This week as we marvel at Olympians in Rio, let’s spare a thought for what it takes to get there, let alone win a medal - teamwork.

The LGAQ has travelled the length of the country in support of its members and local government peers.

Budget Estimates hearings are really all about strategy and I congratulate the Palaszczuk Government on how it seems to have gotten the message.

More than 120 mayors deputy mayors and CEOs attended the biennial closed door leadership forum.

It was a week of renewal at the LGAQ as the Association’s new Policy Executive convened its first formal meeting for the term.

With a new Policy Executive in place, the LGAQ is launching into an exciting new phase.

The past week has been a bloody satisfying one for Queensland councils – especially their chief financial officers.

Productive, passionate and proud – these are the features of our Indigenous Leaders’ Forums (ILFs) and this week’s event in Cairns was no exception.

We were on the frontline of policy development this week, helping to announce a coastal hazard planning initiative that we lobbied relentlessly for.

Armed with a detailed federal election policy plan, the LGAQ ramped up its lobbying efforts this week.

Whether it was the big city of Brisbane, the mining hub of Weipa or the little gem that is Bedourie, the LGAQ was there to help councils.

Delayed disaster funding, planning legislation and the signing of an important agreement - what a week in local government.

The Federal Budget is mostly good for councils, thanks in part to strong lobbying by the ALGA and LGAQ.

The number of female mayors jumped 33 per cent at the 2016 local government elections and in quite a few councils, women are in the majority.

We're putting the final touches to our 10 point Federal Election Policy Plan so when the poll is properly called, we can pounce.