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Curtis Island, Queensland: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 23°37′01″S 151°09′11″E / 23.6169°S 151.1530°E / -23.6169; 151.1530 (Curtis Island)
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2019}}
{{GeoGroup}}{{Infobox Australian place
{{GeoGroup}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type = suburb
| type = suburb
| name = Curtis Island
| name = Curtis Island
| city =
| city =
| state = qld
| state = qld
| image =Sea Hill Lighthouse. Curtis Island, Australia, May 2011.jpg
| image = Sea Hill Lighthouse. Curtis Island, Australia, May 2011.jpg
| caption =Sea Hill Lighthouse, Curtis Island, 2011
| caption = Sea Hill Lighthouse, Curtis Island, 2011
| coordinates = {{coord|-23.6169|151.1530|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|-23.6169|151.1530|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Curtis Island}}
| pop = 323
| pop = 36
| pop_year = {{CensusAU|2016}}
| pop_year = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes = <ref name=Census2016/>
| pop_footnotes = <ref name=Census2021/>
| established =
| established =
| postcode = 4680
| postcode = 4680
Line 39: Line 40:
| near-nw = ''[[Coral Sea]]''
| near-nw = ''[[Coral Sea]]''
}}
}}
'''Curtis Island''' is a [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] in the [[Gladstone Region]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name=qpnl>{{cite QPN|47384|Curtis Island|locality in Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 January 2019}}</ref> In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, Curtis Island had a population of 323 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30783|name=Curtis Island (SSC)|accessdate=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref> The town of Southend is within the locality.<ref name=qpnt>{{Cite QPN|31557|Southend|town in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref>
'''Curtis Island''' is an offshore [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] in the [[Gladstone Region]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name=qpnl>{{cite QPN|47384|Curtis Island|locality in Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 January 2019}}</ref> In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, Curtis Island had a population of 36 people.<ref name=Census2021/>
The towns of '''Beachton''' and '''Southend''' are within the locality.<ref name="qpnt2">{{cite QPN|48141|Beachton|town in Gladstone Region|accessdate=26 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=qpnt>{{Cite QPN|31557|Southend|town in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref>


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
[[File:Curtis Island map, Australia.JPG|left|Curtis Island map|alt=|frameless]]
[[File:Curtis Island map, Australia.JPG|left|Curtis Island map|alt=|frameless]]
Curtis Island occupies almost all of [[Curtis Island (Queensland)|the island]] from which it takes its name, except for a very small area in the south of the island which is included in the locality of [[Gladstone Harbour]]. Most of the island is protected from development. Most of ocean-facing eastern side of the island is within either the [[Curtis Island National Park]] or the Curtis Island Conservation Park. Most of the mainland-facing western side of the island is within the Curtis Island State Forest.<ref name="globe">{{Queensland Globe|accessdate=27 March 2019}}</ref>
Curtis Island occupies almost all of the island from which it takes its name, except for a very small area in the south of the island which is included in the locality of [[Gladstone Harbour]]. Most of the island is protected from development: most of the ocean-facing eastern side of the island is within either the [[Curtis Island National Park]] or the Curtis Island Conservation Park, while most of the mainland-facing western side of the island is within the Curtis Island State Forest.<ref name="globe">{{Queensland Globe|accessdate=27 March 2019}}</ref>


The town Beachton is on the northern-western coast of the island ({{Coord|-23.489|150.979|type:city_region:AU-QLD|name=Beachton (town centre)|display=}})<ref name="qpnt2" /> Beachton has some housing along the beachfront but many of its blocks of land are undeveloped.<ref name="globe" />
⚫
On the south western coast there is an industrial area consisting of three [[Liquefied natural gas|liquid natural gas]] facilities ({{Coord|-23.7650|151.1980|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Curtis Island liquid natural gas facilities}}) with port facilities for export.<ref name="globe" /><ref name="qclngp">{{cite web|url=http://www.qgc.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=5|title=The Queensland Curtis LNG Project|publisher=QGC|accessdate=7 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105000536/http://www.qgc.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=5|archive-date=5 November 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glng.com.au/|title=GLNG|date=1 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607090633/http://www.glng.com.au/|archive-date=7 June 2008|url-status=dead|accessdate=7 November 2011}}</ref> On the south-eastern coast there is the small town of Southend ({{Coord|-23.7566|151.3105|type:city_region:AU-QLD|name=Southend}}) on a peninsula at the confluence of Gladstone Harbour and the [[Coral Sea]].<ref name="qpnt" />
[[File:Curtis Island.jpg|left|thumb|Natural gas facilities, 2013]]
⚫
On the south western coast there is an industrial area consisting of three [[Liquefied natural gas|liquid natural gas]] facilities ({{Coord|-23.7650|151.1980|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Curtis Island liquid natural gas facilities}}) with port facilities for export.<ref name="globe" /><ref name="qclngp">{{cite web|url=http://www.qgc.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=5|title=The Queensland Curtis LNG Project|publisher=QGC|accessdate=7 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105000536/http://www.qgc.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=5|archive-date=5 November 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glng.com.au/|title=GLNG|date=1 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607090633/http://www.glng.com.au/|archive-date=7 June 2008|url-status=dead|accessdate=7 November 2011}}</ref>


