 KESWICK ISLAND HISTORY
|
| History – Keswick Island, together with its twin, St Bees Island, was first designated as "L1 Island" by Lieutenant Matthew Flinders, RN, in HMS Investigator in October 1802. The two islands were given their individual names from the then English County of Cumberland he brought to the Whitsundays following James Cook's 1770 designation of the group as "The Cumberland Isles". Keswick is a major county town on the edge of the Lake District in Cumbria into which Cumberland was absorbed.
Settlement - Keswick Island experienced various occupants during its settlement period beginning in 1802. Between 1918 and 1940 the Busuttin Family occupied the island and held pastoral leases, running rabbits and sheep. After this, there were some other occupants of the island who didn’t undertake any development. Then from 1966 to 1978 Dr Tony Fisher leased the island as a holiday retreat where he holidayed with his family periodically. Dr Tony Fisher often sailed and flew to the island. He built an airstrip and a cottage on the south eastern corner of the island near the shore of Egremont Passage.
Following this the Keswick Island lease was sold to Keswick Island Pastoral Company Pty Ltd. The syndicate planned to grow macadamia nuts and appointed caretakers to accommodate the venture. This idea didn’t get past the nursery stage due to a lack of fresh water at the time. After this they established an apiary with a colony of Caucasian bees. The island became mainly a holiday and fishing centre for the partners who visited the island from time to time for holidays with friends. |
|
