View source for Springsure

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2018}}
{{GeoGroup}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                = town
| name                = Springsure
| state               = qld
| image               = Entrance sign, Springsure, Queensland.jpg
| caption             = Entrance sign, Springsure, Queensland
| coordinates         = {{coord|-24.1161|148.0886|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Springsure (town centre)}}
| pop                 = 950
| pop_year            = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes       = <ref name=Census2021/>
| established         = 
| postcode            = 4722
| area                = 141.6
| timezone            = [[AEST]]
| utc                 = +10:00
| dist1               = 68.3 <!-- road distances as per template instructions -->
| dir1                = S
| location1           = [[Emerald, Queensland|Emerald]]
| dist2               = 335
| dir2                = WSW
| location2           = [[Rockhampton]]
| dist3               = 764
| dir3                = NW
| location3           = [[Brisbane]]
| dist4               = 
| dir4                = 
| location4           = 
| lga                 = [[Central Highlands Region]]
| stategov            = [[Electoral district of Gregory|Gregory]]
| fedgov              = [[Division of Flynn|Flynn]]
| maxtemp             = 28.8
| mintemp             = 14.0
| rainfall            = 677.4 
| elevation           = 344.9
| near-n              = [[Minerva, Queensland|Minerva]]
| near-ne             = [[Arcturus, Queensland|Arcturus]]
| near-e              = [[Orion, Queensland|Orion]]
| near-se             = [[Cairdbeign, Queensland|Cairdbeign]]
| near-s              = [[Cona Creek, Queensland|Cona Creek]]
| near-sw             = [[Cona Creek, Queensland|Cona Creek]]
| near-w              = [[Minerva, Queensland|Minerva]]
| near-nw             = [[Minerva, Queensland|Minerva]]
}}
'''Springsure''' is a rural town and [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] in the [[Central Highlands Region]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name="qpnt">{{cite QPN|31998|Springsure|town in Central Highlands Region|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="qpnl">{{cite QPN|46976|Springsure|locality in Central Highlands Region|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>  In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Springsure had a population of 950 people.<ref name=Census2021/>

== Geography ==
Springsure is situated {{convert|68.3|km|mi}} by road south of [[Emerald, Queensland|Emerald]], at the southern end of the [[Gregory Highway]], and at the northern end of the [[Dawson Highway]]. Springsure is {{convert|764|km|mi}} northwest of [[Brisbane]].

The terrain varies from {{Convert|270 to 602|m}} above sea level, with a number of named mountain features:

* Mount Booramool ({{coord|-24.1009|148.0569|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Mount Booramool}}) {{convert|602|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes">{{Cite web |date=12 November 2020 |title=Mountain peaks and capes - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/06ff12a9-862e-4aac-bf9d-693f0a63b4c9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125215033/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/06ff12a9-862e-4aac-bf9d-693f0a63b4c9 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite QPN|3791|Mount Booramool|mountain in Central Highlands Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>
* Mount Zamia ({{coord|-24.1105|148.0813|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Mount Zamia}}) {{convert|559|m}}<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" /><ref>{{cite QPN|38830|Mount Zamia|mountain in Central Highlands Region|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref>

* Eclipse Gap ({{coord|-24.0864|148.0936|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Eclipse Gap}})<ref name="MountainPeaksCapes" />
The [[Minerva Hills National Park]] is in the north-west of the locality ({{Coord|-24.07389|148.06306|type:forest_region:AU-QLD|name=Minerva Hills National Park}}).<ref name=":0">{{Cite QPN|39550|Minerva Hills National Park|national park in the Central Highlands Region|access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

The town of Springsure serves the surrounding community of [[cattle]] farms, and [[sunflower]], [[sorghum]], [[wheat]] and [[chickpea]] plantations.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

Springsure is the hub for several coal mines such as the Minerva Mine and the Rolleston Mine. Significant exploration is ongoing in the district.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

Springsure was served by a branch railway from the [[Central Western railway line]]. The [[Springsure branch railway line]] separated from the main line at Springsure Junction station (now Nogoa station), near [[Emerald, Queensland|Emerald]]. The locality was served two railway stations:

