Lockhart River, Queensland
Encyclopedia
Lockhart River is a coastal Aboriginal
community situated on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula
in Queensland
, Australia
. The population consists mostly of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
, whose ancestors were forcibly moved to the area beginning in 1924. At the 2006 census
, Lockhart River had a population of 542.
It is 800 km north by road from Cairns and approximately 2550 km by road north of Brisbane
. Lockhart River is the northern most town on the east coast of Australia. The community is also located approximately 2 km inland from Quintell Beach and is within the Iron Range National Park
. During WW2, Lockhart River Airport
was constructed as a bomber base
, from where many sorties were flown against Japanese forces during the critical Battle of the Coral Sea
, 4–8 May 1942.
Lockhart River is also the name of a river located 14 km south of the community. The river was named by explorer Robert Logan Jack
in January 1880 after a close friend, Hugh Lockhart.
and placed on the mission at Lockhart River, which became a centre for the sandalwood
trade. When the Second World War broke out, the Europeans left and the Aboriginal people were told to go back to the bush and fend for themselves. In 1947, the mission was re-established with drastic changes inflicted on how the people should live and behave. In particular, tribal groups were forced to combine into a single community.
In 1964, the Anglican Church handed over the mission to the Queensland Government who tried to relocate the people to Bamaga. The people refused to go but, in 1971, were forced to move away from the traditional area of the coast. No consideration was given to the traditional owners of the land; the move resulted in much discontent and friction.
The community has DOGIT status and is governed by its own Community Council
.
both live in the community. Population is between 650 - 700 'locals' and approximately 30 contractors performing various tasks, including: teachers, nurses, police, shop employees, council administration, council workshop, carpenter, and plumber.
The Lockhart River 'local' population is made up from five different clan groups: the Wuthathi from the north of the Olive River; the Kuuku Ya'u from Lloyd Bay and Weymouth Bay
; the Uutaalnganu from the Lockhart River south to Friendly Point; the Umpila from Friendly Point to the Massey River; and the Kaanju from the inland mountain areas behind the coast. (Targeting 2000, 1995) Local language is slowing fading out.
Most of the population lives in the community town area itself. There are two 'Outstations'. The first is at 'Old Site' and is only normally used during the dry season when vehicles can drive to that location on a rough inland road. It is sometimes used as a "weekender" by some local families during the calm weather over the Christmas to January period.
The second 'Outstation' is at Chillie Beach and is normally occupied all year round by the Hobson family group. It remains accessible by road and water most of the time.
A number of smaller communities also exist: these are Wattle Hills Station, Pascoe River 'Farm', Chillie Beach, Packer's Bay and Portland Roads.
Wattle Hills Station is located just inside the mouth of the Pascoe River, north of Lockhart River. It is a share arrangement for persons opting out of mainstream society. Very little problems arise from these people. Approximately 30 persons live in open-plan style houses. This station has its own airstrip and mail service once a week. Some of the houses have telephones connected and all are linked by their own private UHF radio network under the Rural Fires scheme.
Pascoe River 'farm' is located on the banks of the Pascoe River quite some distance inland. Access to the 'Farm' is from the main Lockhart River to Archer River
road, 52 km from the Lockhart River community. A track leads a further 15 km to the 'Farm'. It is occupied by the Fyfe extended family group. Approximately 10 to 15 people live on the farm.
Chillie Beach has a number of dwellings squatting along the secluded beaches and headlands. Approximately 10 - 20 persons live there.
Packer's Bay also has a number of open plan and full residential style houses occupied by persons opting out of mainstream society. Approximately 10 persons live there.
Portland Roads community is a reasonably standard housing area with some open plan style houses and no power, water or sewerage facilities. It was predominantly a fishing community until the recent changes to Fisheries Regulations. Many prawn trawlers, cray boats and yachts use this sheltered anchorage. Approximately 10 persons live here.
The explorer Edmund Kennedy
set up a base camp near the mouth of the Pascoe River. Edmund Kennedy left nine men there. By the time they were located by the supply ship, only two remained alive, the other seven having died from disease and starvation.
By the 1870s
Fisherman with luggers looking for trepang
, pearl shell and trochus
were in the coastal areas. Miners in search of tin
and gold
along with timber cutters were in the hills around Gordon Creek and the country inland around the Wenlock River.
