Acknowledgement of Country Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands across the Central Highlands and pays its respect to their Elders past and present. Our registered office is located on the Lands of the Western Kangoulu Peoples.
Cover (Left – right) Ben McGrath (Duke Housing), Deb Barns (CHDC), Councillor Gai Sypher (CHRC and CHDC), Bhavin Patel (Duke Housing), Sharyn Larsen (Kestrel Coal Resources), and Peter Dowling (CHDC) at the opening of our display home built using modern methods of construction.
WE THANK OUR 2023-24 MAJOR FUNDING PARTNERS
CHDC is the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands region of Queensland, Australia.
Our region includes the communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, Springsure, and Tieri.
CHDC actively partners with industry, business, government, and community to drive growth, enable innovation, build capability, and deliver economic outcomes.
For more than 25 years, CHDC’s rich understanding of local industry has allowed us to deliver economic insights and strategic action plans for the region. In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable businesses and industries that are supply-chain ready and optimised for expansion.
VISION
Driving economic opportunities to support the Central Highlands as a dynamic inland region of choice.
PURPOSE
We advocate for a sustainable region and economic growth by enhancing our workforce, promoting our region, and supporting our businesses.
IN MEMORY OF LIZ ALEXANDER
We remember Liz Alexander, CHDC’s first Agribusiness Development Coordinator (2016–2020). A dedicated advocate for the Central Highlands, Liz championed the region’s agricultural industry and its people with expertise, passion, and warmth. She will be deeply missed.
“
A year of focused collaboration and strategic action has strengthened our commitment to workforce development, supporting businesses, and promoting our region – while exploring innovation for a dynamic future.”
Cr Gai Sypher Chair
CHAIR’S Report
CR GAI SYPHER
The past year has seen an accelerated pace of renewal at the board level. The Queensland local government election saw us farewell four Council directors: Councillors Kerry Hayes, Christine Rolfe, Megan Daniels, and Anne Carpenter. Independent director, the Honourable Paul Lucas, retired mid-year due to work commitments. I sincerely thank them for their many years of service to the board and their unquestionable commitment to our region.
I am confident the incoming board has the right experiences, personal qualities, and vision to guide and nurture economic development and growth in our region. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support given to the new board by Mr Ciarán Hallinan, who has been a director for several years. Ciarán has provided stability and guidance during this period of change and adjustment.
This year, we have focused on building relationships with our partners, stakeholders, and staff. Looking long-term, we remain committed to ensuring that our local business community can innovate, adapt, and prosper.
Collaboratively, we will continue to work with the Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) to advocate for major investments that will drive the vision of new industries and upgrades to existing infrastructure.
The Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy has been a key focus this year. The new strategy examines the enablers of economic growth and addresses many of the challenges that the Central Highlands face. I am personally very excited about working with industry groups to achieve tangible results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our CEO, Peter Dowling, and the staff for their commitment to our wonderful region.
CEO’S Foreword
PETER DOWLING
CHDC is a unique beast and the 2023-24 financial year bore this out.
With its broad mission of economic development for the Central Highlands, the CHDC team went full throttle on a variety of initiatives, including:
> The Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards, a biennial and signature event for the Corporation.
> The bold Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy to help our region realise its full potential as a fantastic place to live, work and invest.
> Adopting technology and building capacity were common threads woven through the year’s agenda of projects and events for local business.
> Publications, online platforms and events promoted the Central Highlands as a dynamic region of choice.
> An update to our Economic Master Plan reaffirmed the big picture for CHDC in the decades ahead.
This energetic activity was matched by a period of adjustment. As a controlled entity of CHRC, CHDC’s Board is structured to include Councillors. The outcome of April’s local government election meant we welcomed new Board Directors – Councillors Gai Sypher, Rachael Cruwys, Karen Newman and Joseph Burns – and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them and the fresh skillsets they bring.
I wholeheartedly echo our Chair’s tribute and gratitude to those Councillors’ predecessors and to outgoing Independent Board Director, the Honourable Paul Lucas.
CHDC’s uniqueness is also evident in the staff, their families, and our many corporate partners and supporters. As you browse the following pages, I hope you’ll agree that what this team delivers for the region is outstanding.
I also want to make special mention of Liz Alexander. Liz was with CHDC for four years until 2020 and remained a firm friend until her passing very recently. Her passion for the Central Highlands will continue to inspire us for years to come.
