Mount Morgan Regional Community Forum tomorrow

Mount Morgan tomorrow (Sep 27) will host the third Regional Community Forum for the Central Queensland region for 2021, with forum members, Ministers and Members of Parliament to discuss priorities and projects which will continue the state’s economic recovery.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland’s strong health response has allowed the recovery to begin, with vaccinations the key to continuing along that path.

“To help us do that, the focus of the forums is to support local economic development ideas, and opportunities to further diversify local economies, using connections between regional people and their representatives in Government,” the Premier said.

“Almost two years on from the launch of our Regional Community Forums, Ministers, Members of Parliament and regional stakeholders will be in Mount Morgan tomorrow for the seventh forum for the Central Queensland region.

“Alongside discussions and panel sessions, these forums have given members the opportunity to visit local businesses, bear witness to innovative practices in regional industries, and hear directly from inspirational individuals, empowering regional and remote communities.

“We have been encouraged by all that the forums have delivered, helping us to stay safe and grow economically despite COVID-19.”

Mount Morgan will host Central Queensland forum members, with Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for racing Grace Grace.

The forum will be chaired by Assistant Minister for Education and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke.

“Since 2019, forums in Central Queensland have driven the development of the Business Ignite program – already delivered in Biloela and Moura – which assists small businesses and entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial thinking and cashflow management,” the Premier said.

“And they have helped Central Queensland youth with career, training and education expectations.

“I’m grateful for the energy, optimism and expertise that forum members bring to this program, and I look forward to the ideas and next steps identified in this seventh round of Regional Community Forums.”

Ms Lauga said site visits enabled forum members to gain insights into the future of industry in Central Queensland.

“Whether it be reviving resources or preparing students for jobs in the fast-growing aquaculture industry, the Queensland Government is invested in the future of employment in this region,” Ms Lauga said.

“Our Central Queensland forums have always encouraged open and direct discussions about job-creating projects.

“I know this forum will be no exception, identifying further avenues for growth and how our Government can better support established and emerging industries in the region.” 

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams will address forum members, alongside guest presentations covering issues including the Mount Morgan tourism project and the Rockhampton Ring Road.

The forum will also include a site visit to the newly-established Heritage Minerals at the Mount Morgan Mine, and a tour of Rockhampton State High School, where the Queensland Government is funding the $2.5 million upgrade of the aquaculture training facility.

Mr O’Rourke said he was proud to be delivering on that election commitment for the benefit of the local community.

Regional Community Forums will also be held in Far North Queensland, North-North West Queensland, Western Queensland, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast and Darling Downs-South West Queensland.

The Regional Community Forums are part of the Queensland Government’s Advancing Queensland’s Regions strategy, supported by the Office for Rural and Regional Queensland.

For more information about Advancing Queensland’s Regions, please visit   https://campaigns.premiers.qld.gov.au/advancing-qld-regions/

ENDS

Media contact: Minister Grace – Laura McKee 0451 997 920