On the south-eastern coast there is the small town of Southend ({{Coord|-23.7566|151.3105|type:city_region:AU-QLD|name=Southend}}) on a peninsula at the confluence of Gladstone Harbour and the [[Coral Sea]].<ref name="qpnt" /> Most of the town lots in Southend are developed.<ref name="globe" />
⚫
The waterway between the mainland and Curtis Island is known as [[The Narrows (Queensland)|The Narrows]].<ref>{{Cite QPN|34032|The Narrows|a channel in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=5 April 2019}}</ref> It is {{Convert|27|km||abbr=}} long narrow strait. It connects [[Gladstone Harbour, Queensland|Gladstone Harbour]] to [[Keppel Bay]] (the mouth of the [[Fitzroy River (Queensland)|Fitzroy River]]). However, it is very shallow and in some places it can be crossed at [[low tide]]. It is mainly used for recreational activities, including fishing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ghhp.org.au/report-cards/2015/zones/the-narrows|title=The Narrows|website=Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405023238/http://ghhp.org.au/report-cards/2015/zones/the-narrows|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/documents/1570002/11077361/GRC_Local_Heritage_Register_RamsayCrossing.pdf|title=Ramsay Crossing|website=Gladstone Regional Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405023825/http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/documents/1570002/11077361/GRC_Local_Heritage_Register_RamsayCrossing.pdf|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref>

⚫
The waterway between the mainland and Curtis Island is known as [[The Narrows (Queensland)|The Narrows]].<ref>{{Cite QPN|34032|The Narrows|a channel in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=5 April 2019}}</ref> It is a {{Convert|27|km||abbr=}} long narrow strait. It connects [[Gladstone Harbour, Queensland|Gladstone Harbour]] to [[Keppel Bay]] (the mouth of the [[Fitzroy River (Queensland)|Fitzroy River]]). However, it is very shallow and in some places it can be crossed at [[low tide]]. It is mainly used for recreational activities, including fishing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ghhp.org.au/report-cards/2015/zones/the-narrows|title=The Narrows|website=Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405023238/http://ghhp.org.au/report-cards/2015/zones/the-narrows|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/documents/1570002/11077361/GRC_Local_Heritage_Register_RamsayCrossing.pdf|title=Ramsay Crossing|website=Gladstone Regional Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405023825/http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/documents/1570002/11077361/GRC_Local_Heritage_Register_RamsayCrossing.pdf|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=dead|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref>


There are two lighthouses on the island:
There are two lighthouses on the island:
* [[Cape Capricorn Light]] on [[Cape Capricorn]] ({{coord|-23.48651|151.23654|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Cape Capricorn Light}})
* [[Cape Capricorn Light]] on [[Cape Capricorn]] ({{coord|-23.48651|151.23654|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Cape Capricorn Light}})
* [[Sea Hill Light]] at The Narrows through which [[Keppel Bay]] connects to the Gladstone Harbour ({{coord|-23.49121|150.9802|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Sea Hill Light}})
* [[Sea Hill Light]] at The Narrows through which [[Keppel Bay]] connects to the Gladstone Harbour ({{coord|-23.49121|150.9802|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Sea Hill Light}})

=== Headlands ===
Curtis Island has the following headlands (from north to south):

* Cape Keppel ({{coord|-23.4475|151.0557|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Cape Keppel}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|18005|Cape Keppel|cape in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Station Point ({{coord|-23.4533|151.0173|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Station Point}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|32297|Station Point|point in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Warners Point ({{coord|-23.4787|150.9902|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Warners Point}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|48140|Warners Point|point in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
*Cape Capricorn ({{coord|-23.4832|151.2335|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Cape Capricorn}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|6160|Cape Capricorn|cape in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
*Sea Hill Point ({{coord|-23.4916|150.9778|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Sea Hill Point}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|30313|Sea Hill Point|point in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Dinkys Point ({{coord|-23.4937|150.9805|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Dinky Point|display=}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|10096|Dinkys Point|point in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Black Head ({{coord|-23.6620|151.2676|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Black Head}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes">{{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=Mountain peaks and capes - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/06ff12a9-862e-4aac-bf9d-693f0a63b4c9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125215033/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/06ff12a9-862e-4aac-bf9d-693f0a63b4c9|archive-date=25 November 2020|access-date=25 November 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite QPN|2856|Black Head|cape in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Laird Point ({{coord|-23.7442|151.1728|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Laird Point}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|18807|Laird Point|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Boatshed Point ({{coord|-23.7945|151.2325|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Boatshed Point}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|3389|Boatshed Point|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Hamilton Point ({{coord|-23.7989|151.2228|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Hamilton Point}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|15281|Hamilton Point|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Mountains ===
Curtis Island has the following mountains (from north to south):

* Bald Hill ({{coord|-23.4575|151.0602|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Bald Hill}}) {{convert|99|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|1307|Bald Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Grassy Hill ({{coord|-23.4653|151.0261|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Grassy Hill}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|14662|Grassy Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* One Mile Hill ({{coord|-23.4698|151.0146|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=One Mile Hill}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|25408|One Mile Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Sea Hill ({{coord|-23.4873|150.9957|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Sea Hill}}) {{convert|84|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|30312|Sea Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Coast Hill ({{coord|-23.5033|151.1003|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Coast Hill}}) {{convert|124|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|7549|Coast Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Mount Barker ({{coord|-23.5279|151.0718|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Mount Barker}}) {{convert|161|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|1643|Mount Barker|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Mount Barney ({{coord|-23.5536|151.1498|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Mount Barney}}) {{convert|85|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|1689|Mount Barney|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Sandhill ({{coord|-23.6194|151.2296|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Sandhill}}) {{convert|69|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|29602|Sandhill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Central Hill ({{coord|-23.6462|151.1114|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Central Hill}}) {{convert|86|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|6786|Central Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Black Head ({{coord|-23.6690|151.2746|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Black Head}}) {{convert|57|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|2855|Black Head|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Ship Hill ({{coord|-23.7683|151.2183|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Ship Hill}}) {{convert|173|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|30747|Ship Hill|mountain in Gladstone Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Cape Capricorn was named by [[Captain Cook]] when he passed on 25 May 1770, since he found it to be located on the [[Tropic of Capricorn]] (which was located at 23°28′15″ in 1770).<ref>{{gutenberg|no=8106|name=Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World|bullet=none}}</ref> The modern surveyed location of its endpoint is just slightly south of the present tropic.
Cape Capricorn was named by [[Captain Cook]] when he passed on 25 May 1770, since he found it to be located on the [[Tropic of Capricorn]] (which was located at 23°28′15″ in 1770).<ref>{{gutenberg|no=8106|name=Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World|bullet=none}}</ref> The modern surveyed location of its endpoint is just slightly south of the present tropic.


