| Rockhampton Queensland | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Rockhampton | |||||||||
| Coordinates | 23°22′41″S150°30′49″E / 23.3781°S 150.5136°E /-23.3781; 150.5136 (Rockhampton (city centre)) | ||||||||
| Population | 81,021 (2022)[1] (23rd) | ||||||||
| • Density | 139.7/km2 (361.8/sq mi) | ||||||||
| Established | 1858 | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4700, 4701, 4702 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 11.3 m (37 ft) | ||||||||
| Area | 580 km2 (223.9 sq mi)[2] (2011 urban) | ||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10) | ||||||||
| Location | |||||||||
| LGA(s) | Rockhampton Region | ||||||||
| Region | Central Queensland | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | |||||||||
| Federal division(s) | Capricornia | ||||||||
| |||||||||
Rockhampton is a city in theRockhampton Region ofCentral Queensland, Australia.[3] In the2021 census, the population of Rockhampton was 79,293.[4] A common nickname for Rockhampton is "Rocky", and thedemonym of Rockhampton is Rockhamptonite.
The Scottish-Norwegian explorersCharles and William Archer came across the Toonooba River in 1853 and named it in-honour of SirCharles FitzRoy; they also named many local landmarks after figures inNorse mythology, including theBerserker Range named after the Norse warrior "Baresark". The Archer brothers took-up a run nearGracemere in 1855, and more settlers arrived soon thereafter, enticed by the fertile valleys. The town of Rockhampton was proclaimed in 1858, and surveyed to a design that closely resembled theHoddle Grid ofMelbourne, and consisted of a grid of wide boulevards and laneways, which was uncommon for Queensland cities. Within a year, gold was found atCanoona, and led to the first North Australian gold rush. TheCanoona gold rush led to an influx of migrants that transformed Rockhampton into the second-largest port in the state; during this period, Rockhampton became infamous for crime and violence, and was described by the then visiting English novelist,Anthony Trollope as the "City of the Three S's"—"sin, sweat, and sorrow".[5] Subsequent gold discoveries at theMount Morgan Mine, which was at that time one of the most-productive gold mines in the world, laid the foundations for much of the city'sVictorian architecture, and recast Rockhampton into a grand northern city.[6]
The economy of Rockhampton has strengths in tourism, health, and agriculture, with aGRP of $5.7 billion as of 2023.[7] TheCentral Queensland University founded in 1967, has its main campus atNorman Gardens, and is the only Australian university with a campus presence in every mainland state.[8] The city is served byRockhampton Airport, andPort Alma, located at the south end of theFitzroy river delta.
Rockhampton is renowned for its architecture, cuisine, and music, in particular for itsjazz scene, and has been sometimes referred to as the "Melbourne of the North",[9] in reference to the city's tree-lined boulevards and laneways. The city's historic quarter is one of Australia's most significant 19th century streetscapes and is listed on theNational Trust; the quarter comprises three city blocks along Quay street, from Fitzroy to Derby street, and is known for itsneoclassical architecture,dining andnightlife.[10] Some of the historical sites and landmarks of the city include:St Aubins,Kenmore House, theAlexandra Railway Bridge,St Joseph's Cathedral and the nearby Central Park. TheRockhampton Botanic Gardens are one of the oldest public gardens in the country, being founded in 1869 and is also the location of theRockhampton War Memorial, as well as theRockhampton Zoo.[11] Rockhampton has nationally prominent cultural institutions, including theRockhampton Museum of Art, one of the most extensive regional galleries in Australia, and theDreamtime Cultural Centre.
The Capricorn district is the traditional home of theDarumbalAboriginal people.[12] TheDarumbal (Tarumbul, Tharoombool) language region includes the city of Rockhampton extending south towards Raglan Creek and north towards the Styx River and inland along the Broad Sound Ranges.[13] TheGangulu (Kangulu, Kanolu, Kaangooloo, Khangulu) language region includes the towns ofClermont andSpringsure extending south towards theDawson River, and includes parts of Rockhampton and South Rockhampton.[14]
The British colonisation of the area began in 1853, when theArcher brothers, Charles and William, who were seeking grazing lands arrived in the Rockhampton area. They were acting on information from earlier expeditions byLudwig Leichhardt andThomas Mitchell, who had explored the area in 1844 and 1846 and noted suitable land for grazing then.[15]
In January 1854, theNew South Wales government proclaimed two new districts:Port Curtis and Leichhardt (roughly today's Fitzroy Region), and the Archer brothers returned in August 1855 to set up their pastoral run atGracemere.[16] TheFitzroy River provided a convenient waterway for shipping of supplies and produce, and the Archer brothers constructed a wool shed just downstream of a bar of rocks that prevented further upstream navigation from the coast. These rocks were incorporated with the traditional English term for a village, and the name "Rockhampton" was first coined by Charles Archer and the local Commissioner from Crown Lands, William Wiseman.[16]
In 1855, Scottish colonists and brothers William Thomas Elliott and George Mackenzie Elliot arrived at Gracemere and soon after, took up landholdings atCanoona, north of present-dayYaamba.[17] Their father was James Elliot, 3rd Laird of Wolfelee House nearHawick in Scotland. One of their other brothers wasWalter Elliot of theEast India Company and secretary to the governor of theMadras Presidency.[18]
In January 1856, after a massacre of local Aboriginal people perpetrated by LieutenantJohn Murray of theNative Police at nearby Nankin Creek, some 200 Aboriginal men, women and children came to Canoona and began shouting at the employees of the Elliots. William Thomas Elliot and his men opened fire at random upon the group which fled after a short time. William and an employee were wounded (the employee reportedly died) and about seven of the local inhabitants were killed. Fellow colonist,Charles Archer ofGracemere and a group of Native Police troopers later pursued these Aboriginal people toward the east and punished them further. Local Aboriginal people friendly to Archer were also fired upon, killing one.[17][18][19]
Permanent British settlement at the Rockhampton township began in July 1856, when Richard Palmer travelled fromGladstone with an escort of Native Police under sub-LieutenantWalter Powell to set up a store. Powell arrived at the site first and constructed the Native Police barracks. This was the first habitable British building established at Rockhampton and it was located on the south bank of the Fitzroy River at the end of Albert Street.[20]
With abundant grazing lands and waters from the Fitzroy River and its many tributaries and lagoons, the region continued to expand rapidly. In 1858, the town of Rockhampton was officially proclaimed. The town was surveyed at this time and the first sales of building allotments were held that year. In 1859, gold was discovered at Canoona. Miners rushed to the new field, using the site of Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River as the nearest navigable port. The Canoona field proved to be very disappointing and thousands of would-be gold seekers were left stranded at Rockhampton. Although many returned south, others stayed, adding to the new town's population.
