Baralaba, Queensland

Baralaba is a small town and rural locality in the Shire of Banana in central Queensland, Australia. In the 2011 census, Baralaba had a population of 479 people.GeographyThe Dawson River forms the western boundary of the locality. The town is located in the north-west corner of the locality beside the river. The Neville Hewitt weir on the river at the town creates a wide river for irrigation and recreation.The town is located 33km west of the Leichhardt Highway.EconomyThe local economy revolves around beef production.HistoryThe town's name is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "high mountain" referring to nearby Mount Ramsay.Baralaba Provisional School opened on 19 August 1918. It became a state school on 1 March 1922. In 1964, a secondary department was added.Baralaba Post Office opened by April 1924 (a receiving office had been open since about 1919).In May 1941, an Honour Board commemorating those who served in World War II was unveiled at the Returned and Services League of Australia Memorial Hall in Stopford Street. Outside of the Memorial Hall is a white cross commemorating those who served in all wars and conflicts.Two coal mines once operated in the Baralaba region. Both closed, but mining operations recommenced at one mine in 2005.