Population 571 (2011 census) State electorate(s) Gregory Postal code 4724 Lga Barcaldine Region Federal division Division of Flynn | Postcode(s) 4724 Alpha Beaufort Local time Monday 7:00 AM Number of airports 1 | |
 | ||
Location 1,051 km (653 mi) north west of Brisbane
439 km (273 mi) west of Rockhampton
169 km (105 mi) west of Emerald
249 km (155 mi) east of Longreach Weather 22°C, Wind E at 10 km/h, 75% Humidity | ||
Erkundungsgebiet alpha queensland australien
Alpha is a rural town and locality in the Barcaldine Region in Central West Queensland, Australia. In the 2011 census, Alpha had a population of 571 people.
Contents
- Erkundungsgebiet alpha queensland australien
- Map of Alpha QLD 4724 Australia
- Geography
- History
- Mining
- Facilities
- References
Map of Alpha QLD 4724, Australia
Geography
The Capricorn Highway passes through the town, which lies on Alpha Creek.
History
Alpha was initially established as a temporary terminus during construction of the Central Western railway line (then known as the Great Northern line, a name that would be subsequently assigned to the subsequent more northern line west of Townsville to Mount Isa). The railway, which was being built westwards from Rockhampton, was opened to Alpha on 22 September 1884. The construction camp continued moving west, but a township remained at the former terminus. Until the late 1990s, Queensland Rail maintained a locomotive depot in the town.
Alpha State School opened on 30 August 1886.
At the 2006 census, Alpha had a population of 402.
The town remains a service centre for the surrounding pastoral properties and travellers on the highway.
Mining
On 29 May 2012 the first mine proposed to be developed in the Galilee Basin, known as the Alpha Coal Project, was approved by the Government of Queensland. Wharatah Coal is planning on building a new mine close to the town called the China First Coal Project. This mine is to be built on the Bimblebox nature refuge which is home to the endangered black-throated finch.
Another two mines are planned. The mining expansion is expected to place a significant strain on local infrastructure. The primary concerns are a lack of available land and sewerage, water and power systems at close to capacity.
Bimblebox, a feature-length documentary directed by Michael C O'Connell (Mountaintop Removal) premiered at the 2012 Byron Bay International Film Festival. Bimblebox explores the "China First" mega mine project being developed by Waratah Coal close to the town of Alpha in the Galilee basin. The film also examines opposition to the China First mine from the owners of the Bimblebox nature refuge which stands in the path of the proposed project. In a 20 March 2012 press conference Waratah coal CEO Clive Palmer accused environmental groups and the films producers of being funded by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Facilities
Alpha has a public library, tourism information centre, golf course, art gallery, showground, parks, swimming pool, tennis courts, museum, hardware store, newsagents, bank, pub, grocery store, bakery, butcher, post office, BP, Caltex, craft shop, hairdresser, pharmacey, hospital, police station and fire station.