THE HUMBLE HISTORY OF BURLEIGH HEADS

GOLD COAST: In 160 years, the most southern beach in Queensland has gone from light farming and small commercial operations to a breathtaking tourist destination.

Innovation Minister Paul Lucas, on the Gold Coast today, is using his visit to encourage locals, especially those in Burleigh to explore the region's rich and colourful past.

"'Burley head' as it was then known, was first surveyed in 1842 where settlers engaged in timber-hauling, cattle grazing and banana growing," Mr Lucas said.

"In 1888, the township saw a huge commercial boost when locals developed a small business area and established the first coach service from Southport to Coolangatta via the coastline.

"Today, however, we see a very different Burleigh Heads, brimming with local cuisine, beachfront cafes and art and craft markets."

Mr Lucas said the history of Burleigh clearly showed that even back in 1883 the locals new they were living in a potential tourism powerhouse.

"In 1883 the first hotel was designed by timber-hauler Fredrick Fowler, showing that even 120 years ago locals had an eye for tourism opportunities which has paved the way for Burleigh's surge in developing commercial accommodation," Mr Lucas said.

"But the first land sale in the area didn't attract much attention and blocks were being regularly sold at five pounds three shillings, equivalent to $10.30 today.

"I bet we all wish we'd been around to buy a block of land in Burleigh back then because the same piece of land today would be worth more than $400,000 - now that's a nice profit!"

Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said she found the history of the region fascinating, for example how the town's tourism fortunes received another big boost when the surfing population helped property development during the 1960's.

"Surfers were attracted to Burleigh because of its famous tubular barrel waves, which today provide the perfect venue for major international surfing tournaments, framing it as one of the finest surfing beaches in Australia," Ms Smith said.

"Yet no beach in Australia is without a surf live saving history and Burleigh's spirals back to the first volunteer club built in 1923, today boasting a reputation for successful rescues and competitions."

Mr Lucas said this information was part of the fascinating collection of historical records stored at State Archives which provides a snapshot of the Gold Coast's interesting past.

For more information about Queensland State Archives, go to www.archives.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Megan Tudehope 3235 4550 / 0408 701 409.