The Great Swamp and the land of blackfish
Nestled in Victoria’s southeast, Koo Wee Rup was originally home to the Bunurong people. The vast swamp spanned over 40,000 hectares, and provided food, shelter and water.
It was known for its abundance of blackfish, reflected in the Bunurong term “ku-wirup”, meaning “plenty of blackfish” or “blackfish swimming”.
It was a haven of dense swamp paperbark, lush reed beds and bullrushes. This vegetation created a natural barrier, making it initially impassable for the early Europeans who arrived.
Colonisation and the vision of reclamation
As Europeans arrived in the mid-19th century, the swamp was considered a challenge to progress. Thick vegetation and frequent flooding made farming impossible on much of the land. This limited development to its fringes. However, the fertile soils beneath the waterlogged landscape held untapped promise.
The turning point came in 1889 when Carlo Catani, an Italian-born engineer working for the Public Works Department, proposed a bold reclamation scheme. He envisioned transforming the swamp into thousands of hectares of prime farmland, with new settlements, roadways and opportunities for communities to thrive.
The ambitious project began with the creation of the Main Drain: a 25-kilometre cut drain that redirected water from the Bunyip River straight to Western Port Bay. This work, planned by engineer William Thwaites and implemented under Catani, marked the beginning of a sweeping transformation.
Under the Village Settlement Scheme, unemployed married men were enlisted to dig drains while clearing and improving their own plots of land. The scheme wasn’t without its struggles – many labourers had little experience with the physical demands of farming or drainage work.
Still, over time a network of drains and channels were built. This culminated in over 500 kilometres of drains designed to control floodwaters and reclaim the swamp.
From crisis to community: the floods of Koo Wee Rup
Despite the extensive drainage, Koo Wee Rup is still highly vulnerable to flooding. Its flat, low-lying terrain is prone to pooling water during heavy rain.
The area’s history features significant floods, each leaving a mark on the land and its people:
- In 1900, 1901 and 1911, torrential rain overwhelmed the new drainage system, resulting in widespread property damage.
- Later floods in 1923, 1934 and 1937 highlighted the ongoing struggle to balance development with nature.
- The 1934 flood is still etched in local memory. As reported by The Argus newspaper, “water infested with snakes” surrounded marooned residents who fought to stay above the rising waters, while fending off the wildlife displaced by the deluge.
- More recently, floods in 1996, 2011 and 2012 underscored the persistent threat to the region’s 6,000 properties.
Heavy rain often leads to road closures, sometimes isolating communities in Iona, Cora Lynn, Bayles and Koo Wee Rup for days. The Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) issue alerts during such events, urging evacuations and ensuring residents’ safety.
Agricultural success and environmental stewardship
While floods are still a challenge, Koo Wee Rup has flourished as one of Australia’s premier agricultural regions. Known as the nation’s largest producer of asparagus, the area contributes significantly to Melbourne’s food bowl. The fertile soils of the former swamp sustain a range of crops and dairying enterprises, affirming the vision of those who worked tirelessly to drain the land over a century ago.
This agricultural success coexists with an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Koo Wee Rup is home to threatened species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot and Growling Grass Frog, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to development and conservation.
Collaborative efforts between residents, councils and Melbourne Water continue to shape the region’s drainage and flood protection strategies. The Koo Wee Rup–Longwarry Flood Protection District Advisory Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring funds are efficiently distributed for maintenance and works that protect the community.
