Forum celebrates success of Blueprint for the Bush

A high-level forum being held in Mareeba this week will assess progress on the Queensland Government’s ground-breaking Blueprint for the Bush and consider its benefits for the state’s rural and remote communities.

Main Roads and Local Government Minister Warren Pitt, who is also responsible for implementing the blueprint, said the 10-year strategy had already made considerable progress towards improving liveability, prosperity and sustainability in regional communities.

Opening the annual Blueprint for the Bush Ministerial Community Forum in Mareeba today, Mr Pitt said communities were becoming more aware of the blueprint and were eagerly taking up the many new funding opportunities it offered.

“Since the launch of the blueprint last year, the Queensland Government has continued to deliver on its promise to maintain its commitment to this initiative, which includes an extra $153 million in funding for new projects,” he said.

“During the next two days, we will be looking at what has been achieved in the past 12 months and what we can improve on in the future.

“This forum plays an important role in the overall evolution of the Blueprint for the Bush.

“When the blueprint was developed, we knew it would need to be continually updated throughout its 10-year lifespan.

“Like the rest of the world, rural Queensland is constantly changing as it deals with the opportunities and challenges that it faces.

“This forum gives us a chance to take stock and consider what is working well, what we can improve on, and what is on the horizon that we need to consider.”

Also attending the two-day forum will be Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin, several members of parliament and AgForce general president Peter Kenny.

“In the past year, Blueprint for the Bush projects worth a combined total of more than $650 million have been put in place,” Mr Pitt said.

“These projects cover such diverse initiatives as the $11 million Pest Offensive, the Strengthening Rural Communities strategy, the Pilot Homestay Program, boosting rural mental health services, upgrading rural airports and promoting employment opportunities through the first Country Week Queensland expo.

“These achievements would not have been possible without our strong partnership with AgForce Queensland and the support and enthusiasm of the people of rural Queensland.”

The forum ends tomorrow (Saturday).

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819 or 0417 789 208