Eagle Farm, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eagle FarmBrisbane, Queensland |
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Industrial premises, Eagle Farm
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 Eagle Farm
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 11 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 1.86/km2 (4.8/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4009 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 5.9 km2 (2.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 8.9 km (6 mi) NE of Brisbane CBD | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Brisbane (Hamilton Ward) |
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| State electorate(s) | Clayfield | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | |||||||||||||||
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Eagle Farm is a suburb in the eastern part of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is mainly an industrial area. In 2021, only 11 people lived there.
A small area within Eagle Farm is called Whinstanes.
Contents
What is Eagle Farm Like?
Eagle Farm is about 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) north-east of Brisbane's city center. The Brisbane River forms its southern border. This area is part of a big industrial zone called Australia TradeCoast.
Roads and Railways
Kingsford Smith Drive runs through the suburb from west to east. The Gateway Motorway also crosses Eagle Farm, going north over the Brisbane River via the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges. Another road, Southern Cross Way, branches off the Gateway Motorway.
The Doomben/Pinkenba railway line passes through the northern part of the suburb. However, there are no train stations in Eagle Farm anymore.
Local Landmarks
The Royal Queensland Golf Club is located here, stretching down to the river. Other than the golf course, the rest of Eagle Farm is mostly industrial buildings and businesses.
Even though it's called Eagle Farm, the famous Eagle Farm Racecourse is actually in the nearby suburb of Ascot. This racecourse is a major place for horse racing in Brisbane.
A Look Back in Time: Eagle Farm's History
The name "Eagle Farm" first appeared in 1839. It was used to describe a farming area in the Moreton Bay penal settlement. In 1829, Captain Patrick Logan chose this spot because it had good water and fertile land. He used it to grow crops like maize and raise pigs and cattle. The name likely came from the many eagles seen around the farm.
The Women's Prison
By 1834, women prisoners were forced to work as farm laborers at Eagle Farm. By 1836, about 40 female prisoners lived there. They washed clothes, mended them, and grew vegetables. This site remained a prison for women who had been convicted twice until 1839. A Quaker missionary named James Backhouse wrote about the conditions for these women in 1836.
Aboriginal Camps
In the 1850s, Aboriginal people set up camps in the Eagle Farm area. These included groups from Bribie Island, Ningy-Ningy, and Wide Bay. They were losing their traditional lands further north.
School and Railways Develop
Eagle Farm State School opened on August 1, 1864. It was later renamed Hendra State School in 1908.
In 1895, the Queensland Government decided to extend the railway line. This line, which ended at Racecourse railway station (now Ascot), was extended through Eagle Farm to Pinkenba. This was done to reach the Pinkenba Wharf on the Brisbane River. Several new railway stations were built along this line, including Whinstanes and Eagle Farm. The line fully opened to Pinkenba in 1897. Over time, some stations were combined or closed. From 1998, the line ended at Doomben station, and the stations further along are no longer used.
In 1920, some land in the Whinstanes Junction Estate was offered for sale. This area is now an industrial estate.
Eagle Farm Airport and World War II
The Eagle Farm Airport was Brisbane's main airport for many years. It was used until the current Brisbane Airport opened in 1988. During World War II, the U.S. Navy built a base called Camp Seabee near the airport. This base was used to prepare construction battalions for military operations. They also built a supply depot and an ordnance depot. The base operated from 1943 to 1945. After the war, the Royal Navy and the Australian Army took over these facilities.
Heritage-Listed Sites in Eagle Farm
Eagle Farm has several places that are protected because of their historical importance. These include:
- the Allison Engine Testing Stands
- the Eagle Farm Women's Prison and Factory Site
- the Second World War Hangar No. 7
Allison Engine Testing Stands
The Allison Engine Testing Stands are part of the old Brisbane airport site. During World War II, new and repaired Allison V-12 aircraft engines were tested here. These engines were used in planes like the P38-Lightning and Curtis Kittyhawk. The stone buildings and dividers between the testing bays are still mostly standing. Many of the workers who refurbished these engines were women.
Education Opportunities
Primary School
The closest government primary school for children in Eagle Farm is in the neighboring suburb of Hamilton.
Secondary School
For high school students, the nearest government secondary school is Aviation State High School in Hendra.
Tertiary Education
Gateway College opened in 1966. It is now known as TAFE Queensland SkillsTech. This college offers trade courses like electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy. A new $40 million Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre (RAMC) started being built there in October 2023.
Images for kids
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Industrial premises, Eagle Farm