OUR Board
Councillor Gai Sypher Chair
Cr Sypher is currently serving her fourth term on the CHRC. She holds degrees in sociological welfare, Aboriginal studies, management, and human resources, and has 18 years of senior leadership experience at CQUniversity.
Councillor Rachael Cruwys Deputy Chair
Cr Cruwys, Deputy Mayor of CHRC and lifelong Capella resident, has deep roots in the cattle industry. A Churchill Fellow for Brahman genetics and marketing, she remains active in commercial and stud cattle operations. Cr Cruwys also brings experience in local government, corporate services, and finance.
Ciarán Hallinan
Independent Director
Mr Hallinan is an experienced senior executive and company director with qualifications in engineering and business. He brings a strong track record of success across both public and private sector organisations, with expertise in energy, resources, and infrastructure.
The Honourable Paul Lucas Independent Director
Mr Lucas served 11 years as a Queensland Minister, including Deputy Premier (2007-2011). He is a consultant for a major law firm and a non-executive director at Energy Queensland, as well as several First Nations corporations. His qualifications include economics, law, business, and urban planning.
Councillor Karen Newman Director
Cr Newman brings extensive local government experience, with a focus on community engagement and strategic planning. She also runs a consultancy business and is actively involved in several professional associations and local groups.
Bronwyn Roberts
Independent Director
Ms Roberts is a regional professional with 20 years’ experience in livestock production, regenerative agriculture, environmental management, and governance. She holds directorship roles with several local social enterprises and not-for-profits.
Councillor Joseph Burns
Alternate Director
Cr Burns has called the Central Highlands home for 38 years. Alongside his wife, he owns and operates a small business in Emerald. Cr Burns studied law at James Cook University and has extensive experience in supervisory and training roles across the mining, agricultural, and manufacturing industries.
Peter Dowling Company Secretary
Outgoing
We extend our gratitude to our outgoing directors for their support and guidance.
Cr Kerry Hayes, Chair, 2016 - 2024
Cr Christine Rolfe, Deputy Chair, 2016 – 2024
Cr Megan Daniels, Director, 2016 – 2024
The Hon Paul Lucas, Independent Director, 2020 – (June) 2024
Cr Anne Carpenter, Alternate Director, 2023 - 2024
Left to right: Ciarán Hallinan, Cr Karen Newman, Bronwyn Roberts, Cr Gai Sypher, Cr Rachael Cruwys, Cr Joseph Burns. Inset: The Hon Paul Lucas.
Dowling Chief Executive Officer
OUTGOING STAFF
Sarah Chicalas, Administration, to February 2023, Noella Powell, Agribusiness, to April 2023.
VISITOR INFORMATION Centre
CHDC is also supported by the tireless contributions of casual and volunteer staff at our visitor information centres.
Gangadoo Visitor Information Centres
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND HIGHLANDS
(Emerald)
Casual
Barry Rumpf
Carol Ferguson
Marion Edwards
Volunteer
Delma Winten
Elizabeth Wright
George Bourne
Glen Wass
Helen Smith
Jean Bourne
Jeanette Wass
Karen Meilak
Sharyn Heiskari
SPRINGSURE
(Federation Woolshed)
Casual
Catherine Cahill
Cathy Sypher
Vicki Scott
Volunteer
Allan Scott
Bronwyn Baker
Catherine Cahill
Cathy Sypher
Charles Tyson
Christine Rolfe
Clarice Martyn
Debbie Watkins
Diane McNamara
Edna Blake
Gail Nixon
Janine Mahady
Jo Willimott
John ‘Macca’ McNamara
John Watkins
Mary Tyson
Nola Chipman
Ros Paslow
Rowan McNamara
BLACKWATER (Blackwater International Coal Centre)
Casual Mark McCarthy
DUARINGA
(Duaringa Historical and Tourism Centre)
Casual
Olive Smith
Tanya Dickens
Volunteer
Alfred Fuller
Brant Gook
Carol Finger
Lyn Challacombe
Springsure Corrective Services
Toni Coyne
Vicki Scott
Peter
Kylie Hawkins Board and Events
Pamela
Deb Barns Regional Development
Nicky Fisher Communications
Ashleigh Vann Business
Rowena Davies Research and Collateral
Roger John Visitor Economy
Kelly Corbishley Finance and Human Resources
Lisa Ferguson Administration
Jess Davison Agribusiness
BUSINESS GROWTH
2023 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Yumba Bimbi Support Services was named Business of the Year at the 2023 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards. The local disability support service also won the Not-for-Profit category, impressing the independent judging panel with its professional operations and strong community focus.