* Zamia railway station, serving north of the town ({{coord|-24.0932|148.0918|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|name=Zamia railway station (former)}})<ref name="railwaystations">{{Cite web |date=2 October 2020 |title=Railway stations and sidings - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/84fff9a0-e315-4844-9c4d-63934562a9bd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005070354/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/84fff9a0-e315-4844-9c4d-63934562a9bd |archive-date=5 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>
* Springsure railway station, serving the town ({{coord|-24.1159|148.0852|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure railway station (former)}})<ref name="railwaystations" />

[[Springsure Airport]] is south of the town on Airport Drive ({{coord|-24.1291|148.0871|type:airport_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure Aerodrome}}).<ref name="airports">{{Cite web |date=22 October 2020 |title=Airports - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/f5e72c21-4f70-4cca-a22e-f2265b85ee56 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115071531/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/f5e72c21-4f70-4cca-a22e-f2265b85ee56 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |access-date=3 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref> It is operated by the [[Central Highlands Regional Council]] but it is only suitable for light aircraft, has limited facilities, requires permission, and care needs to be taken in relation to wildlife and livestock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aeroplane landing areas |url=https://www.chrc.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/airports/aeroplane-landing-areas/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Central Highlands Regional Council |language=en-AU |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115001145/https://www.chrc.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/airports/aeroplane-landing-areas/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Climate===
{{Weather box
| width       = auto
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| location    = Springsure (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1965–present)
| Jan record high C = 44.5
| Feb record high C = 43.7
| Mar record high C = 40.4
| Apr record high C = 36.5
| May record high C = 34.0
| Jun record high C = 30.5
| Jul record high C = 29.6
| Aug record high C = 34.6
| Sep record high C = 39.0
| Oct record high C = 41.1
| Nov record high C = 43.3
| Dec record high C = 43.8
| year record high C = 44.5
| Jan high C = 33.9
| Feb high C = 32.6
| Mar high C = 31.8
| Apr high C = 29.1
| May high C = 25.4
| Jun high C = 22.5
| Jul high C = 22.5
| Aug high C = 24.6
| Sep high C = 28.0
| Oct high C = 30.6
| Nov high C = 32.4
| Dec high C = 33.6
| year high C = 28.9
| Jan mean C = 27.6
| Feb mean C = 26.7
| Mar mean C = 25.6
| Apr mean C = 22.4
| May mean C = 18.5
| Jun mean C = 15.5
| Jul mean C = 15.0
| Aug mean C = 16.6
| Sep mean C = 20.2
| Oct mean C = 23.3
| Nov mean C = 25.4
| Dec mean C = 26.9
| year mean C = 22.0
| Jan low C = 21.4
| Feb low C = 20.9
| Mar low C = 19.4
| Apr low C = 15.6
| May low C = 11.5
| Jun low C = 8.5
| Jul low C = 7.6
| Aug low C = 8.7
| Sep low C = 12.4
| Oct low C = 16.0
| Nov low C = 18.4
| Dec low C = 20.2
| year low C = 15.0
| Jan record low C = 13.3
| Feb record low C = 14.0
| Mar record low C = 7.8
| Apr record low C = 2.4
| May record low C = -1.3
| Jun record low C = -4.0
| Jul record low C = -4.4
| Aug record low C = -3.2
| Sep record low C = 0.0
| Oct record low C = 1.6
| Nov record low C = 5.4
| Dec record low C = 9.6
| year record low C = -4.4
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 129.9
| Feb precipitation mm = 102.3
| Mar precipitation mm = 62.1
| Apr precipitation mm = 32.9
| May precipitation mm = 27.7
| Jun precipitation mm = 33.1
| Jul precipitation mm = 16.2
| Aug precipitation mm = 18.9
| Sep precipitation mm = 34.4
| Oct precipitation mm = 61.7
| Nov precipitation mm = 60.9
| Dec precipitation mm = 98.3
| year precipitation mm = 678.5
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 7.1
| Feb precipitation days = 6.7
| Mar precipitation days = 4.4
| Apr precipitation days = 2.8
| May precipitation days = 2.4
| Jun precipitation days = 2.9
| Jul precipitation days = 1.8
| Aug precipitation days = 2.2
| Sep precipitation days = 2.7
| Oct precipitation days = 4.6
| Nov precipitation days = 5.8
| Dec precipitation days = 6.7
| year precipitation days = 50.0
| Jan dew point C = 17.3
| Feb dew point C = 17.8
| Mar dew point C = 15.9
| Apr dew point C = 12.7
| May dew point C = 9.4
| Jun dew point C = 7.6
| Jul dew point C = 6.0
| Aug dew point C = 5.2
| Sep dew point C = 7.3
| Oct dew point C = 10.7
| Nov dew point C = 13.2
| Dec dew point C = 15.6
| year dew point C = 11.6
| source 1 = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/archive/arc0216/0253808/4.4/data/0-data/Region-5-WMO-Normals-9120/Australia/CSV/Springsure_95362.csv
|title = Springsure Climate Normals for 1991-2020
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|format = CSV
|access-date = 11 August 2024}}</ref>
| source 2 = [[Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref>{{Cite web 
|title = Climate statistics for Australian locations 
|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology 
|access-date = 11 August 2024 
|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_035065_All.shtml}}</ref>
}}

