CENTRAL HIGHLANDS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOMMODATION STRATEGY in action August 2025
Launched in April 2024, the Central Highlands Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy (WDAS) provides a practical roadmap to tackle workforce attraction and retention challenges, including housing shortages, access to early childhood education and care, and broader liveability issues. Developed by Infinitum Partners in partnership with Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC), the Central Highlands Resources Roundtable (CHRR), and Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC), the Strategy incorporates insights from more than 30 stakeholders across key sectors. It focuses on four interconnected areas: workforce, accommodation, childcare, and lifestyle. Sixteen priority actions were identified to guide short- and medium-term efforts to make the Central Highlands a more attractive place to live, work, and invest. Read the full strategy at chdc.com.au.
AWARD-WINNING The Strategy received formal recognition with a Commendation in the Improving Planning Processes category at the 2024 Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence. The award highlighted the strong stakeholder engagement behind the Strategy and the establishment of the Workforce and Accommodation Collective (WAC), which continues to drive collaboration and progress.
PROGRESS TO DATE In just 15 months, CHDC has made significant progress in addressing the region’s workforce and accommodation challenges. Key achievements include: • The Build 12 in 12 campaign, which encouraged new housing supply and showcased a modular display home to inspire fresh thinking. • A region-wide property review which identified opportunities to unlock underutilised housing and land assets. • Council support through the release of vacant land and the update of incentive policies to encourage development. • The Smart Move talent attraction campaign, which promoted job opportunities and positioned the Central Highlands as a great place to live and work. • Collaborative action on early childhood education and childcare, as CHDC partnered with the State Government, stakeholders, and the community to strengthen workforce sustainability. • Continued advocacy for fairer airfares to improve regional connectivity. • Valuable support from the WAC, helping ensure a coordinated approach across the region.