Almost 100 people attended CHDC’s Economic Futures Forum, which was held in Emerald on 11 March, 2020.

The business breakfast touched on comparative data, forecasting and economic updates to support local businesses to make informed decisions in future planning that is sustainable and viable.

Guest speakers included:

• Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner
• Scott Parry, Westpac State General Manager of SME Banking – download PowerPoint presentation
• Annette Smith, Regional Manager of Acumentis Group (the new face of LMW and Taylor Byrne Valuers) based in Emerald – download PowerPoint presentation
• Michael Anthonisz, Director of Economic and Market Research at the Queensland Treasury Corporation – download PowerPoint presentation
• 4T Consultants Director Bronwyn Reid
• Clinton Adams, Managing Director of local real estate company Clinton Adams and Co.
• CHDC Business Investment and Attraction Manager Peter Dowling
• CHDC Agribusiness Development Coordinator Liz Alexander

Key points raised by the guest speakers:

• The agriculture sector in the Central Highlands is incredibly strong, topping $1bn in FY18-19.
• The cooperative research between the Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation has increased yields and doubled the value in the region.
• Although there are signs of investment turnaround, confidence in the market is still cautious.
• There are strong headwinds economically and financially ahead for 2020, however 2021 holds an optimistic view.
• India is now positioned as an equal to China for metallurgical coal exports from Australia.
• Trust in government, institutions and corporations is still concerning.