Baralaba Queensland | |||||||||||||||
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![]() The Baralaba Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Coordinates | 24°10′55″S149°48′48″E / 24.1819°S 149.8133°E | ||||||||||||||
Population | 324 (2021 census) [1] | ||||||||||||||
• Density | 0.8672/km2 (2.246/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 4702 | ||||||||||||||
Area | 373.6 km2 (144.2 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
Location |
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LGA(s) | Shire of Banana | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Callide | ||||||||||||||
Federal division(s) | Flynn | ||||||||||||||
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Baralaba is a rural town and locality in the Shire of Banana in central Queensland, Australia. [2] [3] In the 2021 census, the locality of Baralaba had a population of 324 people. [1]
The Dawson River forms the western boundary of the locality. The town is located in the north-west corner of the locality beside the river. The Neville Hewitt weir on the river at the town creates a wide river for irrigation and recreation. [4]
The town is located 33 kilometres (21 mi) west of the Leichhardt Highway.
The town's name is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "high mountain" referring to nearby Mount Ramsay. [2]
Baralaba Provisional School opened on 19 August 1918. It became a state school on 1 March 1922. In 1964, a secondary department was added. [5] [6] [7]
Baralaba Post Office opened by April 1924 (a receiving office had been open since about 1919). [8]
Lily State School opened in 1925 and closed circa 1927. [6]
Mclellan’s Hotel opened on 3 April 1929, being renamed Stewart's Hotel on 11 February 1953. On 2 December 1965, it was renamed Baralaba Hotel. It was destroyed by fire on 24 August 2024. [9]
St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church was designed by Roy Chipps of Rockhampton. The timber church was built by R. L. Schofeld at a cost of £650. On Sunday 24 February 1935, the church was opened and consecrated by Bishop Hayes. [10] [11]
In May 1941, an Honour Board commemorating those who served in World War II was unveiled at the Returned and Services League of Australia Memorial Hall in Stopford Street ( 24°10′54″S149°48′40″E / 24.181750°S 149.811143°E ). [12] Outside of the Memorial Hall is a white cross commemorating those who served in all wars and conflicts. [13]
In September 1945, a Methodist Ladies' Guild was established to raise funds for a Methodist church. [14] In November 1945, two blocks of land were donated for the church. [15] The land for Baralaba Methodist Church was consecrated in August 1948. [16] In 1977, the Baralaba Methodist Church became Baralaba Uniting Church when the Methodist Church amalgamated into the Uniting Church in Australia. [17]
Two coal mines once operated in the Baralaba region. Both closed, but mining operations recommenced at one mine in 2005.
The mobile library service commenced in 2004. [18]
In the 2006 census, the town of Baralaba had a population of 290 people. [19]
In the 2011 census, the locality of Baralaba had a population of 479 people. [20]
In the 2016 census, the locality of Baralaba had a population of 314 people. [21]
In the 2021 census, the locality of Baralaba had a population of 324 people. [1]
Baralaba has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
The local economy revolves around beef production and more recently coal mining.[ citation needed ]
Baralaba P-10 State School is a government primary and secondary (Prep-10) school for boys and girls at 1 Power Street ( 24°10′52″S149°48′35″E / 24.1810°S 149.8097°E ). [23] [24] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 90 students with 12 teachers (9 full-time equivalent) and 15 non-teaching staff (9 full-time equivalent). [25]
The nearest secondary schools offering Years 11 and 12 are located in Moura and Biloela. [26]
Baralaba Golf Club has a 9-hole golf course and is located on Alberta Road. [27]
Banana Shire Council operate a fortnightly mobile library service to Baralaba. [28] [29]
Baralaba Uniting Church is at 43 Power Street ( 24°10′36″S149°48′42″E / 24.1767°S 149.8118°E ). [30] [31]
St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is at 29 Power Street ( 24°10′40″S149°48′40″E / 24.177843°S 149.811°E ). [10]
Every March, there is a campdrafting competition at Baralaba. [32]
The annual Baralaba agricultural show is held in May, while the Saratoga Fishing Competition is held each September. [32]