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Burnie ( ; pirinilaplu/palawa kani: Pataway) (2025). 9780977557226, Quintus. ISBN 9780977557226 is a port city on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia. It is the fourth largest city on the island, located approximately north-west of the state capital of Hobart, north-west of Launceston, and west of Devonport. Founded in 1827 as Emu Bay, the township was renamed in the early 1840s after William Burnie, a director of the Van Diemen's Land Company, and proclaimed a city by Queen Elizabeth II on 26 April 1988. As of the , Burnie has a population of 19,918, with a municipality area of , administered by the City of Burnie.
Burnie’s economy has historically been driven by heavy manufacturing, mining, forestry, and farming. The city is located on the Emu Bay coastline, with its fortunes closely tied to its deep water port. The Port of Burnie handles over of freight annually, including nearly half of Tasmania’s containerised freight, and is the state’s key gateway for mineral and forestry exports. The Burnie Chip Export Terminal, often referred to as the "Pyramids of Burnie", surpassed of annual woodchip exports in 2017.
Industrial decline in the late 20th century, culminating in the 2010 closure of the Associated Pulp and Paper Mill, which had been one of Burnie’s largest employers, brought economic and social challenges to the city. In the 21st century, Burnie has pursued diversification, with growth in education, healthcare, and logistics, alongside proposals in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing that align with Tasmania’s aspiration to achieve 200% renewable electricity generation by 2040.
Oakleigh Park, close to Burnie’s business centre, is the birthplace of Burnie and the cradle of the northwest coast. In 1827, chief surveyor of the VDL Company, Henry Hellyer, camped beside Whalebone Creek there. With approval from the Company’s chief agent, Edward Curr, Hellyer selected Emu Bay as the port to service the Company’s inland holdings at Hampshire and Surrey Hills, located around inland. A year later, government surveyor John Helder Wedge recommended Emu Bay be reserved as an official township due to its strategic value for shipping. Still, the VDL Company was already occupying the area. At that time, the Emu Bay settlement consisted of a store, a small jetty, a sawpit, and a few huts. Hellyer also cut the Old Surrey Road through dense rainforest, establishing the first road on the North West Coast, starting from the South Burnie beach.
However, Burnie’s settlement wasn’t peaceful. Between 1828 and 1832, Tarenorerer, a Tommeginne woman who had escaped from Seal hunting, became the leader of the Emu Bay people (Plairhekehillerplue). She led a resistance against settlers during the Black War, attacking VDL Company employees until she was eventually captured. Alexander Goldie, the first superintendent of the Company's land assets around Emu Bay, led armed attacks against the Plairhekehillerplue clan. In 1828, Goldie and his men massacred several people inland from the settlement and in August 1829 they murdered a native woman at Emu Bay by shooting her and cutting her neck with an axe. Goldie then kidnapped the woman's five-year-old daughter and another woman. After an investigation, Goldie resigned from his position. Meanwhile, the VDL Company faced difficulties. By 1833, sheep farming at Surrey Hills had failed due to cold conditions, resulting in the near abandonment of the area.
Throughout the 1840s, the VDL Company began leasing bush blocks to tenant farmers, although Burnie’s growth remained slow. In 1843, the town was surveyed by Nathaniel Kentish and renamed after William Burnie, then serving as one of eighteen directors of the VDL Company. By 1853, Burnie had a population of approximately 200, with basic services such as a doctor and clergyman located in Port Sorell, and a lawyer and banker in Launceston. Transport and communication systems were rudimentary at this time, with no metal roads or established wharves. Nevertheless, the first official birth registrations in Burnie began that year.
Burnie’s first school was opened in 1862 by Mrs. Mary Morris in West Burnie, followed by the construction of the first government school on a rocky hill off Wilmot Street. In 1875, the VDL Company established its headquarters in Oakleigh (now Oakleigh Park), which remained in Burnie until the early 1950s. Burnie became the base for developing the region’s road and rail infrastructure.
