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Wide Bay-Burnett

Wide Bay–Burnett
Queensland
Qld-regions-map.gif
Queensland Regions
Population 273,276 (2011 census)
 • Density 5.623148/km2 (14.56389/sq mi)
Area 48,598.4 km2 (18,763.9 sq mi)
LGA(s) Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, South Burnett
State electorate(s) Bundaberg, Callide, Gympie, Maryborough, Nanango
Federal Division(s) Wide Bay, Hinkler, Maranoa, Flynn

Wide Bay–Burnett is a region of the Australian state of Queensland, located between 170 and 400 kilometres (105 and 250 miles) north of the state capital, Brisbane. The area's population growth has exceeded the state average over the past 20 years, and it is forecast to grow to more than 430,000 by 2031. It is the subject of the Draft Wide Bay–Burnett Regional Plan, which aims to facilitate this growth while protecting over 90% of the region from urban development.

Wide Bay was the name given by the early European explorer James Cook to a coastal indentation as he was sailing past Double Island Point. As the Port of Maryborough developed during the 19th century Wide Bay became well known as ships passed through the area before entering the Great Sandy Strait and the port.

The coastal parts of the region are centered on the city of Maryborough. The inland is defined by a series of ranges which create the water of the Burnett River. In the southeast of the region is a coastal area known as Cooloola.

The Wide Bay–Burnett region consists of the following local government areas:

1 Noosa is sometimes included in the region, especially by tourism authorities, but is formally excluded by both the ABS and the Queensland Government's Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

Fraser Island is located along the southern coast of Queensland, approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) north of Brisbane. Its length is about 120 kilometres (75 mi) and its width is approximately 24 kilometres (15 mi) and it is separated from the mainland by the Great Sandy Strait. The island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world at 1840 km². It is also Queensland's largest island, Australia's sixth largest island and the largest island on the East Coast of Australia.


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