Benger Swamp

Values

The place is associated with the development of the farming industry in the Harvey area and in particular with the cultivation of potatoes.

The place has associations with J. P. O. Wellard, who was responsible for the implementation of the drainage system of the swamp and the introduction of the potato crop to the area, and Sir James Mitchell, who was responsible for the subdivision of the area into smaller farming allotments.

The place has associations with the settlement of ex-servicemen and immigrants on farming land during the Inter War period.

The place is associated with the war effort of World War Two.

The place is representative of the use of swamp wetlands to produce food goods and could provide evidence of agricultural practices used for such areas.

Physical Description

The place is a naturally occurring feature located to the west of the Benger townsite and south of Mitchell Road.

The place is a large swampy plain prone to seasonal flooding with extremely rich soil.

History

In 1889, Mr. J. P. O. Wellard purchased land from the Marriot brothers, which included the swamp later known as Benger Swamp. Wellard is said to have experimented with differed agricultural methods and implemented a water couch system. He also dug a drain to assist in his experiments and it was highly successful especially for the cultivation of potatoes. (Wellard is believed to have been the first person to grow potatoes in the area.)

In the 1900s, Wellard’s land was purchased by Sir James Mitchell and Tom Offer who, in 1913, subdivided the land into 10 acre lots and sold the individual lots for £15 each.

After the end of World War Two, ex-servicemen were allocated land in Harvey including land at Benger Swamp. Italian immigrants worked the potato farms during this Inter War period, later purchasing farms in the area and contributing to the development of the district. By 1928, the swamp was fully cultivated.

During World War Two, the potato crops at the swamp were taken over by the Australian Army and worked by the Women’s Land Army and internees.

Farming at the swamp is believed to have waned by the 1960s.

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Historic Themes

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