Conflict with Aboriginal people in the region continued and further massacres occurred. In 1859,John Arthur Macartney attempted to stock his cousin's Belmont property just to the north of Rockhampton when a shepherd was killed by local Aboriginal men. 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Carr of theNative Police together with his troopers, the Macartneys,Peter Fitzallan MacDonald and Henry Brisdon, formed an armed group which set out to track down those responsible. The group followed the tracks and "dispersed" them.[21][22] One account of this incident describes how around hundred of the tribe were rounded up and "it ended in the usual way and the bulk of the wild mob were shot."[23]
By 1861, the town boasted a regular newspaper, banks, court house, and school of arts. Direct shipments of imported goods and migrants from the United Kingdom began to be received during the 1860s. In 1862, land in the Kensington Estate, described as just three miles from "the most rapidly rising town and district in the whole of the colonies" was advertised for sale.[24][25] During the 1860s and 1870s, Rockhampton developed as the main port for the developing Central Queensland hinterland, the main export at that time being wool.
A Primitive Methodist Church opened in Fitzroy Street, Rockhampton, in January 1864.[26][27]
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In the 1880s and 1890s, sea ports were established on the coast, adjacent to the mouth of the Fitzroy River. Broadmount was on the northern side andPort Alma on the south. Railways were subsequently constructed to carry goods to the wharves at these locations, with the railway to Broadmount opening on 1 January 1898 and the line to Port Alma opening on 16 October 1911. Maintenance on the Broadmount line ceased in August 1929. The following month, the wharf caught fire and the line was effectively closed in July 1930. The line to Port Alma closed on 15 October 1986.[28]
The significant gold deposit atMount Morgan to the southwest was discovered in the 1880s, and Rockhampton became the main port through which the wealth of Mount Morgan gold was channelled. Due to the wealth of Mount Morgan, Rockhampton weathered the severe economic depression of the 1890s, and many of the town's substantial brick and stone public buildings date from this period. The historic streetscape of Quay Street still displays a number of substantial historic buildings, built when Rockhampton was envisaged as being capital of a state of North Queensland. Most prominent of these is the sandstone Customs House (1900), which today houses an information centre. Other important 19th-century buildings include the Post Office (1892), the Supreme Court House (1888), and St Joseph's Cathedral (1892).
In September 1892 the Anglican Church in Rockhampton was the first new building in Rockhampton to be lit by electricity from the new gasworks. It was also the first church in Australia to be lit with electricity.[29]
In 1889 the people of Rockhampton established theCentral Queensland Territorial Separation League, a secessionist movement with the intentions of breaking away from the state of Queensland. The core argument of movement was that the seat of government, Brisbane was in the south-east corner of the State. It was so far removed from substantial portions of the state that these areas and their citizens were left disadvantaged and neglected as political and economic interests focused on the south. Supplementing the Central Queensland Territorial Separation League, the women of Rockhampton established their own separation league in October 1892. The inaugural meeting of the Women's Central Queensland Territorial Separation League was held at the Rockhampton School of Arts and attended by 200 women.[30] Their main focus was preparing apetition toQueen Victoria. The introductory text set out their grievances and described the immense size of Queensland: being twelve times the area of England and Wales, and larger than France, Germany, Spain and Portugal combined.[31] TheState Library of Queensland holds the original petition, signed by over 3000 women who were in support of Central Queensland becoming a separate state. The petition was forwarded to Queen Victoria but was dismissed by the Premier of Queensland, Sir Samuel Walker Griffith.[32]
TheCity of Rockhampton was proclaimed in 1902.[33] The rail connection south toBrisbane was completed in 1903, but it was not until 1921 that the northern connection toMackay was finally completed. A railway west from Rockhampton was started in 1867 and by 1892 had reached the terminus atLongreach, 700 kilometres (430 mi) away. This further strengthened Rockhampton's role as the port for the whole of Central Queensland.
