for the Leschenault Inlet Management Authority (LIMA).[65] Other initial key local members were Lawrie Brown, Ken McComish, Ray George, Dennis Courtney and Graeme Houghton. The local activists supported their message with radio and print media, and visual tricks such as tying yellow ribbons around trees in the reserve at the three metre height fill would raise the ground level.
Two blocks at the corner of Lucy Victoria Avenue and the Old Coast Road remained in private hands and not part of the Public Reserve, and are still not developed. This is recalled as being an alternative proposal put to the community group by a real estate representative of the land owners, to facilitate the community desired outcome. It was endorsed by a public meeting the same day. The real estate agent spoke to the public meeting, before there was a vote by a show of hands.[66]
The debate about the reserve’s future became bitter at times, including misrepresentation of the truth by every side. There was a presentation by Margaret Radge on talk back radio, and print media interviews, that had a strong responce.[67] At one point the Clifton Park Community Association came to discussing ‘succession from the Shire of Harvey’![68] Several well attended meetings were held at the Clifton Park Primary School and Shire of Harvey offices in 1989 and 1990. The wide array of presenters and attendees shows the level of interest and passion.[69]
A meeting on 25 October 1989 included; Shire of Harvey and Shire of Dardanup councillors and staff, a wide range of State government departments, a representative of David Smith MLA, and Clifton Park residents.[70] This was passionate public consultation. Some Clifton Park residents were able to bring to bear experienced credentials in planning, hydrology, flood management, conservation and engineering. At one extreme there was talk of due process not being followed, the high management cost for potential vesting agencies, increased flood risk, loss of rateable land if development did not proceed, and reference to the current ‘untidy area of swamp and scrub’.[71] On the other extreme, there was a letter of complaint to the State Ombudsman, talk of the ‘greenhouse effect’ and rising sea levels, impacts on native flora and fauna, loss of good views for existing Lucy Victoria Avenue residents, and loss of the current peaceful lifestyle.
In between were issues such as the need to increase the capacity of the primary school for any additional residents, the verbal indications buyers into Clifton Park were given that Lot 131 would remain parkland or open space, and advertising maps for Rare Earth showing it as parkland.
A petition was generated in late 1989, in which the overwhelming number of the 497 signatures were against the rezoning proposal.[72]
Two illustrative signatory comments were:
SD and J Patterson – We sold that land 19 years ago, under the understanding it would always remain POS [Public Open Space]. The developers have misled us.
Chappell and Lambert, Planning & Design Consultants of Subiaco (the proponent’s consultant) – Bunbury Region Plan has the area earmarked for urban development. Collie River Flood study supported development of this land. In excess of 14% POS is provided. Shire of Harvey has continually supported the subdivision. Sewerage will be available. Sign proposing the development has been on the site for the last 10 years.
The public land was temporarily held for the State by the South West Development Authority. The land was eventually gazetted as an A class reserve, for conservation and passive recreation, and vested in the Shire of Harvey and the LIMA. In March 1993 a working group consisting of representatives of the Clifton Park community (Pip Phillips, Margaret Radge, Dennis Courtney, Ray George, Alan Grist), Harvey Shire Council, South West Development Authority (SWDC), LIMA, and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) prepared an initial management plan for the area[73].
8 – The Clifton Community Reserve Management Committee.
The community working group led onto the first Memorandum of Understanding regarding management responsibilities for the Clifton Park Reserve being signed by the Clifton Community Reserve Management Committee (CCRMC[74]), the Shire of Harvey and LIMA in 1997. The CCRMC, although having Shire membership in the beginning, eventually became completely made up of local residents. There is a CCRMC funded memorial in the reserve for member Debbie Blake (a passionate and lively woman), who died young in a car accident.
A vigorous CCRMC carried out a number of projects and events in the Reserve, and sought and received industry, State and Commonwealth funding to support its work. Completed projects included sealing of paths, large scale native vegetation planting, use of large earthmoving machinery to extend wetland areas and create some high vantage points, samphire planting, wide scale weed spraying, building of the two original gazebos, signage, bollard installation for vehicle control, dog waste bag stations, and community planting days.[75] Around 2014 the CCRMC no longer needed to function. Today the reserve is managed by authorities according to its needs.
9 – The Village Centre.
A central part of Clifton Park life since its inception is the Clifton Park Primary School, including the tennis, cricket and basketball courts, book exchange cabinet, playground and oval. It was constructed in 1987 and opened in 1988 with one hundred Primary school students and twenty-six Pre Primary students.[76] Prior to that school age children would have attended more distant schools in Eaton and Bunbury. It acts as an election polling site and meeting place. The sound of the school siren, and the chatter and laughter of school kids outside continue to provide a pleasant back drop sound. Beside the school arose a row of shops that have had various tenants over the years, including; fish and chip shop, tax accountant, hair dresser and beauty therapist. Prior to the modern Netflix era, the fish and chip shop also offered snacks and ice creams, limited groceries and video tapes, and was locally popular. The owners lived in a small residence behind the shop.
