TASPort & river
Burnie
A company’s coastal outpost became an industrial port.
1827Emu Bay company settlement established
WHAT STARTED IT
Burnie began as the Van Diemen’s Land Company’s Emu Bay settlement. A coastal base let the company connect its north-western land ventures with shipping and supplies.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The settlement was established in 1827 and became known as Burnie during the 1840s. The port, railways and timber-related industries gradually enlarged its role. Pulp and paper production became a major employer before the mill’s eventual closure changed the industrial economy.
TURNING POINTS
1827The Emu Bay company settlement is established.
1840sThe Emu Bay settlement becomes known as Burnie; council sources differ on the informal renaming year.
2010The Associated Pulp and Paper Mills paper mill closed, ending one of Burnie’s defining large industrial operations.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A north-west regional port and service city. Working waterfront activity continues, while local heritage walks and collections preserve the mill workers, railway crews and company-settlement story.