QLD - DUARINGA SHIRE

Established in 1881, the Duaringa Shire covers an area of 18, 201 square kilometres. The Shire boasts a population of approximately 11, 000 people and incorporates four main towns - Duaringa, Dingo, Bluff and Blackwater - and the township of Bauhinia. The Shire shares common boundaries with the Broadsound, Livingstone, Banana, Taroom, Fitzroy, Bauhinia and Emerald Shires.



Considerable economic growth was triggered by the advent of the Fitzroy Basin Brigalow Development Scheme - a Federal Government project instigated in 1962 to clear and develop 4.5 million hectares of previously unproductive land in Central Queensland. The scheme was a huge success and as a direct result many families enjoy a good standard of rural living within the Duaringa Shire.

Another economic development success story within the Shire is the coal industry. The town of Blackwater has positioned itself as the Coal Capital of Queensland. It's the dormitory town for six coal mines. The coal extracted makes a very considerable contribution to Australia's mineral export earnings.

The Council, with headquarters in Duaringa, plays a predominate role as provider of services and facilities and needs of all residents. Services include welfare, cultural groups, religious organisations, health facilities, information services and a wide range of sporting organizations and activities. There is something for everyone in the Duaringa Shire.

There are also plenty of things for visitors to see in the Shire. Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the magnificent Blackdown Tableland National Park. Cliffs, caves and crevices, creeks, cascades and traces of aboriginal culture, amke it a natural wilderness eagerly sought out by visitors to the area.

The Japanese Garden, established adjacent to the Capricorn Highway at Blackwater, is also an extremely popular venue for tourists. The Garden is reputed to be the best of its kind in Queensland.

Apart from the special features which attract so many visitors to the Shire every year - excellent services and facilities, natural beauty, native flora and fauna and many tourist attractions - it is the friendly and easy going attitude of the locals that makes Duaringa Shire such a delightful place to live in and visit. Established in 1881, the Duaringa Shire covers an area of 18, 201 square kilometres. The Shire boasts a population of approximately 11, 000 people and incorporates four main towns - Duaringa, Dingo, Bluff and Blackwater - and the township of Bauhinia. The Shire shares common boundaries with the Broadsound, Livingstone, Banana, Taroom, Fitzroy, Bauhinia and Emerald Shires.

Considerable economic growth was triggered by the advent of the Fitzroy Basin Brigalow Development Scheme - a Federal Government project instigated in 1962 to clear and develop 4.5 million hectares of previously unproductive land in Central Queensland. The scheme was a huge success and as a direct result many families enjoy a good standard of rural living within the Duaringa Shire.

Another economic development success story within the Shire is the coal industry. The town of Blackwater has positioned itself as the Coal Capital of Queensland. It's the dormitory town for six coal mines. The coal extracted makes a very considerable contribution to Australia's mineral export earnings.

The Council, with headquarters in Duaringa, plays a predominate role as provider of services and facilities and needs of all residents. Services include welfare, cultural groups, religious organisations, health facilities, information services and a wide range of sporting organizations and activities. There is something for everyone in the Duaringa Shire.

There are also plenty of things for visitors to see in the Shire. Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the magnificent Blackdown Tableland National Park. Cliffs, caves and crevices, creeks, cascades and traces of aboriginal culture, amke it a natural wilderness eagerly sought out by visitors to the area.

The Japanese Garden, established adjacent to the Capricorn Highway at Blackwater, is also an extremely popular venue for tourists. The Garden is reputed to be the best of its kind in Queensland.

Apart from the special features which attract so many visitors to the Shire every year - excellent services and facilities, natural beauty, native flora and fauna and many tourist attractions - it is the friendly and easy going attitude of the locals that makes Duaringa Shire such a delightful place to live in and visit.