Zero Obelisk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zero Obelisk |
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Zero Obelisk
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| Location | East Bank, Warrego River, Barringun, Shire of Paroo, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1879 |
| Official name: Zero Obelisk | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600763 |
| Significant period | 1879 (fabric, historical) |
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The Zero Obelisk is a special stone marker located on the east bank of the Warrego River in Barringun, Queensland, Australia. It was put in place in 1879. This obelisk is important because it marks the starting point of the very first official survey of the border between Queensland and New South Wales. Back then, these were separate colonies, like different states.
Contents
Marking the Border
Why a Border Survey?
For many years, people knew that an official border survey was needed. It was important to clearly define where one colony ended and the other began. This helped with laws, land ownership, and trade. Finally, in the middle of 1879, the work began.
The Survey Team
Surveyors from both Queensland and New South Wales met up. They gathered at the telegraph station in Barringun, which was close to the border. The main surveyors were JB Cameron and J Conder from New South Wales. From Queensland, there was GC Watson.
John Brewer Cameron was born in Scotland. He moved to Victoria with his family in 1853. He was known for being athletic and brave. Cameron first worked in the Victorian goldfields. Later, he went to New Zealand. When he came back to Victoria, he joined a government surveying team. This experience made him want to become a surveyor. By 1879, he was a top surveyor. He was chosen for the big job of surveying the border between Queensland and New South Wales.
The Survey Journey
The survey work started right here, at the Zero Obelisk in Barringun. Cameron wrote about how the work was divided. Mr. Watson was in charge of measuring distances. Cameron's job was to use astronomy to find the true direction and location.
After making observations at Barringun, the team began surveying west. They aimed for the point where Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia meet. This spot is now known as Cameron Corner. It was a journey of about 235 miles (378 km) across very tough land.
Watson and Cameron did not get along well. They also faced many challenges. First, there was flooding in the Warrego and Paroo areas. Then, a drought hit. They also had health problems and ran short of food and water. Watson had to leave the survey after 100 miles because there was no water. But Cameron was determined to finish. This part of the survey took 12 months and 15 days to complete!
In 1881, Cameron returned to Barringun. He then surveyed the border going east towards the Barwon River. This 200-mile (320 km) survey was much easier. There was plenty of water and grass. When this survey was done, Cameron marked the spot. He placed a wooden post with his name carved on it by the river bank. This post is now called Cameron's 1 Ton Survey Post. Even though other surveys had happened before, this one was the official border survey.
Cameron later moved to New Guinea. He did important surveys there. He passed away in Brisbane in 1897. He is buried in the Toowong Cemetery.
About the Obelisk
The Zero Obelisk at Barringun is a pyramid-shaped marker. It is made of concrete over stone. It measures about 0.9 meters (3 feet) on each side. This obelisk clearly marks the border between Queensland and New South Wales. You can still see part of an inscription on the Queensland side. It reads "G. WAT," which stands for George Chale Watson.
Why is it Important?
The Zero Obelisk is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is a special historical site.
- Showing Queensland's History: The obelisk marks the first official survey of the border. This was very important for the colonies of New South Wales and Queensland. It helped define their legal and economic areas. It also shows how amazing surveying was in the 1800s. It reminds us of the incredibly difficult conditions early surveyors worked under.
- A Rare Piece of History: The Zero Obelisk is one of the few physical reminders left of the official survey that marked the Queensland - New South Wales border.
- Connecting to Important People: This obelisk celebrates one of JB Cameron's greatest achievements. It also honors other surveyors. Their hard work helped Australia grow and develop.
