123-597: Kurri Kurri is a small town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales , Australia , in the Cessnock LGA . At the 2021 census , its population was 6,174. Kurri Kurri is the largest town in a group of towns and hamlets, including Stanford Merthyr, Pelaw Main , Weston , Abermain and Heddon Greta , called Kurri Kurri - Abermain by the ABS . Its estimated population was 20,631 at the 2021 census . The population of
246-601: A Unit Train Loading System at the Hexham Coal Preparation Plant and load all of the company's export coal through this system. The PTC would still work non-air wagons from East Greta Junction to Hexham, but from Hexham onwards the trains had to consist of air braked wagons. The work consisted of a new set of sidings and dump hoppers between the coal preparation plant and the PTC main line to allow
369-483: A dilapidated state in the former Stockrington sidings, though this is yet to be confirmed. The Richmond Vale Railway and Mining Museum currently occupies the former Richmond Main Colliery, and operates trains on the former passenger line from Richmond Main to Pelaw Main. The Museum is custodian of a number of historic locomotives and items of rolling stock. There was a proposal for a new freight and coal line to bypass
492-433: A dump station for unloading the unwashed coal and a loading point for loading the washed coal into coal wagons. The connection to government main remained in use until 1962, when following the construction of a stacking and reclaim system the plant was then serviced via the exchange sidings and the connection was removed in 1973. A dramatic slump in the coal industry from the mid-1950s on saw many colliery closures. Following
615-660: A large number of vineyards , restaurants, shops, golf courses and country guesthouses. Other parts of the valley including the Wollombi Valley and Broke Fordwich subregion are also well known for wine, along with the Upper Hunter Valley . The main town in the Upper Hunter Valley subregion is Muswellbrook . For the purposes of Australian federal elections for the House of Representatives ,
738-700: A location later known as Minmi Junction) to serve Richmond Vale Colliery. In October 1900 before construction of the line had commenced the Browns had purchased the adjoining Stanford Greta Colliery which was renamed Pelaw Main in April 1901. Until the RVR was completed to Pelaw Main its production was hauled over a connecting railway to the East Greta Coal Mining Company's Stanford Merthyr Colliery and then onwards to East Greta Junction. Construction of
861-413: A loco crew and management, coal haulage ceased and only empty wagons were to be worked to Hexham for storage. The last coal was dumped at the coal preparation plant on 21 September and on 22 September No.25 cleared the empty wagons from the preparation plant and then made two trips to Stockrington to work the remaining empty wagons to Hexham. However, on 24 September as part of the vigorous protest efforts by
984-518: A mining access road, where the cutting has been filled. Some track is still in place across Hexham Swamp and at the former Stockrington Colliery site, though unusable. There are still some physical remnants along the route, the aforementioned bridges and tunnels being the most recognisable. There are two dilapidated buildings remaining at the Hexham site, though not much else remains there. It has been suggested that one or some non-air wagons are sitting in
1107-529: A path through the Australian wilderness from Sydney up to the overland area in what is now known as the (Lower) Hunter Valley proper in 1820. Today, the modern Putty Road between the cities of Windsor and Singleton follows Howe's exact path and is a major thoroughfare for wine tourists coming into the Hunter Valley from Sydney. As previous plantings in the coastal areas around Sydney succumbed to
1230-654: A period of storage No. 5 was transferred to the JABAS Abermain Colliery railway system where it remained until 1939 it was then placed in storage. In 1941 after being overhauled it was used on the Hexham to Stockrington trains until suffering boiler defects in July 1942 when it was withdrawn. No. 5 is now preserved at the NSW Rail Museum , Thirlmere . The Driving wheelset from No.8 also survives at Richmond Main. In 1908 Kitson & Company of Leeds
1353-684: A referendum on Hunter Valley statehood by 2030. Chapter VI of the Constitution of Australia allows new states to be formed, but only with the consent of the Parliament of the state in question. Richmond Vale railway line The Richmond Vale Railway was a 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ( 1,435 mm ) colliery railway line in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales , Australia, servicing coal mines at Minmi , Stockrington , Pelaw Main and Richmond Main . It
SECTION 10
#17327874263671476-956: A round of the Australian Solo Speedway Championship every year since 2011 as well as hosting the Australian Sidecar Speedway Championship twice (2012, 2014), the Australian Under-21 Solo Championship on three occasions (2012, 2013, 2015), the Australian Under-16 Solo Championship in 2012, and the NSW Solo Championship each year since 2011. The speedway has also hosted rounds of the Sidecar Grand Slam series and also holds
1599-533: A separate route and connection to the Main Northern line at Hexham and was used as an alternate route when the South Maitland lines were flooded during the 1949–1952 and 1955 floods. To cater for the increased demand for small coal a central coal preparation plant was built by JABAS adjacent to the exchange sidings at Hexham. Construction of this plant and associated sidings began during 1953 and
1722-488: A short section of the line towards Stockrington (Richmond Main-Leggetts Drive) remains, used for tourist trains by the Richmond Vale Railway Museum . The vast majority of the alignment is in situ, and all three tunnels (in impressive condition) and two bridges (dilapidated) are intact. The alignment has been encroached just opposite Leggetts Drive by a private landing strip, and near No. 2 Tunnel by
1845-500: A smaller scale in 1930. Both collieries remained open until 1932, and in 1934 both mines were sealed, the remaining workshop equipment moved to the workshops at Hexham and the line to Minmi was then closed and used for wagon storage. In late 1948 the line was relaid up to a point near where the Duckenfield Colliery branch left the main line to serve a new open cut mine being developed. This open cut opened in 1949 and mined
