Population 496 (2006 census) Postcode(s) 6517 Elevation 273 m Postal code 6517 Lga Shire of Carnamah | Established 1913 State electorate(s) Moore Founded 1913 Local time Sunday 12:18 AM Federal division Division of Durack | |
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Location 307 km (191 mi) North of Perth
21 km (13 mi) South East of Three Springs
54 km (34 mi) South of Morawa Weather 28°C, Wind SE at 13 km/h, 38% Humidity | ||
Carnamah is a town in the Mid West region of Western Australia, about 307 kilometres (191 mi) north of Perth along the Midlands Road. According to 2006 census, the population of the town is approximately 496.
Map of Carnamah WA 6517, Australia
The town was gazetted in 1913, and is named after "Carnamah", the name of a pastoral property established by Duncan Macpherson in this location in the late 1860s. A telegraph station was established here in 1873, and is referred to in 1876 by the explorer Ernest Giles. Giles spells it "Cornamah" in his book, but "Carnamah" on his map. Macpherson's property "Carnamah" derives its name from Carnamah Spring. The name is probably Aboriginal of unknown meaning, or possibly is a Gaelic word meaning "cairn of the cattle" or "cattle rocks".
The Midland Railway line was constructed through the area in 1894, and a siding was built close to the Macpherson's homestead. This in turn led to further settlement of the area. The Carnamah Progress Association was formed in 1912, and the Carnamah State School was established, and in 1913 the townsite was declared.
In 1932 the Wheat Pool of Western Australia announced that the town would have two grain elevators, each fitted with an engine, installed at the railway siding.
The main industry in town is wheat farming, with the town being a Cooperative Bulk Handling receival site.