Endless Horizons and Opportunities

Some of the exciting projects in the Region

MEAT PROCESSING WORKS

HUGHENDEN LEADS THE CHARGE WITH BEEF EXPORT

Closure of meatworks in regional Queensland over recent years has reduced the processing options for millions of cattle raised in the state’s “Outback”. Cattle herds in this region account for over 30 per cent of the state’s total stock. Demand for beef and beef co-products from expanding Asian markets is expected to rise over the coming decades due to population growth and higher per capita incomes.

Flinders Shire Council has taken the first steps to secure the region’s place as a reliable, innovative supplier of quality Australian beef to growing markets in Asia, the Middle East and other parts of the world.

With investor interest to develop a meat processing facility and feedlot, Hughenden is expecting to see a large workforce inbound to support the initiative.

Looking for new business opportunities? This project presents stakeholders with a wealth of options.

THE CATTLE INDUSTRY

IN HUGHENDEN WE BRING THE BEEF

There is a significant demand for clean, grass-fed beef. Beef is our largest agricultural export and it’s humbling to know that our beef is enjoyed around the globe.

Rich in Flinders and Mitchell grasses, Flinders Shire offers some of the best beef-producing land in the country. With over 100 grazing properties regionally, contributing a gross $73.5 million worth of production annually, the Shire is committed to supporting the beef industry. Flinders has cattle saleyards with access to both road and rail transport, serving as a tick clearing facility. Council has dedicated two Commons and eight Reserves for use as grazing pasture with the appropriate approvals in place. With recent good rain and record cattle prices, this industry continues to be the dominant economy in the region.

TOURISM

A TOWN OF FIVE ROADS ON EVERY OUTBACK TRAVELLER’S MAP

We’re a little biased – but there are a lot of reasons to come and visit Hughenden. Our slice of Australia is blessed with many natural assets, but the magnificent Porcupine Gorge, located in one of the Shire’s four National Parks is a must-see for travellers. The region is uniquely rich in dinosaur and marine fossils, providing visitors to the area with a rare glimpse into the ancient past.

The town boasts a fabulous recreational lake in the heart of Hughenden, facilitating boating and swimming as well as providing a great place to picnic, in addition to three dedicated tourist drives with free camping for RVs. A jam-packed events calendar and Hughenden’s Art Trail provides something to satisfy everyone’s taste. The Council also operates the Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum along with local tours. With an average of 30,000 visitors a year, new small businesses willing to service their needs will find endless opportunities.

NEW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE

The Hughenden Industrial Estate is situated 2km West of the centre of Hughenden township.

The Industrial Estate covers a total area of 35.9 hectares and is zoned for purpose. All blocks in the existing estate are serviced by water, sewer and electricity reticulation.

The Estate includes a variety of enterprises such as:

Transport Services
Building and Concrete Supplies
Plumbing and Gas Fitting
Renewable Energy Facility
Mechanical and Machinery Repairs

Land is now for sale in the second stage extension of the development. Submit enquiries to Ray White Rural in Hughenden.

RETAIL precinct

CREATING A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESSES

Beautification and revitalisation of Brodie Street, Hughenden’s main retail precinct is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Works include new road surfacing, seating areas, with provision for electric vehicle and mobile phone charging. In keeping with the town’s heritage, a beautiful windmill rotunda takes centre stage.

The chief focus of the revitalisation is to attract retail growth, improve the visual appeal of the CBD and give shoppers a pleasant space to mingle and share a yarn. Regional growth in renewable energy, tourism, manufacturing and strong market prices for cattle means starting a small business in Hughenden is a rewarding venture for anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and have a go.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY & RENEWABLES

MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES… AND THERE IS A LOT OF SUNSHINE

Flinders Shire is perfectly situated for harvesting renewable energy. Taking advantage of the high winds and sunny days, the region hosts two renewable energy farms and a third project is planned. With these enterprises up and running, Hughenden is a leader in clean energy production. As Queensland transitions into renewable energy, Flinders Shire looks to host energy sector workers, as new technologies create new opportunities.

FLINDERS SHIRE WATER STRATEGY

WATER IS LIFE

Water security is critical for the growth and development of our Shire and surrounding region. Both Flinders Shire Council and private investors have projects in the pipeline that will ensure a prosperous and sustainable future.

Council’s Hughenden Off-Stream Water Storage project is the first phase of the region’s water strategy, and will deliver economic benefits and outcomes in the short-term. The proposed water facility is located 6 kilometres north-west of Hughenden, along the Flinders River, and will hold 10,000 megalitres of water, supporting a further four horticultural farms.

In the 2022/23 budget, Council has secured a funding commitment of $26.5 million from the Queensland Government for this scheme. In addition to this, Hughenden Irrigation Project Corporation (HIPCo) is located 45 kilometres northwest of Hughenden, along the Flinders River. HIPCo plans to develop a dam with more than 150,000-megalitre holding capacity.