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Apassenger tramway began operating on 16 June 1909, making Rockhampton the only provincial city in Queensland to have a street tramway.[34] Purrey steam trams ran on a number of routes throughout South Rockhampton, totalling 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) of track. The discomfort of passengers riding in steam trams in a tropical climate in part led to their demise in 1939, replaced by a bus network run by the City Council.[35]
Strong shaking was felt in Rockhampton when the "Great Queensland Earthquake of 1918" occurred on 7 June 1918. The earthquake was felt fromMackay in the north, toGrafton in New South Wales, and west toCharleville. Estimated to have reached a 6.0 magnitude, the earthquake caused some damage to buildings including chimney stacks crumbling, plaster being dislodged from walls and ceilings, water tanks bursting and trees being uprooted. Houses and buildings experienced considerable swaying with crockery smashing on the floor and pictures falling off walls.[36][37] The 1918 earthquake remains as the largest to have ever hit Queensland since European settlement.[38][39]
Restaurant proprietors, Emanuel, William and Nicholas Economos, trading as the Economos Bros., ran their business in East Street, Rockhampton. East Street was a bustling metropolis when the brothers opened their traditionalGreek café in the 1920s.[40] Previously known as the Australian Café, the brothers renamed it the Busy Bee Café.[41]
During the Second World War, a US army base was established outside the city; it hosted up to 70,000 servicemen en route to action in the Pacific andNew Guinea.[42]
On 2 March 1949, Rockhampton was severely damaged by acyclone.[43]
The Fitzroy RiverBarrage was commissioned in 1971. The barrage has a capacity of 81,300 megalitres and holds back a lake 60 kilometres (37 mi) long.[44] The barrage was funded by the Rockhampton City Council to provide a reliable source of water to the city, and to effectively drought proof Rockhampton. In 2002, a study showed thatsalinity was increasing in the Fitzroy Basin and, while only small areas of land were severely affected by salinity, urged that steps be taken to manage salinity by good irrigation practices and better management of tree clearing.[45]
In 1989, two bombs exploded inside the Shark Nightclub, causing injuries and extensive damage to the building.[46] The following year, the Factory Nightclub was also damaged by a bomb. It is not known who planted the bombs.
In 2003, Rockhampton was the centre of significant national media interest after local teenagerNatasha Ryan was found in the North Rockhampton home of her boyfriend, Scott Black, after being missing for five years.[47][48] Serial killerLeonard Fraser had been charged with her murder, as her disappearance occurred in the period in which Fraser had abducted and murdered other women and girls. An anonymous tip-off during Fraser's trial led to the discovery of Ryan. Despite Ryan's discovery, Fraser's defence did not seek amistrial and Fraser was convicted of the murders of other women and girls and was given an indefinite life sentence.[49]
On 20 February 2015, Rockhampton was severely damaged byCyclone Marcia damaging hundreds of homes and businesses with wind speeds over 150 kilometres per hour (93 mph) recorded in Rockhampton. Major flooding was experienced in the upper reaches of the Fitzroy River after more than 250mm were recorded.[50] The cyclone left about 100,000 properties across Central Queensland without power.[51]
According to the2016 census, there were 76,985 people in Rockhampton. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 7.2% of the population. 82.8% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were New Zealand 1.4%, England 1.3%, Philippines 1.1%, India 0.6% and Vietnam 0.4%. 86.4% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Vietnamese 0.5%, Tagalog 0.5%, Portuguese 0.3%, Filipino 0.3% and Mandarin 0.3% The most common responses for religion were Catholic 26.5%, No Religion 22.6% and Anglican 17.1%.[52]
The town lies on theFitzroy River, approximately 45 kilometres (28 mi) from where the river enters theCoral Sea, and some 600 kilometres (370 mi) north of the state capital,Brisbane. Rockhampton has a north and south side with three bridges connecting the two sides, one for trains and two for vehicles and people.
Rockhampton lies just north of theTropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland. A sculpture originally marking thelatitude was later moved into town to be more accessible to tourists. Although the Tropic of Capricorn is represented on maps as a "dotted line" that lies at 23° 26' 22", there is actually a bio-geographical overlap of Tropical and Temperate zones more than 500 kilometres (310 mi) wide; Rockhampton is roughly at its centre on the East Coast of Australia.
The city is located on the banks of the Fitzroy River, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the river mouth. TheBerserker Range lies on the eastern side of the city, with the Athelstane Range to the west. The coastal area to the east of the city is known as theCapricorn Coast, with the rapidly growing town ofYeppoon its major centre.
Rockhampton experiences ahumid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa/Cwa) with hot, humid summers and very mild, relatively dry winters with cool nights.[53] The city receives 116.3 days of clear skies annually, primarily in winter. The highest recorded temperature in Rockhampton was 45.3 °C (113.5 °F), while the lowest was −1.0 °C (30.2 °F).[54]Furthermore, the highest recorded 24-hour rainfall total was 348.0 millimetres (13.70 in) due to theJanuary 2013 Eastern Australia floods.
