{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Use Australian English|date = October 2019}} {{Infobox Australian place | type = town | name = Pialba | city = Hervey Bay | state = qld | image = Hervey_Bay_-_Flickr_-_GregTheBusker.jpg | caption = Aerial view over Pialba | coordinates = {{coord|-25.2805|152.8386|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Pialba}} | local_map = yes | zoom = 12 | pop = 4151 | pop_year = {{CensusAU|2021}} | pop_footnotes = <ref name=Census2021/> | established = | postcode = 4655 | area = 5.8 | timezone = AEST | utc = +10:00 | dist1 = 33.9 <!-- road distances as per template instructions --> | dir1 = NE | location1 = Maryborough | dist2 = 123 | dir2 = NNE | location2 = Gympie | dist3 = 289 | dir3 = N | location3 = Brisbane | dist4 = | dir4 = | location4 = | lga = Fraser Coast Region | stategov = Hervey Bay | fedgov = Hinkler | maxtemp = | mintemp = | rainfall = | near-n = ''Hervey Bay'' | near-ne = ''Hervey Bay'' | near-e = Scarness | near-se = Kawungan | near-s = Urraween | near-sw = Urraween | near-w = Eli Waters | near-nw = Point Vernon }} {{GeoGroup}}
'''Pialba''' is a coastal town and suburb of Hervey Bay in the Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia.<ref name="qpnt">{{cite QPN|26589|Pialba|town in Fraser Coast Region|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="qpnl">{{cite QPN|48347|Pialba|suburb in Fraser Coast Region|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref> It is the central business district of Hervey Bay. In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the suburb of Pialba had a population of 4,151 people.<ref name=Census2021/>
== Geography == Pialba is a located {{Convert|294|km|mi|0}} north of Brisbane on the southern shore of Hervey Bay. It is the central business district of the town of Hervey Bay.
== History == The area was originally known as Point Vernon, until a town was surveyed{{When|date=February 2020}} and named Polson. On 19 March 1931 the town name was changed to Pialba, reflecting the long existing use of that name.<ref name="qpnt" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151895336|title=POLSON NOW PIALBA.|date=14 April 1931|newspaper=Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser|access-date=29 February 2020|location=Queensland, Australia|page=4|via=Trove|archive-date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222074538/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/151895336|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Pialba Shire Council existed from 1905 to 1917.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seymour |first1=George |title=A Walk Through History - Pialba Memorial Hall |url=https://www.whatsonfrasercoast.com.au/2022/12/31/a-walk-through-history-pialba-memorial-hall/ |website=What's On Fraser Coast |access-date=18 January 2025}}</ref>
The Hervey Bay railway line from Maryborough to Pialba opened on 18 December 1896. It was used to transport harvested sugarcane to the Maryborough Sugar Mill in addition to daily passenger trains. An extension to Urangan and the Urangan Pier opened on 19 December 1913. As the Pialba railway station was built so close to the beach ({{coord|-25.2840|152.8384|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|name=Pialba railway station (former)}}),<ref name="railwaystations">{{Cite web|date=2 October 2020|title=Railway stations and sidings - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/84fff9a0-e315-4844-9c4d-63934562a9bd|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005070354/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/84fff9a0-e315-4844-9c4d-63934562a9bd|archive-date=5 October 2020|access-date=5 October 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=Queensland Government}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1980|title=Town of Hervey Bay sheet 2 (Town of Pialba)|url=https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-hervey-bay-sh2-1980.jpg|url-status=live|access-date=22 March 2021|publisher=Queensland Government|type=Map|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217151736/https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-hervey-bay-sh2-1980.jpg}}</ref> it was not possible to extend the line directly from the Pialba station. A junction was added before the Pialba station and the trains had to reverse out of the station in order to take the junction to Urangan. From 10 June 1929 a railmotor was used to operate the passenger services.<ref name="kerr1990">{{cite book|last=Kerr|first=John|title=Triumph of narrow gauge : a history of Queensland Railways|date=1990|publisher=Boolarong Publications|isbn=978-0-86439-102-5|pages=91–92, 225}}</ref>
Pialba State School opened on 30 July 1884.<ref name="qfhs">{{Citation|author1=Queensland Family History Society|title=Queensland schools past and present|publication-date=2010|edition=Version 1.01|publisher=Queensland Family History Society|isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}</ref>
An undenominational church was opened in Pialba on New Year's Day (1 January) 1884 by the Presbyterian minister in Maryborough, Joseph Irvine Knipe. It was erected by German settlers.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 January 1888 |title=COUNTRY MAILS. |volume=XLIV |page=6 |newspaper=The Brisbane Courier |issue=9,353 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3464318 |accessdate=12 March 2023 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
