Surat Basin
Famous for its melons and a renowned spot for fishing, bushwalking and camping, the colourful town of Chinchilla is an easy 81 kilometre drive west Dalby along the Warrego Way. Having once produced 25% of the country's watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew melons, Chinchilla is the undisputed melon capital.
Chinchilla has also established itself as the energy hub, there are Solar farms and wind farms being established, as well as strong Gas & Mining Industries.
Suburb Profile

Western Downs Green Energy Hub

Solar Farms

The Western Downs Green Energy Hub, near Chinchilla, Queensland, is Australia's largest solar farm. Covering 1,500 hectares on Barunggam land, the hub features a 460 MW solar farm with over 1 million panels and a 270 MW / 540 MWh battery storage system which is under construction. Its strategic location near Powerlink's existing Western Downs substation and a new 275kV transmission line enhances grid efficiency and supports clean energy distribution across Queensland and beyond. The hub ultimately supports local landowners and provides up to 14 jobs and minimizes visual impact.
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Wind Farms​

Queensland's renewable future is bright with the MacIntyre and Wambo Wind Farms. The Wambo Wind Farm, a joint venture between Cubico and Stanwell, will eventually feature 83 turbines and generate over 500 MW once fully operational. With phase one adding 252 MW and up to 200 construction jobs. The 43-turbine Dulacca Wind Farm is already producing 180 MW, powering 124,000 homes annually. The Queensland Government supports these projects with a $455.8 million investment.
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Hydrogen Power Plants

CS Energy is advancing Queensland's renewable energy future with the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant, the state's first hydrogen-ready station. Located at the Kogan Creek hub, it will start operations in 2026, initially using 35% renewable hydrogen and transitioning to 100% over time. With a 400 MW capacity, it will power over 75,000 homes during peak demand and support grid stability, marking a significant step towards a cleaner energy future.

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​Chinchilla's Battery

The Chinchilla Battery project, featuring Tesla Megapacks, will be a significant economic drive for Queensland's energy by creating up to 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent positions. Connected to Powerlink's 275 kV Western Downs substation, it represents a forward-thinking approach to reliable, cleaner energy, enhancing both local employment and skill development.​
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Gas & Mining Industry 


Since its first mine opened in 1914, the Western Downs has evolved into a global energy powerhouse, now proudly holding the title of Australia's "Energy Capital." The region's rich resource base spans coal mining, oil and gas extraction, metal and non-metallic minerals, quarrying, and exploration.

In addition to coal seam gas, the Western Downs excels in a variety of mining activities, including coal, oil and gas extraction, and mineral quarrying. Recent investments in energy infrastructure and a skilled workforce have further cemented the region's status as Australia's "Energy Capital." With its rich resource base and cutting-edge infrastructure, the Western Downs continues to drive advancements in both traditional and renewable energy sectors.

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OUR UP COMING EVENTS
OUR UP COMING EVENTS

Chinchilla Melon Festival 2025

​There is something for everyone with a Street Parade, Markets, Beach Party, Free Family Activities, Farm Tours, an arena full of melon related activities such as Melon Skiing and Melon Bungee, and so much more.

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Jimbour House's Big Skies Festival

Big Skies Festival against the grand grounds of Jimbour House in Western Downs, enjoy two days of live music, regional bus tours, the new Canapes Under the Stars, Sunset Dinner, Happy Hour at the Hangar, campfire chats, and tours of Jimbour House.

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Miles Back to the Bush Festival 2025

Discover the charm of rural Australia at the Back to the Bush Festival in Miles! Enjoy lively country and folk music, delicious local food, and engaging bush crafts. With family-friendly fun and vibrant community spirit, this festival offers a perfect slice of outback life. 

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Western Downs Events of 2024

JANUARY 2024

20 Jan: Mini Motorbike Gymkhana Australia Day 20/20 Cricket - The Gums Sports Club

26 Jan: Australia Day Colour Fun Run -Tara Lagoon Parklands

26 Jan: Australia Day Pig Races -Club Hotel Chinchilla

27 Jan: Miles Showground Markets - Miles Showgrounds

FEBRUARY 2024

3 Feb: Dalby Races - Beach & Barriers Diehards Race Day

19 Feb: Wandoan Arts Council Creative Arts Escape

10 Feb: Miles Races

24 Feb- 3 Mar Annual Bell Art Exhibition 2024

MARCH 2024

2 - 22 Mar: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest

2 Mar: Newmarket Race Day - Dalby

2-3 Mar: Bell Campdraft

8 Mar: Dalby Swap Meet - Dalby Showgrounds

9 Mar: Wandoan Races

9 Mar: Tara Show

2-3 Mar: Bell Show

23 Mar: Jandowae Show

APRIL 2024

5-6 Apr: Wandoan Show

6-7 Apr: Miles Memorial Trail Ride

12-13 Apr: Dalby Show

16-18 Apr: Westmar Campdraft

20 Apr: Dalby Picnic Races

Easter Weekend: Flinton Races

27-28 Apr: Condamine Encouragement Campdraft

MAY 2024

23 May: Miles Show

24-25 May: Chinchilla Show

5-7 May: Opera at Jimbour, Jimbour House

4 May: Jandowae Races

JUNE 2024

7-9 June: Jandowae Timbertown Festival

29-30 June: Bell Working Cattle Dog Trial

23-23 June: Motorbike Gymkhana & Enduro, The Gums



JULY 2024

13 July: NAIDOC Golf Day, Chinchilla Golf Club

20-21 July: Chinchilla Trail Ride, Chinchilla

AUGUST 2024

3 Aug: Dalby Showjumping Championship, Dalby Showgrounds

6 Aug: Miles from Anywhere Auto Show & Shine, Miles

17-18 Aug: Bell Bunya Trail Bike Ride

2-4 Aug: Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races

SEPTEMBER 2024

7 Sep: Chinchilla One Long table

5-9 Sep: Dalby Stockman's Challenge & Campdraft, Dalby Showgrounds

13 Sep: Kylie Castle on The Deck, Dalby Leagues Club

15 Sep: Chinchilla Monthly Markets - Chinchilla A&P Association

20 Sep: Bony Mountain Folk Festival, 1107 Upper Wheatvale Road Bony Mountain Warwick

27 Sep: QBRA Finals 2024, Dalby Showgrounds

OCTOBER 2024

3 - 7 Oct: Big Skies Festival, Jimbour House

5 Oct: Tara Markets

12 Oct: A night For Beck Street, Jubri's Hideaway

20 Oct: Chinchilla Monthly Markets - Chinchilla A&P Association

25 Oct: Kylie Castle on The Deck, Dalby Leagues Club

26 Oct: Freaks After Dark Music Extravaganza, Hotel Australia Miles

NOVEMBER 2024

1 Nov: Australian Western Makers Expo, Dalby Showgrounds

2 Nov: Tara Markets

15 Nov: Kylie Castle on The Deck, Dalby Leagues Club

17 Nov: Chinchilla Monthly Markets - Chinchilla A&P Association

29 Nov - 2 Dec: 2024 Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale & Camp draft, Dalby Showgrounds

DECEMBER 2024

4 Dec: Business After Houses Event, Jubri's Hideaway

13 Dec: Kylie Castle on The Deck, Dalby Leagues Club

15 Dec: Chinchilla Monthly Markets - Chinchilla A&P Association

29 Nov - 2 Dec: 2024 Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale & Camp draft, Dalby Showgrounds

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