Longreach Region

The Longreach Region is a local government area in Central West Queensland, Australia. Established in 2008, it superseded three previous local government areas that had existed for more than a century.

It has an estimated operating budget of A$22.3m.

Traditionally, pastoral activities, tourism, and rural education have been the areas of focus within the region, with a major agricultural college and attractions such as the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Outback Museum.

History

The Longreach Region began as three separate entities: the Shires of Longreach, Ilfracombe, and Isisford.

In July 2007, the Local Government Reform Commission released its report recommending that the three areas amalgamate. Ilfracombe was rated by a Treasury sustainability review as very weak with a negative outlook, while the other two were rated as moderate. All three councils opposed the amalgamation.^[2] The legislation passed to effect the merger on 10 August 2007. A Local Transition Committee made up of staff and councillors of the three dissolving entities was formed to manage the process. On 15 March 2008, the three Shires formally ceased to exist, and elections were held on the same day to elect councillors and a mayor to the Regional Council.

Wards

The Region has six divisions, each represented by one councillor, with a directly elected mayor serving the whole region.

Towns and localities

• Longreach
• Arrilalah
• Camoola
• Chorregon
• Emmet
• Ernestina
• Ilfracombe
• Isisford
• Maneroo
• Morella
• Tocal
• Vergemont
• Yaraka

Population

The populations given relate to the component entities prior to 2008. The next census, due in 2011, will be the first for the new Region.

References