10 – Urban Forest Trail.
Following endorsement of a draft concept by Harvey Shire Council in 2014, in 2015 the Shire commenced a popular community consultation process for what was called the ‘Urban Forest Trail’. Strategy 3.2.5 of the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan 2017 – 2027 was ‘Develop Urban Forest Trail in Australind’. This was for a walk/bike trail and recreational infrastructure from the Clifton Park Reserve along the Collie River to Paris Road. Consultation included a well-attended public meeting at Reserve 31576 in April 2015, discussion being led by a consultant. If ever there was an engaged community, this was Clifton Park. Outside of issues of concern within the reserve itself, the principal matter raised was the poor condition of the path between Clifton Park and the Elbow, and the need to upgrade. Associated with this event, residents in the local area were provided with an Information Sheet containing several initiatives for the project and were asked to rate each initiative from Strongly Support to Strongly Oppose, and to otherwise provide written feedback.
A five-year plan developed for the project and put out by the Shire of Harvey initially focused on the Clifton Park Reserve and a fishing platform at Sutton Court. This plan commenced in 2017.[77] Works completed included a nature play area, outdoor exercise equipment by the river, control of vehicular access, improved parking, additional seating and tables, a toilet, and a sprinkler system. The nature play area, new toilet and picnic settings, became very popular, also with people from outside the area. Dog training also became popular in the Reserve.
11 – The Natural World.
Clifton Park has some locally cherished and characteristic natural ecological elements. It is known for its remnant resident Western Ringtail Possum (WRP- Pseudocheirus occidentalis) population, anywhere there is continuous or near continuous tree canopy or other aerial link. They can jump a metre or so, but don’t like coming to ground.[78] Their overall, current distribution is patchy and largely restricted to near coastal areas of Peppermint woodland and Peppermint/Tuart vegetation associations. Their conservation status is ‘Critically Endangered’. This means the WRP has an extremely high chance of dying out or becoming extinct in the future. They are at risk of harm from domestic cats and dogs, and some have been injured or killed locally in this way. Foxes and large feral cats are also predators and both have been known in Clifton Park. Road deaths and power line electrocution along Lucy Victoria Avenue have occurred. Sightings of WRPs is a regular neighbourhood discussion point. The WRP was a food source for the Noongar people for tens of thousands of years, and likely for the early European settlers. It is a medium-sized, nocturnal marsupial weighing up to 1350 grams and strongly prehensile, moving quickly and easily through the canopy.[79]
Competition with the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is thought by scientists to occur within intermingled populations of the two species, but personal observation in Clifton Park indicates they happily coexist in a small back garden. Adult Brushtail Possums will readily come down to ground, and even face up to and drive off cats from their young.[80] Ringtails rarely come to ground and are easy prey for predators. Both possum genus seek to come inside houses as the cool of winter sets in, with this causing angst for home owners.
The white or grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) occur as small, mostly stunted individual trees in Clifton Park Reserve. This mangrove experiences stunted growth in water conditions that are too saline, but thrive in waters where a fresh water flush is present. The species can tolerate high salinity by excreting salts through its leaves. There is a freshwater surface flow and seepage into the eastern end of the samphire wetland in Clifton Park Reserve, which will allow mangrove influenced by it to flourish. The most southerly occurrence of Avicennia marina is on the Leschenault Inlet in Bunbury. Otherwise, small local stands and individual trees are found along the shore of the northern Leschenault Estuary, and in Clifton Park Reserve. There are eight trees in the reserve, less than 30 years old.[81] A ninth disappeared several years ago. These mangrove colonies are geographically isolated from the next occurrences to the north, and are a reminder of an ancient tropical period in the South West.
The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) can live for over 40 years and grow to over two metres long. An area near ‘The Cut’ is known as a popular meeting and resting area for the dolphins. Dolphins are regularly sighted in deeper water of the southern Leschenault Estuary, and in the Collie River to above the confluence of it and the Brunswick River. Individuals have been seen as far as just downstream of the Australind Bypass Bridge.
Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) crossing and resting on local roads at night was a common occurrence in the pre-2010 period, which while still occurring is becoming less common. An increasing number of motor vehicles, at higher speed is the greatest threat. Western Grey Kangaroos were food for Noongars and became game for early white settlers. Individuals and small groups move onto Clifton Park Reserve and along the Collie River corridor. They are so common and disruptive on the golf course that there has been the need for authorised culls.
