Comet, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Comet Queensland
Grazing land west of the town of Comet, 2013
Comet Location in Queensland
Population	498 (2016 census)
• Density	0.28347/km2 (0.7342/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4702
Area	1,756.8 km2 (678.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	859 km (534 mi) NW of Brisbane 231 km (144 mi) W of Rockhampton 41 km (25 mi) E of Emerald
LGA(s)	Central Highlands Region
State electorate(s)	Gregory
Federal Division(s)	Flynn
Localities around Comet: Wyuna Mackenzie River Blackwater Emerald Comet Stewarton Gindie Arcturus Togara

Comet is a historical rich rural town and locality in the Central Highlands Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Comet had a population of 498 people. Explore Comet's history along the Comet Tails and Walking Trails.[1]

History

Township, ~1878

Comet is the oldest town in the Emerald region, established at the confluence of the Comet River with the Nogoa River. Originally called Cometville, the town takes its name from the river, named by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt who made observations of Comet Wilmot (C/1844 Y2) in the area on 29 December 1844. Comet is home to a "dig tree" established by Leichhardt to indicate to others where he had buried food and journals.

Comet Post Office opened on 5 September 1877.

Today, the area around Comet supports cotton and grain production as well as cattle feedlots.

Education

Comet State School 2021

Comet Free Library 2021

Comet State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls on the Capricorn Highway (23°36′22″S 148°32′42″E / 23.6061°S 148.5451°E / -23.6061; 148.5451 (Comet State School)). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 28 students with 5 teachers (3 full-time equivalent) and 4 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).

There are no secondary schools in Comet. The closest government secondary school is Emerald State High School, situated 41 kilometres (25 miles) west of Comet. The school caption is a year 5 student.