Other notable winners included Serenity Dental, which secured the People’s Choice Award, and Maraboon Veterinary Surgery and TNC Cranes, both inducted into the Awards’ Hall of Fame.
Held biennially since 2013, the awards celebrate the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of the Central Highlands business community.
Thanks to our judges Ben Hughes from Hughes et al, Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer, and Dr Sharna Glover from Imvelo.
Thanks to our partners Central Highlands Regional Council, CQUniversity, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Emerald Today, Field Solutions Group, Florista Haze, H.E.M.E., Kestrel Coal Resources, Local Buying Foundation, Regional Insurance Brokers, and The Capricornian.
Congratulations to our winners
Agribusiness Springsure Rural
Manufacturing, Construction and Trades CQ Blast and Paint
Emerging Business CQ Rural Traders
Beauty, Health and Lifestyle Stadium Premier Fitness Emerald
Hospitality Route 66 Motor Inn
Not for Profit Yumba Bimbi Support Services
Professional and Business Services Maraboon Veterinary Surgery
Retail Emerald Pharmacy Services
Sole Trader Aurora Beauty Parlour
Mining Equipment, Technology and Services TNC Cranes
People’s Choice Serenity Dental
Hall of Fame Maraboon Veterinary Surgery, TNC Cranes
Business of the Year Yumba Bimbi Support Services
The Business Excellence Awards offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible businesses we have across the Central Highlands.”
Rachel Freeman, CEO, Yumba Bimbi Support Services
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH LUNCHEON
CHDC proudly supported Queensland Small Business Month in May by hosting a luncheon aimed at celebrating and inspiring local businesses. The event featured Justine Flynn, co-founder of Thankyou, one of Australia’s most successful startup stories.
Justine inspired participants to lift their vision, to look beyond immediate obstacles and imagine the broader possibilities. It was a message that was powerfully reinforced by her own experiences.
Thanks to our partners Local Buying Foundation, Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training, CQ Inland Port, and the Office of Colin Boyce, Federal Member for Flynn.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Contract Delivery Workshop
Nikki Sluiter from the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government, and Planning facilitated a Contract Delivery workshop for nine business owners. The workshop built on the foundations laid by the Capability Statement Writing and Tendering for Business workshops held earlier in 2023.
Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub
CHDC partnered with the Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub to bring workshops on Lean Manufacturing and the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to region.
Online Opportunities
In addition to our in-person workshops, CHDC actively promoted a wide range of online workshops and resources to help businesses build their skills.
NETWORKING EVENTS
More than 130 businesses attended eight networking events to broaden their professional connections. Feedback has been positive, with participants valuing the opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners.
Thanks to our partners Capricornian Restaurant, Hops & Vine, Route 66, and Western Gateway Motel.
2024 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BUSINESS SURVEY
The 2024 Central Highlands Business Survey found rising costs and staff shortages continue to challenge local businesses.
Key findings included:
> Results indicate a generally positive trend in business performance.
> Business costs remain a major concern, with 2023’s high index carrying over into this year’s results.
> While the staffing index has improved, recruiting and retaining qualified workers remains a critical constraint, impacting daily operations and long-term growth.
> Despite these challenges, businesses are optimistic about the year ahead.
CHDC conducts the annual survey to measure business conditions and tailor support and projects accordingly.
The full report is available at chdc.com.au
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRANT FINDER
More than 200 local businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and community groups have registered on CHDC’s online grant portal, Central Highlands Grant Finder. Over 1,000 grants were viewed in 2023-24, with the most popular being CHRC’s Rise Up Central Highlands, Bravus’ Community Partnership Program, and the Australian Business Growth Fund.
grantguru.com/au/chdc
TAP INTO TENDERS
CHDC’s free Tap into Tenders newsletter offers a curated list of government and private procurement opportunities across the Fitzroy region. In 2023-24, more than 40 editions were delivered to 590 subscribers, providing valuable leads to secure new contracts and expand their operations.
