INFORMATION ON THE COUNCIL: Flinders Shire Council has approximately 130 employees, split across the 8 departments of Executive, Finance, Governance, Community Services, Engineering, Rural Services, Human Resources and Community Care. INFORMATION ON THE SHIRE: Hughenden is situated 390km west of Townsville on the banks of the Flinders River. The Flinders Shire has a population of approximately 1535, the majority of who live in the town of Hughenden. Hughenden is quite an important regional centre, with a health centre; doctor's surgery open 5.5 days/week; pharmacy; newsagents; electrical store; several hotels/motels, hairdressers, clothing stores, cafes and bakery. There is a State School to Year 12, a Catholic primary school, a kindergarten and a day care centre. There are two main food stores with some smaller convenience stores as well. Hughenden is situated approximately 4 hours drive inland from Townsville, and approximately 2.5 hours drive inland from Charters Towers. Charters Towers has a population of approximately 13,000 and is a destination of Flinders Shire residents for some shopping excursions, medical appointments and weekend activities. Hughenden is accessible by car, bus, rail and plane, with flights on 3 days of the week between Hughenden and Townsville, and Hughenden and Mt Isa. The town has quite a strong involvement in sport and clubs, there is very strong interest in the Shire’s golf, netball, tennis, football and bowls clubs particularly. The Shire is quite popular for camping, bushwalking etc, having 4 unique biodiversity areas and picturesque landscapes such as Porcupine Gorge. Information and pictures of Porcupine Gorge can be viewed at the website
