Shire of Balonne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shire of BalonneQueensland |
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Location within Queensland
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| Population | 4,334 (2018) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 0.139339/km2 (0.36089/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Established | 1879 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 31,104 km2 (12,009.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Mayor | Samantha Cathleen O'Toole | ||||||||||||||
| Council seat | St George | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Maranoa | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Warrego | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Division of Maranoa | ||||||||||||||
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| Website | Shire of Balonne | ||||||||||||||
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The Shire of Balonne is a local government area in South West Queensland, Australia, over 500 kilometres (310 mi) from the state capital, Brisbane. It covers an area of 31,104 square kilometres (12,009.3 sq mi), and has existed as a local government entity since 1879. It is headquartered in its main town, St George.
History
Ula Ula Division was created on 11 November 1879 as one of 74 divisions around Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 with a population of 1271. The name Ula Ula is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word meaning water lilies. or ripples on water
A separate municipality, the Borough of St George was gazetted on 31 July 1884, but on 13 March 1886 it was abolished and amalgamated back into Ula Ula Division.
On 11 March 1903, Ula Ula Division was renamed Balonne Division after the Balonne River. The name Balonne is believed to be of Aboriginal origin meaning water or running stream.
With the passage of the Local Authorities Act 1902, Balonne Division became Shire of Balonne on 31 March 1903.
Rivers
The area contains the Balonne, Barwon, Boomi, Culgoa, Little Weir, Maranoa, Moonie, and Narran rivers, which attract fishermen seeking both the Yellow belly and Murray Cod.
Towns and localities
The Shire of Balonne includes the following settlements:
- St George
- Alton
- Bollon
- Boolba
- Dirranbandi
- Hebel
- Mungindi
- Nindigully
- Thallon
Annual events
Annual events include:
- Fishing Competitions,
- A Golf Carnival,
- Motorbike Endurance Rallies,
- Country Shows & Rodeos
- Wool, Craft & Flower Shows
Population
| Year | Population |
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| 1933 | 4,452 |
| 1947 | 4,040 |
| 1954 | 5,527 |
| 1961 | 6,105 |
| 1966 | 5,849 |
| 1971 | 5,354 |
| 1976 | 4,580 |
| 1981 | 4,678 |
| 1986 | 5,056 |
| 1991 | 5,112 |
| 1996 | 4,830 |
| 2001 | 5,414 |
| 2006 | 4,599 |