1968-603: A third 10 class was transferred to Hexham. After the replacing of steam on the SMR by State Rail Authority diesels in June 1983 a fourth 10 class was allocated to Hexham to work the Richmond Vale Railway. All 14 worked on the surviving section of the RVR between Hexham and Stockrington at various times. All fourteen survive. Of the once extensive system, only the relaid former passenger line (Richmond Main-Pelaw Main) and
2091-628: Is a region in northern New South Wales , Australia, extending from approximately 162 km (101 mi) to 310 km (193 mi) north of Sydney . It contains the Hunter River and its tributaries with highland areas to the north and south. Situated at the northern end of the Sydney Basin bioregion, the Hunter Valley is one of the largest river valleys on the NSW coast, and is most commonly known for its wineries and coal industry. Most of
2214-448: Is one of Australia's most famous wine-growing regions, known for both its red and white wine varieties. The most important economic activity in the valley is coal mining (through businesses such as Rio Tinto and BHP ), mostly for export. The Port of Newcastle is the world's largest export facility for coal, most of which is brought to the port by rail . Coal ships are often seen off the coast of Newcastle. Electricity generation at
2337-532: Is supplied from the Tomago Sandbeds , via a series of bores. The Hunter Region includes four cities. In order of population these are Lake Macquarie , Newcastle , Maitland and Cessnock . Other major centres of the Hunter Region are Dungog , Gloucester , Kurri Kurri , Muswellbrook , Raymond Terrace , Scone and Singleton . The climate of Hunter Valley is humid subtropical , similar to
2460-542: Is supplied with water diverted from the Williams River just north of the Seaham Weir, through a large pump station at Balickera. The dam itself has only a small natural catchment and relies mainly on the pumped water from the Williams River. A proposal to build Tillegra Dam on the Williams River existed since the 1950s, but was scrapped in 2010. In addition to the dams, fresh water for the lower Hunter Region
2583-624: The SS ; Boorara in February 1926. They were unloaded in Sydney and hauled to Hexham. In late 1927 the rest arrived in crates on Brown's new ship the SS Minmi on its maiden voyage to Hexham. The dismantled locomotives were gradually reassembled with the last not being reassembled until 1931. All 13 were never in service at the one time with the maximum in service at the one time being ten in 1954. The class lasted until 28 June 1973 when
SECTION 20
#17327874263672706-405: The 5 class . No. 5 was originally Mersey Railway No. 1 and was built in 1885 (builder's No. 2601) and was named The Major , No. 6 was Mersey Railway No. 7 and was built in 1886 (builder's No. 2607) and was named Liverpool , No. 7 was Mersey Railway No. 9 and was built in 1886 (builder's No.2782) and was named Connaught , No. 8 was Mersey Railway No. 4 and was built in 1885 (builder's No. 2604) and
2829-680: The Australian Agricultural Company enjoyed almost a monopoly. During this period there were a number of accidents including the death of six miners at the Stanford Merthyr Colliery in 1905, which is commemorated by a monument in the Kurri Kurri cemetery. Richmond Main Colliery, also in the Kurri Kurri vicinity, was once the State's largest producer, at 3,400 tons per day, and which reputedly had
2952-469: The Eraring , Bayswater , Liddell , Munmorah , Redbank and Vales Point coal-fired power stations is a major industry of the region. The Hunter Valley is Australia's main region for the breeding and rearing of Thoroughbred horses and most of the country's best racehorses. The Upper Hunter area around Scone is one of the largest horse breeding areas in the world. Commonly known as "Wine Country",
3075-579: The Greater Western Sydney region, with distinctive maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean . With its northerly latitude and close oceanic influences, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's hottest and wettest wine regions. Flanked by mountains to the west and north the Hunter Valley acts as a funnel, pulling cool ocean breezes into the area. With those cooling breezes also comes heavy rainfall and periodic cyclonic storms in
3198-477: The Jason Crump invitational for solos annually on Boxing Day in honour of Australia's only triple Speedway World Champion . Loxford Park also includes a 135 m (148 yd) junior (under-16) track on its infield. Kurri Kurri has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Hunter Region The Hunter Region , also commonly known as the Hunter Valley , Newcastle Region , or simply Hunter ,
3321-706: The New South Wales Government Railways to Newcastle. With the opening of the coal preparation plant at Hexham the traffic over the line increased as the small coal that was to be washed also travelled over the link line. The line fell out of use after the closure of rail operations at Abermain No.2 Colliery in December 1963 and the connection with the SMR was lifted in August 1964, the line was lifted during 1973. The Richmond Vale railway provided
3444-546: The ROD locomotives , when they were relegated to secondary duties. By the 1940s the three were being used on the Stockrington to Hexham workings. No.11 was withdrawn in 1949 and was scrapped in 1966. By 1954 Nos. 9 and 10 were standby locomotives and were only used intermittently. However, from 1969 both were used regularly in shunting the sidings at Hexham. In October 1972 both returned to main line traffic being regularly used on
3567-587: The Sydney Basin to the south. Between these two geological areas is the Hunter- Mooki Thrust fault. At one time this fault was very geologically active and gave rise to the Brokenback range that feature prominently in the Hunter region. Strips of basalt found throughout the region also bear witness to the volcanic activity that has occurred in the history of this fault. The Permian rocks in
3690-567: The 1930-40s. The first European landholder was Benjamin Blackburn who was granted 400 acres on the Banks of Wallis Creek at Richmond Vale. The Kurri Kurri Hotel (1904) is one of several built during the era of mining prosperity in the early 20th century. It is an impressive three-story building featuring prominent verandas with cast-iron lacework. The Empire Tavern was also built during this period. Kurri Kurri has numerous small miners' cottages from
3813-784: The Abermain Coal Company No. 1 in 1911 (builder's No. 1606) and No. 2 in 1922 (builder's No. 1916) for use on the Abermain Collieries rail system between Abermain Nos. 2 and 3 Collieries and the exchange sidings with the SMR at Abermain No. 1 Colliery. Upon the formation of JABAS in 1931 these two kept their original road numbers and were known as "Abermain No. 1 and 2". The two remained on the Abermain system other than when being transferred to Hexham Workshops for overhaul, and their return to Abermain. In 1955 No. 1 loco
