Tannum Sands, Queensland

Tannum Sands Queensland
Tannum Sands from the air - May 2023
Tannum Sands
Coordinates	23°56′51″S151°22′03″E / 23.9474°S 151.3675°E / -23.9474; 151.3675 (Tannum Sands (town centre))
Population	5,227 (2021 census) [1]
• Density	62.00/km2 (160.59/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4680
Area	84.3 km2 (32.5 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	1.1 km (1 mi) E of Boyne Island 25.1 km (16 mi) SE of Gladstone CBD 133 km (83 mi) SE of Rockhampton 517 km (321 mi) NNW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Gladstone Region
State electorate(s)	Gladstone
Federal division(s)	Flynn
Localities around Tannum Sands: Boyne Island Coral Sea Coral Sea Wurdong Heights Tannum Sands Coral Sea Benaraby Iveragh Foreshores

Tannum Sands is a coastal town and locality in the Gladstone Region, Queensland, Australia. ^{[2] [3]} In the 2021 census, the locality of Tannum Sands had a population of 5,227 people. ^[1]

Geography

Aerial view of Tannum Sands, 2012

The locality is bounded to north-east by the Coral Sea, to the north-west and west by the Boyne River, and to the south-west by Station Creek. The town of Tannum Sands is located in the northern part of the locality. ^[4]

Canoe Point is at the northern tip of the locality ( 23°56′15″S151°21′58″E / 23.9375°S 151.3660°E / -23.9375; 151.3660 (Canoe Point) ). ^{[5] [6]}

The locality includes Wild Cattle Island ( 23°59′03″S151°24′43″E / 23.9842°S 151.4120°E / -23.9842; 151.4120 (Wild Cattle Island) ) which is separated from the mainland east coast by a narrow channel known as Wild Cattle Creek. ^[7] The island's east coast facing the Coral Sea is a long sandy strip called Wild Cattle Beach ( 23°58′12″S151°24′33″E / 23.97000°S 151.40917°E / -23.97000; 151.40917 (Wild Cattle Beach) ). ^[8] Most of the island is within the Wild Cattle Island National Park with the small town of Bangalee at its southern tip ( 24°00′19″S151°25′55″E / 24.0052°S 151.4319°E / -24.0052; 151.4319 (Bangalee (town)) ). ^[9]

Tannum Sands has a neighbouring twin town called Boyne Island. The two localities are separated only by the Boyne River and joined by a bridge. ^[4]

Tannum Sands is primarily a tourist and residential town. It is a major residential area for the nearby Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter and Gladstone-based industries. ^[10]

History

Motor bikes on Tannum Beach in sports organised by the Tannum Progress Association, June 1947

The area south of the Boyne River was originally known as Redcliff (being the colour of the stoney cliffs) ^[11] and then renamed Wild Cattle Creek (being the name of the creek that flows through the area) and had been a popular fishing and picnic location for the people of Boyne Island, but remained unsettled due to its inaccessibility. Closer settlement began in the late 1930s when 12 beach front lots were auctioned. The town received its original name Tannum when a group of children returned from a Sunday School picnic to the beach quite sunburnt. The comment was made "we can really tan 'um over there." One of the people present worked for the Queensland Land Department thought it would be a good name for the area and registered the name. ^{[12] [13]}

The Tannum Progress Association held sports days. Over 1000 people attended on New Year's Day in 1949. ^[14]

On 12 April 1951, the town was renamed Tannum Sands. ^{[15] [16]}

A bridge connecting Tannum Sands to Boyne Island was constructed as a result of the construction of the Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter. It was opened on 11 October 1980 by E.A.D. Cameron, Chairman of the Calliope Shire Council. ^[17]

Tannum Sands Uniting Church was built in 1980. ^[18]

Tannum Sands State School was opened on 24 January 1983. ^[19]

The Boyne Tannum Hookup fishing competition began on 7 June 1996 and has run annually ever since. ^[20]

Tannum Sands State High School was opened on 22 January 1998 with 287 students in Years 7 and 8. ^{[19] [21]}

St Peter Chanel Catholic Church was built in 2006. ^[22]

St Francis Catholic Primary School was opened in January 2005. ^[23]

Demographics

In the 2016 census, the locality of Tannum Sands had a population of 5,145 people. ^[24]

In the 2021 census, the locality of Tannum Sands had a population of 5,227 people. ^[1]

Education

Aerial view of Tannum Sands State High School, 2022

Tannum Sands hosts a number of schools including a public primary school, a public high school, and a Catholic primary school. They draw students from both the local areas but also from the wider region including from Miriam Vale, Benaraby, and Calliope.

