Central Highlands, Queensland

DRIVING GROWTH AND EMPOWERING BUSINESS

Nominations now open

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

Nominations are now open for the People’s Choice category of the 2025 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards.

Nominate a business by 29 June to ensure it’s on the list when voting takes place next month.

Entirely decided by the public, this category highlights businesses that have made a lasting impact on their customers and community.

Pictured: Natasha Pillay and Dr. Shiv Pillay from Serenity Dental, winner of the 2023 Emerald Today People’s Choice Award.

Projects, tools and events

Our region's key industries

Agribusiness
Resources
Business
Visitor Economy

About Us

Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) is the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands in Queensland, Australia.

We’re a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for a sustainable region and economic growth by:

  • Enhancing our workforce
  • Promoting our region
  • Supporting our businesses

Spanning almost 60,000km2, the Central Highlands is situated at the heart of Australia’s thriving resource and agricultural sectors.

Upcoming Events

CHDC Events Regional Events
06

EMERALD BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT – JUNE

Event Details
07

CHILDCARE CHATS – BLACKWATER

Event Details
08

CHILDCARE CHATS – EMERALD

Event Details
17

CREATING CONTENT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA – EMERALD

Event Details
06

2025 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Event Details
18

LUNCH AND LEARN – CLOUD COMPUTING OPTIONS

This free event is presented by Regional Business HQ as part of the Digital Solutions Program.

Event Details
24

LUNCH AND LEARN – CONTENT CREATION TOOLS

Event Details
24

MEET MICROSOFT 365 – 13 APPS TO SAVE YOU MONEY

Event Details

AG-Grow Emerald Field Days

Event Details
29

The Farm Office Fix

Event Details

OUR REGION IN NUMBERS

28,583
Population
59,830 KM2
LAND AREA
$6.03
BILLION GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT
3,330
BUSINESSES
Enter the draw to win

2025 BUSINESS SURVEY

The latest Central Highlands Business Survey is now open.

Tell us what it’s like running a business in our region in 2025 and you’ll enter the draw to win two tickets to this year’s Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.

Collaboration is what makes CHDC’s projects and events possible. We thank our Partners for their generous support!