Maryborough, Queensland



Maryborough is a city located on the Mary River in South East Queensland, Australia, approximately 255 kilometres (160 miles) north of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is serviced by the Bruce Highway, and has a population of approximately 22,000 (2004). It shares a unique bond with its neighbour city Hervey Bay which is approximately 30 kilometres (20 miles) north-east. Together they form part of the area known as the Fraser Coast, one of the country's fastest-growing regions.

'''History '''

Maryborough was founded in 1847 and is one of Queensland's oldest provincial cities. It was proclaimed a municipality in 1861, and became a city in 1905. During the 1800s, the city was a major port of entry to immigrants arriving in Queensland from all parts of the world and a visit to the Wharf Street Precinct retains many reminders of this period. Over time the town has been a service town for many industries including gold mining, wool, timber, and sugar.

Once the lifeblood of the town, the Mary River is still a haven for pleasure craft, a source of excellent freshwater fishing and a beautiful back drop for a lovely city. The Mary River has such a wide mouth that at one stage Maryborough was nominated as possible capital city before Brisbane.

The town and river were named in 1847 after Lady Mary Lennox (1790–1847) the beloved wife of Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, then Governor of the colony of New South Wales. Lady Mary was killed in a coach accident very soon after, devastating Sir Charles.

Today, Maryborough is widely recognised for the abundant examples of colonial and Queenslander architecture, majestic public buildings and beautiful gardens. Much of the city's character has been preserved in these classic buildings, mostly built of local timber in a range of sizes and designs. Take a peek into the good old days at Brennan and Geraghty's Store, a time-capsule corner store, preserved by the National Trust. Or discover the fascinating port history of Maryborough at the Bond Store Museum and Customs House in the Wharf Street precinct.

Pneumonic Plague

Australia's only outbreak of pneumonic plague occurred in Maryborough in 1905. At the time Maryborough was Queensland's largest port — a reception centre for wool, meat, timber and other rural products. A freighter from Hong Kong, where plague was rampant, was in the port of Maryborough about the time that a wharf worker named Richard O'Connell took home some sacking from the wharf, for his children to sleep on. Subsequently, five of the seven O'Connell children, two nurses, and a neighbour died from the disease. Fortunately, there were no more cases but the ensuing fear, panic, and hysteria totally consumed the town, and a huge crowd gathered to witness the family’s house being burnt to the ground by Health officials. A memorial fountain was built in the grounds of the City Hall and dedicated to the nurses.

'''Economy and industry '''

Tourism plays a significant part in the economy of the city today. Maryborough is the self-styled Heritage City of Queensland and holds heritage markets each Thursday. The city has many preserved 19th and 20th century buildings including the General Post Office and Customs House.

Maryborough's industrial base was established over one hundred years ago and although diversified today, still retains the original base industries of engineering, sugar and timber. Olds Engine House displays a collection of famous models by Australia's foremost model engineer, William Olds. The engineering works and foundry, which are still operating, have a reputation for variety and quality and are fascinating for all visitors.

The main industrial company in the city today is EDI Rail, formerly Walkers Limited, a heavy engineering business which has built much of the rolling stock and locomotives for Queensland Rail and in past years was involved in shipbuilding. EDI, together with Bombardier Transportation, built and tested Transperth's relatively modern B-Series trains in Maryborough, which were launched in Perth in late 2004.

Maryborough's income also comes from numerous farming and station prospects in and around the city and has a healthy fishing industry. The city also has had traditional ties to the timber industry and is home to Hyne & Son one of the largest producers of natural timber products in Australia which has diverse operations along the eastern coastline.

Maryborough was once a prominent centre of railway and tramway operations, including a branch to the wharf on the Mary River.

Maryborough's industrial base was established over one hundred years ago and although diversified today, still retains the original base industries of engineering, sugar and timber. Olds Engine House displays a collection of famous models by Australia's foremost model engineer, William Olds. The engineering works and foundry, which are still operating, have a reputation for variety and quality and are fascinating for all visitors.