The Capricorn Coast is a stretch of coastline in Central Queensland, Australia and is part of the Shire of Livingstone (formerly part of Rockhampton Region). Geography The Capricorn Coasts takes its name from Cape Capricorn () on Curtis Island, which in turn takes its name from the Tropic of Capricorn (approx ) which passes through roughly through the cape. The Tropic also passes through Capricorn Coast. The Capricorn Coast is officially defined as "the coastal area between the mouth of Water Park Creek and the mouth of the Fitzroy River", which establishes its boundaries as and , i.e. from Farnborough to Thompson Point. The Capricorn Coast is approximately from end to end yet comparatively small in population, with dozens of towns and islands scattered along its length. The region has a rich history going back to the 1850s. The Capricorn Coast offers a wide variety of luxury and budget holiday accommodation as well as bush and rainforest retreats. Plentiful beaches and tourist venues provide snorkelling, island adventures, bushwalking and marina berths. A wildlife sanctuary is located at Cooberie and a crocodile farm at Coowonga. Governance In 1879, the Gogango Divisional Board was established as one of 74 divisions in Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879. The Gogango Divisional Board's scope of authority comprised a large area north and east of Rockhampton. While the Division was administered in Rockhampton, a locally appointed body, the Yeppoon Progress Association met once a month to look after the minor requirements of the town. The discovery of gold brought a huge influx of people to the region, and the various Boards broke up into smaller administrative bodies to better service the growing population. In 1903, the Gogango Divisional Board was renamed Shire of Livingstone. The boundaries of the new shire remained largely unchanged until 1984, when outlying districts including the suburbs of Nerimbera and Parkhurst were ceded to Livingstone's larger neighbour, City of Rockhampton. Continued growth in both Local Government Authorities became a contentious subject from then on, which caused much political tension, until finally in 2007, the conflict gained new pace with the tabling before the Parliament of Queensland of the proposed Local Government (Reform Implementation) Act 2007. The Act passed, and on 15 March 2008, Livingstone Shire merged with Fitzroy Shire, Mount Morgan Shire, and City of Rockhampton to form the new LGA Rockhampton Region. This forced amalgamation caused political tension. In