:: About Miles

Located at the intersection of two major highways, the Warrego and the Leichhardt, Miles is the new industrial transport hub of Southern Queensland. 210km North West of Toowoomba and 140km east of Roma, major transport projects, including the Surat Basin Rail, will drive growth in the Wandoan/Miles area as it becomes the focus of exporters seeking to extract the riches of the Surat Basin. Links to port facilities at Brisbane and Gladstone increase the industrial potential of the region, further diversifying the area's economy from its staple of agriculture and grazing.

Miles and area also has great lifestyle attributes, with its rural heritage contributing to a welcoming culture and inclusive community. Miles is home to an active arts and cultural sector and signature events, including the Beef, Bells and Bottle Trees, celebrating and promoting a sense of community for residents and visitors to the district.

At an elevation of 304m, the region around Miles has hot summers with mean maximum temperatures in January of 33.1° C falling to 19.3 in July. Average rainfall is 655.7 mm, falling mainly in the period between November and February.

:: Industry

Traditionally based on agriculture and cropping, the economy is in the midst of change with increasing investment in mining and energy.

Producing wheat, sorghum, barley and cotton, Miles and district has relied on rural industries for economic growth since the area was first settled in the 1880's. Timber production, cattle and sheep grazing and other associated rural industry, like much of Western Queensland, have been major contributors' to the region’s economy. The economic base has diversified substantially as increased activity in the natural resources sector, particularly for the Miles and Wandoan districts, drives new project investment and significant economic activity. Two of the largest projects currently under consideration in the Surat Basin are the Wandoan Coal Project and Surat Basin Rail, which will have the greatest impact in the Miles/Wandoan area.

The Wandoan Coal project is a joint venture proposal managed by Xstrata Coal Queensland Pty Ltd located approximately 5 kilometres west of Wandoan. The project would comprise a number of open-cut coal mines, with an estimated mine life in excess of 30 years. The project would initially produce in excess of 30 million tonnes per annum of export steaming coal crushed, processed and blended on site before being transported by rail to the Port of Gladstone for export through the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal. A combination of truck and shovel, dozer and dragline mining equipment will be used to develop the project and may also include water and energy supply arrangements for the mines and coal wash plant.

It is envisaged that a new rail connection will be constructed between Wandoan and the existing Moura—Gladstone Line to allow transport of coal by rail to Gladstone. The proposed Surat Basin Rail project is approximately 210 kilometres in length and starts on the Western Railway System near the township of Wandoan, (located 230 kilometres northwest of Toowoomba) and joins the Moura Railway System near the township of Banana (located 130 kilometres west of Gladstone). The project was often previously referred to as the "Southern Missing Link".

This new $1 billion plus rail connection could see coal from the Surat Basin region transported for export through the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and is a potential catalysts for regional economic growth. The exact position of the rail corridor will be refined during the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process produced by the proponents. Construction of the project will require a workforce of 400—600 personnel over approximately two and a half years.

Adding to these major projects, a multitude of associated projects are being developed in the region, including power generation projects utilising coal seam methane gas and further investment projects related to the extraction of resources from the Surat Basin. A resource ‘fairway’ extends across the Miles district and this area is expected to witness continuing growth and investment as major projects move from feasibility and planning through construction to operations. Condamine Power Station, east of Miles on the Warrego Highway, is one of the multitudes. With a capacity of 140 MW, Condamine will generate clean and efficient power for the national electricity market, linking to the existing Tarong to Roma power line.

Miles is the centre of a native wildflower region extending north to the Great Divide where a section of the Great Dividing Range forms part of the watershed of the extensive Murray-Darling and the Dawson-Fitzroy river systems. The natural splendour of Murilla Region is brought to life through a colourful mosaic of rock rimmed gorges, pine and eucalypt forests, spectacular displays of wildflowers and meandering rivers and creeks, home to an incredible array of wildlife. Visitors to Miles Historical Village will literally step back into history, with more than 20 buildings, including a hospital, cafe, bank, post office and bakery among the many buildings within this turn-of-the-century village. The village also features a world class shell display, lapidary display and War Museum. War bunker accommodation in Possum Park, self drive tours and the rare beauty of waterlillies in Chinaman's Lagoon are just some of the districts unique attractions.

Wandoan is home to the Juandah Historical Site, a historical display based at the site of the original Juandah Station. This site has been restored and developed as an interesting historical experience offering information on the pioneers of the Wandoan district. Waterloo Plain is an environmental park created by the local Progress Association and is home to a vast array of birdlife. The park has various walking tracks along which you can enjoy bird watching in a quiet natural habitat. The Visitor Information Centre has a wonderful collection of interesting information on Ludwig Leichhardt's exploration of the area and of the Soldier Settler Scheme.