The rare Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), or native water rat, has been sighted living (via night and dusk viewing) and dead (fox, cat or dog kill at night) along the Clifton Park river frontage. It occupies a unique niche within south-west ecosystems, being the only amphibious fauna species in the region (feeding largely underwater, but living on land). They can be up to 70 cm (measured from nose to end of the tail) and weighing just over a kilogram.
The large fish-eating Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a pleasant observation, sitting on tall household TV antennae along Lucy Victoria Avenue, after the intersection with Mayne Way.
12 – A Well Planned Community.
A notable planning and social aspect of Clifton Park is that it has one road in and out, in Lucy Victoria Avenue. This is good community planning, and suits a community this size. There are about 600 lots, now mostly built on. This and the centrally placed school help maintain a separate and cohesive identity. It also meant a low crime level, until it was ‘discovered’ by the wider criminal community somewhere in the 2010s. The Collie Bridge Tavern and TAB (built about 1979), the adjacent Chinese restaurant, and the golf course provide a public interface for Clifton Park. Both are an easy walk or bike ride for Clifton Park residents. The author’s brother reminisced about getting very drunk with several mates at the Collie Bridge Tavern in the late 1980s. Although normally a good swimmer and to recoup losses from a card game, he stupidly took up a bet from the others that he could not swim over and back across the Collie River. It was night-time and the river water was cold and the current strong. He barely survived the return trip and scared himself.[82]
The author remembers putting bets on the Melbourne Cup at a busy Collie Bridge Tavern TAB on the way to work, with many others, in the 1990s. AFL games were watched, cheap buffet meals and Sunday roasts were eaten at the tavern. It could get rowdy and noisy, and particularly impact on residents of the caravan park. The author, as an authorised noise officer, remembers taking noise level recordings in the rear carpark at the request of the Shire of Harvey, during the late 1990s. Drunk patrons tapping on the expensive equipment and asking how it worked was stressful!
13 – Bridging the Collie.
The Collie River Bridge and the road along the estuary that feeds it are an iconic part of Clifton Park. The official name is Australind Bridge, but most locals use the name of Collie River Bridge. In 2010, a new bridge was constructed over the Collie River near its mouth. It is the fourth bridge constructed in the vicinity. The previous three bridges were constructed in 1848, 1911 and 1962, with a major upgrade carried out in 1972. A 1979 reconstruction of the northern abutment to the bridge was ‘shown to be a major flow barrier’ for flood flows.[83] The 2010 bridge is located just to the west of the 1911 and 1962 bridges.[84]
The 1848 bridge was located about 300 hundred metres further west of the later bridges, close to where the Collie River enters the Leschenault Estuary. In July 1848, a failed motion was put to the WA Legislative Council for money to be provided for construction of a bridge near the mouth of the Collie River.[85] An agreement was reached soon after that a bridge would be built with joint contributions from the State government and local settlers. Pearce Clifton was put in charge of construction, and locals were to provide the labour. By October 1848, a large team of workers had driven fifteen square piles in place, some up to 30 feet (9.1 m) in length. This was a major feat. The Jarrah piles were driven in through compressed wool bales, which led to sometime use of the name ‘Woolbales’ for the vicinity of the bridge.[86]
A site visit by the author in April 2024 discovered the remains of the gravelled northern access road/ramp to the 1848 bridge, and the remnants of the last line of four stumps near the Point Douro shore. These stumps are the only known physical remnants of the bridge structure, as nothing is evident on the southern side of the river, and there was a major removal of stumps (deemed a shipping hazard) in about 1967.
Prior to the 1848 bridge, passage was afforded by riding out into the estuary and around the mouth of the river, where in summer time the water was not very deep. In winter it was sometimes up to the horses’ backs, and with big wave or tidal action it became difficult to safely cross. There was also a ford point at the northern point of Alexander Island. [See ‘Crossing the Collie River’ on this website]
The bridge enhanced the lives of the local population, allowing greater social interaction between families on isolated farms such as Greenwood, as well as reducing the journey from Australind to Bunbury from twelve to seven miles. Accessing Bunbury was important to access the port and the only grain processing mill. It reoriented the interaction of Greenwood with its hinterland, although the road to Bunbury could still be boggy and flooded in winter.
A 1904 map (see above) indicates that heading southwards, and after crossing the 1848 bridge, the road sharply turned to follow back up the southern bank of the Collie River before rejoining the current road alignment. The southern bank of the river in this area was uncleared and undeveloped, and boggy, saline and subject to high tide impacts. It is now the Pelican Point canal estate.
In 1865 there was a man-made barrier to crossing the river as evidenced in a Letter to the Editor in 1942:
Recently it was decided to demolish the old Collie bridge. When I first saw the old bridge about 1865, there was a gate on the western side which had been put there by Mr. W. P. Clifton to stop his cattle from getting away. He also had a gate at a point where there is now a bridge across the cut on the Preston River. The Collie bridge was at that time a great place for picnic parties.
