Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) actively partners with industry experts, businesses, governments and communities to drive growth, enable innovation, build capability and deliver economic outcomes.

CHDC is a not for profit organisation and the lead economic and tourism development agency for the of , Australia. Our region includes the communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, , Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, and .

Underpinned by robust and innovative industries including resources, agriculture and tourism, we advocate for sustainable regional and economic growth by enhancing our workforce, promoting our region and supporting our businesses.

Since the inception of CHDC over 20 years ago, we have developed a rich understanding of the diversity of industry, allowing us to deliver economic insights and develop strategic action plans for the region. In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable business and industry sectors that are supply chain ready and prepared for expansion.

CHDC’s focus is:

• To be the advocate for economic growth for the Central Highlands • Positively market and promote the Central Highlands as a locality of choice • Enhance the skills base of the Central Highlands • Stimulate business development • Sustain, refresh and grow our organisation

CHDC manages an operational turnover in excess of $3 million with core operational funds provided through our foundation partnership with the Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) and leveraged via additional funding partnerships. The Central Highlands Economic Master Plan (CHEMP) provides strategic direction to CHDC's projects and initiatives. CHDC has an effective compliance program and current governance practices.

31 Ruby Street, Emerald QLD 4720 PO Box 1425, Emerald QLD 4720 T: +617 4982 4386 E: [email protected] chdc.com.au | centralhighlands.com.au With a focus on economic development, CHDC engages and collaborates extensively with the business community, industry sectors, peak bodies, research institutions, education and training organisations, supply chain enterprises and all levels of Government. We link all sectors of the economy through strategic connections and planning, supported by advice, information, advocacy and resources. CHDC works actively with private and public investors to secure major road, rail, air and telecommunication infrastructure for the region, supporting major project development and linking local enterprises to business opportunities.

The Central Highlands is a robust region that sits at the heart of Queensland’s resources and agricultural sectors. The Business and Investment Attraction portfolio has a broad mandate with a focus on attracting business to our region in line with the CHEMP Action Plan 2017-2022. The vision is to develop a successful self-sustaining inland community, with a diversified economy, a highly skilled workforce, an international reputation for sustainable agriculture, assisted by connectivity, healthy natural assets and governance structures that assist partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The Central Highlands is one of Queensland’s key agricultural regions, generating more than $840 million Gross Value Product for the region. CHDC has a dedicated Agribusiness Development program which aims to grow, promote and realise the value and opportunities for all businesses producing agricultural and food products, processing and providing other value-adding services in the region. This program has a clear focus on growing productivity through innovation, supply chain improvement, and market development. AgTeCH is a major innovation and technology event for the Australian agricultural community hosted in Emerald and Mungindi annually and sits within this program area. AgFrontier, a regional agtech incubator, lead by the Agribusiness Development Coordinator and supported by the Agtech Community Officer, is supporting a cohort of innovators across regional Queensland and and combines events, site visits, co-working, international and local mentoring and networking with an intensive support program.

- There are almost 6,000 small-medium enterprises (SME) which comprise the majority of business within the Central Highlands. Supported by the Business Facilitator program, CHDC promotes best practices in all SME operations by providing one-on-one support, connecting businesses to a network of local services, developing advanced business skills, supporting local procurement, and connecting business with opportunities. CHDC also hosts the biennial Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards which celebrate the efforts and achievements of our diverse and dedicated business community.

CHDC actively supports start-ups, innovation and high-growth emerging businesses. The Regional Innovation and Development program facilitates the building of entrepreneurial and innovation capability, developing networks and delivering technical skills programs to start-ups, business, industry and researchers. CHDC links local enterprises with state, national and global networks and opportunities. Regional development is also at the forefront of our portfolio – we offer assistance to private proponents, developers and investment entities to facilitate and enhance economic development opportunities.

Coal mining is the major driver in the Central Highlands economy, delivering more than $5.4 billion in exports annually and employing more than 35% of the region’s workforce. CHDC collaborates with the industry sector and provides advocacy at the State level through its memberships and partnerships with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). CHDC lead the formation of the Queensland Local Content Leaders Network (QLCLN) to support resource development proponents to engage local suppliers. The CHDC team provides support to the entire supply chain of businesses o perating within the Central Highlands.

Workforce development and attraction is critical for a growing economy. CHDC provides several key resources including the cqjoblink.com.au platform to support and facilitate local employment opportunities and attraction across the Bowen Basin, along with a Central Highlands liveability video. The Regional Skills Board of Directors Investment Strategy links closely with industry and Government to identify skills CHDC currently operates under a Board gaps for current and emerging jobs and industries in the Central Highlands region structure with positions appointed to: and support future industry demand for skilled local people. • Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor (Chairperson)

CHDC is recognised for running professional, quality business events ranging in • Central Highlands Regional Council size from small groups to more than 300 participants. The Events calendar is CEO (Company Secretary) designed to grow business capability, give insight to the economic trends of our region, inspire business to think bigger and give attendees the opportunity to • Two Central Highlands Regional meet other local business leaders in our community. All events are supported by Council Councillors targeted and multifaceted promotional strategies and delivered through valued Our Board is supported by CHDC’s partnerships and extensive stakeholder engagement. General Manager Sandra Hobbs.

