From 19–25 July , Queensland councils will showcase the people, local facilities and services that shape councils – all in an effort to create a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Local Government. The theme for the Week is Local Government – Building our Communities.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Acting President, Councillor Paul Bell, said councils provide many of the facilities and infrastructure in which the community lives, works and plays. On behalf of their community, councils strive to improve their residents’ quality of life by building communities that are cooperative, sustainable, healthy and innovative.
“The week is a chance for people to see first-hand how the work of councils and the employees involved assist in building communities,” Councillor Bell said.
A key element of Local Government Week 2004 is the statewide Colouring Competition, which is proudly sponsored by the Year of the Built Environment and is aimed at heightening the awareness of Local Government among students. The competition focuses on ‘Building regional communities’ in recognition of the importance of regional communities to the economy and the challenges they face to develop and grow.
Councils will coordinate many activities for the week, including council open days, Local Government careers expos, community festivals and youth council debates, web site competitions, radio quizzes and mystery bus tours.
“I am very pleased to see so many councils taking an active role in making the community more aware of the role of councils in building communities,” Councillor Bell said.
To find out what is happening in your council during Local Government Week, visit www.lgw.lgaq.asn.au or contact your council. Local Government Week is coordinated by the LGAQ and is sponsored by the Year of the Built Environment, the Department of Local Government and Planning, Bushmans Tanks, Dial Before You Dig, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Local Government Focus.
The Mayor for a day in Noosa
As part of Local Government Week 2003, Noosa Shire Council offered residents the opportunity to become ‘Mayor for a Day’. The inaugural winner, Cooroy business woman Helyna Buton, joined Mayor Cr Bob Abbot in official meetings and ceremonial duties for the day. Due to its success, Noosa Shire Council will run the competition again this year to celebrate Local Government Week 2004.
For more information contact Noosa Shire Council on (07) 5449 5200.
