Walligan

Walligan is a rural locality in the Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia.^[2] In the 2021 census, Walligan had a population of 447 people.^[1]

Walligan Queensland
Farm workers at Walligan railway siding, 1924
Walligan
Coordinates	25.3358°S 152.7705°E / -25.3358; 152.7705 (Walligan (centre of locality))
Population	447 (2021 census)[1]
• Density	18.55/km2 (48.04/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4655
Elevation	10 m (33 ft)
Area	24.1 km2 (9.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	12.3 km (8 mi) SW of Pialba 23.5 km (15 mi) NNE of Maryborough 107 km (66 mi) SE of Bundaberg 285 km (177 mi) N of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Fraser Coast Region
State electorate(s)	Maryborough
Federal division(s)	Hinkler
Suburbs around Walligan: Takura Dundowran Nikenbah Burgowan Walligan Sunshine Acres Walliebum Susan River Sunshine Acres

Geography

Walligan is relatively flat land approximately 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level. Approximately half of the land is developed freehold land and is used as acreage blocks for semi-rural residences with some agricultural use. The remainder still in government ownership, much of it being part of the Vernon Conservation Park which occupies 684 hectares (6.84 km²; 2.64 sq mi).^[3][4]

Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road (State Route 57) runs along most of the eastern boundary. Torbanlea-Pialba Road runs through from south-east to south-west.^[5]

History

Sugar cane waiting to be loaded onto the train at Walligan railway siding, c. 1924

The Hervey Bay railway line opened in 1896 passing through Walligan with two now-dismantled railway stations:^[6][7]

• Walligan railway station (25.3423°S 152.7708°E / -25.3423; 152.7708 (Walligan railway station (former)))^[8]
• Takura railway station (25.3550°S 152.7516°E / -25.3550; 152.7516 (Takura railway station (former)))^[8]

Passenger services ended in 1973, but the line continue to be used for freight until the line was closed in 1993. It is now used as a mobility corridor for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters.^[6]

Demographics

In the 2016 census, Walligan had a population of 377 people.^[9]

In the 2021 census, Walligan had a population of 447 people.^[1]

Education

There are no schools in Walligan. The nearest government primary school is Yarrilee State School in Urraween to the north-east. The nearest government secondary school is Hervey Bay State High School in Pialba to the north-east.^[10]