The Government's in town!
20 August 2025
It was pleasing to see our state government leaders, executives and advisors in Emerald for Community Cabinet. This is a great opportunity for those from far and wide to rub shoulders with key decision makers. For those granted ministerial deputations, it’s a 15-minute window to present your issues and interests with departmental leaders. Some liken it to a speed dating exercise.
Not all deputation requests are granted, so CHDC was pleased to have four on the day.
Our focus areas were: early childhood education and care; agriculture; accommodation and small and family business.
The deputation with Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek centred on an early childhood education and care project funded by Jobs Queensland that’s a deliverable within our Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy (WDAS). Effectively, we shared the project findings and recommendations defined to date. Discussions with the department have already occurred at the regional level with more planned with leaders in Brisbane in early September.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett greeted us for the second deputation. This focused on presenting the Farm to Fine Dining 10 Year Commemorative Booklet – showcasing our regional producers. In addition, through a partnership with the Department of Primary Industries, we presented the Central Highlands Agricultural Capability Statement. This is an incredibly important piece of research for the benefit of government, business, industry and investment. We also positioned our desire to be at the forefront of the government’s Prosper 2050 Blueprint Regional Action Plans.
Knowing that we needed 234 houses when the WDAS was launched in April 2024, and with a rental vacancy rate between 0.5 and 1.2%, it was opportune to meet with Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor. We presented the good work that’s been delivered to date under our strategy and identified the need to engage beyond the government agencies when defining and resourcing need in regions. It was pleasing that Minister O’Connor said the $11.8 million project to construct the three-storey, 18-unit complex had been awarded to Hutchinson Builders. Work will commence as soon as possible, with completion expected by April 2027.
Finally, we had an engaging conversation with Minister for Small and Family Business Steven Minnikin that centred on the findings of our 2025 Central Highlands Business Survey. It’s always important to give decision makers a temperature check on the how the business community is travelling. Having the evidence through the business survey gives our discussion a point of truth. Minister Minnikin was very interested on the longitudinal aspect of the survey and equally impressed with the professional approach to the Business Excellence Awards program, judging and gala. He was keen to attend the 2027 event.
All in all, a short, sharp bundle of important deputations with follow-up to occur.
