Lowood, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LowoodQueensland |
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Post office
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Population | 4,159 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
• Density | 155.77/km2 (403.4/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Established | 1872 | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 4311 | ||||||||||||||
Area | 26.7 km2 (10.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
Location | |||||||||||||||
LGA(s) | Somerset Region | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Lockyer | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Blair | ||||||||||||||
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Lowood is a rural town and locality in the Somerset Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, the locality of Lowood had a population of 4,159 people.
Contents
History
Lowood was established as the first terminus of the Brisbane Valley branch railway in 1884 and the town grew from the subdivision around the new station. The name is derived from the "low woods" of brigalow in the Lowood area, as opposed to the taller trees elsewhere in the Brisbane Valley. Lowood Post Office opened on 15 October 1888 (a receiving office had been open from 1884).
At the 2006 census, Lowood had a population of 1,010.
Due to its proximity to Brisbane and Ipswich, Lowood is becoming an area for hobby farmers and residential commuters. Nearby Lake Wivenhoe is a popular place for activities such as boating and fishing.
Airfield
During World War II, an airfield called Lowood, which was actually located at Mount Tarampa, was the site of a military airfield operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. No. 71 Squadron operated from the airfield during 1943, conducting coastal patrol and naval convoy escort missions. After the war the airfield was converted into a motor racing circuit with the same name and operated for 20 years, the highlight hosting the 1960 Australian Grand Prix. The airfield no longer exists but a small memorial marks its previous location.
Transport
Following the withdrawal of the railmotor service to Toogoolawah in 1989, a substitute bus service to Ipswich was introduced by Queensland Rail (QR). Two services are in the morning and return services are in the late afternoon. Time tables are available from QR.
Heritage listings
Lowood has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
- 12 Railway Street: former Royal Bank of Queensland, built sometime between 1901 and 1917, the former bank is now a dental surgery.
Education
Lowood State School is a government primary (Early Childhood-6) school for boys and girls at Peace Street (27°27′57″S 152°34′54″E / 27.4657°S 152.5816°E). In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 279 students with 24 teachers (23 full-time equivalent) and 17 non-teaching staff (13 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program.
Lowood State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at Prospect Street (27°28′02″S 152°34′57″E / 27.4671°S 152.5824°E). In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 747 students with 68 teachers (67 full-time equivalent) and 39 non-teaching staff (29 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program.