Population 678 (2011 census) Local time Tuesday 3:43 PM | Postcode(s) 4407 Postal code 4407 | |
 | ||
Location 217 km (135 mi) W of Brisbane93 km (58 mi) W of Toowoomba, Queensland43 km (27 mi) S of Dalby46 km (29 mi) N of Millmerran Weather 31°C, Wind S at 19 km/h, 24% Humidity | ||
Cecil Plains is a town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. The town is located in the Toowoomba Region, 217 kilometres (135 mi) west of the state capital, Brisbane. At the 2011 census, Cecil Plains had a population of 678. The fertile black soil around Cecil Plains is ideal for cotton production and the town is now the home of one of the largest cotton gins in the southern hemisphere.
Contents
Map of Cecil Plains QLD 4407, Australia
History
European settlement in the area began in 1842, when Henry Stuart Russell claimed land around the Condamine River to establish Cecil Plains station. The site of the station homestead was to become the site of the town. Ludwig Leichhardt used the homestead as a base for two expeditions into the surrounding region in 1844 and 1847. The station originally grazed cattle but later moved to wool production.
In 1916, Cecil Plains station was acquired by the Queensland government and subdivided for closer settlement, with some parcels reserved for soldier settlers. The new settlers produced mainly wheat and dairy. The railway arrived in 1919, followed by a post office in 1921 (a receiving office had been open from 1890) and a police station in 1934. The local pub is called the Victory Hotel, as a result of a successful vote in 1938 (on the third attempt) to establish a drinking establishment in the town. From the 1960s cotton became the main crop grown in the area.
Recreation
Cecil Plains is host to a number of recreational facilities, including the Cecil Plains Golf Club, Apex Park at the Cecil Plains Weir, and the Cecil Plains Library.
The Cecil Plains Library is operated by the Toowoomba Regional Council. The library is located on Taylor Street and is open three days a week.