Rockhampton to host Community Cabinet in May

Published Friday, 24 April, 2015 at 11:30 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Sport and Racing
The Honourable Bill Byrne

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced that Rockhampton would play host to her government’s second Community Cabinet on 24 and 25 May.

The Premier said while cyclone recovery efforts in Rockhampton and Yeppoon were ongoing, the Central Queensland area was open for business and a Community Cabinet was a great chance for locals to have a say.

“Local communities like Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Biloela are well on the road to recovery and open for business,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We know there is work to be done and we’re eager to give the community the extra support they need to rebuild their lives, their businesses and their local area.

“We are inviting local businesses, families and workers to come along to share their ideas on how we can help their recovery efforts and make the Rockhampton and Yeppoon area an even better place than before.”

Member for Rockhampton, Bill Byrne, said the local area would benefit.

“We promised we would be a Government of consultation and holding a Community Cabinet right here in Rockhampton shows we’re serious,” Mr Byrne said.

“A lot has been done following Cyclone Marcia and we’re well on the way to recovery but I’m sure members of our community will have their own ideas and this a great way to air them.

“This is the beef capital of Australia and we have a lot to be proud of.

“Holding a Community Cabinet here is great show of confidence in our local area.”

Member for Keppel, Brittany Lauga, said it was a great chance for the local community to raise issues with the Government.

“Community Cabinet will give them the opportunity to speak directly with Ministers and Directors-General about reconstruction following the natural disasters, and raise other issues affecting the region,” she said.

“We want to listen to the community about what matters to them and what more we might be able to do for our local community whether it be better supporting the local resources industry or building better roads.”

The Rockhampton and Yeppoon Community Cabinet will be held on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May at North Rockhampton State High School.

A public forum will be held from 1pm, Sunday 24 May, with formal deputations to take place from 2pm to 4.30pm.

The community is encouraged to request a formal deputation to ensure a meeting with the representative of their choice.

Visit www.qld.gov.au/communitycabinet or phone 1800 448 377 to request a deputation.

Forms can also be requested from your local State Member of Parliament or local Council customer service centre.

Media contact: 0428 510 973