Next chapter of community forums in Western Queensland

Ministers and MPs will meet tomorrow with a group of committed Western Queensland locals in Longreach, 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 Western Queensland, forum members have expertise in key areas and industries including agribusiness, tourism and entertainment, health, education and training, financial counselling and local Government.

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

Longreach will host Western Queensland forum members with Minister for Regional Development Glenn Butcher, and Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd will 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.

Ms Boyd said new membership would continue to the success of the Regional Community Forum program in Western Queensland.

“Through the challenges of COVID-19, our forums have been a platform for some of our most passionate community members to speak directly with their Ministers and elected representatives, and be part of meaningful conversations and projects,” she said.

“The forums have allowed our Government to engage with regional stakeholders, to improve the availability, diversity, and quality of housing in Western Queensland.

“Over the last two and a half years, forum members have also created and driven initiatives to promote regional tourism, and help small businesses access Government information and grant programs.

“After eight successful forums, we are excited to welcome the contributions of new forum members, who will inspire new connections, partnerships and priorities, benefitting our innovative and resilient Western Queensland community.”

Regional Community Forums will also be held tomorrow in Cairns (Far North Queensland), Townsville (North-North West Queensland), Mackay (Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday), 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 Butcher – Emilia Hutchinson – 0437 060 435

Minister Enoch - Bill Walker 0437 859 987