Tannum Sands, Queensland

Infobox Australian Place | type = town
name = Tannum Sands
state = qld


caption =
lga = Gladstone Regional Council
postcode = 4680
est =
coordinates = coord|23.9488|S|151.3665|E|display=inline,title|region:AU-QLD_type:city
pop = 4,139
elevation=
maxtemp =
mintemp =
rainfall =
stategov = Gladstone
fedgov = Flynn
dist1 = 518
dir1 = NW
location1= Brisbane
dist2 = 26
dir2 = SE
location2= Gladstone
dist3 = 3
dir3 = E
location3= Boyne Island

Tannum Sands is a coastal town on the East Coast of Central Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 census, Tannum Sands had a population of 4,139.Census 2006 AUS|id=UCL353000|name=Tannum Sands (Urban Centre/Locality)|accessdate=2008-05-26|quick=on] The population of Tannum Sands and neighbouring twin town Boyne Island is approaching 10,000. The two localities are separated only by the Boyne River.

History

The area south of the Boyne River was original known as Wild Cattle and had been a popular fishing and picnic location for the people of Boyne Island, but remained unsettled due to its inaccessability. Closer settlement began in the late 1930's when 12 beach front lots were auctioned. The Town received its name when a group of children returned from a Sunday School picnic to the beach quite sunburnt. The comment was made "we can really tan 'em over there." One of the people present worked for the Queensland Land Department thought it would be a good name for the area and registered the name. Closer settlement began in the late 1930's when 12 beach front lots were auctioned.

Overview

Tannum Sands is primarily a tourist and residential town. It has a patrolled beach [ [http://public.lifesaving.com.au/index.cfm?objectid=CD5E581F-E77E-8A8B-7E3F6CFC39C9A12C Surf Life Saving Queensland :: Tannum Sands ] ] and is well known as a fishing venue with access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Boyne River and Lake Awoonga. It is a major residential area for the nearby Boyne Island aluminium smelter and Gladstone based industries.

Boyne Island/Tannum Sands is also home to the Boyne Tannum Hookup. A large fishing event held on the Queens Birthday long weekend. The event is held at Bray Park. This event is very popular with more than 3,000 entrants entering into it.

Boyne-Tannum has a strong sporting community with teams competing in (soccer), Rugby League, Australian Rules Football, Cricket, touch football, Netball, Tennis, Surf Life Saving, Swimming and Hockey. The area has 2 sporting grounds, the BITS (Boyne Island Tannum Sands) club for Cricket, Australian Rules, Golf and Soccer. Also has tennis courts and bowling. While Dennis Park accommodates Touch Football, Netball, Rugby League and Rugby Union. Within Tannum Sands itself is the Tannum Sands Tennis Association and the Tannum Sands Squash Centre. The latter also provides rock climbing and a gymnasium.

Kiteboarding is a rapidly growing sport in the region, with Tannum Sands becoming a nationally renowned location. The sport is promoted annually with the Coconet Classic which is held during the Easter long weekend. In 2007, the winner of the Open Men's title was local Cameron Prest.

In the area there are two state primary schools, Boyne Island State School and Tannum Sands State School, and one catholic primary school, St Francis . Tannum Sands State High School accommodates students from the nearby Miriam Vale, Benaraby, and Calliope, as well as the Tanyala and Kalori Conference and training centres.

References

External links

* [http://www.boynetannum.com.au/ Community website]