QLDPort & river
Gladstone
A natural harbour waiting for a larger industrial role.
1853Town establishment announced
WHAT STARTED IT
Gladstone was established at Port Curtis because its large natural harbour offered a promising site for a northern port and town. The planned settlement followed an earlier, unsuccessful colonial venture in the area.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Governor Fitzroy announced the town in 1853. Early growth was modest, but the twentieth century brought bulk exports and large industrial plants. Queensland Alumina announced its refinery plans in 1963, helping transform the city’s economic scale.
TURNING POINTS
1853The new town is announced at Port Curtis.
1963Queensland Alumina announces plans for a large refinery.
December 2014LNG exports commence from the Curtis Island precinct.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A major industrial and export-port city. Shipping and processing industries make the harbour’s practical value far more significant than its slow early growth suggested.