The Central Highlands Queensland

The Central Highlands Queensland Economic powerhouse and growth frontier of Regional Australia The Central Highlands region generated $5.55 billion in exports for the Australian economy in 2016 comprised of more than $4.6 billion in mining activity and record-breaking yields and values for nearly all agricultural commodities. Our geographic location provides the critical point of connectivity which links east-west, north-south supply chains in Queensland for resources, agribusiness and tourism movement. The Central Highlands aims to build on its comparative advantages and become the premier trade gateway to Northern Australia and a strategic industry location for the Central and Western Queensland region to access the Asia Pacific though the Mackay, Gladstone and Brisbane Port facilities. Central Highlands Regional Council together with industry and the community stakeholders have identified the strategic, evidence-based investments in our region that address our critical economic drivers and will be the catalyst and incentive for further significant, immediate and longterm private investment. These include: Connectivity of road, rail and air to achieve supply chain efficiencies, link production centres to Asia and drive Northern Australia growth. Appropriate water pricing policy for sustainable regional communities. Securing additional water allocations to power continuing growth of communities and high-value agribusiness. Enhancement of the Fairbairn Dam recreational area; the living heart of the Emerald community and a key tourism and agribusiness asset. Empowering consumers and regional communities with reliable solar power integrated with electricity grid infrastructure. Creating global economic opportunities through our emerging innovation and agtech community. Building amenity and quality of life for healthy, happy, attractive regional communities centralhighlands.qld.gov.au chdc.com.au

At a glance Resources $380m 5,81 $25m Royalties Full time employees Wages Operating coal mines 10 Blackwater - BHP Curragh - Wesfarmers Ensham - Idemitsu Jellinbah Kestrel - Rio Tinto Meteor Downs South - Sojitz U&D Mining Minerva - Sojitz Oaky Creek - Glencore Rolleston - Glencore Yarrabee - Yancoal Agribusiness 1.301 million ml Fairbairn Dam, second largest storage in Queensland Head saleyard throughput annually valued at more than $94.6 million More than 150,000 ha of wheat and 120,000 ha of chickpea 15 % 25 % 1.3 million Head of cattle 110,000+ of Australia s $billion desi-chickpea crop of Australia s mungbean crop 168,000 Bales cotton worth $100 million+ 380,000 Citrus trees & 90% of Queensland mandarin exports $4+ million Value of watermelon crop 5 % 350,000 Queensland table grape production New seedlings and grafted trees in 201 in emerging macadamia industry Population Peak Range 28,003 People in 2016 Average age is 33 compared to national average of 3 33 Young people from 25.9 % 1-15 years 6.2 % Seniors 65+ Tourism $230m Value of tourism output 4 days Length of stay (up 40% YOY) 49,313ha Area of World-class national Parks Largest gemfields in Southern Hemisphere Lake Maraboon Fishing, boating 200,000+ Annual passengers Emerald Airport Bogantungan Salvator Rosa Sapphire A4 Willows Gemfields LEGEND Anakie Capricorn Way Great Inland Way Major Sealed Minor Sealed Part Sealed Capella Kettle State Forest Rubyvale Fairbairn Dam Ka Ka Mundi Gregory Highway A4 Minerva Gregory Highway Minerva Hills Tieri Emerald Rail Station Airport Springsure Carnarvon Bundoora Dam Oaky Creek Kestrel Ensham Comet Meteor Downs South Rolleston Carnarvon Gorge Lake Nuga Nuga A4 Capricorn Highway Bingegang Weir Rolleston Expedition Lonesome Jellinbah East Bedford Weir Bluff Blackwater Blackdown Tableland 60 Yarrabee Curragh Blackwater Arcadia Valley Expedition 6 Dawson Highway Fitzroy Developmental Road 6 Dingo A4 Dawson Range State Forest Palmgrove Woorabinda Bauhinia Fitzroy Developmental Road Duaringa Source: ABS 2015-16; REMPLAM 2018; CHDC Agribusiness Capability Statement 2018 2

Output $ 8,190b (2016) About the Central Highlands Value-Added $ 3,523m (2016) Regional Exports $ 5,619m (2016) Regional Imports $ 3,305m (2016) 2016 to 2036 population,211 increase Unemployment CH 4.4 % QLD 5.9 % 5.5 % The mining sector contributes approx. 5.5% of valueadded for Central Highlands largest contributor to GRP, making regional GRP vulnerable to changes in this sector. 3,064 Businesses (2016) 1,943 jobs (2016) $3,664b GRP (2016) 53 % of families in Central Highlands are Couple Family with Children, compared to 43% for QLD. Living in Central Highlands is a lifestyle choice. 