Capricorn Coast

The Capricorn Coast is a stretch of coastline in Central Queensland, Australia and is part of the Shire of Livingstone (formerly part of Rockhampton Region).

Geography

The Capricorn Coasts takes its name from Cape Capricorn (23.4856°S 151.2356°E / -23.4856; 151.2356 (Cape Capricorn (namesake))) on Curtis Island, which in turn takes its name from the Tropic of Capricorn (approx 23.4364°S 150.83036°E / -23.4364; 150.83036 (Tropic of Capricorn (at the coast))) which passes through roughly through the cape. The Tropic also passes through Capricorn Coast.

The Capricorn Coast is officially defined as "the coastal area between the mouth of Water Park Creek and the mouth of the Fitzroy River", which establishes its boundaries as 22°56′41″S 150°47′11″E and 23°32′07″S 150°52′35″E, i.e. from Farnborough to Thompson Point. The Capricorn Coast is approximately 75 km (47 mi) from end to end with dozens of towns and islands scattered along its length.

Governance

In 1879, the Gogango Divisional Board was established as one of 74 divisions in Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879. The Gogango Divisional Board's scope of authority comprised a large area north and east of Rockhampton. While the Division was administered in Rockhampton, a locally appointed body, the Yeppoon Progress Association met once a month to look after the minor requirements of the town.

The discovery of gold brought a huge influx of people to the region, and the various Boards broke up into smaller administrative bodies to better service the growing population.