Your browser version is outdated. We recommend that you update your browser to the latest version.

Community

Karumba Community & Services

The Karumba community though small in number is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and active one.  Permanent residents number approximately 600 with itinerant workers moving in with the seasonal pastoral, tourist and fishing industry activities.

With the popularity of the region there are recreational fishermen/women, around Australia travelers, families, backpackers, international visitors and ‘grey nomads' - bringing an influx which sees the population swell into the 1000's at any one time throughout the year.

It is conservatively estimated up to 100,000 visitors a year make their way to Karumba (Gulf Savannah Investment Profile - July 2007).  This number is growing each year and in turn this places additional demands on the Karumba and wider Gulf community and the services provided.

The commercial fishing industry remains a major industry and employer in the Karumba area.  A number of families are involved in the fishing sector.  The Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association was initiated by the commercial fishing industry in the late 70's and today the hatchery they established to support both commercial and recreational fishing is owned and operated by Carpentaria Shire Council and includes the Barramundi Discovery Centre.  The hatchery continues to have volunteer input and links with the GBRA to ensure support for the breeding/restocking activities.

Karumba today boasts an excellent range of services and facilities including Health Clinic, Primary School, Child Care, Ambulance, broadband internet, Next G mobile phone service, golf course, tennis courts, sports centre, Civic Centre & Library, playgrounds and more.  In 2015 Karumba received a new public swimming pool and a fantastic waterpark through the efforts of Carpentaria Shire Council, which along with the gym, sports centre and recreation club see Karumba well placed to keep people active and involved.

There is a local Police Station, regular Royal Flying Doctor Service clinics and various allied health professionals throughout the year and there is the presence of officers from the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries and Department of Transport Marine Services.

Businesses include bakery, chemist, post office, nursery, supermarkets, butcher, electrical appliances and white goods, supermarkets, seafood outlets, mechanics, services stations, hardware/marine store as well as many other businesses catering for the main industries of fishing, pastoral, mining and tourism.

Volunteer community organizations are well supported and include:

  • Volunteer Marine Rescue,
  • Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association,
  • Rural Fire Brigade.
  • Karumba State School P&C,
  • State Emergency Service,
  • Karumba Recreation Club,

 

 

 

 

 

In Karumba the sense of history, family, living and working in an amazing place, with safety, friendship and community belonging all combine to generate strong local pride.

 

Links

Barramundi Discovery Centre

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride

Gulf Savannah Development Organisation

Carpentaria Shire Council

Savannah Way Ltd