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Port
Stephens The first European vessel to enter Port Stephens was the British
convict transporter, "Salamander", which sought refuge from
dire weather in 1791. Then in 1795 it was the subject of a survey by
Deputy Surveyor Charles Grimes, assessing suitability for a settlement.
Later that year, high winds forced Captain Broughton to pass his
destination of Port Jackson and shelter in Port Stephens. There he
discovered four convicts who had escaped from Parramatta, living
peacefully with the local Worimi people. These men are believed to have
been the first European inhabitants of the region.
Although the area was later inspected by Governor Macquarie in 1811,
and John Oxley in 1818, settlement of the region was gradual and often
temporary. In the early 1800's the region was host to non-permanent
groups of Chinese fisherman, who would sail back to China periodically.
After 1815, cedar getters frequented the area to exploit the forest. The
first official colonial settlement was a 300 acre land grant taken up in
1824 by Captain William Cromarty. Then in 1826 Port Stephens was chosen
as the centre of a London based operation, the Australian Agricultural
Company. This influx of 80 settlers, 725 sheep and 15 horses and cattle
looked set to guarantee Port Stephens' undoubted prosperity.
Unfortunately, the land was soon discovered unfit for agricultural use,
and the operation was moved to the New England Tablelands.
The economy of the Port Stephens Shire has a history of uncertainty,
with many disparate industries attempted. In the early days of the
settlement, lime burning was profitable, until in 1868 the government
banned the burning of live oysters on the grounds of protection of the
species. The timber industry looked stable, and a mill was constructed
in 1920. However depleted wood supplies have caused its demise.
Shipbuilding proved profitable, with the first boat "Emmanuel"
built in the area in 1823. However, shipbuilding was reliant upon local
wood, and contingently ceased production.
Ironically, World War Two aided the development of the region as the
focus of much armed service activity. Improved access roads, a hospital,
electricity and water supplies, and the enlargement of wharves gave
local business increased prosperity, and revived this backwater
settlement. Sandmining of the 1960's for minerals such as Zircon and
Rutile proved successful, and continues to stabilise the economy today.
Similarly, the historically consistent industry of fishing and oyster
farming remain profitable operations. Some small scale dairying and
poultry, mixed vegetable and flower farming compliment these more
rigorous industries.
Even so, the major industry of the region today is tourism. Port
Stephens' sleepy coastal aspect attracts many domestic and overseas
tourists. It is also rapidly becoming a major retirement centre. Of
historical interest in the area is "Tahlee House", a survivor
of the Australian Agricultural Company's settlement. Anna Bay features a
cone shaped well dating from the 1880's upon land owned by William
Eagleton. The old fisherman's co-op wharf and Post Office building in
Nelson Bay are also of interest.
Natural Attractions Museums and Historic Sites Marine Attractions
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