1. Lifestyle
The Western Downs offers an attractive, well-rounded and diverse economy by combining a country lifestyle with modern living and conveniences. The Western Downs has an assortment of urban centres, quiet small towns and rural lifestyle blocks – something to suit everyone!
2. Economy
The Western Downs diverse economic base means that opportunities are plentiful across agriculture, intensive agriculture, energy and manufacturing industries. With large projects in infrastructure, energy and agriculture approved or on the horizon, our local economy is buzzing with investors from all over the world.
3. Community
The Western Downs is home to more than 34,000 residents and 8,188 families. The median age of our population is 37 years and 7.1 per cent of our residents were born overseas. We are proud to be a multicultural community and support diversity and inclusivity.
4. Jobs
The number of local jobs in the region has increased significantly over the past 10 years to almost 21,000 jobs. Job opportunities are abundant and will continue to rise in the region due to the strong pipeline of developments. There is demand for a wide variety of professions including labourers, managers, machinery operators, drivers, ICT and science-based roles, technicians and trades workers, as well as roles supporting the growing community such as aged and disability carers, registered nurses, retail managers and child carers.
5. Cost of Living
Living in the Western Downs is affordable compared to many parts of Queensland. Our average rent is $295 per week compared to the Queensland average of $450 per week (for a three-bedroom home). Across the region the average house sale price of $254,000 is $221,745 lower than the Queensland average of $475,745.
6. Education
Education for all ages is a priority in the Western Downs. There are 33 schools and 24 regulated early childhood education and childcare services in the region. Dalby State High School offers the region’s only specialist Agricultural College and Trade Training Centre. Many of our libraries also offer online education programs.
7. Health Services
There are six hospitals across the Western Downs at Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles and Tara. Wandoan is served by an out-patients clinic. Quality public and private health services locally ensures residents receive excellent care without having to travel to larger cities for treatment. Our senior citizens are comfortable with access to aged care services while our new parents receive excellent services.
8. Connectivity
With so much to do in the region you don’t need to leave for weekend activities. However, if you did want to catch a show or go to the beach, the Western Downs is only a short distance from Toowoomba, Brisbane and both the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
9. Parks & Recreation
Residents enjoy an abundance of recreation spaces including sporting, community and cultural facilities. Centrally located parks include the award-winning Chinchilla Botanic Parklands. There are seven lakes and weirs for recreational use and the glorious Bunya Mountains area is right in our backyard.
10. Things to Do
Life in the Western Downs is rich with experiences and events that attract Queensland and interstate travellers. Highlights include the Chinchilla Melon Festival, Big Skies Festival, Jandowae Timbertown Festival, Opera at Jimbour, Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races, Dalby Delicious and Delightful Festival and Miles Back to the Bush Festival. Outdoor adventures, sports and recreational activities, local retail and hospitality in each town also offer residents their own unique experience.