Murray Bridge Pomberuk | |||||||||||||
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  Murray Bridge | |||||||||||||
| Coordinates:35°07′01″S139°16′01″E / 35.117°S 139.267°E /-35.117; 139.267 | |||||||||||||
| Country | Australia | ||||||||||||
| State | South Australia | ||||||||||||
| LGA | |||||||||||||
| Location |
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| Established | 1924 | ||||||||||||
| Government | |||||||||||||
| • State electorate | |||||||||||||
| • Federal division | |||||||||||||
| Area [4] (2011 urban) | |||||||||||||
• Total | 97.5 km2 (37.6 sq mi) | ||||||||||||
| Population | |||||||||||||
| • Total | 17,457 (UCL2021)[2] | ||||||||||||
| Time zone | UTC+9:30 (ACST) | ||||||||||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+10:30 (ACDT) | ||||||||||||
| Postcode | 5253[3] | ||||||||||||
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Murray Bridge (formerlyMobilong andEdwards Crossing;Ngarrindjeri:Pomberuk) is a city in theAustralianstate ofSouth Australia, located 78 kilometres (48 mi) east-southeast of the state's capital city,Adelaide, and 77 kilometres (48 mi) north of the town ofMeningie.
The city is calledPomberuk by thetraditional owners of the land, theNgarrindjeri[5] people. It was later known asMobilong and later asEdwards Crossing, before being renamed asMurray Bridge in 1924,[6][7] deriving its name from the thenMurray River road/rail bridge crossing over theMurray River. The city is situated on thePrinces Highway, the main road transport link between Adelaide andMelbourne.
The city services a farming area includingdairy, pigs, chickens,cereal crops and vegetables.
Murray Bridge is in the traditional lands of theNgarrindjeri people, who refer to Murray Bridge as Pomberuk. The first European explorer wasCharles Sturt, who camped there on 8 February 1830.[citation needed]
The firstroad bridge across the lower Murray was known as The Murray Bridge and completed at Edwards's Crossing in 1879.[8] To distinguish this bridge with the many other bridges that cross the Murray River, this bridge is known as theMurray River road bridge, Murray Bridge. The bridge became a shared road and rail bridge in 1886 until the separate rail bridge was completed in 1925.[9] The bridge was designed for1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)[10] rail track gauge though in actuality, only1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) gauge trains ever used it.[citation needed]
TheDistrict Council of Mobilong was established in 1884, bringing local government to the township, then known as Mobilong, and the surrounding land within theHundred of Mobilong. By 1923, the council had absorbed the southern two-thirds of the neighbouringHundred of Burdett across the river, theHundred of Ettrick further east, and part of theHundred of Brinkley to the south. The Mobilong township by then had its own ward. The township seceded from Mobilong council in 1924, calling itself theCorporate Town of Murray Bridge, effectively renaming the township.[6]
In 1920, there was apicture theatre in Murray Bridge known as the Lyric Theatre, leased byDan Clifford Theatres. At that time, audiences were dwindling owing to onlysilent films being able to be shown, but there were plans to upgrade to enable screening of "talkies".[11]
In 1977 the two local councils recombined as theDistrict Council of Murray Bridge.[citation needed]
In 1979 theSwanport Bridge, carrying theSouth Eastern Freeway across the Murray River was completed 5 kilometres (3 mi) downstream, removing most through traffic from the historic road and rail bridge.[citation needed]
In 1993 the local municipal council crossed a population threshold, enabling it to be declared a city, the Rural City of Murray Bridge. The bounded locality of Murray Bridge remained the majority population centre and seat of the city council.[citation needed]
Murray Bridge contains a number ofheritage-listed sites, including the Murray Bridge Transport Precinct, listed on theSouth Australian Heritage Register.[12]
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Murray Bridge is located 76 km south-east ofAdelaide and is the population centre of the Murraylands region. The city has an urban area of 97.5 km2, making up 5.3% of theRural City of Murray Bridge council area of 1,832 km2.[13]
Situated along theMurray River, the river is the lifeblood of the city and surrounding areas. The river flows into nearbyLake Alexandrina andLake Albert. Adelaide receives 55% of its water supply from the Murray on average. In the 1982/83 drought, 90% of Adelaide's supply was pumped from the Murray. The "Iron Triangle" industrial area receives 90% of its water from the Murray.[14]
Refer to theRural City of Murray Bridge for townships within the council area.