In March, 1865, the families of R.M. and M. G. Elliot, T. C. Carey, surveyor, Rev. J. Withers (then just arrived from England with his family), the Cliftons from Australind, the Hursts of Collie and others spent a day picnicking at a spot opposite the island [Alexander Island], about half a mile up the river from the bridge. A year or so later, the Governor with a police escort, came from Perth and they ran into the gate at the west end, and Mr. Clifton had to take the gate down and it was never replaced, though the gate posts stood for years afterwards. Following the completion of the Perth–Bunbury railway in 1893, many fewer people travelled up the coast road. Therefore, political incentive at a State level to upgrade the road was low. These factors effectively cut Greenwood off from the Bunbury hinterland until the advent of the 1911 bridge.[87]
Heavy winter rains necessitated two wooden bridges over the Preston (built 1846) and Collie Rivers, to link Australind and the nearby centre of business, goods, markets and trade at the port of Bunbury. When the second one lane Collie River bridge was built in 1911, the 1848 bridge remained in position for some time. This was for recreational access purposes and as a pedestrian bridge. The middle section of the 1848 bridge was raised to allow tall vessels such as yachts to sail below, as the low bridge (and siltation) had prevented larger vessels proceeding up stream for many years.[88]
In March 1908 it was reported:
The journey to Australind is through Rathmines, the White road[89] suburb of Bunbury…, the road proceeds amid an avenue of handsome trees to the crossing of the Collie river, here a broad stream. The bridge which crosses it stands some four miles from Bunbury, and is a substantial structure. It affords several beautiful river views of the stream itself, and of the estuary beyond. At this point there are places naturally fitted for camping, and ideal picnic resorts.[90]
A Letter to the Editor of June 1911 notes relative to the access road from the north:
if that bit of road is not formed and made directly, travellers will be compelled to pick their way through the scrub for a quarter of a mile on the Australind side.[91]
The Bunbury Herald weighed in on navigation issues in September 1911:
The Mouth of the Collie River.— The Mayor of Bunbury, Mr C. Fraenkel, while on a visit to the capital last week, interviewed the officials of the Works Department in regard to the timbering of the Collie River, in continuation of the channel which was constructed some years ago in that locality in order to facilitate the navigation of those reaches by motor launches and other pleasure boats. Mr. Fraenkel received the assurance that everything was in readiness to commence this work, that a start would be made directly, and the task completed in good time for the forthcoming holiday season.[92]
The 1911 bridge opened new possibilities and projects. From then, words like picturesque and beautiful are applied to the bridge and its environs, and camping and fishing promoted. Fishing from the bridge and the adjacent Collie River was regularly promoted by fishing organisations and the press as popular, and recommended up into the 1990s.
On the 4 September 1918, it was reported:
The vortex of Friday’s storm was along the Old Coast Road from Mrs Ferris’ residence, past Australind, to Mr J. Hurst’s property next the Collie Bridge. Fortunately no serious damage was done, but a number of peppermint, banksia, jarrah and other trees were torn up by the roots and fell across fences. The clearing of the fallen timber will, in places, be a formidable task.[93]
In February 1919:
Harvey Road Board, Mr. Castieau brought up the question of the road from the Collie Bridge to Australind and pointed out that its condition was such that the road was getting dangerous. The whole of the traffic from Perth and other parts passed over this road and recent months had seen a very small traffic develop into a road carrying the biggest motor traffic in the State. There was no question that the road had developed into a national matter. [94]
From the 1920s much discussion arose around the unsuitability of roads and bridges constructed in the days when horse-drawn vehicles were the fastest and heaviest traffic. Faster and heavier mechanically propelled vehicular traffic came to rule the day. In February 1939:
The Main Roads Board was considering the bitumenising of the Australind road and the Old Coast road from Bunbury to Mandurah as stated by the chairman (Mr. J. Lowe) at the meeting of the Harvey Road Board on Monday.[95]
This did not happen. The road continued to be rough and unsealed into the 1950s. The Old Coast Road was descriptively called the ‘ghost road’ in the interwar years, as commuters preferred inland routes.
