Chinchilla Shire
Chinchilla shire, is in the centre of the Western Downs, 3 ½ hours from Brisbane and Coastal facilities. Chinchilla is a predominately rural industry based shire, experiencing an increase in population and industry development through major energy projects associated with coal and gas exploration and associated power station development.
The economy of the shire is largely reliant on primary production including beef and pork production, wool growing, horticulture and timber resources. Chinchilla also is home to a diverse range of agriculture, extractive and manufacturing industries. One of Chinchillas most significant industries is the melon. Almost 25% of Australians watermelons and rockmelons are grown in the area. As recognition of the importants of this industry the Biannual Chinchilla Melon Festival is held for 1 week in February every 2 years.
The town of Chinchilla was established in 1878 when the railway pushed west. Now the town has grown into an attractive, clean and progressive community of approximately 3,700 people. Chinchilla boasts a high standard of education, medical, recreational retail and professional services.
Kogan Creek Power Project
The Kogan Creek Power Project is a 750 megawatt coal fired power station and adjacent coal mine, being built near Chinchilla in south west Queensland. This $1.2 billion project is the most recent large-scale generation project to be developed in Queensland under the State Government’s Clean Energy Policy. Kogan Creek Power Project will be commissioned in September 2007, delivering electricity to the national grid. Kogan Creek Power Station will be the largest single generating unit in Australia. It will operate as a base load station, generating electricity, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Marilla Shire
Largely a rural based Shire, Murilla is traversed by two major highways - the Warrego and the Leichhardt. The Shire is composed of 6045 square kilometres. The town of Miles became the main centre, with the towns of Condamine, Dulacca and Drillham continuing as smaller local centres.
To the north of the Shire, a section of the Great Dividing Range forms part of the watershed of the extensive Murray-Darling and the Dawson-Fitzroy river systems. The natural splendour of Murilla Shire is brought to life through a colourful mosaic of rock rimmed gorges, pine and eucalypt forests, spectacular displays of wildflowers and meandering rivers and creeks, home to an incredible array of wildlife.
Murilla Shire is an important grazing and timber production region. Livestock production includes sheep and both grain and grass fed beef, while the agricultural industry is based on wheat, sorghum, barley and cotton crops. Feedlots are an emerging industry which is becoming an important economic base for the Shire.
Miles
The population of approximately 2800 is serviced by modern shopping, hospital, commercial, education and professional facilities. While the local economy is strongly based on grazing and farming, a developing mining industry utilising rich deposits of bentonite clay, is emerging. The district also draws many tourists each year, as it is a well-known wildflower centre. Each year in early September, Miles holds a 'Back to the Bush' Festival in celebration of its abundant displays of wildflowers.
The unique history of the area is portrayed in the Miles and District Historical Village is one of the finest in Australia. Over twenty authentic buildings, including blacksmith's shop, bakery, hotel, bank and cafe, have been preserved for present and future generations to enjoy. The village also features a world class shell display, lapidary display and War Museum. A new addition to the Shire is Dogwood Crossing at Miles, a centre housing the library, art gallery, IT room and stories of the Shire's past.
Condamine
The township of Condamine is located south of Miles on the meandering Condamine River, well-known for its excellent fishing. The township is famous for its Condamine Rodeo, a spectacular event held in October each year, attracting visitors from throughout Australia.
Condamine is home to the famous Condamine or Bullfrog Bells. Working bullocks would roam or graze with the traditional Condamine Bell hung around their necks to ensure their owners could locate them.
A brief history of the town can be found on the side of a large replica bell in Bell Park at Condamine.
