Cr Janene Fegan - NWQROC Deputy Chair

Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta MacRae delivered an emotional and powerful address about her community’s fight for the city’s future. Image: LGAQ

It’s been a busy few months across the North West, and while there’s no slowing down for our local councils, and October offered a valuable pause for reflection, connection, and inspiration at the 2025 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference on the Gold Coast.

As the Deputy Chair of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC), I was proud to see our region so strongly represented at this important gathering. From our remote Gulf communities to the vibrant outback city of Mount Isa, our local leaders were front and centre - sharing ideas, advocating for our communities, and making sure the North West is not only on the agenda but helping shape policy and drive decisions.

The LGAQ Conference brought together representatives from all 77 councils across Queensland. This year’s program tackled everything from cost-shifting to climate, governance to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was a reminder that local government sits at the frontline of almost every major challenge (and opportunity!) facing our state.

Mayor Territa Dick presented on Queensland’s first Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre - connecting culture, education and innovation. *Image: LGAQ*

For North West Queensland, the conference provided an invaluable platform to showcase the innovation, resilience and determination that defines our councils.

Richmond Shire Council’s Mayor John Wharton AO shared a standout story of how chickpeas are driving economic growth in his region. What began as an agricultural trial has evolved into a blueprint for diversification, helping producers find new markets and proving that with our trademark grit and imagination, small communities can achieve big things.

Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta MacRae delivered an emotional and powerful address about her community’s fight for the city’s future. Her message was one of determination and hope, a call to action to support Mount Isa through the next chapter of transition while ensuring that families, workers and businesses are not left behind. It was a speech that resonated with many in the room.

We also celebrated innovation and leadership from Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, with Mayor Territa Dick presenting on Queensland’s first Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre - connecting culture, education and innovation. The project represents exactly what’s possible with investment in breaking down the digital divide, empowering our communities and opening up opportunities for learning, employment, and cultural preservation.

Richmond Shire Council’s Mayor John Wharton AO shared a standout story of how chickpeas are driving economic growth in his region. *Image: LGAQ*

The Roads and Transport Forum underscored how critical the road network is and focused on making journeys not just safer, but smarter and stronger too. For our region, this conversation is critical to unlocking potential, keeping our people connected, and growing our economy across one of the most expansive road networks in the state.

Our member Aboriginal shire councils also led powerful discussions in the Indigenous Leaders Forum, driving conversations on housing, health, infrastructure and advocacy, areas where First Nations councils continue to lead with strength, knowledge and community-first solutions.

I had the privilege of joining a panel on childcare in rural and remote communities, a topic close to my heart. Childcare in the bush is as essential as roads and water. It keeps families in towns, supports local economies, and gives our children the best start in life. The ‘Bush Childcare Crisis’ session made clear that investment in early education is not optional - it’s fundamental to the future of regional Australia.

Flinders Shire Council’s competitive side also came to the fore during the program, with a team effort led by Deputy Mayor Cr Nikki Flute taking home a $5000 cheque from the RACQ Foundation to support disaster resilience initiatives.

Congratulations also to Croydon Shire Council which took home the LGMS Risk Excellence Award. The award recognised council’s proactive approach using technology to managing risk and safeguarding employees working in remote areas. It’s a shining example of how small councils continue to lead through innovation and care for their people.

We’ve come home with new ideas, stronger connections and a shared determination to keep pushing for the people and places that make North West Queensland such a remarkable part of our state.

“We’ve come home with new ideas, stronger connections and a shared determination. ”

Reflection, Connection, and Inspiration at LGAQ Conference

Statement on Rex Airlines