31,083 1,019 18,496 39,364 11,945 1,033 ERP (2016) Employed persons (2016) Labour Force (2016) Projected population by 2036 (2015) Home to families (2012) (Sept Qtr 201) SEIFA Index (40/564) (2011) Approximately 26% of 26 % residents earn over $1,500 per week, compared to 11.1% for QLD. The Central Highlands is proactively working to attract and foster investment in a range of industries and sectors to meet strong market demand and facilitate the continued growth of the region and Northern Australia. Located in Central Queensland, Australia, and extending over 60,000 square kilometres, the Central Highlands encompasses the major townships of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, Springsure and Tieri. The Central Highlands is the hub for the major road and rail routes north-south and east-west. The region is serviced by the Central Queensland rail line linking Emerald to Alpha, Barcaldine, Winton, Gladstone, Longreach, Mackay and Rockhampton. Emerald Airport is a public use commercial airport providing around fifty Brisbane to Emerald direct return passenger services per week and moving more than 200,000 passengers every year. A key comparative advantage of the region is its secure, reliable, good quality water supply provided by Queensland s second largest water storage, the Fairbairn Dam, the Nogoa-Mackenzie Water Supply Scheme, and the Nogoa, Comet and Mackenzie Rivers. More than 230,520 ML of annual medium and high security water entitlements from the irrigation scheme underpin a major Australian coal resource region, urban communities and a prosperous and diverse agricultural and horticultural economy. For agribusiness, the region s climate allows both spring and summer crops to be grown allowing businesses to supply early season fresh produce to southern consumers, but also to supply the high-value counter-seasonal Asian and Northern Hemisphere export markets. The Central Highlands is powering Australia. Rich in minerals, it covers a large portion of the Bowen Basin, which is the largest coal reserve in Australia. More than 100 million tonnes of coal are extracted annually, making it Queensland s largest export commodity by value. The region also boasts the largest sapphire-producing fields in the Southern Hemisphere. An important tourism destination, the Sandstone Wilderness area is home to a spectacular assemblage of Aboriginal rock art, towering multi-hued cliffs, caves and overhangs, clear running streams and a mosaic of vegetation communities. This unique area gets more visitors than the Kimberley and includes more than 100 state forests and 25 national parks. Carnarvon Gorge is a key destination for the drive market. The population of Central Highlands is 31,083 and has a projected growth rate of 2.5%, which is above the Queensland average; it is predicted to reach 39,364 by 2036. With an unemployment rate of 4.4%, well below the state and national average, the climate is favourable for outdoor recreation, the crime rate is low, there is a high availability of good quality affordable housing, and educational, childcare and medical facilities. 3

Economic Policy and Investment Game Changers The Central Highlands is delivering food, fibre and energy to power not only our regional economy, but also the Queensland and Australian economies. Central Highlands Regional Council has identified growth strategies where they seek policy and investment support from governments and commercial partners to build on our commitment to the region. Connectivity of road, rail and air to achieve supply chain efficiencies, link production centres to Asia and drive Northern Australia growth. Appropriate water pricing policy for sustainable regional communities. Securing additional water allocations to power continuing growth of communities and highvalue agribusiness. Enhancement of the Fairbairn Dam recreational area; the living heart of the Emerald community and a key tourism and agribusiness asset. Empowering consumers and regional communities with reliable solar power integrated with electricity grid infrastructure. Creating global economic opportunities through our emerging innovation and agtech community. Building amenity and quality of life for healthy, happy, attractive regional communities. Connectivity of road, rail and air to achieve supply chain efficiencies, link production centres to export markets and drive Northern Australia growth Whether you are travelling on a northsouth or east-west corridor, Emerald is the critical hub for all inland movement of agricultural and mining freight for Central Queensland and Northern Australia. The following inter-model freight hub, road and air links are integral connections to improve access to markets, increase export opportunities for agricultural commodities and mineral resources as well as significantly reducing costs for freight transport. Yamala Special Enterprise area and CQInland Port: Identified by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) in 2014, the Central Highlands Intermodal Freight Hub at Yamala is a transformative Coal dragline in operation, BMA Billiton, Blackwater regional initiative for Central Highlands, Queensland and Northern Australia. The Hub and its feeder road system will strengthen the region s position as a service and supply centre for mines in the Bowen and Galilee Basins and provide further incentive for the growth of regional agribusiness and horticulture, and improve the safety and efficiency of regional roads. It connects the region s freight effectively to the Gladstone and Mackay Ports to power exports. The total project investment is more than $100 million with significant proposed investment from the council ($38 million), DTMR ($23 million), and private proponents GrainCorp and CQInland Port (>$42 million). Council seeks a total combined co-investment from Australian and Queensland Governments of $42 million over three years. Council requests Governments to consider extending the Inland Rail infrastructure to connect through Emerald to northern Queensland. 4

