Leaders of Queensland’s Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs) and other local government advocacy groups met in Brisbane yesterday to establish a strong and united stance on a range of key policy priorities affecting their local communities.
The 2018 ROC Assembly, organised by the Local Government Association of Queensland, resolved to vigorously pursue reforms in areas affecting communities across the state such as telecommunications and transport connectivity, grant funding, economic development and environmental sustainability.
Issues such as water security, access to the digital economy, sustained employment and the future of environmental assets were identified, among others, as common policy challenges for local communities in Queensland, be they in urban areas, rural and remote regions or the furthest reaches of Cape York.
The ROC Assembly declared a common commitment to pursue good policy outcomes for their communities and signalled to the Federal and State Governments that councils stood ready to speak with one voice about the need to ensure local concerns were better heeded by all levels of government.
The Assembly agreed all Queenslanders had a stake in ensuring better federal financial relations, a productive road and rail network, thriving regional economies, particularly in the State’s north and west, and a more sustainable future for the State’s natural assets.
The Assembly also reaffirmed the role of the LGAQ as the peak body for Queensland ’s 77 local government authorities and called on the Federal and State Governments to partner with the LGAQ on developing and adopting policy reforms aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of local communities.
Below:
- Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk talk about his experience as attendee and host of the ROC assembly.
- Mick Curran, Mayor of Gympie Regional Council talks about the issues that are affecting his community.