Suburbs within the city include Northern Heights, Murray Bridge North, Murray Bridge East, Murray Bridge South, Riverglades, Gifford Hill, and Avoca Dell.
Murray Bridge also has a number of unofficially named neighbourhoods including: Westside, Southside, Birdsville (also known as Bird Cage, due to the streets being named after birds), Pathways, and Narooma Waters. The latest development to Murray Bridge includes a new estate called Newbridge.[15]
The city used to have a number of neighbourhoods, now part of the wider Murray Bridge township, these included: Hornsey Park, Bridgeport, Riverview, Murray Bridge Estate, Murray Gardens, Totness Park, Dunoon Park, Morningside, South Mobilong, Kerkanya, Ruglea Park, Sladdentown, Glenview, Westland, Slade Park, Rundleville, Railway Land, Myrleville, Ritterville, Riverdene, Hawkelea, Murray Bridge Extension, Pine Park, Laneville, Murray Park, and Esmond Park.[16] Some of these names have been retained as streets, parks or businesses.
Murray Bridge has a warm temperatesemi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk), with very warm, dry summers and mild, slightly wetter winters. Mean maxima vary from 29.4 °C (84.9 °F) in January and February to 16.3 °C (61.3 °F) in July, while mean minima fluctuate between 14.8 °C (58.6 °F) in January and 5.4 °C (41.7 °F) in July. Annualprecipitation is rather low, averaging 348.4 mm (13.72 in) between 101.5 precipitation days. Despite this, the town has 78.8 clear days and 145.7 cloudy days per annum. Extreme temperatures have ranged from 47.5 °C (117.5 °F) on 24 January 2019 to −5.0 °C (23.0 °F) on 21 July 1982.[17]
| Climate data for Murray Bridge, elevation 33 m (108 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1966–present) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 47.5 (117.5) | 46.4 (115.5) | 43.7 (110.7) | 39.2 (102.6) | 31.0 (87.8) | 25.6 (78.1) | 26.8 (80.2) | 30.9 (87.6) | 35.0 (95.0) | 39.7 (103.5) | 44.3 (111.7) | 47.3 (117.1) | 47.5 (117.5) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 30.0 (86.0) | 29.7 (85.5) | 27.2 (81.0) | 23.9 (75.0) | 19.9 (67.8) | 17.0 (62.6) | 16.5 (61.7) | 17.9 (64.2) | 20.6 (69.1) | 23.7 (74.7) | 26.5 (79.7) | 28.3 (82.9) | 23.4 (74.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 15.0 (59.0) | 14.8 (58.6) | 12.8 (55.0) | 10.1 (50.2) | 8.0 (46.4) | 6.1 (43.0) | 5.4 (41.7) | 5.7 (42.3) | 7.3 (45.1) | 9.2 (48.6) | 11.7 (53.1) | 13.5 (56.3) | 10.0 (50.0) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 5.1 (41.2) | 5.7 (42.3) | 4.1 (39.4) | −0.6 (30.9) | −1.8 (28.8) | −4.3 (24.3) | −5.0 (23.0) | −2.0 (28.4) | −1.4 (29.5) | −0.6 (30.9) | 2.1 (35.8) | 4.0 (39.2) | −5.0 (23.0) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 14.6 (0.57) | 19.1 (0.75) | 18.7 (0.74) | 27.8 (1.09) | 32.3 (1.27) | 43.6 (1.72) | 40.2 (1.58) | 37.5 (1.48) | 39.5 (1.56) | 30.6 (1.20) | 26.8 (1.06) | 30.5 (1.20) | 361.0 (14.21) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 4.7 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 8.9 | 12.7 | 14.9 | 15.3 | 14.1 | 12.7 | 8.9 | 7.4 | 7.0 | 118.0 |
| Average afternoonrelative humidity (%) | 38 | 38 | 41 | 45 | 55 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 49 | 42 | 39 | 39 | 46 |
| Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology (humidity 1991–2010)[18] | |||||||||||||
In the2016 Census, the Murray Bridge area had a population of 20,858. The median age was 41, and 21.7% of the population were born overseas. The median weekly household income was $973 per week, compared with the South Australian average of $1,206 per week.[19]
The urban area that contains and surrounds Murray Bridge had a population of 16,708 in the2011 census.[20] In the2006 census, the population was 14,048.[21] In the2001 census, the population was 12,998.