Kurri Kurri, New South Wales - Misplaced Pages Continue
3936-607: The East of 'C' pit named Brown's Colliery (also known as Back Creek Colliery), a new branch line was also laid to this mine. The fastest recorded journey on the line was a late passenger train from Minmi to Hexham at 60 mph (97 km/h). The New South Wales Legislative Assembly passed the Richmond Vale Coal-mine Railway Act in 1900 which allowed the construction of line from the Minmi line (at
4059-671: The European settlement of the Sydney and the New South Wales region of Australia in the late 18th century as a penal colony of the British Empire. The Hunter River itself was discovered, by accident, in 1797 by British Lieutenant John Shortland as he searched for escaped convicts. The region soon became a valuable source for timber and coal that fuelled the steamship trade coming out of Sydney. Land prospector John Howe cut
4182-549: The Hunter Region are: There is an active movement campaigning for the Hunter Region to secede from New South Wales to form its own state. The sale of the Port of Newcastle and the refusal of the NSW state government to build a container terminal in Newcastle has been cited as the motivation behind the campaign. The movement's demands include a Royal commission into the feasibility of Hunter Valley Statehood as soon as possible, and
4305-562: The Hunter Region is contained within the divisions of Hunter , Lyne , Newcastle , Paterson , and Shortland . For the purposes of New South Wales elections for the Legislative Assembly , the Hunter Region is contained within the electoral districts of Cessnock , Charlestown , Lake Macquarie , Maitland , Myall Lakes , Newcastle , Port Stephens , Swansea , Upper Hunter , Wallsend , and Wyong . The following local government areas are contained within
4428-644: The Hunter Valley is a major tourist destination in New South Wales and is the 6th most visited place in Australia attracting more than 2.5 million people annually. There are regular events held in the Hunter for visitors, including the Hunter Valley Steam Trains running the first three Sundays of each month and regular scenic cruises on the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie . The Hunter Valley Wine Zone Australian Geographical Indication
4551-405: The Hunter Valley to Sydney. The steady demand of consumers from Sydney continues to drive much of the Hunter Valley wine industry, including a factor in the economy by the tourism industry. While the Hunter Valley has been supplanted by the massive Riverina wine region as the largest producer of New South Wales wine, it still accounts for around 3% of Australia's total wine production and is one of
4674-460: The Hunter Valley wine zone Australian Geographical Indication (GI) covers the entire catchment of the Hunter River and its tributaries. Within that, the Hunter region is almost as large, and includes most of the wine-producing areas, excluding the metropolitan area of Newcastle and nearby coastal areas, some national parks, and any land that was in the Mudgee Shire (at the western heights of
4797-628: The Hunter Valley. This temporarily produced an up-tick in plantings but the global Great Depression as well as a series of devastating hail storms between 1929 and 1930 caused many growers to abandon their vineyards. The Hunter Region is considered a transitional area between the Paleozoic rock foundation of the New England Fold Belt located to the south and the Early Permian and Middle Triassic period rock formations of
4920-454: The Hunter, many endangered ecological communities (EECs) have been declared under the TSC Act . These communities are found on both public and private land, and prior to development of land, the landowner is required to undertake an environmental assessment to ascertain whether it will impact endangered species or endangered communities. Examples of endangered ecological communities found within
5043-492: The Kurri Kurri built-up area (which excludes some rural areas from Kurri Kurri - Abermain) was 20,015 at the 2021 census . The town was founded in 1902 to service the local Stanford Merthyr and Pelaw Main collieries and mining communities. The town was named Kurri Kurri possibly meaning "the very first" in Awabakal . It was the first town in Australia that was fully planned before anything was built. The local Progress Committee
Kurri Kurri, New South Wales - Misplaced Pages Continue
5166-623: The Lower Hunter vary widely from sandy alluvial flats (often planted to Semillon), to deep friable loam (often planted with Shiraz) and friable red duplex soils . In the Upper Hunter, the rivers and creeks of the region contribute to the areas black, silty loam soils that are often overlaid on top of alkaline clay loam. Among the hills of the Brokenback range are strips of volcanic basalt that are prized by growers for their tendencies to restrict vigor and concentrate mineral flavours in
5289-567: The New South Wales Government Railways for J & A Brown. As part of the installation of electric staff instruments, the loop at six-mile loop was brought into use as a crossing point. Staff instruments were installed at Minmi Junction, Six Mile Loop, Richmond Main Junction (Later renamed Richmond Vale Junction) and Pelaw Main. When Richmond Main Colliery started producing coal instruments were also installed for
5412-641: The Newcastle urban area. The line would branch off the Main Northern railway line at Cockle Creek to join the Richmond Vale line near Seahampton , then use the northern (Stockrington-Minmi Junction-Hexham) part of the old Richmond Vale railway to connect to the main government line at Hexham . The line is now being developed to form the Richmond Vale Rail Trail which will provide over 32 km (20 mi) of cycle/pedestrian paths linking Hexham to Kurri Kurri and beyond. After
5535-426: The RVR did not commence until early 1904, with construction of the line to Pelaw Main completed June 1905, with the branch line to Richmond Vale Colliery being completed in August 1905. Richmond Vale Colliery although founded in 1890, was not fully developed until 1910 when the colliery was renamed Richmond Main in 1911, however the mine did not reach full production until 1918. In 1909–10 the line across Hexham Swamps
5658-490: The RVR was worked by "Telephone Block" controlled by the traffic officers at both Hexham and Stockrington. During 1912 development work started for a new mine named Duckenfield No.2 Colliery, which was located at Stockrington (near Minmi) on the RVR, but work ceased on this work in 1914. In 1922 development of Duckenfield No.2 recommenced and by the time this colliery was ready to produce coal in 1935 it had been renamed Stockrington Colliery. Further Collieries were developed in
