Risdon, Tasmania

Risdon Hobart, Tasmania
Risdon
Coordinates	42°49′28″S 147°19′3″E
Population	296 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)	7017
LGA(s)	City of Clarence
Federal division(s)	Franklin
Suburbs around Risdon: (Bowen Bridge) Otago Risdon Cove Derwent River Risdon Risdon Vale Derwent River Geilston Bay

Risdon is a suburb of Hobart, capital city of Tasmania. It is west of Risdon Vale.

History

It derives its name from Captain William Bellamy Risdon, second officer of the ship Duke of Clarence,[2] which visited the area as part of Sir John Hayes' expedition in 1793.[3] Risdon Post Office opened on 1 July 1864. It was named "Gregson" during 1911. Historical landmarks in Risdon include Cleburne Homestead, a house next to the Bowen Bridge built in the 1820s, Saracen's Head Inn, a charming sandstone hotel built in c. 1828, Risdon Brook Bridge, a sandstone-arched bridge over the Risdon Brook built in 1858, and finally St. Margaret's Church, an abandoned wooden church that opened in 1867.[4]

Zinc works

Between 1916 and 1920 Electrolytic Zinc developed a zinc refinery, known as the "Risdon works", and an eponymously named suburb.

In 1956, as part of the refinery complex, EZ started a sulphate of ammonia plant.[5]

The owners of the plant in 1987 considered expansion of the refinery.[6]

Currently the zinc works and former workers housing area[7] are found in Lutana.[8]

Eucalyptus risdonii

Eucalyptus risdonii is native to this location and was the emblem of Geilston Bay High School.

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Risdon (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
2. Ida Lee. The Logbooks of the Lady Nelson.
3. "Sir John Hayes (1768–1831)". Hayes, Sir John (1768-1831). Australian National University. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
4. Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
5. Electrolytic Zinc Co. of Australasia (1956), Official opening of the sulphate of ammonia plant..., 1st November, 1956 [at] Risdon, Tasmania, Electrolytic Zinc Co. of Australasia, retrieved 8 December 2018
6. North BH reviewing expansion of Risdon smelter. (North Broken Hill Holdings Ltd., Risdon zinc smelter in Tasmania), Reuters U.S., Inc, 30 October 1987, pp. R103004162, retrieved 8 December 2018 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
7. "RISDON ELECTROLYTIC ZINC WORKS". The Mercury. Hobart, Tas. 19 May 1919. p. 4. Retrieved 12 June 2015 – via National Library of Australia.
8. http://mininglink.com.au/site/risdon-smelter History of the smelter and area