== History ==
The area had been occupied by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. ''[[Gangulu language|Gangalu]] (Gangulu, Kangulu, Kanolu, Kaangooloo, Khangulu)'' is an [[Australian Aboriginal language]] spoken on Gangula country. The Gangula language region includes the towns of [[Clermont, Queensland|Clermont]] and Springsure extending south towards the [[Dawson River (Queensland)|Dawson River]].<ref>{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/12|title=Gangalu|author=|date=|website=Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> ''[[Wadja language|Wadja]]'' (also known as ''Wadjigu'', ''Wadya'', ''Wadjainngo'', ''Mandalgu'', and ''Wadjigun)'' is an [[Australian Aboriginal languages|Australian Aboriginal language]] in [[Central Queensland]]. The language region includes  the local government areas of the [[Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda]] and Central Highlands Region, including the [[Blackdown Tableland National Park|Blackdown Tablelands]]. the [[Comet River]], and the [[Expedition Range]], and the towns of [[Woorabinda, Queensland|Woorabinda]], Springsure and [[Rolleston, Queensland|Rolleston]].<ref>{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/137|title=Wadja|author=|date=|website=Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>

[[Ludwig Leichhardt]] was the first European to explore the area, doing so between 1844 and 1845. His favourable reports encouraged settlers to move in and settle the land.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-11-21 |title=Springsure - Culture and History |url=https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/springsure-culture-and-history-20081121-6dw9.html |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813232140/https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/springsure-culture-and-history-20081121-6dw9.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1861, squatter [[Horatio Wills]] and a party of Victorian settlers arrived near modern-day Springsure in 1861. Two weeks later, 19 men women and children, including Wills, were killed by [[Aboriginal Australian]] people, the Kairi or Gayiri, in the [[Cullin-La-Ringo massacre]], which was the largest massacre of European settlers by Aboriginal peoples in Australian history.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4602097 |title=ROCKHAMPTON. |newspaper=[[The Courier (Brisbane)|The Courier]] |location=Brisbane |date=11 November 1861 |access-date=13 May 2014 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia |archive-date=2 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702060637/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4602097 |url-status=live }}</ref> At least 15 Aboriginal men, women and children were killed by the Queensland Native Police and militias of local European colonists and their employees in a series of reprisals over the months that followed.<ref>T. Bottoms (2013) Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's frontier killing times, Allen & Unwin, pp.53-54</ref> However, the massacre of the 19 European family members was itself a retaliatory response to an earlier shooting of fugitive murderer who was Gayiri tribesman by Jesse Gregson, manager of nearby Rainsworth Station, with Second Lieutenant Alfred March Patrick and Native Police Troops in his command.<ref>T Bottoms (2013) Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's frontier killing times, Allen & Unwin, p.54</ref> Prior to the massacre of the 19 colonists, in early 1861 Second Lieutenant Patrick had complained to Charles Dutton, lessee of Bauhinia Downs pastoral lease {{convert|148|km}} south-east of Springsure, that other officers in the Queensland Native Police "...had been able to bag their first Aborigine after only a few weeks in the Force; he had served for six months and still had not yet killed a black."<ref>G. Reid, "From Hornet Bank to Cullin-La-Ringo", Royal Historical Society of Queensland, 18 May 1981, p.69</ref> The [[Old Rainworth Fort]] was built in 1862 by the colonists of Springsure in order to defend themselves from future raids by Aboriginals. Horatio's son, star [[cricket]]er and [[Australian rules football]] pioneer [[Tom Wills]], survived the massacre, and remained on site until 1864.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thomas Wentworth Wills and Cullin-la-ringo Station |url=https://www.qhatlas.com.au/content/thomas-wentworth-wills-and-cullin-la-ringo-station |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Queensland Historical Atlas |language=en |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804092220/https://www.qhatlas.com.au/content/thomas-wentworth-wills-and-cullin-la-ringo-station |url-status=live }}</ref>

