Kandanga, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KandangaQueensland |
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Kandanga Hotel
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 Kandanga
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 659 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 13.962/km2 (36.16/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4570 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 47.2 km2 (18.2 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Gympie Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Gympie | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Wide Bay | ||||||||||||||
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Kandanga is a small town and a local area in the Gympie Region of Queensland, Australia. In 2021, about 659 people lived in Kandanga.
Contents
Exploring Kandanga's Location
Kandanga is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. It's also about 28 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of Gympie. The town sits right by Kandanga Creek, which flows into the Mary River. The Mary River creates the eastern and northeastern edges of the area.
Kandanga is part of a group of towns in the beautiful Mary Valley. Other towns nearby include Imbil, Amamoor, and Dagun.
Kandanga's Past: A Brief History
The first settlement in this area was called Bunya Creek. When the railway station opened in Kandanga in 1914, the town moved to where it is today. That's when it got its current name.
The name "Kandanga" might come from the local Kabi Aboriginal language. It could mean a fork or a sharp bend in a creek. Another idea is that it refers to the cabbage tree.
The Kandanga Post Office first opened in June 1914. Before that, a smaller "receiving office" had been open since 1895. Kandanga State School welcomed its first students in September 1915. The Kandanga War Memorial was officially revealed on 11 November 1920. It was opened by Harry Walker, a local politician.
The Traveston Crossing Dam Plan
In 2006, the government planned to build a large dam called the Traveston Crossing Dam on the Mary River. This dam was meant to provide water for the growing Sunshine Coast. However, it would have flooded many farms, including those in Kandanga.
The dam project did not go ahead because of environmental concerns. But before the plan was stopped, much of the land was bought from the original owners. After the dam was cancelled, a plan was put in place to help the area recover. Farmland was divided and offered to new owners. These new farmers have brought different crops to the Mary Valley.
Rebuilding the Kandanga Hotel
On 12 December 2015, the Kandanga Hotel, which was over 100 years old, sadly burned down. The fire started in the kitchen. But the local people quickly came together. They set up a temporary hotel next door while the main one was rebuilt. The new Kandanga Hotel officially reopened on 12 July 2017.
People Living in Kandanga
The number of people living in Kandanga has changed a bit over the years.
- In 2006, there were 596 people.
- In 2016, the population grew to 665 people.
- In 2021, the population was 659 people.
Important Heritage Sites
Kandanga has several places that are listed as important heritage sites. These places are protected because they show the history of the area.
- Mary Valley Railway Cream Sheds
- Main Street: Kandanga Railway Station
- 65 Main Street: Kandanga Cottage
- 81 Main Street: Kandanga Memorial Hall
- 84 – 86 Main Street: Kandanga State School
- 41 – 45 Stephens Street: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Learning in Kandanga
Kandanga State School is a primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It is located at 84 Main Street. In 2018, the school had 44 students. There were 4 teachers and 6 other staff members helping out.
There are no high schools in Kandanga itself. The closest government high school for students up to Year 10 is Mary Valley State College in nearby Imbil. For students up to Year 12, the nearest school is Gympie State High School in Gympie.
