BLACKWATER

rincan18
Oct 23, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jun 26

Blackwater is Queensland’s first 5 star accredited Queensland Tidy Town.

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History and Geography Facts

Blackwater was established on Gangulu territory, and is named after the Blackwater Creek which apparently was first observed to flow with black water, believed to be caused by the local coal deposits. Coal deposits were discovered there by Ludwig Leichhardt on his expedition from Moreton Bay to Port Essington (now Darwin, Northern Territory) in 1845. Leichhardt saw "beds of coal indistinguishable from those on the Hunter at Newcastle". Blackwater Post Office opened on 19 July 1877.

Six major open cut coal mines and one underground dot the landscape surrounding the town and provide its main employment opportunities. The town is also situated close to the Blackdown Tableland National Park which lies to the southeast and Blackwater coal mine located south of the town. Emerald is 74 kilometres (46 mi) to the west.

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Local Government Information

Approximately 100,000 workers have been employed in coal mining at Blackwater over its 50-year history. The town has provided considerable economic development for Queensland and Australia more generally.

Olympic track cyclist Anna Meares was born in Blackwater in 1983. In 2012, a street was named after her, when Meares Street was constructed as part of a new subdivision in the centre of Blackwater. Australian television personality, actor and comedian Josh Thomas was born in Blackwater in 1987, but moved with his family to Brisbane soon after.

Attractions and Events

Blackwater International coal centre – This towns signature attraction museum. Explaining the history of coal mining with displays, giant machinery and local history exhibits.

Old Steam Coal Train – Historic locomotive display beside the highway ( a popular photo stop and reminder of the regions railway/ mining history)

Timeless garden – A quiet memorial-style garden area that’s nice for a short stroll and local history events

Blackwater May day Rodeo – One of the towns biggest weekends with rodeo events, live music, food, kids rides and country atmosphere. (usually held in early May)

May Day Fun Fair – Community fair with markets, fireworks, entertainment rides and the labour day march.