In October 1950:
At the suggestion of the West Ward member (Mr. W. Bonny), Harvey Road Board decided at Tuesday’s meeting to write to the Main Roads Department supporting a letter from the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce advocating the taking over of that portion of the Old Coast Road between Australind and Bunbury by the Main Roads Department. Mr. Bonny said that this stretch of road was in a particularly dangerous condition.[96]
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s the condition of the Old Coast Road from Australind to the eastern periphery of Bunbury is described as deplorable and impassable. In many ways the difficulty of Clifton Park being a fringe locality, relative to the Shire in which it sits, is highlighted in Collie River Bridge discussions through time, e.g. in December 1953:
The whole of the decking of the Collie River Bridge required renewing, the secretary of the Harvey Road Board (Mr. W. R. Eckersley) reported to the last meeting of the board. Mr. Eckersley said he had written to the Dardanup Road Board on this matter, suggesting that the Harvey board should do the work and charge the Dardanup board with their half, or alternatively the Dardanup board could do the work and charge the Harvey board with half.[97]
Young people flocked to the 1962 bridge, and have ever since. Memories were and still are being made. Young children down to 7 years old were left to their own devices, as the below quotes and commentary show. Diving and doing bombies off the bridge deck, although dangerous and later in time illegal, allowed kids to challenge themselves. The Chopper Taylor (a fish) runs in specific conditions were legendary and drew a lot of younger fishers. All day watching of crab pots also occurred.
Personal memories of the 1960s follow:
With a sandwich and suck water from a local tap at about 11 years old with a sister or brother. Mum collecting us at 4pm. We used to jump off the bridge after the speedway. We used to get clean from the dirt or go for a wash after eating mulberries. Then ride our bikes back to Carey park (scary). Riding 45 minutes via peddly in mid-30’s heat instead of the 10 min ride to the beach JUST so we could do bombies off the top rail or sprint across the road to hurdle the rail. Riding my bike over it to get from Clifton Park to Eaton Primary school and friends. Jumping of top rail from 10 to about 16 with my dad, meeting with friends to swim at bridge and then go to Eaton Store. Awesome memories. I had a few bottles of stones under that bridge with a few of the Eaton boys. The Slater’s store on the Eaton shore was a big attraction. I remember Bonnie Slater saving Barbara Stables from drowning and receiving a framed certificate from the Royal Lifesaving of Australia. So many memories, that bridge was our backyard.[98]
Terry Slater noted that he:
Spent many years looking out the windows of our business looking at the Bridge. Also enjoyed many hours fishing, swimming and crabbing off the bridge. Great memories.
Trevor worked at the Eaton family store, a popular business his parents commenced on 14 February 1964.[99]
In the 1980s, various persons recalled:
I remember a guy jumping off and hitting a boat. Walking to the bridge with mates (from 6 or 7 years of age) with crab nets, a couple of hand lines for Chopper Taylor and a bit if strip bait to catch our first fish for the nets and bucket. If lucky on the way we would find a soft drink bottle to swap at Slaters shop for a bag of lollies. A swim when we got hot and a bommi from the top when brave (or showing off to the girls). Jumping off the bridge and my first lot of stitches cutting foot on barnacles. Crabbing and fishing good times!!
Good memories. Crabbing n fishing when I was a kid with my dad. Night fishing too. Used to catch good kingies under there as a kid with dad then later crabs and mulies. I remember when he took my nephew with him n tied a rope to him in case he fell in cos dad couldn’t swim. Wonderful childhood memories.
Our record for choppy Taylor was 273 which we then used for crab bait. But remember we could jump from the top or the bottom! I always remember jumping in with my legs tucked under because I didn’t want to touch the bottom!. I hated the people crabbing there when we were swimming! I think every kid in Eaton and Clifton Park used as stomping ground. We all lived Withers/South Bunbury/Carey Park back in the 80’s & would pedal out to the bridge to drop bombies off the top rail rather than go to the beach which was infinitely closer.
Many was a recreational kayaker or canoeing fraternity terrorised by us as they paddled past. The aim of course was to upset/sink the offending vessel… which never worked but always illicited screams of terror/delight from the occupants. I remember one day we succumbed to a game of chasey with a bunch of other kids. Everyone was running & climbing all over the bridge to get away (as well as leaping into the water from any height). Mate of mine sprinted across the road, hurdled the railing on the other side & was promptly followed by the chaser. Spectacular to watch when you’re 13-16 years old.[100]
The volume of vehicle traffic over the bridge increased significantly until the Australind Bypass, built in two stages, was opened. The single carriageway Australind Bypass was opened in December 1988. The dual carriageway Australind Bypass was opened 9 years later in December 1997. There was a great reduction in traffic volumes along Old Coast Road within a month of the complete Forrest Highway, incorporating the Australind Bypass, opening.[101] The advent of the Australind Bypass returned Clifton Park to the relative quiet backwater it had once been.
14 – The Modern Era.
Post 2000 and up to 2021, there was a shift in the character of Clifton Park. Many long-term residents died or moved away due to retirement, aging, change in employment, or children passing primary school age. There was less volunteer engagement in local events and projects. Contentious issues continued and re-energised some locals.
In April 2015 the South Western Times had a news story:
Residents oppose Clifton Park townhouses –
Plans for residential development next to a nature reserve have surprised Clifton Park residents who live near the riverside park. The residents presented a petition against it with more than 180 signatures to the Harvey Shire Council on Tuesday. The owners of the land on Lucy Victoria Avenue, have submitted a detailed plan for the land, which is about 6700sq m and includes wetlands…..
