Julia Creek, Queensland
| Julia Creek Queensland | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Julia Creek | |||||||||
| Coordinates | 20°39′S 141°44′E / 20.650°S 141.733°ECoordinates: 20°39′S 141°44′E / 20.650°S 141.733°E | ||||||||
| Population | 368 (2006 census)[1] | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4823 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 123 m (404 ft) | ||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | McKinlay | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Mount Isa | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Kennedy | ||||||||
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Julia Creek is a town in mid northern Queensland, located on the Flinders Highway (Overlander's Way), the main road between Mount Isa and Townsville. It is 664 kilometres (413 mi) west of Townsville, and is located 123 m above sea level.[2] At the 2016 census, Julia Creek had a population of 511.
History
The town was named after the niece of Donald McIntyre, the first white settler in the area.[3] McIntyre took up a property called Dalgonally about 70 kilometres (43 mi) north of the present site of the town in 1864, only a few years after the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition passed through the area. The township began life as a temporary terminus in 1907 when the railway was extended from Richmond to service the copper mines at Cloncurry.
Julia Creek Post Office opened by September 1910 (a receiving office had been open from 1907).[4]
A one-room school was established in 1911 with nine students, and was expanded in 1932 and again in 1934.[5] [6] A separate high school was constructed in 1963.[3] A sixteen-bed hospital was established in 1972.[7] The town did not receive electricity until 1952.
Economy
The town's main industries are farming, (especially the beef and wool industries), and mining, which is mainly centred on the BHP Billiton mine at nearby Cannington. The town is a major centre for cattle sales and stock trucking, with a large saleyard and associated facilities. Prior to the expansion of the railway to the larger towns of Cloncurry and Mount Isa, the town was also a major transport hub for freight and passengers. Julia Creek is also home to the Julia Creek Dunnart which is now endangered because of feral animals.-(wild cats, dogs & foxes)
Facilities
Julia Creek has a public library, visitor and cultural centre, swimming pool, tennis courts, parks as well as a sports centre.
Transport
| Long distance rail services | ||||
| Preceding station | Queensland Rail | Following station | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
toward Townsville | The Inlander | toward Mount Isa |
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Dirt n Dust Festival
The Dirt n Dust Festival, considered one of Queensland's major sporting events, is held in town annually since 1995.
References
- ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Julia Creek (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
- ↑ SMH Travel Guide - Julia Creek, retrieved 9 March 2007
- 1 2 Towns - Julia Creek Archived 27 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine., James Cook University, retrieved 9 March 2007
- ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ↑ "Julia Creek SS". Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ↑ "School opening dates". Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ↑ Queensland Health Facility Profile - Julia Creek Hospital, retrieved 9 March 2007.
External links
- University of Queensland: Queensland Places: Julia Creek
- Fairfax Digital Travel Guide
- Bureau of Meteorology Weather Conditions
- Tanksinker – The Story of Max Burns and the Township of Julia Creek