Chinchilla

Chinchilla, the watermelon capital of Australia is in the heart of Queensland’s Western Darling Downs, is a vibrant and rapidly growing town located 300 kilometres northwest of Brisbane.

Known for its significant contribution to Australia’s watermelon production, Chinchilla boasts the title of the “Melon Capital” and celebrates with the biannual Chinchilla MelonFest, a popular family-friendly festival featuring various melon-themed activities and attractions.

The town’s charm extends beyond its agricultural roots, with the Chinchilla Weir offering a serene natural retreat just outside the town. Visitors and locals can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and camping in this picturesque location during the hot summer months. For lapidary enthusiasts, Chinchilla provides a unique opportunity to hunt for the precious petrified wood fossil, known as ‘Chinchilla Red,’ fetching impressive prices in the market.

However, it is Chinchilla’s role as a major supply town for workers involved in the natural gas projects in the Surat Basin that has spurred its remarkable population growth over the past decade. The mining and natural gas industries offer steady employment and high wages, attracting a significant influx of workers to the region. Consequently, temporary accommodation villages have emerged to cater to the growing demand for housing.

Demographic

Chinchilla has a population of 7,068 people, with a fairly even split between males (50.2%) and females (49.8%). The town's age distribution is relatively balanced, with an average age of 33 years. Children aged 14 years and under comprise 22.8% of the population, while those aged 65 years and over represent 14.8%.

Employment

The oil and gas extraction industry dominates Chinchilla's employment landscape, reflecting the town's integral role in supporting the Surat Basin projects. Additionally, primary and secondary education, road freight transport, and takeaway food services contribute to the town's economic diversity.

Housing

The housing market in Chinchilla is characterised by a mix of homeowners and renters. The majority of residents either own their homes or rent, with a smaller portion being involved in other types of housing arrangements, such as living with family or in communal housing. The typical dwelling in Chinchilla ranges from standalone houses to apartments and townhouses. Single-family homes are quite common in the area, while multi-unit developments, like apartments and townhouses, are also present, though in smaller numbers.