Pasture-fed beef cattle, Arcadia Valley Agribusiness and Industry Supply Road Network: Council is seeking to attract an appropriate funding partnership for the critical supply chain routes within its region. Despite record-breaking value and productivity being created by some of Queensland s largest beef and grain producers, they are not yet realising their full value. The ability to market and deliver a consistent supply of product is at risk because of major disruptions to state road infrastructure during weather events, with some roads impassable for weeks. A key example is the Springsure-Tambo Road, Queensland s central link for the movement of livestock and grain to the coast. Around 225,500 head of cattle to the value of $125 150 million are transported on this road by 2,800 B-double and road train trucks every year. Northern Australia economic development will be greatly enhanced by the connection of the Capricorn Highway with the Gregory Highway north of Emerald via a western ring road to enable heavy vehicle configurations to travel from western and southern Queensland cost effectively and to avoid the residential traffic constrictions through Emerald. Council seeks improvements to the current criterion used to model traffic counts that excludes economic activity, potential tourism growth and undermines appropriate supply chain investment. Council in conjunction with Blackall-Tambo Regional Council is seeking $80 million over eight years from Australian and Queensland Governments to pave and seal 148 km of the Springsure-Tambo Road. Fitzroy Developmental Road (Bauhinia-Duaringa): $19 million in funding to seal the 34 km gap south of Woorabinda to Bauhinia Downs. $10 million to seal the 19 km stretch of the Fitzroy Developmental Road (Taroom- Bauhinia). Council is undertaking the preliminary design for the Emerald Western Bypass and would like to highlight to the Queensland Government the need to progress construction in the immediate future. Emerald Regional Airport Master Plan: The airport is a vital component of a well-used and demonstrated employment model that augments regional business with practical logistical support from metropolitan areas. It provides an important link as the starting point for many inland tourist destinations in the drive market. Our region is exploring new passenger and freight networks and the airport will require infrastructure upgrades to facilitate those opportunities. Increased capability will link the airport infrastructure to enable the export of high-value products directly to domestic and international markets. Council requests that the Australian and Queensland Governments actively consider the importance of Emerald s airport in planning and policy decisions as a vital hub for inland connectivity for regional and international freight and passenger movement. 5

Fairbairn Dam, Emerald Appropriate water pricing policy for sustainable regional communities Secure, reliable, quality water with stable pricing underpins regional communities and economies. Central Highlands Regional Council is responsible for managing local water supplies and setting prices for water and sewerage services within the local government area. Council promotes the use of water in an efficient and sustainable manner that will benefit the economy, sustain local communities and respect the needs of the environment. Unlike the Queensland irrigation sector and councils within South-East Queensland, the price that council pays for bulk water from government owned provider, SunWater, is not regulated or reviewed through the Queensland Competition Authority, but contracts are negotiated directly. In 2014, as the Central Highlands economy faced a sharp transition from a decline in mining investment, SunWater proposed a 320% increase of their water delivery charges to council by significantly amending the value they attributed to the regulatory asset base (RAB) of its bulk water assets. Should this have proceeded it would have imposed a significant, unforeseen and unbudgeted financial burden on the entire community. Water pricing and policy reforms need to be considered in the context of broader economic and social planning mechanisms. Like other rural and regional councils, Central Highlands is unable to compete on an open market and do not have the ability to crosssubsidise services where full costs are not recoverable, such as water and sewerage in small communities. A transparent, coordinated and consultative approach to water pricing policy by SunWater, Australian and Queensland Governments with council is essential to ensure that it is fair; it supports shared aspirations to grow regional economies; it takes into account customer affordability, and the capacity of the council to cope with changes in water pricing and policy. Securing additional water allocation to power continuing growth of communities and high value agribusiness Whether ensuring supply to small communities during times of low rainfall or providing water supply that sustains high-value, high-employing agribusiness such as macadamia and citrus plantations, the availability of reliable water is critical. The Central Highlands region has an advantage over other regions due to its secure, reliable, good quality water supply. However, surface and groundwater reserves in the region are fully