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Leeton Leeton statistics:
Population: 7,000 Postcode: 2705 Annual rainfall: 431mm Temperatures (average): 17-32C summer, 4-14C winter
As you enter Leeton, a sign informs you that this is 'Sunrice Country.' This IS rice country! Recognised as being the headquarters for the Australian rice industry, rice is big business here. And no wonder. For the most part, the country is flat, and there is plenty of water, thanks to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation scheme, which itself is headquartered in the town. How much rice is produced in the area? 98% of Australia's rice production comes from the western Riverina. As we entered Leeton for the first time, we would describe it as an oasis. After having travelled so far in dry country, we find a town awash with water. You can see it in the beautiful gardens. Plenty of water ensures these gardens are kept pristine year round, even in times of drought. When you think of an oasis, you may think of palm trees. The town fits the picture again. There are palm trees everywhere. Not exactly what you would expect of dry country, but remember, this is an oasis! It is official. This is New South Wales' tidiest town for 2007! Not only winning in its class, Leeton is the overall state winner. It is a credit to the local council, and it probably helped having plenty of water when competing towns are drying up. In any case, doesn't it prove this place is clean and tidy? These features make this an interesting town to visit. But what about a town to call your home? What can you expect if you live here? CLIMATE The Riverina region of New South Wales, where the town is located, has hot, dry summers and cool, sometimes moist, winters. We have experienced temperatures close to 50 degrees in summer. Fortunately, it is dry. Thus, if you are accustomed to humid summers, you will probably find summer bearable, despite the high temperatures. In winter, expect frosts most mornings. We are told, however, that frosts are good for certain plants. We don't doubt that since the flora copes extremely well with the cool temperatures. Having the extremes of summer and winter mean spectacular autumn colours. Drive around town, especially in May, and you will see the foliage change colour, and it really is quite spectacular. Most rain, if it does rain, falls in winter and spring. Have your camera ready in spring as you will see wild flowers spring up in the most unlikely places. The rain comes at just the right time for plant life to flourish in spring. But remember, even if it does not rain, there is plenty of water in Leeton anyway. In summary, there are a variety of conditions that will appeal to most people, atleast for some of the year. ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Annual events include:
The Fivebough Birding and Nature Fair is a new event, and apparently a new concept in Australia. The Fivebough swamp is just to the north of town and attracts a large number of birds. The Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands Trust site is most informative for bird lovers. Not to be overlooked is sport. Leeton has an indoor stadium, located in Palm Avenue, which hosts basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and hockey. There is also the usual grounds hosting outdoor sports, such as football and cricket. Football is BIG here, particularly rugby league. The local league team is called the Greenies and compete very well in the Riverina football competion. The rugby union team is called the phantoms and the Australian football team the crows. Don't overlook such things as gliding, which has its own club in town.
Not into sport? Perhaps the arts are more to your liking. The local Roxy Theatre is a featured attraction itself. On movie nights, Friday and Saturday, it is lit up and looks great. Other events are held at the Roxy throughout the year, such as the eisteddford and numerous school and community concerts. TOWN SERVICES Schools. There are three high schools: Public High School, St. Francis De Sales College (Catholic high school) and Yanco Agricultural High School. There are also two public schools, one Catholic primary school and Gralee special school. Schools are also located in nearby villages. Near the public high school is a college ofTAFE. Shops. The main street for shopping is Pine Avenue, which has all the typical shops one is accustomed to in country towns. There are three supermarkets, Super IGA, Woolworths and Franklins. The newly completed Market Plaza houses Franklins, as well as several specialty stores. LEETON AREA Although this is an agricultural society, there are some nice natural attractions near Leeton. The Murrumbidgee River, of course, should be seen if you are in the area. Many locals spend time fishing on the 'Bidgee,' and in summer you will find many campers and water sports. The irrigations canals are like rivers and creeks, attracting the wildlife you would expect of their more-natural counterparts. The country south, west and east is pretty flat. But if you are prepared to travel in a northerly/northeasterly direction, you will find hills for the bushwalker. On the way to Ardlethan, you will pass Mt Bunganbil and its adjoining state forest. You will get a good work out climbing Bunganbil, but no special equipment is necessary for the climb. On the climb you could see eagles and wildflowers, depending on the time of year. Several villages are close by Leeton, being Yanco, Wamoon, and Whitton. Not much further away is Barellan and Ardlethan. Also not far away is Griffith and Narrandera. ECONOMICS Employment. The unemployment rate for Leeton is not much higher than the national average. There is a strong retail presence in Leeton. If you check with local employment agencies and newspapers, you will find several jobs becoming available every month, sometimes weekly. Investing. Coming soon. Search here for
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