Community forum to help north Queenslanders push through the pandemic

The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to regional communities, jobs, and economic recovery is in focus at the North-North West Queensland Regional Community Forum at Thuringowa today.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the forum is a platform to bring together local community members and government representatives to discuss opportunities to progress future jobs and growth in the region.   

“Queenslanders from our north and north-west are a key part of our COVID economic recovery plan,” Mr Dick said.

“We have seen great strength and resilience from Queenslanders throughout this pandemic, as well as innovation and agility from businesses all over the state.

“To support businesses and families, our $6 billion recovery strategy Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs will get us through the pandemic, and forums like this will help us build towards future prosperity.

“Today is an opportunity to hear from the community about how we can continue to drive industry, support business and create a brighter future together.”

Forum participants visited the Advanced Manufacturing Hub and Bohle TAFE Trade Training Centre, and the action plan discussion agenda covered job opportunities, skilling workers, agriculture, social concerns and more.

Today’s event is the fourth in a series of forums held at seven regional locations across Queensland, bringing together local community members and government representatives to discuss opportunities to progress future jobs and growth in the region.    

Member for Thuringowa and forum co-chair Aaron Harper said the initiative provided important insights for regional Queensland.

“The forums help to create a shared understanding about how we can best serve our communities and highlight ways we can work together on solutions and ideas to create more jobs and build our economy,” Mr Harper said.

“As the local member for Thuringowa, I hear my community’s concerns regularly, and this forum is a way for the broader north Queensland region to share that understanding.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the forum is a great opportunity for the community to share information and experiences.

“Every community in Queensland is different, but it’s no secret we like to think north Queensland is the most unique part of our state,” Mr Stewart said.

“It’s important we have forums like this to prioritise our efforts and ensure we are working towards the same goals, to create more jobs and safer, stronger communities.

Regional Community Forums are also taking place in central Queensland, Darling Downs and south-west Queensland, Far North Queensland, Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, western Queensland, and Wide Bay-Burnett and Fraser Coast as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Advancing Queensland’s Regions strategy.

Learn more about Queensland’s plan for economic recovery post-COVID: covid19.qld.gov.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284