DRIVER SAFETY IN FOCUS AT GATTON FORUM

The safety of young drivers and a successful driver awareness program were among issues discussed at the Queensland Government’s Ministerial Regional Community Forum in Gatton today.

The Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Training and the Arts Bonny Barry met local community representatives, known as forum members, to exchange information and share ideas.

Forum members outlined a range of issues relating to young driver safety, including the new young driver licensing laws that came into effect in July.

They also showcased the Behaviour, Risk, Attitude, Knowledge and Education (BRAKE) Driver Awareness Program which is currently operating in Beaudesert Shire.

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

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

“These forums organised by the Department of Communities help the Government understand the needs of regional Queenslanders,” she said.

“Today the Government also reported back on an issue that was raised at a previous forum concerning a youth engagement strategy piloted in Logan.”

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

Forum member contact details and other information can be obtained from the Department of Communities on 3280 1031.

Forum events were run simultaneously today in nine other regional areas: Beenleigh, Boyne Island, Charters Towers, Chermside, Collinsville, Highfields, Nambour, Thursday Island and Wondai.

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