WIDE BAY BURNETT IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT WONDAI FORUM

Showing the world the Wide Bay Burnett region is a great place to live and invest was a major topic at the Queensland Government’s Ministerial Regional Community Forum in Wondai.

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Julie Attwood met local community representatives, known as forum members, to exchange information and share ideas.

Forum members presented a proposal to establish a steering committee to develop a regional project that:

• raises the profile of the region
• increases awareness of employment opportunities
• promotes business development and investment advantages of the region
• encourages an enhanced quality of life.

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

“I want to thank the community and especially forum members for their hard work and enthusiasm for getting involved in the forum process,” 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 surrounding the Blueprint for the Bush raised at a previous forum.”

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.

Forum member contact details and information about the forum process can be obtained from the Department of Communities on 4151 9748.

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

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