:: Investment Opportunities

Natural Gas, Coal and Coal Seam Gas are quickly developing across the district. Major investment projects, including the Wandoan Coal Project and Surat Basin Rail are in the process of completing Environmental Impact Statements with commencement of these projects expected in 2010. Significant construction employment across the district will be required for these and other projects as the mining and energy industry centred on the Surat Basin, and in particular, the Miles district, ramps up production.

Development of the Surat Basin will be significant to the local economy, increasing the economy of the district and the importance of Miles, Wandoan and surrounds to the Queensland economy.

Traditional industries are expected to retain the majority of their current activity, benefiting from the introduction of new transport and technology associated with mining which would not otherwise have been forthcoming. Retail, transport and service industries are expected to have an increased presence within the communities adjacent to major developments with the Environmental Impacts Statement's expected to outline specific requirements and impacts associated with the implementation of major projects.

:: Lifestyle

The Chinchilla News provides coverage of the Miles and Wandoan districts with the Surat Basin News one of the primary sources of information relevant to the mining development across the region. Broadband, mobile telecommunications and free to air TV are all accessible in the towns, with service disparity increasing across the rural areas of the district.

Country hospitality and service are still part of the culture, making shopping experiences an enjoyable social activity. Miles and Wandoan provide residents and visitors with a range of convenient retail facilities including grocery stores, post office, newsagency, pharmacy, toys and gifts, butcher, hardware, rural merchandise, hairdressers, tyre repair, mechanic, motel, caravan park, hotel, dress shop, service station, café, craft, electricians. Miles’ larger size and recognition as the district hub allow for some more specialized retail stores and cafes.

An $11 million redevelopment of the Miles Hospital incorporates a new emergency department, x-ray unit, pharmacy, acute care ward, hospital kitchen/laundry area, 14-bed residential aged-care facility and 13-bed acute care ward, constructed in Condamine Street adjacent to the existing 70-year-old hospital on Marion Street. Expected to treat more than 5,000 patients a year, the 2007/08 project represents the best of Queensland Health’s standards for new rural health facilities and will have capacity to cope with future growth. As well as the new buildings, Milton House (residential aged care facility) will be refurbished to provide upgraded oral health facilities, Home and Community Care (HACC) services and gym and therapy services. Child Health services, consultation rooms and an activities/meeting room will be housed separately as part of these renovations.

Outside this major project, Miles and District Retirement Village has 12 independent living units and Carinya Hostel is a 17 bed low-care facility. Other health and social services readily available across the district include remedial and massage therapy, chiropractor, physiotherapy, Meals on Wheels, Blue Care and an array of visiting specialists. Wandoan is serviced by an Outpatients Clinic with a full time Director of Nursing and visiting Doctor from Taroom twice a week. Services offered through the Outpatients Clinic include: Accident and Emergency, community palliative care and domiciliary nursing and visiting allied health professionals.

Education requirements across the district are well catered for, from early learning through to adult education. There are Playgroups, Long Day Care, Family Day Care and well equipped Prep programs linking to primary schools in Miles, Condamine, Drillham, Dulacca, Wandoan, Grosmont and Guluguba. Miles State High School uses a phased learning approach for its 150 plus students, attracted to the school from across the district. Set in a modern landscaped environment, the school boasts state of the art Manual Arts and Home Economics facilities and undercover sporting/cultural area. The College of the South West Adult Community Education Program also delivers training in various locations throughout the district.

Active residents enjoy a diversity of sporting and recreation opportunities including netball, gymnastics, tennis, cricket, touch football, golf, bowls, swimming, shooting, fishing, rugby league, rodeo and campdraft. The Murilla Fitness Centre incorporates an olympic size swimming pool, a smaller childrens pool, gymnasium with instructor and a 12x18 multi purpose hall. The Leichhardt Centre is a fully air conditioned venue which can easily accommodate 250 persons with designated bar, kitchen, stage and meeting areas for ease of use. The Wandoan recreation and sporting reserve is a purpose designed area with modern amenities and equipment that caters for numerous sports including polocrosse, rodeo, campdraft, pony club, active riders and the yearly race day. A new multipurpose building is due for completion in September 2008 and will provide disabled access to catering facilities and offer toilets, showers, change rooms and a modern kitchen facility.

Miles and surrounds has a very strong artistic and cultural presence and appreciation. Constructed in 2003, Dogwood Crossing @ Miles is the district’s art and cultural showpiece, home to an A Class Regional Art Gallery, library, IT centre and social history. The Art Gallery showcases 6-8 local and touring exhibitions each year. Other events within the centre complement the exhibits and/or other events and activities in the wider community. The Wandoan Community and Cultural Centre is home to the Library, Art Gallery, town hall, meeting rooms and function facilities. It is a modern and well equipped centre that hosts many community events and Council functions. A number of arts and cultural groups, including dance, arts, singing and performance art, work closely with council for better cultural awareness.