Shire of Balonne facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shire of Balonne Queensland
Location within Queensland
Population	4,320 (2021 census)
• Density	0.13889/km2 (0.3597/sq mi)
Established	1879
Area	31,104 km2 (12,009.3 sq mi)
Mayor	Samantha Cathleen O'Toole
Council seat	St George
Region	Maranoa
State electorate(s)	Warrego
Federal Division(s)	Division of Maranoa
Website	Shire of Balonne
LGAs around Shire of Balonne: Maranoa Maranoa Western Downs Paroo Shire of Balonne Goondiwindi Brewarrina (NSW) Walgett (NSW) Moree Plains (NSW)

The Shire of Balonne is a local government area in South West Queensland, Australia. It is located over 500 kilometers (about 310 miles) from Brisbane, the state capital. This area covers a huge space of 31,104 square kilometers (12,009 square miles). It has been a local government area since 1879. The main town and headquarters for the Shire is St George. In 2021, about 4,320 people lived in the Shire of Balonne.

History of Balonne Shire

First Peoples of Balonne

The land of the Shire of Balonne has a rich history with Aboriginal peoples. Several Aboriginal languages were spoken here.

• Kamilaroi Language
  • Kamilaroi (also known as Gamilaroi or Gamilaraay) is an Aboriginal language from South-West Queensland.
  • It is similar to Yuwaalaraay and Yuwaalayaay.
  • The Kamilaroi language area includes towns like Dirranbandi, Thallon, Talwood, and Bungunya.
  • It also extends into New South Wales, covering places like Mungindi, Boomi, Moree, Tamworth, and Coonabarabran.

• Yuwaalaraay Language
  • Yuwaalaraay (also known as Yuwalyai or Euahlayi) is another Aboriginal language spoken in this region.
  • The Yuwaalaraay language area includes Dirranbandi and Hebel.
  • It reaches into New South Wales, including Walgett and Collarenebri.

• Yuwaalayaay Language
  • Yuwaalayaay is closely related to Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay.
  • This language area includes Dirranbandi and Goodooga.
  • It also extends to Walgett and the Narran Lakes in New South Wales.

How Balonne Shire Was Formed

Map of Ula Ula Division and adjacent local government areas, March 1902

The Shire of Balonne has changed its name over time.

• Ula Ula Division
  • On 11 November 1879, the area was first set up as the Ula Ula Division.
  • This was one of 74 divisions created across Queensland.
  • The name Ula Ula is thought to come from an Aboriginal word. It means "water lilies" or "ripples on water."

• Borough of St George
  • In 1884, the town of St George became its own separate local government area, called the Borough of St George.
  • However, in 1886, it joined back with the Ula Ula Division.

• Balonne Division and Shire
  • On 11 March 1903, the Ula Ula Division was renamed Balonne Division.
  • It was named after the Balonne River.
  • The name Balonne is also believed to be Aboriginal, meaning "water" or "running stream."
  • Later that month, on 31 March 1903, the Balonne Division officially became the Shire of Balonne.

Rivers in Balonne

The Shire of Balonne is home to many important rivers. These include the Balonne, Barwon, Boomi, Culgoa, Little Weir, Maranoa, Moonie, and Narran rivers. These rivers are popular spots for fishing. People often try to catch fish like yellowbelly and Murray cod.

Towns and Localities

The Shire of Balonne includes several towns and smaller communities. These are:

• St George (the main town)
• Alton
• Bollon
• Boolba
• Dirranbandi
• Hebel
• Mungindi
• Nindigully
• Thallon

Fun Annual Events

The Shire of Balonne hosts several exciting events each year. These events bring the community together and attract visitors.

• Fishing competitions
• A golf carnival
• Motorbike endurance rallies
• Country shows and rodeos
• Wool, craft, and flower shows

Leaders of Balonne Shire

The Shire of Balonne is led by a Mayor and council members. They help make decisions for the local community.

• Past Leaders
  • 1927: David Robert Roberts
  • 2008–2016: Donna Stewart
  • 2016: Richard Marsh
  • 2020: Samantha Cathleen O'Toole (current Mayor)

• Other Important Council Members
  • Eddie Beardmore was a council member for 15 years. He also served as the deputy chairman for 8 years. He was also a Member of the Queensland Parliament for the Balonne area.

Population Changes Over Time

The number of people living in the Shire of Balonne has changed throughout history. Here's a look at the population over the years:

Community Services

The Balonne Shire Council provides important services to its residents. One key service is access to libraries. Through a program called Rural Libraries Queensland, the council runs libraries in several towns.

• St George (the main library)
• Bollon
• Dirranbandi
• Hebel
• Thallon