Shire of Paroo
The Shire of Paroo is a local government area in South West Queensland, Australia. The administrative centre is the town of Cunnamulla. The Paroo Shire covers an area of and in June 2018 the area had a population of 1,586. Over the 12 months to June 2018, the Shire had the equal fastest rate of population decline in the state, -3.8 per cent. The dominant industry is grazing. Opal fields are also worked within the shire. History. Gunya (Kunya, Kunja, Kurnja) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken by the Gunya people. The Gunya language region includes the  landscape within the local government boundaries of the Paroo Shire Council, taking in Cunnamulla and extending north towards Augathella, east towards Bollon and west towards Thargomindah. Paroo Division was established on 11 November 1879 as one of the original divisions proclaimed under the "Divisional Boards Act 1879" with a population of 799. On 3 June 1880, the western part of the Paroo Division was separated to create the Bulloo Division was established on 3 June 1880. With the passage of the "Local Authorities Act 1902", Paroo Division became the Shire of Paroo on 31 March 1903. Shire facilities. In 1924 , the shire was building a new shire hall, but it was wrecked in a violent dust storm on 5 February 1924. However, they were able to straighten and strengthen the building and it was finally opened on 6 December 1924 by the Minister for Public Instruction, Frank Brennan. The current Paroo Shire Council Civic centre is located on the corner of Stockyard Street and Louise Street, Cunnamulla. Towns and localities. The Shire of Paroo includes the following settlements: Amenities. Paroo Shire Council operates public libraries at Cunnamulla, Wyandra and Yowah.