2022 Community Plan Refresh
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Central Highlands 2022 Community Plan Refresh Central Highlands Regional Council CONTENTS Message from the Mayor 4 Our region 5 Our vision in 2022 6 Our values 6 Remembering our past 7 Here and now 7 Snapshot of the Central Highlands Community Plan Refresh Community 8 Opportunities for the future 9 2022 Our Community Plan 2022 Refresh 10 Planning: in context 11 Regional Priorities 12-15 Realising our local priorities through place community planning 16 For further information regarding contents of this document or to discuss how actions and Our Community Aspirations 17-29 outcomes will be measured please contact: Reporting: keeping on track 30 Coordinator Community Engagement Connected communities Central Highlands Regional Council Highlands Central E: community@chrc.qld.gov.au P: 1300 242 686 Disclaimer: All images within this document have been approved for use by both the persons depicted and the photographer. Information contained within this document is based upon information available at the time of development. Central Highlands 2022 Community Plan Refresh 3 Message Our region from the Mayor in 2022 If we are to achieve sustainability for Around 28,000 people call the Central This is a vibrant region with a diverse Welcome to the Central the next generation, our people and The Central Highlands is in Highlands home and they live in the economy based on: businesses will need to be adaptable and thirteen communities of Arcadia Valley, .A globally competitive coal mining Highlands Community Plan supported to respond to an Central Queensland, Australia Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, industry. 2022 Refresh. ever-changing world. As a community we Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, need to leverage our existing strengths – considered a gateway to the Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, .Robust and resilient agriculture and The Plan continues to influence key and refocus our potential. Springsure and Tieri. horticultural industries, including beef, decision-making by our communities for outback. The region’s central grain, cotton, grapes and melons, nuts Our support as a council will be to Our region is naturally rich – in minerals, their future. and citrus. commit to managing our assets well, business area, Emerald, is a in grazing land, in dryland and irrigated As a diverse regional community, this delivering the services we need and to agricultural land, in water from the Nogoa .Dynamic small to medium size important roadmap document identifies invest and encourage innovation that will three-hour drive from and Comet rivers and the Fairbairn Dam businesses. the vision, priorities and goals that we make our communities more resilient (three times the size of Sydney Harbour), .Professional and government sectors. aspire to across the thirteen towns and competitive; the new economies of Rockhampton on the coast and in national parks and wilderness .Adequate availability of commercial, and localities that make up the Central the future. areas like Blackdown Tablelands and nearly 900 kilometres from industrial and residential land. Highlands region. All of us have responsibility and a part Carnarvon Gorge, and in gems as we .An evolving tourism offering. The Plan is wide-reaching in its outlook to play to unlock the unlimited potential Brisbane. claim the largest sapphire-producing and considers social, environmental (built that exists in our people, our business, fields in the Southern Hemisphere. .Major health and education services. Our region is huge, approximately and natural) economic and governance and our region. Our success depends on Travellers in big rigs and small abound 60,000 square kilometres, which we .Significant new infrastructure and themes that contribute to the long-term everyone working together to realise a with major freight routes through the liken to the size of Tasmania. It stretches construction projects. wellbeing of our community. It will also sustainable and prosperous future for all. region that include the north-south link from Arcadia Valley in the south to the assist council, community, government, between Charters Towers and northern Peak Ranges in the north, east from business and industry to strategically New South Wales – identified as the Boolburra to Bogantungan in the west. plan for the region’s future. inland transport alternative between Cairns and Melbourne – and the Kerry Hayes Capricorn Highway leading ‘grey nomads’ Mayor to all points west. Central Highlands Regional Council 4 Central Highlands 2022 Community Plan Refresh centralhighlands.qld.gov.au 5 Nathan White images Nathan Our vision Remembering in 2022 our past The Central Highlands was originally Early European settlement in the region Significant growth occurred from the The Central Highlands is renowned for its diversity, liveability and home to many Aboriginal and Torres dates from the 1850s, with our first 1950s to 1980s with the introduction of Strait Islander peoples who remain pioneers mainly grazing sheep. Regional beef cattle grazing and development proud custodians of these lands. Our growth continued into the late 1800s of the Fairbairn Dam, coal mining, and prosperity; the region we are proud to call home! First Australians experienced a life rich with the inland expansion of the railway agricultural irrigation. in traditional customs, spirituality and a line west from Rockhampton and the Today, the region is defined by a diverse, strong connection to their land. establishment of towns along the line. prospering economy that supports our unique, vibrant communities. What we value Friendly in the Central people & strong QUALITY Highlands community COMMUNITY spirit .Safe, rural FACILITIES here & noW .Scenic landscapes and relaxed and natural lifestyle. Central Highlands is home to more than 28,000 people. The average age of 33 makes it a young community with children resources aged 0 – 14 years making up nearly 25% of the population (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census). This adds energy and enthusiasm to the community and provides a genuine and dynamic vibrancy to the region. The unemployment rate is generally around 2% lower than the state average. The Central Highlands offers an active, healthy lifestyle with more than 140 sport and recreational parks – many featuring .Diverse exercise facilities, play equipment, skate ramps and off-leash dog areas. There are three quality aquatic centres, pristine HERITAGE prosperous bushland reserves, as well as manicured botanical gardens in Emerald. economy. & CUTURE The region’s liveability is enhanced by a cultural offering of a regional art gallery, libraries, and several clubs and groups undertaking photography, art, dance, theatre and other artistic and cultural pursuits. Tourism is a cornerstone industry in the region worth $230 million annually. The visitor information centre in Emerald welcomes more than 30,000 people most years as the ‘drive market’ visitors sample the area as they travel north or west. .Sports and .Community recreation events and activities. volunteers. .Family values. 6 Central Highlands 2022 Community Plan Refresh Central Highlands 2022 Community Plan Refresh 7 Snapshot Opportunities of Central Highlands for the future The Central Highlands 2047 Economic Top 10 Nationalities Master Plan outlines a robust 30-year Digital Infrastructure community programs 1. Australia 28,003 vision of a self-sustaining regional Overcoming digital infrastructure Community programs and sport and residents inland hub for successful and recreation clubs are important for people 2. New Zealand limitations will be game-changing thriving communities. It’s important for the Central Highlands. Access to to socialise and maintain an active 3. England $230 Million value of tourism output to understand the challenges for the reliable high-speed internet and mobile lifestyle. Whilst there are challenges 4. Philippines 33 region to determine the opportunities connectivity is the key to optimisation of across the region, with the adoption average for the future. market opportunities for local business. and implementation of the Game Plan, 5. South Africa age council is working with community, 6. Zimbabwe sporting and active recreation 7. India Resource Sector Water Security organisations to support adaptable, To address the uncertain future of the sustainable facilities and promote 8. United States of America 4,768 Water security is generally quite strong kilometres of sealed/unsealed coal sector, the focus is diversified to but ensuring towns have sufficient active participation and connected 9. Papua New Guinea roads and footpaths maintained other industries, particularly agriculture supply, unlocking high-value productive communities. 10. Germany and tourism, and the investigation of areas, and minimising conflict between emerging opportunities, such as energy industry and irrigators are ongoing renewables and coal seam gas. Liveability and skills 34,137 considerations. Collaborating with the visitors Queensland Government to identify and attraction through achieve full use of under-utilised water Population Services Enhancing and promoting the region’s the Visitor resources in the region is required. lifestyle and employment opportunities $9 billion Information The region’s education, health and aged to attract people to the Central investments and projects Centre care are under-developed compared to the Queensland average. They could Extreme weather events Highlands. Expanding and establishing local skills, training and education be strengthened by investment