The Oakey–Cooyar Road runs through from south to west, locally known as Pechey - Maclagan Road from where it turns west. Pechey - Maclagan Road enters from the south-east and joins Oakey–Cooyar Road.[3]
There are coal mines in the south-west of the locality operated by New Acland Coal Pty Ltd. Apart from these, the rest of the locality is a mix of grazing on native vegetation and crop growing.[4]
In the 2016 census, Highland Plains had a population of 41 people.[10]
In the 2021 census, Highland Plains had a population of 60 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Highland Plains. The nearest government primary schools are Goombungee State School in neighbouring Goombungee to the east, Kulpi State School in Kulpi to the north-west, and Haden State School in Haden to the north-east. The nearest government secondary schools are Quinalow State School (to Year 10) in Quinalow to the north-west, Oakey State High School (to Year 12) in Oakey to the south.[11]