Surat is a lovely town on the Condamine River situated 450km west of Brisbane on the Carnarvon Highway. There are 500 residents in town and an additional 500 in the surrounding district. Surat enjoys a sub-tropical climate with maximum temperatures typically 31-34’C in summer and minimum temperatures around 4-6’C during winter. The average rainfall for Surat and surrounds is 576mm, with most of this falling in the summer months.

Surat has very little crime, community activities just about every weekend, and youth council and activities throughout the school term and school holidays.

:: Industry

Surat has a reputation for fine wool, beef and grain production.

• In 2006 there were 161 agriculture establishments in the district covering 1.2 million hectares.
• Livestock disposals dominate the income generated from agriculture
• Crop production has become increasingly significant in the last two decades.
• Revenue from wool has decreased significantly across the district.
• One wild game abattoir is currently operating in Surat.

The geology underlying Surat and District is collectively part of the extensive Surat-Bowen basin.

• Mosaic oil is the main company operating in the district and has operational headquarters at the Silver Springs field, 25km south of Surat.
• Along with Santos, Mosaic also operates Churchie Field, the western boundary of which is 15km east of Surat. The Churchie Field is possibly the largest gas field ever discovered in South East Queensland.
• Other companies exploring the potential of oil and gas reserves include Origin Energy, CS Ltd and Sunshine Gas Ltd.

Surat lies on The Great Inland Way- a strategic tourism drive route spanning 2,700km from Sydney to Cairns. Tourism attractions include the Cobb and Co Changing Station, Aboriginal Bush Gardens, Mundy Cleven Interpretative Shelter and Mandandanji Traditional Campsite, Astor Theater and Shire Hall, Villacoola Winery and Vineyard, Riverscape, and Beranga Creek Water Lilies.

There is a sealed and fenced public airstrip for private air transport as well as fully sealed roads - St George from the south, Roma from the north, Condamine or Tara from the south.

Surat has Telstra Next G Coverage, high speed broadband internet access, and satellite internet access. Energy is provided by Ergon and gas is provided by local business.

Land values in Surat and District have increase significantly in the past few years, in line with increasing pastoral land values across Queensland. Houses come onto the market regularly with Surat town prices ranging between $150 – 300k. Average rent is approx $180/week for a 3 bedroom home.

Surat obtains its water supply from the Balonne River; a dual reticulation system which to date has experienced no major water restrictions.

:: Lifestyle

Surat is serviced by the Western Star (a regional newspaper twice a week) and all other major newspapers available daily. In addition there are the radio stations ABC Southern Queensland, Hot FM Roma and 4ZR, as well as Free to air TV – Imparja, Southern Cross Broadcast, ABC and SBS. Austar cable is also available on demand.

Surat has a variety of businesses and services within the township. These include a newsagency, hairdresser, food store, automotive and agricultural supplies, post office, fashion boutique, butcher, nursery, QGAP Office (access to Centrelink and Medicare), library etc.

Surat Hospital, private medical practice, visiting health services (including Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Podiatrist, Child Health Nurse, Women Health Services, Occupational Health, Mental Health), HACC Bus etc.

Surat State School (P-10) has approx 85 children with free bus transport to Roma for grades 11 & 12.

RSL Community Hall has large or small rooms with industrial kitchen, heating and air-conditioning. The Shire Hall & Supper Room has an industrial kitchen, cold rooms and amenities. In addition, Villacoola Winery and the Royal Hotel offer meeting rooms and catering.

Swimming pool, skate park, BMX track, Riverwalk, tennis, golf, lawn bowls, fishing, race course, and clay target shooting.

Pottery club and gardening group, Shutterbugs- local photography group, OASIS – Outdoor Art Space in Surat, Beading clubs and workshops, Gallery and Museum committees, New Central Community Arts Hub currently being developed, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, RSL Sub-branch and many other community groups.