The locality takes its name from the island, which in turn was named after [[Port Curtis (bay)|Port Curtis]] (the original name for the Gladstone area) which was named by [[Matthew Flinders]] on 1 August 1802, after Vice Admiral Sir [[Roger Curtis]], a commanding British Admiral at Capetown who had assisted Flinders with repairs to [[HMS Investigator (1801)|HMS Investigator]] in October 1801.<ref>{{Cite QPN|9101|Curtis island|island in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref>
The locality takes its name from the island, which in turn was named after [[Port Curtis (bay)|Port Curtis]], which was named by [[Matthew Flinders]] on 1 August 1802, after Vice Admiral Sir [[Roger Curtis]], a commanding British Admiral at Cape Town who had assisted Flinders with repairs to [[HMS Investigator (1801)|HMS Investigator]] in October 1801. Port Curtis was the original name for the Gladstone area.<ref>{{Cite QPN|9101|Curtis island|island in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref>


The [[Canoona]] gold rush in 1858 attracted many people to the [[Rockhampton]] area. However, many ships encountered difficulties negotiating the many sand bars at the entrance to the [[Fitzroy River (Queensland)|Fitzroy River]], so a pilot station was requested in 1862. The first pilot station is believed to have been established at Cape Capricorn but later was moved to Grassy Hill ({{Coord|-23.4656|151.0261|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Grassy Hill}}) in 1864.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/keeping-islands-history-alive-curtis-island/1317455/|title=Keeping island's history alive|last=Bevis|first=Mary|date=24 March 2014|work=[[Gladstone Observer]]|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401004130/https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/keeping-islands-history-alive-curtis-island/1317455/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite QPN|14662|Grassy Hill|hill in Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref>
The [[Canoona gold rush]] in 1858 attracted many people to the [[Rockhampton]] area. However, many ships encountered difficulties negotiating the many [[Sandbars|sand bars]] at the entrance to the [[Fitzroy River (Queensland)|Fitzroy River]], so a pilot station was requested in 1862. The first pilot station is believed to have been established at Cape Capricorn but later was moved to Grassy Hill ({{Coord|-23.4656|151.0261|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Grassy Hill}}) in 1864.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/keeping-islands-history-alive-curtis-island/1317455/|title=Keeping island's history alive|last=Bevis|first=Mary|date=24 March 2014|work=[[Gladstone Observer]]|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401004130/https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/keeping-islands-history-alive-curtis-island/1317455/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite QPN|14662|Grassy Hill|hill in Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref>


In 1865 Sea Hill ({{Coord|-23.48694|150.99528|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Sea Hill}}) was chosen as the site for a quarantine station for ships entering the Fitzroy River, but no quarantine station was constructed there until July 1873 when the ship ''Countess Russell'' arrived with 15 cases of [[typhoid fever]] on board, resulting in a temporary hospital being established.<ref>{{Cite QPN|30312|Sea Hill|hill in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref> Those who died were buried in the Keppel Bay Cemetery (to the north-west of the present lighthouse). Over 500 Chinese people were quarantined at Sea Hill due to a smallpox outbreak in 1877.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19772693|title=Current News.|date=31 March 1877|newspaper=[[The Queenslander]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=85|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=XII|page=8|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> In 1878 the problems with mosquitoes and sandflies resulted in the quarantine station being relocated to Mackenzie Island ({{Coord|-23.51083|150.86417|type:island_region:AU-QLD|name=Mackenzie Island}}).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite QPN|20452|Mackenzie Island|island in the Shire of Livingstone|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51908663|title=NEW SOUTH WALES.|date=22 March 1877|newspaper=[[Rockhampton Bulletin]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=2796|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=XIX|page=2|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
In 1865, Sea Hill ({{Coord|-23.48694|150.99528|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Sea Hill quarantine station|display=}}) was chosen as the site for a quarantine station for ships entering the Fitzroy River, but no quarantine station was constructed there until July 1873 when the ship ''Countess Russell'' arrived with 15 cases of [[typhoid fever]] on board, resulting in a temporary hospital being established.<ref>{{Cite QPN|30312|Sea Hill|hill in the Gladstone Region|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref> Those who died were buried in the Keppel Bay Cemetery (to the north-west of the present lighthouse). Over 500 Chinese people were quarantined at Sea Hill due to a smallpox outbreak in 1877.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19772693|title=Current News.|date=31 March 1877|newspaper=[[The Queenslander]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=85|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=XII|page=8|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074540/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19772693|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1878, the problems with mosquitoes and sandflies resulted in the quarantine station being relocated to Mackenzie Island ({{Coord|-23.51083|150.86417|type:island_region:AU-QLD|name=Mackenzie Island quarantine station|display=}}).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite QPN|20452|Mackenzie Island|island in the Shire of Livingstone|accessdate=1 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51908663|title=NEW SOUTH WALES.|date=22 March 1877|newspaper=[[Rockhampton Bulletin]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=2796|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=XIX|page=2|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074540/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51908663|url-status=live}}</ref>