Tannum Sands State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Waratah Crescent ( 23°57′03″S151°21′53″E / 23.9509°S 151.3648°E / -23.9509; 151.3648 (Tannum Sands State School) ). ^{[25] [26]} In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 736 students with 49 teachers (45 full-time equivalent) and 27 non-teaching staff (18 full-time equivalent). ^[27] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 693 students with 52 teachers (46 full-time equivalent) and 35 non-teaching staff (23 full-time equivalent). ^[28] It includes a special education program. ^[25]

St Francis Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Francis Way ( 23°56′35″S151°21′39″E / 23.9431°S 151.3609°E / -23.9431; 151.3609 (St Francis Catholic Primary School) ). ^{[25] [29]} In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 231 students with 21 teachers (17 full-time equivalent) and 15 non-teaching staff (8 full-time equivalent). ^[27] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 205 students with 21 teachers (16 full-time equivalent) and 14 non-teaching staff (6 full-time equivalent). ^[28]

Tannum Sands State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 65 Coronation Drive ( 23°57′35″S151°21′51″E / 23.9596°S 151.3643°E / -23.9596; 151.3643 (Tannum Sands State High School) ). ^{[25] [30]} In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 1,066 students with 86 teachers (82 full-time equivalent) and 44 non-teaching staff (31 full-time equivalent). ^[27] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 986 students with 87 teachers (81 full-time equivalent) and 44 non-teaching staff (31 full-time equivalent). ^[28] It includes a special education program. ^[25]

Amenities

The Tannum Sands branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at the QCWA Hall at 1 Steele Street. ^[31]

Tannum Sands Uniting Church is at 12 Silverton Drive ( 23°58′22″S151°21′58″E / 23.972787°S 151.366°E / -23.972787; 151.366 (Tannum Sands Uniting Church) ). ^[18] It is within the Presbytery of Central Queensland and the Synod of Queensland. ^[32]

St Peter Chanel Catholic Church is in Francis Way ( 23°56′36″S151°21′40″E / 23.943318°S 151.361°E / -23.943318; 151.361 (St Peter Chanel Catholic Church) ). ^[33] It is within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. ^[34]

Tannum Sands has a beach patrolled by surf lifesavers. ^[35]

There are two boat ramps in the locality, both managed by the Gladstone Regional Council:

• Wild Cattle Creek Road boat ramp on the southern bank of Wild Cattle Creek ( 23°57′31″S151°22′58″E / 23.9587°S 151.3829°E / -23.9587; 151.3829 (Wild Cattle Creek Road boat ramp) ) ^[36]

• Tiller Street boat ramp at Ibis Park on the western bank of the Boyne River ( 23°57′21″S151°21′41″E / 23.9558°S 151.3614°E / -23.9558; 151.3614 (Tiller Street boat ramp) ) ^[36]

Sport

Boyne-Tannum has teams competing in soccer, rugby league, Australian rules football, cricket, touch football, netball, tennis, surf lifesaving, swimming, and hockey. The area has two sporting grounds: BITS (Boyne Island Tannum Sands) club for cricket, football, golf, soccer, and lawn bowls, and Dennis Park for touch football, netball, and rugby league. Within Tannum Sands itself is the Tannum Sands Tennis Association and the Tannum Sands Squash Centre. The latter also provides rock climbing and a gymnasium.^{[ citation needed ]}

The local rugby league team are the Tannum Sands Seagulls, who compete in the Gladstone District Rugby League competition.^{[ citation needed ]}

Kiteboarding is a rapidly growing sport in the region, with Tannum Sands becoming a nationally renowned location. ^[37]