Tourism continues to be a cornerstone industry for the Central Highlands, worth an estimated $235 million to the region. As a key economic driver for the region, the portfolio is guided by the newly-established Tourism Strategy Groups. CHDC operates and supports the Central Highlands Visitor Information Centres in Emerald, Blackwater, Duaringa and Springsure and produces high quality promotional activities, materials, social media and online resources available on the tourism website centralhighlands.com.au, as well as marketing the region at key tourism and trade shows across the east coast. In addition to this, local Kerry Hayes, Chairman tourism operators are supported through ongoing engagement and the implementation of the Central Highlands Tourism and Events Strategy 2020–2023.

Managing extensive projects across 20+ years of operation, CHDC implements effective systems, processes and templates to achieve coordinated and measurable outcomes aligned with our strategic intent. With a strong project planning approach and a team of professionals, CHDC works across all program areas with a focus on execution and delivery. CHDC sources funding from a diverse Scott Mason, Secretary range of stakeholders, sponsors, partnerships and funding bodies, which positions us well to continue to facilitate projects and initiatives supporting regional and economic development.

CHDC develops marketing strategies for each event and program area supported by a strong print, digital and social media engagement strategy. CHDC eNews, which includes a business event calendar, is circulated fortnightly to more than 1,300 subscribers to connect with stakeholders and provide updated, relevant content on CHDC and community initiatives. CHDC welcomes the opportunity to Christine Rolfe, Director talk to the media about economic and tourism development issues affecting the Central Highlands. The media is encouraged to use all resources provided on our website, free of charge.

CHDC provides a number of free, quality information services to individuals, businesses and investors. A key resource is the online REMPLAN platform which gives detailed demographic, economic and community data with maps for industry sectors, as well as population and employment forecasts. The Tap into Megan Daniels, Director Tenders list, which is distributed weekly, is collated information on advertised tenders for the Fitzroy Region, providing businesses with greater access to opportunities. In addition, the Development Register, CQ Job Link, fact sheets, investment briefs, research reports, business resources and feasibility studies for multiple sectors are available in both hard copy and on chdc.com.au.

Key Outputs 2018-19

Sandra Hobbs General Manager Peter Dowling Investment & Attraction Brad Stallard Regional Skills Organisational review and growth – Commenced production of the Regional Skills Investment Strategy addition of 3 Independent Directors to Central Highlands Economic Profle 2019 established to identify local workforce the Board and sourced funding to and Strategy for the Central Highlands skills gaps and their solutions. deliver new programs and services for Economic Master Plan (CHEMP) business and industry. Action Plan Review.

Mary Ryan Business Facilitation Matt McIntyre Regional Development Liz Alexander Agribusiness 2019 Central Highlands Business Encouraging innovation across the Leads the award-winning Central Highlands Excellence Awards received 118 business Fitzroy region in second of three-year, Accelerate Agribusiness (CHAA) Initiative. nominations of which 59 businesses $500k Advancing Regional Innovation Recognition of the strategic value of critical submitted entries. Program, as part of the Advance regional road networks and established the Queensland initiative. annual Emerald and Mungindi AgTeCH events and the AgFrontier initiative.

Sonya Comiskey Agtech Paul Thompson Tourism Sally Roberts Information Centre A cohort of ten start-ups and spin-offs Development of industry engagement 12,179 visitors and almost $26k in selected for the AgFrontier Regional groups to assist in continuous merchandise sales at the Emerald AgTech Incubator to equip them with improvement of tourism development Visitor Information Centre. knowledge to establish, develop and and visitor support. export agtech product and services.

Sophie McMaster Regional Services Kylie Hawkins Events Nicky Fisher Media New CHDC website platform launched 700+ attendees at CHDC workshops and 28 percent average increase in in April 2019 with 5,000+ users in the events across the region and development followers across social media platforms frst 3 months and ongoing coordination of event templates which are available to and eNews delivered fortnightly to 1,340 of project areas and reporting. the community upon request. subscribers.

Rowena Davies Projects Kelly Corbishley Finance Hayley Lyons & Emma Rach Administration Launch of the Work, Play, Discover Financial management of CHDC with 50+ Tap into Tenders lists compiled and Central Highlands liveability video and implementation of new fnancial distributed to help local businesses BMA Gregory Crinum Legacy Video. management system. remain competitive and access the latest opportunities.