Community-focused people sought for government regional bodies

The Queensland Government is looking for community representatives keen to help shape the future of the local region.

The Acting Minister for Communities, Kerry Shine, is encouraging people from throughout Queensland to nominate to join the Ministerial Regional Community Forum in their region.

“Ministerial Regional Community Forums are a Queensland Government initiative to provide an opportunity to become involved in government decision making,” Mr Shine said.

“The forums are held four times a year and are made up of volunteer community representatives. These representatives consult with local communities to identify and understand the significant social, economic and environmental issues in the region.

“Forum members meet with Cabinet Ministers to discuss public policy issues and recommend community-supported initiatives that will improve outcomes for their region and the state as a whole,” he said.

Ministerial Regional Community Forums operate in 10 regions:

• Far North Queensland
• North Queensland
• Mackay and Whitsunday
• Fitzroy and Central West Queensland
• Wide Bay Burnett
• Sunshine Coast
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Moreton and
• Darling Downs South West Queensland.

“Forum members play a vital role in representing the views and issues of their community to the Queensland Government,” Mr Shine said.

“Ministerial Regional Community Forum members identify regional priorities and strategic opportunities, as well as demonstrating strong leadership and positively contributing to community outcomes in the region.

“I encourage all Queenslanders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to nominate to become a Ministerial Regional Community Forum member.”

There are 10 forum members appointed for each region. Members serve for a period of up to three years.

Nominations close Friday 19 January 2007.

For more information on Ministerial Regional Community Forum or to receive a copy of the nomination form and information pack please phone 4760 7416 or email MRCFinfo@communities.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Joe Begley 3235 4286