In summer, Rockhampton is subject to summer thunderstorms, and lying within thecyclone risk zone, it has experienced several large floods cyclones since European settlement. This is exemplified by theFitzroy River; which has a lengthy, well documented history of flood records dating back to 1859. The highest recorded flood occurred in January 1918 and reached 10.11 m (33.2 ft).[55] More recently, being affected by the2010–2011 Queensland floods the Fitzroy River peaked at 9.2 metres on 5 January 2011.[56][57]
| Climate data for Rockhampton (23º22'48"S, 150º28'48"E, 10 m AMSL) (1939–2024 normals and extremes) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 42.5 (108.5) | 43.3 (109.9) | 42.1 (107.8) | 36.6 (97.9) | 34.4 (93.9) | 32.3 (90.1) | 30.6 (87.1) | 35.1 (95.2) | 37.2 (99.0) | 41.1 (106.0) | 45.3 (113.5) | 41.9 (107.4) | 45.3 (113.5) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 32.1 (89.8) | 31.5 (88.7) | 30.6 (87.1) | 28.8 (83.8) | 26.1 (79.0) | 23.6 (74.5) | 23.3 (73.9) | 25.0 (77.0) | 27.5 (81.5) | 29.8 (85.6) | 31.3 (88.3) | 32.2 (90.0) | 28.5 (83.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22.2 (72.0) | 22.2 (72.0) | 21.0 (69.8) | 18.1 (64.6) | 14.3 (57.7) | 11.1 (52.0) | 9.8 (49.6) | 10.9 (51.6) | 13.8 (56.8) | 17.2 (63.0) | 19.6 (67.3) | 21.3 (70.3) | 16.8 (62.2) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 16.3 (61.3) | 16.2 (61.2) | 11.0 (51.8) | 4.7 (40.5) | 2.9 (37.2) | −1.0 (30.2) | −0.9 (30.4) | −0.3 (31.5) | 3.4 (38.1) | 7.0 (44.6) | 9.4 (48.9) | 10.6 (51.1) | −1.0 (30.2) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 128.0 (5.04) | 140.5 (5.53) | 104.3 (4.11) | 43.8 (1.72) | 45.6 (1.80) | 36.8 (1.45) | 32.5 (1.28) | 26.5 (1.04) | 23.9 (0.94) | 49.9 (1.96) | 67.7 (2.67) | 103.7 (4.08) | 799.7 (31.48) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm) | 8.4 | 9.0 | 7.2 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 61.8 |
| Average afternoonrelative humidity (%) | 53 | 57 | 54 | 49 | 47 | 46 | 42 | 40 | 40 | 42 | 46 | 49 | 47 |
| Averagedew point °C (°F) | 19.3 (66.7) | 19.8 (67.6) | 18.4 (65.1) | 15.3 (59.5) | 12.0 (53.6) | 9.4 (48.9) | 7.9 (46.2) | 8.1 (46.6) | 10.2 (50.4) | 13.3 (55.9) | 15.8 (60.4) | 18.1 (64.6) | 14.0 (57.1) |
| Source:Bureau of Meteorology (1939–2024 normals and extremes)[58] | |||||||||||||
Rockhampton has a number ofheritage-listed sites. For details see theList of heritage listed buildings in Rockhampton.
Rockhampton is governed by theRockhampton Regional Council. The Council consists of a mayor and seven councillors. The Mayor is elected by the public, and the Councillors are elected from seven single-member divisions using an optional preferential voting system. Elections are held every four years.
Tony Williams is the current mayor after the 2021 mayoral by-election following the resignation of long time mayor Margaret Strelow.[59] Margaret Strelow won the mayoral elections in 2013, 2016 and March 2020. Strelow had also served as Mayor of the formerCity of Rockhampton from 2000 to 2008.
The present Rockhampton Regional Council area was formed as a result of the 2008 amalgamation of four local government areas. These were the originalCity of Rockhampton which comprised most of the Rockhampton metropolitan area, theShire of Fitzroy comprisingGracemere and surrounding districts, and theShire of Mount Morgan around the town ofMount Morgan itself.
The fourth local government area was theShire of Livingstone which comprised the adjacent coastal towns and hinterland to the east and north of Rockhampton as well as some outlying Rockhampton suburbs. However, Livingstone Shire de-amalgamated from Rockhampton Region in 2014 following a referendum.
Before the 2008 amalgamation, the City of Rockhampton had a population of approximately 74,530, Fitzroy Shire approximately 11,357, and Mount Morgan Shire approximately 2,925 people.
Proposed boundary changes between Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council are under review by the Local Government Change Commission. The changes relate to three suburbs contiguous with Rockhampton City which are presently part of Livingstone Shire. The proposed changes will affect 1170 properties in the suburbs of Glenlee, Rockyview, and Glendale.[60]
The agricultural sector, specifically the cattle trade, is a dominant industry in Central Queensland. The latter has been visually represented aroundRockhampton City with aset of seven large statues of bulls known as the "Big Bulls".
Two large abattoirs are located on the south-eastern outskirts of Rockhampton provides employment for people living in Rockhampton and also for refugees from overseas who are recruited when the companies experience difficulty finding local workers to fill vacancies.[61]
One meat processing plant is located at Lakes Creek, operated by Teys Australia (aCargill joint venture)[62] while theJBS meatworks is located at Nerimbera.[63]
The Teys Australia meatworks at Lakes Creek was previously owned byKerry Packer's Consolidated Meat Group. CMG temporarily closed the facility in 2002.[64] It was reopened in 2004, when Consolidated Meat Group announced they had formed a joint venture with Teys Australia.[65] In 2011, Cargill bought out CMG's share in the company.[66]
Due to drought, floods,[67] general economic conditions and disputes with workers,[68] both facilities have experienced a number of closures over the years including the closure of the Lakes Creek meatworks from 2002 until 2004,[69] but they are both currently operating as normal.
The Central Queensland Livestock Exchange atGracemere is one of the largest livestock sales facilities in the country, lies just to the west of the city.[70]
Rockhampton promotes itself as theBeef Capital of Australia[71] but the title has been disputed a number of times by the New South Wales town ofCasino.[72][73][74]
The tri-annualBeef Australia Expo held in the city is a celebration of the local area's cattle industry.[75]
There is a permanent military presence in Rockhampton with members of theAustralian Defence Force based at the Western Street Army Barracks[76] located near theRockhampton Airport. To the north of the city lies the extensiveShoalwater Bay Military Training Area where large scale ground, air and amphibious operations are regularly conducted.
