Boonarga, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Boonarga Queensland
Cactoblastis Memorial Hall, Boonarga, 2006
Boonarga Location in Queensland
Population	37 (2021 census)
• Density	0.642/km2 (1.66/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4413
Area	57.6 km2 (22.2 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	19.9 km (12 mi) SE of Chinchilla 77.4 km (48 mi) NW of Dalby 144 km (89 mi) NW of Toowoomba 272 km (169 mi) WNW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Western Downs Region
State electorate(s)	Callide
Federal Division(s)	Maranoa
Suburbs around Boonarga: Chinchilla Chances Plain Brigalow Hopeland Boonarga Brigalow Hopeland Hopeland Brigalow

Boonarga is a small rural area in Queensland, Australia. It is a quiet place located in the Western Downs Region. In 2021, only 37 people lived in Boonarga.

Where is Boonarga?

Boonarga is in the Western Downs Region of Queensland. The main road, called the Warrego Highway, goes through the area. A railway line, the Western railway line, also passes through Boonarga. These connect Boonarga to nearby towns like Brigalow and Chinchilla. There was once a railway station in Boonarga, but it is no longer used.

A Look at Boonarga's Past

The Old School

A school called Hill Top Provisional School first opened in Boonarga on March 20, 1893. Later, it became Hill Top State School. For a short time, from 1914 to 1915, it was a "half-time school." This meant it shared a teacher with another school nearby. In 1936, its name changed to Boonarga State School. The school closed its doors in June 1954.

The Cactoblastis Memorial Hall

One of the most interesting parts of Boonarga's history is the Cactoblastis Memorial Hall. This special hall was built to celebrate a big victory. For many years, a plant called the prickly pear had spread everywhere in the area. It grew so thick that it was hard for people to walk or ride through.

To get rid of the prickly pear, a special insect called the cactoblastis moth was brought in. These moths loved to eat the prickly pear, and they helped clear the land! The hall was built to remember this success. It cost £435 to build and was officially opened in February 1936. A big party was held to celebrate.

Who Lives in Boonarga?

In 2016, Boonarga had 36 people living there. By 2021, the population had grown slightly to 37 people.

Special Places in Boonarga

Boonarga has a few sites that are considered important because of their history. The Cactoblastis Memorial Hall on the Warrego Highway is one of these heritage-listed places.

Learning in Boonarga

There are no schools directly in Boonarga today. Students usually go to primary schools in nearby towns. These include Brigalow State School in Brigalow or Chinchilla State School in Chinchilla. For high school, students attend Chinchilla State High School in Chinchilla.

What's in Boonarga?

The main community building in Boonarga is the Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall. It is located on the Warrego Highway and is still used by the community.