A lighthouse to guide ships into the Fitzroy river was requested in 1864,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150316483|title=ROCKHAMPTON.|date=11 February 1864|newspaper=[[Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay And Burnett Advertiser]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=169|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=IV|page=1 (Maryborough Chronicle, SUPPLEMENT)|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> but it was until the early 1870s that the first Sea Hill lighthouse was constructed.<ref name=":1" /> The first Cape Carpricorn Lighthouse was built in 1874.<ref name="qhr" />
A lighthouse to guide ships into the Fitzroy river was requested in 1864,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150316483|title=ROCKHAMPTON.|date=11 February 1864|newspaper=[[Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=169|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=IV|page=1 (Maryborough Chronicle, SUPPLEMENT)|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074541/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/150316483|url-status=live}}</ref> but it was not until the early-1870s that the first Sea Hill lighthouse was constructed.<ref name=":1" /> The first Cape Carpricorn Lighthouse was built in 1874.<ref name="qhr" />


The Monte Cristo pastoral station was established in the 1860s by John Bonar Peter Hamilton Ramsay (nicknamed ‘Alphabetical’ Ramsay due to the number of his Christian names) and two partners. They raised cattle and bred horses. They took advantage of the shallowness of the Narrows to cross their animals to the mainland at low tide at a point that became known as Ramsay's Crossing.<ref name=":2" /> This practice continued until 2014 when the pastoral station was sold to be developed as a gas plant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.abc.net.au/explore/84938|title=The end of an era|date=11 December 2014|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405025047/https://open.abc.net.au/explore/84938|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref>
The Monte Cristo pastoral station was established in the 1860s by John Bonar Peter Hamilton Ramsay (nicknamed ‘Alphabetical’ Ramsay due to the number of his Christian names) and two partners. They raised cattle and bred horses. They took advantage of the shallowness of the Narrows to cross their animals to the mainland at low tide at a point that became known as Ramsay's Crossing.<ref name=":2" /> This practice continued until 2014 when the pastoral station was sold to be developed as a gas plant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.abc.net.au/explore/84938|title=The end of an era|date=11 December 2014|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405025047/https://open.abc.net.au/explore/84938|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref>


The coastal steamer also travelled between Gladstone and Rockhampton via The Narrows but this could only be done at high tide.<ref name=":2" />
A coastal steamer also travelled between Gladstone and Rockhampton via The Narrows but this could only be done at high tide.<ref name=":2" />
[[File:StateLibQld 2 109884 Rosa Praed.jpg|thumb|Rosa Praed]]
⚫
Author [[Rosa Campbell Praed]] lived on Curtis Island. On 29 October 1872 she married Arthur Campbell Praed,<ref>{{Australian Dictionary of Biography|first=Chris|last=Tiffin|title=Praed, Rosa Caroline (1851–1935)|id2=praed-rosa-caroline-8095|accessdate=10 July 2013}}</ref> a nephew of the poet [[Winthrop Mackworth Praed]]. She described living with him on his property on Curtis Island, "an existence of terrifying hardship and loneliness".<ref>Spender (1988) p. 210</ref> Spender says that "The years which she spent on Curtis Island and which played such a crucial part in determining her values – and her voice – could hardly be described as middle-class, indulgent or privileged".<ref>Spender (1988) p. 211</ref> She recreates her life at this time in her novel, ''An Australian Heroine'' (1880). It was also during her time on Curtis Island that she turned to [[Spiritualism (movement)|spiritualism]].<ref name="Spender212">Spender (1988) p. 212</ref>


⚫
The Town of Southend first appears on 1922 survey plan S7341.<ref name="qpnt" /> In February 1923, the first 20 blocks of land were offered as 15-year leases.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71129300|title=Government Sales|date=1 February 1923|newspaper=[[The Worker (Brisbane)|Worker]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=1656|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=33|page=17|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074558/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71129300|url-status=live}}</ref>
⚫
Author [[Rosa Campbell Praed]] lived on Curtis Island. On 29 October 1872 she married Arthur Campbell Praed,<ref>{{Australian Dictionary of Biography|first=Chris|last=Tiffin|title=Praed, Rosa Caroline (1851–1935)|id2=praed-rosa-caroline-8095|accessdate=10 July 2013}}</ref> a nephew of the poet [[Winthrop Mackworth Praed]]. She described living with him on his property on Curtis Island, "an existence of terrifying hardship and loneliness".<ref>Spender (1988) p. 210</ref> Spender says that "The years which she spent on Curtis Island and which played such a crucial part in determining her values – and her voice – could hardly be described as middle-class, indulgent or privileged".<ref>Spender (1988) p. 211</ref> She recreates her life at this time in her novel, ''An Australian Heroine'' (1880). It was also during her time on Curtis Island that she turned to spiritualism.<ref name="Spender212">Spender (1988) p. 212</ref>


