The shire, administered from the town of Goombungee, covered an area of 2,200.7 square kilometres (849.7 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1879 until 2008.

Other enterprises within the Shire included cluster industries, a private dairy factory, orchards, boutique cheese-makers, vineyards and wineries, accommodation operators, tour operators, aged care facility provision, an immigration hostel, a correctional facility and host-farming (farm-stay holidays).

Recently moving to new premises nearby, the library made way for a dedicated art gallery within the Shire Office's building.

Also located in Goombungee are the Goombungee State School, swimming pool, general store, Australia Post office, police station, hardware store, Pioneer Arms Hotel, historical society, two garages, road depot, large sporting oval including lighted tennis courts, hairdresser, doctor's offices and just 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south, a nine-hole golf course.

In the 1860s, railways — particularly the main Western line near the Shire's southern boundary — became a lifeline and permitted agricultural development and expansion to occur.