So Far, So Good for Strategy

It’s only been four months since CHDC launched the Workforce and Development and Accommodation Strategy (WDAS) but we’ve already made some great headway.

It started with the formation of a cross-sector group to oversee and help drive the WDAS’ implementation. Since then, there’s been progress on a variety of other Actions set out in the Strategy.

Here are a few highlights:

• HOUSING: We’ve been laying the foundations to try to ease the housing shortage in the Central Highlands.

• Build 12 in 12 is the WDAS’ ambitious target to get 12 new homes built across the region within a 12-month period, as a way to stimulate construction activity. We were really pleased with the response from builders and developers during the Expression of Interest phase and hope to make public announcements soon about the next step. Read more.
• The Earl is a display home made from prefabricated components and recently opened in Emerald to build a local awareness of and appetite for modern methods of construction. Starting again next week, it’s open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from midday to 1:00pm. Find it here on Google Maps and please pop in and say hi. Read more.

• AIR TRAVEL: In our push to make air travel more affordable and reliable for Central Highlanders, CHDC recently published the Fairer Airfares position paper to use in advocacy talks with government and airlines. It contains six calls-to-action, including airfare subsidies for residents, ticket sales and promotions for the Central Highlands, and more flights between Emerald and Brisbane. Read more.

• SKILLED LABOUR: Following months of research and planning, we’re preparing to launch a talent attraction campaign to try to fill the region’s skilled labour gaps. We’ll tell you more about the campaign soon but in the meantime, now is a good time to get in the habit of listing your organisation’s vacancies on the free employment platform Jobs Hub Central Queensland Highlands. It’s where the campaign will be telling its audience to look for work. Read more.

The CHDC website has plenty more information about the WDAS and how it’s progressing – start here – and if you’d like to be actively involved, I’d love to hear from you.