Rannes, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RannesQueensland |
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Township of Rannes, 1923
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 Rannes
Location in Queensland
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| Postcode(s) | 4702 |
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Banana |
| State electorate(s) | Fitzroy |
| Federal Division(s) | Flynn |
Rannes is a small rural town in Queensland, Australia. It is located in the western part of a larger area called Goovigen, within the Shire of Banana.
Contents
Where is Rannes?
Rannes is in a region known as Central Queensland. You can find it between the towns of Wowan and Banana. It sits along the Leichhardt Highway and near the Don River.
The History of Rannes
Early Days and Settlement
Rannes began as a large sheep farm, called a pastoral station, in April 1853. Three Scottish brothers, James, Norman, and Charles Leith Hay, started it. They were the first Europeans to settle in this area. At that time, Rannes was the furthest north that British people had settled in Eastern Australia. The brothers named their new property Rannes after a family home in Scotland.
Challenges and Changes
When the settlers arrived, there were sometimes conflicts with the local Aboriginal people. In the early years, there were reports of disputes and requests for help from the Native Police, a group formed to deal with such issues. These were challenging times for everyone involved.
Town Growth and Railways
The town of Rannes was officially planned out in July 1860. It was once a very important railway town. This was because two railway lines, the Dawson Valley line and the Callide Valley railway line, met there. However, these railway lines are no longer used, and the Rannes railway station is gone today.
The local government area, called the Banana Division (later the Shire of Banana), was set up in 1880. Its main office was first in the town of Banana. But in 1930, the office moved to Rannes. Later, in 1946, it moved again to Biloela, where it is now.
The Rannes railway station was first called Kuyul. Its name was changed to Rannes on April 29, 1915.
Schools in Rannes
Rannes State School opened its doors on March 14, 1916. It closed for a short time in 1960 but reopened in 1962. It then closed permanently on March 18, 1966. Another school, Woolein State School, was open from 1918 to 1924.
Major Floods
Rannes has experienced severe floods. In February 1942, heavy rain caused the Dee and Don Rivers to swell. The water was over a mile wide and very deep, flowing quickly. People in the town had to leave their homes. Many buildings were flooded, and some smaller ones were washed away. Even cattle were swept away by the strong currents. Roads, railways, and phone lines were badly damaged, making it hard for Rannes residents to get help.
In March 1949, Rannes flooded again. The water level was a bit lower than in 1942, but it still covered the railway bridge, stopping all trains.
What Rannes Does Today
Local Economy
Rannes is mainly a farming town. Its economy focuses on raising beef cattle and growing grain.
Education for Kids
There are no schools located directly in Rannes anymore. For primary school, children usually go to Goovigen State School, which is in the nearby town of Goovigen. For high school, students can attend Baralaba State School (up to Year 10) in Baralaba or Biloela State High School (up to Year 12) in Biloela.