5781-531: The Richmond Main – Richmond Vale Junction Section. The Minmi Junction staff instruments were moved to Stockrington in 1914 with the completion of the duplication of the line from Minmi Junction. After the construction of the direct passenger line was constructed between Richmond Main and Pelaw main Collieries in 1922, electric staff instruments were also installed on this line. The double track section of
5904-752: The Richmond Vale Railway nearing completion there was a need for larger locomotives to haul the trains over the line, John Brown purchased four large 0-6-4T side-tanks locomotives from England. These had been built by Beyer, Peacock & Company in 1885–86 for the Mersey Railway in Liverpool . The first three were purchased in 1905, with the fourth loco purchased in 1908. Before these were shipped to Australia they had their vacuum operated brakes and condensing apparatus removed, they then had enclosed cabs and steam brakes fitted. Upon arrival in Australia they were given J & A Brown Nos. 5–8 and were known as
6027-558: The SMR under the company's control. This also gave JABAS a 50% interest in South Maitland Railways . Soon after this JABAS replaced the Merthyr with Main in the two Stanford Merthyr collieries names so they could market their Greta seam coals under a common "Main" name. In 1960 JABAS merged with Caledonian Collieries to form Coal & Allied . After this merger JABAS became the subsidiary company that carried out
6150-433: The South Maitland system between the various collieries at Cessnock and the transfer point with the government railways at East Greta Junction at Maitland. In 1973 with the remaining ROD locomotives at Hexham due for withdrawal from service and with South Maitland Railways being a fully owned subsidiary of Coal & Allied since 1967, two 10 class were transferred to Hexham. After the withdrawal of No. 9 Pelaw Main in 1980
6273-420: The South Maitland system dated from 1936 when a "Link Line" was constructed from Pelaw Main Colliery to the SMR at Weston. This line was used by JABAS for any gas coal from its 3 Abermain collieries and Stanford Main No.2 Colliery at Paxton that was for shipment at the company's coal loader at Hexham, any coal that was to be shipped at the Dyke at Newcastle still had to travel over the SMR to East Greta Junction and
SECTION 50
#17327874263676396-472: The Stockrington Valley: Duckenfield No.5 Colliery (in 1931), Stockrington No.2 Colliery (in 1940) and Stockrington No.2 Colliery No.3 Tunnel (in 1954). Duckenfield Colliery at Minmi closed in 1916 and Brown's Colliery closed in 1924, both mines were, however, maintained, and the railway line remained open to serve the workshops. Following a need for Borehole seam coal for use in the new water tube boilers at Richmond Main Power Station, both mines were reopened on
6519-412: The Stockrington to Hexham trains. No. 9 worked until November 1980 and No. 10 worked until December 1976 and both are preserved at Richmond Main. These 13 locomotives were part of a class of 521 2-8-0 tender engines that were built by several locomotive builders for the Railway Operating Division (ROD) of the Royal Engineers for use in France during World War One . These locomotives were based on
6642-444: The Upper Hunter, the more Triassic sandstone that can be found leading eventually to the carboniferous rocks that form the northern boundary of the Hunter with the New England Fold Belt and the foothills of the Barrington Tops . Overall, the Hunter Valley has more soils (mostly hard, acidic patches of poorly draining heavy clay) that are unsuitable for viticulture than they have areas that are ideal for growing grapes. The soils of
6765-417: The area's investments in wine production and its emergence as a tourist destination. The Broke Fordwich area is located along the Hunter River tributary of the Wollombi Brook near the suburb of Pokolbin and was founded in 1830 by Major Thomas Mitchell who named the region after his fellow Napoleonic War veteran Sir Charles Broke-Vere . Much of the rolling countryside around Pokolbin is under vine and has
6888-422: The area's namesake, the Hunter River itself is not the dominant feature of the region—falling behind the Brokenback Range for that distinction. The greater river system of the Hunter, which includes the Goulburn and important tributaries such as Giants Creek, do provide needed irrigation for areas such as the Upper Hunter than can be prone to drought condition. The origins of the river begin the Liverpool Range of
7011-402: The arrival of the second SMR Ten class loco in May 1973, when it was used mainly on standby duties until being stored in 1976. In 1981 the loco was sold to the Lachlan Valley Railway , where it was dismantled for overhaul. In October 2009 the dismantled loco was transferred to the Canberra Railway Museum . These two 0-6-0T saddle tank locomotives were built by the Avonside Engine Company for
7134-422: The borehole seam outcrop around the Minmi area; this open cut removed any remains of both Duckenfield and Brown's Collieries. The open cut remained open until July 1954, the Minmi branch remained until being lifted for scrap in 1974. In 1922 to increase capacity on the Pelaw Main to Richmond Vale Junction section a 'Direct Passenger Line' was built from the compressor house at Pelaw Main to Richmond Main. This line
7257-410: The catchment). The Hunter wine region is one of Australia 's best known wine regions , playing a pivotal role in the history of Australian wine as one of the first wine regions planted in the early 19th century. The success of the Hunter Valley wine industry has been dominated by its proximity to Sydney with its settlement and plantings in the 19th century fuelled by the trade network that linked
7380-421: The central and southeastern expanse of the Lower Hunter Valley were formed when the area was underneath a shallow marine estuary . The remnants of this period has left an extensive network of coal seams that fuelled the early population boom of the Hunter Valley in the 19th century as well a high degree of salinity in the water table of much of the area. The further north and west, towards the Brokenback Range and
7503-434: The closure of Richmond Main Power Station in 1976, Cessnock City Council acquired the abandoned Richmond Main Colliery site. In 1979 the Richmond Vale Preservation Co-operative Society was formed with the aim of preserving the industrial railway heritage of the Hunter Valley. Based at the Richmond Main site they commenced relaying the rails at the colliery along with the former passenger line to Pelaw Main Colliery and trade as
SECTION 60
