Central Highlands, Queensland

DRIVING GROWTH AND EMPOWERING BUSINESS

New release!

MINING AND ENERGY

The Central Highlands is one of Australia’s most significant mining and energy regions, producing over 50 million tonnes of coal annually and generating $16 billion in economic output.

Find out more in CHDC’s new Central Highlands Mining and Energy Capability Statement, which gives a comprehensive picture of the sector.

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

06

EMERALD BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT – MARCH

Event Details
23

AGTECH26

Event Details
06

SHE COUNTS – SECURE FINANCIAL FUTURES FOR WOMEN

FREE Course to Feel Confident about Money

Event Details
12

BUILDING YOUR BEST TENDER RESPONSE – WEBINAR

Event Details
12

QUEENSLAND EXPORTER CONFERENCE 2026 – BRISBANE

Event Details
13

NAVIGATING AI AND DIGITAL CHANGE IN TOURISM – WEBINAR SERIES

Event Details
17

HOW TO GET YOUR TOURISM STORY IN THE MEDIA

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!