1. Small Business Month Luncheon
2. Networking Events
3. TNC Cranes, Hall of Fame
4. Maraboon Veterinary Surgery, Hall of Fame
5. Serenity Dental, People’s Choice Award
6. Yumba Bimbi, Central Highlands Business
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & ACCOMMODATION STRATEGY
Released in April, the Central Highlands Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy (WDAS) presents a comprehensive plan to overcome the key barriers to attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.
Developed by CHDC in collaboration with the Central Highlands Resources Roundtable (CHRR) and CHRC, and with support from Infinitum Partners and National Property Research Co., the strategy was informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, comprehensive statistical data, and real estate analysis.
The WDAS outlines 16 strategic actions across workforce, accommodation, childcare, and lifestyle, to be delivered by March 2025.
Significant progress was made in 2023-24:
ACTION 1 Establish Workforce and Accommodation Collective
The Workforce and Accommodation Collective (WAC) was identified as a key priority of the strategy to help drive its implementation.
The inaugural meeting, held in May, brought together key stakeholder groups, including government, major employers, industry, and community champions. The WAC meets monthly, alternating between Blackwater and Emerald.
ACTION 2 Property Review
A review of major property holders in Emerald and Blackwater revealed:
> 78 property owners in Emerald with more than five properties.
> 34 property owners in Blackwater with more than three properties.
With CHDC’s support, the top five property owners in each town conducted portfolio reviews to uncover opportunities for maximising the efficiency of their assets.
ACTION 4 Build 12 in 12
CHDC opened an Expression of Interest for builders and developers to outline the incentives required to support new construction, such as financial assistance, regulatory support, or access to land. Nine submissions were received. CHDC will now engage with private and public stakeholders to gauge interest in the proposed incentives and conditions.
Complementing Action 4, CHDC, CHRC, Kestrel Coal Resources, and Duke Housing collaborated to develop a display home that showcases modern construction methods. Installed on an infill lot in Emerald, the two-bedroom cottage attracted more than 200 visitors and provided a tangible experience of prefabricated housing solutions.
The full strategy, research, and action updates are available at chdc.com.au
TALENT ATTRACTION CAMPAIGN
In parallel with the strategy, CHDC engaged NeonLogic to develop a talent attraction campaign. The campaign will target major industries such as mining and agriculture, along with support sectors like healthcare and hospitality.
The research underpinning the campaign was completed in 2023-24, including:
> An employee focus group, which identified the region’s unique strengths, challenges, and characteristics.
> An employee survey with more than 400 responses, offered valuable insights into what local employees value most in their jobs.
This data, along with competitor and desktop analyses, will inform the campaign, which is planned to roll out in October 2024.
Results of the research are available at chdc.com.au
The Central Highlands offers opportunities for people in the early stage of their careers to take on roles and responsibilities that people in larger centres would not be able to access.”
Jobs Hub Central Queensland Highlands, CHDC’s free online employment platform, continued its steady audience growth, clocking almost 36,000 job views (19 percent increase) and 2,010 job listings (45 percent increase) for 2023-24.
Ninety percent of those vacancies were sourced from other websites, such as Indeed, which speaks to the ongoing challenge we face in compelling local employers to actively use Jobs Hub as a recruitment tool. It’s hoped engagement levels will build next year when the website plays a starring role in the upcoming talent attraction campaign.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WORKING LUNCH
Held in April, the sold-out Workforce Development Working Lunch presented the latest research and potential solutions to workforce challenges in the Central Highlands. Speakers included:
> Kate Isles, Infinitum Partners, provided an overview of the newly launched WDAS and the research underpinning it. She also shared practical advice from her experience as a small business owner, highlighting the importance of communication and transparency, celebrating small wins, and embracing technology.
> Mary Curran, NeonLogic, guided participants through the five fundamental steps to developing an effective talent marketing strategy. She emphasised the importance of basing decisions on research, understanding the candidate journey, and selecting the most effective marketing channels.
Thanks to our partners Local Buying Foundation, CQUniversity, and CQ Inland Port.
ADVOCACY AND PROMOTION
2023 FARM TO FINE DINING
The eighth annual Farm to Fine Dining Regional Produce Showcase aimed to unlock new economic opportunities by offering influential guests a firsthand experience of the Central Highlands’ agricultural produce.
The event leveraged the power of taste and smell to create lasting impressions and stimulate meaningful conversations.