⚫
In 1964, it was proposed to relocate the population of the island of [[Nauru]] to Curtis Island. By that time, Nauru had been extensively mined for phosphate by companies from Australia, Britain and New Zealand damaging the landscape so much that it was thought the island would be uninhabitable by the 1990s. Rehabilitating the island was seen as financially impossible. In 1962, [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]], [[Bob Menzies]], said that the three countries involved in the mining had an obligation to provide a solution for the Nauruan people, and proposed finding a new island for them. In 1963, the [[Australian Government]] proposed to acquire all the land on Curtis Island (which was considerably larger than Nauru) and then offer the [[Nauruans]] freehold title over the island and that the Nauruans would become Australian citizens.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104291886|title=Island Purchase For Nauruans|date=6 May 1964|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,840|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=38|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074542/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/104291886|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131721012|title=Nauruans Likely To Settle Curtis Island|date=30 May 1963|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,549|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=37|page=9|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074701/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131721012|url-status=live}}</ref> The costs of resettling the Nauruans on Curtis Island was estimated to be {{Australian pound|10 million||}}, which included housing and infrastructure and the establishment of pastoral, agricultural, and fishing industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/how-the-entire-nation-of-nauru-almost-moved-to-queensland-63833|title=How the entire nation of Nauru almost moved to Queensland|last=McAdam|first=Jane|date=15 August 2016|website=The Conversation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401022237/http://theconversation.com/how-the-entire-nation-of-nauru-almost-moved-to-queensland-63833|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref> However, the Nauruan people did not wish to become Australian citizens and wanted to be given sovereignty over Curtis Island in order to establish themselves as an independent nation, which Australia would not agree to.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131721799|title=Lack Of Sovereignty 'Disappoints' Nauruans|date=5 June 1963|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,554|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=37|page=45|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074543/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131721799|url-status=live}}</ref> Nauru rejected the proposal to move to Curtis Island,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105839593|title=Nauru not to take Curtis Is.|date=21 August 1964|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,930|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=38|page=3|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074632/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105839593|url-status=live}}</ref> instead choosing to become an independent nation (a process completed in 1968) operating their own mines in Nauru (acquired in 1967).
⚫
The Town of Southend first appears on 1922 survey plan S7341.<ref name="qpnt" /> In February 1923, the first 20 blocks of land were offered as 15-year leases.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71129300|title=Government Sales|date=1 February 1923|newspaper=[[The Worker (Brisbane)|Worker]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=1656|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=33|page=17|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


== Demographics ==
⚫
In 1964, it was proposed to relocate the population of the island of [[Nauru]] to Curtis Island. By that time, Nauru had been extensively mined for phosphate by companies from Australia, Britain and New Zealand damaging the landscape so much that it was through the island would be uninhabitable by the 1990s. Rehabilitating the island was seen as financially impossible. In 1962, [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]], [[Bob Menzies]], said that the three countries involving in the mining had an obligation to provide a solution for the Nuauran people, and proposed finding a new island for the Nauruan people. In 1963, the [[Australian Government]] proposed to acquire all the land on Curtis Island (which was considerably larger than Nauru) and then offer the Nauruans freehold title over the island and that the Nauruans would become Australian citizens.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104291886|title=Island Purchase For Nauruans|date=6 May 1964|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,840|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=38|page=5|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131721012|title=Nauruans Likely To Settle Curtis Island|date=30 May 1963|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,549|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=37|page=9|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> The costs of resettling the Nauruans on Curtis Island was estimated to be {{Australian pound|10 million||}}, which included housing and infrastructure and the establishment of pastoral, agricultural, and fishing industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/how-the-entire-nation-of-nauru-almost-moved-to-queensland-63833|title=How the entire nation of Nauru almost moved to Queensland|last=McAdam|first=Jane|date=15 August 2016|website=The Conversation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401022237/http://theconversation.com/how-the-entire-nation-of-nauru-almost-moved-to-queensland-63833|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref> However, the Nauruan people did not wish to become Australian citizens and wanted to be given sovereignty over Curtis Island in order to establish themselves as an independent nation, which Australia would not agree to.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131721799|title=Lack Of Sovereignty 'Disappoints' Nauruans|date=5 June 1963|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,554|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=37|page=45|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Nauru rejected the proposal to move to Curtis Island,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105839593|title=Nauru not to take Curtis Is.|date=21 August 1964|newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]|accessdate=1 April 2019|issue=10,930|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=38|page=3|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> instead choosing to become an independent nation (a process completed in 1968) operating their own mines in Nauru (acquired in 1967). In 1989, Nauru took legal action against Australia in the [[International Court of Justice]] over Australia's failure to remedy the environmental damage caused by phosphate mining resulting in an out-of-court settlement to rehabilitate the mined-out areas of Nauru.<ref name="highet2">{{cite journal|author1=Highet, K|author2=Kahale, H|year=1993|title=Certain Phosphate Lands in Nauru|url=http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/index.php?p1=3&p2=3&code=naus&case=80&k=e2|url-status=dead|journal=American Journal of International Law|volume=87|issue=2|pages=282–288|doi=10.2307/2203821|jstor=2203821|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511143145/http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/index.php?p1=3&p2=3&code=naus&case=80&k=e2|archive-date=11 May 2011|access-date=11 October 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Case Concerning Certain Phosphate Lands in Nauru (''Nauru v. Australia'') Application: Memorial of Nauru|date=January 2004|publisher=United Nations, International Court of Justice|isbn=978-92-1-070936-1|series=ICJ Pleadings, Oral Arguments, Documents}}</ref>
In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, Curtis Island had a population of 323 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30783|name=Curtis Island (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, Curtis Island had a population of 36 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL30777|name=Curtis Island (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>