Due to its close proximity to the training area, the city regularly sees military movements between the Western Street Army Barracks and Shoalwater Bay, and hosts service personnel from overseas when joint military exercises are held. When these exercises occur, Rockhampton sees a noticeable increase in activity from military transport,[77] including from defence aircraft that are frequently seen at Rockhampton Airport throughout the exercise periods.[78][79][80]
The local economy is significantly boosted when visiting overseas troops stay in the city while participating in the army exercises.[81][82][83]
Military training conducted in the Rockhampton area regularly draws the ire of nomadic peace activists who travel to the city to protest the exercises.[84][85][86][87]
In 2011, during Exercise Talisman Sabre, a protester made his way onto the tarmac at Rockhampton Airport and attacked a $36 million Tiger helicopter with a garden mattock. The man was ordered to stand trial charged with wilful damage and threatening an aircraft[88] but died before the matter went to trial.[89]
Tourism is increasingly playing a role in the economic development of city and surrounds. The city is a convenient distance north from Brisbane to provide an overnight stop for tourists, who can then branch out to visit local attractions and spend money at local businesses including eateries, entertainment facilities or on recreational activities. The Capricorn Coast is a 30-minute drive from Rockhampton, with the islands of theKeppel group easily accessible from there.
Other attractions that are promoted to the tourist market include the Fitzroy River, the Heritage-listed buildings in the CBD, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, the Archer Park Rail Museum, Mount Archer National Park,Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, andRockhampton Zoo.[90]
A national promotional campaign was launched in 2013 to promote the local area as a premium tourist destination, featuring local singer-songwriter Kate Leahy[91] whose song "We Like" featured as the soundtrack to the television commercials that showed the attractions of Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.[92]
Other industries in the Rockhampton area include the transport, manufacturing, mining and energy sectors.
Rail groupAurizon (previously known as QR National) has a large workforce in the city, which is the meeting point for the main north coast rail line and the line to the major coalfields to the west. However, the company announced in October 2015 that it was closing its locomotive and maintenance depots in Rockhampton with forty jobs lost from the Rockhampton site.[93] Management of Aurizon's Rockhampton site was criticised by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union in 2016 who described it as "appalling", prompting 60 workers to walk off the job citing lack of consultation, lack of adequate training for apprentices, a lack of privacy and unfair demands from management for workers to increase productivity.[94]
The coal fired 1445 megawattStanwell Power Station lies atStanwell, 30 kilometres (19 mi) west of the city, whereStanwell Corporation provides jobs for people living in Rockhampton.[95] The power station currently has a workforce of about 150 employees[96] and regularly hires new apprentices from Rockhampton[97]
Mining – Queensland Magnesia (QMAG)
Queensland Magnesia (QMAG) is a leading producer of premium-quality magnesia products. From one of the world's largest deposits of cryptocrystalline magnesite in Queensland, Australia, they mine, process and deliver to global and domestic customers with a strong focus on sustainability.
The high temperatures of steel, iron, cement, glass and ceramics production require thermal insulation in the form of refractory bricks using DBM and EFM magnesia products. The agricultural sector uses their magnesia as a vital animal feed supplement and fertilizer to maintain plant and animal health. They support the path to net zero carbon emissions by supplying magnesia to precipitate nickel and cobalt used in EV batteries. Their magnesia is also used in numerous industrial applications such as waste water treatment and the pulp and paper industry.
The magnesia mine is located at Kunwarara (located approximately 81 km north of Rockhampton) and have a processing plant at Parkhurst, which employs over 200 locals.[98] QMAG was purchased by Refratechnik[99] in 2020 from Sibelco.[100] Headquartered inMunich, the global Refratechnik Group develops, manufactures, and installs high-grade refractories for high-temperature industrial processes. As a systems supplier, Refratechnik offers customised and all-inclusive refractory solutions for all major industrial sectors. Refratechnik also owns Baymag,[101] a sister company to QMAG, producing MgO products for various markets around the world.
Many local concerts, performances, events, festivals are held at the Rockhampton's numerous venues throughout the city each year.
The annual Rockhampton Cultural Festival held each August at the Rockhampton Heritage Village features a variety of market stalls, displays, international foods, music and cultural displays.[102]
TheRockhampton Showgrounds plays host to numerous events each year. Most notably, the three-day Rockhampton Show is held in June each year.[103]
Like many Australian communities, Rockhampton commemoratesAnzac Day on 25 April each year. Rockhampton is believed to be the very first city in Australia to hold an early morning commemoration intentionally scheduled to coincide with when the landing at Gallipoli took place, as the city held a "daybreak" service at 6:30 am on 25 April 1916, in which 700 people attended.[104][105]
In 1893, Alfred Henry Lambton wrote what is recognised as the first crime novel set in Queensland,From Prison to Power. The novel takes place at the fictitious cattle station,Banalba, located 200 miles inland from the important tropical Queensland town of "Rockington" [Rockhampton].[106][107][108]
Pilbeam Theatre opened in 1979 and is Rockhampton's largest theatre.
The Rockhampton Art Gallery collection, also owned by theRockhampton Regional Council, is situated next to the Pilbeam Theatre and consists mainly of works by Australian artists from the 1940s to the 1970s.[109]
Opened in 1985, closed in 2011[110] and then re-opened in 2015[111] theRockhampton Music Bowl regularly plays host to events including the annual Carols by Candlelight every December.
The tri-annualBeef Australia Exposition is held every third May at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.[112][113][114] In 2009 as part of theQ150 celebrations, the Beef Australia Expo was announced as one of theQ150 Icons of Queensland for its role as an "event and festival".[115]
Rockhampton has played quite an important role in the production and exhibition of films in Central Queensland.
