Mapoon, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mapoon Queensland
Mapoon beach
Mapoon Location in Queensland
Population	469 (2021 census)
• Density	0.07129/km2 (0.1846/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4874
Area	6,578.7 km2 (2,540.1 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	88.2 km (55 mi) N of Weipa 733 km (455 mi) NW of Cooktown 902 km (560 mi) NW of Cairns 2,556 km (1,588 mi) NW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Aboriginal Shire of Mapoon Shire of Cook
State electorate(s)	Cook
Federal Division(s)	Leichhardt
Localities around Mapoon: Gulf of Carpentaria Injinoo Jardine River Gulf of Carpentaria Mapoon Shelburne Mission River Mission River Wenlock

Mapoon is a coastal town in Queensland, Australia. It is located on the western side of the Cape York Peninsula. Mapoon is part of the Aboriginal Shire of Mapoon. It also extends into the Shire of Cook. In 2021, about 469 people lived in Mapoon.

Discover the History of Mapoon

Mapoon has a rich and important history. It tells a story of ancient cultures and big changes over time.

Ancient Languages and First Peoples

Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous people lived in the Mapoon area. They spoke unique languages.

• Teppathiggi is one of these languages. It was spoken around the Western Cape York Peninsula and near the Ducie and Batavia Rivers.
• Uradhi is another language. It was spoken north of Mapoon, reaching towards Duyfken Point. After British settlement, Uradhi speakers also lived in places like New Mapoon and Injinoo.

These languages are a key part of the area's cultural heritage.

The Mission Era: 1891 to Mid-1900s

In 1891, the Moravian Church started a mission in Mapoon. They wanted to offer education and health services to the Aboriginal people. The Presbyterian Church had asked them to do this. By 1907, the mission was acting like a community center and school for local people.

Forced Relocation and the Fight for Land Rights

Big changes came to Mapoon in the 1950s. This was when a mineral called bauxite was found nearby. Bauxite is used to make aluminium.

• Mining Companies Arrive: The Queensland Government passed laws to help mining companies like Comalco and Alcan. A large area of the mission land was taken for mining.
• Forced Move: In November 1963, the government and Comalco decided to move the residents. Police forcibly moved people from "Old Mapoon" to "New Mapoon." This new place was about 200 kilometers away by ship.
• Homes Burnt: The police raid was ordered by Patrick Killoran, who was in charge of Aboriginal Affairs. Many homes were burnt down by the Queensland Police. The government said this move was to "rationalize services." This meant they wanted to centralize services for Indigenous people in the Bamaga area.

Many people were unhappy in New Mapoon. Over the next few years, families began moving back to "Old Mapoon." Mapoon became famous for its fight for Indigenous land rights in the 1970s. By 1975, seven families had returned. The government later provided new housing.

Mapoon Today: Education and Community

Mapoon has continued to grow and develop.

• Schooling: Mapoon State School opened in 1995. In 2002, it became part of the Western Cape College. This college has a campus right in Mapoon.
• Community Recognition: In 2000, the Mapoon Aboriginal community was officially recognized. This was under a special arrangement called a Deed of Grant in Trust. The Mapoon Aboriginal Council now manages community affairs with government help.

Mapoon's Geography and Climate

Mapoon is located on the western side of the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. It sits right on the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Coastal Features and Rivers

The town of Mapoon is on a peninsula. This land sticks out into the Gulf of Carpentaria.

• Cullen Point: At the tip of the peninsula is Cullen Point. This point helps create a bay called Port Musgrave.
• Port Musgrave: This bay is likely named after Sir Anthony Musgrave, a former Queensland Governor.
• Rivers: The Ducie River and Wenlock River flow through the area. They both empty into Port Musgrave.
• Red Beach: South of the town is Red Beach. This sandy area faces Port Musgrave. Many of the houses are spread out along Red Beach Road.
• Flying Fox Island: This small island is in the western part of Port Musgrave. It is close to the coast north of the town.

Travel and Climate

Getting to Mapoon can depend on the time of year.

• Wet Season: From December to April, it is the wet season. During this time, the town is mostly reached by air or sea.
• Airstrip: There is an airstrip about 4 kilometers south of the town.
• Mining Area: A large area of Mapoon is covered by the Alcan Weipa mining lease. This is a bauxite mine. It also includes the Myerfield Strip, another aircraft landing strip.

Mapoon has a tropical savanna climate. This means it is hot all year round. There is a short wet season from November to April. The rest of the year, from May to November, is a longer dry season.

What Mapoon Offers Today

Mapoon is a lively community with important services and attractions.

Local Economy and Jobs

The local economy in Mapoon includes fishing.

• Fishing Business: A fishing business operates here. It provides mudcrabs from Port Musgrave Bay and the Dulhunty and Wenlock rivers to markets further south.
• Council Employment: Many local people work for the Mapoon Council. The Council provides services for the community. In 2006, it even won a contract to maintain the 80-kilometer dirt road from Weipa.

Education and Community Facilities

Mapoon has essential services for its residents.

• Primary School: The town has a primary school campus. It is part of the Western Cape College.
• Health Services: There is a nursing station to help with health needs.
• Council Office and Shop: The town also has a council office and a small shop. This shop provides fuel and food.
• Indigenous Knowledge Centre: In 2022, a new Mapoon Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) opened. It is inside the new Mapoon Cultural Centre. The IKC has computers and a library connection.

Things to See and Do

Mapoon is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

• Camping: You can find camping spots near the town at Cullen Point and Janie Creek.
• Fishing and Crabbing: The area is famous for excellent fishing and crabbing. It's a great place for outdoor adventures.