Gundiah State Forest is in the north of the locality. Apart from this protected area, the land use is predominantly grazing on native vegetation with some plantation forestry and some crop growing.[3]
History
The locality takes its name from its railway station which in turn was named after a local resident.[5] Local residents began lobbying for a railway siding on Mr Paterson's property in 1890 to avoid having to travel miles to the nearest stations.[6]
Demographics
In the 2016 census, Paterson had a population of 148 people.[7]
In the 2021 census, Paterson had a population of 157 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Paterson. The nearest government secondary schools are Gundiah State School in neighbouring Gundiah to the north and Theebine State School in neighbouring Theebine to the south. The nearest government secondary schools are James Nash State High School (to Year 12) in Gympie to the south-east, Kilkivan State School (to Year 10) in Kilkivan to the south-west, and Maryborough State High School (to Year 12) in Maryborough to the north-east.[8]