Central Highlands, Queensland

DRIVING GROWTH AND EMPOWERING BUSINESS

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.

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

08

EMERALD BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT – MAY

Free entry, light refreshments served, RSVP essential

Event Details
13

2026 SMALL BUSINESS MONTH LUNCH

Event Details
23

AGTECH26

Event Details
21

QLD TOURISM AWARDS: FIRST STEPS AND ENTRY INSIGHTS – WEBINAR

New in 2026, the Queensland Tourism Awards Academy is designed to help you get the most value from the awards process.

Event Details
22

CASE LAW AND COMPLIANCE: EXPLORING OBLIGATIONS AS AN EMPLOYER – WEBINAR

Event Details
23

QLD COUNTRY TOURISM NETWORKING EVENT

Event Details
05

CYBER WARDENS FOUNDATIONS – WEBINAR

Event Details
15

2026 EMERALD CAREERS EXPO

Event Details

OUR REGION IN NUMBERS

29,336
Population
$14.58B
GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT
3,520
BUSINESSES
$420,000
MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE – EMERALD
Partnerships and Demonstrations

AGTECH26

Partnership and demonstrator opportunities are now available for AGTECH26.

The Central Highlands’ premier agtech field day will take place on 23 July at the CQ Smart Cropping Centre, Emerald.

Packages in the Partnership Prospectus start at $550 and some include the option for a trade display.

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