Central West Queensland has a laidback, outback country lifestyle. The region is about 13 hours by road from Queensland's capital city Brisbane, and about two-and-a-half hours by plane.

 

A semi-arid climate makes the Central West a good choice for heat-lovers. During the long summers, maximum temperatures hit 42 degrees on average, while winter maximums average 23.2 degrees and offer refreshingly cool mornings and nights with little rainfall.

 

House prices throughout the region are extremely reasonable. Most of the houses in the Central West region are of weatherboard and fibre cement, along with many Queenslander-style homesteads.

 

The birthplace of Australia's international airline Qantas, the Central West was also where the famous Australian song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was written. The Workers' Heritage Centre at Barcaldine, Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders' Museum at Longreach, the Waltzing Matilda Centre at Winton and Blackall's century of shearing with the historic Woolscour, are testaments to Queensland's history in the Central West. Ancient dinosaur footprints at Lark Quarry National Park are the world's only preserved tracks of a dinosaur stampede.

 

Many towns in the region boast a naturally heated Artesian Spa, which is a welcome retreat for both locals and weary travelers to stop, unwind and revive. The spas are usually heated throughout the cooler months, offering lap swimmers, and those who just wish to paddle around, a safe and comfortable swimming experience. Walkers, birdwatchers, and all-around nature lovers will find something to delight their senses in every corner of the region with plenty of camping and bushwalking opportunities. Photographers strive to capture the perfect outback sunset.

 

Queensland has a world-class education system with many of the region's schools benefiting children with their smaller class sizes and individual attention. Schools are also well-integrated into and supported by the community. The School of the Air offers tailored education for children unable to reach a mainstream school.

 

 

Queensland's regions and Australia as a whole have skill shortages in a wide variety of occupations. The diverse economy and sustained growth of Queensland's regions have led to a demand for major infrastructure projects across the state.

 

The region generates around 40 percent of the state's coal production and about 14 percent of its agricultural production. Construction in the region is currently booming with significant demand for local and migrant construction workers.

 

There are around 1,490 businesses located in the region, with the largest concentration of business numbers (almost 47%) in the agricultural and forestry industries, followed by the retail trade industry (8.4%).

 

The region's districts are supported by the following key industries: