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 The Hunter
catchment was one of the first settled for agriculture in Australia, with rapid
expansion occurring between 1820 and 1860. Prior to this, between 1804 and 1820,
coal and cedar were the primary economic pursuit of local settlements. The
region now produces 80% of New South Wales' coal and 35% of Australia's
aluminium, and 40% of NSW's electricity.
Agriculture including thoroughbred horse studs (particularly in the upper Hunter), vineyards
and wineries are key contributors to the economy of
the upper Hunter.
Muswellbrook
Muswellbrook was declared a township in 1833, and the first railway was completed
in 1869. By 1840 the population was 215, rising to 1445 in 1870, when the town
was declared a municipality. The first coal mine in the area opened in the 1890s.
There are now eight mines operating with another six proposed.
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