Our council

Overview

Central Highlands Regional Council was created on 15 March 2008 following amalgamation of the former Shires of Bauhinia, Duaringa, Emerald and Peak Downs.

Our region extends over approximately 60,000 square kilometres, stretching from Arcadia Valley in the south to the Peak Ranges in the north, east from Boolburra to Bogantungan in the west.

We administer in excess of $1.1 billion in assets, including nine library branches, six aquatic centres and seven customer service centres. We maintain 4632 km of roads and numerous parks and gardens, including the impressive botanical gardens in Emerald, the linear parkland in Capella and the Japanese Gardens in Blackwater.

Other services include youth and indigenous programs, art spaces, cultural and community development, animal management, public housing, water and sewerage, waste collection and kerbside recycling.

More information, including detailed information on towns and areas within the region, can be found on our Community Profile page.

Structure

Our council has 5 operational departments:

  • Communities – planning and development; connected communities; public relations and events; community recreation and facilities; disaster management
  • Infrastructure & Utilities – infrastructure, water utilities, project development and contract delivery; fleet, workshops and depot operations
  • Commercial and Corporate Services Emerald Airport, Emerald Saleyards; customer service, governance, information and property services; people and culture; information and communication technology; safety and wellness
  • CFO Office – financial services; procurement
  • Office of the CEO

Local Government in Queensland

Councils in Queensland are established under the Local Government Act 2009. The Local Government Association of Queensland is the peak body for local government in Queensland. It is a not-for-profit association setup to serve the state’s 77 councils.

  • Our mission

    We are a council committed to continuous improvement, a sustainable future and efficient investment in our communities.

  • Our vision

    A progressive region creating opportunities for all.

  • Our values

    Respect and integrity

    • Building trust, teamwork, communication and a shared understanding.
    • Actively listening to our communities.

    Accountability and transparency

    • Equal opportunities, fair and open consultation and communication.
    • Accepting responsibility for our actions.

    Providing value

    • Best value for money outcomes for our community.
    • Collaboration, managing expectations and working towards common goals.
    • Deliver efficiency and effectiveness in all that we do.

    Commitment and teamwork

    • Continually improve on our achievements and drive innovative solutions.
    • Lead change and continuous improvement in delivering for our community.
    • Promote a positive health and safety culture.
  • Key priorities
    1. Strong vibrant communities.
    2. Building and maintaining quality infrastructure.
    3. Supporting our local economy.
    4. Protecting our people and our environment.
    5. Leadership and governance.
    6. Our organisation.

We are a council committed to continuous improvement, a sustainable future and efficient investment in our communities.

A progressive region creating opportunities for all.

Respect and integrity

  • Building trust, teamwork, communication and a shared understanding.
  • Actively listening to our communities.

Accountability and transparency

  • Equal opportunities, fair and open consultation and communication.
  • Accepting responsibility for our actions.

Providing value

  • Best value for money outcomes for our community.
  • Collaboration, managing expectations and working towards common goals.
  • Deliver efficiency and effectiveness in all that we do.

Commitment and teamwork

  • Continually improve on our achievements and drive innovative solutions.
  • Lead change and continuous improvement in delivering for our community.
  • Promote a positive health and safety culture.
  1. Strong vibrant communities.
  2. Building and maintaining quality infrastructure.
  3. Supporting our local economy.
  4. Protecting our people and our environment.
  5. Leadership and governance.
  6. Our organisation.

Emergency Management Dashboard

Up-to-date weather, road closure and disaster information.