Cecil Plains, Queensland
| Cecil Plains Queensland | |
|---|---|
  Cecil Plains | |
| Coordinates | 27°32′0″S 151°12′0″E / 27.53333°S 151.20000°ECoordinates: 27°32′0″S 151°12′0″E / 27.53333°S 151.20000°E |
| Population | 678 (2011 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 4407 |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Toowoomba Region |
| State electorate(s) | Southern Downs |
| Federal Division(s) | Maranoa |
Cecil Plains is a town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. The town is located in the Toowoomba Region, 217 kilometres (135 mi) west of the state capital, Brisbane. At the 2011 census, Cecil Plains had a population of 678.[1] The fertile black soil around Cecil Plains is ideal for cotton production and the town is now the home of one of the largest cotton gins in the southern hemisphere.[2]
History
European settlement in the area began in 1842, when Henry Stuart Russell claimed land around the Condamine River to establish Cecil Plains station. The site of the station homestead was to become the site of the town. Ludwig Leichhardt used the homestead as a base for two expeditions into the surrounding region in 1844 and 1847. The station originally grazed cattle but later moved to wool production.[2]
In 1916, Cecil Plains station was acquired by the Queensland government and subdivided for closer settlement, with some parcels reserved for soldier settlers. The new settlers produced mainly wheat and dairy. The railway arrived in 1919,[3] followed by a post office in 1921 (a receiving office had been open from 1890)[4] and a police station in 1934. The local pub is called the Victory Hotel, as a result of a successful vote in 1938 (on the third attempt) to establish a drinking establishment in the town. From the 1960s cotton became the main crop grown in the area.[2]
Recreation
Cecil Plains is host to a number of recreational facilities, including the Cecil Plains Golf Club, Apex Park at the Cecil Plains Weir, and the Cecil Plains Library.
The Cecil Plains Library is operated by the Toowoomba Regional Council. The library is located on Taylor Street and is open three days a week.[5]
References
- 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Cecil Plains (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- 1 2 3 "Cecil Plains". Travel. Sydney Morning Herald. 2004-02-08. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
- ↑ The Oakey Region Tulk, Darren Australian Railway History, August, 2008 pp251-264
- ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ↑ "Toowoomba Regional Council". Retrieved 24 October 2014.
External links
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