Gas industry boom brings uneven growth to Western Downs towns

In Queensland's "energy capital", two towns, both surrounded by gas fields, are feeling the effects very differently. (ABC Southern Queensalnd: Dan McCray)

In Chinchilla on Queensland's Western Downs, Lyn McCullough throws open the doors of her bakery at 4am.

It is still dark and, at this time of year, cold. But within minutes, a line of high-vis-clad workers files in, stocking up before heading out to nearby gas fields.

"They'll come in for a coffee, pie or sausage roll — they'll spend $50 or $60 at a time," Ms McCullough said.

Lyn McCullough's bakery in Chinchilla opens early to catch the morning gas workers. (ABC Southern Queensland: Dan McCray)

The gas workers have become a key part of her business, helping offset rising operating costs.

"In 2014, our quarterly power bill was about $4,500," she said.

In what is described as Queensland's energy capital, the coal seam gas industry has reshaped the local economy, bringing prosperity and new investment, but there are growing questions about how evenly those benefits are shared across the region.

Shell QGC has a major presence in Chinchilla and has contributed millions to community programs and projects. (ABC Southern Queensalnd: Dan McCray)

Chinchilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Robin Haig said the gas industry had become deeply embedded in her town since the early 2000s.

"Every club and organisation in town would have somebody who works, has worked, or has an immediate family member working in the industry," she said.

The industry's influence is visible in both the workforce and the town's demographics.

"Compare Chinchilla to a similar-sized rural town without gas, you'll see differences in median weekly income, median rents and particularly our average age," Ms Haig said.

According to census data, median personal income in Chinchilla is above both state and national averages, while the town's median age is 33.

Robin Haig says the Chinchilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry has "a couple" of long-term partnerships with gas companies to help them provide community contributions. (ABC Southern Queensland: Dan McCray)

"The average age in a rural town can creep up into the 50s and 60s, which is quite concerning," she said.

"It's really important for a town's economy to have young people coming through."

Several shops in Tara's main street are empty, for sale or have recently sold. (ABC Southern Queensland: Dan McCray)

One doesn't even need to leave the gas fields to find a town that hasn't shared equally in the boom.

Census data shows strong population growth in Chinchilla