1924 - 1941
The Church of England set up a mission at Ochid Point in Lloyd Bay. This mission was then moved to Bare Hill, south of Cape Direction, which is now known as 'Old Site'.
1941
The 'Old Site' mission was abandoned at the start of World War II
and moved in closer to the American Bomber base at Iron Range
.
During World War II, a large American bomber base was set up at Gordon's Airstrip with three airstrips operating. The US bombers would fly to the Papua New Guinea
and be met by their fighter escorts based at Bamaga and Horn Island
further north. Many thousands of troops, both US and Australian, passed through as part of their jungle training, before being shipped to southeast Asia. Portland Roads community, 40 km north of Lockhart River, was the supply port for the war effort with a large jetty. This jetty has since been removed. Many old bunkers and rusting 44 gallon drums can still be found in bush areas.
After the war, the community moved back to 'Old Site'.
1967 - 1987
The Queensland Government took control of the mission and tried to move the population to Umagico, near Bamaga. Some people moved to Umagico; however, many resisted the move. The current site of Lockhart River Community was established.
1987
The Lockhart River Community was given 'Deed of Grant in Trust
' (DOGIT) title of the lands. Locally elected councillors now provide administration for the Lockhart River DOGIT.
Post Office is a sub branch which offers basic postal services and on weekday afternoons basic banking services for the Commonwealth Bank. There is an EFTPOS
machine next to the bank.
Council workshop also does private vehicle repairs, services and puncture repairs (no panel repairs available). A welding section is also available for very basic welding repairs and fabrications.
Health and Community: A local 'Health Clinic' is available for Primary Health Care only. It is staffed by four registered nurses with 'Remote Nursing' qualifications. The community does not have a doctor. The Royal Flying Doctor Service visits each week on Tuesday and remains overnight, flying out Wednesday afternoon. About every two months, a dentist and other medical specialists attend as needed. A basic ambulance service is available. A well set up woman's shelter exists at Lockhart River community directly opposite the police station. The shelter uses UHF CB radio channel 10. There is also a men’s centre and the Health and Community Care centre providing meals on wheels and aged care.
The retail store is operated by the Department of Community Services. This store has an EFTPOS facility. It has a bakery, frozen meats and stocks sufficient foods for day-to-day living but at higher than city prices. Opening times on week days are from 8 Am to 6 Pm. On Saturday the store opens at 8 Am to Noon. The store does not open on Sunday. Diesel and unleaded fuels can be purchased by credit card or EFTPOS at the service station.
The Anglican Church shop, locally known 'Jamie's Shop’ opens most nights and on Sunday, depending on seasonal activity.
Puchiwu Fishing Cooperative sells fresh seafood, ice and has donga style accommodation.
Out of the blue at Portland Roads is a restaurant, with some take-away food available.
There is also a library, an Arts Centre (where traditional art and carvings can be purchased), a locally run radio station and free-to-air television (5 channels). There are public phone boxes, with internet and mobile phone coverage provided on the Telstra
NextG network only.
Lockhart River is in an alcohol restricted area. This means no alcohol or home brewing equipment is permitted in the Lockhart River shire, including roads. Heavy fines will be enforced under the Queensland Government’s alcohol management plans if you are found with alcohol in Lockhart River and many other indigenous communities in Cape York Peninsula alcohol restricted area.
Road conditions:
The streets around community itself and the road to the Airport are bitumen. All other access roads are dirt. The roads are rough and hard mechanically on vehicles, as they are in the most remote community in Queensland. The access road is generally closed completely from December to March, being closed through to July in very wet years. Rivers are crocodile infested and it would be unwise to attempt to use the road during the wet season. Anybody who wants to travel off main roads and outside National Park boundaries onto traditional country must gain permission from Traditional Owners. During the dry months the road is suitable for experienced four wheel drivers only. Some road reports give incorrect information. A current road condition can be sourced from the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council.
Barge delivers to the Quintell Beach wharf weekly, freight only no passenger service.
Airport is run by the Lockhart River Airport Corporation. It is an all weather strip, with flights to Cairns Monday to Friday. There is self contained accommodation available at the airport. Hire cars are available at the airport from Lockhart River Car hire.
