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Lockington is located in northern Victoria, Australia, 101 metres above sea level, its annual rainfall is 400mm. Aproximently 180 kms from Melbourne, with a population of 400, and a suite of local small businesses, it serves the locall irrigation area, and surrounding dryland farming districts.
Originally the lighter soils of the district were heavily timbered, with more open native grassland on the surrounding heavier plains. Local koori people harvested bush food, and hunted in this area, particularly during the winter and spring months, when watercourses and swamps were replenished. Koori stone tools are still found locally.
Initiall European settlement in the 1840's was based on very extensive grazing "runs" Following the Closer Settlement Act in 1869 there was an influx of selectors, and the onset of more intensive agriculture. Irrigation development began early this century, using water diverted from the Goulburn River into Waranga Basin, then via the Waranga Western Channel. Horticulture, lucerne growing, and dairying were the predominate early enterprises.
Today green, flood irrigated pasture fields dominate the local landscape. Current product from irrigation water in this district has an unprocessed value of more than $100,000,000 annually. Whilst Dairy products account for the majority of this figure, tomatoes and meat production are also important local industries.
The construction of the Elmore to Cohuna railline in 1915 concentrated business activity around the Lockington railway station. Lockington township has grown from this central hub. Rail service ceased in 1977 and the rail lines, sleepers,and ballast were sold and removed. The rail reserve, now disused, is being revegetated to form a wildlife corridor by the Lockington Landcare Group
The history of Lockington and district is preserved at the the Lockington Living Heritage Group, well worthy a visit. The Complex also hosts a wide range of community events, from fashion parades, film nights, and funerals, through to jazz concerts, and antique tractor shows.
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