The three maps presented depict the evolutionary changes in land use within the small town of Tarnagul, situated near Melbourne, over a span of one hundred years.
The transformation of Tarnagul has been remarkable, shifting from an agrarian landscape in 1900 to a contemporary site characterised by commercial and recreational facilities by 2000.
In 1900, Tarnagul was predominantly an agricultural area, primarily dedicated to dairy farming, and citrus cultivation, specifically oranges and mandarins. This layout was complemented by a road and a river that traversed the region. By 1950, the agricultural landscape began to diversify; while the orange groves remained intact, dairy and mandarin farms evolved into lemon and grapefruit orchards. Furthermore, packing sheds emerged in the northern-eastern section, signalling a shift towards enhanced agricultural processing and distribution. The town area also experienced a slight expansion during this time, reflecting an increase in local habitation and services.
The year 2000 marked a significant departure from the agricultural legacy of Tarnagul, as the area underwent substantial redevelopment. The once dominant sectors of dairy, mandarins, and citrus fruits were entirely phased out, making way for modern amenities including a wildlife sanctuary, park, local museum, craft market, and tourist shop. Notably, the town’s area exhibited a contraction, yielding land for these new features. Additionally, the removal of track lines was evident, while the historical road and river maintained their positions, albeit with the road having been rerouted. This transformation highlights a strategic pivot towards tourism and sustainability in the region, illustrating the town’s adaptive character.