Radio broadcasting commenced in the Wide Bay area on Wednesday 14 January 1948 from a transmitter in Piabla under the call sign 4QB which is now ABC Wide Bay.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-12-11|title=About Us|url=https://www.abc.net.au/radio/widebay/about-wide-bay/10601302|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222073646/https://www.abc.net.au/radio/widebay/about-wide-bay/10601302|archive-date=2020-12-22|access-date=2020-12-22|website=ABC Radio|language=en}}</ref>
Hervey Bay State High School opened on 28 January 1964.<ref name=qfhs/>
Hervey Bay Church of Christ was established in the mid-1970s. However some of the congregation felt that the Church of Christ was adopting an overly liberal interpretation of the Bible and renamed themselves Hervey Bay Bible Church to better reflect their beliefs. Disagreements with the Church of Christ resulted in the congregation leaving the church premises and conducting their services in other premises, initially the QCWA Hall and then later at the Hervey Bay Community Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.herveybaybiblechurch.org/our-history|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Hervey Bay Bible Church|language=en|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321135859/https://www.herveybaybiblechurch.org/our-history}}</ref>
In June 1985 a group of volunteers established the Women's Information Service which expanded over time to meet a wider range of community needs. It established a community centre in a house at 47 Taylor Street in 1987 and became an incorporated association in 1989. As the number of community programs expanded, larger premises were needed. On 5 December 2011 a new purpose-built Hervey Bay Community Centre was opened at 22 Charles Street.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our history|url=https://www.hbnc.com.au/Pages/FAQs/Category/our-history|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc.|language=en|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321135904/https://www.hbnc.com.au/Pages/FAQs/Category/our-history|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Hervey Bay Library opened in 1997 and had a major refurbishment in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|title=Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|publisher=State Library of Queensland|page=13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=30 January 2018}}</ref>
The council's new administration building and library is currently under construction in the Pialba CBD.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hervey Bay Community Hub now a third complete|url=https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/news/article/2208/hervey-bay-community-hub-now-a-third-complete|website=Fraser Coast Regional Council}}</ref> It is being funded and built through the Hinkler Regional Deal between the Federal Government and the Fraser Coast Regional Council.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doody |first1=Renee |title=Hervey Bay Community Hub reaches halfway point |url=https://www.herveybayadvertiser.com.au/news/hervey-bay-community-hub-reaches-halfway-point-1 |publisher=Hervey Bay Advertiser |date=6 August 2025}}</ref>
== Demographics == In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the suburb of Pialba had a population of 3,678 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC32329|name=Pialba (SSC)|accessdate=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>
In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the suburb of Pialba had a population of 4,151 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL32307|name=Pialba (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>
== Heritage listings == Pialba has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: * Pialba Memorial Cenotaph, Freedom Park, Main Street<ref>{{cite QHR|Pialba Memorial Cenotaph|650026|access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
== Education == Pialba State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Alice Street ({{coord|-25.2793|152.8333|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Pialba State School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018">{{cite web|url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|title=State and non-state school details|date=9 July 2018|publisher=Queensland Government|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|archive-date=21 November 2018|access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pialbass.eq.edu.au|title=Pialba State School|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229053025/https://pialbass.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 456 students with 42 teachers (38 full-time equivalent) and 37 non-teaching staff (26 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-20172c7b12404c94637ead88ff00003e0139.xlsx?sfvrsn=0|title=ACARA School Profile 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122010027/http://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-20172c7b12404c94637ead88ff00003e0139.xlsx?sfvrsn=0|archive-date=22 November 2018|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref> It includes a special education and the Hervey Bay Positive Learning Centre.<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pialbass.eq.edu.au|title=Pialba SS - Special Education Program|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229053025/https://pialbass.