Grantham, Queensland
| Grantham Queensland |
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 Grantham Hotel, located in Anzac Ave |
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 Grantham
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| Population: | 370[1] |
| Postcode: | 4347 |
| Coordinates: | 27°35′S 152°12′E / 27.583°S 152.2°ECoordinates: 27°35′S 152°12′E / 27.583°S 152.2°E |
| Elevation: | 109 m (358 ft) |
| Location: | |
| LGA: | Lockyer Valley Region |
| County: | Cavendish |
| Parish: | Lockyer |
| State electorate: | Lockyer |
| Federal Division: | Wright |
Grantham is a town in the Lockyer Valley region of Queensland, Australia. The town is located 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of the state capital, Brisbane. At the 2006 census, Grantham had a population of 370.[1]
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[edit] History
The area was first settled in 1841, by George Mocatta.[2] In 1866 a railway siding from the main Toowoomba line was opened which assisted in the development of a small settlement. It wasn't until the mid-1879s that a railway station was built.[2] A butter factory was established in 1907. The building was replaced in 1926 by a brick building which operated until 1971.[2]
[edit] 2011 flash floods
On 10 January 2011, Grantham was severely damaged in a flash flood from heavy rains. Some houses were washed away and some people died.[3][4] Throughout the small town, nine people were confirmed to have been killed and several missing, believed dead.[5] Many homes in the town were destroyed by the torrent of water.[6] 50 families were left with nothing, with many more requiring significant assistance from the government and non-profit charities.
Following the floods, Grantham received visits by politicians including Queensland Premier Anna Bligh on numerous occasions. Australia's Governor-General Quentin Bryce also visited the town.[7]
In May 2011, it was announced that the town would be moved to higher ground to prevent future damaging floods.[8] A 935-acre site was purchased so that landholders could be provided a voluntary swap of equivalent-sized blocks. The new site is situated on a hill overlooking Grantham and has permission from the state government to bypass the normal development approval process.[9] It is expected that the first residents could be resettled by the end of 2011.[8] Resident of nearby Murphys Creek, Postmans Ridge, Withcott and Helidon have been included in the fast-tracked plan.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Community Profile Series : Grantham (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census of Population and Housing. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ProductSelect?newproducttype=Community+Profiles&collection=Census&period=2006&areacode=UCL324800&breadcrumb=LP¤taction=201&action=401. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ^ a b c Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland) (2000). Heritage Trails of the Great South East. State of Queensland. pp. 61. ISBN 0-7345-1008-X.
- ^ Maynard, Neale (11 January 2011). "Horrific scenes at Grantham". Courier Mail. http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/fears-for-30-at-grantham/story-fn6ck45n-1225985338415. Retrieved 11 January 2011.
- ^ "Grave fears for dozens missing in deadly floods", Australian Broadcasting Commission. 11 January 2011, Retrieved 11 January 2011 at 9:20 am AEST.
- ^ Wratten, Adam (26 January 2011). "Grantham victim remembered". The Chronicle. http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/01/26/grantham-victim-remembered/. Retrieved 30 January 2011.
- ^ Tom Reilly (13 January 2011). "Death hangs in air as search for bodies starts". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/death-hangs-in-air-as-search-for-bodies-starts-20110112-19oav.html. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
- ^ Tom Threadingham (24 May 2011). "Power and passion". Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Star (APN News & Media Ltd). http://www.gattonstar.com.au/story/2011/05/24/power-and-passion/. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ a b Georgia Waters (5 May 2011). "Flooded Queensland town to be relocated". Brisbane Times (Fairfax Media). http://brisbanetimes.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/flooded-queensland-town-to-be-relocated-20110505-1e9f7.html. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ Matt Wordsworth (8 June 2011). "Flood-ravaged Grantham moves to higher ground". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/07/3238120.htm?section=justin. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
[edit] External Links
- Grantham is a town left in tatters Video of flood damage
- Grantham Flood Support A fundraiser helping with Grantham relief
