Franklin Harbour Local History
The Local History of Franklin Harbour, South Australia
Franklin Harbour is a small natural harbour located on the western coast of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The region surrounding the harbour has a rich and fascinating local history, which dates back thousands of years.
The Indigenous History of Franklin Harbour
The land around Franklin Harbour has been inhabited by various Indigenous groups for over 40,000 years. The Barngarla people are the traditional owners of the land, and they have a deep connection to the area, which they call Warra-Yungera. The Barngarla have a rich culture and have used the land and waters for hunting, fishing, and gathering for thousands of years.
Unfortunately, the arrival of Europeans in the area had a devastating impact on the Barngarla way of life. Settlers hunted the wildlife, destroyed the land, and introduced diseases that devastated the Barngarla population. Today, the Barngarla people continue to fight for recognition and protection of their land and culture.
Early European Settlement
The first European to visit Franklin Harbour was Matthew Flinders, who sailed into the harbour in 1802. He named the harbour after Sir John Franklin, who later became governor of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania).
In the 1840s, pastoralists began to settle in the area and established sheep and cattle stations. The first European settlement in the area was established in 1852, when a whaling station was established on the shores of the harbour.
The Growth of the Fishing Industry
The development of the fishing industry in Franklin Harbour began in the 1870s, when fishermen began to arrive in the area in search of abalone, rock lobster and other seafood.
The fishing industry in Franklin Harbour continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with the establishment of a fish processing factory in Cowell in the 1940s. Today, Cowell is one of the largest fishing ports on the Eyre Peninsula and plays an important role in the local economy.
The Impact of World War II
The outbreak of World War II had a significant impact on Franklin Harbour and the surrounding area. The harbour was used as a base for naval vessels and a submarine defence boom was constructed to protect the harbour.
The war also brought significant social and economic change to the region. Many men from the area enlisted and were sent to fight overseas. Women took on new roles and responsibilities, working in essential industries such as fishing and agriculture.
The Formation of the District Council of Franklin Harbour
The District Council of Franklin Harbour was established in 1987, following the amalgamation of several local councils in the area. The council is responsible for providing a range of services to the local community, including road maintenance, waste management, and community development.
The Future of Franklin Harbour
Today, Franklin Harbour and the surrounding area continue to play an important role in the economy of South Australia. The region is known for its fishing industry, as well as its agriculture and tourism sectors.
There are many challenges facing the region, including climate change, resource management, and the protection of Indigenous land and culture. However, the people of Franklin Harbour are committed to building a sustainable and prosperous future for their community.