Jeparit, Victoria, Australia. A microcosm of climate change.
Ranked #4,157 in Travel, #132,715 overall
Welcome to Jeparit. A town without water. Can it be saved in time?
Though Jeparit is the birthplace of Australia's longest serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, Jeparit is suffering chronic and acute stress from lack of rain.
Welcome to a striking, personal view of the effects of global warming that are happening right now. Can Jeparit, its river, its lake, its wildlife and its hardy, resourceful people be saved before it's too late?
Contents at a Glance
- Jeparit. A land of thirst.
- Lake Hindmarsh, near Jeparit. The water used to be over my head.
- Yet many years ago, an experienced fisherman drowned in this lake!
Jeparit. A land of thirst.
The sun shines brightly on the old pub. The beer is cool and tastes good high on the broad verandah. But the town has no water and the people are suffering.
Lake Hindmarsh, near Jeparit. The water used to be over my head.
There hasn't been any water in Lake Hindmarsh for years, but people still camp by the shore every Easter, as they always have. Can you see them in the distance? They used to sail boats. Now they ride motor bikes and quads. I hope the lake fills again one day for them.
Yet many years ago, an experienced fisherman drowned in this lake!
The irony of being in the wrong place at the wrong time was never crueler.
The gracious matriarch on the right lost her husband in Jeparit's Lake Hindmarsh. Hard to believe, when you can see cracks opening in the hotel as its very foundations give up their moisture.
From the pub's verandah, you can look straight into Jeparit's history.
Silos at the empty rail yard give mute testament to Jeparit's better times.
According to Wikipedia: 'In June 2008 Pacific National and grain handler GrainCorp announced they would cease rail freight operations on the Yaapeet to Dimboola line. As a result farmers at Rainbow, Jeparit and Yaapeet must truck their grain to GrainCorp's Warracknabeal grain centre instead of the Rainbow depot.' Folks were not happy about this.
The simple sentences of the Western Victorian Railfans Guide paint an evocative story of decline: 'Jeparit was once the junction station for the Yanac line, and thus boasts a larger three road yard... The line terminates with a simple dead-end beyond the siding... This line has not seen a train since June 2007.'
Is it just me, or does this sound really sad?
Farmers have been described as both saviours & destroyers of the land.
As more of Australia becomes unviable for farming, what do YOU think?
Has farming contributed to climate change?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes
Dasher says:
Just about every human activity has contributed to climate change so why pick on farmers.
Posted November 13, 2008
Beryl Bainsford says:
The planet was doing fine before humans came along. We're responsible for everything bad that has happened.
Posted November 13, 2008
No
Tammylove says:
I watch "The Universe" every Tuesday Night with my husband. It is very educational. I believe everything happens in cycles. I don't believe farming per say has had a major effect on the planet. Global warming is a cycle which has happened many times and so will global freezing and the movement of continents, etc... it's all cyclic! I do think all the chemicals we use in the modern world does contribute greatly to our state of health ie... Iowa has one of the highest rates of Alzheimer's and many studies have contributed it to the use of pesticides on farms. Then again, as Mr. Marmalade states we would starve to death without farmers! So, my answer is no on the climate change but if the question was about pesticides my answer would be different.
Posted December 30, 2008
MrMarmalade says:
I would have to believe if it was a matter of eating or starving, you should do everything to eat
Posted December 20, 2008
PaulHassing says:
I'm learning more about Jeparit and Lake Hindmarsh every day. But I don't know nearly enough to judge this matter (so I'll say 'no' for now). I'm hoping people like you will educate me and others with your expert knowledge. If you live or work on the land, I'd be particularly grateful for your input.
Posted November 13, 2008
Jeparit's pub has carpet from another world.
The carpet in the pub has to be seen to be believed. Check out this crazy pattern! I wish I'd been a fly on the wall when this deal was closed!
More about that carpet!
The carpet fills every room, spills into the corridors and is even making a break for the verandah. Here it is, trying to sneak outside, imagining itself unobserved.