#17327874263677626-412: The closure of Stockrington No.2 Colliery in June 1988. Demolition of Stockrington No.2 soon followed and this was completed by December 1988. Dismantling of the coal preparation plant at Hexham started in March 1989 with demolition taking place over the following 18 months. With the downturn in the underground coalmining industry the engineering workshops at Hexham also closed in November 1989, this marked
7749-434: The coal to be railed to the shipping port at Newcastle. In 1861 J & A Brown extended the railway line at Minmi a further 300 yards (274 m) and sunk a new pit named 'C' pit, they also established a workshops at this pit. In 1874 a new tunnel colliery named Duckenfield Colliery was sunk to the North of 'C' pit and a branch railway was laid to this colliery. This was soon followed in 1876 by another new colliery sunk to
7872-412: The collieries to allow loading to take place on the following Monday. By late October sufficient BCH trains had been made available to eliminate the need for Saturday workings. By early 1978 it was planned to end the use on non-airs on the main line and the last train ran on 8 February 1978. From this date onwards the remaining 1,000 wagons were used on the RVR between Stockrington and Hexham only. Due to
7995-421: The completed plant came into operation in June 1953. The preparation plant was served by a series of new sidings with connections to the RVR at the Stockrington end entry to the exchange sidings and to the NSW Department of Railways coal roads. The connection to the government mainlines was at the southern end of the plant and these sidings were known as J & A Brown's Coal Plant Sidings, Hexham . The sidings had
8118-436: The condition of the locomotive it underwent a major overhaul at Hexham Workshops and when this was completed in 1949 it was transferred to Abermain instead of its intended use on Minmi Open Cut trains. It was fitted with a replacement second hand boiler obtained from Hebburn Limited in 1954. It remained at Abermain until the closure of the Abermain Collieries railway system in 1963 and was then stored at Hexham. In February 1967 it
8241-435: The country's most recognisable regions. For over 30,000 years the Wonnarua people of Aboriginal Australians inhabited the land that is now known as the Hunter Valley wine region. Along with the Worimi to the north and the Awabakal to the south, the Wonnarua developed a trading route connecting the Coquun (Hunter) Valley to the harbour now known as Sydney harbour . The wine-making history of Hunter Valley begins with
8364-400: The country. Each year Kurri Kurri hosts a 1950s/1960s inspired Nostalgia Festival featuring rock 'n' roll dancing, hot rod and bike shows. Local art includes more than 55 murals painted around the town and its environs depicting the history of the region and also recent events. Retired Newcastle Knights Rugby league player Andrew Johns , arguably the greatest player to have ever played
8487-427: The deepest shaft permitting access to two separate coal seams, the Scholey shaft , named after its founder, John Scholey . Following the serious slump in the coal industry Stanford Merthyr Colliery closed in 1957, Pelaw Main in 1962, and Richmond Main in 1967. The power station at Richmond Main Colliery, which provided the electricity for Kurri Kurri and surrounding districts, remained in operation for some years after
8610-427: The emptying of non-air wagons of washed coal, these sidings were known as Coal & Allied Siding. Unwashed coal ran via the existing exchange sidings. The new loading point was constructed at the Newcastle end of the preparation plant and was served by a balloon loop and a 1200T loading bin. The rails for both balloon loop and Coal & Allied Siding came from the section of the RVR beyond Stockrington. The balloon loop
8733-450: The end of Coal & Allied operations in the lower Hunter Valley. The first locomotives, No. 1 and 2, used on the original Minmi to Hexham railway were 0-4-2T side tank locomotives built by R&W Hawthorn of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1856 (builders Nos. 947 and 948). In 1922 they were both rebuilt into saddle tanks. No.1 was scrapped in 1942 and No. 2 was sold to Stewarts & Lloyds in 1941. In 1878 No. 3, an 0-6-0T saddle-tank,
8856-495: The game, spent his childhood in Kurri Kurri, before moving to Cessnock. He would later play in the Kurri Kurri Under-16's side, as Cessnock was unable to field a team. Kurri Kurri is also noted as having produced more Rugby League internationals than any other bush town in Australia. Kurri Kurri is also home to the 320 m (350 yd) long Loxford Park Speedway , a motorcycle speedway . The speedway has hosted
8979-493: The grapes. The Warkworth Sands Woodland of the Hunter Valley are situated on these soils. The main river in the region is the Hunter River, after which the region is named. Other rivers in the region include the Allyn , Avon , Barrington , Bow , Bowman , Chichester , Gloucester , Goulburn , Isis , Karuah , Krui , Mammy Johnsons , Merriwa , Munmurra , Pages , Paterson , Wangat and Williams rivers. Despite being
9102-595: The humidity and wetness, and plantings to the west were limited by spring frost damage, northern reaches leading to the Hunter became, almost by default, the wine region of the new colony. The expansive growth of the Hunter Valley wine industry in the mid to late 19th century arose from its monopoly position in the lucrative Sydney market. The provincial government of New South Wales had enacted regulations that placed prohibitive duties on wines from other areas such as Victoria and South Australia. Following World War I , many returning Australian veterans were given land grants in
9225-411: The large urban population of more than 500,000 living near the coast and centred on the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. State Water Corporation's Glenbawn , the largest dam in the region, Chichester and Lostock are dams on the Hunter, Chichester and Paterson rivers respectively. Hunter Water Corporation's Grahamstown Dam , the largest dam supplying the urban areas of the lower Hunter Region,
9348-650: The last ROD in service No. 24 was withdrawn. Nos. 20 and 24 are preserved by the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum and No. 23 is preserved by the Richmond Vale Railway Museum. Purchased second hand from the Sydney & Suburban Blue Metal Company's gravel quarry at Widermere in 1948 to serve the recently opened open cut at Minmi, this locomotive was former NSWGR 2-6-4T side tank loco 2013 built by Beyer, Peacock & Company , Manchester in 1885 (builder's No. 2567). Due to
9471-485: The last major Brown family member John Brown, aged 78, died, and the J & A Brown firm was amalgamated with Abermain Seaham Collieries with the new company being known as J & A Brown & Abermain-Seaham Collieries (commonly abbreviated to JABAS). This merger added the three Abermain Collieries served by their own railway and the SMR and the two Seaham Collieries served by a private line that branched off
