Forums to highlight vaccine rollout and COVID-19 recovery in the regions

Published Thursday, 18 November, 2021 at 10:32 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water
The Honourable Glenn Butcher

The COVID-19 vaccination rollout in rural and regional Queensland will be high on the agenda for the eighth round of Regional Community Forums next Monday 22 November.

As Queensland draw closer to next month’s domestic border reopening, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the forums would highlight the critical role of regional communities in Queensland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan to Unite Families.

“Since October 2019, our Regional Community Forums have been great platforms for discussion and innovation, and on this occasion I know our forum members will share their ideas to increase the vaccination rate in their communities,” the Premier said.

“Other local leaders, including members of Hospital and Health Services, have also been invited to this round.”

The forums are held periodically across locations in seven regional areas, hosted by local MPs and attended by Cabinet Ministers and invited community representatives.

The next round on Monday will be in:

  • Cairns (Far North region)
  • Mount Isa (North/North West region)
  • Airlie Beach (Mackay/Isaac/Whitsunday region)
  • Barcaldine (Western region)
  • Gladstone (Central Queensland region)
  • Gympie (Wide Bay/Burnett/Fraser Coast region)
  • Dalby (Darling Downs/South West region)

“As we approach our 80 per cent double vaccination milestone and to safely welcome more tourists back to regional towns and cities this holiday season, we need more people in the regions to step up and receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I’m grateful for the continued action and advocacy of all forum members on this issue and all the issues that are important to their communities, as we work together to protect lives and livelihoods in regional Queensland.”

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said the final round of forums for 2021 would also be the last round for the current community representatives.

“I thank all of our inaugural Regional Community Forum members who have contributed to this important program over the past two years,” the Minister said.

“Together, they have strengthened economic stability, growth, diversity and opportunity in their regions – from promoting regional products and services through the pandemic, to enhancing regional training and industry partnerships. 

“These forums have elevated a diverse and experienced cross-section of regional voices, and they will continue to serve that purpose, with a fresh start and new membership in 2022.

“I encourage enthusiastic Queenslanders in our regions to apply to be part of the forums, to share their passions and priorities directly with their community and with Government.”

Expressions of interest for membership on the Regional Community Forums can be made on the Advancing Queensland’s Regions website.

https://campaigns.premiers.qld.gov.au/advancing-qld-regions/eoi

ENDS

Media contact: Chris O’Brien 0419 774 004