The town takes its name from a pastoral run which was first named ''Springsure'' in 1861, after its permanent spring.<ref name="qpnt" /><ref name="qpnl" />

The town was surveyed by Charles Frederick Gregory in August 1863.<ref name="qpnt" />
[[File:Springsure qld presbyterian church.jpg|left|thumb|Presbyterian Church, Springsure, 2006]]
On Sunday 7 April 1867, the first Springsure Presbyterian Church was opened in Charles Street. It was {{Convert|25 by 20|ft}} with {{Convert|12|ft|adj=on}} high walls.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 May 1867 |title=TELEGRAPHIC. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1283702 |accessdate=14 January 2024 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=XXI |issue=2,895}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Springsure Presbyterian Church {{!}} Springsure |url=https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=581 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Queensland Religious Places Database |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114080305/https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=581 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=16 February 1867 |title=SPRINGSURE. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123608729 |accessdate=14 January 2024 |newspaper=[[Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=VI |issue=736}}</ref> In 1922, it was replaced by a new church building known as St Andrew's Presbyterian Church.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 May 1922 |title=PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167990423 |accessdate=14 January 2024 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia |issue=15,435}}</ref> It closed in March 2011 after 145 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cqnews.com.au/news/church-closes-after-145-yrs-emerald-springsure/808764/|title=Church closes after 145 years|last=Carson|first=Julie-Ann|date=30 March 2011|work=[[CQ News]]|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610075116/https://www.cqnews.com.au/news/church-closes-after-145-yrs-emerald-springsure/808764/|archive-date=10 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It was at 55 Charles Street ({{Coord|-24.11674|148.09076|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=St Andrew's Presbyterian Church (former)}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=St Andrew's Presbyterian Church {{!}} Springsure |url=https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=583 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Queensland Religious Places Database |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114080304/https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=583 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Old Springsure State School.jpg|left|thumb|Springsure State School, circa 1929]]
Springsure State School opened on 14 March 1870 under head teacher John Henry Nicholson, son of an eminent scholar, [[John Nicholson (orientalist)|John Nicholson]], a friend of Ludwig Leichhardt.<ref>{{Cite QldSchool|access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-09 |title=Our school |url=https://springsuress.eq.edu.au/our-school |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Springsure State School |language=en |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302070637/https://springsuress.eq.edu.au/our-school |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Springsure branch railway line opened on 15 August 1887.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our history: 1880s |url=https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/History/Pages/1880s.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625052311/https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/History/Pages/1880s.aspx |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=[[Queensland Rail]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 August 1887 |title=QUEENSLAND NEWS. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52009713 |accessdate=15 January 2024 |newspaper=[[Morning Bulletin]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=XXXIX |issue=6953}}</ref> The section beyond Wurba Junction to Springsure railway station was closed on 26 June 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Salecich |first=Judith |date=2023-08-18 |title=Beta, Queensland: Keeping its unique story and memory alive |url=https://judithsalecich.com/beta-queensland-keeping-its-unique-story-and-memory-alive/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |language=en-AU |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115004209/https://judithsalecich.com/beta-queensland-keeping-its-unique-story-and-memory-alive/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Unveiling the War Memorial fountain in Springsure State School, 6 December 1919.jpg|thumb|Unveiling the War Memorial fountain in Springsure State School, 6 December 1919|alt=|left]]
