Midge Point is on the Whitsunday Coast and is the only settlement on the western shores of Repulse Bay (except the Laguna Quay Resort - Currently Closed) until Conway Beach via Proserpine, (Conway by boat 20 kilometres (12mi) away) and nothing south until St Helens (by boat 24 kilometres (15mi) away).[citation needed]
Midge Point closest major town being Proserpine in the Whitsunday Region. Although the Bruce Highway does not pass through Midge Point, it passes through the adjacent town of Bloomsbury with a turnoff to Midge Point Road, offering the traveller a scenic drive to Proserpine via Laguna Quay's.[citation needed]
In 1937 it was proposed to establish a town, called Midgetown, at Midge Point on 40 acres acquired from farmer A.P. Nielsen.[7] However, the town lots could not be sold until a road had been constructed, including a bridge over the O'Connell River.[8] In November 1938, the Queensland Government and the Pioneer Shire Council had not come to an agreement in relation to paying for the road, so the Queensland Government decided to release the land prior to the road's development.[9] On 23 December 1938, the first town land sites were sold in Midgeton.[10][11] At the time, Midgeton was described as follows:[12]
"Midgeton is noted for its large stretch of unbroken sandy beachand safe bathing. A grassy esplanade runs to high-water mark, and there is a plentiful supply of fresh water. In adjacent waters there are excellent fishing grounds and a number of good catches were reported during the holidays."
In 1973 the town's name was changed to Midge Point.[2]
Demographics
In the 2016 census, the locality of Midge Point had a population of 464 people.[13]
In the 2021 census, the locality of Midge Point had a population of 435 people.[1]
The Mackay Regional Council operates a mobile library service on a fortnightly schedule at Nielsen Parade.[15][16] (currently not in service)
Attractions
Midge Point offers tranquility and remoteness from major towns. Exceptional fishing and crabbing, with boat access via the beach by tractor. The beach is 1.8 kilometres (1.1mi) long, south east facing with views to Gould island and Midge Island.The sandy low gradient shallow nature of the bay shore is great for families wanting a day out, kite flying and horse riding.[citation needed]
↑ "New Beach Township". Daily Mercury. Vol.71, no.299. Queensland, Australia. 16 December 1937. p.8. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2017– via National Library of Australia.
↑ "PROSERPINE NOTES". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Vol.LIX, no.313. Queensland, Australia. 31 December 1937. p.10. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2017– via National Library of Australia.
↑ "Town of Midgeton". The Proserpine Guardian. Vol.33, no.2149. Queensland, Australia. 12 November 1938. p.2. Archived from the original on 30 December 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2017– via National Library of Australia.
↑ "MIDGETON ALLOTMENTS". Daily Mercury. Vol.72, no.279. Queensland, Australia. 23 November 1938. p.8. Archived from the original on 30 December 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2017– via National Library of Australia.
↑ "Midgeton Allotments". Daily Mercury. Vol.72, no.298. Queensland, Australia. 15 December 1938. p.8. Archived from the original on 30 December 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2017– via National Library of Australia.
↑ "MIDGETON SEASIDE RESORT". Daily Mercury. Vol.72, no.310. Queensland, Australia. 30 December 1938. p.8. Retrieved 27 October 2017– via National Library of Australia.
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