AREA Covered:

Cowra Shire.

Community Profile:

Cowra Shire is located in Central New South Wales, 310 kilometres driving due west of Sydney. The Shire area is 2,800 sq km and it is located between the Council areas of Blayney, Cabonne, Forbes, Weddin, Young and Boorowa Shires.

Population has shown steady growth and was 13,100 in 2001 census.

The landscape varies from river flats to slopes, rolling hills and some rugged wilderness areas. Significant features include the Lachlan River Valley from Wyangala Dam down through the town of Cowra and the rich alluvial areas from the town down to Gooloogong.

The Shire has a number of small villages being Darbys Falls, Wyangala, Woodstock, Gooloogong, Noonbinna, Wattamondara, Billimari and Morongla.

Rainfall is generally reliable through the year and the 100 year average is approximately 640 mm per annum with January, May, August and October being the wettest months.

Temperatures vary during the year making the area suitable for many different crops and horticultural products. The 50 year average shows an average minimum 3.6C in July and an average maximum of 30.8C in January.

The area was originally inhabited by the Wiradjuri people. The first white explorers entered the Lachlan Valley in 1815 (George Evans). A Military Depot was established not long after at Soldiers Flat near present day Billimari. Settlers appeared to have moved into the Lachlan Valley after 1835 and the township of Cowra had its beginnings in 1840 and was proclaimed and the first local government was proclaimed in 1888. The town and district have grown and prospered and significant events such as the construction of Wyangala Dam in the late 1920's and early 1930's, the Military Training Camp and the POW Camp, the migrant camp, the second Wyangala Dam all contributed to Cowra economy where others towns may have struggled.

Links:

Email to:

Apply FOR A GRANT:

Applying is very simple. Just download the (.pdf) application form below and return it us. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.