NWQROC delegation: Advocacy in action in Brisbane

Pictured above: NWQROC delegation to Brisbane in April 2025 with Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and the then RDA Townsville NWQ CEO Wayde Chiesa

Cr Barry Hughes, NWQROC Chair

This week, I am leading a NWQROC delegation to 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.

Our councils have been working hard in recent months, particularly in response to the recent flooding events. Across the region, we have drawn attention to the challenges faced by our communities, hosted government representatives in the region where we have discussed recovery and highlighted the importance of long-term resilience.

This upcoming visit to Brisbane serves as an important next step in that process. As we have done many times before, we will be taking our message directly to the halls of power. It is about being proactive, building partnerships and securing the policy support and investment our region needs to thrive.

With any elections still some time away, this is a valuable opportunity to get some runs on the board and focus on targeted, practical outcomes for our communities. Our aim during this time is to strengthen relationships, refine our strategic priorities and ensure the needs of North West Queensland are clearly understood. This includes identifying opportunities for collaboration and ensuring that our region remains part of long-term government planning and investment.

We have a full and productive agenda planned. Meetings scheduled with key Queensland cabinet members include the Premier David Crisafulli, Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Home Ownership David Janetzki, Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickleberg and Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell. Closer to home, our local Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter MP is also scheduled to meet with us while at Parliament House. We will also meet with key agencies including Biosecurity Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers.

Across these meetings, we will be discussing a range of important issues. This includes providing an update following the recent flooding event, with a focus on the region’s flood warning infrastructure and how we can strengthen our preparedness for future natural disasters.

Housing supply and workforce accommodation challenges will also be front and centre. Our region has enormous economic potential, but without the right housing and enabling infrastructure, we cannot unlock future growth. We will highlight the opportunities presented through the North West Queensland Enabling Infrastructure Masterplan 2024 and the need for ongoing government partnership.

As part of this delegation, we have strong representation from two of our member Aboriginal councils – Doomadgee, and Mornington Island. This ensures our regional priorities are brought together with the unique perspectives and lived experience of Aboriginal communities across the North West.

Working in genuine partnership with local leaders is essential. Strong collaboration, and recognition of the distinct challenges and opportunities across all of our region, will help achieve long-term outcomes that reflect local aspirations and support our communities into the future.

Planning and policy settings will be another key focus. This includes the Queensland Government’s review of the North West Queensland Regional Plan and the Gulf Regional Development Plan, as well as the review of Queensland’s Regulated Air Routes network. Reliable and affordable air services are essential for our remote communities, and we will be advocating for minimum service standards that meet the needs of our region.

This delegation reflects the strong, united voice of North West Queensland. By working together we present a clear and coordinated message to government and show that we are committed to practical solutions and long-term outcomes.

We look forward to constructive and positive discussions in Brisbane and, most importantly, to securing real outcomes for our communities. I look forward to sharing an update with you following the visit.