allocated. Council seeks the support of governments and SunWater to work in partnership to enable the full utilisation of water allocations through investment in efficient water infrastructure and the removal of unreasonable costs and barriers to temporary trade. Council seeks Australian and Queensland Government support to achieve the following: Realise distribution losses for productive use from the Nogoa- Mackenzie water supply scheme through channel lining and piping of earthen channels. Remove unreasonable costs and red tape to enable temporary transfer of unused industrial water held in reserve by resource companies for agricultural use. The construction of an offstream storage at Blackwater to reinstate the storage capacity lost from the removal of the inflatable bag at Bedford Weir. Investment in and prompt completion of the Rookwood Weir Phase 1 and 2. 6

Enhancement of the Fairbairn Dam recreational area; the living heart of the Emerald community and a key tourism and agribusiness asset Currently managed by SunWater, Lake Maraboon and its surrounds is an important regional recreational facility that offers a popular destination for domestic and international tourists and a focal point where the Central Highlands community gathers. The upgrade of this regional facility is a critical priority for economic growth of tourism to ensure the attractiveness of Emerald as a place to work and live through the provision of open space, recreation and sport. Council is currently negotiating with SunWater for the transfer of the management the aged and out-dated recreational facilities. It requires funding assistance for essential restoration of The Fairbairn Dam is the most significant regional economic enabler, tourism destination and recreational outlet for Central Queensland. Council is currently considering ownership and management of the lakeside property and infrastructure from SunWater. Council is currently seeking $3. million compensatory funding to bring the property up to a presentable and safe capacity and further funding of $4.8 million to enhance the recreational aspects of this significant community asset. The compensatory component will offset annual maintenance of approximately $2,000 that will be paid by Council. infrastructure to ensure this valuable asset is fit-for-purpose, remediate workplace health and safety noncompliance, and to realise the maximum possible value from the land and water. Empowering consumers and regional communities with reliable renewable power integrated with electricity grid infrastructure Available large, flat, freehold land, some of the highest levels of solar radiation in Australia, cost-effective and reliable wind source, and immediate proximity to the national electricity grid coupled with sub-station feed in capacity, make the Central Highlands region the ideal location for solar and wind farms. Council provided its first approval for a large-scale solar farm at Tieri in 2015 and continues to advocate strongly with multiple commercial partners to develop renewable energy opportunities in the region. Multiple opportunities arise from the construction and operation of largescale renewable projects including employment of the development workforce, encouraging local and international investment, and supporting the diversification of the region s economy. Despite these advantages, we are yet to see an initial development progress to construction. Council has identified a suitable site to provide cost effective behind the grid Council seeks co-investment to enable joint-ventures with private partners that will incentivise solar thermal plant development so that the region can continue to play its part in providing a secure, reliable and competitive energy source for Australia s future power needs. supply to the community. Creating global economic opportunities through our emerging innovation and AgTech community The NBN continues to roll out in the Central Highlands region with Emerald and Blackwater townships joining the network in June 201. Fast, affordable broadband access and mobile coverage have become staples of doing business and are particularly important for regional and rural communities to participate in the global economy and gain the full economic value from technology now commonplace in urban, agricultural and industrial enterprises. Council and the Central Highlands Development Corporation have made significant investment to support innovation and connectivity in the region including a comprehensive Digital and Telecommunications Audit and Action Plan, Building and Bridging the Region s New Economy innovation program to build and connect the region s agribusiness, mining, engineering and research strengths, and supporting its emerging tech industry with events such as the inaugural AgTeCH1:Build it, Use it, Profit forum held 8 November 201. Council welcomes cooperation with and investment from the Australian and Queensland Governments for its proactive and ongoing approach to foster innovation and take advantage of new economic opportunities. Council seeks immediate funding assistance of $6 million for six priority Black Spot locations, consideration of a further 10 eligible sites and resolution for 24 additional sites that do not meet funding eligibility criteria. 2PH State-of-the-art Packing Shed, Emerald.

