Public consultation now open - Find out more and have your say!

Public consultation is now open (from Monday, 23 February 2026) on the proposed Planning Instrument Change (PIC), which seeks to bring the Blackwater and Blackwater East Priority Development Areas back into the Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme.

Council invites community members to learn more about the proposal and share their feedback. You can get involved by:

1. Reviewing the information sheets and other information available on this page (see the documents in the right‑hand panel)
2. Viewing the proposed changes in the ePlan
3. Attending one of six drop‑in engagement sessions in Blackwater, Emerald, or online (see below)
4. Contacting Council by phone (1300 686 242) or email (townplanning@chrc.qld.gov.au) to speak directly with a planner
5. Making a submission - For information on how to make a submission - refer to Information Sheet #3: How to make a submission.

Join Us at a Community Drop‑In Session

As part of the public consultation on the proposed Planning Instrument Change, Council is hosting a series of drop‑in engagement events across Blackwater, Emerald and online. Come along, speak with our team, and learn more about the proposed changes.

Upcoming Sessions:

• Wednesday, 4 March 2026 – Blackwater
  • 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, Blackwater Shopping Centre
  • 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Blackwater Library
• Thursday, 12 March 2026 – Emerald
  • 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Emerald Civic Centre (Gallery Room)
• Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – Online
  • 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Microsoft Teams Meeting (link TBA)
• Thursday, 19 March 2026 – Online
  • 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Microsoft Teams Meeting (link TBA)
• Thursday, 26 March 2026 – Blackwater
  • 5:00 pm, Blackwater CRG – Civic Centre

We encourage community members to drop in, ask questions, and share their feedback.