A region of surprising diversity and unique attractions, the Balonne Shire is rich in native bird and animal life; wide open spaces beautiful rivers and creeks; historic outback pubs; stores and homesteads; fertile irrigated farms and large cattle, wheat and sheep properties. The waterways of South West Queensland are legendary for their fishing with the Balonne, Maranoa, Culgoa, Narran, Moonie and Barwon Rivers all flowing through the Shire.

The Balonne Shire has a predominately rural based economy and this has created and is supported by the towns of St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Thallon, Mungindi and Hebel. Diverse agricultural production provides hanging landscapes throughout the Shire. The area has properties with sheep, cattle, and goats.

The sheep and wool industry was traditionally the major primary industry in the Balonne Shire. The country south of St George and between the Moonie, Balonne and Narran Rivers is regarded by some as the best natural sheep breeding area of Queensland.

St George District Agriculture

Cotton
Cotton was first planted in St George on a commercial basis in 1957. This was done by only a handful of growers without much success. In the following year the Cotton Board and Water Commission set up a demonstration farm and the St George Irrigation Project commenced with approval to construct Beardmore Dam in 1967. Cotton is the predominant crop in the irrigation district that starts 8kms along Thallon Road.

Grain
Grain production in the district began in earnest in the late 1960's and the Wheat Board built its first permanent storage facility in Thallon in 1969.

Other
St George has a diverse agricultural production with farms in the Shire produce grapes, rockmelons, peanuts, wheat, cotton, and soybeans.