This proposal was for the remaining private land on the corner of Lucy Victoria Avenue and the Old Coast Road, and on land zoned as ‘residential’ under the Shire of Harvey Local Planning Strategy. It was withdrawn.[102] This was the same year the previously noted Shire of Harvey’s Urban Forest Trail consultation commenced.
In 2021 the Kalgulup Regional Park Management Plan was published on behalf of various State Government agencies and Local Government Authorities, including the Shire of Harvey.[103] The purpose of this plan was to provide for the protection and enhancement of the conservation, recreation and landscape values of the designated area. Most of the Clifton Park Reserve and linear areas along the Collie River shoreline were included in this park. The Shire of Harvey now cares for cleared and active recreation areas. The remainder that includes remnant and rehabilitated native wetland areas is to be vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission to be managed by the Department of Council, and/or the Leschenault Catchment Council.
The setting sun blazed and sparkled on the surface of the Collie River upstream of the 2010 bridge. Flocks of waterbirds flew low and eastwards across the serene landscape of Clifton Park, as life continued as always…
Figure 1, Annotated 1941 aerial photograph of vicinity of Clifton Park
Note: Underwater sediment settlement patterns in the estuary indicating river flood routes.
Aerial supplied via Landgate- Western Australian Land Information Authority.
…………………………………………………………..
[1] Extract from a larger map: Western Australia Commonwealth Military Forces, Zone of Operations, [cartographic Material] Staff Ride: Brunswick, August 1904, map compiled by Colonel PR Ricardo CB, HJ Pether, Government Photolitholographer, Perth, WA, 1904.
[2] 1936 ‘DR. ALEXANDER COLLIE.’, The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), 13 March, p. 13. , viewed 24 July 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25129826
[3] Department of Water, The Leschenault Estuarine System, South-Western Australia, 2007, p. 13, viewed 8 April 2024 https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/the-leschenault-estuarine-system-south-western-australia,
[4] Now called Bar Island.
[5] Joseph Cross (ed), Journals of Several Expeditions made in Western Australia during the Years 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1832. A Project Gutenberg of Australia eBook, first posted online in 2013, viewed
9 April 2024, https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks13/1304331h.html
[6] This was an early name for Bunbury, with the hyperbole covering the Australind area.
[7] Cross, Journals of Several Expeditions made in Western Australia during the Years 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1832.
[8] WN Clark, Journal of a Voyage from Cockburn Sound, Swan River, to Port Leschenault, the Vasse, and King George’s Sound, in Her Majesty’s Colonial Schooner, Champion, Lieutenant Belcher, R.N. Commander, in the Months of August, September, and October 1838, viewed 2 July 2024, https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks14/1400771h.html,
[9]AC Staples, They Made Their Destiny: History of Settlement of the Shire of Harvey 1829 – 1929, Shire of Harvey, Bunbury, WA, 1979, p 57.
[10]JMR Cameron & PA Barnes, (Eds), The Australind Letters of Marshall Waller Clifton, Chief Commissioner for the Western Australian Company, Hesperian Press, Victoria Park, WA, 2017, p 766.
[11] When still resident of Australind townsite. Cameron & Barnes, The Australind Letters of Marshall Waller Clifton, Chief Commissioner for the Western Australian Company, p 765.
[12] The Dusty Box Facebook page, viewed 9 August 2024. A photo believed by a Hurst descendent to be of the timber and corrugated roofed Greenwood farmhouse dated ‘circa 1900’ was presented on 26 October 2023. The people pictured in front of the house are given as: ‘Basil and Maria Hurst, possibly John Hurst, Daisy Crampton, and Matilda Crampton’, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XRi1TrMPkF1B9ovm/
[13] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families, researched May 2024.
[14] Staples, They made their destiny, p 81.
[15] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families.
[16] 1915 ‘Obituary.’, Bunbury Herald (WA : 1892 – 1919), 3 August, p. 3. , viewed 24 Jul 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87248739
[17] Miss Crampton is either Daisy or Matilda Crampton, who were raised at Greenwood. Personal comment to the author by Jess Barrett of The Dusty Box Facebook page on 9 August 2024.
[18] Collie Bridge, Eaton side – location of The Collie River Tea Rooms that operated into the 1950s.
[19] Abraham Hurst complemented his income with tailoring work. Subsequent Hursts worked at seeding and harvesting time on larger farms, for either wages or more likely goods in kind. In the 1940s Clarrie Gibbs was a jobbing timber worker, whilst residing on Greenwood. The necessity for small farmers to complement incomes is touched on in Staples, They Made Their Destiny.