Australian Aborigines
Australian Aborigines , also called Aboriginal Australians, from the latin ab originem , are people who are indigenous to most of the Australian continentthat is, to mainland Australia and the island of Tasmania...
community situated on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula
Cape York Peninsula
Cape York Peninsula is a large remote peninsula located in Far North Queensland at the tip of the state of Queensland, Australia, the largest unspoilt wilderness in northern Australia and one of the last remaining wilderness areas on Earth...
in Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. The population consists mostly of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Torres Strait Islanders
Torres Strait Islanders are the indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands, part of Queensland, Australia. They are culturally and genetically linked to Melanesian peoples and those of Papua New Guinea....
, whose ancestors were forcibly moved to the area beginning in 1924. At the 2006 census
Census in Australia
The Australian census is administered once every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The most recent census was conducted on 9 August 2011; the next will be conducted in 2016. Prior to the introduction of regular censuses in 1961, they had also been run in 1901, 1911, 1921, 1933,...
, Lockhart River had a population of 542.
It is 800 km north by road from Cairns and approximately 2550 km by road north of Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
. Lockhart River is the northern most town on the east coast of Australia. The community is also located approximately 2 km inland from Quintell Beach and is within the Iron Range National Park
Iron Range National Park
Iron Range is a National Park located in Queensland, Australia, 1940 km northwest of Brisbane and 100 km east of Weipa in the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Within the National Park is the Iron Range , Scrubby Creek mining site and the Lockhart River Aboriginal Reserve...
. During WW2, Lockhart River Airport
Lockhart River Airport
Lockhart River Airport is an airport in Lockhart River, Queensland, Australia, located approximately 800 km north of Cairns on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula...
was constructed as a bomber base
Iron Range National Park
Iron Range is a National Park located in Queensland, Australia, 1940 km northwest of Brisbane and 100 km east of Weipa in the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Within the National Park is the Iron Range , Scrubby Creek mining site and the Lockhart River Aboriginal Reserve...
, from where many sorties were flown against Japanese forces during the critical Battle of the Coral Sea
Battle of the Coral Sea
The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. The battle was the first fleet action in which aircraft carriers engaged...
, 4–8 May 1942.
Lockhart River is also the name of a river located 14 km south of the community. The river was named by explorer Robert Logan Jack
Robert Logan Jack
Robert Logan Jack was Queensland Government geologist for twenty years.-Early life:Jack was born at Irvine, in Ayrshire, Scotland the son of Robert Jack, a cabinet-maker, and his wife Margaret, née Logan...
in January 1880 after a close friend, Hugh Lockhart.
History
In 1934, Aboriginal people were collected from throughout Cape YorkCape York Peninsula
Cape York Peninsula is a large remote peninsula located in Far North Queensland at the tip of the state of Queensland, Australia, the largest unspoilt wilderness in northern Australia and one of the last remaining wilderness areas on Earth...
and placed on the mission at Lockhart River, which became a centre for the sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted...
trade. When the Second World War broke out, the Europeans left and the Aboriginal people were told to go back to the bush and fend for themselves. In 1947, the mission was re-established with drastic changes inflicted on how the people should live and behave. In particular, tribal groups were forced to combine into a single community.
In 1964, the Anglican Church handed over the mission to the Queensland Government who tried to relocate the people to Bamaga. The people refused to go but, in 1971, were forced to move away from the traditional area of the coast. No consideration was given to the traditional owners of the land; the move resulted in much discontent and friction.
The community has DOGIT status and is governed by its own Community Council
Community council
A community council is a public representative body in Great Britain.In England they may be statutory parish councils by another name, under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, or they may be non-statutory bodies...
.
Population
A mix of Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslandersTorres Strait Islanders
Torres Strait Islanders are the indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands, part of Queensland, Australia. They are culturally and genetically linked to Melanesian peoples and those of Papua New Guinea....
both live in the community. Population is between 650 - 700 'locals' and approximately 30 contractors performing various tasks, including: teachers, nurses, police, shop employees, council administration, council workshop, carpenter, and plumber.
The Lockhart River 'local' population is made up from five different clan groups: the Wuthathi from the north of the Olive River; the Kuuku Ya'u from Lloyd Bay and Weymouth Bay
Weymouth Bay
Weymouth Bay is a sheltered bay on the south coast of England, in Dorset. It is protected from erosion by Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland, and includes several beaches, notably Weymouth Beach, a gently curving arc of golden sand which stretches from the resort of Weymouth, along to the...
; the Uutaalnganu from the Lockhart River south to Friendly Point; the Umpila from Friendly Point to the Massey River; and the Kaanju from the inland mountain areas behind the coast. (Targeting 2000, 1995) Local language is slowing fading out.
