Kalamia Sugar Mill
Script error: No such module "Settlement short description".
Brandon | |
|---|---|
Rural community | |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Queensland |
| Local government area | Shire of Burdekin |
| Surveyed | 1882 |
| Population (Most recent census) | |
• Total | 1,088 |
| • Density | Template:Infobox settlement/densdisp |
| Time zone | UTC+10:00 (AEST) |
Brandon is a rural community and designated locality situated within the Shire of Burdekin, in Queensland, Australia. According to the most recent census, the population of Brandon was recorded at 1,088 residents.
History
The townsite of Brandon was officially surveyed in 1882, with the initial land parcels offered for sale during that same year. The name honors Henry Brandon, an early sugar industry pioneer in the Mackay and Lower Burdekin areas, who was also the son-in-law of settler Korah Halcomb Wills.
The local Post Office commenced operations on 6 September 1883, taking over from a Receiving office previously known as Pioneer Estate, Lower Burdekin, which had been renamed Brandon in August 1883.
Educational institutions began with Brandon Provisional School opening on 9 April 1888; it was later designated Brandon State School on 11 July 1898. Additionally, Kalamia State School began serving the community near the Kalamia Sugar Mill on 18 July 1928.
Demographics
The population of Brandon was 783 at one census. This figure increased to 1,267 by a subsequent census before experiencing a slight decrease to 1,094 at a later count, finally settling at 1,088 in the most recent census.
Heritage listings
Among Brandon’s heritage sites is:
- St Patrick's Catholic Church, located at 27 Spiller Street
Economy
Sugarcane farming forms the backbone of Brandon’s economy, utilizing underground irrigation systems. Wilmar Sugar Australia manages two significant sugar mills: the Kalamia Sugar Mill positioned in the northeast along Lilliesmere Road adjacent to Lilliesmere Lagoon, and the Pioneer Sugar Mill found on Pioneer Mill Road to the west.
Education
Brandon State School is a government-run primary institution (Prep–6) situated on Drysdale Street. In 2017, its enrolment comprised 45 students supported by four teachers and six non-teaching staff members (equivalent to four full-time positions).
Kalamia State School, also catering to primary levels (Prep–6), is located on Lilliesmere Road. During 2017, it had an enrolment of 14 students with one teacher and five non-teaching staff (two full-time equivalent).
Secondary education is not available within Brandon; the closest option is Ayr State High School in the neighboring town of Ayr.
Sport
Situated southwest along Bruce Highway, Pioneer Park Speedway serves as a major motorcycle speedway venue. It hosts significant competitions including qualifying heats for the Speedway World Championship and the concluding event of the Australian Solo Championship, highlighting its key role in Australian motorsport.