The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to regional Queensland will be further strengthened with the establishment of the Regional Communities Program.
The program includes quarterly Ministerial Regional Community Forums.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there would also be a new Office for Rural and Regional Queensland.
“My government is committed to strong communities, to involving communities in the workings of their government and to listening to rural and regional Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Since 2015, we have kept our commitment to govern for all Queenslanders.
“We’ve ensured that Queenslanders right across our regions have access to world-class health and education services, infrastructure and long-term skilled jobs.
“That is never an easy feat in a state that is vast and diverse, which is why we want to strengthen our focus on the regions and on responsive government.”
The Regional Communities Program will hold quarterly Regional Community Forums in Far North Queensland, North Queensland, Mackay-Whitsunday, Central Queensland, Western Queensland, Wide Bay and Darling Downs/South West.
“My Ministers will be in the regions to listen to communities at the forums which will be chaired by regional Government Members of Parliament,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Community members will have the opportunity to put forward their ideas for tackling key issues in every region which all have unique advantages, challenges and priorities.”
The Premier said an Office for Rural and Regional Queensland would be set up within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to keep a sharp focus on rural and regional issues.
“In last year’s Budget, I announced four DPC regional offices in Cairns, Mackay, Longreach and Toowoomba to complement the existing Townsville office,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Today I am proud to announce we will open two additional offices, in Rockhampton and Maryborough.
“Boosting our regional presence will give rural and regional Queenslanders better access and stronger relationships with government, and ensure they are front of mind in our decision making.”
