Place in time: Biloela
Tucked in the heart of Central Queensland, Biloela is located 572 km north of Brisbane and just 121 km south-west of Gladstone, and is a thriving town of more than 6,000 people. While many know Biloela for its strong agricultural roots and connection to local coal mining, there’s much more to this proud regional town than meets the eye.
The name Biloela comes from the Gangulu Aboriginal people - the Traditional Custodians of the land - who named the area after their totem, the white cockatoo. This connection to Country continues to shape the identity of the town today.
With its relaxed country charm, a tight-knit community, and a calendar full of festivals and events, Biloela is a place where tradition thrives alongside innovation. Local attractions like the Queensland Heritage Park, the Spirit of the Land Mural, and the Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
But Biloela isn’t just honouring the past - it’s also looking to the future.
In a bold step towards a cleaner future, the Banana Shire Council recently announced that more than $40 billion worth of renewable energy projects are in the pipeline across the region. This includes a mix of solar, wind and battery projects that will transform the energy profile of Central Queensland and the country. The Callide Solar Power Station, currently in development, sits on the traditional lands of the Gangalu Nation People. Once completed, as many as 1,000 sheep will graze among the solar panels that will supply clean, renewable energy to approximately 98,000 households and businesses.
Meanwhile, the Callide Wind Farm, located 22 km north-north-east of Biloela in the Calliope Range, is expected to commence construction in mid-2026. With 70 wind turbines planned, the project is estimated to create 280 full-time construction jobs and 20 ongoing roles once operational.
And just when you thought Biloela couldn’t surprise you more - this year, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery. A boulder found at Biloela State High School contains one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur footprints per square metre ever documented in Australia. It’s a powerful reminder that the land beneath Biloela holds ancient stories – stories now unfolding in new ways. Renewable energy projects like solar farms that graze sheep not only honour the region’s agricultural heritage, but also help deliver sustainable electricity for generations to come.
As Biloela continues to grow and evolve, its deep connection to culture, community, and country ensures that progress doesn’t come at the expense of identity - but instead, strengthens it.
Photo sourced from State Library of Queensland.