HISTORY

Before WW2 the township of Loxton had a population of approximately 1,000 people supporting a larger rural community mainly involved in dryland farming.Irrigation Development Committee in 1944 indicated 'Superior Types' of soil were identified and also found the climate to be 'ideal for production under irrigation of citrus, stone fruits, pears, figs, vegetables and vine fruits for drying and wine.'

Following the end of the war in 1945 a Parliamentary committee completed a report on the Loxton Irrigation Scheme and presented it to government. This lengthy report described the 12,057 acre site proposed for settlement, including the state of the farm land to be acquired, the size of the holdings (20-30 acres) and proposed infrastructure improvements to the township of Loxton to support the influx of approximately 5,000 people. The committee concluded after 'having examined every aspect of the scheme, and the potentialaties of the land' that the proposed irrigation area at Loxton 'provides good prospects of successful development

In 1946 final approval for the development was granted with the local paper reporting 'general jubilation at Loxton.

1948 saw the land being cleared and the first families settling on their properties. These first settlers had to build their own accommodation, basically sheds constructed with corrugated iron, while they waited for their houses to be built.

Settlers of 1945.-55, following further delays in building, benefited from the Minister of Lands obtaining more suitable short term accommodation. He arranged for the importation of Nissen Huts from England and these were gradually erected on the blocks. The huts were half moon shaped, 36 feet long, 16 feet wide and 10½ feet high. They were made of prefabricated corrugated iron with a door and two small windows at the front and back.

Today, thanks to their hard work, Loxton has a thriving industry of vines, citrus and stone fruits.

Torambre is proud of the history of the Pioneer settlers and Tony's vineyard was one of the original blocks, settled by Sten Hergstrom. Torambre produces some of their wine from the original plantings. Brenton, formerly from Torambre is a third generation resident of Loxton North with his grandfather receiving land as part of the War Land Settlement Scheme.

Visits to the cellar door are welcome and winery tours are available by appointment only. Please contact the team at Torambre via email at Torambre Wines

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