Hitting the Ground Running in 2026

Weather is such a dynamic thing – to our friends in Clermont, we’re thinking of you, and to our properties in the Central Highlands impacted by the recent rain event, you’re also on our minds. Please capture your circumstances in this Disaster Impact Survey by the Department of Primary Industries. This collective information will underpin potential disaster-related funding back in to the region and catchment.

By the way, last I looked the Fairbairn Dam was at 26.03%, up from around 16.1% at the start of the month. This increase is important given the dam’s far‑reaching economic, social and environmental impact on our region. If the rainmakers could send us a few more targeted falls like this, we’d be grateful!

At CHDC, we’ve hit the ground running, with the 2026 calendar already filling up fast. February is the start of our Board meeting cycle and also includes a strategy session for some collective review, introspection and future planning as an organisation.

The year ahead has a diverse and strong events program for our stakeholders: a business event in March, Small Business Month in May, AGTECH26 in July, Farm to Fine Dining in September and TOURISM26 in December.

The focus on capacity building for our business community continues, starting with a workshop series in March on the Microsoft Office 365 suite. Registrations are now open and I suggest getting in early because similar training in the past has been popular. We will also continue to keep our eyes open for other potential professional development activities to facilitate for the region. For those interested in some light business networking, drop into CHDC’s Emerald office on Friday, 6 February, between 5pm and 7pm, to meet new people and re-connect with familiar faces. Register here.

Keep an eye out for CHDC’s annual Business Survey in the first half of the year. The more respondents the better, as the survey gives us a yearly pulse check which often is reinforcing and directional on the challenges and opportunities our businesses face. A fact sheet of the results will be published.

From a projects perspective, CHDC has just released the Frontier CQ Innovation Roadmap and now it’s time to implement the plan in partnership with key stakeholders. Design work on our Sapphire Gemfields Geo-Trail Interpretive Signage is nearing finalisation and production and installation will come in the months ahead. Our Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy (WDAS) is ongoing, with more work in the early childhood education and care space. As part of the WDAS, we also continue to facilitate accommodation development opportunities and commend Central Highlands Regional Council for its positive work around freeing up its land supply.

For those who enjoy the data and industry information, a refreshed Mining and Energy Capability Statement is nearing completion and a Major Projects Register is next in line.

Advocacy is always on the agenda and we’ve already engaged with the state government’s Regional Aviation Service Review by sharing our Fairer Airfares position paper and offering an important perspective from our region. Suffice to say the clear focus was on pricing and equity amongst other themes.

Regional development work is a long game and requires many partners, supporters and stakeholders to deliver for our region. Our team looks forward to the year ahead and working with all.

Our purpose is to advocate for a sustainable region and economic growth by enhancing our workforce, promoting our region and supporting our businesses.

Go well in 2026!