Films shot in Rockhampton includeThe Kid Stakes,[116][117][118]Buddies,[119][120] andBroke.[121][122][123]
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TheCentral Queensland Capras are the city's representative team in theQueensland Cup competition. The local competition, theRockhampton District Rugby League features 6 clubs, with the Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks, Norths Chargers and Rockhampton Brothers clubs based in the city itself.
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Established in 1869, theRockhampton Botanic Gardens are located on Spencer Street in South Rockhampton. Excellent specimens of palms, cycads and ferns are found throughout the manicured grounds. Some specimens are over 100 years old.
Rockhampton Zoo is located between the Botanic Gardens and Murray Lagoon. Animals and birds includekoalas,chimpanzees,saltwater crocodiles,freshwater crocodiles,red kangaroos and the rarecassowary.
A second public garden, theKershaw Gardens, was officially opened in 1988 on the site of the former Rockhampton rubbish dump. Located on theBruce Highway in North Rockhampton, these gardens specialise in Australian native plants, especially those ofCentral Queensland. The most striking feature of the gardens is the imitation waterfall constructed on the northern boundary of the site (adjacent to the highway), which aims to recreate a scene from the Blackdown Tableland.[126]The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is Australia's largest Cultural Centre[127] and is set on more than 12 hectares (30 acres) of land, with native plants, trees and waterfalls. The major points of interest at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre include theTorres Strait Islander village,didgeridoo playing, Djarn Djarn dancers, and throwing the returningboomerang. Black flying foxes and occasionally Grey-headed flying foxes can be seen and heard at night and are important native pollinators and seed dispersers of over 100 species of trees.
The Archer Park Steam Tram Museum covers the development and history of rail-based transportation in the major central Queensland town of Rockhampton and is set in the 100-year-old Archer Park rail station on Denison Street on the city's southside. The museum tells the story of Archer Park Station (built in 1899) and the unique Purrey Steam Tram, through photographs, soundscapes and object-based exhibitions.
Rising out of Rockhampton's north-eastern suburbs,Mount Archer National Park provides views of the city, and showcases a range of native Australian flora and fauna. Frazer Park, at the summit of Mount Archer, is approximately 604 metres (1,982 ft) above sea level.
A short drive north of Rockhampton is theCapricorn Caves.
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TheRockhampton Base Hospital is situated in the suburb ofThe Range, and is located around 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Rockhampton CBD, and is the major hospital for theCentral Queensland Region. The smaller Hillcrest and Mater private hospitals are located nearby. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is located at the rear of the Base Hospital on Quarry Street.
Rockhampton is a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service which operates clinics and provides emergency evacuations in remote communities throughout the region.
TheRockhampton Regional Council operates the Rockhampton Regional Library Administration and History Centre in Rockhampton on the corner of William & Alma Streets.[128] Branch libraries are located inBerserker ("Rockhampton North"),Gracemere,Mount Morgan andWest Rockhampton ("Anytime" atRockhampton Airport).[129]
The first school, TheRockhampton National School was opened in 1859. Rockhampton is a major education centre for the region and has numerous state and private primary and high schools.
CQUniversity Australia was founded in Rockhampton in 1967, however the university now has more than 30,000 students spread across 24 campuses and locations Australia-wide.[130]
The university currently delivers more than 300 education and training offerings, from short courses and certificates, through to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.
Secondary schools in Rockhampton comprise:Rockhampton State High School,North Rockhampton State High School,Rockhampton Grammar School,Rockhampton Girls Grammar School,The Cathedral College, Rockhampton,Emmaus College andHeights College.
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Rockhampton has had a number of newspapers published in the city since European settlement.
The Morning Bulletin is the only surviving daily newspaper, first published in 1861 as theRockhampton Bulletin and Central Queensland Advertiser. The title was changed to theRockhampton Bulletin in 1871 before finally becomingThe Morning Bulletin in 1878.The Morning Bulletin is a member of the Australian Regional Media network of newspapers, now owned byNews Corporation.[131]The Morning Bulletin has also previously complimented their main daily newspaper with a free home-delivered community newspaper, with previous incarnations including titles such as theCapricorn Local News,Rockhampton and Fitzroy News andThe Rocky Mirror.
In 2012, a new Rockhampton newspaper calledThe Queensland Telegraph was launched by Queensland Media Holdings.[132] However, after publishing the newspaper for about a year, the newspaper's management announced on 17 July 2013 that the local newspaper office had closed.[133]
The Central Queensland Herald was a Rockhampton newspaper which was published from 1930 until 1956.The Capricornian was a Rockhampton newspaper which was published from 1875 until 1929. In 1929,The Capricornian merged withThe Artesian to becomeThe Central Queensland Herald.The Artesian was a Rockhampton newspaper which was published from 1919 until 1929. In 1929,The Artesian merged withThe Capricornian to becomeThe Central Queensland Herald.The Evening News was a Rockhampton newspaper published from 1922 until 1941.The Daily Northern Argus (originallyThe Northern Argus) was a Rockhampton newspaper published from 1863 until 1896. In 1897 the newspaper merged withThe Record and was published asThe Daily Record until 1922.
