BRISBANE, Queensland, Aug. 19 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development
The Honourable Dale Last
* Communitymembersmeet with key decision makers attheYeppoon Regional Forum, as the Crisafulli Government delivers a voice for regional Queensland.
* Forum focuses on leveraging tourism, industry and economic opportunities in Central Queensland after the former Labor Government failed to listen and consult with the community.
* The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future and giving communities a direct line to decision makers after a decade of decline under Labor.
TheCrisafulli Government is delivering regional Queenslanders a voice and has heard directly from theYeppooncommunity abouttheir vision for the future of theCapricorn Coasttoday at the Yeppoon Regional Forum.
The Yeppoon Regional Forum forms part of a broader series of engagements across regional Queensland to connect community members with Cabinet Ministers and senior government representatives and follows successful forums inRoma, Emerald, Bowen and most recently Bundaberg.
Unlike the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government knows that Queensland doesn't start and end in the South East, and is ensuring the voices of regional Queenslanders are heard by having direct conversations with the people impacted by government decisions.
Hosted bytheMinisterfor Regional and Rural Development DaleLast, the sessions provide a platform for regional community members, businessoperatorsand local leaders to discuss local prioritiesand raise opportunities for growthdirectlywithgovernment.
TheYeppoonforumfocusedon the transformative potential ofmanufacturing,industry,tourismand economic development, highlighting opportunities to drive investment, create jobs and support sustainable growth.
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the Yeppoon forumwasabout givingregional Queenslanders a voice.
"These forumsputan eartothe ground-it'sabout hearing directly from the people who live in these communities to ensurewe are delivering the right services and taking advantage offuture opportunities," Minister Last said.
"No one knowsbetter than alocaland wewant to make sure we are deliveringwhatYeppoon needs.
"The region has so much to offer - from tourism to small business and the best way to identify new opportunities for growth and development is by being on the ground."
Member for Keppel Nigel HuttonsaidtheYeppoon Regional Forum was an opportunity to work together and draw on local knowledge to build a stronger, more resilient regional community.
"The Yeppoon Regional Forum is a valuable opportunity to bring together community leaders, industry, government and local stakeholders to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and identifynew opportunities for our region," Mr Hutton said.
"The Yeppoon and Central Queensland region has enormouspotential,and our future will be built onthe strengths we already have.
"From tourism and agriculture to resources, defence, manufacturing and emerging industries, we havean incredible opportunity to attract investment, create local jobs and build a diverse and resilient regionaleconomy."
Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said the eventprovided an important opportunity for the communityto engage directly with the State Government and help shape the region's future.
"Livingstone is one of Queensland's fastest-growing communities and the fastest-growing local government area outside the south-east corner," he said.
"With that growth comes enormous opportunity, but also a responsibility to plan carefully for the future and make sure our infrastructure, services and communities keep pace.
"Planning for a growing community starts with listening to the people who live here. Their insights and priorities are critical to ensuring Livingstone grows in a way that reflects the community we want to be.
"It's not every day that we have Cabinet Ministers in the one room, so this forum is a valuable opportunity for our community to have a direct conversation with State Government about the issues that matter and the investment needed to support Livingstone's continued growth."
Minister Last was joined in Yeppoon by Minister forCustomer Services and Open Data and Minister forSmalland Family BusinessSteven Minnikin,Coordinator-General,Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland,as well as senior departmental representatives.
ENDS
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Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
