Moranbah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moranbah Queensland
Moranbah Water Tower at sunset, 2011
Moranbah Location in Queensland
Population	9,425 (2021 census)
• Density	3.10145/km2 (8.0327/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4744
Elevation	249 m (817 ft)
Area	3,038.9 km2 (1,173.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)	Isaac Region
State electorate(s)	Burdekin
Federal Division(s)	Capricornia
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 29.7 °C 85 °F 16.7 °C 62 °F 614.2 mm 24.2 in
Localities around Moranbah: Pasha Eaglefield Burton Pasha Moranbah Coppabella Kilcummin Kilcummin Winchester

Moranbah is a town in the Isaac Region of Queensland, Australia. It is known as a coal mining town. In 2021, about 9,425 people lived here.

Many people also come to Moranbah to work in the mines. They often travel in and out, which is called "fly-in fly-out" (FIFO). There are more than 1,500 FIFO workers in Moranbah.

Where is Moranbah?

Moranbah is located in Queensland. The main road, called the Peak Downs Highway, goes through the southern part of the area. The town itself is about 12 kilometers north of this highway.

Getting Around

Moranbah Airport is also on the Moranbah Access Road. It is about 7 kilometers from the town. This airport helps people travel to and from the mines.

What is the Weather Like?

Moranbah has a hot and dry climate. Summers are hot and can have some rain. Winters are very mild and dry, with cooler nights.

History of Moranbah

The first European to explore this area was Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845. Later, in the 1850s, people started settling here to raise animals.

Moranbah was officially started in 1969. In the late 1970s, a company called Utah Development Company quickly made the town bigger. This was to provide homes for mine workers.

The town's growth due to mining has been shown on an Australian TV show called Four Corners twice. The show looked at how mining booms affect small country towns.

Schools Open

• Moranbah State School opened on January 1, 1971. It also had a secondary part, which became Moranbah State High School in 1976.
• Moranbah East State School opened on January 27, 1981.
• The Moranbah Post Office opened on March 1, 1971.

Cost of Living

In 2011, a study found that Moranbah was the most expensive place to live in Queensland. Things like rent and electricity were much higher than in Brisbane. However, since then, housing prices have become much more affordable. For example, the average house price between September 2023 and August 2024 was around $350,000.

50th Anniversary

In 2021, Moranbah celebrated its 50th birthday! There were four days of celebrations from April 30 to May 3. The event was originally planned earlier but had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

People of Moranbah

The number of people living in Moranbah has changed over the years:

• In 2011, there were 8,965 people.
• In 2016, the population was 8,735 people.
• In 2021, the population grew to 9,425 people.

Moranbah's Economy

Moranbah is very important for the coal mining industry. It supports many large mines in the area, such as the Peak Downs Mine and Goonyella Riverside Mine. Even though it's a newer town, its location and size have made it the main center for the Isaac Regional Council.

Over its 50-year history, about 100,000 workers have been employed in coal mining in Moranbah.

Education in Moranbah

Moranbah has several schools for students of all ages:

Moranbah State School

Moranbah State School is a government primary school for students from early childhood up to Year 6. It is located on Belyando Avenue. In 2018, the school had 567 students and also offers a special education program.

Moranbah East State School

Moranbah East State School is another government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. You can find it at 4 Williams Street. In 2018, this school had 605 students.

Moranbah State High School

Moranbah State High School is a government secondary school for students from Year 7 to Year 12. It is on Mills Avenue. In 2018, the high school had 654 students and also provides a special education program.

Things to Do in Moranbah

Even though it's a regional town, Moranbah has many fun things to do and places to go:

• A skate park
• A public library at the Grosvenor Complex
• A public swimming pool
• Sports facilities for soccer, rugby league, golf, and more
• A BMX club
• The Moranbah branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association also meets here.

Churches in Town

Moranbah has several churches:

• Assembly of God ("Oasis Life")
• Uniting Church
• Catholic Church
• Anglican Church
• Christian Fellowship Church

Sports in Moranbah

Moranbah is a very active town with many sports clubs:

• Rugby Union: The Moranbah Bulls play in the Mackay Rugby Union competition.
• Australian rules football: The Moranbah Bulldogs were started in 1976. They have won five championships in different leagues. They are currently the most recent champions in the AFL Mackay competition.
• Rugby league: The Moranbah Miners play in the Mackay & District Rugby League. They have teams for adults and juniors.
• Soccer: The Moranbah Hawks.
• Other Sports: Netball, Indoor Volleyball, Squash, Cricket, Social Water Polo, Touch Football, Gymnastics, Gun Club, BMX, Athletics Club, Golf, and Crossfit.

Famous People from Moranbah

Some well-known people were born or have lived in Moranbah:

• Clint Boge – a musician.
• Josh Hannay (born 1980) – a professional rugby league player.
• Kaylee Kimber (born 2003) - an Australian rules footballer.
• Shane Marteene (born 1977) – a professional rugby league player.
• Larrissa Miller (born 1992) – a gymnast who competed for Australia in the Olympics in 2012 and 2016.
• Travis Norton (born 1976) – a professional rugby league player.
• Clinton Schifcofske (born 1975) – a professional rugby league and rugby union player.
• Dennis Scott (born 1976) – a professional rugby league player.