Next chapter of community forums in North-North West Queensland

Ministers and MPs will meet tomorrow with a group of committed North-North West Queensland locals in Townsville, as part of a new round of Regional Community Forums. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said new membership for the forums in 2022 would continue the diversity of experience, ideas and interests in regional Queensland.

“Listening to communities is the hallmark of good government, and we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.

“Since 2019, our Regional Community Forums have helped to strengthen partnerships in rural and regional areas, collaborating on local solutions and local innovations for local issues.

“In North-North West Queensland, forum members have expertise in rural finance, indigenous tourism, mental health, defence, education and agriculture.

“I welcome all new and returning members, and look forward to hearing about priorities and actions from the first round of forums for 2022.”

Townsville will host North-North West Queensland forum members, with Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer, Minister for Resources Scott Stewart and Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker and Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper will co-chair the forum.

Today’s agenda will recap and confirm areas of interest, and begin the development of a new region-specific action plan, guided by the priorities of forum members.

There will also be a session on the recent Queensland Workforce Summit.

Mr Walker said new membership of the North-North West forum was an opportunity for the program to grow and evolve.

“After eight successful forums, we are excited for the passion, priorities and fresh perspectives that new members bring,” Mr Walker said.

“Previous forum members identified a number of priority areas for this region – including access to water, medical services, and affordable housing, attracting new industries, and supporting young people with skills and career pathways.

“Through new membership, we can continue to develop solutions to these issues, while broadening the scope of our Regional Community Forum program, ensuring it reflects and represents our diverse community.”

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the forums had served the community well through COVID-19.

“Our forums have made a positive contribution to the North-North West over the last two years, with forum members playing active roles, encouraging the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, and supporting small business through the promotion of Buy Local campaigns,” Mr Harper said.

“They also participated in community engagement opportunities for regional infrastructure projects including the Big Rocks Weir, and the Agripower Processing facility.

“I’m proud to continue to be part of these forums, which are making real connections and inspiring real change across the region.”

Regional Community Forums will also be held tomorrow in Cairns (Far North Queensland), Mackay (Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday), Longreach (Western Queensland), Rockhampton (Central Queensland), Bundaberg (Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast) and Toowoomba (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.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Furner – Ron Goodman 0427 781 920

Minister Farmer – Joe Begley 0482 914 103

Minister Stewart – Chris Lees 0434 859 940