In the 2006 Census, 10.4% of the population were born overseas, and 4.5% wereIndigenous Australians. The median weekly household income was A$639 per week, compared with $924 in Adelaide. 13.3% of the population identified themselves asLutheran, while a higher 24.7% identified with no religion.[21]
The primary industries in the city include agriculture and manufacturing, including food manufacturing.[22]
Most of Murray Bridge's retail and dining facilities are located on and in close proximity to Bridge Street. The majority contained within two main shopping centres, Murray Bridge Green and Murray Bridge Marketplace.
Murray Bridge Green opened in 1976 as a Woolworths supermarket and a small number of additional stores. The centre was extended in 2001. A new addition to the original shopping complex was completed in 2015. After 42 years of trading, the Woolworths store closed in May 2018.
ADrakes Supermarket opened in mid-2019 at the former Woolworths supermarket site of Murray Bridge Green shopping centre.[23] Drake's is the seventh supermarket currently operating in Murray Bridge.[24]
Murray Bridge Marketplace was opened in November 2011.
Target closed in early 2021 and was replaced byK Hub.[25]
The Murray Bridge Town Hall, built in 1911 and redeveloped in 2010, is a theatre seating up to 300 people located in the city centre. It is managed by theRural City of Murray Bridge council and hosts events year-round including musicals, travelling shows and fringe festival events.[26]
Cameo Cinema, a single-screen cinema that seats 250 people, is located on Second Street within the city centre. It shows major movie releases and is the only cinema in the region.[27]
Murray Bridge hosts a number of popular community events such as the Murray Bridge Fringe Festival, Christmas Pageant and Fireworks Spectacular, Splash Festival, and numerous street stalls and farmers markets.[28]
The city is home to the Round House and Captain's Cottage Museum, both are open for tours and interactive experiences with the history of the area.
The Murray Bridge Regional Gallery exhibits local and regional artists and includes a gallery shop.[29]
The Murray Bridge Library, is a public library operated by theRural City of Murray Bridge council, and is located on the lower level in the Murray Bridge Marketplace shopping centre. Opened in 2011, after moving from its former location on South Terrace, the library overlooks theMurray River and boasts a large selection of books, self-service kiosks, computers, kitchen and gallery areas.[30]
The Murray Bridge area has approximately 65 parks, reserves and open spaces for public use that range from small reserves to large family-friendly areas.[31]
Sturt Reserve (including Wharf Hill and precinct) is a popular riverfront area that includes a large playground, barbeque areas, mooring and shelter.
Murray Bridge is home to "The Bunyip", a mechanical representation of thelegendary water monster, located on Sturt Reserve. Many South Australian children fondly remember their first visit to the Bunyip, putting a coin in the machine and watching the Bunyip emerge from its watery cage complete with shrieking sound effects.
