With continued and sustained challenges facing our region, particularly workforce attraction and retention, coupled with ongoing housing issues, the time is right to look anew.
Developed by CHDC in partnership with the Central Highlands Resources Roundtable (CHRR), and with support from Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC).
The report served as a foundation for understanding the key influences on the Central Highlands economic vitality, social fabric, and housing and childcare needs.
FOCUS AREAS
The strategy is centred on four focus areas: WORKFORCE, ACCOMMODATION, CHILDCARE and LIFESTYLE. Each focus area is interconnected and geared towards securing, accommodating and aiding the workforce, while also protecting local asset values.
Short-term, by June 2024
IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES
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Potential land identified in Action 2 as well as EOIs from Action 3 to be used to develop a Regional Build-to-Rent Scheme. Land to be identified across the region and firm proposals sought from EOI respondents. Pilot BTR scheme to be confirmed from a feasibility perspective and, if viable, scheme delivered in region in 2025. ◼TIMEFRAME:- Proposals to EOI respondents sought by 30 August 2024. First Pilot BTR, if feasible, to be identified and delivered by 1 March 2025.
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SHUTDOWN COORDINATION
CHDC with support from the Resources Roundtable, to develop a Shutdown Coordination Calendar. The calendar will be developed as a soft copy prior to seeking proposals from software developers to pilot a platform-based Bowen Basin Mines Calendar. ◼TIMEFRAME:- Soft copy Calendar by 30 July 2024. Proposals to be sought by 30 September 2024 and decision made on next steps by 1 December 2024.
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ACCOMMODATION MANAGEMENT
CHDC to seek proposals from software developers to develop a proof-in-concept real-time occupancy of mining accommodation across the region. Understanding real-time vacancy would substantially improve efficiency and availability with opportunity to free up other in-demand accommodation such as motels and hotels in town. If the proof-in-concept is viable, then funding to be sourced to develop further. ◼TIMEFRAME:- Proposals to be sought by 30 October 2024. Proof-in-concept by 15 December 2024.
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FIT-FOR-PURPOSE ACCOMMODATION
Through the WAC, coordinate and acknowledge the need for fit-for-purpose accommodation across the region. Identify appropriate sites for additional village style accommodation in the right locations across the region including expansion of existing in-town locations such as Pritchard Road. Facilitate the required community conversation and necessary engagement with community to balance the need for different forms of accommodation. ◼TIMEFRAME:- Appropriate sites to be identified by 30 September 2024.
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MOVE TO MORE CAMPAIGN
As members of the Regional Activators Alliance, CHDC to ensure that the region is represented in the Move to More campaign. CHDC to understand investment requirement and ensure appropriate budgeting to cover cost if benefit is identified. ◼TIMEFRAME:- 1 December 2024.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
CHDC, together with CHRC, to coordinate and better promote access to available funding opportunities for community groups across the region. Encourage major employers to partner with and sponsor community activities and events. A centralised page on CHDC’s website to direct community members to the opportunities such as Grant Finder, Company Community Partnership Schemes, Council Sponsorship Opportunities. ◼TIMEFRAME:- Centralised webpage to be published by 1 February 2025.