OK. This lens is supposed to be about climate change, not carpet!
However, as so many people have expressed interest in the carpet, here's one more photo. And yes, it really does go all the way through the pub.
Click here to learn more about Jeparit.
- The Age
- Fascinating and poignant article about Jeparit from The Age newspaper.
- The Australian
- Interesting background article from The Australian newspaper.
- The Sydney Morning Herald
- Useful article that details Jeparit's claims to fame as the birthplace of Sir Robert Menzies (Australia's longest serving Prime Minister) and the setting for Peter Carey's 1985 novel Illywhacker. See below for relevant texts.
- The Feisty Empire
- My expert writing, editing and proofreading site.
- Liferal; celebrate life!
- A new word I wish to add to the English language.
Everywhere you look, there are strangely attractive sights.
Night has fallen and the beer sign hums and radiates, to the delight of moths.
Amazing how something so prosaic during the day can transform with light. Who was it that said (something like): 'At the right time and in the right light, everything is beautiful'?
Raising the roof.
The pressed metal ceiling looks bizarre at night. I wonder how old it is?
Further reading about Jeparit & its place in history & literature.
![Australia [Theatrical Release]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51geY2xwfFL._SL75_.jpg)
Jeparit is a sign of what may come. It's time to look at the big picture.
What can you tell us about Jeparit? Will the drought ever break?
What do you think will happen to the town and its people?
Tipi wrote...
Wish I could ship some of the water we have in North Dakota out there. The water is so darn high in ND. People are getting tired of it and having to fight the flooding.
Guess we have to take it one day at a time which ever way it is! :) - Susie
Posted April 18, 2009
Stazjia wrote...
How sad and how depressing for the people that live there. It's particularly sad that visitors from outside the area don't realise they could give some practical help by buying local when they visit even if stuff does cost a bit more.
Jeparit stands as a warning of the consequences of global warming.
Posted April 14, 2009
susannaduffy wrote...
This lens is one of 5 in the running for an award from the Wander Downunder group (/groups/downunder). Pop over and vote for it!
Posted April 09, 2009
susannaduffy wrote...
What a fabulous lens! I would love this to be in the Wander Downunder group. I do hope that you submit it.. (/groups/downunder)
Posted April 06, 2009
Jewelsofawe wrote...
We really need to go green and stop the affects of global warming. It is happening everywhere. I hope people start thinking and acting more green. Thanks for making this lens to bring home the affects of global warming.
Posted February 15, 2009
PaulHassing wrote...
Thank you, Gary, for your priceless insight into the situation on the ground. You just gave this amateur lens credibility. I've transmitted your message to others in the hope that more people will visit Jeparit & spend their money there. I've also asked for ideas as to how we 'townies' might be able to help. However, I'm sensitive to the fact that my efforts may (appear to) be misguided or patronising. Therefore, if we do get some ideas, who (if not you) would be the best person to run them past? Please email paul@thefeistyempire.com if that's easier for you. Best regards, P. :)
Posted January 28, 2009
GarySmith wrote
Hi Paul, I'm one of the owners of the Jeparit pub with your featured carpet. Unfortunately we were forced by economics to "temporarily" close the pub in July 2008, although we still have hopes. The carpet is safe for the moment, although I confess that I'm a bit fond of it. One of the ironies of Jeparit and it's drought-affected condition is that many of it's out-of-town supporters import their visiting supplies, necessarily having a negative effect on the town's commercial strength. This had been a particular problem for us whenever we had large groups staying. It's a bit galling to have guests (and their non-staying guests) happily use our facilities to consume drinks bought in other places. So we clean up after their barbecues in the beer garden, and dispose of their rubbish and empty bottles brought in from elsewhere, at the same time listening to sad expressions about the state of the town and area. However, as we are optimists, we still accept group bookings for special events.
Posted January 28, 2009
EverythingMouse wrote...
