Batchelor

History

The area of Batchelor, then known by its broader locality Rum Jungle, was first surveyed in 1869 as a part of Hundred of Goyder (Northern Territory) and was first purchased by WO Clyde and likely used to grow tobacco until it was selected by the government. In 1911 the area was selected as one of two demonstration farms (the other was located at Daly River) established by the Commonwealth to investigate the economic potential of the Northern Territory following the administrative hand over from South Australia; this was known as Batchelor Demonstration Farm. The farm and an associated railway siding were named in 1912 after Lee Batchelor, the first minister responsible for the Northern Territory who died in office during the previous year. The farm operated until 1919, experimenting with different crops and livestock with varied results. The farm suffered from problems attracting and retaining experienced workers amid the strikes and industrial relations turmoil that led to the Darwin Rebellion. Among the crops successfully produced at the farm were melons, pumpkins and cabbages. From 1919, the farm was used both as a private cattle station and an Aboriginal compound. A portion of the land formerly used for the demonstration farm was cleared during 1933 for use as a civilian aerodrome. This airfield would be substantially upgraded during World War II, becoming a major base for both Royal Australian Air Force and United States Army Air Forces in the defence of Australia. Units of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force also operated from Batchelor. To support the airbase, the railway siding formerly used by the demonstration farm was extended and a petrol unloading point installed. Following the discovery of uranium at Rum Jungle by prospector Jack White in…

Most-observed species

• Bluestem

  Andropogon gayanus Kunth · Liliopsida
  1,124
• Blue-winged Kookaburra

  Dacelo leachii Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 · Aves
  364
• Bar-shouldered Dove

  Geopelia humeralis (Temminck, 1821) · Aves
  360
• Torresian Crow

  Corvus orru Bonaparte, 1850 · Aves
  326
• Black Kite

  Milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783) · Aves
  314
• Peaceful Dove

  Geopelia placida Gould, 1844 · Aves
  299
• White-bellied Cuckooshrike

  Coracina papuensis (Gmelin, 1788) · Aves
  295
• Blue-faced Honeyeater

  Entomyzon cyanotis (Latham, 1801) · Aves
  261