AGRICULTURE A FOCUS OF THURSDAY ISLAND COMMUNITY FORUM

Agricultural issues were discussed on Thursday Island today at the Ministerial Regional Community Forum.

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government Warren Pitt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communities Rachel Nolan met local representatives, known as forum members, to exchange information and share ideas.

Forum members took the opportunity to present a proposal regarding managed investment forestry schemes and their impact on existing agriculture.

The proposal’s aim was to minimise the impact of forestry practices on the profitability and sustainability of existing agricultural industries, especially the sugar industry.

Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson-Carr said the relevant Government departments would now review the proposal and report back to the next forum in the region.

“I want to especially thank the community and forum members for getting involved,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Organised by the Department of Communities these forums help Government better understand the needs of regional Queenslanders,” she said.

“Today the Government also reported back on an issue raised at a previous forum concerning housing.”

Ms Nelson-Carr encouraged people to get in touch with their local forum members to suggest issues for consideration at the next forum on 20 November.

Forum member contact details and other information is available from the Department of Communities on 4048 9321.

Forum events were run simultaneously today in nine other regional areas:

·Beenleigh

·Boyne Tannum

·Charters Towers

·Chermside

·Collinsville

·Gatton

·Highfields

·Nambour

·Wondai

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280