Population 46 (2006 census) Postcode(s) 6623 State electorate(s) Moore Founded 1916 Postal code 6623 | Established 1916 LGA(s) Shire of Morawa Elevation 280 m Local time Friday 3:29 PM Federal division Division of Durack | |
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Location 361 km (224 mi) N of Perth
10 km (6 mi) SE of Morawa Weather 32°C, Wind W at 27 km/h, 26% Humidity | ||
Koolanooka is a small town in the MidWest region of Western Australia. It is situated between Morawa and Perenjori just off the Mullewa-Wubin road. At the 2006 census, Koolanooka had a population of 46.
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Map of Koolanooka WA 6623, Australia
In 1932 the Wheat Pool of Western Australia announced that the town would have two grain elevators, each fitted with an engine, installed at the railway siding.
Name
Originating as a station on the Mullewa to Wongan Hills railway line it was initially known as Bowgada when it was planned in 1913. The name Bowgada was taken from the pastoral station located nearby. Shortly before the line was opened in 1914 the name changed to Koolanooka and the next station south on the railway line was named Bowgada instead. The townsite was gazetted in 1916.
The town takes its name from the nearby Koolanooka Spring. The word is Aboriginal in origin and means place of plenty Wild Turkeys.
Iron ore mining
An Iron Ore mine was opened in the area in 1965 along with the associated railway spur line, powerhouse, port facilities at Geraldton and housing for workers in Morawa.
The original 1966 Koolanooka Iron mine was the first iron ore exporting mine in Western Australia
In 2006 iron ore mining was re-commencing at the location.
Transport
It is served by a railway station on the narrow gauge originally WAGR now Brookfield Rail network, on what was known as the Mullewa line