Conference Paper

Authors

Glencross-Grant, Rex; and Freeman, David

Title

How river punts enhanced social connectedness in the Manning valley of New South Wales

In

Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference: AEHC 2022

Imprint

Engineers Australia, Barton, ACT, 2023, pp. 92-106

Url

https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.836968767917742

Subject

History of Applied Sciences Engineering and Technology

Abstract

This paper examines the significant role played by river punts in the early days of settlement of the Manning River Valley on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. A number of these crossings were initially provided on a temporary, ad hoc, and at times, opportunistic basis, before more permanent and significant bridges could be constructed. Settlers moved further afield on the coastal plains as arable land became scarer. Initially, the mode of transport was simple horse and drays, but motor vehicles soon took over. Such changes enabled landholders to engage more directly with the livestock and produce markets, as well as providing access to main transport routes for onloading to destinations further afield. Other societal, cultural, and family events and activities, such as funeral corteges, weddings, and travel to/from schools and churches on the floodplain were facilitated by punts. Punts were vitally important for those living on the river delta.

Source

cohn 2023

Related Published resources

isPartOf

• Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference: AEHC 2022 (Barton, ACT: Engineers Australia, 2023), 133 pp, https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.9781925627695. Details