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Mabuiag Island

QLD 4875 • Queensland

253
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6.27 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteRuralIndigenous CommunityIsland
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About Mabuiag Island

Mabuiag Island is a remote Torres Strait island locality in far north Queensland, situated within the Torres Strait Island Region local government area approximately 69 kilometres north of Thursday Island and 863 kilometres north-north-west of Cairns. The island, also known traditionally as Mabuyaagi and formerly as Jervis Island, covers around 6.3 square kilometres and forms part of the Bellevue Islands group in the western Torres Strait. With a 2021 Census population of 253 residents, the community is predominantly Indigenous Australian, with 94.1% of residents identifying as Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Life on Mabuiag Island centres on the close-knit Torres Strait Islander community, with residents connected to deep cultural traditions, sea country, and customary practices. The island is accessible only by air and sea, with no road link to the mainland, reinforcing its strong sense of community identity and self-reliance. Essential services including a primary health care centre are available on the island, while the community maintains strong ties to neighbouring islands such as Badu and Moa within the western island group.

Mabuiag Island falls under postcode 4875 and is governed by the Torres Strait Island Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4875
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Torres Strait Island
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-9.58°, 143.77°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.27 km²
Population Density
40 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4875

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4875, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$47,835
Median 2023–24
$54,895
▲ 14.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$66,357

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4875; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
863 km
By Train
No rail service
By Car (Peak)
Not applicable — island access only
By Car (Off-Peak)
Not applicable — island access only

🛣️ Accessible by light aircraft to Mabuiag Island Airport or by boat. No road connection to the mainland.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The small island community is walkable within the village, but all major services require air or sea travel to neighbouring islands or the mainland.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
253
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Torres Strait Island Local Government Area, which contains Mabuiag Island. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
139.8 / 100k
2yr Down 66.7% 10yr Down 81.5%
Motor vehicle theft
23.3 / 100k
2yr Down 66.7% 10yr Down 44.4%
Non-FV assault
2,632.2 / 100k
2yr Up 12.8% 10yr Up 42.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
46.6 / 100k
2yr Up 99.6% 10yr Down 25.8%
View all offence categories for Torres Strait Island →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mabuiag Island known for? +

Mabuiag Island is known for its strong Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage and its traditional name Mabuyaagi. The island is home to a close-knit Indigenous community with deep connections to sea country, traditional customs, and the broader western Torres Strait island group.

How far is Mabuiag Island from Cairns? +

Mabuiag Island is approximately 863 kilometres north-north-west of Cairns by direct distance. Access is by light aircraft to the island's airstrip or by boat from Thursday Island, roughly 69 kilometres to the south.

Does Mabuiag Island have public transport? +

There is no public transport on Mabuiag Island. The island is accessible only by light aircraft or boat, with no road connection to the mainland or neighbouring islands. A primary health care centre is located on the island.

What is the population of Mabuiag Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mabuiag Island has a population of 253 residents, with 94.1% identifying as Indigenous Australians — predominantly Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Is Mabuiag Island a good place to live? +

Mabuiag Island offers a deeply connected community life rooted in Torres Strait Islander culture and tradition. It suits those who value close community bonds and a remote island lifestyle, though access to services requires travel to Thursday Island or the mainland.

What is the postcode for Mabuiag Island? +

The postcode for Mabuiag Island is 4875.

Is Mabuiag Island a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Mabuiag Island is part of the Torres Strait Island LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.