History of Frontier CQ

Frontier CQ builds on a series of activities and initiatives established in the Central Highlands over recent years. Following the closure of the Emerald Agricultural College in 2018, innovators in the agriculture and mining industries have championed new approaches that have brought the region’s entrepreneurial community together. Frontier CQ now aims to create an enduring approach to regional diversification and sustainable growth.

  • 2018

    Emerald Agricultural College closes - QLD Government closes the Emerald Agricultural College. DAF use the centre as their Emerald Research Facility.

  • 2019

    Agfrontier 1.0 - The AgFrontier Regional Agtech Incubator program (2019 – 2020) begins, producing renowned alumni such as SwarmFarm Robotics and LYRO Robotics.

  • 2020

    Disaster Centre and AgFrontier 2.0 - Central Highlands council lease part of DAF’s research facility as a Local Disaster Coordination Centre and the second iteration of the AgFrontier Regional Agtech Catalyst program begins.

  • 2021

    Smart Cropping Centre - QLD Government announces plans to convert centre into the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre (CQSCC) and is included in the QLD Smart Farms initiative.

  • 2022

    Frontier CQ Masterplan - CHDC is asked by the PMO and DAF to draft a proposal for the creation of a masterplan for an Ag and Industry Tech Precinct with broad industry benefits.

  • 2024

    Frontier CQ Roadmap Development - CHDC commissions the development of a roadmap and business case for Frontier CQ.

Frontier CQ is community informed and is being shaped to support the Central Highlands regional economy with input from people like you.