Region-wide response critical to Northern recovery say flood affected Mayors

The collective force of leaders from across flood-hit northern Queensland have made their mark in Canberra as they push for a united regional recovery response. 

The delegation including Townsville Enterprise, the Regional Organisation of Councils from North and North West Queensland (NQROC and NWQROC) are joined by peak industry bodies at Parliament House. The two-day meeting schedule (Tuesday 19 February to Wednesday 20 February) with key Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack MP and opposition leader Bill Shorten MP.

Where we come from, we stick together, and neighbours help one another. That’s why we’re working with Townsville and wider North Queensland - we have a shared challenge and we should look to shared solutions for now and into the future. 

This united approach sends a clear message that we look after each other in the north and we leave no one behind.

From the ports of Townsville, to the North West Minerals Province, our rural industries and the communities and business that derives from them, and up to the Gulf, our region forms an important team that supports communities and drives an invaluable part of our economy.

We know it would be difficult for Townsville to get back on its feet if North West Queensland isn’t firing and delivering resources through the port; and if the roads from Townsville and through our region are shot, that cripples North and North West Queensland. So that investment in our remote communities is not only essential for our future, you won’t break the unemployment cycle in the regional cities either. 

We are encouraged by the support being expressed for the issues immediately facing Queensland’s north during our meetings in Canberra over the past two days.

And now, more than ever, we need commitment to not only recover, but to build for a sustainable future. 

The leaders of NWQ already took this message to Canberra in November last year, launching our Six-point Plan for the future as well as meeting with key government and opposition representatives. 

Our Six-point Plan for the future clearly outlines 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. 

We look forward to announcements from the Prime Minister shortly that will deliver on tackling the challenges that are faced both short and long-term.  

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 | nwqroc@carpentaria.qld.gov.au