Opportunities exist for dairy farmers to enter the dairy industry on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland. Declining dairy farm numbers, resulting from industry restructuring, retirement of older farmers and a decreasing number of younger farmers entering the industry has created shortfalls in milk production required for the growing markets in northern Australia . Atherton Tableland dairy farmers supply milk to the Dairy Farmers factory in Malanda. In turn this is distributed to nearby Cairns, with a population exceeding 140,000 and expanding rapidly; south to Townsville, with population in excess of 150,000 and one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland; as far west as Mt Isa population approximately 20,000 and north to the Gulf.
Attractions
Long cherished as a tourist destination because of its temperate climate, lush countryside, tropical rainforests, clear waterfalls, crater lakes, superior dining and accommodation the Atherton Tableland also has the advantage of close proximity to the city of Cairns and the Gulf wilderness. The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns International Airport, shopping and fine dining are among the attractions and facilities that Cairns offers, little more than an hour’s drive from the Tableland. For those with a more adventurous spirit camping excursions to the Gulf of Carpentaria , where the fishing is greatly prized, is a popular dry season option. Wildlife, including platypus, tree kangaroos and bandicoots, abounds on the Tableland and keen bird watchers will appreciate the wide variety of species found here. Living on the Tableland provides an ideal base from which to enjoy the myriad pleasures of the far north coupled with easy accessibility to southern states and overseas.
Towns
Dairying on the Tablelands is concentrated around the towns of Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Yungaburra and the larger centre of Atherton (population approx 6,000). Atherton & Eacham shires continue to observe a gradual but consistent increase in population with each successive year.
State Primary schools are situated in Atherton, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe and Yungaburra, with school buses servicing outlying areas. Secondary schools are located in Atherton, Malanda and Ravenshoe. Primary denominational schools are located in Atherton, and a secondary denominational school, with some boarding facilities, in Herberton. Atherton State High includes a TAFE facility on campus and James Cook University has campuses in both Cairns and Townsville.
Sport is a popular past time on the Tableland whether for competition or as a social activity. Among the sports played are rugby, league, soccer, cricket, Oztag, touch football, tennis, hockey, golf, lawn bowls, ten-pin bowling, squash and netball. Tinaroo Dam is a popular water skiing and swimming venue and an excellent spot to take advantage of recreational fishing year round; the annual ‘Barra Bash’ is eagerly awaited and well attended by fishing enthusiasts from near and far. The crater lakes and pools, nestled in the rainforest, are also regular swimming and picnicking spots frequented by families.
Community Activities
Monthly markets are a noteworthy occurrence in all the Tableland towns. Bustling places to buy vegetables, gifts, clothes, tools and so much more or somewhere to just wander and enjoy the lively atmosphere. A variety of festivals is held throughout the year and clubs and organisations hold numerous functions and fundraisers to assist the friendly community of which they are a part. Craft, theatre, literary and art groups flourish here and every Tablelander is involved in something.
Declining dairy farm numbers, resulting from industry restructuring, retirement of older farmers and a decreasing number of younger farmers entering the industry has created shortfalls in milk production required for the growing markets in northern Australia . Atherton Tableland dairy farmers supply milk to the Dairy Farmers factory in Malanda. In turn this is distributed to nearby Cairns, with a population exceeding 140,000 and expanding rapidly; south to Townsville, with population in excess of 150,000 and one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland; as far west as Mt Isa population approximately 20,000 and north to the Gulf.
temperate climate, lush countryside, tropical rainforests, clear waterfalls, crater lakes, superior dining and accommodation the Atherton Tableland also has the advantage of close proximity to the city of Cairns and the Gulf wilderness. The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns International Airport, shopping and fine dining are among the attractions and facilities that Cairns offers, little more than an hour’s drive from the Tableland. For those with a more adventurous spirit camping excursions to the Gulf of Carpentaria , where the fishing is greatly prized, is a popular dry season option. Wildlife, including platypus, tree kangaroos
and bandicoots, abounds on the Tableland and keen bird watchers will appreciate the wide variety of species found here. Living on the Tableland provides an ideal base from which to enjoy the myriad pleasures of the far north coupled with easy accessibility to southern states and overseas.
Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Yungaburra and the larger centre of Atherton (population approx 6,000). Atherton & Eacham shires continue to observe a gradual but consistent increase in population with each successive year.
Bustling places to buy vegetables, gifts, clothes, tools and so much more or somewhere to just wander and enjoy the lively atmosphere. A variety of festivals is held throughout the year and clubs and organisations hold numerous functions and fundraisers to assist the friendly community of which they are a part. Craft, theatre, literary and art groups flourish here and every Tablelander is involved in something.