Rural planning processes and the Blueprint for the Bush will be on the agenda when the Ministerial Regional Community Forum for the Darling Downs–South West Queensland region convenes in Surat today (26 March).

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine and Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson will attend the forum.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communities Warren Pitt and Regional Queensland Councillor for the Darling Downs–South West Queensland region, said the MPs would discuss the issue of rural planning processes with regional representatives, known as forum members.

The 26 March forum will be the first time that newly appointed forum members from the Darling Downs–South West Queensland region will take part in the important event. Members include:

• Ms Monica James, a Community Development Officer with the Quilpie Shire who is active in her community as a member of numerous committees and networks.
• Mr Bill Cahill, a councillor for the Crows Nest Shire who is interested in the establishment and development of local businesses.
• Ms Linda White, a school counsellor in Toowoomba interested in young people’s issues and representing young people in the region.
• Mrs Grace Weatherall, an Elder for the Toowoomba and far west communities who is interested in the welfare of Indigenous people and their communities.
• Mr Phillip McCullough from Toowoomba, CEO of the Condamine Alliance who has experience in leading community engagement processes regarding catchment management and land care.
• Mr Keith Clarke from Augathella, works for the Augathella Cultural Association and has a background in rural industries together with an interest in rural transport issues.
• Mr Robert Holden, retired from Dalby and has a strong interest in seniors, crime prevention and local community issues.
• Mr Trevor Cooper, councillor for the Stanthorpe Shire Council who has a strong interest in learning communities, particularly in the Granite Belt region.
• Ms Diana Johnston, from Toowoomba, Area Manager for Endeavour Foundation’s Disability Services for south west Queensland who has an interest in small business through her involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and Women on the Move.
• Mr Hugh Rose, from Toowoomba, a former headmaster for the Toowoomba Grammar school who is interested in education and small business issues.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine's office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350