Byee, Queensland

Byee is a rural locality in the South Burnett Region, Queensland, Australia.[2] In the 2016 census, Byee had a population of 31 people.[1]

Byee
Queensland
Byee is located in Queensland
Byee
Byee
Coordinates26.1838°S 151.8513°E / -26.1838; 151.8513
Population31 (2016 census)[1]
 • Density2.05/km2 (5.32/sq mi)
Postcode(s)4605
Area15.1 km2 (5.8 sq mi)
Time zoneAEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)South Burnett Region
State electorate(s)Nanango
Federal division(s)Wide Bay
Suburbs around Byee:
Silverleaf Warnung Merlwood
Silverleaf Byee Barlil
Wheatlands Wheatlands Wheatlands

The district name was applied by the Railways Department in 1915 when plans for the Murgon to Proston branch line extension were approved and under development. The word Byee is derived from Aboriginal origin with connotations meaning Silver Leaf Ironbark Tree [3]

History

The branch railway from Murgon to Proston opened on 25 February 1923, with Byee the second station on the route after Barlil,[4] although some services to Byee functioned prior to the entire line opening as that section had been completed. A mixed service was provided three times a week between 1938 and 1964 utilising a rail motor service operated to and from Gympie. In 1924 it was reported that the local Byee storekeeper Mr. W.J.Wrigely had been appointed postmaster, and also that the telegraph and telephone office was functioning, and that land had been reserved for the purpose of building a hotel (which never eventuated) [5]

A public hall was established at Byee in 1929 on land donated by E.D.Quinlan and was funded by local donations and fundraising efforts such as a dance held in the barn of a nearby property owned by A.Sempf.[6] The hall became a popular local venue for regular dances and social functions. The district had its own soccer and cricket teams which competed in South Burnett fixtures.

Telephone infrastructure was first extended to Byee in 1923 and was based at the local railway station which itself was only new. [7]

Children in the Byee district attended school at either Silverleaf State School, Barlil State School or Wheatlands State School. Wheatlands State School is the only school that has remained open and functioning into the modern era.

A small village developed in Byee which included a shop, receiving depots and later, grain silos. Most business revolved around the functions of the railway.

References

  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Byee (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  2. "Byee – locality in South Burnett Region (entry 46202)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  3. "Queensland place names search | Place names".
  4. Kerr, J. 'Triumph of Narrow Gauge' Boolarong Press 1990
  5. "MURGON". Brisbane Courier. 13 February 1924.
  6. "BYEE". Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser. 14 September 1929.
  7. "Byee and Windera Telephone". Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser. 20 November 1923.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.