Muirlea, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MuirleaIpswich, Queensland |
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Pine Mountain Road, 2014
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 Muirlea
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 174 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 25.59/km2 (66.3/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4306 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 6.8 km2 (2.6 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | City of Ipswich | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Ipswich West | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Blair | ||||||||||||||
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Muirlea is a small, quiet area in Queensland, Australia. It's located in the City of Ipswich, which is a larger city nearby. In 2021, about 174 people lived in Muirlea. It's a rural area, meaning it has more open spaces and fewer buildings than a city.
Contents
Geography
Where is Muirlea?
Muirlea is surrounded by interesting natural features. To the west, you'll find the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This used to be a railway line! The Brisbane River forms its north-eastern border. To the south, the Warrego Highway runs alongside it.
Land Use in Muirlea
The land in Muirlea is used for different things. Some areas have houses, but they are spread out. There are also nature reserves, which are places set aside to protect plants and animals. Other parts of Muirlea are used for grazing, where animals like cattle eat the natural grass.
History
How Muirlea Got Its Name
Muirlea was once part of a larger area called Brassall. The name "Muirlea" comes from its old railway station. In 1884, the station was named after local landowners, John Muir and Andrew Muir. The word lea means pasture or meadow, so it's like "Muir's pasture."
The Brisbane Valley Railway Line
The first part of the Brisbane Valley railway line opened on June 16, 1884. This line included the Muirlea railway station. Trains used to travel through this area, connecting different towns.
Incidents at Muirlea Station
Over the years, the Muirlea railway station saw some interesting events:
- In January 1902, a big storm hit the station and blew off its roof.
- In June 1902, a two-year-old child wandered onto the railway tracks. Luckily, the train driver saw the child and stopped the train just in time, only a few feet away!
- In June 1918, two trains bumped into each other at the station. It was a slow collision, so no one was hurt.
- In September 1920, a fire broke out at the station. It destroyed the office and everything inside it.
- In December 1949, another fire destroyed the station master's house. No one was living there at the time.
The railway line eventually closed in 1993. Today, all that's left of the Muirlea railway station is its sign.
Recent Discoveries
In 2013, tiny but troublesome insects called fire ants were found in Muirlea. These ants can sting and are a pest.
Demographics
Who Lives in Muirlea?
"Demographics" is a fancy word for information about the people who live in a place. In 2016, Muirlea had 190 residents. By 2021, the population was 174 people. This means it's a very small community.
Education
Schools Near Muirlea
Muirlea itself does not have any schools. Children living in Muirlea usually go to school in nearby Brassall. The closest primary school is Brassall State School. For high school, students attend Ipswich State High School, which is also in Brassall.
Amenities
Parks and Gardens
Muirlea has some lovely parks and gardens where people can relax and enjoy nature:
- Kholo Bridge Reserve: This park is a great spot to access the Brisbane River. You can go swimming or canoeing here.
- Kholo Gardens: This is a beautiful botanical garden. It's a place where many different types of plants are grown and displayed.
- Hillview Drive Reserve: If you enjoy walking in nature, this reserve is perfect for bushwalking.
