Farleigh Sugar Mill
| Company type | Cooperative |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sugar production |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Founder | Sir John Bennett Laws |
| Headquarters | Farleigh , Australia |
| Products | Sugarcane crushing and sugar production |
| Owner | Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Ltd (since 1987) |
Farleigh is a countryside town and designated area within the Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia. According to the most recent census, the population of Farleigh stood at 814 residents.
Geography
Situated in the south-eastern portion of the locality, the town of Farleigh is traversed by the Bruce Highway running from the south-east toward the west. Parallel and slightly to the north-east of this highway lies the North Coast railway line. Adjacent to the Farleigh sugar mill is the Farleigh railway station, which supports an interconnected sugarcane tramway system operated by the mill.
The terrain throughout Farleigh is predominantly level, with elevations ranging between 30 and 40 metres above sea level. Most of this land is privately owned freehold and primarily utilized for agricultural purposes, notably for cultivating sugarcane.
History
Established in 1883 by Sir John Bennett Laws, Farleigh Mill began as part of a sugar plantation. Ownership transferred in 1900 to Farleigh Estate Sugar Co Ltd, which expanded its operations by absorbing several nearby mills such as Ashburton, The Cedars, and Pioneer. When CSR Limited ceased operations at Homebush Mill in 1921, Farleigh Mill took over their crushing activities. After Farleigh Estate Sugar Co Ltd declared bankruptcy in 1926, a cooperative formed by local sugarcane farmers purchased the mill. Later, in November 1987, Farleigh Mill joined forces with other mills in the Mackay district, resulting in the creation of Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Ltd.
Coningsby State School commenced operations on 24 November 1884.
Farleigh State School was established on 1 March 1909.
Demographics
The census recorded a population of 815 individuals in Farleigh at one point, followed by a count of 814 residents in a subsequent census.
Education
Within Farleigh, there are two state primary schools located approximately apart.
Coningsby State School is situated at 1312 Bruce Highway and caters to students from Prep to Year 6 under the administration of the Queensland Government. In 2016, it had an enrolment of 66 pupils supported by five teachers (equivalent to four full-time) and five non-teaching staff (equivalent to three full-time).
Farleigh State School, found on Childlow Street, also provides primary education (Prep to Year 6) as part of Queensland’s public school system. In 2016, this school had an enrolment of 24 students with three teachers (one full-time equivalent) and four non-teaching staff (three full-time equivalent).
No secondary education facilities exist within Farleigh itself; the closest government high schools are Mackay North State High School located in North Mackay and Pioneer State High School in Andergrove, both positioned to the east.
Amenities
The main religious institution serving Farleigh parish is St Brigid's Catholic Church, located at 961 Bruce Highway.