Tannum Sands also has a growing number of horse riders racing along the beach.^{[ citation needed ]}

Events

Boyne Island and Tannum Sands are also home to the Boyne Tannum Hookup, Australia's largest family fishing event held on the King's Birthday long weekend. The event is held at Bray Park. This event is very popular with more than 3,000 entrants. ^[38]

The Coconet Classic is an annual kiteboaring event. It was formerly the National Kiteboarding Titles, but became an open event held during the Easter long weekend.^{[ citation needed ]}

Tannum Sands is well known as a fishing venue with access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Boyne River and Lake Awoonga.^{[ citation needed ]}

Hazards

Saltwater crocodiles have been sighted on Wild Cattle Island and in Wild Cattle Creek. ^[39]

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Tannum Sands (SAL)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
2. "Tannum Sands – town in Gladstone Region (entry 44158)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 1 October 2023.
3. "Tannum Sands – locality in Gladstone Region (entry 47287)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 1 October 2023.
4. "Queensland Globe". State of Queensland . Retrieved 22 July 2022.
5. "Mountain peaks and capes - Queensland". Queensland Open Data. Queensland Government. 12 November 2020. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
6. "Canoe Point – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 6089)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 25 November 2020.
7. "Wild Cattle Island – island in Gladstone Regional (entry 37461)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 13 February 2022.
8. "Wild Cattle Beach – beach in the Gladstone Region (entry 37456)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 2 May 2023.
9. "Bangalee – population centre in Gladstone Regional (entry 1509)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 13 February 2022.
10. "Tannum Sands". Queensland Places. University of Queensland. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
11. "County of Clinton" (Map). Queensland Government. 1920. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
12. "Tannum Sands". Queensland Places. University of Queensland. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
13. "History". Tannum Village Sands. Archived from the original on 30 October 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
14. "Tannum Sports Meeting". Morning Bulletin . Queensland, Australia. 10 January 1949. p. 4. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023– via National Library of Australia.
15. "Tannum Sands – town in Gladstone Region (entry 44158)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government . Retrieved 13 February 2022.
16. Downey, Kelli (9 April 2011). "History the name of the game". Gladstone Observer . Retrieved 28 February 2023.
17. "Local history with Betty Laver - the John Oxley Bridge". Gladstone News. 21 February 2019. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
18. Blake, Thom. "Tannum Sands Uniting Church". Queensland religious places database. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
19. "Opening and closing dates of Queensland Schools". Queensland Government . Retrieved 18 April 2019.
20. "HookUp History". Boyne Tannum Hookup. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
21. "History". Tannum Sands State High School. 12 May 2020. Archived from the original on 13 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
22. Blake, Thom. "St Peter Chanel Catholic Church". Queensland religious places database. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
23. "Our Community". St Francis Catholic Primary School. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
24. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Tannum Sands (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
25. "State and non-state school details". Queensland Government. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
26. "Tannum Sands State School". Tannum Sands State School. 3 April 2020. Archived from the original on 10 August 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
27. "ACARA School Profile 2017". Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
28. "ACARA School Profile 2018". Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Archived from the original on 27 August 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
29. "Home". St Francis Catholic Primary School. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
30. "Tannum Sands State High School". Tannum Sands State High School. 12 May 2020. Archived from the original on 13 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
31. "Branch Locations". Queensland Country Women's Association. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
32. "Home". Tannum Sands Uniting Church. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
33. Blake, Thom. "St Peter Chanel Catholic Church". Queensland religious places database. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
34. "Gladstone". Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton . Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
35. Surf Life Saving Queensland :: Tannum Sands Archived 20 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
36. "Recreational Boating Facilities Queensland". Queensland Open Data. Queensland Government. 12 November 2020. Archived from the original on 22 November 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
37. "Gladstone top spot for kitesurfing". Gladstone Observer . 9 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
38. "Australia's biggest family fishing competition". Boyne Tannum Hookup. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
39. "Visiting safely: Wild Cattle Island National Park". Parks and forests. Queensland Government. 8 November 2013. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.

External links

• Community website
• University of Queensland: Queensland Places: Tannum Sands
• "Town map of Bangalee". Queensland Government. 1972.