Pentland, Queensland


Pentland is a town and locality in the Charters Towers Region in north-western Queensland, Australia.

Geography

Pentland is located between Charters Towers and Hughenden. Pentland is about away from the town of Hughenden and from the North Queensland city of Townsville. Hughenden has about 2000 people and Charters Towers has about 9000. Pentland's population is estimated to be 250 people.
In the east, a small section of the Campaspe River flows through Pentland. White Mountains National Park has been established in the north. The Cape River rises in the area. In the south is the salt lake known as Lake Buchanan.
The Flinders Highway passes through Pentland from east to west, as does the Great Northern railway line. Pentland is serviced by the Pentland railway station.
The former town of Capeville on the Cape River is within the locality of Pentland approximately 10 km NNW of the town of Pentland.

History

The Cape River goldfields opened in July 1867 on the advice of geologist Richard Daintree. By 1870 there were over 20,000 men working the goldfield but by 1873, the population of Capeville had reduced to about 30.
Bett's Creek Post Office opened on 7 October 1884. It was renamed Pentland in 1885.
The 2013 Australian Federal Government budget included funds for a feasibility study on "the potential to develop land for sugarcane production, milling, ethanol and cogeneration infrastructure in the Pentland region."

Pentland Meatworks

Locally known as the Pentland Meatworks was opened in 1943 to meet the additional needs of Australian and American forces arriving in north Queensland during World War II.
The meatworks saw the township of Pentland thrive. In the early 70s there were two grocery stores and the Pentland State School had around 70 enrolled students, the town pool was opened and the town's only hotel, the Pentland Hotel Motel was renovated and thriving.
The meatworks was passed through several hands after end of WWII in 1945 meant the army no longer had a need for the facility. The meatworks eventually closed in September 1989.

Transport

Education

The Pentland State School was opened on 11 May 1885.