Published Wednesday, 01 October, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Bligh’s Hervey Bay visit delivers instant response
Hervey Bay’s Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry office will stay open, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
Premier Bligh’s announcement overturns a decision from earlier this week shifting the office to Maryborough.
“Hervey Bay business operators told me at last night’s Q2 Forum how successful the office is in providing essential services and that it was widely used by the community.
“Their unsolicited support was bolstered by local MP Andrew McNamara.
“Having heard this first-hand I immediately contacted the Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry who agreed with me that the decision should be changed.
“The Hervey Bay Office will stay open, including all staff, and continue to provide a wide range of services,” she said.
Welcoming the Premier’s intervention Mr McNamara said it means the Hervey Bay community would continue to have direct access to the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry.
“Given our industries, especially tourism, this is vital,” he said.
The Premier said that Department’s regional offices play an important role helping to expand and diversify businesses, build industries, promote innovation, attract new businesses and strengthen partnerships with key industry sectors.
“As part of our Q2 vision, we want to create a stronger economy, so it’s crucial we have services available to achieve that goal.”
“After listening to the community first-hand, we’ve been able to ensure that the local Hervey Bay residents will continue to have access to the department’s important services,” Ms Bligh said.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Premier Bligh’s announcement overturns a decision from earlier this week shifting the office to Maryborough.
“Hervey Bay business operators told me at last night’s Q2 Forum how successful the office is in providing essential services and that it was widely used by the community.
“Their unsolicited support was bolstered by local MP Andrew McNamara.
“Having heard this first-hand I immediately contacted the Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry who agreed with me that the decision should be changed.
“The Hervey Bay Office will stay open, including all staff, and continue to provide a wide range of services,” she said.
Welcoming the Premier’s intervention Mr McNamara said it means the Hervey Bay community would continue to have direct access to the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry.
“Given our industries, especially tourism, this is vital,” he said.
The Premier said that Department’s regional offices play an important role helping to expand and diversify businesses, build industries, promote innovation, attract new businesses and strengthen partnerships with key industry sectors.
“As part of our Q2 vision, we want to create a stronger economy, so it’s crucial we have services available to achieve that goal.”
“After listening to the community first-hand, we’ve been able to ensure that the local Hervey Bay residents will continue to have access to the department’s important services,” Ms Bligh said.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500