Middle Ridge, Queensland facts for kids
Middle Ridge is a residential area, also known as a locality, located in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It's part of the wider Toowoomba Region. In 2021, about 7,595 people called Middle Ridge home.
Quick facts for kids Middle RidgeToowoomba, Queensland |
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Gabbinbar Homestead, 1997
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 Middle Ridge
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 7,595 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 873/km2 (2,260/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4350 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 420–670 m (1,378–2,198 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 8.7 km2 (3.4 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Toowoomba Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Toowoomba South | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Groom | ||||||||||||||
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Contents
Where is Middle Ridge?
Middle Ridge is located about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the center of Toowoomba city.
A big mountain range, called the Great Dividing Range, runs through Middle Ridge. The western part of the area is higher, about 660 to 670 meters (2,165 to 2,200 feet) above sea level. This higher area is mostly where people live. The eastern part of Middle Ridge drops quickly to about 420 meters (1,378 feet) above sea level.
A Look Back in Time
Middle Ridge got its name in the 1860s. Back then, people driving wagons would camp in Toowoomba. They would let their animals graze in the area between two creeks, which was known as the "middle ridge."
Early Government and Schools
From 1880 to 1917, Middle Ridge was its own local government area, called the Shire of Middle Ridge. A "shire" is like a small county or district with its own local council. The center of this shire was at the corner of Stenner and Hume Streets. This is now in the north-western part of Middle Ridge.
Middle Ridge State School, a local public school, first opened its doors on May 27, 1884.
Motor Racing Fun
Between 1958 and 1961, Middle Ridge hosted exciting motor racing events. These races happened in September, at the same time as the famous Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba. The race track used regular streets like Stenner Street, Mackenzie Street, Alderley Street, and Rowbotham Street.
The races stopped after 1961 for a few reasons. Some local farmers said the loud engines bothered their chickens. Others thought the noise didn't fit with the peaceful flower carnival. Also, the races might have drawn people away from other carnival events.
Schools in Middle Ridge
Middle Ridge State School is a government primary school. It teaches boys and girls from Prep (the first year of school) to Year 6. In 2017, the school had 827 students. It also has a special education program for students who need extra support. You can find the school at 203 Spring Street.
There is also a campus of One School Global at 40 Gerrard Street. This school, previously called the Agnew School, is for both primary and secondary students. It is run by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
Middle Ridge does not have its own government high school. The closest one for students is Centenary Heights State High School. This school is located in the nearby area of Centenary Heights.
Important Places and Activities
Gabbinbar Homestead
Middle Ridge is home to a special historic place called Gabbinbar homestead. This beautiful old building is located at 344-376 Ramsay Street. It is listed as a heritage site, meaning it's an important part of the area's history and culture.
Sports and Fun
The Toowoomba Golf Club Middle Ridge is a great place for golf lovers. It has an 18-hole golf course and is located at 245 Rowbotham Street.
Other sports facilities in Middle Ridge include the Echo Valley Motor Sport Complex. This complex is home to the Toowoomba Auto Club and the Toowoomba Motocross Club. There is also the Valleys rugby league club for those who enjoy rugby.
