Southern Downs vs Toowoomba - South

Southern Downs and Toowoomba - South are two large rural areas in Queensland. Southern Downs has a far larger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population with 1,611 people compared to 972 in Toowoomba - South. Residents in Southern Downs generally live closer to essential services, with more homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries (31.8% versus 23.4%), health services (27.1% versus 23.2%), and schools (41.6% versus 36.8%).

Both areas have remained similar in their overall walkability and lack of public transport access over the years. Since 2011, the gap in street connectivity has widened, with Southern Downs now far higher than Toowoomba - South. While Southern Downs is more likely to have food and drink options within walking distance, Toowoomba - South has a higher share of cultural amenities. First Nations residents in Toowoomba - South also have a well higher rate of Year 12 completion at 41.2%, compared to 33.7% in Southern Downs.