LIFESTYLE in BOULIA

Regional Overview

Boulia was proclaimed a township in 1879 and has flourished steadily ever since. Situated on the beautiful Burke River, Boulia is a welcome oasis in the outback. With amenities including an 18-hole golf course, undercover tennis and indoor cricket pitch, a 25-metre pool, impressive rodeo arena and a town oval, Boulia is one of the best-equipped towns in the outback.

Location

Boulia is located 300km south of Mount Isa, 360km west of Winton and nearly 2000km from Brisbane. The Northern Territory border is 260km away. Boulia Shire has a common border with the Northern Territory of 320km.

Population

Boulia Shire covers a land area of 61,176sq km and has a total Shire population of 600 people. The town of Boulia has a population of 300 people and the other town in the Shire, Urandangie, has a population of 35.

Economy

The area around Boulia is wholly devoted to grazing. In normal times the area carries about 250,000 sheep and 75,000 cattle or more. The wool clip is approximately one million kilograms weight. The gross value of primary production approximates $3.4 million per annum. The largest employer with Boulia is the Shire Council. The Council's main role is the maintenance of the roads within the Shire.

Climate

Boulia has an average of 250mm of rain each year. The town is located on the edge of the desert and therefore has a similar climate. The businesses with Boulia and many of the homes are air-conditioned and with an excellent supply of water the town of Boulia is surprisingly green considering its location.

Tourism

While Boulia's location may not appeal to many as an ideal holiday location, many visitors find that there are more things to see and do then they thought. The most surprising is the exciting Min Min Encounter, which has recently been built in Herbert Street Boulia. The encounter is the story of the Min Min Light. The light has been seen in the Boulia area for nearly 100 years. The Min Min Encounter is set to explain this eerie phenomenon to those who are brave enough to see the light. For a small town Boulia has a lot to offer those who want a holiday out of the ordinary.

Accommodation

Short term or holiday accommodation is available at the motel, hotel or the caravan park in town. Housing within town is of a reasonable standard with houses available to rent or buy at reasonable prices.

Health Services

Boulia has a fully equipped clinic with visiting doctors and specialists. In emergencies the Royal Flying Doctors are available to transport patients out of town. Over the counter pharmacy supplies can be purchased at the Min Min store and selected pharmacy items are available though the Boulia Health Clinic.

Social Networks

Boulia has numerous social groups. Many focus on sports such as golf and cricket. There are many committees within town from the usual P & C to the more adventurous Desert Sands 2000m camel racing organising committee. Many people in town own camels that race each year. Boulia has two churches, an Anglican and a Catholic Church; services are held regularly.

Water Supply

Water is reticulated to all premises in town from four bores. The bores, which are sub-artesian, are each of a depth of about 250 feet. Water is pumped to a reservoir at ground level with a capacity of 1,150,000 litres. The water is then pumped to a 120,000 litre elevation tank. The water is quite palatable.

Education

Boulia State School caters for children up to year seven the current enrolment for 2000 is 70 children. The school has a library, air-conditioned classrooms and computer access. Boulia Shire has also built a new library. The library has an excellent range of books, videos and audio books. The shire library offers Internet access for a nominal fee. There are numerous web sites offering information about Boulia and events within the Shire.

Events Calendar:

Name: Easter Rodeo and Raceday
Date: To be Advised
Location: Boulia
Contact: Kelsey Neilson - (07) 4748 4979 or
Mari Gundersen - (07) 4746 3308

Name: Desert Sands Camel Race
Date: July (each year)
Location: Boulia
Contact: Paddy McHugh - (07) 4721 6720

Lifestyle