Coochiemudlo Island

Coochiemudlo Island
Redland City, Queensland
Population 708 (2011 census)[1]
Postcode(s) 4184
Location 33 km (21 mi) from Brisbane GPO
LGA(s) Redland City Council
State electorate(s) Electoral district of Redlands
Federal Division(s) Division of Bowman
Suburbs around Coochiemudlo Island:
Thornlands
Cleveland		 Moreton Bay Peel Island
Victoria Point Coochiemudlo Island North Stradbroke Island
Victoria Point Moreton Bay Macleay Island

Coochiemudlo Island is a small island in the southern part of Moreton Bay, near Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia.[2] It is also the name of the township and locality upon the island, which is within the local government area of Redland City.[3][4]

Geography

The island is approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from Victoria Point, also in Redland City. A natural cliff composed of iron-rich rock is exposed on the south western side of the island. Sandy beaches wrap around the island's southern, eastern and northern sides. Mangroves cover the western foreshore of the island.

History

The name Coochiemudlo is an anglicised version of the Yuggera words kutchi (meaning red) and mudlo (meaning stone).[2]

The European explorer Matthew Flinders landed on Coochiemudlo Island on 19 July 1799, while he was searching for a river in the southern part of Moreton Bay.[5] The original European name was Innis Island from 1825 to 1850.[2]

Transport

The island is serviced by a passenger ferry, operating approximately every half hour between about 5:00am and 11:00pm. A vehicular barge also operates regular services to and from the island. Due to the relatively small area, a car is not essential for getting around the island.

Wildlife

There are many types of wildlife present on the island. It is well known for its birdlife including sea eagles, brahmani kites, magpies, rosellas, butcher birds,pheasants and a large growing colony of stone curlews which are counted each year.

The waters around Coochiemudlo abound in dugongs, turtles and dolphins.

There is a very interesting walk through the Melalueca Wetland Reserve with a great variety of native plants and trees.

Retail facilities

A small kiosk situated not far from the jetty serves refreshments.

Demographic

According to the 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, Coochiemudlo had 658 people who called it home.[6] Over 43% were more than 54 years old. Of families 58.2% were couples without children. The most common responses for religious affiliation were "No Religion" at 24.2% which is well above the Australian average of 18.7%. 269 said that they were in the workforce and 60% were in full-time occupations while 28% were working part-time. Only 5% of the island's workforce said they were unemployed. The major areas of employment were Hospitals, Local Government Administration, Other Social Assistance Services, Residential Care Services and Building Completion Services. The median weekly household income was $616, compared with $1,027 in Australia.

In the 2011 Census the population of Coochiemudlo Island is 708, 52.7% female and 47.3% male.

The median/average age of the Coochiemudlo Island population is 52 years of age, 15 years above the Australian average.

67.8% of people living in Coochiemudlo Island were born in Australia. The other top responses for country of birth were England 7.8%, New Zealand 6.1%, Germany 1%, Croatia 1%, Philippines 0.7%.

88% of people speak English as their first language 0.6% German, 0.6% Indonesian, 0.6% Serbian, 0.4% Dutch, 0.4% Swedish.

Recreation

The unspoilt sandy beaches of Coochiemudlo Island provide safe swimming for families.

Coochiemudlo's southern beach (main beach) is patrolled by the surf lifesaving association.. A 'Nippers' program is also available, and caters for both on-island, and off-island children. The surf lifesavers now have their very own hall including a first-aid room.

Other facilities include:

There is on the island a large Community Hall with spectacular views of Moreton Bay and the mainland. The hall provides the community with a venue for many island activities and functions.

Also near the tennis courts and croquet green is a recreation hall. This hall is used for indoor bowls, art shows, meetings, and special events.

Fishing is also a popular pastime, with species such as Bream, whiting, Flathead, Flounder, Tailor, Cod, and Snapper, amongst others, to be found in the waters around the island.

Sailing

Coochie is a popular destination for sailors. As the island is surrounded on three sides by sandy beaches, there is always a sheltered beach regardless of the wind direction. Sailing craft range from sailboards, off-the-beach catamarans and dinghies to larger motor and sail yachts. A deep water anchorage and moorings are located to the south of the island near the jetty and boat ramp.

Housing styles

Housing styles on Coochiemudlo range from traditional 1950s fibro beach shacks, contemporary light weight beach houses, relocated Queenslander houses, and conventional suburban brick and tile.

Events

The island celebrates Flinders Day annually, commemorating the landing of the explorer Matthew Flinders. The celebrations are usually held on a weekend near 19 July, the actual date of the landing.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Coochiemudlo Island (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Coochiemudlo Island (island) (entry 8015)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  3. ↑ "Coochiemudlo Island (town) (entry 8016)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "Coochiemudlo Island (locality) (entry 43640)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  5. ↑ "Coochiemudlo Island". About Redlands. Redland City Council. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  6. ↑ ABS Quickstats
  7. ↑ "Flinders Day on Coochie". Retrieved 22 May 2014.

External links

Coordinates: 27°34′S 153°20′E / 27.567°S 153.333°E