During this time, Burnie’s business district rapidly grew, thanks to improved port facilities and the expansion of the town's infrastructure. By 1900, T. Wiseman's motor coach service was operating between Burnie and Stanley, reflecting Burnie's growing importance as a regional transport hub. A major turning point occurred in 1936 with the development of the pulp and paper mill in South Burnie. Constructed by Associated Pulp and Paper Mills (APPM), by 1939 the mill produced of fine paper annually, the first time in the world that paper was made entirely from eucalypt pulp. This industrial expansion caused a surge in employment and population growth, setting Burnie on the path to becoming an industrial powerhouse.
However, the town's success came with environmental consequences. During the 1970s, the production of titanium dioxide by Tioxide led to heavy pollution, turning the sea rust-red from effluent. Burnie also developed a reputation as one of Tasmania’s most polluted towns, a situation highlighted by the Australian band Midnight Oil in their song “Burnie,” which criticised the town’s environmental issues.
Despite these setbacks leading to unstable population and inconsistent investment, Burnie began to reinvent itself in the 1990s. The Lion cheese-making factory remained a major employer, and efforts were made to diversify the city’s economy. By the 2000s, Burnie shifted toward tourism and the arts. It became known for its clean beaches, inclusion on the annual cruise ship itinerary, and its growing community of artists and makers. In 2016, Elphinstone Group, previously a designer and manufacturer for Caterpillar equipment in Australia, relaunched its original brand and developed the Haulmax 3900 series off-highway haul truck. The company continues to be a major local employer, with a workforce of 2,500 people. Today, Burnie positions itself as the gateway to Tasmania’s northwest, including the Tarkine forest, and as a hub for new industries and outdoor recreation.
Economically, Burnie is a working-class hub with a median household income of $1,148 per week, lower than the national median of $1,746. The city's unemployment rate was around 8.1%, higher than the national rate of 5.1%. These figures suggest some economic challenges in the area, although Burnie's role as a regional port and industrial centre still gives it economic significance within Tasmania.
Burnie also has a notable Indigenous population, with around 8.5% of residents identifying as First Nations people or Torres Strait Islander, higher than the national figure of 3.2%. This reflects Tasmania's broader demographics where Indigenous representation is above the national average. The majority of residents (84.4%) were born in Australia, with smaller populations from England (2.4%), New Zealand (0.9%), India (0.8%), Nepal and the Philippines (0.4%), and mainland China (0.3%). English is the dominant language, spoken by 90.2% of residents at home, while 5.9% of households speak a non-English language.
In terms of religion, 53.4% of Burnie's population reported no religious affiliation, while 38.8% identified with a Christian denomination, including 11.4% as Catholic and 11.2% as Anglican. Other religious groups include Hinduism (0.9%), Buddhism (0.7%), Islam (0.6%), and Sikhism (0.2%).
The town is fairly cloudy, with 141.1 cloudy days and only 51.7 clear days per annum. Extreme temperatures have ranged from on 14 July 1967 to on 31 January 2009. Sunshine data were sourced from Elliott, a rural locality west-southwest of Burnie.
Nationally, Burnie is located in the federal electorate of Braddon, currently represented by Anne Urquhart of the Australian Labor Party. Braddon has traditionally been a marginal seat, with representation often alternating between the Labor and Liberal parties in federal elections.
In the Australian Senate, Tasmania is represented by six senators, including Jacquie Lambie, the leader and founder of the Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN). Lambie, a well-known political figure, resides in Burnie, where she maintains significant support.
Agriculture, once prominent in the region, declined following the handover of the Surrey Hills and Hampshire Hills lots, paving the way for forestry to become Burnie’s dominant sector in the 20th century. The establishment of the Associated Pulp and Paper Mill (APPM) in 1938 marked a turning point, positioning the city as a key centre for paper production and woodchip exports. The closure of the APPM in 2010 ended a defining chapter in Burnie’s industrial history, although forestry continues through exports at the Burnie Chip Export Terminal.
