NWQROC keeps up momentum during COVID-19 as board meeting goes online

Our first board meeting post-local government elections took place today with the board welcoming two new Mayors, Cr Philip Curr, McKinlay and Cr Danielle Slade, Mount Isa.

With COVID-19 bringing our plans to host the meeting in Mount Isa to a halt, we moved our meeting online to cover a full agenda of more than four hours.

Continuing our advocacy and call for a fair regional deal for the North West, the agenda included high level discussions with key federal and state representatives. We thank them for their time and consideration in the matters we put forward - Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Senator Susan McDonald, Minister Mark Bailey, Anne Leahy MP, and Steven Minnikin MP.  

Discussion focused on infrastructure programs for the North West and Western Alliance of Councils through current funding programs with expectation for accelerated funding for key road network links and other local stimulus initiatives. 

We appreciate the support and understanding of Senator McDonald who is working closely with us to assist in greater co-ordination across federal ministers and departments in the development of the North West.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority also provided an update on the progress of flood network study that was undertaken in-region. We’re pleased to hear that decisions are close on investment for expanded rain and flood monitoring equipment such as radars and flood gauges. This is great news for our region to deliver greater accuracy and more timely weather and river level forecasts - helping increasing community safety and greater local and regional resilience ahead of future weather events.

Our next board meeting is scheduled for 5 June 2020.To keep up to date on New from the North West, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our e-news distribution list.