Townsville will take pride of place when State Parliament moves north next month.
North Queensland Regional Parliament will be held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre from Tuesday 3 September to Thursday 5 September.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was important that people in regional Queensland got the opportunity to see our democratic process in person.
“There is an economic boost in bringing parliament to Townsville but there are other benefits I think are equally important,” the Premier said.
“Local issues will be front and centre and the people of the region – including school children – will have the benefit of seeing their parliament in action.
“But what I am looking forward to most is showing off this beautiful part of Queensland and talking up its attractions for tourists and investors.”
The next generation of leaders will also help set the tone for Parliament’s visit, with Regional Youth Parliament and Junior Indigenous Youth Parliament to be held in Townsville in the days leading to the formal Parliamentary sitting.
While in Townsville, Ministers and MPs will participate in events including an afternoon tea with community groups and volunteers, a Women on Boards luncheon and a State Reception with regional Mayors, Indigenous business and community leaders and school groups.
The Premier said Townsville was an ever-evolving coastal city of progress and opportunity.
“From the TAFE upgrade to the Port expansion and the North Queensland Stadium project, my Government is backing Townsville and North Queensland jobs and industry,” she said.
“As part of our 2019-20 State Budget, we’re investing $930.7 million in Townsville infrastructure and capital works.
“We’re spending $225 million to address the city’s long-term water security needs and we’ve committed $1 billion to the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, to better support the region’s health and wellbeing into the future.
“We can’t wait to share the good news with the people of Townsville when Parliament heads north in just under two weeks’ time.”