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hervey Bay State High School is a government secondary (7–12) school for boys and girls at Beach Road ({{coord|-25.2819|152.8322|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Hervey Bay State High School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.herveybayshs.eq.edu.au|title=Hervey Bay State High School|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229054522/https://herveybayshs.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 1019 students with 88 teachers (83 full-time equivalent) and 43 non-teaching staff (34 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2017" /> It includes a special education program.<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.herveybayshs.eq.edu.au|title=Hervey Bay SHS - Special Education Program|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229054522/https://herveybayshs.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Amenities == The Fraser Coast Regional Council operate the Hervey Bay library at 161 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba ({{Coord|-25.2850|152.8370|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Hervey Bay Library}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/location-and-hours|title=Location and hours|website=Fraser Coast Regional Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131012257/http://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/location-and-hours|archive-date=31 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=31 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Google Maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2851033,152.8373175,3a,37.5y,267.02h,86.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbOsC1nO5LqwUmNDdhdQAgw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192|access-date=21 March 2021|title=Hervey Bay Library (Street View)}}</ref>
A number of Hervey Bay's major facilities are on the Esplanade at Pialba. Seafront Oval is a venue used for major events, such as concerts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seafront Oval renovations to enhance community space |url=https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/news/article/2254/seafront-oval-renovations-to-enhance-community-space |publisher=Fraser Coast Regional Council |date=6 February 2025}}</ref>
Hervey Bay's free waterpark, Wetside, is next to the Seafront Oval in Pialba<ref>{{cite news |title=Celebrating 15 years of FUN at WetSide! |url=https://www.herveybayadvertiser.com.au/news/celebrating-15-years-of-fun-at-wetside |publisher=Hervey Bay Advertiser |date=27 November 2024}}</ref> as is the skate park.<ref>{{cite news |title=GALLERY: Hundreds celebrate new space for region's families |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/gallery-hundreds-celebrate-new-space-for-regions-families/news-story/65b21d1434aa938384b1e71cc38f7046 |publisher=Courier Mail |date=15 September 2019}}</ref>
There are a number of recreational amenities in Pialba including a PCYC, pickleball courts, and pump track. The Pump Track was officially opened by Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour and State MP for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari on 9 August 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=New pump track set to thrill Hervey Bay |url=https://www.herveybayadvertiser.com.au/news/new-pump-track-set-to-thrill-hervey-bay |publisher=Hervey Bay Advertiser |date=24 July 2024}}</ref>
The Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum is located on Zephyr Street, Pialba, adjacent to the Z-Pac Community Theatre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum |url=https://herveybaymuseum.com.au/ |access-date=18 April 2025}}</ref>
The Halcro Street Community Garden is in Pialba.<ref>{{cite web |title=Halcro Street Community Garden |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUt2q3yB9xM |website=Youtube |publisher=George Seymour |access-date=19 April 2025}}</ref>
The Point Vernon/Pialba branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at the QCWA Rooms at 7 Torquay Road, Pialba ({{Coord|-25.2818|152.8402|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Point Vernon / Pialba CWA}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|title=Branch Locations|publisher=Queensland Country Women's Association|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Google maps|access-date=21 March 2021|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2816898,152.8402664,3a,29.2y,169.51h,92.49t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXyVh5X5N80G5dYmsJCZw_w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192|title=7 Torquay Street (Street View)}}</ref>
The Hervey Bay Community Centre is at 22 Charles Street ({{Coord|-25.2818|152.8372|type:landmark_reigon:AU-QLD|name=Hervey Bay Community Centre}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc.|url=https://www.hbnc.com.au/|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc.|language=en|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321135904/https://www.hbnc.com.au/|url-status=live}}</ref>
All Saints Anglican Chapel is at 5 Peters Lane ({{Coord|-25.2808|152.8406|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=All Saints Anglican Chapel}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=All Saints' Anglican Chapel, Pialba|url=https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions/search/10086906|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-21|website=National Redress Scheme|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321131220/https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions/search/10086906}}</ref><ref>{{Google maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2806575,152.8405677,3a,75y,177.98h,86.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdVSG1dUl8z8qe9rcdHY1Uw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192|access-date=21 March 2021|title=5 Peters Lane (Street View)}}</ref>
