Published Thursday, 12 April, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
GOVERNMENT HEADS REPORT BACK TO CENTRAL QLD
The Directors-General of a range of State Government agencies today travelled back to Central Queensland to continue talks with mayors on the booming region’s future.
Premier Peter Beattie said the delegation followed last year’s tour of Moura, Blackwater, Emerald, Dysart and Moranbah where a raft of actions were proposed to help address the region’s needs in the midst of unprecedented growth.
“The meeting today further addressed those issues and demonstrates the strong and growing relationship between state and local governments and the mining companies,” Mr Beattie said.
“The range of issues affecting the area – from accommodation standards for mining industry workers, to the increased release of land for purchase to accelerated regional planning in the region, to water requirements of mining communities – requires a partnership approach between different levels of government and the industry.
“I gave a commitment that a better relationship would be established and built upon and today’s meeting was held so departmental heads could report back on progress of the actions arising from last year’s Central Queensland trip.
“It is part of the State Government's genuine commitment to recognise and address the unique needs of these communities, which are being impacted on by the accelerated growth in the mining sector.
“The resources boom is providing a wide range of jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders, but it’s not without its challenges, particularly in regional areas.
“The Government will continue to work with the affected local councils to assist them in addressing the challenges they face as a result of rapid growth.”
The Departments represented today included State Development; Housing; Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation; Natural Resources and Water; Communities; Transport and Main Roads.
ENDS
Thursday, 12 April 2007
Premier Peter Beattie said the delegation followed last year’s tour of Moura, Blackwater, Emerald, Dysart and Moranbah where a raft of actions were proposed to help address the region’s needs in the midst of unprecedented growth.
“The meeting today further addressed those issues and demonstrates the strong and growing relationship between state and local governments and the mining companies,” Mr Beattie said.
“The range of issues affecting the area – from accommodation standards for mining industry workers, to the increased release of land for purchase to accelerated regional planning in the region, to water requirements of mining communities – requires a partnership approach between different levels of government and the industry.
“I gave a commitment that a better relationship would be established and built upon and today’s meeting was held so departmental heads could report back on progress of the actions arising from last year’s Central Queensland trip.
“It is part of the State Government's genuine commitment to recognise and address the unique needs of these communities, which are being impacted on by the accelerated growth in the mining sector.
“The resources boom is providing a wide range of jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders, but it’s not without its challenges, particularly in regional areas.
“The Government will continue to work with the affected local councils to assist them in addressing the challenges they face as a result of rapid growth.”
The Departments represented today included State Development; Housing; Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation; Natural Resources and Water; Communities; Transport and Main Roads.
ENDS
Thursday, 12 April 2007