Central Highlands, Queensland

DRIVING GROWTH AND EMPOWERING BUSINESS

Free and confidential

MENTORING FOR GROWTH

This is a golden opportunity for any local business that could do with a boost.

CHDC wants to hear from operators who’d like to receive a visit from two highly experienced mentors when they visit the Central Highlands on 12 to 14 May.

  • Free
  • One-hour session
  • Practical insights, fresh perspectives and tailored guidance

Expressions of interest close 1 May.

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
08

EMERALD BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT – MAY

Free entry, light refreshments served, RSVP essential

Event Details

MENTORING FOR GROWTH – FREE SESSIONS

Event Details
13

2026 SMALL BUSINESS MONTH LUNCH

Event Details
23

AGTECH26

Event Details
05

CYBER WARDENS FOUNDATIONS – WEBINAR

Cyber Wardens is an initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, supported by the Australian Government and an industry alliance led by Telstra, CommBank and the Australian Cyber Security Centre and delivered by 89 Degrees East.

Event Details
15

2026 EMERALD CAREERS EXPO

Event Details
02

EFFECTIVE CONTRACT DELIVERY – WEBINAR

Event Details

OUR REGION IN NUMBERS

29,336
Population
$14.58B
GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT
3,520
BUSINESSES
$420,000
MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE – EMERALD
Connect, celebrate, thrive

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH LUNCH

Join with CHDC for a celebratory lunch as we recognise the small and family businesses that power the economy, enrich our communities, and help our region thrive.

The 2026 Small Business Month Lunch will be held on 13 May in Emerald.

We’re excited to welcome keynote speaker Angela Kettle – CEO and Founder of Country Allure, host of The Confident CEO podcast and 2025 CHDC Business Excellence Hall of Fame inductee.

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