Manjimup

Town in the southwest of Western Australia, 304 km/189 mi south of Perth; population (1996) 4,400. Industries in Manjimup include the timber industry, dairying, potato growing, fruit growing, wool, beef cattle and sheep farming.

The area was settled in 1856 as a camp for timber-cutters. The construction of a railway into the region during 1911 contributed to the development of the town. Agriculture developed slowly during the early part of the twentieth century, but timber production and sawmilling remained the mainstays of the economy. In 1941, the Diamond Tree Fire Lookout Tower was constructed at the top of a 51m/167 ft Karri tree 9 km/6 mi south of the town. It remained in use until 1974. A woodchip industry was established near the town in the 1960s despite protests from environmentalists.