TOWNSVILLE TO HOST BLIGH CABINET

Townsville: Reinforcing the State Government’s commitment to North Queensland has the Bligh Cabinet returning to Townsville for their first Community Cabinet of 2009.

Premier Anna Bligh, the Cabinet and all the State’s top public servants will be in North Queensland for a two-day Community Cabinet on Sunday 1 Feb and Monday 2 February.

“From day one the Premier has made commitments to meet with regional Queenslanders and this further honours this,” said Acting Premier Paul Lucas.

“Given the tough economic times, Townsville and North Queensland are integral to Queensland’s economic plan and our ability to weather the storm.

“Please come along and meet the State’s key decision-makers.

“We held the third regional Parliament in Cairns late last year and we are now returning to Townsville.

“It’s about keeping us as a Cabinet meeting with, and listening to, Queenslanders on their turf and on their terms.

The Community Cabinet Forum will be the Kirwan State High School, Hudson Street Kirwan on the Sunday (1 Feb) at 1pm.

“Local MPs Mike Reynolds (Townsville) Lindy Nelson-Carr (Mundingburra) and Craig Wallace (Thuringowa) join the Premier in urging locals to come along and have their say.

“Parliamentary Secretaries and Department Director-Generals will be on hand and they will also be in Ayr on the Monday morning at the Caledonian Hall, Edward Street, Ayr from 9.30am.

Cabinet last met in North Queensland (Ingham/Townsville) in May last year. This will be Premier Bligh’s 13^th Community Cabinet and the first for 2009.

“Community Cabinets are the ideal opportunity for individuals, groups and organisations to put their issues and concerns to the Premier, ministers and the Department Directors-General,” he said.

“They also keep the government focused. It means we have to deliver and keep delivering.”

Further information is available at www.thepremier.qld.gov.au, the electorate offices of local State Members of Parliament or by phoning 1800 448 377.

• Department of the Premier and Cabinet - telephone 1800 448 377 or 1800 448 378;

• Website – www.thepremier.qld.gov.au

• Electorate Offices –

• Member for Townsville – Mike Reynolds Ground Floor, 31 Sturt Street, TOWNSVILLE 4810 QLD phone: (07) 4772 4711, 1800 811 196 Fax: (07) 4721 2097

• Member for Mundingburra – Lindy Nelson-Carr, Shop 3 246 Ross River Road AITKENVALE 4814 QLD phone : (07) 4725 4166 Fax : (07) 4725 4194

• Member for Thuringowa – Unit 8B 48 Thuringowa Drive, KIRWAN 4817 QLD, phone : (07) 4773 3116 OR 1800 817 230 Fax : (07) 4773 5013

• Member for Burdekin – Rosemary Menkens, Shop 30, Centrepoint Arcade Queen Street AYR 4807 QLD, phone : (07) 4783 2017 OR 1800 817 594 Fax : (07) 4783 4163

Regional Council Office –

· Townsville City Council – 103 Walker Street Townsville and 86 Thuringowa Drive Kirwan, phone (07) 4727 9000

· Burdekin Shire Council – 145 Young Street, Ayr, phone (07) 4783 9800

Deputation Close Date is 12 Noon Thursday, 22 January 2009