The Central Highlands Development Corporation officially makes Peter Dowling new CEO

After months of limbo, the Central Highlands Development Corporation finally has a new CEO.

After months of limbo, the Central Highlands Development Corporation has a new CEO.

Peter Dowling has accepted the position of CEO by the CHDC’s board members after acting in the role since May, when previous CEO, Arjun Bloemer, resigned.

Before he was manning the interim position, Mr Dowling was the general manager of the corporation from 2000 – 2008 and the Business and Investment Attraction manager for three years.

Mr Dowling also has considerable knowledge of the resources industry and regional economic development.

He’s long been passionate about what the Central Highlands regional area is capable of achieving in terms of evolving as a community.

“I’ve long known that the Central Highlands is a special part of the world with loads of potential to grow so what’s most exciting for me about this role is the chance to lead an organisation that’s playing an active part in realising that potential,” Mr Dowling said.

As CEO, his top goal for the CHDC is to make sure it delivers on its promise to increase its financial prospects to assist the Central Highlands Regional Council area as a vibrant inland region of choice.

“We recently adopted a three-year Corporate Strategy which maps out a clear direction forward for CHDC and will underpin all the work we do,” Mr Dowling said.

“I’m particularly keen to put a sharp focus on the issues identified in the 2022 Central Highlands Business Survey around labour shortages, rising costs and supply chain challenges.

“I’ve had years of experience engaging with all levels of government, key decision makers, and investors to promote our region and now I’m really looking forward to escalating that advocacy as CEO.”

In the next year, the CHDC will hold the 2023 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards, introduce a fresh online employment hub, encourage further expansion in the region’s agriculture and tourist sectors, and refresh the Central Highlands Economic Master Plan – Action plan.

 Central Highlands mayor and CHDC Board chair Kerry Hayes has the utmost confidence in Mr Dowling’s ability to perform the job well.

“Peter has done an outstanding job as interim CEO by ensuring CHDC continued to deliver on its agenda for the year and by building an exceptional workplace culture,” Cr Hayes said.

“CHDC has its hands in many critical projects for the region, including the Emerald Robotics Tech Park concept, and it was essential that we maintained the momentum during this transition period.

“Peter did that in spades and the Board is thrilled he’s accepted our offer to make his role permanent.”