Hervey Bay Gospel Church is at 44 Hunter Street ({{Coord|-25.2864|152.8410|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Hervey Bay Gospel Church}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://hbgospelchapel.com.au/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Hervey Bay Gospel Chapel|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321131218/https://hbgospelchapel.com.au/}}</ref><ref>{{Google maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2863455,152.8407454,3a,60y,105.47h,99.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srcR3nKxwrKipzNtUuJQC2w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|access-date=21 March 2021|title=44 Hunter Street, Pialba (Street View)}}</ref>
Bayside Christian Church is at 18 Neils Street ({{Coord|-25.2861|152.8455|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Bayside Christian Church}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bayside Christian Church|url=https://www.baysidechristianchurch.com.au/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-21|website=|language=en-AU|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321135857/https://www.baysidechristianchurch.com.au/}}</ref><ref>{{Google maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2858844,152.8452203,3a,37.5y,126.31h,88.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgWbTBA7RjTnzTOVB4ojjTg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|access-date=21 March 2021|title=Bayside Christian Church (Street View)}}</ref>
Hervey Bay Church of Christ is at 27 Neils Street ({{Coord|-25.2872|152.8448|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Hervey Bay Church of Christ}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Church Of Christ - Hervey Bay|url=https://brainhealtheducation.com.au/hbcofc/index.php|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-21|website=|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321135915/https://brainhealtheducation.com.au/hbcofc/index.php}}</ref><ref>{{Google Maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2872815,152.8449968,3a,37.5y,269.2h,92.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srdsYrpJRqsprkRLetmcNDw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|access-date=21 March 2021|title=Hervey Bay Church of Christ (Street View)}}</ref>
St Joseph's Catholic Church is at 22 Torquay Road (but accessed from Bryant Street, {{Coord|-25.2816|152.8422|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=St Joseph's Catholic Church}}).<ref>{{Google Maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-25.2815895,152.8418385,3a,21.7y,111.48h,89.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLkPLo1vybLaHaAZwjU6jPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|access-date=22 March 2021|title=St Joseph's Catholic Church}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=St Joseph's {{!}} Hervey Bay Catholic Parish|url=https://www.herveybaycatholic.com.au/churches/st-josephs-hervey-bay/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321144133/https://www.herveybaycatholic.com.au/churches/st-josephs-hervey-bay/|archive-date=21 March 2021|access-date=2021-03-21|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=St Joseph's Church, Pialba|url=https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/parishes-mass-times/mass-centre/st-josephs-church-pialba/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929235755/https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/parishes-mass-times/mass-centre/st-josephs-church-pialba/|archive-date=29 September 2020|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane|language=en-AU}}</ref>
Hervey Bay Bible Church meets at the Hervey Bay Community Centre each Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hervey Bay Bible Church|url=https://www.herveybaybiblechurch.org/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321135857/https://www.herveybaybiblechurch.org/|archive-date=21 March 2021|access-date=2021-03-21|website=|language=en-AU}}</ref>
LifeChurch Hervey Bay meets at the Community Centre at 22 Charles Street.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LifeChurch Hervey Bay|url=https://wesleyan.org.au/churches/lifechurch-hervey-bay/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-24|website=Wesleyan Methodist Church Australia|language=en-AU|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824220646/https://wesleyan.org.au/churches/lifechurch-hervey-bay/}}</ref> It is part of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Queensland|url=https://wesleyan.org.au/south-qld/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821020136/https://wesleyan.org.au/south-qld/|archive-date=21 August 2021|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Wesleyan Methodist Church Australia|language=en-AU}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{commons category|Pialba, Queensland}} * {{cite web|url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/pialba|title=Pialba|publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland|website=Queensland Places}}
{{Fraser Coast Region}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Suburbs of Hervey Bay Category:Fraser Coast Region Category:Coastline of Queensland Category:Central business districts in Queensland