It covers an area of 41,200 square kilometres (15,907.4 sq mi),[2] and has existed as a local government entity since 1882. The Shire, named for the Flinders River, is predominantly a grazing area with cattle in the north of the shire and mixed grazing to the south in the black soil area.
In the 2021 census, the Shire of Flinders had a population of 1,500 people.[1]
Map of Hughenden Division and adjacent local government areas, March 1902
The Hughenden Division was established on 20 July 1882 under the Divisional Boards Act 1879.[4] On 20 April 1887, the Borough of Hughenden was constituted separately as a municipality for the emerging town of Hughenden.[5]
On 31 March 1903, the Hughenden Division became the Shire of Hughenden and the Borough of Hughenden became the Town of Hughenden under the Local Authorities Act 1902.[6] On 5 September of the same year, the Shire of Hughenden was renamed Shire of Flinders.[7]
In 1958, the Town of Hughenden amalgamated with the Shire of Flinders.[6][9]
Prior to 19 November 2021, the town of Marathon was within the locality of Stamford. However, this arrangement caused confusion, so on 19 November 2021, a new locality of Marathon was created around the town, excising the land from the localities of Dutton River and Stamford.[10][11][12]
Towns and localities
The Shire of Flinders includes the following settlements:
