Coming Soon: The Gemfields ‘Local Convo’s Convoy’ will tour four townships in four days, in search of deeper community direction for improved local lifestyles.

From June Thursday 1 June to Sunday 4 June, council will deploy the ‘Local Convo’s Convoy’ in alignment with the Gemfields planning study. Destined for four key townships (Sapphire, Rubyvale, Willows and Anakie) the goal of the convoy is for locals to pull up, drop stumps and chat with council in their own places and spaces to gather deeper, location-specific insights on their communities.

Council is inviting every resident of the Gemfields to drop in to their relevant township session, meet with the crew and have a say at the following sessions:

• Anakie Hall, Thursday 1 June, 2 am-6 pm
• Willows Recreation Club Friday 2 June, 9 am-1 pm
• Rubyvale Hall Saturday 3 June, 7.30 am to 12 pm
• Sapphire Hall Sunday 4 June, 7.30 am to 12 pm

Participants can expect an update on process related to the State Government’s Small-Scale Mining Reform process.

Everyone is welcome and council encourages people to get out and attend a session. Food, drinks, and takeaway information will be provided.

This convoy marks the second round of engagement on councils Gemfields planning study. The first, a community open day (Sunday 6 November), was attended by more than 300 residents.

Anyone unable to attend, can email their thoughts directly to council via the dedicated project email gemfields@chrc.qld.gov.au or check out alternate ways to Have a Say and seek ongoing project updates via council’s website: chrc.info/gemfields

What is the Gemfields Planning Study?

The Gemfields Planning Study is a blueprint that will tell us how we can protect, preserve and strengthen the future of communities in the Gemfields - together!

It will look at all aspects of the Gemfields valued and distinct character while at the same time shaping the direction for appropriate change and growth.

Whilst any potential changes to small-scale mining will be taken into account, this planning study is a separate project. It will be looking at a much broader picture of the challenges and opportunities that effect the communities of the Gemfields.

Central Highlands Regional Council, supported by the Queensland Government‘s Department of Resources, is supporting the planning study which will focus on working with the communities of Sapphire, Rubyvale, Willows and Anakie and immediate surrounds for this important future-focused project.

The planning study will aim to provide a full picture of the challenges and opportunities that affect the Gemfields and identify where changes can be supported to further strengthen, grow and support these communities now and into the future. These changes may include land tenure, mining tenure, zoning, building and infrastructure required to service these communities.

What exactly will the study do?

The planning study will explore a range of opportunities and challenges to inform options to service the Gemfields communities sustainably. A draft scope of work has been developed and will require further input from the community to shape the study and its outcomes. One of the first phases of the study is to review what exists across the communities now, such as location and time left on existing land tenure through to an understanding of current infrastructure and the existing resource capacity which will all inform a background report.

The outcome of the planning study will be a document that will investigate the identified options and provide a recommendation on the preferred development outcome including land tenure, infrastructure requirements and feasibility analysis.

The study will result in the establishment of a future plan and an implementation strategy setting clear and realistic actions and timeframes for the communities.

How will the community be involved in the study?

Council recognises the importance of this project and the opportunity to openly engage with our communities, especially in light of potential changes to the regulation on small-scale mining for the Gemfields.

Council wants to take a targeted approach to engagement with the community and stakeholders and has appointed a Community and Stakeholder Project Reference Group (PRG). The PRG includes a diverse range of relevant stakeholders as well as council members. Further details on the PRG can be found under FAQs in the righthand panel of this page.

In addition to the PRG, council will host a range of workshops and information sessions with the broader community and interested parties throughout the process.

How can I stay informed?

Project updates will be shared on this page. Select 'subscribe' (on the right of the page or at the bottom of the page on a mobile device) if you would like to receive project updates via email.

Currently, the PRG and Council are working together to finalise the Community Engagement Plan for the project to ensure consultation with the community is delivered in a targeted, relevant manner that works best for the residents of the Gemfields. This communications strategy and engagement plan is an important tool that will ensure that the views of the community are used to help guide the study’s progression and ultimately the future plan.

For enquiries about this project, please contact council's Planning and Development team on 1300 242 686 or gemfields@chrc.qld.gov.au.