outbacktowns

Mineside looking West. In the foreground the two story buildings were called "Tradesmen's Dormitories", on left were barracks for single men. The next building was also single men's quarters. Centre right was the kitchen and dining hall. The houses were for married men. The following is an extract from the Daily Mercury, Mackay, 10th December 1929. "Permanent quarters are being built on a very large scale. The buildings will have forty bedrooms, each nicely furnished and containing a duchess, a wire stretcher, and wash stand. The buildings are enclosed all round with wire gauze netting to make them fly proof. I believe the Company intends to charge five shillings a week rent for these rooms."

Mount Isa is the largest township in western Queensland. It is a mining town with an air of self-confidence and vibrancy. Mining is the town's raison d'etre and though it dominates the skyline and the local economy. Mount Isa is located 1,823 km north-west of Brisbane via Toowoomba and Longreach. It is 904 km west of Townsville, 160 km from the Northern Territory border, and 356 metres above sea level. Source: www.aussietowns.com.au/town/mount-isa-qld

At the back is a 2 room lockup. Left to right is the Mount Isa Police Station/Courthouse and the building on the right is the sergeant's residence. A new courthouse was built around 1935. On the extreme right there is a small portion of the roff of the constable's quarters a small 10 foot by 8 ft single room.