Mining developments on agenda at Highfields forum

Mining and energy development issues in the Surat Basin will be on the agenda when the Ministerial Regional Community Forum for the Darling Downs and south-west Queensland region comes to Highfields, outside of Toowoomba, this month.

The Minister for Health, Stephen Robertson, and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine, are scheduled to attend the public forum on Monday 24 September.

The Minister for Communities, Warren Pitt, said Queensland Government Ministers and Members of Parliament would discuss the issue of mining and energy developments in the Surat Basin with regional representatives, known as forum members.

“I encourage anyone interested in local issues to attend as part of the public audience and to listen to the views of forum members and the attending Members of Parliament,” Mr Pitt said.

The forum will take place at the Highfields Cultural Centre, O’Brien Road, Highfields, starting with a pre-forum workshop at 10 am.

Mr Pitt said the pre-forum workshop was an opportunity for members of the community to meet with forum members and discuss topics relevant to their region, including tourism, environment and social issues.

Ministerial Regional Community Forums have been held since 1999 and are conducted up to four times a year in each of the 10 regional areas.

The public meetings bring together Cabinet Ministers and appointed regional leaders to share information and discuss topics relevant to the region.

“The forums enable the Queensland Government to keep in touch with communities and be better informed about regional issues of concern,” Mr Pitt said.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Department of Communities in Toowoomba on 4694 0182.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280