9594-584: The local government area known as the City of Cessnock , Kurri Kurri was the centre of the Shire of Kearsley, which included most of the rural areas and villages around the township of Cessnock and part of the western suburbs of Maitland . In 1988 the town established a Tidy Town Committee under the stewardship of the Keep Australia Beautiful competition. The town achieved immediate success and in
9717-498: The longer distance coal trains with the changeover to occur during Easter 1977. Because of this planned changeover large numbers of non-air wagons were scrapped, however by August 1977 with many non-air wagons scrapped and the promised BCH wagons yet to appear on the East Greta to Hexham trains, it became necessary for the SMR, RVR and coal preparation plant at Hexham to work Saturdays to ensure that sufficient wagons were returned to
9840-596: The main Northern Railway at Cockle Creek, to the collieries controlled by the company. Soon afterwards in April 1931 JABAS purchased the East Greta Coal Mining Company Limited, which was in financial trouble due to the recent miner's lockout. This added Stanford Merthyr No.1 at Stanford Merthyr, Stanford Merthyr No.2 at Paxton, and the recently closed East Greta Nos.1 and 2 Collieries at East Greta, all of which were served by
9963-453: The main line and dead end head shunt intact. The rails were also lifted from the RVR served dump hoppers at the coal preparation plant. In January 1988 scrapping commenced of the many stored coal wagons, this scrapping was completed in August 1988. A selection of 40 wagons was kept for preservation by the RVRM. In May 1988 the coal preparation plant at Hexham was also closed, this was followed by
10086-403: The main lines at Stockrington to cater for the new Stockrington No.2 Colliery a new staff cabin was built adjacent to the level crossing at Doghole and the staff instruments were relocated to this new cabin. The original safeworking the line after the opening of the RVR was a "Ticket and Telephone System." Tickets were issued to the train driver at the start of the section, and the information
10209-619: The mine's closure, until the entire district was attached to the National Grid. The Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter operated from 1969 to 2012, producing up to 180 kt (180,000 long tons; 200,000 short tons) of aluminium per year. Kurri Kurri was served by the South Maitland Railway and originally had two passenger stations – one at Stanford Merthyr, and one on the main SMR line at North Kurri Kurri (opened in June 1904). A new red-brick station building and platform
10332-407: The mining operations of Coal & Allied until being renamed Coal & Allied Operations Pty Ltd in 1980. In April 1967 Coal & Allied purchased Hebburn Limited which added Hebburn No.2 and its associated railway to the company's assets. The purchase of Hebburn Limited also gave Coal & Allied full ownership of South Maitland Railways Pty Ltd. The Richmond Vale railway had two connections to
10455-413: The nearby privately owned South Maitland Railway lines at Pelaw Main. The first being the original connection to Stanford Merthyr Colliery, which fell out of use after the completion of the RVR in 1905, this connection was rebuilt in 1934 after the 1931 purchase of the East Greta Coal Mining Company by JABAS to allow the haulage of coal from Stanford Main No.1 Colliery over the RVR. The second connection to
10578-409: The number 9 and with the loco being successful and with Richmond Main Colliery undergoing development that two similar locomotives were ordered. These two were built in 1911 (builder's Nos. 4798 and 4834) and were numbered 10–11, they were also fitted with brass nameplates No. 10 carrying the name Richmond Main and No. 11 Hexham . These three were the mainstay of traffic on the RVR until the arrival of
10701-435: The opening of Stockrington No.2 Colliery No.3 Tunnel in 1954, Duckenfield no.5 Colliery closed in 1955, followed by Stockrington Colliery in 1956 and Stockrington No.2 Colliery in 1957. Stanford Main No.1 Colliery closed in 1957; in February 1961 Pelaw Main Colliery closed, although the railway line to this mine remained open to serve the locomotive sheds at this colliery. On 14 July 1967 Richmond Main Colliery, that had once held
10824-495: The population of the Hunter Region lives within 25 km (16 mi) of the coast, with 55% of the entire population living in the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie . There are numerous other towns and villages scattered across the region in the eleven local government areas (LGAs) that make up the region. At the 2021 census the combined population of the region was 682,465, and is expected to reach over 1,000,000 people by 2031. Under Australia's wine appellation system,
10947-612: The pre war Great Central Railway Class 8K 2-8-0 locomotives design by John Robinson After the armistice these locomotives were surplus and J & A Brown bought 13 of these locomotives, these were built by the North British Locomotive Company (9), Kitson & Company (1) and the Great Central Railway's Gorton Works (3). These 13 were shipped to Australia over a period from March 1925 to March 1927. The first three arrived complete on
11070-504: The rails towards Richmond Main beyond the site of the former Stockrington No.1 Colliery were lifted for use at other Coal & Allied (as J & A Brown etc., had now become) operations. In October 1973 the line serving the engineering workshops at Hexham was closed and the right angled crossing across the Government Railway mainline was removed. The engineering workshops remained open constructing and overhauling equipment for
11193-570: The railway crossed the then Hunter River Railway Company's line to Maitland (the current Main Northern line ) and several coal loading staiths were built on the bank of the on the Hunter River to allow the loading of coal onto ships . In March 1859 J & A Brown purchased the railway & mine from John Eales. By June 1859 they had constructed a connection and exchange siding with the Great Northern Railway at Hexham to allow
11316-415: The railway employees, No.25 was hijacked and after spending a day at Doghole the loco was moved to Lenaghans Drive road bridge and a protest camp set up. However, due to a lack of support from their fellow unionists at the other Coal & Allied operations the protest ended with no effect on 15 October 1987. Within weeks after the railways closure the sidings were lifted from Stockrington area leaving only
