Highfields, Queensland
| Highfields Queensland | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Highfields | |||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 27°27′29″S 151°56′57″E / 27.45806°S 151.94917°ECoordinates: 27°27′29″S 151°56′57″E / 27.45806°S 151.94917°E | ||||||||||||
| Population | 8,012 (2011 Census)[1] | ||||||||||||
| • Density | 673/km2 (1,740/sq mi) | ||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4352 | ||||||||||||
| Elevation | 700 m (2,297 ft) | ||||||||||||
| Area | 9.7 km2 (3.7 sq mi) | ||||||||||||
| Location | 13 km (8 mi) N of Toowoomba | ||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Toowoomba Region | ||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Toowoomba North | ||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Groom | ||||||||||||
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Highfields is a satellite town just north of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia along the New England Highway.[2]It is situated on the Great Dividing Range, slightly north of Mount Kynoch. It serves as a satellite town to the city of Toowoomba, accommodating many of Toowoomba businesses' employees. At the 2011 census, Highfields had a population of 8,012. It is the fastest growing area in Queensland and also one of the fastest in Australia[1]
History
The area probably takes its name from the Highfields pastoral run, north of the township.[3]
The area was first developed in the 1860s. Initially, there were a number of sawmills in the area, harvesting the local timber. Then the constructon of the railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba (completed in 1867) brought railway workers to the district. As the timber-getters cleared the land, dairy farms were established. [3]
Schools
There are three schools in Highfields:[4]
- Highfields State School (a primary school), on the New England Highway
- Mary MacKillop Catholic School (a primary school), on Highfields Road
- Toowoomba Christian College (a primary and high school), on the New England Highway
Amenities
A shopping centre called Highfields Village was developed and opened in 2003 that contains a number of community stores, including a hardware store, a baker and a supermarket. A tavern was also opened at the site in 2003. The centre also contains a pizza store, a post office, a butcher, a bank and a hairdressing salon.
In addition to the Highfields Village shopping centre, the Plaza shopping centre was recently redeveloped (2007). It now has a supermarket, newsagency, florist, numerous banks, takeaways, cheap shops and a hair dresser.
Also serving the community are a small bundle of shops found on the turn off from the New England Highway to Highfields Road, amongst them include a bakery, a delicatessen, a hairdressers, a real estate agency and an auto parts shop.
Sports
Highfields is also home to a football (soccer) club, Highfields FC, with teams ranging from Under 6's to Colts.
Highfields also has a regional rugby league club, Highfields Eagles, with teams ranging from Under 7's to 16's in the juniors and has an under 18's, reserve and A grade team in the seniors.
Highfields Lions were admitted into the AFL Darling Downs Senior competition in 2010, and now have a competitive club at Senior and Junior level.
Highfields is home to the Highfields Redbacks Rugby Union Club. The Redbacks are based at Kuhls Road Oval, and field teams from Under 6's to Over 35's.
Attractions
The Highfields Pioneer Historical Village has an unusual collection of vintage machinery. The Historical Village also has a fully operating blacksmith shop, a Heritage Chapel, an original Toowoomba 1928 Dennis Fire Engine, a two cell lock up short term prison from 1903, Model T Fords, and a collection of restored antique radios and appliances.
The Danish Flower Art Centre at Highfields hosts a number of displays including a flower barn, Dutch furniture store and operating blacksmith workshop.
The Chocolate Cottage is located at the Village Green which sells antiques, art and other specialty items. Across the road from the Village Green is Jacaranda Manor. Within Jacaranda Manor is a coffee shop, fudge factory and bead store.
The Davidson Arboretum on Cawdor Road features temperate deciduous ornamentals and conifers. There is also a Bunya pine.[5]
Accommodation
Highfields Travel Centre Motel is a new 4 Star Motel on the New England Highway at Highfields. Eileys Restaurant is also located at the Highfields Travel Centre Motel.
Recreation
The Cultural Centre is a large venue for conferences and performances. Also located at the Centre is an outdoor public swimming complex with a large indoor arena holding two volleyball and basketball courts and a gym. Just outside of this is the Highfields Library and on the other side is a skate park.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Highfields (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
- ↑ "Highfields (entry 15863)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Highfield and Highfields Shire". Queensland Places. Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ↑ "State and non-state school details". Queensland Government Data. Queensland Government. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
- ↑ "Davidson arboretum".