Most of the population lives in the community town area itself. There are two 'Outstations'. The first is at 'Old Site' and is only normally used during the dry season when vehicles can drive to that location on a rough inland road. It is sometimes used as a "weekender" by some local families during the calm weather over the Christmas to January period.
The second 'Outstation' is at Chillie Beach and is normally occupied all year round by the Hobson family group. It remains accessible by road and water most of the time.
A number of smaller communities also exist: these are Wattle Hills Station, Pascoe River 'Farm', Chillie Beach, Packer's Bay and Portland Roads.
Wattle Hills Station is located just inside the mouth of the Pascoe River, north of Lockhart River. It is a share arrangement for persons opting out of mainstream society. Very little problems arise from these people. Approximately 30 persons live in open-plan style houses. This station has its own airstrip and mail service once a week. Some of the houses have telephones connected and all are linked by their own private UHF radio network under the Rural Fires scheme.
Pascoe River 'farm' is located on the banks of the Pascoe River quite some distance inland. Access to the 'Farm' is from the main Lockhart River to Archer River
Archer River
The Archer River is a major river of the Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland, Australia. It rises in the McIlwraith Range, traverses tropical savanna plains and wetlands, flowing through Piccaninny Plains Sanctuary and Mungkan Kandju National Park, and enters the Gulf of Carpentaria on the...
road, 52 km from the Lockhart River community. A track leads a further 15 km to the 'Farm'. It is occupied by the Fyfe extended family group. Approximately 10 to 15 people live on the farm.
Chillie Beach has a number of dwellings squatting along the secluded beaches and headlands. Approximately 10 - 20 persons live there.
Packer's Bay also has a number of open plan and full residential style houses occupied by persons opting out of mainstream society. Approximately 10 persons live there.
Portland Roads community is a reasonably standard housing area with some open plan style houses and no power, water or sewerage facilities. It was predominantly a fishing community until the recent changes to Fisheries Regulations. Many prawn trawlers, cray boats and yachts use this sheltered anchorage. Approximately 10 persons live here.
History Timeline
1848The explorer Edmund Kennedy
Edmund Kennedy
Edmund Besley Court Kennedy was an explorer in Australia in the mid nineteenth century. He was the Assistant-Surveyor of New South Wales, working with Sir Thomas Mitchell...
set up a base camp near the mouth of the Pascoe River. Edmund Kennedy left nine men there. By the time they were located by the supply ship, only two remained alive, the other seven having died from disease and starvation.
By the 1870s
Fisherman with luggers looking for trepang
Trepang
Trepang may refer to:*trepang, a marine invertebrate harvested by trepanging, thus:**a common name for species of the holothuroidea class of animals*Trepang , a World War II submarine sunk in 1967....
, pearl shell and trochus
Trochus
Trochus is a genus of medium-sized to very large sea snails. They are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Trochidae, the top snails....
were in the coastal areas. Miners in search of tin
Tin
Tin is a chemical element with the symbol Sn and atomic number 50. It is a main group metal in group 14 of the periodic table. Tin shows chemical similarity to both neighboring group 14 elements, germanium and lead and has two possible oxidation states, +2 and the slightly more stable +4...
and gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
along with timber cutters were in the hills around Gordon Creek and the country inland around the Wenlock River.
1924 - 1941
The Church of England set up a mission at Ochid Point in Lloyd Bay. This mission was then moved to Bare Hill, south of Cape Direction, which is now known as 'Old Site'.
1941
The 'Old Site' mission was abandoned at the start of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and moved in closer to the American Bomber base at Iron Range
Iron Range National Park
Iron Range is a National Park located in Queensland, Australia, 1940 km northwest of Brisbane and 100 km east of Weipa in the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Within the National Park is the Iron Range , Scrubby Creek mining site and the Lockhart River Aboriginal Reserve...
.
During World War II, a large American bomber base was set up at Gordon's Airstrip with three airstrips operating. The US bombers would fly to the Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
and be met by their fighter escorts based at Bamaga and Horn Island
Horn Island
Horn Island is the name of:* Cape Horn, in Antártica Chilena Province of Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Region, Chile* Horn Island , USA* Horn Island * Horn Island, Queensland, Australia...
further north. Many thousands of troops, both US and Australian, passed through as part of their jungle training, before being shipped to southeast Asia. Portland Roads community, 40 km north of Lockhart River, was the supply port for the war effort with a large jetty. This jetty has since been removed. Many old bunkers and rusting 44 gallon drums can still be found in bush areas.