11439-535: The record for the largest daily production in the State, was also closed, except for its power station which lasted until 1976. After the closure of Richmond Main Colliery, J & A Brown, Abermain Seaham Collieries, ceased operations beyond Stockrington No.2 Colliery on the Richmond Vale Railway. All serviceable locomotives were transferred from Pelaw Main to the Hexham Exchange Sidings and others transferred to Pelaw Main sheds. Loading also ceased at
11562-494: The region's annual rainfall will fall with January and February being the wettest months. Between the months of October–April, the 3pm average for relative humidity in the Lower Hunter is 49%, while it is 43% in the Upper Hunter. The main industries in the Hunter Region are coal mining , manufacturing, agriculture, viticulture and wine making, tourism, horse breeding, electricity production, dairy farming and beef cattle farming, and associated service industries. The Hunter Region
11685-587: The region: The Hunter Region contains the Goulburn River National Park , Myall Lakes National Park , Barrington Tops National Park , Werakata National Park , Watagans National Park , Mount Royal National Park , Polkolbin State Forest, Putty State Forest, Chichester State Forest, Running Creek Nature Reserve, The Glen Nature Reserve, Black Bulga State Conservation Area , Myall River State Forest, and Karuah Nature Reserve. Within
11808-575: The same period. According to the 2021 census of Population, there were 6,174 people in Kurri Kurri, compared to 6,044 at the 2016 census . Mining at the South Maitland Coalfields began at East Greta in 1891, after an 1886 exploration by Sir Edgeworth David , a government geological surveyor, uncovered the potential of the Greta coal seam. More mines were opened in the early 1900s, supplanting those older pits at Newcastle where
11931-443: The sea. During the spring the Hunter Valley receives an average of 7.3–7.5 hours of sunshine a day. Mid-latitude westerly winds bring high pressure weather front that alternate with cold fronts on the winter. This leads to generally drier conditions in the winter months of July and August. In the summer, southeasterly winds bring weather fronts harbouring extensive amounts of moisture. Between October and April more than two thirds of
12054-557: The space of 6 years took the best town in NSW in 1993 and was a finalist in the best town in Australia. This was followed by the establishment of the Small Towns committee known as Towns with Heart. A pub-driven event called Mulletfest has been growing in Kurri Kurri for the past two years. The event celebrates the mullet haircut and other aspects of self-identified bogan culture (such as pub rock music ). The event has been well received by locals and attracts attendees from around
12177-467: The staithes at Hexham with the Sixty-miler collier MV Stephen Brown loading for the last time on 1 November 1967. The railway line to the staithes remained in use serving the adjacent engineering workshops. Despite Stockrington No.2 Colliery continuing to work at full capacity, following the closure of the line beyond Stockrington the railway began single line working only. Initially the "up" line
12300-465: The state of their loco fleet at the time, JABAS purchased 4-6-4T 3013 from the NSWGR. This locomotive was built by Beyer, Peacock & Company in 1903 (builder's No. 4456). It was delivered to Hebburn Colliery at Weston on 15 May 1967, where it remained until the closure of Hebburn No. 2 Colliery in June 1972 when it was transferred to Hexham on 12 July 1972. It was regularly used on duties at Hexham until
12423-403: The summer and autumn months. In the summer, the average daily temperature regularly exceeds 21.1 °C (70.0 °F) while during the winter the temperature averages around 14 °C (57.2 °F). Temperatures during January average between 22.7–23.3 °C (72.9–73.9 °F), with the temperature becoming progressively hotter the further inland you move away from the cooling influence of
12546-404: The tight economic conditions facing the NSW coal mining industry at the time and the need to rationalise some of its operations, Coal & Allied decided it was more economical to ship the coal to port by road and on 28 August 1987 announced the planned closure of the Stockrington to Hexham line from 25 September 1987. The railway operated normally until 18 September when following a dispute between
12669-499: The underground coal mining industry. During 1972 the Public Transport Commission advised the users of non-air coal wagons that they planned to ban the operation of these wagons to Port Waratah in the near future. Due to the number of loading points at the various Coal & Allied operations that would have needed converting as they were designed to accept non-air type wagons only, the company decided to build
12792-474: The village of Fordwich. Pokolbin , located in the "Lower Hunter Valley", is the centre of the Hunter Valley wine country, which claims to be Australia's oldest wine region. It is located between the towns of Cessnock and Branxton , about 50 km (31 mi) west of Newcastle. The wine country is primarily located within the Cessnock and Singleton LGAs. Its proximity to Sydney has been an influence on
12915-548: The volcanic Barrington Tops and flows south and then east down to the Pacific Ocean at the seaport city of Newcastle . Fresh water supply for the region is provided from a number of sources, which are managed by the Hunter Water and State Water Corporations. State Water Corporation's dams supply water for irrigation, industrial use at coal mines and the region's coal-fired power stations , and town water to upper Hunter Region towns. Hunter Water Corporation's dams supply
13038-474: Was a 30-minute delay between trains proceeding in the same direction, and if the preceding train was still in the section "Caution" was written on the ticket issued. This system worked well until November 1910, when a railmotor carrying the manager of Pelaw Main Colliery collided with the rear of a coal train in No.2 Tunnel, killing him and seriously injuring his passenger. After the coroner's inquest into this accident, electric staff instruments were installed by
13161-524: Was asked by J & A Brown to supply a large 2-8-2T side-tank engine. This new loco was designed for Browns and was based on the Great Central Railway class 8A 0-8-0 tender engines dating from 1902 that Kitsons had built for the GCR. This loco was built in 1908 (builder's No. 4567) and was fitted with cast brass nameplates by Kitsons with the name Pelaw Main . Upon arrival this was given
13284-439: Was brought into use in June 1973, Coal & Allied siding was also ready for use in June 1973 but due to industrial problems it was not used until 17 August 1973. The last non-air train from Hexham to Port Waratah ran on 15 August 1973. The non-air wagons continued to be used between East Greta Junction and Hexham, but by 1977 the PTC was planning to change over this traffic to the older BCH type wagons that had been released from