== Heritage listings ==
== Heritage listings ==
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== Transport ==
== Transport ==
There are no bridges to Curtis Island.<ref name="globe" /> As at April 2019, a vehicular and passenger ferry runs services from Gladstone to Southend via Farmers Point on [[Facing Island]] on 5 days of the week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.curtisferryservices.com.au/ferry-timetables/|title=Ferry Timetables|website=Curtis Ferry Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301050437/https://www.curtisferryservices.com.au/ferry-timetables/|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref>
There are no bridges to Curtis Island.<ref name="globe" /> As at April 2019, a vehicular and passenger ferry runs services from Gladstone to Southend via Farmers Point on [[Facing Island]] on 5 days of the week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.curtisferryservices.com.au/ferry-timetables/|title=Ferry Timetables|website=Curtis Ferry Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301050437/https://www.curtisferryservices.com.au/ferry-timetables/|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref>

==Endangered bird==
Curtis island is home to the [[Capricorn yellow chat]] (''Epthianura crocea macgregori''), a tiny bird which is considered critically endangered under the ''[[Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999]]''.<ref name=Jaensch>Jaensch, R., Houston, W., Black, R., Campbell, L., McCabe, J., Elder, R., and Porter, G. (2004). "[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241277966_Rediscovery_of_the_Capricorn_subspecies_of_Yellow_Chat_Epthianura_crocea_macgregori_at_Torilla_Plain_on_the_mainland_coast_of_central_Queensland Rediscovery of the Capricorn subspecies of yellow chat ‘Epthianura crocea macgregori' at Torilla Plain, on the mainland coast of central Queensland.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204074558/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241277966_Rediscovery_of_the_Capricorn_subspecies_of_Yellow_Chat_Epthianura_crocea_macgregori_at_Torilla_Plain_on_the_mainland_coast_of_central_Queensland |date=4 February 2021 }}" ''The Sunbird'' 34: 24-36.</ref> {{as of|2020}}, the bird is threatened by [[rising sea levels]] on [[Curtis Island (Queensland)|Curtis Island]]. It is only found on three plains on the [[central Queensland]] coast, and since 2002 the sea level along that coast has risen {{convert|80| mm}}. The population was reduced to just a couple of pairs 20 years ago, but now there are almost 40 on Curtis Island. This increase is attributed to a [[feral pig]] culling program from 2006 and the removal of [[cattle]] in about 2016. The chat has been moving inland, but closer to the trees, they are more likely to be prey for birds like [[sparrow hawk]]s. [[Central Queensland University]] researcher Bob Black has been studying the bird for 20 years.<ref>{{cite web| title=Rising sea levels threaten critically endangered Capricorn yellow chat| website=ABC News| publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation| first=Inga| last=Stünzner| date=14 June 2020| url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-15/rising-sea-levels-threaten-endangered-capricorn-yellow-chat/12342772| access-date=15 June 2020| archive-date=15 June 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615005112/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-15/rising-sea-levels-threaten-endangered-capricorn-yellow-chat/12342772| url-status=live}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category-inline|Curtis Island}}
{{Commons category|Curtis Island, Queensland}}

* [https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-southend-1979.jpg Town map of Southend, 1979]
* [https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-southend-1979.jpg Town map of Southend, 1979]
{{Gladstone Region}}
{{Gladstone Region}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Gladstone Region]]
[[Category:Gladstone Region]]
[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Localities in Queensland]]

Latest revision as of 09:27, 21 July 2024

Map all coordinates using OpenStreetMap

Download coordinates as:

Curtis Island
Queensland
Sea Hill Lighthouse, Curtis Island, 2011
Curtis Island is located in Queensland
Curtis Island
Curtis Island
Coordinates23°37′01″S 151°09′11″E / 23.6169°S 151.1530°E / -23.6169; 151.1530 (Curtis Island)
Population36 (2021 census)[1]
 • Density0.0533/km2 (0.1379/sq mi)
Postcode(s)4680
Area675.9 km2 (261.0 sq mi)
LGA(s)Gladstone Region
State electorate(s)Gladstone
Federal division(s)Flynn
Suburbs around Curtis Island:
Coral Sea Coral Sea Coral Sea
The Narrows Curtis Island Coral Sea
Targinnie Callemondah
Yarwun		 Gladstone Harbour

Curtis Island is an offshore locality in the Gladstone Region, Queensland, Australia.[2] In the 2021 census, Curtis Island had a population of 36 people.[1]

The towns of Beachton and Southend are within the locality.[3][4]

Geography

[edit]
Curtis Island map

Curtis Island occupies almost all of the island from which it takes its name, except for a very small area in the south of the island which is included in the locality of Gladstone Harbour. Most of the island is protected from development: most of the ocean-facing eastern side of the island is within either the Curtis Island National Park or the Curtis Island Conservation Park, while most of the mainland-facing western side of the island is within the Curtis Island State Forest.[5]

The town Beachton is on the northern-western coast of the island (23°29′20″S 150°58′44″E / 23.489°S 150.979°E / -23.489; 150.979 (Beachton (town centre)))[3] Beachton has some housing along the beachfront but many of its blocks of land are undeveloped.[5]

Natural gas facilities, 2013

On the south western coast there is an industrial area consisting of three liquid natural gas facilities (23°45′54″S 151°11′53″E / 23.7650°S 151.1980°E / -23.7650; 151.1980 (Curtis Island liquid natural gas facilities)) with port facilities for export.[5][6][7]

On the south-eastern coast there is the small town of Southend (23°45′24″S 151°18′38″E / 23.7566°S 151.3105°E / -23.7566; 151.3105 (Southend)) on a peninsula at the confluence of Gladstone Harbour and the Coral Sea.[4] Most of the town lots in Southend are developed.[5]

The waterway between the mainland and Curtis Island is known as The Narrows.[8] It is a 27 kilometres (17 mi) long narrow strait. It connects Gladstone Harbour to Keppel Bay (the mouth of the Fitzroy River). However, it is very shallow and in some places it can be crossed at low tide. It is mainly used for recreational activities, including fishing.[9][10]

There are two lighthouses on the island:

Headlands

[edit]

Curtis Island has the following headlands (from north to south):

Mountains

[edit]

Curtis Island has the following mountains (from north to south):

History

[edit]

Cape Capricorn was named by Captain Cook when he passed on 25 May 1770, since he found it to be located on the Tropic of Capricorn (which was located at 23°28′15″ in 1770).[33] The modern surveyed location of its endpoint is just slightly south of the present tropic.

