 In 2013 it was the largest employer in Rockhampton with a staff of over 1000 people.On 14 September 1871, residents of the area who were mostly employees of the Central Queensland Meat Preserving Company held a meeting to establish a school in the area at which it was estimated that 25 children would attend the school if established.Although the building was completed in January 1872, Lakes Creek Provisional School did not open until 1 October 1872 but closed in 1874, reopening on 21 May 1877.