Farming on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
Russell Island, Macleay Island, Lamb Island and Karragarra Island
In the 1880s the Acclimatisation Society, a horticultural society that introduced new crops and farming concepts into the colony, introduced new species on the islands, including mango and custard apple trees. Remnant plantings of these fruit trees can still be found on the islands, as can a few of the original farmhouses.
-
The island farmers had a major advantage in that their crops ripened earlier than those on the mainland, due to the warming effects of the sea. This meant the island farmers were able to get their crops to the markets a couple of weeks before farmers in other areas.
-
The farmers were responsible for raising funds for and building most of the islands' early infrastructure, including jetties, roads, schools and churches. Many of the early settlers on the islands also moved from island to island, so we find the same names cropping up in the history of different islands. Their memories are preserved in place names, including streets, waterways and various natural features.
-
The Roo transported fruit from the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to the Brisbane markets. Coutesy Peggy Saunders and the RCC
-
By the 1960s farmers in the Redland Shire, including those on the bay islands, were finding it harder and harder to make a living and they began to sell their farms. Many property developers bought island holdings soon after and land was subdivided into about 20,000 suburban blocks over the next 10 years. These subdivisions were largely uncontrolled and some new owners found themselves with land that was under water at high tide or in wetlands, or unable to be built on for other reasons. These subdivisions explain much of the pattern of housing, roads and other facilities now visible on the islands.
-
Transport to the islands
Coochiemudlo Island: Passenger and vehicular ferries operate from Victoria Point. Phone: (07) 3820 7227.
Russell, Karragarra, Lamb and Macleay Islands: Passenger and vehicular ferries operate from Weinam Creek, Redland Bay. Vehicular ferries: (07) 3829 0999. Passenger ferries: (07) 3206 8033.
Getting around the islands
A large part of the charm of the southern Moreton Bay islands ies in their rustic, undeveloped character. However, this means getting around them can be difficult. Some of the sites in this ::xnctlure are only accessible on foot via rough dirt tracks and "";lClOy of the roads are not sealed. With the exception of Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands, no clear trails exist and most sites are not signed. Therefore, this brochure should be treated as an indication of the important historical sites rather than as a comprehensive trail guide.
-
More information about the Islands' history, visit:
• Redland City Council's local History room on 3829 8311, YI"MY.redland.qld.gov.au and follow the links to the Library service, or emaillibrary@redland.qld.gov.au
The Coochiemudlo Island Historical Society, www.coochiemudloisland.com.au/historysociety or email historysociety@coochiemudloisland.com.au
The RKLM (Russell Karragarra Lamb Macleay) Heritage Group, cia Heritage Room, Community Library, Russell Tee, Macleay Island, Qld, 4184 phone 3409 5979.