The locality takes its name from the island, which in turn was named after Port Curtis, which was named by Matthew Flinders on 1 August 1802, after Vice Admiral Sir Roger Curtis, a commanding British Admiral at Cape Town who had assisted Flinders with repairs to HMS Investigator in October 1801. Port Curtis was the original name for the Gladstone area.[34]

The Canoona gold rush in 1858 attracted many people to the Rockhampton area. However, many ships encountered difficulties negotiating the many sand bars at the entrance to the Fitzroy River, so a pilot station was requested in 1862. The first pilot station is believed to have been established at Cape Capricorn but later was moved to Grassy Hill (23°27′56″S 151°01′34″E / 23.4656°S 151.0261°E / -23.4656; 151.0261 (Grassy Hill)) in 1864.[35][36]

In 1865, Sea Hill (23°29′13″S 150°59′43″E / 23.48694°S 150.99528°E / -23.48694; 150.99528 (Sea Hill quarantine station)) was chosen as the site for a quarantine station for ships entering the Fitzroy River, but no quarantine station was constructed there until July 1873 when the ship Countess Russell arrived with 15 cases of typhoid fever on board, resulting in a temporary hospital being established.[37] Those who died were buried in the Keppel Bay Cemetery (to the north-west of the present lighthouse). Over 500 Chinese people were quarantined at Sea Hill due to a smallpox outbreak in 1877.[38] In 1878, the problems with mosquitoes and sandflies resulted in the quarantine station being relocated to Mackenzie Island (23°30′39″S 150°51′51″E / 23.51083°S 150.86417°E / -23.51083; 150.86417 (Mackenzie Island quarantine station)).[35][39][40]

A lighthouse to guide ships into the Fitzroy river was requested in 1864,[41] but it was not until the early-1870s that the first Sea Hill lighthouse was constructed.[42] The first Cape Carpricorn Lighthouse was built in 1874.[43]

The Monte Cristo pastoral station was established in the 1860s by John Bonar Peter Hamilton Ramsay (nicknamed ‘Alphabetical’ Ramsay due to the number of his Christian names) and two partners. They raised cattle and bred horses. They took advantage of the shallowness of the Narrows to cross their animals to the mainland at low tide at a point that became known as Ramsay's Crossing.[10] This practice continued until 2014 when the pastoral station was sold to be developed as a gas plant.[44]

A coastal steamer also travelled between Gladstone and Rockhampton via The Narrows but this could only be done at high tide.[10]

Rosa Praed

Author Rosa Campbell Praed lived on Curtis Island. On 29 October 1872 she married Arthur Campbell Praed,[45] a nephew of the poet Winthrop Mackworth Praed. She described living with him on his property on Curtis Island, "an existence of terrifying hardship and loneliness".[46] Spender says that "The years which she spent on Curtis Island and which played such a crucial part in determining her values – and her voice – could hardly be described as middle-class, indulgent or privileged".[47] She recreates her life at this time in her novel, An Australian Heroine (1880). It was also during her time on Curtis Island that she turned to spiritualism.[48]

The Town of Southend first appears on 1922 survey plan S7341.[4] In February 1923, the first 20 blocks of land were offered as 15-year leases.[49]

In 1964, it was proposed to relocate the population of the island of Nauru to Curtis Island. By that time, Nauru had been extensively mined for phosphate by companies from Australia, Britain and New Zealand damaging the landscape so much that it was thought the island would be uninhabitable by the 1990s. Rehabilitating the island was seen as financially impossible. In 1962, Australian Prime Minister, Bob Menzies, said that the three countries involved in the mining had an obligation to provide a solution for the Nauruan people, and proposed finding a new island for them. In 1963, the Australian Government proposed to acquire all the land on Curtis Island (which was considerably larger than Nauru) and then offer the Nauruans freehold title over the island and that the Nauruans would become Australian citizens.[50][51] The costs of resettling the Nauruans on Curtis Island was estimated to be £10 million, which included housing and infrastructure and the establishment of pastoral, agricultural, and fishing industries.[52] However, the Nauruan people did not wish to become Australian citizens and wanted to be given sovereignty over Curtis Island in order to establish themselves as an independent nation, which Australia would not agree to.[53] Nauru rejected the proposal to move to Curtis Island,[54] instead choosing to become an independent nation (a process completed in 1968) operating their own mines in Nauru (acquired in 1967).

