Townsville to host Queensland councils

Townsville will host Mayors and CEOs from councils across the state in August for the first Regional Round Table to address the challenges facing local governments.   

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said the topic for the inaugural meeting, Financial Sustainability in Local Government, was suggested by the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.

“Councils across the state have made it clear financial sustainability is their top priority,” Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said.

“In an era of declining revenues and increased demand on services, all levels of government have to work smarter to deliver for their communities.

“This is an opportunity for Mayors to put forward their ideas and work collectively with the state to come up with realistic solutions.”

The Regional Round Table will focus on developing a sustainability reform plan for councils that includes sharing regional services, private-public partnerships, GST allocations, and the funding of depreciation.

Representatives from the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Treasury Corporation and the Auditor General will attend to provide expert advice.

“I don’t want this to be another talk-fest but rather a genuine opportunity for councils and the State to tackle the financial challenges we currently face,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Governments need to pull together now and work towards the common goal of making Queensland prosperous again.”

The Regional Round Table will be held over two days at Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino from 14 to 15 August, 2013.

[ENDS] 14 June 2013

Media Contact:            Monica Rostron 0409 126 332

                                    Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627