Established in 2006, industrial magazine publicationShift Miner is also produced in Rockhampton with its head office located in the Rockhampton CBD.[134][135]
The first known use of wireless in the Rockhampton vicinity was the wireless equipped (Marconi system) two destroyers (HMS Yarra and HMS Parramatta) of the Australia squadron of the Royal Navy when visiting Rockhampton in May 1911. The group was commanded by Lieutenant G. F. Hyde.[136]
There were at least three licensed (and likely many unlicensed) early wireless experimenters at Rockhampton immediately prior to the outbreak of World War 1: L. Freeman (Callsign: XQB); Robert Henry Berry (Callsign: XQC); and H. A. Shepherd (Callsign: XQD). Operation was on longwave using spark transmission; there was no known use of telephony.[137]
As part of the Australian Coastal Radio Network, station VIR Rockhampton commenced operation on 24 May 1913 from a transmitter site at The Range. The station provided service to coastal shipping in the region between VIB Brisbane and VIT Townsville. It operated on longwave and was a vital part of Australia's defence during World War 1.[138]
A B class licence was granted to the Queensland Government in April 1925 for a Rockhampton station to relay, via landline, its A class station4QG Brisbane. It was proposed to operate on a wavelength of 323 metres (928.8 kHz) with a transmitter input power of 500 watts (corresponds to a transmitter power of about 150 watts). The station was never implemented.[139]
The earliest known broadcasting service at Rockhampton was an amateur broadcasting station (Callsign: 4DO) operated by local theatre manager Harold Learmonth Hobler. He transmitted basic programmes in late 1924 on a frequency of 1250 kHz.[140]In August and September 1931, 4DO was again testing Sunday night transmissions on 1250 kHz & 1200 kHz, perhaps with a view to a Class B licence for his employer Tivoli Talkies.[141][142][143]
The first permanent Rockhampton broadcast station was4RK which commenced operation on 29 July 1931. The station was part of the National Broadcasting System, constructed owned and operated by the Postmaster-General's Department, but with programming provided by theAustralian Broadcasting Company. On 1 July 1932 theAustralian Broadcasting Commission took over provision of programming.4RK Rockhampton
Rockhampton now is serviced by a number of national (ABC and SBS), commercial, community and narrowcast (HPON and LPON) stations.
4RO is Rockhampton's local AM station, owned byGrant Broadcasters. 4RO broadcasts local breakfast and morning programs from its local studios each weekday with all other programming sourced from elsewhere. The music played on 4RO is of the classic hits genre. 4RO broadcasts a local news service in the morning, although the bulletins are prepared and read by journalists based at Grant's Sunshine Coast hub, especially for 4RO and its sister station, 4CC.
4CC also owned by Grant Broadcasters, is an AM commercial station servicing Rockhampton on a local AM frequency, although its local breakfast show is presented from a studio inGladstone. 4CC has a classic hits format and also relies heavily on programming sourced from elsewhere.
Triple M Central Queensland is Rockhampton's local commercial FM station owned bySouthern Cross Austereo. The station was previously branded asSea FM. Triple M broadcasts local programs from its Rockhampton studios each weekday morning, before taking networked programming sourced fromGold FM on the Gold Coast and other Triple M stations. Triple M in Rockhampton also produces a local news service with a journalist based at the station, compiling and recording local news bulletins for Triple M and sister station Hit Central Queensland. As part of the Triple M network, the station also broadcasts sports coverage such asTriple M Rocks NRL andTriple M Rocks Test Cricket.
Hit Central Queensland, also owned by Southern Cross Austereo, is a commercial FM station servicing Rockhampton on a local FM frequency, although its local breakfast show is broadcast from a studio in Gladstone. The station was previously branded asHot FM and is skewed towards the younger listeners with a Top 40/pop music format. Following the local breakfast show, the station takes generic Hit Network programming sourced from Southern Cross Austereo's hub atSea FM on the Gold Coast or nationally networked programs from metropolitonHit Network stations such as2Day FM orFox FM.
ABC Capricornia, originally known as 4RK, is the local ABC station in Rockhampton, servicing the entire Central Queensland region. It broadcasts a local breakfast show and a local morning show each weekday. Friday's local morning show is also broadcast to other stations on theABC Local Radio network enabling listeners from outside of the local listening area to call into the popular gardening talk back program. ABC Capricornia also has a local news service, produced by local journalists. The station also airs a local Saturday breakfast show, which is followed by a local Saturday morning sports program. Apart from local programming, ABC Capricornia takes national programs likeAM,Conversations,The World Today,PM,Nightlife,Grandstand,Saturday Night Country andAustralia All Over along with a mid-afternoon program, a drive program, an evening show and a weekend morning program syndicated from Brisbane. Other national ABC services that are available in Rockhampton on separate FM frequencies includeTriple J,RN,ABC Classic FM andABC NewsRadio.
4YOU is the local community station, broadcasting local programs from their Rockhampton studio, presented by a number of volunteers. The station is skewed towards the older demographic and plays a lot of easy listening and country music. All programs are locally produced apart from the regular Sunday evening programs the station takes from the national community radio network.
4US is the local indigenous community station, broadcasting from a studio at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre in Rockhampton servicing the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population featuring traditional music and focusing on indigenous issues and event within its programming content.
KIX Country is a nationalnarrowcast FM broadcasting service provided by Grant Broadcasters, available in Rockhampton. Kix solely broadcasts country music-themed programming, which includes programs which originate from studios in Bundaberg complemented by some nationally syndicated programming. While Kix transmits on a narrowcast licence, the station is allowed to broadcast commercials.
Other narrowcast radio services available in Rockhampton include racing station,Radio TAB (formerly 4TAB),Vision Radio Network and Radio FM 88 (tourist information).
| Callsign | Frequency | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 4RO | 990kHzAM | Grant Broadcasters |
| 4CC | 1584 kHz AM | Grant Broadcasters |
| Triple M Central Queensland | 101.5MHzFM | Southern Cross Austereo |
| Hit Central Queensland | 107.9 MHz FM | Southern Cross Austereo |
| Triple J | 104.7 MHz FM | ABC |
| Radio National | 103.1 MHz FM | ABC |
| ABC NewsRadio | 105.5 MHz FM | ABC |
| ABC Classic FM | 106.3 MHz FM | ABC |
| ABC Capricornia | 837 kHz AM | ABC |
| 4YOU | 98.5 MHz FM | Community |
| 4US | 100.7 MHz FM | Community |
| KIX Country | 92.7 MHz FM | Grant Broadcasters |
| Radio TAB | 99.9 MHz FM | UBET |
| Vision Radio | 87.6 MHz FM | United Christian Broadcasters |
Rockhampton is served by three commercial stations and two public broadcasters.
