Queensland Local Government Week was officially launched on 2 June at Kings Beach Park, Caloundra by the Minister for Local Government and Planning, Nita Cunningham. From 2 to 8 June, more than 80 Queensland Councils took the opportunity to demonstrate and display the services and facilities they provide to their local communities in a bid to create a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Local Government.
This year’s theme, Local Government – Connecting Communities, was explored in a number of ways by Councils around the State. Activities included Council open days, community festivals, information displays and Youth Council debates. Several Councils coordinated website competitions, radio quizzes and school tours.
“The week was a chance for people to see first hand how the work of Councils and their employees assisted in connecting communities,” said Local Government Association of Queensland President, Councillor Noel Playford.
Caboolture Shire Council coordinated free ‘Mystery Bus Tours’ for locals. Each tour included a visit to Council facilities, morning tea and lunch, questionnaires, competitions on the buses and prizes.
Wambo and Dalby Councils joined forces to conduct a ‘Just Walk It’ community information walk. Residents were guided through the area and observed improvements as well as new Council projects.
At Bundaberg City Council, the local winner of the Local Government Week colouring competition won a helicopter ride around Bundaberg with the Mayor and a local radio personality.
“I was pleased to see so many Councils take an active role in making the community more aware of the wide range of services Councils provide,” Councillor Playford said.
A key objective of the week was to raise the level of understanding of Local Government in young citizens.
The Local Government Association coordinated a colouring competition, sponsored by the Department of Public Works, for primary students from Years 1 to 7. Thousands of entries were received from around the State and the judges had a difficult job selecting the winners. The colourful winning entries can be viewed on the Local Government Week web site at www.lgw.lgaq.asn.au.
Local Government Week was coordinated by the Local Government Association of Queensland and is sponsored by the Department of Public Works, the Department of Local Government and Planning, Ergon Energy, Trades and Labour Hire, Dial Before You Dig, TAD Recruitment, Manpower and the Beverage Industry Environment Council.
