95 years in the making - Federal Treasurer opens WQAC 2023
The 4th Western Queensland Alliance of Councils Assembly (WQAC2023) was held in Winton this week, bringing together the 24 Western Queensland councils, senior representatives from Federal and State government, and leading industry, academia and business networks.
The Treasurer and Senator hosted a dinner with the Mayors, Deputies and Councillors representing the WQAC Councils on Tuesday evening.
This year’s Assembly marked a significant milestone, and breaking a 95 year drought of sorts, with the first sitting Federal Treasurer visiting Western Queensland since 1928 as the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP headed west to officially open WQAC2023.
The Treasurer and Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Regional Development, kicked off their visit mingling with delegates at the Assembly welcome function, followed by hosting a dinner to meet with mayors from across the WQAC region ahead of the official program.
Following the official opening address, the Treasurer and Senator also took part in a panel question and answer session on growing thriving regions - leading discussions and taking questions from delegates alongside Dr Chris Sarra, Director-General Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Associate Professor Ben Lyons, Centre Director – The Rural Economies Centre of Excellence.
Paroo Shire Mayor, Cr Suzette Beresford with the Treasurer
SWQROC Chair and Balonne Shire Mayor, Cr Samantha O’Toole with Treasurer Chalmers
The Treasurer and Senator hosted a dinner with the Mayors, Deputies and Councillors representing the WQAC Councils on Tuesday evening.