In partnership with CHRC and local agribusinesses, the showcase attracted over 75 leaders and strategic stakeholders from agribusiness, government, peak industry bodies, tourism, and investment sectors.
The four-course menu featured an impressive array of locally sourced ingredients, including:
> Wyntoon Fresh vegetables,
> Costa Group fruit,
> Andalia Pastoral beef and pork,
> Capricorn Honey, and
> Red Claw from Freshwater Australian Crayfish Traders
Held at Brisbane’s Blackbird Bar & Restaurant, the event reinforced the Central Highlands’ strengths, positioning it as a key player in Queensland’s agribusiness sector.
The menu booklet and images are available at chdc.com.au
I had some really good conversations with local growers and people who are looking to make further developments in the region. Once again, Council, working with the development corporation, is making sure they are moving forward and giving people the opportunity to stay and grow in the region.”
The Honourable Glenn Butcher, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, and Minister for Water
REGIONAL REPRESENTATION
Throughout the year, CHDC participated in a variety of industry and government events to represent and promote the region. These engagements also provided valuable opportunities to foster relationships with key stakeholders.
Events included DestinationQ, Queensland Tourism Awards, Queensland Information Centre Association Conference, Queensland Resources Council Annual Forum, Regional Australia Institute National Summit, evokeAG, and Beef 2024.
CORPORATE & REGIONAL PROMOTION
CHDC promotes its work and the Central Highlands using various channels, including the corporation’s website, social media pages, electronic direct mail (EDM) and media releases.
Website
The website recorded a significant increase in traffic compared to the previous year, clocking an average of 1,280 visitors per month, which is 44 percent more than 2022-23. The bulk of this was achieved in the second half of this year so the site’s major redesign, completed in November, is assumed to have played a big part in that gain.
Social Media
The corporate Facebook and LinkedIn pages also grew their audience, collectively reaching an average 16,700 users each month, an increase of almost 30 percent on the previous year.
Traffic spikes were recorded on both channels during the Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner but the most popular post for the year – reaching more than 11,000 Facebook accounts – was a photo of CHDC’s new tourism billboard at Emerald’s eastern entrance.
2023 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ECONOMIC PROFILE
The 2023 Central Highlands Economic Profile offers a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s key demographic and economic statistics.
The report revealed a 13 percent fall in Gross Regional Product compared to 2022, largely due to rising costs in wages, goods, and supply chain logistics.
Nonetheless, the figure exceeded $6 billion for the fourth consecutive year.
Regional output grew by seven percent to $13.78 billion, driven primarily by growth in heavy and civil engineering works.
The profile serves as a complimentary and valuable resource for businesses and community groups.
The full report is available at chdc.com.au
1. CHDC’s new tourism billboard was the year’s most popular social media post.
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
VISITOR ECONOMY
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY TOURISM
Following the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) boundary realignment, which moved the Central Highlands under Queensland Country Tourism’s (QCT) remit, CHDC hosted familiarisation tours for QCT staff to showcase the region’s unique offerings and facilitate connections with local operators.
CHDC also contributed to QCT’s 2024-2026 Destination Management Plan and new branding strategy.
TOURISM LEADERS FORUM
CHDC’s Tourism Leaders Forum in October brought together operators and industry representatives, including Tourism and Events Queensland, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, and Qantas.
Speakers included:
> Patricia O’Callaghan, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), provided an overview of The TEQ Blueprint, a five-point plan designed to maximise the State’s nine-year runway to the 2032 games.
> Peter Homan, Queensland Country Tourism, explained the rationale behind the Queensland Country branding and outlined its three-year strategy.
> Deb Holland, Queensland Country Tourism, discussed QCT’s marketing strategy, including content creation, platforms, and delivery methods.
Thanks to our partner Local Buying Foundation.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
The Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre in Emerald welcomed more than 13,700 visitors during 2023-24, with satellite centres in Springsure, Duaringa, and Blackwater assisting a further 7,273.
In March, staff and volunteers took part in a familiarisation tour of Emerald’s three caravan parks. The visit provided a greater understanding of the services and facilities offered, enabling the team to deliver more accurate and helpful information to visitors.
Being new to the area this was one of my first places to visit. I was very impressed with the service and the warm welcome I received. (…) The staff were very knowledgeable, extremely friendly and the customer service was 11/10. Thank you.”
Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre, Five Star Google Review
WHAT’S ON CENTRAL QUEENSLAND HIGHLANDS
What’s On Central Queensland Highlands, promoted as our region’s official events calendar, recorded almost 33,500 views, a 50 percent increase from the previous year.
Almost 90 percent of the 8,500 users of the online calendar in 2023-24 were from outside our region, an encouraging result given visitor attraction is a goal of the website.
The busiest day was Saturday 30 March, during the Easter long weekend, with 495 views recorded.
Top events by views:
1. Gemfields Festival
2. Sapphire Markets
3. BBQ and Beer Fest
4. Sunflower Festival Races
whatson.centralqueenslandhighlands.com.au
DESTINATION MARKETING
Social Media
Facebook continues to be a star performer for CHDC’s tourism promotion efforts, with the reach of the Central Queensland Highlands page surpassing one million users for the year (that’s a staggering increase of almost 700 percent on the previous year) and a 30 percent rise in the total number of followers.
The Instagram page’s performance was more modest, with a 17 percent increase in followers, though its reach fell by 58 percent. An image of a young woman and baby at Gudda Gumoo was the most popular post on both pages – reaching 1,300 Instagram users and 461,000 on Facebook.
Website
The Central Queensland Highlands website attracted close to 4,400 visitors each month. The Google searches that attracted the most traffic were ‘Lake Maraboon’ and ‘Blackdown Tableland’ but, at more than 1,000 clicks for the year, the Sapphire Gemfields was the year’s top page.
Camping and Caravanning Shows
CHDC represented the region at key campaign and caravanning shows, including the 2023 Rockhampton Expo and the 2024 Let’s Go Queensland event in Brisbane. The events provided valuable opportunities to promote the region to the drive market.
Dig the Tropic Reimagined
CHDC partnered with Capricorn Enterprise, Outback Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland to expose to a new audience our joint geo tourism trail along the Tropic of Capricorn.
The multimedia Dig the Tropic Reimagined campaign included national and state television stories, a significant social media campaign and website upgrades.
The centrepiece was segments on legendary TV travel show Getaway, including pieces filmed with various tourism and hospitality operators in the Sapphire Gemfields.
Billboard
CHDC took the opportunity to make a great first impression to Central Highlands visitors by updating the billboard at the eastern entry to Emerald.
Using CHDC’s Central Queensland Highlands, Explore More tourism branding, the eyecatching image was chosen to inspire drivers to travel to the Sapphire Gemfields.
It complements our nearby sign showcasing Blackdown Tableland National Park.
Print Advertising
To further elevate awareness of the Central Highlands, CHDC secured full page advertisements in the 2024 Outback Traveller’s Guide and the 2024 Matilda Country magazine.
1. Queensland Country Tourism Tour
2. Tourism Leaders Forum
3. Dig the Tropic Reimagined Shoot
4. National Volunteer Week
6. CQH’s
AGRIBUSINESS FRONTIER CQ
CHDC, with support from Acclimate Partners, is developing an innovation roadmap to align initiatives across the economy, attract investment, build and retain skills, and foster innovative solutions to regional and industry challenges.
In 2023-24, a review of the current innovation landscape was completed, alongside extensive stakeholder engagement. The roadmap and business case are set to launch in early 2025.
Thanks to our partner Advance Queensland
FINDING YOUR WORKFORCE
Held in July, the Finding your Workforce workshop brought together recruitment experts who offered practical tips to help producers improve their staff attraction and retention strategies.
Thanks to our speakers Courtney Bailey from VoconiQ, Kym Wessling from Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Anna Cochrane from Isis Downs Station, Kristen Coggan from Regional Tech Hub, and Jessamine Crawford from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
SMARTER, STRONGER AG THROUGH FARM DATA
CHDC partnered with the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre (CQSCC) to de-risk and demonstrate the benefits of data management tools to growers in the Central Highlands.
The initiative consists of three key components, with the first two completed in 2023-24:
> Farm Data Workshop, held in February, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers from Pairtree, DataFarming, Site Support, TNQ Drought Hub, National Farmers’ Federation, Farmacist, Doover, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and CQSCC.
> Case studies CHDC assisted three producers to integrate data management tools into their operations, providing free training and support.
> Insights from the on-farm trials will be shared at AGTECH24 to inspire more producers to adopt digital solutions.