From the 1970s Burnie grappled with pollution issues linked to titanium dioxide production, and from the 1990s it underwent significant industrial decline following the closure of major manufacturing plants and its pulp and paper mill. These changes contributed to population loss and long-term unemployment challenges.
Guildford Wind Farm has been proposed with a capacity ranging from 300 MW, per Environment Protection Authority documents, up to 450 MW, according to developer Ark Energy.
Hellyer Wind Farm proposals similarly cite a capacity of 300 MW across 48 turbines, although some industry data sources estimate up to 384 MW based on turbine specifications.
In 2021, plans for a new $18m North West Museum and Art Gallery, designed by Gerard Reinmuth,
were abandoned. Instead, the focus shifted toward enhancing and consolidating the region’s existing cultural facilities.
The Burnie Library (formerly known as the Hellyer Regional Library) is part of the Libraries Tasmania network, serving as a major community resource, offering public access to books, digital resources, and research materials. The library also plays an important role in Burnie’s educational and cultural landscape, providing services for children, secondary education, technical college and other tertiary students. In late 2024, during the temporary closure of the Burnie Library, a pop-up library was operated within the Burnie Regional Museum to continue providing services to the community. This temporary arrangement highlighted the collaborative efforts between cultural institutions in Burnie.
In addition to these cultural landmarks, Burnie provides essential health services through the North West Regional Hospital, located on Brickport Road. As the third-largest hospital in Tasmania, it offers a range of in-patient and out-patient services, including general medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, psychiatry, and paediatrics, playing a vital role in the well-being of the wider community.
Burnie is also home to key educational institutions, including the Cradle Coast campus of the University of Tasmania (UTAS), where the Cuthbertson Research Laboratories are part of the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research. The town also hosts campuses for the Tasmanian Polytechnic and Tasmanian Academy, ensuring a range of learning opportunities for students in the region. Alongside these, Burnie boasts numerous sporting and social organisations that contribute to the vibrant community life.
Burnie Port, operated by TasPorts, is Tasmania's largest general cargo port.
Burnie is served by TasRail services on the Melba and Western lines, Network TasRail Burnie was previously the terminus of the former Emu Bay Railway. Burnie had passenger rail services including the Tasman Limited until the mid-1970s. The rise of road transport and declining demand led to the discontinuation of passenger services.
Burnie is connected with Devonport via the four-lane Bass Highway and a rail link used for freight purposes. Burnie is also connected to the West Coast by the Murchison Highway.
Metro Tasmania operate local bus services around the city and its suburbs. Burnie Network Metro Tasmania Kinetic Tasmania operate a service to Smithton. Route 768 timetable Transport Tasmania Tassielink Transit operate services to Strahan. Routes 747 & 748 timetable Transport Tasmania
Rugby union is also played in Burnie. The local club is the Burnie Rugby Union Club. They are the current Tasmanian Rugby Union Statewide Division Two Premiers and were promoted to the Statewide First Division for the 2008 season.
Soccer is also represented in Burnie, with Burnie United FC having four teams compete in the northern premier league; the women's team, under 18 team, reserve team and division one team. They also have youth sides in the under 14 and under 16 competitions. Their ground is located in Montello, Tasmania.
Burnie hosts an ATP Challenger Tour tennis event, the Burnie International, during the week following the Australian Open.
Athletics events include the annual Burnie Gift and Burnie Ten.
Archery is also represented in Burnie, with Burnie Bowmen Archery Club. They were founded in 1958 and have influenced the development of archery along the northwest coast of Tasmania. Its first target championship was held in 1959. In 1972 Burnie Bowmen Archery Club was given the honor of holding the first national championships to be held outside of a capital city. In 2017 Burnie Bowmen Archery club hosted Archery for the XVI Australian Masters Games. In 2020 and 2021 they were to host the National Youth Archery Championships and National Archery Championships, but due to COVID-19 these events were cancelled. Presently, Target and Clout shoots are conducted at Parklands High School Oval in Romaine, Burnie. Indoor is conducted at the Upper Burnie Memorial Hall. Field is conducted at the Blythe Scout Camp at Heybridge.
