Puneet Varma (Editor)

Shire of Diamantina

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Population
  
288 (2015)

State electorate(s)
  
Mount Isa

Shire of Diamantina
  
Barcoo

Founded
  
1879

Council seat
  
Bedourie

Federal division
  
Division of Maranoa

Established
  
1879

Website
  
Shire of Diamantina

Area
  
94,823 km²

Region
  
Central West Queensland

Mayor
  
Geoff Morton

Shire of Diamantina wwwdiamantinaqldgovauimageimagegalleryuuid

The Shire of Diamantina is a local government area in Central West Queensland, bordering South Australia and the Northern Territory. Its administrative centre is in the town of Bedourie.

Contents

Map of Diamantina, QLD, Australia

Like most places in Queensland with the "Diamantina" name, it was named after Lady Diamantina Bowen (née Roma), the wife of the first governor of Queensland, Sir George Bowen.

It covers an area of 94,823.2 square kilometres (36,611.4 sq mi), and has existed as a local government entity since 1879. The town of Birdsville is home to the iconic Birdsville Races, a horse race meeting to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

History

On 11 November 1879, the Diamantina Division was established as one of 74 divisions around Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 with a population of 1153.

In October 1880, part of Diamantina Division was separated to create Gregory Division.

On 21 June 1883, the boundaries between Diamantina Division and Bulloo Division were adjusted.

With the passage of the Local Authorities Act 1902, Diamantina Division became the Shire of Diamantina on 31 March 1903.

Towns and localities

The Shire of Diamantina includes the following settlements:

  • Bedourie
  • Betoota
  • Birdsville
  • National parks
  • Astrebla National Park
  • Diamantina National Park
  • Simpson Desert National Park
  • Chairmen and mayors

    Chairmen
  • 1889: William Blair (owner of the Birdsville Hotel)
  • 1927: Harry Afford
  • Mayors
  • 2008—2012: Robbie Dare (elected unopposed)
  • 2012— : Geoffrey (Geoff) Moreton
  • References

    Shire of Diamantina Wikipedia