Blackwater

Blackwater

Blackwater is a large mining town, located on the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Emerald. While coal was discovered by Ludwig Leichardt during the mid 1840's, it wasnt until the mid 1960's that serious operations began. The town was suddenly known as the "Coal capital of QLD" and subsequently the town was significantly extended and upgraded to serve the influx of residents. Coal mining began in 1968 and is transported by rail to Gladstone to be shipped or used in the power stations. Interestingly, Blackwater has never grown to expectations - originally the town was surveyed to be large enough to support 12,000 residents however at this stage only a half of the proposed town was ever built perhaps giving reason for the lovely dual carriageway roads that end unexpectedly. In the area is Blackdown Tableland National Park which has deep gorges, spectacular waterfalls and great views. The town itself is unusual in design with the area opposite the railway station forming the original town and the utopian style development further north more recent.

Population: 5,200
State: Queensland
Postcode: 4717
Local Government: Duaringa Shire Council
Main Watercourses: None
Location: 829km north west of Brisbane, 195km west of Rockhampton
Main Roads: Capricorn Highway
Radio Stations (Music): 4HI-FM (103.7), Hot FM (94.7)

Photos from Blackwater:

Railway Street (Capricorn Hwy), looking east in Blackwater (1999).

The Capricorn Highway, heading east approaching Blackwater (1999).

Bauman Street, looking south-east with the Blackdown Tablelands in the distance, Blackwater (1999).

	Railway Street (Capricorn Hwy), looking east in Blackwater (1999).
	The Capricorn Highway, heading east approaching Blackwater (1999).
	Bauman Street, looking south-east with the Blackdown Tablelands in the distance, Blackwater (1999).