Critical issues from fair funding, housing, planning and homelessness to the rising cost of providing roads and rubbish collection are all high on the agenda for the Local Government Association of Queensland’s 127th Annual Conference.
Hundreds of mayors, councillors, CEOs and sector experts have joined the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Annual Conference in Gladstone from October 16 to 18.
LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the annual conference would include voting on 152 motions put forward by councils across the state.
“This year’s motions reflect the depth and breadth of issues facing councils and communities across Queensland,’’ Mayor Jamieson said.
“Councils are on the frontline for what our communities need.
“Some of the challenges are not new – financial sustainability, workforce shortages – but have sharpened in focus, whether driven by immediate impacts of natural disasters or cost of living increases fuelled by inflation or global impacts on prices and supply.
“They all land in our streets and towns, and as the level of government closest to our communities, we are first call to help solve them.
“And it has never been more critical to get together and share solutions to the issues facing communities, to build on great ideas from local government colleagues and to reinforce the strength of the council sector and what we have achieved for community liveability.
“We will also be highlighting to both State and Federal governments the critical need for fair and firm funding for councils and an end to the cost-shifting that means councils are having to make choices between vital community services because they are being forced to spend ratepayer money where other levels of government have pulled back or pulled out.”
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said he was pleased to welcome the more than 800 attendees and exhibitors to the three-day conference.
“I look forward to catching up with delegates to discuss how we can improve and better serve our communities within the 77 local government areas that call the great state of Queensland home,” Mayor Burnett said.
“I hope you have a fantastic time in the Gladstone Region and encourage you to get out and about to not only support our local businesses, but to also immerse yourself in our natural attractions – you’ll be Glad you did!”
Media interested in attending the LGAQ Annual Conference can contact Dan Knowles on the details below.
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, Media Advisor
Local Government Association of Queensland