Julia Creek, Queensland

Julia Creek
Queensland
Julia Creek
Coordinates 20°39′S 141°44′E / 20.650°S 141.733°E / -20.650; 141.733Coordinates: 20°39′S 141°44′E / 20.650°S 141.733°E / -20.650; 141.733
Population 368 (2006 census)[1]
Postcode(s) 4823
Elevation 123 m (404 ft)
Location
LGA(s) McKinlay
State electorate(s) Mount Isa
Federal Division(s) Kennedy
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
33.3 °C
92 °F		 17.4 °C
63 °F		 461.3 mm
18.2 in

Julia Creek is a town in mid northern Queensland, located on the Flinders Highway (Overlander's Way), the main road between Mount Isa and Townsville. It is 664 kilometres (413 mi) west of Townsville, and is located 123 m above sea level.[2] At the 2006 census, Julia Creek had a population of 368.[1]

History

The town was named after the niece of Donald McIntyre, the first white settler in the area.[3] McIntyre took up a property called Dalgonally about 70 kilometres (43 mi) north of the present site of the town in 1864, only a few years after the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition passed through the area. The township began life as a temporary terminus in 1907 when the railway was extended from Richmond to service the copper mines at Cloncurry.

Julia Creek Post Office opened by September 1910 (a receiving office had been open from 1907).[4]

A one-room school was established in 1911 with nine students, and was expanded in 1932 and again in 1934. A separate high school was constructed in 1963.[3] A sixteen-bed hospital was established in 1972.[5] The town did not receive electricity until 1952.

Economy

The town's main industries are farming, (especially the beef and wool industries), and mining, which is mainly centred on the BHP Billiton mine at nearby Cannington. The town is a major centre for cattle sales and stock trucking, with a large saleyard and associated facilities. Prior to the expansion of the railway to the larger towns of Cloncurry and Mount Isa, the town was also a major transport hub for freight and passengers. Julia Creek is also home to the Julia Creek Dunnart which is now endangered because of feral animals.-(wild cats, dogs & foxes)

Facilities

Julia Creek has a public library, visitor and cultural centre, swimming pool, tennis courts, parks as well as a sports centre.

Transport

Long distance rail services
Preceding station   Queensland Rail   Following station
toward Townsville
The Inlander
toward Mount Isa

Dirt n Dust Festival

The Dirt n Dust Festival, considered one of Queensland's major sporting events, is held in town annually since 1995.

References

  1. 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Julia Creek (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
  2. ↑ SMH Travel Guide - Julia Creek, retrieved 9 March 2007
  3. 1 2 Towns - Julia Creek, James Cook University, retrieved 9 March 2007
  4. ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  5. ↑ Queensland Health Facility Profile - Julia Creek Hospital, retrieved 9 March 2007.
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