Forestry schemes impact on agenda at Thursday Island forum

Managed investment forestry schemes and their impact on existing agriculture will be on the agenda when the Ministerial Regional Community Forum for the far north Queensland region comes to Thursday Island this month.

The Minister for Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Warren Pitt, and the Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace, are scheduled to attend the public forum on Monday 24 September.

Mr Pitt said they would discuss the issue of managed investment forestry schemes 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 Port Kennedy Community Hall, Douglas Street, Thursday Island from 9 am.

Mr Pitt said following the forum members of the public would have the opportunity to present topics to forum members for consideration.

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 Cairns on 4048 9321.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280