Thanks to our partners Local Buying Foundation and Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES AND INNOVATION FORUM
CHDC’s Resources and Innovation Forum, held in August, highlighted transformative opportunities for sustainable economic growth in the Central Highlands.
Speakers included:
> Andrew Barger, Queensland Resources Council, discussed the significant contributions of the State’s resources sector, current industry challenges, and expected shifts in global commodity demand.
> Aaron Birkby, Tribe Global Ventures, provided insights into the startup investment landscape, pinpointing key innovation opportunities for regional Queensland. He also shared valuable lessons from the UK and US.
> Ann Houston, Sojitz Blue, bridged these discussions by showcasing the innovative strategies being implemented across its sites, including the adoption of diesel alternatives and advancements in carbon credit research.
Thanks to our partners Local Buying Foundation, Kestrel Coal Resources, CQUniversity, Emerald Today, CQ Inland Port and Power Learning.
Speaker presentations and images are available at chdc.com.au
WORKING GROUPS
Central Highlands Resources Roundtable (CHRR)
In December, CHRR members signed a Statement of Commitment, formalising a collaborative framework between Council, local mining companies, and CHDC to work together on projects that drive sustainable and strategic development in the Central Highlands. One of the first initiatives under this framework was the Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy (see page 10).
Cooperative Research Centre for Transformation in Mining Economies (CRC-TiME)
CHDC continued its active role with CRC TiME, which strives to address the challenges associated with mine closure and relinquishment.
To support this initiative, CHDC, in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Alliance and Isaac Regional Council, hosted Dr Jeffrey Jacquet from Ohio State University, who is researching the social and economic impacts of mine closures on regional communities.
Additionally, CHDC participated in key meetings and discussions, including the 2023 Annual Forum, where CEO Peter Dowling contributed to a panel titled ‘Planning Mine Closure and Transition for a Positive Future’.
1. Tom Wyatt, Doover, presents at the Smarter, Stronger Ag through Farm Data workshop.
INVESTMENT ATTRACTION
INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT
The Central Highlands offers a diverse and attractive mix of infrastructure, property, and business investment opportunities.
CHDC supports potential investors through the production of economic reports and impact modelling, organising site tours, facilitating introductions to business and industry contacts, and liaising with government representatives.
A diverse range of businesses expressed interest in 2023-24, spanning sectors such as horticulture, biofuel, air travel, and property development.
2024-25 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS MAJOR PROJECTS REGISTER
CHDC released the 2024-25 Central Highlands Major Projects Register in June, which sets out more than 40 key developments that are recently completed, in progress or in the pipeline for the region.
The combined value of the projects is more than $5 billion but because these types of investment figures are commonly kept confidential, the true value is likely to be significantly higher.
The register provides valuable information for local businesses, government, and prospective investors, showcasing the region’s growth and aiding in informed decision-making and strategic planning.
The register is available at chdc.com.au
2024 MAJOR PROJECTS WORKING DINNER
Held in June, the Major Projects Working Dinner provided an opportunity for guests to network and learn about the latest developments impacting the Central Highlands.
Speakers included:
> Janette Hewson, Queensland Resources Council, highlighted the pivotal role the resources sector plays in supporting and advancing regional Queensland.
> Paul Flynn, Whitehaven Coal, provided an update on its plans for the newly acquired Blackwater mine. He also discussed the forecasted global demand and supply gap for metallurgical coal, and the organisation’s community and economic contributions.
Thanks to our partners Local Buying Foundation, CQUniversity, CQ Inland Port, and Hughes et al.
Speaker presentations and images are available at chdc.com.au
STRATEGY AND PLANNING
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ECONOMIC MASTER PLAN ACTION PLAN
2023-2028
In collaboration with key stakeholders and prepared by SC Lennon and Associates, CHDC unveiled a six-year action plan to drive the Central Highlands Economic Master Plan (CHEMP).
Building upon its predecessor, the 2023-2028 Action Plan outlines more than 40 initiatives focused on growing
local businesses and industries, developing the workforce, attracting investment, and promoting the region.
Key measures include exploring the local agricultural industry’s supply potential for the 2032 Olympics, implementing a workforce development program, and supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Additional actions target gaps in accessible and inclusive tourism infrastructure and encourage Indigenous business development.
These initiatives are designed to fulfill CHEMP’s 30-year vision, positioning the Central Highlands as a dynamic inland region of choice.
The CHEMP and Action Plan are available at chdc.com.au
