The Barolin Division was one of the original divisions, established on 11 November 1879 under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 with a population of 1051.[1][2]
On 31 March 1903, with the passage of the Local Authorities Act 1902, the Barolin Division became the Shire of Barolin,[6] while the Woongarra Division became the Shire of Woongarra.[7]
In 1909, the Barolin Shire had an area of 226 square miles, a population of 1655, and 671 ratepayers. The receipt from rates in 1908 was £1330, and the indebtedness to the Government totals £1567, the annual repayment due being £419.[8]
On 21 December 1917, the Shire of Barolin was dissolved and its area was split between the City of Bundaberg and the Shire of Woongarra.[6][9]