Wanted: treechangers to revitalise the bush

A Blueprint for the Bush initiative to improve the image and perceptions of rural life and attract urban "treechangers" will get underway with $1.3 million in Queensland Government funding.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the project – which included a Country Week expo - would strengthen rural-urban relationships and help bridge the gap between the city and the bush.

"I think most city people are aware of some of the challenges faced by people in the bush, particularly the hardships caused by the drought," Mr Pitt said.

"But there is very limited research on whether city dwellers understand the full range of issues that affect rural people and their communities.

"The major part of this funding will allow in-depth research to be carried out on perceptions of rural life and implement a statewide campaign promoting the bush."

The expertise and knowledge of Blueprint for the Bush partner AgForce will be integral to shaping an effective campaign.

Funding will also support a Country Week expo to promote the benefits of living and working in country and regional Queensland, to residents and visitors seeking a change in lifestyle.

"These people are often referred to as ‘treechangers’," Mr Pitt said.

"They can make a big difference to the economic viability of rural communities by slowing population decline, increasing business, keeping school numbers up and sustaining services such as post offices and banks."

AgForce Queensland president Peter Kenny praised the Queensland Government for recognising the need to bridge the city-country divide by providing funding to help promote the bush.

"A year ago, AgForce embarked on its innovative Every Family Needs a Farmer campaign,’’ Mr Kenny said.

"This proactive initiative was designed to help bridge this very divide by educating urban consumers on where their food and fibre comes from and what farmers do every day.

"This funding announcement will not only ensure we continue to get these vital messages out there but also help bring Queenslanders together."

The Revitalising Rural Image Funding will be used over three years and is part of the $30 million Blueprint for the Bush Strengthening Rural Communities Strategy.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), another Blueprint for the Bush partner, said the blueprint recognised the importance of building strong, rural communities.

LGAQ president Cr Paul Bell said rural communities could be strengthened by helping them connect with and be understood by the wider Queensland community.

"Currently, it appears that rural communities feel undervalued and not well understood, particularly by city folk," Cr Bell said.

"This funding is aimed at addressing this misunderstanding and bringing the rural and urban sectors closer together."

For more information, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au or contact your local Department of Communities regional office.

Media contacts:         Peter Nibbs (for Minister Pitt) 3235 4280