Building amenity and quality of life for healthy, happy, attractive regional communities Council believes that with the high level of connectivity, industry diversity, environmental values and a lifestyle that ticks all the boxes, this region is an excellent place to live and work and provides significant cost-efficiencies for business to operate, particularly compared with many urban centres. On behalf of the region, Council is proactively developing strategies to further improve our amenity, liveability and economic opportunities. Our Central Highlands 2022 Community Plan provides a long-term road map for the Central Highlands, setting out goals, priorities and aspirations for its 13 unique place communities as well as the whole region. Reference groups have been established in each community, that work proactively to develop individual action plans to advance their communities. Lead development agency Central Highlands Development Corporation have recently delivered the Central Highlands Economic Masterplan, a thorough action plan for securing vibrant, sustainable economic growth over the next five years. Key items that have been identified by the Council as significantly adding to the amenity of the region include a secure Nogoa River crossing, replacement of the Blackwater Hospital and Multipurpose Health Service building, support for low-care aged accommodation options for Springsure, and an appropriate sporting precinct including an indoor multi-purpose stadium which can cater for activity during high temperatures. Flooding in 2008 and 2010 highlighted Council welcomes the Australian Government s move to decentralise appropriate agencies in 201. Council would support Emerald as an ideal location for agencies such as the Office of Northern Australia and facilitate this and other opportunities for government enterprises. Council seeks assistance to duplicate and raise the Vince Lester Bridge to improve flood immunity, traffic capacity and safety. Early indications provided suggest that this will require around $150 million; an options analysis is being undertaken by DTMR. Queensland Health has land available suitable for the purpose of the new Blackwater health service building; Council seeks commitments of estimated $6.5 million to complete its replacement with a modular solution. the need for a secure Nogoa River crossing in Emerald that provides safe evacuation for 6,000 residents and an appropriate community facility that can be utilised as an emergency shelter. Council recognises that a regional sporting stadium capable of hosting carnivals with multiple teams will serve the predominantly young population, attract families to the region and generate income. $2.85 million is required to complete fundraising of $280,000 and land donation by the local community of Springsure to build nine assisted-care living units and a community centre. Council has supported the Ivy Anderson aged persons home by developing concept plans. Council seeks $300,000 to progress the scoping, options and business case for a regional sporting precinct and indoor stadium. Early estimates are $5 million in total cost of construction. A private donor has provided land for an entertainment centre in Emerald. Council is contributing planning and design support and seeks assistance from the Australian and Queensland Government of $25 million for its construction. For further information Kerry Hayes, Mayor, Central Highlands Regional Council E mayor@chrc.qld.gov.au M 0438 828 335 T 1300 242 686 Scott Mason, Chief Executive Officer, Central Highlands Regional Council E smason@chrc.qld.gov.au M 044 699 190 T 1300 242 686 Sandra Hobbs, General Manager, Central Highlands Development Corporation E shobbs@chdc.com.au M 0412 454 8 T (0) 4982 4386 Disclaimer: Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) and Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) has prepared the information in this document as a general reference only. CHDC and CHRC has made every effort to ensure that the details in this document are correct and cannot be held liable for any inaccuracy or misrepresentation, whether by inclusion, omission, change or withdrawal of services without notice. CHDC and CHRC does not accept liability for any errors, losses or damage that arise from the use of this document. All persons using or relying upon this document do so at their own risk and undertake sole responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of that content and should not act or refrain from acting solely on the basis of this document. In this document, references to other sources and resources are made available solely for convenience and may not remain current or be maintained and are not an endorsement. CHDC and CHRC is not responsible for the content, materials or privacy practices associated with noted sources and resources. If you become aware of any problems with this document, you must inform CHDC and CHRC immediately.