Leaders from across Northern Queensland start road to recovery in Canberra
Leaders from North West Queensland are in Canberra this week as part of a united Northern Queensland delegation meeting with our nation’s leaders to continue to push for recovery support following the devastating flooding events across the state’s north.
Burke Shire Mayor, Cr Ernie Camp, Mount Isa City Mayor, Cr Joyce McCulloch, and NWQ Regional Organisation of Councils Executive Officer, Greg Hoffman PSM, will join Townsville Enterprise, North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils and peak industry bodies.
The delegation will take a united message from the North to Parliament House seeking immediate action on the economic rebuild of communities across North Queensland and North West Queensland in the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters we have seen in recent memory.
The delegation will meet with key Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet Ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack MP, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan MP and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten MP, Anthony Albanese MP, Stephen Jones MP, Jason Clare MP and Joel Fitzgibbon MP at Parliament House from Tuesday 19 February to Wednesday 20 February.
Carpentaria Shire Mayor and NWQROC Chair, Cr Jack Bawden said: “We thank the Australian Government for its initial response to this unprecedented natural disaster; with representatives including the Prime Minister travelling to the region to listen first-hand to the needs of the mayors and people of the North West region.
“We need to continue these discussions and ensure an immediate and targeted response not only for short term recovery, but also for sustainable investment in our region for the long term.
“All levels of government need to work together and invest in building regions that were already in need across infrastructure, industries and community services.
“Our Six-point Plan clearly outlined – even before the disaster – detailed the way forward for our diverse region with reliable energy, roads, dams and water, first world communications and funding community services in a way that suits remote communities.
“The recovery of the Northern Queensland regions is as essential to locals as it is to the nation. Our regions pump billions into the national economy, in addition to providing jobs, resources and fresh produce to hardworking Australians.
“This united approach across North Queensland means a louder voice and coordinated approach ready for action from our governments. Our nation’s leaders will have the people closest to the issues at the ready for a strategic, well-planned way forward and a commitment to build and grow now and into the future.
“We’re tough up here in the North, but we’ve been knocked pretty hard. Rest assured we’re ready to start the long road to recovery - we just need the support from across government to get there.
Download the NWQROC Six-point Plan at: www.nwqroc.com.au/fairegionaldeal
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Contact:
Greg Hoffman PSM - Executive Officer, NWQROC
0418 756 005