Next chapter of community forums in Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast

Ministers and MPs will meet tomorrow with a group of committed Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast locals in Bundaberg, 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.

“The Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast forum includes representation from the region’s indigenous community, local Government, health and education sectors, as well as agriculture, tourism and small business. 

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

Bundaberg will host Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast forum members with Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard.

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith and Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari 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 Smith said he was encouraged by the outcomes and achievements of the forums to date.

“While broadly responding to the economic challenges of COVID-19, forum members have established sub-groups on priority areas including mental health, housing, and agricultural apprenticeships,” he said.

Mr Tantari said he was excited to meet with new members.

“Community members who participated in the forums over the last two and a half years have called them a catalyst for connection and complex problem-solving, providing a greater understanding of the region,” he said.   

“They’ve also provided active support for cultural and tourism projects in the region, working together to develop a monument to acknowledge and commemorate the Butchulla Aboriginal community.

“We welcome the fresh perspectives our new members will bring to these forums, and I know their collaborative spirit will lead to some exciting partnerships and projects across the region.”

 Regional Community Forums will also be held tomorrow in Cairns (Far North Queensland), Townsville (North-North West Queensland), Mackay (Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday), Longreach (Western Queensland), Rockhampton (Central Queensland) 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 contact:

Minister Linard - Catherine Baker 0498 844 783