Ledge Point, Western Australia
| Ledge Point Western Australia |
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 Ledge Point
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| Population: | 156 (2006 Census) [1] |
| Established: | 1955 |
| Postcode: | 6043 |
| Elevation: | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Location: | |
| LGA: | Shire of Gingin |
| State electorate: | Moore |
| Federal Division: | Pearce |
Coordinates: 31°06′29″S 115°22′34″E / 31.108°S 115.376°E
Ledge Point is a small coastal township 105 km north of Perth, Western Australia. It was established to service the local fishing and crayfishing industries.
The town's name originates from the nearby coastal feature of the same name, a series of rocky ledges on the point that was first described in an 1875 hydrographic survey. The Gingin Road Board requested that land be set aside in the area in 1937 for camping and recreation purposes. In 1952 there were three squatters' shacks that had been built in the reserve and once a road was completed into the area in 1953 more people began to request land leases. The government decided to subdivide the area in 1954 and sell blocks for retirees and holiday housing. The town was gazetted in 1955.[2]
The area is well known as a windsurfing venue, and in January each year the prestigious Ledge Point to Lancelin Windsurfing Classic draws competitors from around the world.
In 1963, divers discovered the wreck of the Dutch ship Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) which sunk after striking a nearby reef on 28 April 1656. This was one of the earliest European ships to visit Australia. In 1972, a full expedition was mounted to systematically excavate the remains of the ship's cargo and fittings, but damage by looters had left little intact. Nevertheless, over several months a quantity of artefacts was recovered and which are now displayed at the Maritime Museums in Geraldton and Fremantle.
The area is also known for the wreck of a new oil rig, Key Biscayne, which toppled over in storms in 1983 around 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore whilst under transport.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Ledge Point (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/LocationSearch?collection=Census&period=2006&areacode=SSC54531&producttype=QuickStats&breadcrumb=PL&action=401. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
- ^ Western Australian Land Information Authority. "History of country town names". http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/History+of+country+town+names. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
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