On 6 December 1919, the Springsure State School Memorial Fountain was dedicated by Mrs [[Annie Wheeler]] (née Laurie), a former pupil at the school. The memorial is a marble fountain and commemorates students of the school who served in [[World War I]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53877784 |title=SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL MARBLE FOUNTAIN. |newspaper=[[The Morning Bulletin]] |location=Rockhampton, Qld. |date=13 December 1919 |access-date=6 April 2014 |page=7 |publisher=National Library of Australia |archive-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042820/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53877784 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Springsure State School Memorial Fountain|url=http://monumentaustralia.org.au/search/display/92550-springsure-state-school-memorial-fountain|publisher=Monument Australia|access-date=6 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407125102/http://monumentaustralia.org.au/search/display/92550-springsure-state-school-memorial-fountain|archive-date=7 April 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:Sisters of Mercy convent, Springsure, sketch by architect Roy Chipps, 1926.jpg|thumb|Sisters of Mercy convent, Springsure, sketch by architect Roy Chipps, 1926]]
[[File:Sisters of Mercy school, Springsure, sketch by architect Roy Chipps, 1926.jpg|thumb|Sisters of Mercy school, Springsure, sketch by architect Roy Chipps, 1926]]
In March 1925, the Rev. Father Thomas Andrew Sweeney arrived in Springsure to replace Rev. Father Jules Bucas as the Catholic priest for the parish.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20914541|title=PERSONAL.|date=26 March 1925|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|access-date=10 June 2019|issue=20,958|location=Queensland, Australia|page=10|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Sweeney saw that there was a need for a Catholic school in Springsure and set about building a school and a convent for its teachers in August 1925.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109761665|title=OPPORTUNITIES|date=19 August 1925|newspaper=[[Construction And Local Government Journal]]|access-date=10 June 2019|issue=915|location=New South Wales, Australia|volume=XXXIII|page=18|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042822/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/109761665|url-status=live}}</ref> The architect was Roy Chipps and the builder E.H. Fletcher, both of Rockhampton. In January 1926 the school and the convent opened in a ceremony led by [[Roman Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton]] [[Joseph Shiel]].  The convent and school were under the control of Sister Mary Bonaventure of the [[Sisters of Mercy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55251628|title=SPRINGSURE CATHOLICITY|date=26 January 1926|newspaper=[[Morning Bulletin]]|access-date=10 June 2019|issue=19171|location=Queensland, Australia|page=11|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042824/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55251628|url-status=live}}</ref> The school opened on 2 February 1926 with 64 children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72016113|title=NEW BUILDINGS AT SPRINGSURE.|date=13 February 1926|newspaper=[[The Capricornian]]|access-date=10 June 2019|issue=7|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LI|page=8 (THE CAPRICORNIAN.)|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042821/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/72016113|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="qfhs2">{{Citation|author1=Queensland Family History Society|title=Queensland schools past and present|date=2010|edition=Version 1.01|publisher=[[Queensland Family History Society]]|isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}</ref> It was originally known as The Convent of the Little Flower,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article106259379|title=SPRINGSURE.|date=18 February 1926|newspaper=[[The Catholic Press]]|access-date=10 June 2019|issue=1571|location=New South Wales, Australia|page=29|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042854/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106259379|url-status=live}}</ref> but the name was later changed to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.olshsrok.catholic.edu.au/documents/history.html|title=Our History|website=Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610074328/http://www.olshsrok.catholic.edu.au/documents/history.html|archive-date=10 June 2019|url-status=live|access-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>

On 16 November 1943, a Douglas [[C-47A Skytrain]] broke up in mid-air during a violent storm in the area, and crashed on Rewan Station, around 100 km south of Springsure.<ref name="Dunn">{{cite web|last=Dunn|first=Peter|title=16 NOVEMBER 1943 CRASH OF A C-47A DAKOTA ON REWAN STATION SOUTH OF SPRINGSURE, QLD|url=http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld63.htm|work=www.AustraliaAtWar.com|access-date=22 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103052331/http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld63.htm|archive-date=3 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> All 19 people on board the aircraft perished in the crash.<ref name="Dunn" />

