Moonie, Queensland
| Moonie Queensland | |
|---|---|
 The playground, craft and information centre at Moonie | |
| Population | 182 (SAL 2021)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 4406 |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | |
| State electorate(s) | Warrego |
| Federal division(s) | Maranoa |
Moonie is a town and locality in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia.
Geography
The town is in the Western Downs Region local government area[2] at the intersection of the Leichhardt and Moonie Highways, 331 kilometres (206 mi) west of the state capital, Brisbane, and is the Official Oil Capital of Australia. The locality is split between the Western Downs Region (northern part of the locality) and the Goondiwindi Region (southern part of the locality).[3][4]
History
The town's name is derived from Moonie River, which was first recorded as Mooni by Sir Thomas Mitchell in November 1846 when he passed through the region.[5]
Moonie Post Office opened by June 1966 closed in 1983.[6]
Economy
In December 1961 Moonie was the site of Australia's first commercial oil field, a very small field consisting of less than one percent of Australia's oil and gas reserves.[7] The oil field is still operational and pumps out 35 kilolitres (7,700 gallons) every day.[8]
The region is also an agricultural area that produces grain, beef cattle and prime lambs.
Amenities
The town has a public school, service station, the Moonie Sports Club and a motel.
References
- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Moonie (suburb and locality)". Australian Census 2021 QuickStats. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ "Moonie – town (entry 22670)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "Moonie – locality (Western Downs Region) (entry 47730)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "Moonie – locality (Goondiwindi Region) (entry 47820)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "MOONIE, QUEENSLAND". Retrieved 30 May 2011.
- ^ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ "Moonie". Walkabout - Australian Travel Guide. Fairfax. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
- ^ "Places to Visit - Western Downs - Moonie". Queensland Holidays. Tourism Queensland. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
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