AN ambitious plan to “carve up” parts of Moree Plains Shire and create an autonomous state, similar to the Hutt River Province in Western Australia, has been proposed by a group of shire landowners and residents.
Hutt River Province, a former micronation about 500 kilometres north of Perth, was declared independent in 1970 by landholder Leonard Casley, and remained that way for 50 years.
Mr Casley claimed his farm as a sovereign state with its own currency, stamps and passports.
A similar proposal has been put forward by a group of Moree Plains Shire residents and landowners, with Pallamallawa named the hub of the proposed Bogamildi Province – named after the vast property consolidated in 1862 by pioneer Andrew Blake.
The village of Pallamallawa was established on Bogamildi, which once spread across 223,000 acres.
A group of landowners east of Moree, including former Moree Plains Shire councillor Col Pring, now plans to declare a 50 square-kilometre area as Bogamildi Province – and the group has unanimously voted Mr Pring as the principality’s emperor.
Mr Pring said the northern edge of the Gwydir Highway will mark the Bogamildi Province border.
“The border will start near the Tareelaroi Weir turn-off and extend to the existing Moree Plains Shire-Gwydir Shire boundary near Biniguy,” Mr Pring said.
“Our plan is to secede from Moree Plains Shire and declare independence – Bogamildi Province will be a micronation within the Moree Plains Shire.
“I’m often referred to as the mayor of Pallamallawa, so I’m honoured to accept the title of emperor,” he said.
The proposed province includes the property of Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse.
Mr Pring said options will be available for residents who wish to remain part of Moree Plains.
“A type of dual shire citizenship will be offered,” he said.
The new principality will form its own micro-government.
“We will also establish a toll booth at the Agnes Hutton Bridge and Mosquito Creek Road for non-province residents wishing to enter Pallamallawa.
“We considered building a wall, but the cost was uneconomical. Unless, of course, Moree Plains Shire Council is willing to go halves, which would be the neighbourly thing to do,” he said.
“I’ve said for many years, Pallamallawa is the centre of the universe. Declaring the area as Bogamildi Province only strengthens my belief.”
Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, whose property sits within the boundaries of the proposed micronation, said council was committed to working with Mr Pring.
“Council is committed to working proactively with the emperor to ensure strong relations and benefits for Moree Plains Shire residents,” Cr Pearse said.
“Whilst this may be a bit tricky for me personally, given where I live and farm, overall I think it’s a great thing for the region.”
The proposed province also sits in Brendan Moylan’s Northern Tablelands electorate.
Mr Moylan was upbeat about Pallamallawa’s plan to secede.
“I congratulate Emperor Pring on his ascension, and I thank him for his commonsense approach in offering dual citizenship,” Mr Moylan said.
“I have today written to Emperor Pring to invite him and his formal delegation to visit NSW State Parliament as soon as possible.
“I have also met with Premier Chris Minns and provided him the necessary draft legislation to formalise relations between the State of New South Wales and the new Bogamildi Province.
“The Premier has indicated his first priority in the next sittings of State Parliament will be to formalise trade relations between New South Wales and Bogamildi Province,” Mr Moylan said.
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
UPDATED AT MIDDAY, APRIL 1: The full intention of this article is to have a laugh on April Fools’ Day. Many thanks to Emperor Col Pring, Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse and Member for Norther Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, for taking part.