Minerva Hills National Park was gazetted in 1994.<ref name=":0" />

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== Demographics ==
In the {{CensusAU|2006}}, the locality of Springsure had a population of 829 people.<ref name=Census2006>{{Census 2006 AUS|id=SSC37503 |name=Springsure (State Suburb) |accessdate=25 June 2011|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Springsure had a population of 1,103 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC32658|name=Springsure (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Springsure had a population of 950 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL32633|name=Springsure (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>

{{Clear|left}}

== Heritage listings ==
[[File:Springsure Hospital Museum from north (2009).jpg|thumb|Springsure Hospital Museum from north, 2009]]
Springsure has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:
* [[Springsure Hospital Museum]], 13 Woodbine Street ({{coord|-24.1194|148.0844|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|name=Springsure Hospital Museum}})<ref>{{cite QHR|14800|Springsure Hospital Museum|600025|access-date=7 July 2013}}</ref>
* [[Old Rainworth Stone Store]], Wealwandangie Road, now in neighbouring [[Cairdbeign, Queensland|Cairdbeign]]<ref>{{cite QHR|14801|Old Rainworth Stone Store|600026|access-date=7 July 2013}}</ref>

== Education ==
[[File:Springsure State School, 2023.jpg|thumb|Springsure State School, 2023]]
Springsure State School is a government primary and secondary (Prep-10) school for boys and girls at 55 Eclipse Street ({{coord|-24.1157|148.0885|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure State School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018">{{cite web|url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|title=State and non-state school details|date=9 July 2018|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|archive-date=21 November 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-29 |title=Springsure State School |url=https://springsuress.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Springsure State School |language=en |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302065650/https://springsuress.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 158 students with 21 teachers (16 full-time equivalent) and 14 non-teaching staff (8 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-20172c7b12404c94637ead88ff00003e0139.xlsx?sfvrsn=0|title=ACARA School Profile 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122010027/http://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-20172c7b12404c94637ead88ff00003e0139.xlsx?sfvrsn=0|archive-date=22 November 2018|url-status=live|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref> The school motto is 'Success by Effort'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://springsuss.eq.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx|title=Springsure State School|website=Education Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203090713/https://springsuss.eq.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date=3 February 2017|url-status=live|access-date=2 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Gap Street ({{coord|-24.1170|148.0926|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olshsrok.catholic.edu.au/|title=Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220184329/http://olshsrok.catholic.edu.au/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 50 students with 7 teachers (6 full-time equivalent) and 6 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2017" />

There is no secondary education for Years 11 and 12 in Springsure. The nearest school offering secondary education for these years is in [[Emerald, Queensland#Education|Emerald]], but it might be out of range for a daily commute in which case [[Distance education in Queensland|distance education]] and boarding school are alternatives.<ref name="qfhs2" />

== Facilities ==
[[File:Bicentennial Library & Art Gallery, Springsure, 2017.jpg|thumb|Bicentennial Library & Art Gallery, Springsure, 2017]]
The [[Central Highlands Regional Council]] operate a public library in Springsure at 27 Eclipse Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Locations |url=http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/locations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131041006/http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/locations/ |archive-date=31 January 2018 |access-date=31 January 2018 |website=[[Central Highlands Regional Council]]}}</ref>

The Springsure branch of the [[Queensland Country Women's Association]] has its rooms at 27 Eclipse Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Branch locations |url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/ |archive-date=26 December 2018 |access-date=26 December 2018 |website=[[Queensland Country Women's Association]]}}</ref>
[[File:Springsure ambulance station, 2017.jpg|thumb|Springsure ambulance station, 2017]]
Springsure has the following facilities:

