Population 1,755 (2011 census) Postcode(s) 4312 County Cavendish Postal code 4312 Federal division Division of Blair | Established 1872 LGA(s) Somerset Region Parish Esk Local time Wednesday 8:48 AM | |
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Weather 22°C, Wind S at 10 km/h, 56% Humidity | ||
Esk is a town and locality in the Somerset Region in South East Queensland, Australia. In the 2011 census, Esk had a population of 1,755 people.
Contents
- Map of Esk QLD 4312 Australia
- Geography
- History
- Heritage listings
- War memorial and memorial park
- Economy
- Education
- Attractions
- Past population
- Media
- Notable persons from Esk
- References
Map of Esk QLD 4312, Australia
Geography
Esk is approximately 64 kilometres (40 mi) northwest of Ipswich on the Brisbane Valley Highway. It was named after the River Esk in Scotland and England. It is the administrative centre of the Somerset Region.
The town of Esk is contained in the Queensland electoral district of Nanango.
History
The land around Esk was first explored by Captain Patrick Logan in 1830. The town was established to service the short-lived copper mines of Eskdale and Cressbrook Creek. Settlers moved into the region during the 1840s.
Mount Esk Post Office opened on 1 February 1874 (a receiving office had been open from 1873) and was renamed Esk by February 1881.
Mount Esk State School was opened on 1 November 1875 and was renamed Esk State School in 1887.
In 1886, the Brisbane Valley railway line reached Esk from Lowood. Several sawmills were built and in 1904 a butter factory opened. The timber industry declined in the 1920s.
In July 1941, a Lutheran church was opened.
Dairying slowed from the 1960s onwards, which has eventually led to the decline of the town's importance as a major rural centre.
The Caboonbah Homestead was destroyed by fire on 10 May 2009.
During the 2010–2011 Queensland floods, the centre of Esk was flooded when Redbank Creek burst its banks for the first time ever.
Heritage listings
Esk has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
War memorial and memorial park
On 30 November 1920, Dr Graham Butler laid the foundation stone of the Esk War Memorial. The finished memorial was unveiled by General Lachlan Chisholm Wilson on 27 August 1921. The memorial records the names of 462 Shire residents who enlisted during the First World War. It also contains bronze honour rolls bearing the names of 83 local men who died during the war. Four commemorative plaques have subsequently been added to the structure. The war memorial stands in Esk Memorial Park, which also contains a memorial to Captain Logan, who was murdered while exploring the Brisbane Valley in 1830.
Economy
The small town serves as a centre for a rich farming area.
Education
Esk State School, a government primary (P-7) school, is located at 49 East Street (27.247743°S 152.425994°E / -27.247743; 152.425994 (Esk State School)). In 2012, there were 168 students in 8 classes, mostly with multi-aged groups. As there is no high school in Esk, students from the Esk State School typically attend Toogoolawah State High School in Toogoolawah, Lockyer District High School in Gatton or Lowood State High School in Lowood or private schools in and around Ipswich.
Attractions
Nearby attractions include Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe, both lakes created by dams, and Ravensbourne and Crows Nest National Parks.
The historic Bellevue Homestead is located in the area. Also close by are the peaks Glen Rock and Mount Esk.
Past population
At the 2006 census, Esk had a population of 1,166.
Media
Esk is serviced by a Christian radio station on FM 87.6 MHz.