The Murray Bridge Linear Park is a shared-use walkway that runs along Adelaide Road. Opening in stages, the Linear Park includes public toilets, shelter and a BBQ area. It provides a protected pedestrian and bicycle path leading eastward to the city centre.[32]
In 1924 the Murray Bridgerowing team was chosen to represent Australia at theParis Olympics. The Murray Cods, as they were known, won the Australian Eight-Oared Championships (the King's Cup) and were invited to compete in a test race atPort Adelaide between South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. Although accustomed to rowing over 3 mi (4.8 km), the Murray Cods were able to defeat the other crews on the 1 mi (1.6 km) mile and 420 yd (380 m) (2 km) course.[33] In February 2024 it was announced that the crew would be posthumously inducted into theSouth Australian Sport Hall of Fame.[34]
Murray Bridge is also home to theRiver Murray Football League, which playsAustralian rules football. The league consists of the Murray Bridge-based clubs of Ramblers andImperials and the district teams ofMypolonga,Mannum,Tailem Bend,Jervois andMeningie.
In 2005 the city'sgolf course, Murray Bridge Golf Club, held the State's premier regional junior team event, the Brett Ogle Cup (named after the Australian Professional golferBrett Ogle). The home team went undefeated and qualified for the state final, losing narrowly. The team had not previously experienced such success; juniorgolf in the region has since obtained a higher profile.
Another sporting association in Murray Bridge is the Murray Bridge Amateur Swim Club (The Cods) which competes in meets with other clubs, as well as Country Championships (a large meet for all of the rural South Australian swim clubs) and state and national championships.
Murray Bridge is also the home of the Murray Bridge Racing Club, Murray Bridge and District Table Tennis Association, and holds the 24-hourAustralian International Pedal Prix race annually in September. Murray Bridge Lutheran Tennis Club plays hard court tennis on their home courts based at Christian Reserve. Hard court tennis is hosted by various clubs throughout the community, including Jervois, Brinkley, Mannum, Mypolonga and Tailem Bend as well as clubs within the township. Hard court tennis is played on both Friday nights and Saturday mornings. There are both Junior and senior divisions. Friday night tennis offers a social alternative, often offeringbarbecues and after-game drinks. Lawn tennis is played at Sturt Reserve on Saturday mornings and afternoons from October to February, and is organised by the Murray Bridge Lawn Tennis Association.
Murray Bridge is also known for itsbasketball, having won numerous State Country Championships and many of its young players going on to represent South Australia in the National Championships.
Murray Bridge is also home to theMurray Bridge Speedway which has been in operation since 1958. Located on the eastern side of the River, the speedway is a 360 metres (390 yd) longdirt track racing venue that caters to bothmotorcycle speedway and car racing, hosting numerous Australian and South Australian championships during its existence. On 12 November 2011 the speedway hosted its first ever World Championship event when it will host theFIM 2011 WorldSidecar speedway Championship with Murray Bridge's own Jesse Headland winning the title as passenger to NSW based rider Darrin Treloar. Headland was the winner of the 2010 Championship inEngland with his father Mick Headland.[35]
The following bounded localities gazetted in South Australia are considered suburbs of the city of Murray Bridge and are governed by the same city council:Avoca Dell,Gifford Hill,Greenbanks,Long Flat,Mobilong,Monteith,Murray Bridge East,Murray Bridge North,Murray Bridge South,Northern Heights,Riverglades,Riverglen,Sunnyside,Swanport,Toora,White Hill,White Sands, andWillow Banks.
Murray Bridge is part of the stateElectoral district of Hammond, which has been held since 2006 by Liberal MPAdrian Pederick. In federal politics, the city is part of thedivision of Barker, and has been represented by Liberal MPTony Pasin since 2013. At local level, Murray Bridge is part of theRural City of Murray Bridgelocal government area.
Local schools includeUnity College, Murray Bridge North School, Murray Bridge South Primary School, Fraser Park Primary School, St Joseph's School, Murray Bridge High School and Tyndale Christian College.
Murray Bridge has a smallTAFE SA campus, which offers a limited selection of tertiary courses.Flinders University opened a rural medical campus in 2012. This location gives students a rural medical placement.[36]
Murray Bridge is home toThe Murray Valley Standard newspaper, whose first edition was printed and distributed on 23 November 1934. It is now published on Tuesdays and Thursdays.[37] Dozens of other regional newspapers, publications and catalogues are also printed at the formerRural Press facility on Adelaide Road.