[20] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families.
[21] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families.
[22] Sister of Thomas Heeps Gibbs.
[23] 1950 ‘COLLIE BRIDGE BRIDE’, South Western Times (Bunbury, WA : 1932 – 1954), 21 September, p. 10. , viewed 01 June 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article253243716
[24] An undated article by Maidee Smith talks about ‘the two Gibbs family homes’.
[25] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families.
[26] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families.
[27] Margaret Stoddart formerly Radge, interviewed by the author, 30 July 2024.
[28] Given in a brief summary of the golf club as ‘the history notes compiled by the late Mr. J.A. Jane in 1986’, viewed 2 August 2024, https://www.bunburygolfclub.com.au/cms/history/
[29] The author, as an authorised officer for the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, recalls responding to complaints, and carrying out night-time assessment of pollution issues during the late 1990s and early 2000s. One night he was accosted by Hawkins Court residents, who thought he was casing burglary targets!
[30] Bunbury Herald, 11 April 2017.
[31] Via realestate.com.au (for residential construction/ownership history) researched May 2024. Confirmed by Margaret Stoddart, interview.
[32] Errol Hammond, interviewed by the author, 15 May 2024.
[33] South Western Times– microfiche copies of 1970 and 1980s issues, viewed at Bunbury Library in May, June 2024.
[34] South Western Times, 2 February 1978.
[35] South Western Times January and February 1978, viewed at Bunbury Library in May, June 2024.
[36] Department of Water, The Leschenault Estuarine System, South-Western Australia.
[37] Errol Hammond, interview.
[38] South Western Times – microfiche copies of 1970 and 1980s issues.
[39] South Western Times – microfiche copies of 1970 and 1980s issues.
[40] The minutes of a special Shire of Harvey meeting about Lot 131 on 19/6/1990, records C Coote and R Ranson as ‘landowners’, although it is likely they represented the landowners. Shire of Harvey, undated (covering matters until 10 July 1990), Town Planning Scheme No.10, Amendment No. 19, Clifton Park Stage 3, File 1508/10/6/19, ‘Action by Council to date’. Copy in possession of Harvey History Online.
[41] South Western Times – microfiche copies of 1970 and 1980s issues.
[42] Cecily Brown, Australind & Clifton Park Street Names, Harvey History Online, 2016, viewed 5 August 2024, https://www.harveyhistoryonline.com/?p=3255
[43] Ancestry.com., Tomich, Gibbs and Hurst families.
[44] Margaret Stoddart, interview.
[45] Cecily Brown, Australind & Clifton Park Street Names.
[46] G Seddon, Sense of Place, University of WA Press, Perth, Western Australia, 1972.
[47] Water Authority of Western Australia, Letter to Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee and attached report entitled, Report to the Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee – Development Strategy at the Mouth of the Collie River – The Compromise Floodway Option, 1985.
[48] L Pen, V Semeniuk and C A Semeniuk (2000). Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 83. Peripheral wetland habitats and vegetation of the Leschenault Inlet estuary.e.g. refer to ‘saltmarsh vegetation’ description on pp.299-310. https://www.rswa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Penetal.pdf
[49] Department of Water, The Leschenault Estuarine System, South-Western Australia.
[50] Water Authority of Western Australia, Letter to Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee and attached report entitled, Report to the Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee.
[51] Water Authority of Western Australia, Letter to Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee and attached report entitled, Report to the Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee.
[52] Memories of Bunbury Facebook page, viewed April to June 2024, search ‘1964 flood’.
[53] Submission by Shire of Harvey to a Standing Committee inquiry into deep sewerage, https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/commit.nsf/luInquiryPublicSubmissions/9C71A76D5B42FC7E482578310040D127/$file/ev.028.091016.dscsub.001.sd.d.doc.pdf
[54] Water Authority of Western Australia, Letter to Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee and attached report entitled, Report to the Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee.
[55] Author observation.
[56] Department of Water, The Leschenault Estuarine System, South-Western Australia, pp 81-82. Reportedly 2 tonnes of dead fish found in lower Collie River in May 2004.
[57] Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, Western Australia, January 2005, Bulletin 1158, Shire of Harvey District Planning Scheme No. 1 Amendment No. 13, Point Douro- Report and recommendations, pp. 24-25, 3 July 2024, https://www.epa.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Schemes/B1158.pdf
[58] Shire of Harvey, Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday, 28 July 2020, viewed 3 July 2024, https://www.harvey.wa.gov.au/documents-and-forms/agendas-and-minutes/2020/july/ordinary-council-confirmed-minutes-july-202
[59] Commencing 3 Jan 1980 and for the rest of that summer, a development around a central lake was touted in the South Western Times under the banner ‘The Rare Earth is back’.
[60] Asher Vukelic, phone conversation with the author, 24 April 2024.
