Greenbushes, Western Australia

Greenbushes is a timber and mining town located in the South West region of Western Australia. The 2016 population was 362.[1]

Greenbushes
Western Australia
Blackwood Road in Greenbushes, in the 1920s
Greenbushes
Coordinates33.849°S 116.059°E / -33.849; 116.059
Population362 (2016 census)[1]
Established1889
Postcode(s)6254
Location250 km (155 mi) S of Perth
LGA(s)Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
State electorate(s)Blackwood-Stirling
Federal Division(s)O'Connor

History

Greenbushes was founded as a mining town in 1888 following a surveyor's discovery of tin in 1886.[2] Greenbushes was named after the bright green bushes (Oxylobium laceolatum) that contrasted against the grey eucalyptus trees.[3] The railway from Donnybrook to Bridgetown opened in 1898, with Greenbushes station located approximately six kilometres north of the main townsite.[3] The area surrounding the railway station was renamed North Greenbushes to reduce confusion.[3]

Henry John (Harry) Robinson born 1862 South Australia and Ada Robinson (nee Woodley) born 1871 in Western Australia

A separate town site of South Greenbushes, also known as Bunbury End began in 1896. The town had its own post office, hall and strong community until the 1930s when most moved to the main town site. The town boasted its own cricket team as well as many other groups.

The town experienced a period of economic boom until the international price of tin slumped in 1893, which caused the Greenbushes' industry to collapse.[2] By 1913, approximately one quarter of Greenbushes' inhabitants were working in the timber industry, which was established shortly after the first mine.[2]

Industry

Greenbushes' two major industries are mining, producing tantalite concentrates, lithium minerals, tin metal and kaolin; and timber milling.[4] Agriculture, viticulture, tourism and art galleries are also part of Greenbushes' industry.[4]

The Greenbushes mine, located to the south of the town, has produced lithium concentrate since 1985.[5]

References
  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Greenbushes (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  2. "Travel: Greenbushes". The Sydney Morning Herald. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 15 January 2008.
  3. Western Australian Land Information Authority. "History of country town names – G". Retrieved 15 January 2008.
  4. "Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes: Business and Industry". Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2008.
  5. "Greenbushes Lithium Operations". Archived from the original on 2 February 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
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