Oakey
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Oakey Queensland |
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Campbell Street, 2014
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 Oakey
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| Coordinates | 27°25′52″S 151°43′08″E / 27.43111°S 151.71889°ECoordinates: 27°25′52″S 151°43′08″E / 27.43111°S 151.71889°E | ||||||
| Population | 4,529 (2011 census) | ||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4401 | ||||||
| Elevation | 406 m (1,332 ft) | ||||||
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| LGA(s) | Toowoomba Region | ||||||
| State electorate(s) | Condamine | ||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Groom | ||||||
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Oakey /ˈoʊki/ is a rural town situated in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. It is situated 160 kilometres (100 mi) west of the state capital, Brisbane, and 29 kilometres (18 mi) west of the regional city of Toowoomba. At the 2011 census, Oakey recorded a population of 4,529.
Oakey and the creek around which the town is located, were named for the river oaks that dominate the banks of the creek. The town was surveyed in 1868, with the first sale being 28 June 1870. Originally named Oaky, the spelling of Oakey was officially adopted in August 1940. The area was first settled in the early 1840s when pastoralists moved into the area and found the land to be suitable for grazing. The building of the Western railway line through the area prompted the growth of a township to service the pastoral community. Growth of the town was slow, however featured some enterprising ventures, including a short-lived meatworks near the town, which planned to tin and export kangaroo and wallaby under the marketing name 'Australian Game'. The enterprise was unsuccessful and closed down in 1876.
In 1859, the Jondaryan Woolshed was built to the west of the town to service the rapidly growing wool industry. The first shearing took place in 1861. The railway reached Oakey and Jondaryan in 1867. Oakey Creek Post Office opened on 1 June 1869. It was renamed Oakey by 1878. The Jondaryan pastoral station dominated the area, encompassing over 400,000 acres (1,600 km2). The Woolshed was responsible for over 200,000 head of sheep and could cater for in excess of 50 shearers working simultaneously. Following World War I, the homestead landholding was reduced and separated to allow for soldier re-settlement programs.
The Oakey primary school opened in August 1874 with much celebration reported.
"A grand picnic and ball was held here on the 3rd instant in honor of the opening of the above school. The school-house is a neat weatherboard building, shingled, and with a verandah on each side, and capable of accommodating between sixty and seventy children, and will amply supply the requirements of tbe district for years to come. The teacher's residence is a smart little four roomed cottage, but I should think rather small. The appointment of Mr. Tait as teacher is sure to give satisfaction."
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Wikipedia