Shaping the future of our region

This week, a North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils delegation will be in Brisbane for two days of meetings with State Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior departmental representatives.

This delegation brings together mayors, councillors and chief executive officers from across our region, united in a clear purpose – to advocate for North West Queensland and to ensure our communities are front of mind in government decision-making.

Local leaders from across North West and Far North Queensland say repeated flooding and ongoing safety risks at a key, cross-regional link – the Gilbert River Bridge - highlight the urgent need for a firm funding commitment from state and federal governments to deliver a fit-for-purpose replacement crossing.

As North West Queensland enters a second week of devastating flooding, local leaders are calling on the Australian and Queensland governments to urgently reduce bureaucracy and improve access to disaster funding for primary producers and local businesses.

With more rain and a potential cyclone forecast, councils, communities, business and primary producers remain focused on response and early recovery, while raising concerns about the complexity and delays associated with accessing disaster assistance.