Forty years ago, a small town of only 10 people was established to service the Goonyella mine. Since that time, Coppabella has become vital to the growth and prosperity of the export coal industry in central Queensland.
On 23 march, 1970 the owners of Annandale, Messrs. WH,E &WR Neilson, received a notice of resumption of land from the railway department. This land was resumed for the purpose of building residences for railway employees. The site, originally called the 88 mile or junction, was later named Coppabella, meaning crossing place.
Streets in the town were named after commissioners for railway and transport ministers, the first street being called Willis Street. Coppabella is in the Isaac shire and is situated approximately 155 kilometres from Mackay. The population fluctuates between 200 and 300.
Progressively, with the opening of new mines, more houses, as well as two sets of single staff quarters and a caravan park were built. The department of education erected three residences to house teachers at the school.
The school was officially opened on august 1, 1981, by the Honourable KB Tomkins (MLA), Honourable Wam Gunn (MLA), Honourable CA Wharton (MLA) and JH Randell Esq. (MLA).
Today the school catchment area incorporates those students who live in the town of Coppabella and those from the surrounding cattle properties. We are proud of the diverse history and nature of our school.