* Springsure Cemetery ({{coord|-24.1054|148.0864|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure Cemetery}})<ref name="CemeteryAreas">{{Cite web |date=12 November 2020 |title=Cemetery Areas - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/2baca5c3-a111-4fbc-86c9-3b896884438b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115100513/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/2baca5c3-a111-4fbc-86c9-3b896884438b |archive-date=15 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>
* Springsure sewage treatment plant ({{coord|-24.1062|148.0917|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=sewage treatment plant}})<ref name="LandmarkAreas">{{Cite web |date=18 November 2020 |title=Landmark Areas - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/db9c913b-b7e2-4d88-9a5e-32cbb1470f12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121195536/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/db9c913b-b7e2-4d88-9a5e-32cbb1470f12 |archive-date=21 November 2020 |access-date=21 October 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>
* Springsure Ambulance Station ({{coord|-24.1144|148.0892|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure Ambulance Station}})<ref name="emergencyservices">{{Cite web |date=18 November 2020 |title=Emergency services facilities - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/923a4139-4a79-4744-8955-d73230796bd6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124224500/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/923a4139-4a79-4744-8955-d73230796bd6 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |access-date=24 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>
* Springsure Police Station ({{coord|-24.1147|148.0877|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure Police Station}})<ref name="emergencyservices" />
* Springsure Fire Station ({{coord|-24.1173|148.0906|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure Fire Station}}).<ref name="emergencyservices" />
* Springsure [[Queensland State Emergency Service|SES]] Facility ({{coord|-24.1174|148.0904|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure SES Facility}})<ref name="emergencyservices" />
* Springsure Multipurpose Health Service, a public hospital ({{coord|-24.1200|148.0849|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Springsure Multipurpose Health Service}})<ref name="LandmarkAreas" />

Other facilities in Springsure include the [[Springsure Airport|airport]], a caravan park, motocross track, service station and showground.

== Attractions ==
A cliff face in the mountains just to the north of the town is known as the Virgin Rock, so named because it looked like the [[Virgin Mary]] cradling the baby [[Jesus]]. Subsequent erosion led to the rock resembling the baby Jesus falling away, but the original resemblance to the Virgin Mary remains.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2009-10-22 |title=About {{!}} Minerva Hills National Park |url=https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/minerva-hills/about |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Parks and forests |publisher=Queensland Government |language=en-AU |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322034123/https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/minerva-hills/about |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Rock |url=https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-56b260082880253d74c4849d-virgin-rock |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Tourism & Events Queensland |publisher=Queensland Government}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
* [[Lucy Harriet Eatock]], who was a political activist was born (and later married) here in 1974.<ref>{{Citation |last=Greenland |first=Hall |title=Eatock, Lucy Harriet (1874–1950) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/eatock-lucy-harriet-12898 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |access-date=2023-09-21 |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008120727/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/eatock-lucy-harriet-12898 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[John Denis Fryer]], after whom the [[Fryer Library]] at the [[University of Queensland]] is named
* [[John Humphreys (fencer)|John Humphreys]], Olympic [[fencing|fencer]]
* [[Roy Moore]], U.S. judge and Senate candidate, worked on the Telemon cattle station outside town in 1984.
*[[Keith Slater (bishop)|Keith Slater]], Anglican priest in Springsure, later [[Anglican Diocese of Grafton|Bishop of Grafton]]
*[[Theophilus Wilson]], [[cricket]]er

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Staircase Range Cutting, near Springsure, Queensland - info sign 01.jpg|Staircase Range Cutting, near Springsure, Queensland - information sign
File:Staircase Range Cutting, near Springsure, Queensland.jpg|Staircase Range Cutting, near Springsure, Queensland
File:Staircase Range Cutting, near Springsure, Queensland - detail of hand tooling.jpg|Staircase Range Cutting, near Springsure, Queensland - detail of hand tooling
</gallery>

== See also ==
*{{portal-inline|Queensland}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Springsure}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/springsure|title=Springsure|publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland|website=Queensland Places}}
* {{cite web|url=https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-springsure-1989.jpg|title=Town map of Springsure, 1989|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210224532/https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-springsure-1989.jpg |archive-date=2019-12-10|url-status=live}}

{{Central Highlands Region}}
{{Central Queensland}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Springsure| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Central Highlands Region]]
[[Category:Localities in Queensland]]