Biloela, Queensland

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Biloela is a rural town in Central Queensland, Australia. It is situated 120 kilometres inland from the port city of Gladstone on the Burnett Highway. The town has a population of over 5000 people. Biloela is the administrative centre for the Banana Shire, which has an area of 15,729 square kilometres.

Biloela and the Banana Shire, dubbed by locals as a 'great place to grow', has a diverse range of industries. Extensive grazing and cropping concerns are found in the area. Cotton, sorghum and wheat are grown in the area. The Callide Power Stations lie just north of the town. Coal is mined at the nearby Callide and Boundary Hill mines which supply the power station. A large abattoir is also situated in the town.

Biloela is aboriginal for 'Big White Bird' (often confused with 'white cockatoo', since these are the only 'big white birds' in the area).

Biloela has 3 primary schools; Redeemer Lutheran Primary, St Joseph's Catholic Primary,and Biloela State Primary. It has only one high school (Biloela State High School).

The town has over a dozen choices in accommodation (400 beds), many dining options, two main shopping streets, including a modern air conditioned shopping centre with many specialty stores.

The closest fresh water depository is the Callide Dam, however it is often well below full capacity due to the lack of rainfall in the area. Despite this, it acts as a great escape for locals who participate in water skiing, camping, swimming and fishing at the dam. The Callide Dam also plays host to the annual Callide Dam Fishing Competition in which a number of introduced stock are caught each year. In particular, the dam is a haven for Eel-Tailed Catfish, Yellow Belly, Saratoga and Barramundi. The largest ever Barramundi recorded at the fishing competition was caught by Brent Watterston and measured 98cm long.

Various sporting organisations are active within the community. Such clubs include; Panthers Rugby League Club, Biloela Rugby Union Club, Biloela Touch Football Association, Biloela Tennis Association, Biloela Cricket Association, Heavies Sporting Club, Callide United Soccer Club, Biloela Swimming Club and the Biloela Police Citizens Youth Club.