[61] The relevant Minister of Lands, Minister for Local Government and Minister of Planning initially was Kay Hallahan, 28 February 1989 (Planning portfolio from 19 February 1990 to 5 February 1991); and then David Smith, 5 February 1991 to 16 February 1993.
[62] David Smith, interviewed by the author, 29 April 2024.
[63] South Western Times, 16 Feb 1993.
[64] Laurie Hu, interviewed by the author, 17 May 2024.
[65] Later Shire of Harvey Councillor (from 1992), South Western Times, 2 Aug 1994.
[66] Margaret Stoddart, interview.
[67] Margaret Stoddart, interview.
[68] Shire of Harvey, undated (covering matters until 10 July 1990), Town Planning Scheme No.10, Amendment No. 19, Clifton Park Stage 3, File 1508/10/6/19, ‘Action by Council to date’. Copy in possession of Harvey History Online.
[69] Shire of Harvey, File 1508/10/6/19.
[70] Shire of Harvey, File 1508/10/6/19.
[71] South Western Times, 16 Feb 1993.
[72] Shire of Harvey, File 1508/10/6/19.
[73] Shire of Harvey, File 1508/10/6/19.
[74] Chaired by Dennis Courtney, as per Laurie Hu interview. Author was a later member, when Alan Grist was the Chairperson.
[75] Laurie Hu, interview.
[76] First headmaster was Peter Appleton from Albany. First Chair of the school P&C was Errol Hammond as per Errol Hammond interview.
[77] Shire of Harvey, Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda and Minutes of 23 April 2019, 3 July 2024, https://www.harvey.wa.gov.au/documents-and-forms/agendas-and-minutes/2019/april/ordinary-council-agenda-april-2019
[78] Author personal knowledge and observation.
[79] Wikipedia and supporting references, viewed 12 June 2024.
[80] Author personal knowledge and observation.
[81] Author personal knowledge and observation.
[82] As told to the author.
[83] Water Authority of Western Australia, Letter to Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee and attached report entitled, Report to the Bunbury Region Plan Technical Committee.
[84] Irma Walter, Collie River Bridge Story, Harvey History Online, 2010, viewed 5 August 2024, https://www.harveyhistoryonline.com/?p=3527
[85] Irma Walter, Collie River Bridge Story.
[86] Irma Walter, Collie River Bridge Story.
[87] 1942 ‘The Old Collie Bridge.’, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), 26 March, p. 37. , viewed 24 May 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38421724
[88] Irma Walter, Collie River Bridge Story.
[89] Later Austral Parade.
[90] 1908 ‘ROUND ABOUT THE SOUTH-WEST.’, Bunbury Herald (WA : 1892 – 1919), 26 March, p. 3. , viewed 24 Sep 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87181049
[91] 1911 ‘Local and General.’, Bunbury Herald (WA : 1892 – 1919), 20 June, p. 2. , viewed 02 Jul 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87108440
[92] 1911 ‘Local and General.’, Bunbury Herald (WA : 1892 – 1919), 28 September, p. 3. , viewed 02 Jul 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87107885
[93]1918 ‘Local and General.’, Bunbury Herald (WA : 1892 – 1919), 4 September, p. 2. , viewed 24 Aug 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87172579
[94] 1919 ‘THE BUNBURY-AUSTRALIND ROAD.’, South Western Times (Bunbury, WA : 1917 – 1929), 6 February, p. 3. , viewed 02 Aug 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210431009
[95] 1939 ‘AUSTRALIND ROAD.’, The Harvey-Waroona Mail (Collie, WA : 1931 – 1956), 16 February, p. 1. , viewed 24 Jul 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article266678779
[96] 1950 ‘Australind-Bunbury Road’, Harvey Murray Times (WA : 1931 – 1955), 20 October, p. 3. , viewed 24 Jul 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251378292
[97] 1953 ‘Proposal To Widen Collie River Bridge’, South Western Times (Bunbury, WA : 1932 – 1954), 31 December, p. 18. , viewed 24 Aug 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article253281481
[98] Memories of Bunbury Facebook page, viewed April to June 2024, search ‘Collie River Bridge’.
[99] Memories of Bunbury Facebook page.
[100] Memories of Bunbury Facebook page.
[101] Hannah Buck, ‘Mixed Reactions to Forrest Highway’, 3rd Degree, Semester 2, 2009 (8 ed.), Edith Cowan University, 2009, 3 July 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20130428232732/http://3degree.ecu.edu.au/articles/2878
[102] The author was part of a well-attended meeting at the primary school, that authorised a deputation led by Dennis Courtney, to present the group views to the Shire of Harvey.
[103] Government of Western Australia, Kalgulup Regional Park Management Plan 96, 2021, https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/plans/kalgulup-regional-park