Long-term vision for Charters Towers CBD underway
Published on 23 September 2026
Charters Towers Regional Council is embarking on an exciting new project to develop a long-term vision for the future of the Charters Towers CBD, with community involvement set to play a key role as the project progresses.
To support the project, Council has adopted a Community Engagement Plan that outlines how residents, businesses, property owners, community groups and visitors will be engaged throughout the development of the CBD Master Plan.
The CBD Master Plan will provide a framework to guide future investment, funding opportunities and public space improvements while building on the rich heritage, distinctive character and historic streetscape that make the Charters Towers CBD unique.
Mayor Liz Schmidt said the Charters Towers CBD is at the heart of the region and plays an important role as a centre for business, community life and tourism, with the adoption of the Community Engagement Plan marking an important milestone in the project.
"The Community Engagement Plan outlines how Council will work with residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders to ensure they have meaningful opportunities to contribute at key stages.
"This project is about developing a shared vision for the future of the CBD that reflects community aspirations and identifies opportunities for improvement and investment," Mayor Schmidt said.
As community needs evolve and infrastructure ages, the project provides an opportunity to consider how the CBD can continue supporting residents, businesses and visitors while retaining the qualities that make it a valued and recognisable part of Charters Towers.
The project will explore a range of topics, including:
- What people value most about the CBD
- Current strengths, challenges and opportunities
- Accessibility and movement throughout the town centre
- Public spaces and streetscapes
- Support for local businesses and economic activity
- Heritage and local character
- Aspirations for the CBD over the coming decades
Supported by Queensland Government funding, Council has engaged planning and engineering consultancy GHD to assist with technical investigations, community engagement activities and development of the Master Plan.
Feedback gathered throughout the project will be considered alongside technical studies, legislative requirements, budget considerations and other factors influencing future decision-making.
Council will provide regular updates and advise the community of opportunities to participate through its website, social media channels and stakeholder networks as key milestones are reached.
Once completed, the Master Plan will identify future priorities, potential projects, staging considerations and indicative costs to help guide future investment and funding opportunities across the CBD.
Community members are encouraged to follow the project and view the Community Engagement Plan via Council's Have Your Say portal at haveyoursay.charterstowers.qld.gov.au.
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