Directory

Local History Sites

Produce Sheds (c1890-1915)

Description

Railway makes Lowood distribution hub

There were many buildings clustered around Lowood station when the town was the district centre of agriculture, timber getting, stock raising and dairy farming.

The first goods shed was built for the Railway Department by Worley & Whitehead soon after the station opened in 1884 and others were added as the district became increasingly productive.

                   

Historic buildings behind modern facades 

The buildings now occupied by Tyres & More and Lowood District Christian Church were privately owned produce sheds where agents consigned local produce to Brisbane and interstate markets. Freight sidings and tracks are still visible behind these buildings. 

Up to 390 tonnes despatched daily

Large tonnages of freight were railed from Lowood every day. The record for a single day was 390 tonnes, set on 8th November 1945. 

In A History of Queensland Railways John Kerr wrote, "In October 1949 no less than 2800 tonnes were consigned from Lowood in one month. Special trains were common, shifting huge consignments of potatoes, onions and lucern."

Line closed after 105 years

Eventually improvements in roads and heavy transport reduced rail freight to uneconomic levels. The line closed in 1989 after serving Lowood for 105 years.