Roma

Temperatures (average max.): 34C summer, 20C winter

Roma is a town of "first's" and "largest." The first discovery of oil and gas in Australia. The town is still a major gas supplier for Queensland. Queensland's first winery, still operating today. The largest cattle sales in the southern hemisphere, held every Tuesday and Thursday. History continues as these features are still active.

Regarded as the capital of the Western Downs region of Queensland, the town is a five hour drive west of Brisbane, at the junction of the Warrego Highway (connecting Brisbane and Darwin) and the Carnarvon Highway. Thus much through traffic, which is usually good for local business.
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This historical town has sustained a population for a long time. Obviously residents are happy to reside here. In our opinion, for a town of its size, there is a lot going for it. Would you reside here, and call it your home? Let's take a closer look at this "Capital of the Western Downs."

CLIMATE

As one heads west from the coast, obviously it gets warmer in summer and cooler in winter.

Summer can be hot, but not every day is hot. Atleast there is some relief when the sun goes down. Although winter temperatures can get near zero, an average maximum of 20C in July ensures the days warm up. Compare that average with towns in the southern states and you will appreciate that the winter climate here is definitely more appealing.

No need to be too concerned about rainfall. 600mm a year is sufficient to sustain this town and the agricultural industry. This is an average figure, so don't expect this much rain in drought.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Annual events include:

• Easter in the Country Festival
  
  
• Picnic Races
  
  
• Easter Motocross and Drag Races
  
  
• Polocross Carnival
  
  
• Oil Patch Carnival

It is noteworthy in a review of the events that there is an extraordinarily large number of firearm events throughout the year. No need to worry, as a potential resident. Roma is definitely NOT known for firearm offences.

The feature annual event is the Easter in the Country Festival. The festival features open air concerts, art exhibitions, street entertainment, parades, novelty races, a monster cabaret and fireworks.

The Big Rig commemorates the discovery of oil and gas in the area. At the Rig you can see various historical displays from the time of the discovery and its later development. The Rig also comes with a night show.

The Community and Recreation Centre has full indoor facilities, making the town suitable for regional sporting activities year round, despite the weather. Other sporting and recreational organisations will provide for the needs of most tastes.

TOWN SERVICES

Schools. Roma's education system is unique in Queensland, modelling itself on the American public school system, having Junior Middle and College school campuses.

The only private school caters for years one to twelve. The TAFE college will cater for some of the further-educational needs of residents.

Health. For a town of this size, health facilities are outstanding. The local hospital provides services including full surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and anaesthetics. The hospital is home to the Flying Surgeons and Flying Gynaecologists.

There are eight GP's working in five surgeries, one dental surgery, many other services beyond our scope here.

Shops. Most shopping facilities found in small cities can be found locally, including McDOnalds, Target, Woolworths, KFC, as examples.

Transport. Being at the crossroards of two major highways means ready access to many markets. Fifteen transport companies base their operations locally. Two taxi companies operate in town.

Queensland Rail provides comprehensive daily rail services including freight and passenger transport to and from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Charleville.

QANTASlink provides daily flights between Roma, Brisbane and Charleville.

Want to see a map of Roma, as well as other town features?

ROMA AREA

Towns within easy driving distance include Surat, Injune, Mitchell and Miles.

The most outstanding natural feature within reach of Roma is Carnarvon National Park. This ancient landscape contains the famous Carnarvon Gorge. Carved out of sandstone, this gorge has an amazing variety of flora and fauna, within the bounds of the park. Bushwalkers won't be disappointed.

Similar to the Carnarvon Gorge, the Mt Moffatt section of the national park has natural features etched out over time from sandstone. This is 4WD only territory.

ECONOMICS

Employment. No unemployment figures are available.

Apart from agriculture and its supporting industries, other industries are worth considering. Oil and gas is till produced in the area, with eight exploration and drilling companies with interests in the region. Timber is also a prominent industry, particularly termite-resistant Cypress Pine.

The large number of local, state and Commonwealth government services strengthens the possibility of working in the public service.

Investing. More information soon. Begin your search for real estate or rental properties in the area.

Would you like to contribute information or photos to our review? Please let us know.