Investment in the West key to sustaining jobs and supporting Queensland's future growth
Twenty one Mayors representing communities across the length and breadth of Western Queensland have one clear message for candidates ahead of the State Election – it’s time to invest in the west if they truly want to unlock the economic potential of Queensland.
The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) launched its Election Platform today and will be calling on candidates to commit to ‘invest in the west’ in order to sustain and create jobs and support future economic growth as the State grapples with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
“SWLGA Chair Cr Samantha O’Toole said the WQAC will hit the campaign trail and ‘hunt as a pack’ pursuing commitments from candidates to step up and deliver on key priorities that will boost the region and the State.”
The 21 councils of Western Queensland made the historic step last month to formally unite as the WQAC and ramp up their representation and advocacy in the lead up to the Queensland State Election in October. The WQAC brings together their representative bodies: the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC); the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD); and the South West Local Government Association (SWLGA).
SWLGA Chair Cr Samantha O’Toole said the WQAC will hit the campaign trail and ‘hunt as a pack’ pursuing commitments from candidates to step up and deliver on key priorities that will boost the region and the State.
“We know that Western Queensland is critical in supporting Queensland’s economy during COVID-19, with current data indicating the region’s key industries of agriculture and resources are outperforming the rest of the nation.”
“Imagine if we had strategic and long term commitments to invest in our infrastructure and local industries – it would drive productivity, economic growth and workforce participation – which has never been so important,” Cr O’Toole said.
RAPAD Chair, Cr Tony Rayner said Western Queensland had continued to deliver despite challenging times, pumping $9.35billion into the economy annually, and ultimately providing an important lifeline to the State at this critical time.
“Our Election Platform highlights the common issues across our 21 councils, most notably, funding for roads, digital connectivity and housing. In doing so, we are conscious of the critical role that Western Queensland and its key industries can play in supporting the whole of Queensland recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”
“With investment and ongoing commitment we will open up many opportunities, not just in our traditional industries of mining, agriculture and fishing, but also in emerging industries of renewable energies, new economy minerals, technology, and tourism,” Cr Rayner said.
NWROC Chair, Cr Jack Bawden said the WQAC Election Platform wasn’t just about asking for dollars - it’s also about delivering for all of Queensland through a strategic approach underpinned by local knowledge and know-how.
“We realise that budget restoration will become a key focus and priority for governments at all levels as we collectively move forward. For this reason, our Election Platform also focusses on the policy and program settings that will be most beneficial in delivering long term outcomes for the communities of Western Queensland,” Cr Bawden said.
“We look forward to working with the parties and individual candidates contesting the 2020 State Election and sharing with our communities how each will commit to make Western Queensland, and in turn, the State, even stronger. We know that if you invest in the West – it pays dividends!”
Further information on the Election Platform and report cards on the major parties’ responses will be published at: www.wqac.com.au/2020StateElection.
Download the Election Platform at: https://wqac.com.au/s/WQAC-2020-State-Election-priorities.pdf
Media contact: Aleisha Domrow – 0423 116 865 | aleisha@ascribe.com.au