Published Thursday, 06 December, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Bligh outlines new officer role on eve of DG's third CQ visit
The resources boom and its associated community and social support needs have State departmental Directors-General returning as a group to the Bowen Basin for the third time in just over a year, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
“The importance of regional issues to my government will be highlighted when the D-Gs return to the Bowen Basin on Monday (10 Dec) for a third meeting instigated by Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce,” Premier Anna Bligh said today.
“In advance of Monday’s meeting I can say that we will be appointing a dedicated officer located in the region to work with Bowen Basin communities, local government and industry.
“The officer’s role will include coordinating responses to local issues and linking the communities to senior levels of the Government,” she said.
“The D-Gs will be there again to see first-hand the effects of resources boom on local communities.
“The current ‘resources boom’ has benefited local communities and individuals in the Bowen Basin through greater prosperity and employment.
“However quality of life issues; such as access to health and education services, and relieving pressure on housing must also be considered in the development of prosperous regions and liveable communities.”
Mr Pearce and the Directors-General will meet with representatives of; the Queensland Resources Council, the Local Government Association of Queensland, local Mayors.
Agenda items include; the release of unallocated State land, funding of non-government organisations, local government reform, skills formations strategies and acceleration of regional planning.
“Discussions will focus on progress made on enhancing the benefits and addressing consequences of mining expansion in local communities, and developing a way forward.
“It is pleasing to see local government, the resource industry and State Government willing to increase their collaboration on these very significant regional issues,” said Premier Bligh.
“Regional development is a key priority of mine. Cooperation between all levels of government and industry is essential to drive the regional development agenda.”
The D-Gs have collectively visited the region in October last year and April this year.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“The importance of regional issues to my government will be highlighted when the D-Gs return to the Bowen Basin on Monday (10 Dec) for a third meeting instigated by Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce,” Premier Anna Bligh said today.
“In advance of Monday’s meeting I can say that we will be appointing a dedicated officer located in the region to work with Bowen Basin communities, local government and industry.
“The officer’s role will include coordinating responses to local issues and linking the communities to senior levels of the Government,” she said.
“The D-Gs will be there again to see first-hand the effects of resources boom on local communities.
“The current ‘resources boom’ has benefited local communities and individuals in the Bowen Basin through greater prosperity and employment.
“However quality of life issues; such as access to health and education services, and relieving pressure on housing must also be considered in the development of prosperous regions and liveable communities.”
Mr Pearce and the Directors-General will meet with representatives of; the Queensland Resources Council, the Local Government Association of Queensland, local Mayors.
Agenda items include; the release of unallocated State land, funding of non-government organisations, local government reform, skills formations strategies and acceleration of regional planning.
“Discussions will focus on progress made on enhancing the benefits and addressing consequences of mining expansion in local communities, and developing a way forward.
“It is pleasing to see local government, the resource industry and State Government willing to increase their collaboration on these very significant regional issues,” said Premier Bligh.
“Regional development is a key priority of mine. Cooperation between all levels of government and industry is essential to drive the regional development agenda.”
The D-Gs have collectively visited the region in October last year and April this year.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500