Entrepreneurialism, collaboration and disruption were the hot topics at this year’s LGAQ Bush Councils Convention in historic Charters Towers from 9-11 August.
Though digital disruption dominated discussions, the 100 plus delegates from 25 councils, state government, academia and industry were reminded that disruption and innovation are not new concepts for regional communities.
“We’ve all gone through some sort of disruption already,” Ms Brown said.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are critical for the future of bush councils, particularly in Queensland where we have so many opportunities presented to us sitting in the epicentre of population growth in Asia.
“Innovation needs to be embraced and councils have a role to encourage it, not only in their ratepayers and businesses but within their own staff.
“Queensland’s bush councils are sitting in the driver’s seat of this country.”
The collaborative approach of seven Central Western Queensland councils was highlighted throughout the event as the key to transitioning regional economies.
“There are a lot of resilient, innovative problem solvers in regional Australia,” Mr Johnsen said.
“There’s a way that each council, particularly in the bush, can help support that – first by walking the talk and doing the doing.
“Just be open for everything – ask, why shouldn’t we do this out here?”
Regional Australia Institute Leader of Major Research Projects Dr Leonie Pearson echoed the sentiment local governments were already ahead of the curve in many ways.
“We know that all regions are transitioning – this has been recognised at a national level,” Dr Pearson said.
“Regional Australia is already ahead of the game in dealing with changing demographics, and local governments are leading the charge with the renewable energy future for their communities.
“How you adapt is unique to your region – for the generation of jobs, and creating a vision so people want to stay and live there.”
Longreach CEO Ian Bodill said the Convention reaffirmed the importance of collaboration amongst bush councils.
“There are many things we’ll take away like how important it is to work as a team, to collaborate, and that we as RAPAD still definitely have room to move,” Mr Bodill said.
“We’re going to be passing on our dog fencing program to Balonne – our meeting here has led to that and they want to learn from our experiences.”
Collaboration was also a key takeaway for McKinlay Shire Council Mayor Belinda Murphy.
“I don’t think there’s been a presenter that hasn’t used the words big data or technology – it’s been a really big theme and though we’re all using it there’s so much more we can do,” Cr Murphy said.
“Tourism as an example – outback councils all collect data very differently, we need to collaborate and get a single data collection so we get better bang for our buck with targeted marketing.”