MAJOR PROJECTS BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Shining a light on the strong pipeline of activity, growth and confidence in our region
** This event has passed. Scroll down to see photos from the morning. **
Join CHDC for the Major Projects Business Breakfast, a forward-looking event that shines a light on the strong pipeline of activity, growth and confidence in our region
Hear directly from the people behind some of the Central Highlands’ major projects and gain insight into the developments shaping our region’s future.
Through a series of facilitated panel discussions, attendees will gain insights into opportunities, challenges, timelines and future outlooks—showcasing the strength, diversity and momentum of major projects across the Central Highlands.
The event will also showcase the newly-released Central Highlands Major Projects Register 2026-27.
Click on any image to scroll through the full-sized gallery.
This event features three panel discussions across resources, agriculture, retail and accommodation and facilitated by Infinitum Partners’ Kate Isles. More details about the projects can be found in the Central Highlands Major Projects Register 2026-27.
A continuation project proposing an expanded footprint within existing mining leases and an increased production rate of up to 5 Mtpa, utilising existing infrastructure to support ongoing operations and the current workforce.
Sydney Mills is Acting Health and Safety Manager for Yancoal Yarrabee.
A proposed underground continuation west of the existing Kestrel operation, extending mine life to 2050 and supporting continued metallurgical coal production and workforce retention in the region.
Melanie Saul is Sustainability Manager at Kestrel Coal Resources.
Approval has been granted for the Ensham Coal Mine Life of Mine extension near Emerald, extending operations through to approximately 2037. The project will unlock access to a further 88 Mt of coal while securing more than 700 jobs in the region.
Matthew Lumb is General Manager for Ensham.
A staged residential subdivision in Emerald transforming a 117-hectare site into 49 lots, delivering a mix of residential and lifestyle allotments. The project includes new internal roads and supporting infrastructure, expanding housing choice on the southern edge of Emerald.
Andrew Bell is with Mick's Fairdinkum Concrete.
An expansion of the existing workforce accommodation facility in Blackwater delivering 450 additional en-suite rooms across three stages. Stage 1, comprising 168 rooms, is currently under construction and due for completion in July 2026, with subsequent stages to follow.
Karl Schirmer is Managing Director for The Village on Blain.
Construction of 25 cabin-style accommodation units comprising 16 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom units. A further 54 cabin-style units are planned under Stage 2, with works anticipated to commence in 2027.
Lisa Tagidrau is with Eureka Group Holdings.
Based in Central Queensland, HWC Building Contractors has an extensive history of delivering projects in the Central Highlands, including the interior fit-out of the new CH CoLab in 2025 and Emerald's McIndoe Park clubhouse demolition and upgrade, now underway.
CQ Rural Traders relocated to a new purpose-built facility in Emerald in March 2026. The development included two 1,200 sqm sheds, a 288 sqm hay shed, showroom, warehouse storage and drive-through facilities to better support regional agricultural operations.
Cassie Turner is with CQ Rural Traders.
RDO Equipment opened its new purpose-built dealership in Emerald in May 2025. The 29,000 sqm site includes a 2,124 sqm workshop, 1,197 sqm parts warehouse, solar installation and rainwater harvesting, supporting expanded servicing capacity.
Dean Gaedtk is Executive General Manager for John Deere and Region 1.
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