Maranoa, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MaranoaQueensland |
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| Population | 25,000 (2006) |
| • Density | 0.231/km2 (0.60/sq mi) |
| Area | 108,000 km2 (41,699.0 sq mi) |
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| State electorate(s) | Warrego |
| Federal Division(s) | Maranoa |
The Maranoa is a special area in southern Queensland, Australia. It's about 500 kilometres (310 miles) west of Brisbane. Some people also call this area the Western Downs. It's part of a bigger, mostly dry region known as South West Queensland.
To the east of the Maranoa is the farming area of the Darling Downs. To the west, you'll find the very dry Channel Country.
The two main rivers flowing through the Maranoa are the Balonne River and the Maranoa River. Important roads like the Warrego Highway, Carnarvon Highway, and Balonne Highway help people travel across the region. The biggest towns in the Maranoa include Roma, Condamine, St George, and Goondiwindi.
What is the Maranoa Region Like?
The Maranoa region is known for its wide-open spaces and a lifestyle focused on the land. It has a sub-tropical climate, which means it can be warm and sometimes humid. This climate is good for the types of farming done here.
Farming and Livestock
Farming is the most important job in the Maranoa. For a long time, people have raised sheep and cattle here. These animals graze on the natural grasslands, which are perfect for them. This kind of farming is called grazing and it's a big part of the region's history.
Many families in the Maranoa live a country lifestyle. Their daily lives often involve looking after their farms and animals.
Natural Resources and Energy
The Maranoa is also important for its natural resources. It's where Australia first found oil and natural gas. These discoveries were very exciting for the country.
More recently, there has been a lot of growth in coal seam gas mining. This type of mining helps provide energy. Because of this, new buildings and roads have been built. More people have also moved to the region to work in this industry.
