Shire of Lowan
# Shire of Lowan

The Shire of Lowan was a local government area in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 2,861 square kilometres (1,104.6 sq mi), and existed from 1875 until 1995.

## History

Lowan was originally part of the Shire of Wimmera, which was incorporated in 1862. On 31 December 1875, Lowan became a shire in its own right. Several parts of the shire split away in its first 20 years;

* the Shire of Dimboola severed from Lowan and incorporated on 2 April 1885;
* the West Riding was severed to form the Shire of Lawloit (Kaniva) on 29 May 1891;
* the South Riding was severed to form the Shire of Kowree on 29 May 1894.

Like many western shires, it lost a remote section to its north, when the Shire of Walpeup was created on 1 November 1911.

On 20 January 1995, the Shire of Lowan was abolished, and along with the Shire of Dimboola, was merged into the newly created Shire of Hindmarsh.

## Wards

The Shire of Lowan was divided into four ridings on 31 May 1901, each of which elected three councillors:

* East Riding
* West Riding
* South Riding
* Southwest Riding

## Towns and localities

* Baker
* Balrootan North
* Boyeo
* Broughton
* Kinimakatka
* Netherby
* Nhill*
* Propodollah
* Tarraginnie
* Waggon Flat
* Winiam
* Yannac
* Council seat.

## Population

| Year | Population |
| - | - |
| 1954 | 3,999 |
| 1958 | 4,130* |
| 1961 | 3,872 |
| 1966 | 3,822 |
| 1971 | 3,489 |
| 1976 | 3,510 |
| 1981 | 3,350* |
| 1986 | 3,220* |
| 1991 | 2,990 |

* Estimates in 1958, 1983 and 1988 Victorian Year Books.
