Back Plains, Queensland

Back Plains is a rural locality in the Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia.^[2] In the 2021 census, Back Plains had a population of 104 people.^[1]

Back Plains Queensland
Back Plains landscape, 2023
Back Plains
Coordinates	27.9°S 151.7833°E / -27.9; 151.7833
Population	104 (2021 census)[1]
• Density	2.600/km2 (6.73/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4361
Area	40.0 km2 (15.4 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)	Toowoomba Region
State electorate(s)	Condamine
Federal division(s)	Maranoa
Suburbs around Back Plains: Felton South Felton Nobby Felton South Back Plains Mount Molar Ellangowan Ellangowan Ryeford

History

John Bange's general store in Back Plains, circa 1930

Settlement commenced in December 1872. The district was originally known as Clifton Homestead Area Back Plains, from which the present day locality takes its name.^[3]

Towing John Bange's glider for launching, Back Plains Clifton district, circa 1930

Clifton Homestead Area School opened on 8 December 1879. It was renamed Back Plains State School in 1918.^[3][4][5][6]

St Paul's Church of England was dedicated on 12 February 1892 by Archbishop of Brisbane William Webber. The last service was conducted on 8 August 1943. In 1953 the church building was relocated to Nobby where it was re-established as St Paul's Church of England.^[3] The last service at Nobby was conducted circa 11 May 1975. In 1979 the church building was relocated to 12 Jubb Street, Allora to become the Scots Presbyterian Church for those Presbyterians in the district who did not wish to become part of the Uniting Church of Australia. The church in Allora was dedicated on 26 July 1980 by Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev F. White.^[7][8]

A machinery business operated in December 1892 to 1910. It built threshing machines and steam engines.^[3]

A cheese factory was established in August 1896. It became a farmers' cooperative venture in 1910 and closed in 1915.^[3]

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church opened on 26 May 1901.^[3]

Johann (John) Bange operated a general store from 1911 to 1924.^[3] On 27 October 1935 at Clifton, Bange made his maiden flight in an enclosed-fuselage glider, which he designed and built himself.^[3]

A Presbyterian church opened on 16 October 1915.^[3]

Demographics

In the 2016 census, Back Plains had a population of 74 people.^[9]

In the 2021 census, Back Plains had a population of 104 people.^[1]

Education

Back Plains State School, 2023

Back Plains State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 874 Clifton-Pittsworth Highway (27.8926°S 151.7842°E / -27.8926; 151.7842 (Back Plains State School)).^[10][11] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 17 students with 3 teachers (2 full-time equivalent) and 5 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).^[12]

There are no secondary schools in Back Plains. The nearest government secondary school is Clifton State High School in Clifton to the south-east. There is also a Catholic primary school in Clifton.^[13]