PEST PLANTS A FOCUS AT CHARTERS TOWERS FORUM

Managing declared pest plants was a major issue discussed at the Queensland Government’s Ministerial Regional Community Forum in Charters Towers today.

Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth Lindy Nelson-Carr and Minister for Child Safety and Women Margaret Keech met local community representatives, known as forum members, to exchange information and share ideas.

Forum members presented a number of proposals, including future management of pest plants, recycling in Queensland Government departments and Blue Card applications.

The proposal for declared pest plants included issues surrounding the management of declared pest plants in North Queensland as well as the need to include strategic pest management priorities and responsibilities in local plans.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the relevant Government departments would now review the proposals and report back to the next forum 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 better understand the needs of regional Queenslanders,” she said.

Today the Government also reported back on issues raised at a previous forum, including streamlining the grants process.

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

To contact forum members and find out more about the forum process, contact the Department of Communities on 4760 7416.

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

Beenleigh, Boyne Tannum, Chermside, Collinsville, Gatton, Highfields, Nambour, Thursday Island and Wondai.

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