Beaudesert

▪ Queensland, Australia

      town, southeastern Queensland, eastern Australia, on the Logan River. A livestock station was established there in 1842 and named after Beaudesert, Staffordshire, Eng. In 1863 the state's first cotton plantation was begun nearby, using Kanakas (South Sea islanders) as labourers. The community that developed became a town in 1876. Beaudesert lies along the Mount Lindesay Highway and a rail line to Brisbane (37 miles [60 km] north). It is now the centre for a district of dairy, fruit, pig, corn (maize), alfalfa (lucerne), and pumpkin farming. It has sawmills, butter works, and meatworks. The town, which has become increasingly important as a resort, holds an agricultural show in September. Pop. (2001) 4,460.

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