| Biloela Queensland |
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The Silo, Biloela |
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Biloela
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| Population: | 5,371[1] | ||||||
| Postcode: | 4715 | ||||||
| Elevation: | 175.0 m (574 ft) | ||||||
| Location: |
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| LGA: | Banana Shire Council | ||||||
| State District: | Callide | ||||||
| Federal Division: | Flynn | ||||||
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Biloela ( /bɪləˈwiːlə/ bil-ə-wee-lə)[2] is a rural town in Central Queensland, Australia. It is situated 120 kilometres (75 mi) inland from the port city of Gladstone at the junction of the Burnett and Dawson highways. At the 2006 census, Biloela had a population of 5,371.[1]
Biloela is the administrative centre for the Banana Shire, which has an area of 15,729 square kilometres (6,073 sq mi).
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Banana Shire was named after a bullock utilised to round up cattle - named 'Banana'. In 1880, Council first met in the area where Banana's body was buried, (known as 'Banana's Gully), and the Shire was named after the locality.
Biloela is generally believed to be Aboriginal for 'black or white cockatoo' (the Government dockyards were known as Biloela during 1870-1913 in an endeavour to remove the perceived stigma of the prior Cockatoo Island convict establishment).
Biloela and the Banana Shire, dubbed by the council as 'The Shire of Opportunity', has a diverse range of industries. Extensive grazing and cropping concerns are found in the area. Cotton, sorghum and wheat are grown in the area. The Callide Power Stations lie just north of the town. Coal was discovered on Callide Creek in 1891[3] and is now mined at the nearby Callide[4] and Boundary Hill mines which supply the power station. A large abattoir is also situated in the town.
The closest fresh water depository is the Callide Dam, however it is often well below capacity due to low rainfall in the area. Despite this, the dam acts as a popular site for water skiing, camping, swimming and fishing. The Callide Dam also plays host to the annual Callide Dam Fishing Competition in which a number of introduced stock are caught each year. In particular, the dam is a haven for Eel-Tailed Catfish, Yellowbelly, Saratoga and Barramundi. The largest ever Barramundi recorded was at the 2008 Callide Dam fishing competition, measuring 138 centimetres (54 in).
Biloela has 3 primary schools; Redeemer Lutheran Primary, St Joseph's Catholic Primary,and Biloela State Primary. It has only one high school (Biloela State High School).
The town has various sites for tourist accommodation (400 beds), many dining options, two main shopping streets, including a modern air conditioned shopping centre with many specialty stores.
Various sporting organisations are active within the community, such as Panthers Rugby League Club, Biloela Rugby Union Club, Biloela Touch Football Association, Callide Valley Tennis Association, Biloela Golf Club, Biloela Cricket Association, Biloela Valley's Football Association (soccer), Biloela Swimming Club and the Biloela Police Citizens Youth Club.
Zinc927 (previously known as 4CC) owned by Prime Radio, is an AM commercial station servicing Biloela on the local 666 AM frequency, although its local breakfast show is presented from the Zinc studio in Gladstone. Zinc has a classic rock format and also relies heavily on networked programming from their Sunshine Coast studios.
Rebel FM 88.9 (MHz) was Banana Shires first commercial FM radio station. Rebel FM has a new rock & classic rock music format. The Breeze broadcasts on 89.7 FM (MHz) with an easy adult contemporary & classics hits format. Both stations are part of the Rebel Media group.
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