Blackall-Tambo Mayor Andrew Martin
The LGAQ has welcomed Blackall-Tambo Mayor Andrew Martin to the LGAQ Policy Executive after Mayor Martin was nominated by District 8 members as their new Policy Executive representatitve.
In addition to joining the Policy Executive, Mayor Martin will also become one of the Rural and Remote Councils Compact guardians, alongside Flinders Shire Council Mayor Jane McNamara, Cook Shire Council Mayor Peter Scott, Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh and Balonne Councillor Robyn Fuhrmeister.
The Rural and Remote Councils Compact provides an important platform to ensure issues that are paramount for rural and remote communities are given due consideration and attention by the State Government when developing policies, programs and legislation. The role of the Compact guardians is to champion these needs and represent the Compact to various bodies, including goverment.
Mayor Martin is also a champion of tourism in Queensland's Outback, chairing the Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA), which recently relocated its offices to Local Government House in Brisbane.
Mayor Martin said the move is set to further strengthen Outback Queensland's partnerships with local councils.
“Outback Queensland’s footprint covers more than 930,000 square kilometres and we rely on our partnerships with councils to deliver and sustain a vibrant and resilient tourism sector,” Mayor Martin said.
“We had a vision to shore up these key relationships by co-locating with the LGAQ and were able to negotiate an excellent outcome with LGAQ CEO Alison Smith.
“The LGAQ has been supporting and connecting councils for more than 125 years, and we’re delighted to be partnering with an organisation that shares our commitment to Outback Queensland’s communities and recognises the vital contribution of tourism to regional economies.
“The OQTA firmly believes in a fully networked approach to marketing, advocacy, product development and experience delivery, and we look forward to working side by side with our partners to deliver the best outcomes for our region.”
Mayor Martin was elected at the 2016 local government elections.
District 8 represents Queensland's Central West region comprising Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach and Winton.