In 2020, Australian Community Media (ACM) announced that theMurray Valley Standard will cease being printed along with a number of other regional newspapers. This was in part due to COVID-19, but also due to organisational changes and growing online activity. The printing press at the Murray Bridge site was closed and resulted in the loss of 26 jobs.[38]
However, the Murray Valley Standard is still published online as of 19 May 2021.[39]
A monthly community newspaper, first printed on 19 August 1971, was theBridge Observer (1971–1976). It was later revived in 1983 under the same title, including an insert calledMannum Mercury (1983–1984), and was briefly known as the combined title ofBridge Mercury (1984).[40][41]
Radio stations5MU (96.3 MHz) andPower FM SA (98.7 MHz) are based at Murray Bridge, with their transmitters located near the peak ofGifford Hill.
Adelaide FM radio stations can also be received relatively clearly throughout the Murray Bridge region, when using an in-car radio, as well asABC Radio Adelaide on 891kHz.
The other Adelaide AM stations, such asCruise 1323 andFIVEAA have fortuitous at best reception due to terrain constraints with theMount Lofty Ranges andAdelaide Hills.
Channels from the following television networks are available in Murray Bridge:
TheWIN Television (7, 9, 10) stationsRTS-5A,RDS-30, andLRS-34 relays the programming fromSeven Network (Seven SA),Nine Network (Nine SA) andNetwork Ten (Ten SA), can be received clearly in the Murray Bridge region.
Local journalist, Peri Strathearn established theMurray Bridge News after the job losses at the Murray Valley Standard.[42][43] Murray Bridge News is an online platform that regularly publishes articles from the city's only dedicated full-time journalist.[44]
Murray Bridge railway station is on theAdelaide to Wolseley railway line, the South Australian part of theMelbourne–Adelaide rail corridor. It is served byJourney Beyond's twice weekly passenger serviceThe Overland operating betweenAdelaide andMelbourne.[45]
The Overland is the only passenger railway that still services Murray Bridge, afterSouth Australia's regional rail services operations were scrapped in the 1990s. Over recent years there have been discussions about re-instating commuter rail services betweenAdelaide and Murray Bridge, however there has been little to no progress made.
The Murray Bridge Transport Precinct is a historic area that includes the railway station and wharf area, the original bridge constructed in 1879 and converted for dual road and rail use in 1886. It returned to being only a road bridge in 1925 when a separate rail bridge (also included in the heritage precinct) opened to handle heavier trains. The railway now passes under the road approach to the bridge through theMurray Bridge Tunnel, a short cut-and-cover tunnel built as part of works for the new rail bridge in 1925.[12]
Both bridges cross theMurray River between Murray Bridge andMurray Bridge East. The road bridge was part of thePrinces Highway from 1935 until 1979. Murray Bridge is now connected by road to Adelaide via theSouth Eastern Freeway which leads to a newer crossing of the river further south on theSwanport Bridge built in 1979.State road route B35 connects from the north of the town towardsPalmer and the centralAdelaide Hills androute B36 leads towardsMannum, other river towns and theSturt Highway.
Various bus and coach services are provided in Murray Bridge, the primary operator beingLinkSA, operating a service to Adelaide viaMount Barker and local 'Dial-A-Ride' service.[46] Stateliner (formerly Premier Stateliner) stop at Murray Bridge on its south-east services toMt Gambier.
V/Line operate day and night coaches betweenAdelaide Central bus station and Melbourne,[47] and Firefly to Sydney, both operators service Murray Bridge.
Murray Bridge Airport is nine kilometres north of the town, but does not have any scheduled services.
TheLavender Federation Trail is a long-distance walking trail (350 kilometres or 220 miles) that extends from Murray Bridge along the easternMount Lofty Ranges toClare.
Murray Bridge has twosister cities.
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