Local Government

Carpentaria Shire is located in North Western Queensland, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The shire covers an area of 64 403 square kilometers and contains the towns of Normanton and Karumba.

Karumba, with a permanent population of approximately 600 has become a very popular tourist destination. It offers world famous fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria and a wonderful laid back lifestyle. So popular has Karumba become, especially with the 'grey nomads' that each year its population triples during the months of April-September, when the caravan parks are full to overflowing.

Karumba is rapidly becoming a very popular place to make the ‘sea-change'. This increase, and potential increase, in population results in a demand for increased development, services and infrastructure. Council recognises this, and as a result has been involved, and is currently involved in many projects. Some of these projects include:-

Subdivision and auction of 12 residential blocks in June 2007 - this was as a direct result of the continuing demand for housing. Four of these blocks were sold with the condition that they had to be built on within 24 months of settlement - aiming to immediately alleviate the housing shortage.
Continued negotiation with stakeholders, with a view to relocating the Karumba Airport - this has been a priority of Council for some time, with an ‘all-weather' airport a necessity for the continued growth and development of the town.
The construction of a pontoon at the site of the current boat ramp, something which fishermen and business owners have been lobbying for.
Funding has been obtained to install sewerage in Karumba, a project which it is anticipated will commence in 2009. The installation of a sewerage service will make Karumba more attractive again for people looking to build in Karumba and will encourage development.
Council continues to seek funding to upgrade the Karumba Seawall.
The nomination of Karumba for ‘Tidy Towns' and ‘Clean Beach' Awards - Karumba was successful in winning a State Clean Beach Award in 2007. These types of awards bring recognition, and also increase exposure of Karumba to a whole new group of potential visitors. Pictured right are two Karumba State School Students with the Clean Beach Award, together with former Mayor, Ashley Gallagher.

Council provides many services to the town of Karumba, including the State Emergency Service, communications, water, waste disposal, mosquito fogging and the Karumba Library

Council supports many community events in Karumba, including Australia Day, Anzac Day, the Karumba Duck Race and the Karumba School Fete. Council has established an ongoing relationship with the crew of the Navy Minesweeper, HMAS Norman, and was pleased to be able to assist the crew to participate in Karumba's 2008 Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Council has monthly meetings held in the Boardroom in Normanton on the third Wednesday and Thursday of every month and twice a year has public consultation sessions in Karumba.

Contact Details

Shire Office

29-33 Haig St

PO BOX 31

Normanton, QLD, 4890

Fax: (07) 4745 1340

http://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/

Normanton Visitors Information Centre (07) 4745 1065

tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Shire Office (07) 4745 2200

council@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Community Development (includes building and planning, environmental health and community services) (07) 4745 2228