13407-454: Was built at Stanford Merthyr and opened in January 1909. It was renamed Kurri Kurri Station on 3 June 1922. However, with the closure of the SMR's branch line from Aberdare Junction to Stanford Merthyr, due to subsidence, North Kurri Kurri station was renamed Kurri Kurri in the mid-1930s. The station at Stanford Merthyr fell into disuse although the line from the colliery which passed through it
13530-418: Was duplicated between the exchange sidings and Richmond Vale Junction (latter renamed Minmi Junction). During 1913–14 with the development of Duckenfield No.2 colliery at Stockrington taking place, the main line was duplicated between Minmi Junction and Stockrington. A cabin to house the electric staff instrument for the section to Six Mile Loop was constructed at Stockrington. In 1942 with the re-arrangement of
13653-518: Was finally bought from the NSWGR in 1891 and renumbered No. 4 on Browns' roster. From the early 1920s both locomotives were being used on shunting the staithes at Hexham. No.3 remained in service until 1966 and No. 4 lasted until November 1967. Both survive, No. 3 at the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum and No.4 by the NSW Rail Museum and is now on display at the Newcastle Museum at the former Honeysuckle Point Railway Workshops . With
13776-524: Was named Gladstone . Initially Nos. 5–7 still carried their Mersey Railway nameplates whilst in J & A Brown ownership, no photographic evidence has been found of No. 8 with its nameplates intact whilst in J & A Brown service. After the introduction of the ROD locomotives the 5 class were set aside when major repairs were required. Nos. 7 and 8 had been withdrawn by 1934 and No. 6 was sold to Cessnock Collieries in 1934 for use at Kalingo Colliery. In 1936 after
13899-499: Was over 26 km (16 mi) long and passed through three tunnels, and was the last commercially operated railway in Australia to use steam locomotives. The line was privately owned, by the private firm of J & A Brown and its successor companies, J & A Brown and Abermain Seaham Collieries (JABAS) and Coal & Allied . It was constructed in sections, the earliest section being from Hexham to Minmi , built by John Eales in 1856 to service his colliery at Minmi. At Hexham
14022-528: Was purchased by J & A Brown from Kitson & Company in Leeds , England (builders No. 2236), this was similar to an engine no. 20, named "The Buck" which was also built by Kitsons (builder No. 1620), that Browns wanted to buy from the New South Wales Government Railways (NSWGR). 'The Buck', was built in 1870 and was used to haul coal on the Government Railways from Hexham to Newcastle. No. 20
14145-506: Was registered on 1 May 1996 and is approximately the entire Hunter River catchment. It contains only one named wine region, Hunter. The Hunter Wine Region Australian Geographical Indication was declared on 18 March 1997. It is not as large as the Hunter Valley zone, but includes most of the significant vineyards. It does not extend east of the Pacific Highway . Some of the oldest vines in the Hunter Valley were planted in 1924 around
14268-401: Was responsible for clearing streets and supplying local services with State permission. The fire station and the hospital were built by locals with locally sourced money. There is no history of any Aboriginal inhabitants of this area, other than a visit to the outskirts by a small group prior to most of the building of the town. A family with some Aboriginal background lived in Kurri Kurri in
14391-569: Was sold to the Hunter Valley Steam Railway and Museum. The first of the fourteen 10 class was supplied to the East Greta Coal Mining Company in 1912 by Beyer, Peacock & Company . In the following years the remaining locomotives were supplied to both the East Greta Coal Mining Co. and its successor South Maitland Railways Pty Ltd with the last arriving in 1926. They were used on coal haulage over
14514-618: Was still in operation via the Richmond Vale Railway to Hexham . While passenger services on the South Maitland Railway have ceased, the line ceased use for coal haulage in 2020. The line ownership was changed in 2022 when Aurizon purchased 100% of shareholding in SMR. A new bridge was constructed to relocate the railway line to allow construction of the Hunter Expressway . Until the creation of
14637-400: Was telephoned to the officer in charge at the other end of the section. The section at the time was Pelaw Main to Richmond Vale Junction (later renamed Minmi Junction). Trains were not allowed to travel in opposite directions on the section at the same time, and before a train could enter the section the section had to be cleared by phone communication with the other end of the section. There
14760-535: Was transferred to Hebburn to replace that system's failed Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns loco. No. 26 was used intermittently on the Hebburn system until December 1967 when it was put aside, it was cut up in March 1970 at Hebburn No. 1 Colliery. Due to problems experienced with No. 26 whilst at Hebburn that required the hiring of a South Maitland Railways locomotive and since that SMR was short of locomotives due to
14883-425: Was transferred to Hexham mainly for use in servicing the new coal preparation plant. It was withdrawn in 1961 after a suffering a burnt boiler and was scrapped in 1966. No. 2 loco was transferred to Hexham in December 1963 after the closure of the rail line servicing Abermain No. 2 Colliery. At Hexham it was used to service the coal preparation plant and the coal staithes until 1969 when it was withdrawn, in June 1973 it
15006-413: Was used for the miner's passenger trains from Pelaw Main to Richmond Main. After the centralisation of locomotive facilities at Pelaw Main in 1925 this line was also used for the transferring of locomotives and rolling stock between the two collieries. The miners' trains over this line ceased in April 1959, the line remained open for locomotive movements until the closure of Richmond Main. On 5 March 1930,
15129-523: Was used with the "down" line being used for the storage of surplus coal hopper wagons. However over the remaining life of the railway both lines saw long periods of single line working. This meant a logjam developed from time to time which necessitated week-end workings on the railway in order to reduce colliery stockpiles. The oil crisis of the early 1970s revived Stockrington No.2 Colliery's life and by mid 1973 some six to eight trains each carrying 500 Tons ran between Stockrington and Hexham. In 1973 all of
#366633