|
|
People and Lifestyle
|
Climate and Weather
Hughenden and the surrounding districts have a dry, tropical climate.
Temperatures can range from a maximum of 44 degrees Celsius in the hotter months of October, November, December, January and February to a minimum of minus 2 degrees Celsius during the cooler months of May, June, July and August.
The average rainfall is 340mm – 450mm falling mostly between December and March, although some variations are experienced. Travellers are urged to enquire at the Flinders Discovery Centre in Gray Street, Hughenden about road conditions in the wetter parts of the year.
For more information on the Climate Averages for Hughenden and Daily Weather Observations please visit the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au.
|
 |
 |
Location
Hughenden is located on the fully bitumen sealed Flinders Highway, 518 kilometres east of Mt Isa, 386 kilometres south west of Townsville, 215 km north east of Winton and 1432 kilometres north west of Brisbane. Cairns (644km) can be reached through the inland, partially sealed Kennedy Developmental Road. The Flinders Shire takes advantage of its strategic location at the crossroads of the Flinders Highway and Kennedy Developmental Road. Straddling the major transport and tourism routes, east-west and north-south, provides immediate access to national and international markets.
Other towns nearest to the town of Hughenden are Richmond (110 kilometres west), Muttaburra (217 kilometres south), Mount Garnet (418 kilometres north) and Charters Towers (245 kilometres east).
Prairie, Torrens Creek and Stamford are the other townships located within the Flinders Shire. Prairie (44kilometres east of Hughenden) and Torrens Creek (92kilometres east of Hughenden) are both located on the Flinders Highway. Stamford (71kilometres south of Hughenden) is situated on the Winton to Hughenden Road.
|
|
Geography
Hughenden, the main centre in the Shire of Flinders, is situated on the banks of Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders River. The entire Shire is located above the Artesian Basin and many properties – plus the town – rely on water form sub-artesian bores.
The Flinders Shire is predominately a grazing area. The basalt red and black volcanic soil country north of the Flinders River consists of cattle properties, with the black soil downs country south of Hughenden proving suitable grazing land for sheep.
|
 |
|
Population and Demographics of the Flinders Shire
The Flinders Shire covers an area of 41, 632 square kilometres. (See map of Flinders Shire).
In the 1996 Census the population of the Flinders Shire was recorded as 2 222.
According to the 2001 Census the Flinders Shire has a population of approximately 2 152, of which approximately 1400 to 1500 of those people reside in Hughenden.
The estimated resident population, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in June 2005 is 1997.
A new census is being undertaken in August 2006, these results will be made available in March 2007.
Some interesting facts from the 2001 Census:
* Gender ratio was 52.5% Males and 47.2% Females
* Average age was 35.5
* 87.1% were born in Australia
* 92.0% Speak English only
* 54.3% were married
* Average weekly income grew 42.9% between the 1996 Census and the 2001 Census
* Average weekly income in 2001 was $520
* 28% used a computer
* 22% used the internet
* The unemployment rate in 2001 was 2.9%
* 34.5% were employed in the Agricultural industry
* 12.6% were employed in the Retail industry
* 10.5% Employed in construction
* 6% employed ion accommodation, cafes and restaurants.
For more information and statistical data on the population and demographics of the Flinders Shire visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website at http://www.abs.gov.au or visit www.mitez.com.au
|
|
|
Sport and Recreation
For a full listing of the many activities available in the Flinders Shire please see the Community Groups page and the Calendar of Events.
There are extensive park and recreational areas along the banks of the Flinders River.
Features unique to the Shire are showcased through displays of public art, celebrating the history and culture that promote the innovation of our residents.
Many sports are offered including 2 pony clubs, campdrafting, swimming, golf, lawn bowls, tennis, rugby league, netball, tae kwon do, yoga, sporting shooters and social dancing.
Some of the associations include: Country Music Association, Scouts and Cubs, Girl Guides, Lions Club, Parents & Citizens Associations, Queensland Country Women’s Association, Queensland Arts Council, RSL and St Vincent De Paul Society.
|
|
Facilities
Hughenden is serviced by adequate facilities including two banks, four motels, three caravan parks, a public swimming pool and many business houses offering types of goods and services. Hughenden boasts one of the most modern airports in Western Queensland.
In 2002, the Flinders Shire Council completed the construction of the new “Diggers Entertainment Centre”. This centre allows for indoor sports, musicals, plays, concerts, weddings and more, with seating up to 700 people.
|
|
|
|
|
