Iconic piece of Clermont history set for steamy re-start

An iconic steam engine that helped move a historic town out of a deadly flood zone is set to be the star attraction at a free event in Clermont.

The community day is a chance for visitors and residents to experience the rich and diverse local history at Clermont Historical Centre on Saturday, 21 August 2021.

Isaac Regional Council Division 1 Cr Greg Austen said the steaming of the legendary traction steam engine remains key to Clermont’s heritage.

“The historic Aveling & Porter steam engine was one of two that moved Clermont after the 1916 Flood,” Cr Austen said.

“More than 60 people lost their lives in floodwaters after a tropical cyclone crossed through the Whitsunday passage in December 1916.”

This will be the steam engine’s second public steaming in more than 20 years.

The event is part of a partnership with Clermont Artslink – Scones ‘n’ Steam – as part of the Clermont Gold and Coal Festival’s 21st birthday celebrations.

Morning tea is being served at 10.30am with the steaming to start from 12 noon. Blair Athol coal donated by Terracom will be used to fire the engine.

Visitors and residents can also enjoy two exhibitions at the Clermont Historical Centre, which is on the Gregory Highway, about 2km from Clermont.

Reflections of Resilience is an exhibition that chronicles the colourful past of Clermont and Blair Athol’s hospitals while Back on Track explores country racing in the exceptionally brutal 19th Century existence in colonial Peak Downs.

Published: 11th August 2021