These two projects integrate to form the Flinders River Water Strategy, a solid foundation for our community’s vision for growth, development and diversification in the Shire.

Live in Hughenden

Interesting Facts about Hughenden

Art & Sculptures Coolabah tree Eco Walk Windmills Federation Rotunda Hughenden Recreational La Brodie Street precinct

Art & Sculptures

AN OUTBACK ARTIST’S HAVEN

Hughenden is an outback artist’s haven. Take in a trail of sculptures scattered through the town and admire the mammoth murals. The sheer magnitude of the age of the region will astonish, and the recent history will inspire.

Coolabah tree

A STAPLE OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORY

Spend some time under the Coolabah tree. The tree is a feature throughout Australian cultural history. You’ll stumble on this rare sight at the entrance to the Hughenden Showgrounds.

The historical Coolabah Tree is linked to two relief missions in search of the Burke and Wills expedition. Both expeditions blazed the tree, passing it on their search to find the Flinders River, triggering the growth of settlement in the area.

Eco Walk

WALK ALONG THE DIVERSE BIOREGIONS OF FLINDERS SHIRE

Take a stroll on the Eco Walk on Flinders. Enjoy a walk along the diverse bioregions of the Flinders Shire at Eco Walk on Flinders.

These ecosystems have been carefully replicated along the northern banks of the Flinders River with over 1.5km of walking tracks. Along the pathway are species of flora, showcasing the broad diversity of botanical life in Flinders Shire. Artworks by local artists are also scattered along the Walk, commemorating important events in the region’s history.

Windmills

ONE OF ONLY 15 GIANT WINDMILLS EVER CREATED

Take in the Windmills – Hughenden is somewhat famous for its windmills.
For instance, the mammoth 35-foot comet windmill on the outskirts of town at Wirilla Station is one of only
15 giant windmills ever built. This Goliath has the ability to pump over one million litres of water per day.

Federation Rotunda

A CELEBRATION OF SCULPTURE

If you’re in town, make sure you head to Brodie Street and see the Federation Rotunda. This unique sculpture was created using two 20-foot blade windmills connected by a sheet of iron. Designed by local artists, the sculpture was erected as a celebration of the Centenary of Federation in 2001.

Hughenden Recreational Lake

MAKE THE MOST OF THE COOL WATER AND THE FACILITIES

Constructed in 2019 as a joint initiative between Flinders Shire Council and the Australian government, the Hughenden Recreational Lake is a multiple-use lake. Shared by boaters, water skiers, kayakers, rowers and swimmers, all visitors are welcome and we encourage you to make the most of the refreshing water and the facilities. Need a swim, into your boating, want to drop a line or ready for a canoe? The lake is your go-to place!

Brodie Street precinct

PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY TO STROLL THROUGH LOCAL SHOPS AND LET THE KIDS RUN LOOSE

The Brodie Street precinct area has been refurbished and is the principal retail area of Hughenden. Boasting local art features, the naturally-cooling biophilic design provides plenty of opportunities to stroll through local shops. We recommend taking some time to wander the precinct or stop in for a coffee. Kick off your shoes and make lunch a BBQ in the park, with space to let the kids run loose.

Schools

PERSONALISED LEARNING IN THE OUTBACK

Hughenden State School (HSS) serves students from Prep to Year 12 education and has an enrolment of roughly 85 primary students and 45 secondary students. Being a small school enables HSS to provide tailored learning paths for pupils. This is demonstrated by the large proportion of Senior students enrolled in individual learning programmes, ranging from traineeships to introductory tertiary subjects.

St. Francis Catholic School Hughenden is located on the Flinders Highway, 380 kilometres west of Townsville. In October 1900, six Good Samaritan Sisters arrived to establish the school. The initial enrolment was 12 children, but it rapidly swelled to 175, including a few boarders. St Francis Catholic School is a small school that serves kids from Prep to Year 6 and has a rich history of offering high-quality education in a Catholic setting.

Other schools in Flinders Shire are Cameron Downs Primary School (located 60 km form Hughenden) and Prairie Primary School (40 km from Hughenden).

Real Estate

ACHIEVE THE AUSSIE DREAM

Hughenden has a population of 1,132 people, with rental housing accounting for 22.64 per cent of residential properties. Housing is affordable and you get value for money in Hughenden! The typical price for a home is $150 000, which is approximately $400K less than a unit in Brisbane, and $200K less than a house in Townsville. Budget-friendly housing is where it begins, but Hughenden also provides a variety of investment prospects for those with a pioneering spirit.

Work Opportunities

EMPLOYMENT AND PROMISE OF GROWTH

Hughenden has been the centre of agricultural industry in the region for more than a century and there’s plenty of opportunities for individuals who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Hughenden also acts as a major rail hub for the northbound rail network, with job openings throughout the rail and distribution industries.

Those looking for employment opportunities in Hughenden and
surrounds should check out our Facebook page.

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