What a sad and scary situation. Amazing that for years most people in power denied that climate change even existed.
Posted January 21, 2009
PaulHassing wrote...
Thank you for visiting, Tipi. Jeparit's story has certainly struck a chord with a few people. A mate of mine wants to help save the town via tourism. We're going to discuss a field trip this year. Imagine if you came too! P. :)
Posted January 16, 2009
Tipi wrote...
Oh, hey! The Squidoo guest books had the hic-ups the day I visited before and I couldn't sign-in, Paul. Most glad that I can today. A very well done lens in-deed. Thanks for the Squidoo-Tweet! - Jeparit is a place that I would visit, as I have had Australia on my heart for several years. Even looked into the Embassy about job information. - At one time I was translated into the outbacks, to serve in a food line.
People walked from no-where to eat and were quite dusty. - I'm still amazed! Thanks for creating this!
Posted January 16, 2009
PaulHassing wrote...
Dear Shelly, thanks SO much for your kind words! It's wonderful to receive your visit, for which I'm most grateful. Best regards, P. :)
Posted January 15, 2009
Shelly wrote
I've seen your smile all over Tipi's neck of the woods, the last couple days and decided to give you a click and see who you are other than a very encouraging visitor to others. Mays the rains come and may the lake, rivers and people be restored. I'm not a member, so all I can say is very well done! (I'm Tipi's sister)
Posted January 15, 2009
jpetals wrote...
Wow, you tell the story well. That is heartbreaking that those families still come camping each year. Great lens. Amazing lens.
Posted November 24, 2008
adamnrave wrote
A charming, evocative piece. This corner of the world is drying up (as north-west Australia gets wetter). In the biggest picture, this is the way of things. They change. We adapt. Or not. Thanks for the photo essay. Dry, dusty and very Australian.
Posted November 24, 2008
Terry of adl wrote
How can farmers be also blamed for golbal warming, In the big picture every breathing thing on this planet produces a gas of some form we as the so appointed caretakers must aspire to in some way develop storm water harvesting and water saving ideas to prevent more towns going down this road .People can no longer count on the rains as they did in my grandmothers time we must take the bull by the horns and work out a sensible solution to this nations water issues remember every water course is rasied "one drop at a time "how we raise that water course is up to us.
Posted November 17, 2008
Clyde von Braun wrote
A thoughtful and illuminating piece. I agree with Barry from Blackburn's assessment of the photography.
Posted November 16, 2008
PaulHassing wrote...
Dear Stinky and GrowWear, thank you both for your kind comments. I especially appreciate them as I'm just getting started. Best regards indeed!
Posted November 15, 2008
GrowWear wrote...
It's sad that the town is drying up. I hope it can be saved. ...Your fascination with the pub's carpet made me laugh out loud. I could almost see it running out the door!
Posted November 15, 2008
Stinky wrote...
Interesting lens. I knew nothing about Jeparit before reading your post. Now I want to know more. I do hope rain comes again to Jeparit. Too many places across the planet are showing stress from the climate changes.
Posted November 13, 2008
D. Armenta wrote
I concur with Barry, excellent photography. I'd like to see more on this.
Posted November 12, 2008
Willem II from Doncaster wrote
Full marks for this nostalgic and evocative article. I join with the psalmist in wishing:' Rorate de super, et nubes pluant aquam!'
Keep up the good work!
Posted November 11, 2008
Sally from N. Fitzroy wrote
Great shots - the feeling comes through, not just the vision.
Posted November 11, 2008
Barry from Blackburn wrote
These are really excellent shots and really capture the patina of a place that has seen so much. Great subject matter and far better than the average landscapes. You have an excellent eye for the interesting and the light conveys such a sense of emotion and a feeling of actually standing there. Well done.
Posted November 10, 2008
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Drive to Jeparit from Melbourne.
Enjoy your own Australian adventure (and maybe save the town)!
Did you know? Random fact.
by PaulHassing
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