Demographics

[edit]

In the 2016 census, Curtis Island had a population of 323 people.[55]

In the 2021 census, Curtis Island had a population of 36 people.[1]

Heritage listings

[edit]

Curtis Island has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

Transport

[edit]

There are no bridges to Curtis Island.[5] As at April 2019, a vehicular and passenger ferry runs services from Gladstone to Southend via Farmers Point on Facing Island on 5 days of the week.[56]

Endangered bird

[edit]

Curtis island is home to the Capricorn yellow chat (Epthianura crocea macgregori), a tiny bird which is considered critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.[57] As of 2020, the bird is threatened by rising sea levels on Curtis Island. It is only found on three plains on the central Queensland coast, and since 2002 the sea level along that coast has risen 80 millimetres (3.1 in). The population was reduced to just a couple of pairs 20 years ago, but now there are almost 40 on Curtis Island. This increase is attributed to a feral pig culling program from 2006 and the removal of cattle in about 2016. The chat has been moving inland, but closer to the trees, they are more likely to be prey for birds like sparrow hawks. Central Queensland University researcher Bob Black has been studying the bird for 20 years.[58]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Curtis Island (SAL)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 February 2023. Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ "Curtis Island – locality in Gladstone Region (entry 47384)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Beachton – town in Gladstone Region (entry 48141)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  4. ^ a b c "Southend – town in the Gladstone Region (entry 31557)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Queensland Globe". State of Queensland. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  6. ^ "The Queensland Curtis LNG Project". QGC. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  7. ^ "GLNG". 1 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 June 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  8. ^ "The Narrows – a channel in the Gladstone Region (entry 34032)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  9. ^ "The Narrows". Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership. Archived from the original on 5 April 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  10. ^ a b c "Ramsay Crossing" (PDF). Gladstone Regional Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Mountain peaks and capes - Queensland". Queensland Open Data. Queensland Government. 12 November 2020. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  12. ^ "Cape Keppel – cape in Gladstone Region (entry 18005)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  13. ^ "Station Point – point in Gladstone Region (entry 32297)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  14. ^ "Warners Point – point in Gladstone Region (entry 48140)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  15. ^ "Cape Capricorn – cape in Gladstone Region (entry 6160)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  16. ^ "Sea Hill Point – point in Gladstone Region (entry 30313)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  17. ^ "Dinkys Point – point in Gladstone Region (entry 10096)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  18. ^ "Black Head – cape in Gladstone Region (entry 2856)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  19. ^ "Laird Point – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 18807)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  20. ^ "Boatshed Point – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 3389)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  21. ^ "Hamilton Point – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 15281)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  22. ^ "Bald Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 1307)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  23. ^ "Grassy Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 14662)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  24. ^ "One Mile Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 25408)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  25. ^ "Sea Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 30312)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  26. ^ "Coast Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 7549)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  27. ^ "Mount Barker – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 1643)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  28. ^ "Mount Barney – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 1689)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  29. ^ "Sandhill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 29602)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  30. ^ "Central Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 6786)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  31. ^ "Black Head – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 2855)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  32. ^ "Ship Hill – mountain in Gladstone Region (entry 30747)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  33. ^ Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World at Project Gutenberg
  34. ^ "Curtis island – island in the Gladstone Region (entry 9101)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  35. ^ a b Bevis, Mary (24 March 2014). "Keeping island's history alive". Gladstone Observer. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  36. ^ "Grassy Hill – hill in Gladstone Region (entry 14662)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  37. ^ "Sea Hill – hill in the Gladstone Region (entry 30312)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  38. ^ "Current News". The Queenslander. Vol. XII, no. 85. Queensland, Australia. 31 March 1877. p. 8. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  39. ^ "Mackenzie Island – island in the Shire of Livingstone (entry 20452)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  40. ^ "NEW SOUTH WALES". Rockhampton Bulletin. Vol. XIX, no. 2796. Queensland, Australia. 22 March 1877. p. 2. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  41. ^ "ROCKHAMPTON". Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser. Vol. IV, no. 169. Queensland, Australia. 11 February 1864. p. 1 (Maryborough Chronicle, SUPPLEMENT). Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  42. ^ a b "Little Sea Hill Lighthouse (entry 602784)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  43. ^ a b "Cape Capricorn Lightstation (entry 601723)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  44. ^ "The end of an era". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 11 December 2014. Archived from the original on 5 April 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  45. ^ Tiffin, Chris. "Praed, Rosa Caroline (1851–1935)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. ISBN 978-0-522-84459-7. ISSN 1833-7538. OCLC 70677943. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  46. ^ Spender (1988) p. 210
  47. ^ Spender (1988) p. 211
  48. ^ Spender (1988) p. 212
  49. ^ "Government Sales". Worker. Vol. 33, no. 1656. Queensland, Australia. 1 February 1923. p. 17. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  50. ^ "Island Purchase For Nauruans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 38, no. 10, 840. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 6 May 1964. p. 5. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  51. ^ "Nauruans Likely To Settle Curtis Island". The Canberra Times. Vol. 37, no. 10, 549. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 30 May 1963. p. 9. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  52. ^ McAdam, Jane (15 August 2016). "How the entire nation of Nauru almost moved to Queensland". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  53. ^ "Lack Of Sovereignty 'Disappoints' Nauruans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 37, no. 10, 554. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 5 June 1963. p. 45. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  54. ^ "Nauru not to take Curtis Is". The Canberra Times. Vol. 38, no. 10, 930. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 21 August 1964. p. 3. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  55. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Curtis Island (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018. Edit this at Wikidata
  56. ^ "Ferry Timetables". Curtis Ferry Services. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  57. ^ Jaensch, R., Houston, W., Black, R., Campbell, L., McCabe, J., Elder, R., and Porter, G. (2004). "Rediscovery of the Capricorn subspecies of yellow chat ‘Epthianura crocea macgregori' at Torilla Plain, on the mainland coast of central Queensland. Archived 4 February 2021 at the Wayback Machine" The Sunbird 34: 24-36.
  58. ^ Stünzner, Inga (14 June 2020). "Rising sea levels threaten critically endangered Capricorn yellow chat". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Spender, Dale (1988) "Rosa Praed: Original Australian Writer" in Adelaide, Debra (ed) (1988) A Bright and Fiery Troop, Ringwood, Penguin
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Curtis Island, Queensland.
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