Burnie has access to the ABC, SBS, WIN, Seven Tasmania and 10 stations as well as all new free to air television stations.
There are two commercial radio stations, 7BU at 100.9 MHz on the FM band and Sea FM on 101.7 on the FM band. Many Melbourne radio stations can be received in Burnie.
Renewable energy and diversification
In the 21st century, Burnie has sought to diversify its economy, with growth in education, healthcare, and logistics. The city has also been identified as a strategic location for renewable energy projects, including proposals associated with the North West Renewable Energy Zone and the planned Marinus Link power cable between Tasmania and Victoria. Proposals under consideration include large-scale wind power and solar power developments, as well as a synthetic electrofuel facility.
Marinus Link
The Marinus Link is a proposed high voltage direct current submarine power cable intended to connect Heybridge with Waratah Bay, Victoria. Estimated in 2021 at $3.5 billion, the project is designed to transfer electricity generated from renewable sources in Tasmania to the Australian mainland. Associated infrastructure, including the North West Transmission Developments, has been proposed to support the link. Government announcements have suggested the project could create around 1,400 jobs and contribute up to $3 billion in investment, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2030.
E-fuels facility
Burnie has been identified as the proposed site for what is described as Australia’s first commercial-scale facility, led by HIF Global. The planned $1 billion development is intended to produce up to of synthetic fuels per year using renewable electricity and biomass feedstocks, with applications in aviation, shipping, and heavy transport. Reports indicate the facility could employ around 200 people once operational, with a target commissioning date of 2028.
Wind farms
Several wind farm projects have been proposed in the region south of Burnie, including the Guildford and Hellyer Wind Farms. If developed, these projects would contribute to Tasmania’s goal of generating 200% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2040.
Cultural and educational institutions
Burnie has long been a hub for cultural, educational, and health services in the northwest region of Tasmania. At the heart of its cultural precinct is the Burnie Arts & Function Centre, which replaced the old Burnie Theatre in 1965. Originally known as the Civic Centre, this multi-functional venue is an important space for the community, hosting performances, events, and exhibitions that attract visitors from across the region. The centre is also home to one of Australia's largest regional art galleries, which opened in 1978, and the Burnie Regional Museum, designed by architects Leith and Bartlett, which houses the historic Federation Street—the first indoor streetscape of its kind in the country.
Transport
Burnie Airport is located in the adjacent town of Wynyard, a 20-minute drive from the central business district.
target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Burnie Port Information TasPorts It is the nearest Tasmanian port to Melbourne and Mainland Australia. The 1969 built shiploader was upgraded in 2024 doubling the ports capacity. Port of Burnie shiploader complete, doubling capacity Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Local Government 22 October 2024
target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Port of Burnie doubles shipping capacity Australasian Transport News 23 October 2024
Coastal pathway
In October 2024, a 13 kilometre coastal pathway between Burnie and Wynyard on the former Western railway line opened. Burnie Coast Pathway Burnie City Council
target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Coastal Pathway Project: Wynyard to Burnie Waratah Wynyard Council
target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Former rail line between Wynayrd and Burnie transformed into stunning coastal pathway Pulse Tasmania 25 January 2024
Suburbs
The city of Burnie consists of a number of small suburbs including Parklands, Park Grove, Shorewell Park, Acton, Montello, Hillcrest, Terrylands, Upper Burnie, Romaine, Havenview, Emu Heights, South Burnie and Wivenhoe.
Sport
Australian rules football is popular in Burnie. The city's team is the Burnie Dockers Football Club in the Tasmanian State League. Their ground is West Park Oval.
Media
The Advocate newspaper was established in 1890 servicing the North West region. The mailroom is located in Burnie whilst the local press operations ceased in mid-2008 and were relocated to Launceston.
Notable people
Sources
External links
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