What is a squatter?

In Australia in the early 1800’s, there was great pressure to develop farming and agriculture. Most of the land suitable for agriculture had not yet been surveyed by the government and there was no formal established process for purchasing land. Pioneer farmers went out and started farming the un-surveyed land. These pioneers became known as Squatters. Governor Bourke realised it was futile to try to prevent the expansion of settlement, and decided to regulate it. Under the 1835 Squatting Regulations, Crown land could be taken up on annual licence for a fee of ten pounds per year. In September 1836 Governor Bourke declared the whole Port Phillip District open for settlement under these regulations.

To many, the word “Squatter” means someone who illegally lives in another’s property. In Australia this usually means settling on public lands without license. However, it is generally accepted, the squatter is one who occupied crown lands under a lease or license.

Australia’s coat of arms bear a kangaroo and an emu. Neither of these animals can walk backwards. In the game Squatter, Emu Plains Station and Warramboo Station are sheep stations named to reflect this Australian heritage. “Warramboo” is an aboriginal term that means “place of many kangaroos”.

Each Australian state is represented in Squatter.

Mt Mitchell Station is named after Mt Mitchell in Western Australia.

Coorumbene Station is named after a pioneer sheep grazing property near Loch, Victoria. Melbourne (Victoria) skyline is featured as the town you visit on the playing board.

Warramboo Station is named after the township of Warramboo in South Australia.

The Stud Ram “Winton Boy II” is named after the township of Winton in Queensland.

Emu Plains Station was named to represent Australia’s coat of arms. Emu Plains is also a property in Tasmania.