Moranbah

The Peak Downs Highway between Mackay and Clermont passes through the south of the locality; the town is north of the highway via the Moranbah Access Road. Moranbah Airport is also on the Moranbah Access Road, by road of the town (). Climate Moranbah experiences a subtropical semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh) with hot, relatively wet summers and very mild, dry winters with cool nights. == History ==

The first European to explore the region was Ludwig Leichhardt in January 1845, and the area was first settled by pastoralists in the 1850s. Moranbah was established in 1969. Moranbah State School opened on 1 January 1971 with a secondary department, which became Moranbah State High School on 25 January 1976. Moranbah East State School opened on 27 January 1981. Moranbah Post Office opened on 1 March 1971. In 2011, the Queensland Government's Office of Economic and Statistical Research reported Moranbah as the most expensive place to live in the state of Queensland. The study compared the cost of goods and services such as rent, electricity and household fuels in regional areas, to those in Brisbane and found Moranbah in first place with a housing index at 65 per cent higher than that of Brisbane. Since then, housing prices and accommodation rentals have returned to much more affordable levels. For example, the median house price in Moranbah between September 2023 and August 2024 was $350,000. In 2021, the town celebrated its 50th anniversary with four days of jubilee celebrations, held across the Labour Day long weekend from 30 April 2021 to 3 May 2021. The event had been earlier postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. == Demographics ==

In the , the locality of Moranbah had a population of 8,965. In the , the locality of Moranbah had a population of 8,735. In the , the locality of Moranbah had a population of 9,425. == Economy ==

Moranbah services the Peak Downs Mine, Goonyella Riverside Mine, Broadmeadow Mine, Grosvenor Mine, Olive Downs mine, Moranbah North coal mine, North Goonyella coal mine and several other smaller mines in the region. Although one of the newest towns in the region, its central location and large population has made it the seat of the Isaac Regional Council. == Education ==

Moranbah State School is a government primary (Early Childhood to Year 6) school for boys and girls at Belyando Avenue (). In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 567 students with 42 teachers (37 full-time equivalent) and 31 non-teaching staff (19 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program. In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 605 students with 35 teachers (34 full-time equivalent) and 30 non-teaching staff (18 full-time equivalent). In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 654 students with 56 teachers (55 full-time equivalent) and 30 non-teaching staff (23 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program. == Amenities ==

For a small regional town it offers a diverse range of sports and entertainment facilities including a skate park, library, public swimming pool, soccer, rugby league, golf course, AFL, hockey, tennis, off-road racing, motocross and a BMX club. Isaac Regional Council operates a public library located at Grosvenor Complex, Batchelor Parade, Town Square. The Moranbah branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at the QCWA Meeting Room at Town Square. Churches in the town include: • Assembly of God ("Oasis Life") • Uniting Church • Catholic Church • Anglican Church • Christian Fellowship Church == Sport ==

Sporting facilities in the town include: • Rugby Union – Moranbah Bulls who compete in the Mackay Rugby Union competition. • Australian rules football – Moranbah Bulldogs. Established in 1976, the Senior Club boasts 5 Premierships. In 1977, 1978 and 2014 in the Mackay AFL, and in 1985 and 1986 in the now defunct Central Highlands AFL. The Bulldogs currently participate in the AFL Mackay competition in a 7 club competition and are the most recent Premiers. • Rugby league – the club competes as the Moranbah Miners in the Mackay & District Rugby League competition, fielding teams in three adult grades as well as a number of junior teams in the Mackay Junior League competition. Previously the club competed as the Sharks in the Central Highlands competition against teams from Dysart, Blackwater, Middlemount, Tieri, Emerald, Clermont and Bluff. • Soccer – Moranbah Hawks • Netball • Indoor Volleyball • Squash • Cricket (during summer season) • Social water polo • Touch Football league • Gymnastics • Gun Club • BMX • Athletics Club • Golf • Crossfit == Notable residents ==

The following people were born in, or have lived in, Moranbah: • Clint Boge – musician • Josh Hannay (born 1980) – professional rugby league player; born in Moranbah • Kaylee Kimber (born 2003) – Australian rules footballer • Shane Marteene (born 1977) – professional rugby league player; born in Moranbah • Larrissa Miller (born 1992) – gymnast, Australian Olympian in 2012 and 2016; born in Moranbah • Travis Norton (born 1976) – professional rugby league player • Desley Robinson (born 1988) - professional boxer; lived in Moranbah • Clinton Schifcofske (born 1975) – professional rugby league and rugby union player; born in Moranbah • Dennis Scott (born 1976) – professional rugby league player; born in Moranbah • Ryan Chapman (born 2007) – founder of RJ Media, son of mayor, Kym Chapman == References ==