Stop, stay and spend in the Central Highlands

‘If someone was driving through your town, what would make them stop, stay and spend money and time in your town?’

This was the question that Central Highlands’ community groups discussed at their annual meeting, the 2018 Regional Community Summit, in Emerald last week.

Chair of the Community Planning Advisory Group Cr Charlie Brimblecombe said the meeting highlights people’s pride and willingness to develop their communities.

‘The summit is a celebration of achievements of our community groups and the partnership amongst them and council,’ he said.

‘But this year’s theme especially highlighted the uniqueness of our communities and demonstrated how passionate people are about attracting visitors and showcasing what’s great about their area.

‘Whether it’s Rolleston progressing their park and attracting people to enjoy the space with great coffee or Comet and Duaringa guiding visitors through town along historic walking trails, these projects attract people and dollars flow into the communities.’

Each of the thirteen community reference groups displayed and presented their top drawcard for visitors and the attractions were plentiful.

From historic walking trails through the towns dotted along the railway line, to the Blackwater International Coal Centre, to community sport and horse racing events and the region’s great outdoors that suit boaties, hikers and fossickers alike, there is somewhere for everyone to stop, stay and spend.

Even culinary delights were on display at the event with Springsure making Queensland’s best sausages, Tieri’s one-of-a-kind beef jerky and the Fairbairn Dam’s red claw pizza.

The summit is hosted each year by Central Highlands Regional Council to bring together the region’s community reference groups, councillors and council staff.