FAQs
- Developing and maintaining infrastructure (roads, footpaths, water, telecommunications)
- Activating and creating public spaces and improving existing assets for community enjoyment
- Fostering and supporting volunteerism, community groups and community spirit
- Supporting our youth and families by providing opportunities for development and recreation
- Aging in place and providing care for all stages of life
- Diversifying the local economy by attracting new industries and supporting existing industries
- Developing destination tourism to attract more visitors
2043 Vision Project Journey
The Beginning... 
On 5 May the vision conversation started. The vision team have travelled over 1,000 kms to hear from residents in all corners of the Central Highlands, hosting roundtable conversations and pop-up booths. Community visions have been shared through surveys and posts cards, DIY conversations, in libraries and customer service centres, at pop-up booths and community meetings. This first round of engagement ran through to 9 July 2023.
Who we spoke to…
We spoke to people from all corners of the Central Highlands. Our
youngest contributor was just three and we’ve had input from all ages up to over 80 years old. Women were the main contributors to the vison so far at 58.8% of responses. We have also seen good participation from First Nations people (5.6% of responses), people born overseas (21.3%), people who speak a language other than English at home (13.8%) and people who live with a disability (3.5%).
What we heard...
We received 1,600 community contributions with a huge range of great ideas for a regional Central Highlands vision for 2043, and visions for each place-based community.
Ideas spanned from recycling programs to railways, a mountain bike track to more small businesses, a new agricultural college to aged care services.
People love living in the Central Highlands but there are challenges and opportunities for the region and towns over the next 20 years.
An independent team has looked at each and every one of your contributions to produce a detailed report split into five priority areas – built environment, community, economy, governance and natural environment – for the Central Highlands and each of the 13 communities in the region.
The most important priorities identified by responses received related to the built environment, community and economy.
Built Environment Built structures, features and facilities | Community Culture, events and services that bring us together and support us | Economy People and businesses that provide jobs, education, goods and services |
Round 2!
The Draft 2043 Community Vision, along with the draft regional profile and a profile for each of the 13 Communities was circulated in October 2023 for review by the Central Highlands communities.
We wanted to ensure that we heard what the community were saying they would like to see as part of the vision documents and profiles. Over 300 responses were received! Council was thrilled with the dedication that community showed to ensuring the 2043 Vision was an accurate reflection of their aspirations and hopes for the region for the next 20 years.
We analysed the feedback and finalised the documents that were presented to council. It was voted by the councillors to be received in the last council meeting for 2023 on 13 December.
Council has also compiled a 2043 Vision Highlights flyer to inform community about council projects between January and June 2023 that already align with the Vision. A similar flyer will be published at the beginning of each financial year and reported on as part of councils annual report.
Next steps…
The 2043 Vision and profiles are community developed, owned and led. Council wanted to create a resource the whole community could use to ensure we are working together to achieve a united vision for our diverse area.
This is a great resource when planning events, projects, works, grants and funding opportunities to ensure that it aligns to the regions vision.
Together, we all have a role to play in shaping what 2043 will look like; it’s an ongoing and shared effort. While we, as council staff, are in a position to help shape what 2043 will look like for our area, this is not just for council. This is a great resource for community groups, grant applicants and local businesses eager to support the communities goals.
Find out more about the 2043 Vision, check out the amazing ways the Vision is already being used or submit how you have made the Vision a reality today!
What is a community vision?
A community vision is a collaboration between the community that outlines what we aspire to be and achieve, our priorities for the future, what we like and what can be improved for the Central Highlands region overall and the region’s 13 communities.
How will the community vision be used?
By articulating what we want the Central Highlands to be, individuals and households, businesses, community groups, charities, religious groups and governments can make plans that are guided and informed by the vision and aim to achieve what it is the community wants.
For instance, the community vision will be used by council to help set the direction and inform day-to-day projects and programs and assist in strategic planning or a community group may use the vision to support and help make-the-case in an application for a grant.
What will the community vision include?
The vision will include the aspiration and priorities under the following categories: built environment, natural environment, community, economy and governance. Other categories can be added – this is a community led and informed process. Specific community visions can look very different depending on the unique needs of that community.
To continue to respond to our region’s needs, we want to ensure we have a vision for the entire region and the communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Gemfields, Rolleston, Springsure and Tieri.
Isn’t this council’s responsibility?
There is no longer any legal requirement to have a community plan or a community vision. However, council feels it is important for the community to clearly articulate what is most important to them. The community vision will be a community owned document. Council is just here to help you write it.
Haven't we done this before? Don’t we already have a plan?
The Community Plan 2022, which was developed in 2012 and refreshed in 2019 has now expired last June. So, it's time to set a new vision. The community vision will build on the conversations we’ve had in the past, what we learnt from you in previous community planning projects and identify what’s changed that we need to consider in the new vision.
Why prepare a community vision and not a community plan? What’s the difference?
Previous legislation required Queensland councils to have a community plan. While this legislative requirement no longer exists, council believes we need a community vision to guide and inform community decision making for the future. Unlike a community plan, a vision is owned by the community and can be delivered by community with support of council and others.
Does council have to agree with everything in the vision?
No, and it’s okay for the community to want something different to council. The purpose of the vision is to clarify what the community’s feels is important in the future and for council to decide how to consider and respond to this this in future decision making.
Who will be involved in creating the community vision?
If you live, work, play or have a connection to the Central Highlands your participation is welcome in creating the community vision. The Central Highlands as a region all the way through to the smallest townships will be encouraged and invited to actively participate.
How can I participate?
There are many ways to share your vision. All community members are invited to attend the Regional Roundtable Roadshow, a series of roundtable conversations held throughout the Central Highlands region. If you can’t make it, you can also join a roundtable conversation online. Council team members will also be out and about at pop-up booths throughout the region. A survey is also available online at Have Your Say Central Highlands, and paper copies available at council libraries and customer service locations. Additional engagement sessions will also be run with different stakeholder groups.