Each broadcasts television services in digital formats.
ABC offersdigital high-definition simulcasts of their main channel,ABC onABC HD. SBS offersdigital high-definition simulcasts of their main channel,SBS onSBS HD. There are other main channels also available:ABC Kids,ABC Family,ABC Entertains,ABC News,SBS Viceland,SBS Food,SBS World Movies,SBS WorldWatch,NITV,10 Bold Drama,10 Peach Comedy,Nickelodeon,7two,7mate,7flix,7Bravo,9Gem,9Go! and9Life.Foxtel provides subscription satellite television services.
All three main commercial networks produce local news coverage –Seven Queensland airs a 30-minute Central Queensland local news bulletin at 6 pm each weeknight, produced from a newsroom in the city but broadcast from studios inMaroochydore.WIN Television air a regional Queensland bulletin at 5:30 pm with Rockhampton inserts broadcast fromWollongong. Southern Cross 10 airs local news updates during the day from its studios in Hobart. It previously aired a regional Queensland edition ofNine News from Brisbane each weeknight at 6 pm, featuring local opt-outs for Rockhampton and Central Queensland when it was a Nine affiliate.
There is also a small television facility at the ABC studios in Rockhampton with a journalist and camera operator employed locally to produce stories for ABC News and programs such as7.30 andLandline. The journalist can also be required to do live crosses for ABC News. The ABC had also previously produced a nightly local TV news bulletin for Rockhampton and Central Queensland but it was axed in 1985.
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Rockhampton is an important transport hub in the Central Queensland region. Rockhampton provides important transport links between the Central Highlands and Capricorn Coast regions and the areas to the north and south of the state.Rockhampton Airport is essential to the viability of the tourism industry.
The Rockhampton region is well serviced by the national and state highway systems, with the city being located at the main junction of the coastal highway, theBruce Highway, the central western highway, theCapricorn Highway, and the Rockhampton Hinterland is serviced by theBurnett Highway. Driving time is seven and a half hours fromBrisbane to Rockhampton.
Rockhampton is also served by long-distance coaches to Brisbane in the south, and as far as Cairns in the north. Daily services operate into Rockhampton withGreyhound Australia. TheHinterland andCentral Highlands are also serviced daily by Rothery's Coaches, Pacific Coaches and Emerald Coaches.
Bus services are operated byKinetic Group, which operates under theQConnect public transport system. Two bus interchanges are located inRockhampton City through which the majority of services operate. Service include most parts of the city,Parkhurst in the north toAllenstown andDepot Hill in the south and toThe Range and Lakes Creek in the west
Rockhampton railway station is located on theNorth Coast railway, and is the terminus of the electrified section of line from Brisbane with through diesel service continuing beyond; services are provided byQueensland Rail. Denison St, Rockhampton is one of the few places where the main lineruns down the middle of the street. AnElectric Tilt Train services connects it to Brisbane, and theDiesel Tilt Train services the station en route to Cairns.
Rockhampton Airport is operated byRockhampton Regional Council and is located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) west ofRockhampton City. It is Australia's twelfth busiest domestic airport. The airport handles flights to major Australian cities, tourist destinations, and regional destinations throughout Central Queensland. It is an important base for general aviation serving theCentral Highlands andCapricorn Coast communities. The airport is also a base for theRoyal Flying Doctor Service and the Rescue Helicopter.
The project for upgrading between Gracemere saleyards and the Rockhampton abattoirs to provide access for Type 1Road trains was completed by early 2021 at a total cost of $30 million.[144] It involved about 29 kilometres (18 mi) of road improvements on four roads:
The catchment area of the Fitzroy River is approximately 145,000 square kilometres (almost the size of England).It contains six major rivers, and Rockhampton and Central Queensland accordingly enjoy abundant good water. The existing and future dams under construction ensure on-going needs for agriculture, industry and domestic purposes are met.The Fitzroy River Barrage at Rockhampton separates tidal salt water from upstream fresh water, and provides the supply for Rockhampton's domestic and industrial needs.[145]
Central Queensland's major generating facilities, including theStanwell, Gladstone and Callide power stations, produce the majority of the State's power. Queensland's newest and most technologically advanced powerhouse at Stanwell, 28 kilometres (17 mi) west of the city, came on line in 1993. The Stanwell facility is a key element in the State's program to expand electricity supply and is a major exporter of power station technology.[146]
This Wikipedia article incorporates text fromRockhampton Revolutionaries: Dreams of secession in Central Queensland (21 October 2021) published by theState Library of Queensland underCC BYlicence, accessed on 1 June 2022. This Wikipedia article incorporatesCC BY 4.0licensed text from:"Central Queensland Separation League Petition 1892–1893: treasure collection of the John Oxley Library".State Library of Queensland. 24 February 2021. Retrieved21 May 2021. This Wikipedia article incorporatesCC BY 4.0licensed text from:"Economos Cafe, Rockhampton".State Library of Queensland. 9 January 2020. Retrieved5 February 2020.
Material was copied from this source, which is available under aCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License"— CC BY 4.0".Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved14 June 2019..
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