kids encyclopedia robot

Pormpuraaw, Queensland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Pormpuraaw
Queensland
Pormpuraaw-cape-york-australia-com.jpg
Pormpuraaw, 2017
Pormpuraaw is located in Queensland
Pormpuraaw
Pormpuraaw
Location in Queensland
Population 749 (2016 census)
Established 1938
Postcode(s) 4871
LGA(s) Pormpuraaw
State electorate(s) Cook
Federal Division(s) Leichhardt
Localities around Pormpuraaw:
Gulf of Carpentaria Aurukun Holroyd River
Gulf of Carpentaria Pormpuraaw Edward River
Gulf of Carpentaria Kowanyama Edward River

Pormpuraaw (pronounced porm-pure-ow) is a coastal town and a locality in the Aboriginal Shire of Pormpuraaw, Queensland, Australia. Pormpuraaw is an Aboriginal community situated on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula approximately halfway between Karumba and Weipa on the Edward River. It is 650 kilometres (400 mi) by road from Cairns. Pormpuraaw currently has a 4-man police station.

Formerly known as Edward River Aboriginal Mission, Pormpuraaw was an Anglican mission established in 1938. The people included Thaayorre, Wik, Pakanh and Yir Yoront. This was the third mission to be set up in the southwestern Cape York region. In 1967 control was passed from the church to the Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs.

The community received DOGIT status, and is governed by a community council. Pormpuraaw has been successful in developing a commercial crocodile farm, a cattle operation and some tourism.

In the 2016 census, Pormpuraaw had a population of 749 people, 83% of whom were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Mission

Formerly known as Edward River Aboriginal Mission, Pormpuraaw was an Anglican mission established in 1938. The people included Thaayorre, Wik, Pakanh and Yir Yoront. This was the third mission to be set up in the southwestern Cape York region. In 1967 control was passed from the church to the Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs.

The community received DOGIT status, and is governed by a community council. Pormpuraaw has been successful in developing a commercial crocodile farm, a cattle operation and some tourism.

Utilities

Electricity is supplied by a generator. Electricity is paid up front via the use of power cards which are purchased from the Coffee Shop and Australia Post Post Office. Power is very expensive with an average cost of A$40 to A$45 per week when running air conditioners.

Town water is supplied by a bore and pumped into tanks. The water is of reasonable quality and high in minerals which gives it a strong flavour. Both police residences have rain water tanks that are suitable for drinking. Water pressure from both water sources is low.

Sewage is by pumping stations to settling ponds.

Medical

The Far Northern regional Health Authority operates the Pormpuraaw Primary Health Clinic which is open during business hours on Monday to Saturday and after hours for emergencies. There is no doctor or dentist within town. The Royal Flying Doctor Service attends once a week and the dentist once every two to three months. The Royal Flying Doctor will also attend for emergencies. The hospital operates with four registered nurses and four locally recruited health workers.

Education

There is a State primary school which caters for children from Years 1 to 7 with classes from differing year levels combined. There is one preschool and one day care centre which is operated by an Aboriginal corporation. There is no high school or TAFE in the division.

kids search engine
Pormpuraaw, Queensland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.