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 2861 km2, 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
* Estimates in 1958, 1983 and 1988 Victorian Year Books.