Back Plains, Queensland

Back Plains is a rural locality in the Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia.[2] In the 2016 census, Back Plains had a population of 74 people.[1]

Back Plains Queensland
Back Plains
Coordinates	27.9°S 151.7833°E / -27.9; 151.7833
Population	74 (2016 census)[1]
• Density	1.850/km^2 (4.79/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4361
Area	40.0 km^2 (15.4 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)	Toowoomba Region
State electorate(s)	Condamine
Federal Division(s)	Maranoa
Suburbs around Back Plains: Felton South Felton Nobby Felton South Back Plains Mount Molar Ellangowan Ellangowan Ryeford

History

John Bange's general store in Back Plains, circa 1930

Settlement commenced in December 1872. The district was originally known as Clifton Homestead Area Back Plains, from which the present day locality takes its name.[3]

Towing John Bange's glider for launching, Back Plains Clifton district, circa 1930

Clifton Homestead Area School opened on 8 December 1879. It was renamed Back Plains State School circa 1919.[3][4][5]

St Paul's Church of England was dedicated on 12 February 1892 by Archbishop of Brisbane William Webber. The last service was conducted on 8 August 1943. In 1953 the church building was relocated to Nobby where it was re-established as St Paul's Church of England.[3] The last service at Nobby was conducted circa 11 May 1975. In 1979 the church building was relocated to 12 Jubb Street, Allora to become the Scots Presbyterian Church for those Presbyterians in the district who did not wish to become part of the Uniting Church of Australia. The church in Allora was dedicated on 26 July 1980 by Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev F. White.[6][7]

A machinery business operated in December 1892 to 1910. It built threshing machines and steam engines.[3]

A cheese factory was established in August 1896. It became a farmers' cooperative venture in 1910 and closed in 1915.[3]

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church opened on 26 May 1901.[3]

Johann (John) Bange operated a general store from 1911 to 1924.[3] On 27 October 1935 at Clifton Bange made his maiden flight in an enclosed-fuselage glider, which he designed and built himself.[3]

A Presbyterian church opened on 16 October 1915.[3]

Education

Back Plains State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 874 Clifton-Pittsworth Highway (27.8926°S 151.7842°E / -27.8926; 151.7842 (Back Plains State School)).[8][9] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 17 students with 3 teachers (2 full-time equivalent) and 5 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).[10]

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Back Plains (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
2. "Back Plains - locality in Toowoomba Region (entry 50089)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
3. Rees, Glyn (27 August 2016). "Back Plains set to celebrate". Warwick Daily News. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
4. Queensland Family History Society (2010), Queensland schools past and present (Version 1.01 ed.), Queensland Family History Society, ISBN 978-1-921171-26-0
5. "Our school". Back Plains State School. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
6. "Closed Churches". Anglican Church of Southern Queensland. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
7. "Scots' Presbyterian Church". Churches Australia. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
8. "State and non-state school details". Queensland Government. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
9. "Back Plains State School". Retrieved 21 November 2018.
10. "ACARA School Profile 2017". Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.

Further reading

• Mason, Ian (2016), Back plains : a community that made its mark, its people, heritage and social life, ISBN 978-0-9946162-0-3
• Hannarford, E. C (1979), Back Plains State School, centenary 1879-1979