Historical information

Drainage infrastructure was developed and maintained in this region by the Snowy River Improvement Trust. The Trust was administered by a local committee and its activities funded by a local rate charged on the farmers and land owners in the Trust’s designated district. The level of the rate charged by the Trust was designed to be proportionate to the benefit derived from the works undertaken. Financial assistance was provided by the State Government from time to time for specific projects such as post flood repairs but not for new capital works. The Trust undertook new drainage and river management works including tree planting, rock beach construction and servicing of the drains and flood gates. The Trust also provided a personal flood warning service to the farmers in its district.
The Trust ceased to operate in 1997 with the advent of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. The infrastructure developed by the Trust continues to provide a service to the farmers in the region. (ref. 4 East Gippsland CMA Submission to Inquiry into Flood Mitigation Infrastructure in Victoria)

Significance

This plan is significant as a historical document. The Snowy River Improvement Trust was vital to the Orbost district because of its ability to apply local knowledge and to engage the local farming community.

Physical description

A large plan of divisions of land for the purpose of levying the Snowy River Improvement District - Bete Bolong, Orbost, Waygara, Newmerella and Orbost East.
The properties are coloured according to levy amount.
The scale is 1" - 20 chains.