Regional Community Forums wrap up for 2022

Opportunities stemming from the $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will be explored during the final round of Regional Community Forums for 2022, taking place across the state next week.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament, the forums would be held in seven regions next Monday:

• Weipa (Far North region)
• Hughenden (North-North West region)
• Collinsville (Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region)
• Winton (Western Queensland)
• Biloela (Central Queensland region)
• Gympie (Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast region)
• Chinchilla (Darling Downs South West region)

The Premier said these would be the first regional forums held since her government launched its revolutionary energy plan.

“Our regions are the backbone of this great state,” the Premier said.

“It’s important, they are listened to, that they are heard, and they have a seat at the table when deciding what the future of their cities, towns and regions looks like.

“As we know our regions are playing a critical role in achieving a clean, reliable and affordable energy future.

“90 per cent of the $62 billion plan will be invested in regional Queensland, along with 70 per cent of the 100,000 jobs created.

“That’s why the final round of Regional Community Forums for the year will focus on opportunities for regional Queensland arising from the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

“Forum members will also get to see firsthand the types of energy projects that will be brought to life through this transformational plan.”

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said since the last Regional Community Forums in September, Forum members had been diligently meeting and undertaking the work required to make the Forum action plans a reality.

“In 2022, the focus of the Regional Community Forums has been to create foundation action plans which address the issues and opportunities across our wonderful Queensland regions,” Mr Butcher said.

“While common themes such as economic diversification, housing, education and remote learning, as well as Path to Treaty have emerged across the state, we know each community evolves at different times.

“As we move into the New Year, the Forum action plans will shift to align with the priorities for each region.

“We have an exciting year ahead where we’ll see the hard work and great collaboration of government, the community and private sector paying dividends.”

Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Forum member and Managing Director of Moranbah Discount Tyres and Mechanical Carolyn Fritz, said she had enjoyed being part of the Forum program since joining in the inaugural round in 2019.

“I had a number of priorities heading into the Forum program – from addressing housing shortages, to upgrading local infrastructure, and improving our roads, which are so integral for heavy transport in regional areas,” Ms Fritz said.  

“While I serve on a few boards and forums in the region, I believe the Regional Community Forum program is particularly valuable – allowing you to connect with different people across the community, as well as key decision makers in Government.

“The program is a great opportunity to bounce ideas off each other, find out what’s working, what isn’t working, and to develop an action plan to drive real change.

“You really feel the Ministers and MPs are listening to the people on the ground in this community and want to work with us to make a difference.”

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

ENDS

Media contact:

Zoe Russell (Premier’s office) – 0439 982 347

Emilia Hutchinson (Minister Butcher’s office) – 0437 060 435