Annual Report
2025 – 2026
CHDC’s 2025-26 Annual Report summarises our projects and achievements for the year.
The past year has been marked by meaningful progress in CHDC’s quest to shape a stronger future for the Central Highlands.
From advocacy and partnerships to projects and events, we’ve delivered initiatives that support business growth, workforce development, industry development, and regional promotion.
We’re incredibly grateful to our partners, sponsors, and collaborators for being part of this journey, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve together next.
Highlights
BUSINESS GROWTH
• 2025 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards
• 35 participants in Microsoft 365 and AI workshops
• 11 businesses supported through the Mentoring for Growth program
• 100+ attendees at networking events
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
• Continued roll-out of Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy
• Solutions identified for early childhood education and care shortages
• Inquiry submissions for fairer airfares
• 39 residential lots sold following CHDC-commissioned review
ADVOCACY + PROMOTION
• Farm to Fine Dining drives disaster relief funding changes
• Regional priorities represented at industry and government forums
• Strategic submissions on fuel security and regional airfares
• Regional profile raised through media and digital promotion
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
• Sapphire Gemfields Geo-Interpretive Trail revitalised
• Central Highlands Mining and Energy Capability Statement released
• International investor tour showcased region's agriculture
• AGTECH26 planning advanced
INVESTMENT ATTRACTION
• Released the 2026-27 Major Projects Register
• Sold-out Major Projects Business Breakfast
• Supported investment attraction across resources, renewable energy, agribusiness and housing developments in the Central Highlands
STRATEGY + PLANNING
• Frontier CQ Innovation Roadmap launched
• Strategic planning day aligned priorities and resourcing for 2026-27
• Board site visits strengthened understanding of priority regional industries and major projects