The Goulburn Valley
The Goulburn Valley is situated in the south-east corner of the Australian continent, in the state of Victoria. Because (1) the introduction of irrigation over a century ago, primary industry flourished, resulting (2) a multitude of orchards and market gardens. After World War II, migrants flocked to the area in search of work on the farms, and in many cases, establishing a property of their own. Unfortunately, the region has (3) a turn for the worse over the past decade. The irrigation water that was (4) plentiful has now been rationed, and many farmers have been forced (5) the land. The main source of water is from the Goulburn River, with several reservoirs located along its stretch to the mighty Murray River. Dam capacities have fallen to dangerous levels, resulting in some farmers having (6) inadequate supply of irrigation water. Despite the recent hardships, some farmers (7) continued to eke an existence out of the land. Many have become (8) ingenious, devising new ways to utilize water plus finding special niches to service the ever-changing urban needs. Perhaps the Goulburn Valley can return to its prosperous times again.