Claim: The Shire of Quilpie (which is known for its grazing industry and opal, a hydrated amorphous form of silica) had a population  of 1,965 in 1947, and in 1966 it had a population of 1,685.
Evidence: The Shire of Quilpie is a local government area in South West Queensland, Australia. The dominant industry is grazing. Opal fields are also worked within the shire. Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO2·nH2O); its water content may range from 3 to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6 and 10%. 1933 1954 1961 1947 1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2016 1,965 1,931 2,387 2,534 1,685 2,051 1,440 1,430 1,490 1,402 1,406 1,175 986 813