Our Coal Heritage | Howard District & Mining Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be a coal miner in the 1800s, this year’s Coalfest at Howard and Torbanlea is a great opportunity to find out.

The Howard and District Mining Museum will be open again with displays, information and coal train rides.

Museum secretary Clinton Ross said that when the last pick and shovel coal mine in Australia, the Burgowan Mine No. 13, closed in 1976, miners left some underground locos on the surface.

“One went to Blackwater and another to Emerald. A third local went to Torbanlea, which is the one we have now at the museum,” he said.

“A few years ago we got it and some skips (wagons) running again. We hooked them up, built a track and started running rides on the first Saturday of each month.

“At the annual festival, we dress up, push a metal skip around town and take people for rides on the train.”

Mr Ross said the committee was planning to have more attractions in the future.

“We’ve had plans drawn for a full-size coal mining pithead next to the museum.

“It will be an authentic full-sized shaft coal mine pithead using telephone poles and wheels. 

“We’ve already got original Burgowan Collieries wheels and a winding engine from Howard Collieries that used to pull the cages up from the underground mines.

“Lights on the ground will shine on the pithead, and from Steley Street people will see the wheels, three stories high.

“It will be great because there are no other real coal mining collections between Moura and Ipswich.

“Council has approved the plans but we’re having trouble securing a grant big enough to help fund the $90,000 cost.”

If you'd like to help raise some money, take a ride on the train and experience the past.

The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday  and the first Saturday of the month from 9am - 12pm. Visit www.howardmuseum.com to find out more.

"Coalfest celebrates the Burrum district’s coal mining history dating back to 1876 when William Howard discovered coal in the area."

– Saturday 17 July | 8am to 4pm
 

Story and Photo: Jocelyn watts