Tumbarumba Shire snapshot
Tumbarumba Shire, nestled on the western side of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, is approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne.
Covering around 440,000 hectares, the Shire rises through the Murray River headwaters to 2,230 metres at the top of Mount Kosciuszko. Mountains, forests and farms, rivers and lakes, parks and clean fresh air are some of its natural assets.
Home to around 3,775, Tumbarumba township has some 2,500 residents. Surrounding towns include Khancoban, Rosewood, Laurel Hill, Jingellic and Tooma.
A history of goldmining, timber and cattle, and the clever and skilfully engineered Snowy Mountains Scheme have created an intriguing heritage.
Tumbarumba and Khancoban are the western gateways to Kosciuszko National Park with its stunning mountain scenery, and Thredbo and Mount Selwyn snowfields.
The Shire is ideal for recreational activities such as bush walking, horse riding, fishing and cycling.
New medical centre
In 2003, Tumbarumba Shire Council launched plans for a community medical centre to attract doctors to the town.
Councillors agreed that a new self contained, fully equipped centre would be a strong incentive to doctors who contemplated a move from a larger regional or city clinic, and help Tumbarumba compete with other centres in attracting a replacement GP.
A suitable vacant lot in the main street had previously been purchased by Council as an investment and it was soon realised a medical centre would be an enormous community asset.
It was the key attraction for a husband and wife GP team to move with their family from Melbourne, each bringing separate medical specialties such as women’s issues, mental health, and accident and emergency skills.
Council also attracted a dentist to regularly visit Tumbarumba – the first in more than 20 years – by equipping the centre with the latest in dental technology.
Now, the spacious Roth’s Corner Medical Centre boasts two GPs and their staff, a pathology centre, a visiting dentist, and a visiting optometrist.
An asthma educator and a dietician also make regular visits to the centre.
Tumbarumba was one of the first shires in Australia to establish a council owned medical centre, and several other councils have followed in its footsteps.
Timber plantations boon
Timber processing industries, combined with agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and tourism, provide employment and economic growth in the region.
Hyne and Son has completed a $120 million upgrade to its Tumbarumba mill using the latest North American technology to process 900,000 cubic metres a year of radiata sawlogs.
It is projected to reach one million cubic metres per annum in the near future, making Hyne Tumbarumba Australia’s largest softwood operation, employing approximately 350 people directly and indirectly.
Tourism drawcards
Tourism is the second key industry, as a powerful combination of snow capped mountains, forest slopes, rolling green pastures, together with numerous creeks and steams make for a perfect destination with accommodation to suit all preferences.
The Snowy Mountains Scheme, Mt Selwyn Ski fields, Kosciuszko National Park, Hume and Hovell Walking Track, and the Snowy Valleys Way contribute to Tumbarumba Shire’s appeal as a destination.
Internet blogs highlighting Tumbarumba are increasing every week as electronic social networks attract more and more people to share their experiences in the area.
Motorcyclists are spreading the word about the exhilarating ride along the Alpine Way with its challenging twists and turns and fresh mountain air.
A two wheel journey through Tumbarumba is becoming a must on the way to and from Phillip Island along the magical Snowy Valleys Way. See www.snowyvalleysway.com.au
Australia’s National Quilt Register is a major initiative of the Pioneer Women’s Hut and heritage museum located near Tumbarumba, attracting coach loads of enthusiasts.
As featured on The Great Outdoors, Tumbarumba’s Boggy Creek Show is a two hour live performance demonstrating our heritage, and reflecting Australia’s iconic farming values and practices.
Council’s website www.visittumbashire.com.au has proved to be a valuable tool for visitors planning to travel here.
Viticulture – cool climate premium wines
The Tumbarumba area has become increasingly renowned for its cool climate premium sparkling and top end table wines, particularly chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.
Major Australian wine labels enjoying the fruits of Tumbarumba vines include McWilliams, Hungerford Hill, Chalkers Crossing, Hardys, Seppelts, Penfolds and Bidgeebong, while local winemakers have scored medals in various wine shows in NSW and Victoria.
Country style living
With a well established retail and business centre, aged care accommodation and educational facilities, and recent releases of land for housing, Tumbarumba Shire presents as an ideal region for country style living at its best.
As housing and rental accommodation became critical in the early 2000s, Tumbarumba Shire Council took the initiative and purchased land for subdivision in a location within walking distance of the main street. Snowview Estate boasts 22 quality housing allotments in
Stage 1, with 14 home sites contracted for sale or settled.
When looking for a ‘tree change’, where else could you purchase a home building block for $30,000? There is ample fully serviced land available for light industries to relocate.
A popular library, sporting facilities, schools and childcare facilities cater for families and a working environment.
Aged and community care
Council has long recognised its population is ageing, and has just secured State Government funding for six new aged care beds at Tumbarumba Hospital.
Meals on Wheels and community transport are at the core of Council’s Multi Purpose Centre’s activities, providing an extensive range of community services to the Shire including before and after school care, and long day care to rural and isolated communities for children aged six weeks to school age.
Experience the magic
Tumbarumba Shire is a remarkable area to visit and explore, providing the perfect opportunity to start a business, raise a family or retire in a safe, peaceful country lifestyle. Come and experience the magic of working, living and playing in Tumbarumba Shire.
Visit www.tumbashire.nsw.gov.au