After the war, the community moved back to 'Old Site'.
1967 - 1987
The Queensland Government took control of the mission and tried to move the population to Umagico, near Bamaga. Some people moved to Umagico; however, many resisted the move. The current site of Lockhart River Community was established.
1987
The Lockhart River Community was given 'Deed of Grant in Trust
Deed of Grant in Trust
A Deed of Grant in Trust is the name for a system of community-level land trust established in Queensland to administer former reserves and missions...
' (DOGIT) title of the lands. Locally elected councillors now provide administration for the Lockhart River DOGIT.
Shopping & Services
School: State preschool and primary school (up to year 7), limited Secondary schooling (up to year 10). Older children mostly attend boarding schools.Post Office is a sub branch which offers basic postal services and on weekday afternoons basic banking services for the Commonwealth Bank. There is an EFTPOS
EFTPOS
EFTPOS is the general term used for debit card based systems used for processing transactions through terminals at points of sale. In Australia and New Zealand it is also the brand name of the specific system used for such payments...
machine next to the bank.
Council workshop also does private vehicle repairs, services and puncture repairs (no panel repairs available). A welding section is also available for very basic welding repairs and fabrications.
Health and Community: A local 'Health Clinic' is available for Primary Health Care only. It is staffed by four registered nurses with 'Remote Nursing' qualifications. The community does not have a doctor. The Royal Flying Doctor Service visits each week on Tuesday and remains overnight, flying out Wednesday afternoon. About every two months, a dentist and other medical specialists attend as needed. A basic ambulance service is available. A well set up woman's shelter exists at Lockhart River community directly opposite the police station. The shelter uses UHF CB radio channel 10. There is also a men’s centre and the Health and Community Care centre providing meals on wheels and aged care.
The retail store is operated by the Department of Community Services. This store has an EFTPOS facility. It has a bakery, frozen meats and stocks sufficient foods for day-to-day living but at higher than city prices. Opening times on week days are from 8 Am to 6 Pm. On Saturday the store opens at 8 Am to Noon. The store does not open on Sunday. Diesel and unleaded fuels can be purchased by credit card or EFTPOS at the service station.
The Anglican Church shop, locally known 'Jamie's Shop’ opens most nights and on Sunday, depending on seasonal activity.
Puchiwu Fishing Cooperative sells fresh seafood, ice and has donga style accommodation.
Out of the blue at Portland Roads is a restaurant, with some take-away food available.
There is also a library, an Arts Centre (where traditional art and carvings can be purchased), a locally run radio station and free-to-air television (5 channels). There are public phone boxes, with internet and mobile phone coverage provided on the Telstra
Telstra
Telstra Corporation Limited is an Australian telecommunications and media company, building and operating telecommunications networks and marketing voice, mobile, internet access and pay television products and services....
NextG network only.
Transport
ALCOHOL RESTICTIONSLockhart River is in an alcohol restricted area. This means no alcohol or home brewing equipment is permitted in the Lockhart River shire, including roads. Heavy fines will be enforced under the Queensland Government’s alcohol management plans if you are found with alcohol in Lockhart River and many other indigenous communities in Cape York Peninsula alcohol restricted area.
Road conditions:
The streets around community itself and the road to the Airport are bitumen. All other access roads are dirt. The roads are rough and hard mechanically on vehicles, as they are in the most remote community in Queensland. The access road is generally closed completely from December to March, being closed through to July in very wet years. Rivers are crocodile infested and it would be unwise to attempt to use the road during the wet season. Anybody who wants to travel off main roads and outside National Park boundaries onto traditional country must gain permission from Traditional Owners. During the dry months the road is suitable for experienced four wheel drivers only. Some road reports give incorrect information. A current road condition can be sourced from the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council.
Barge delivers to the Quintell Beach wharf weekly, freight only no passenger service.
Airport is run by the Lockhart River Airport Corporation. It is an all weather strip, with flights to Cairns Monday to Friday. There is self contained accommodation available at the airport. Hire cars are available at the airport from Lockhart River Car hire.
Further reading
- Bora is like Church. (1982). David Thompson. Revised and Reset edition, 1985. Australian Board of Missions, Sydney, N.S.W.