A commitment to give Queenslanders a choice on where they live and work, as well as increased funding for important water and road infrastructure projects top Isaac Regional Council’s priority list in the lead up to the Queensland state election.
Mayor Anne Baker said Council would be advocating for funding and policy commitments for eight key issues from state election candidates.
“We are passionate advocates for Isaac communities and we will lobby candidates to get the best outcome for our people.”
Mayor Baker said she welcomed Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney’s comments earlier last year that the state government would not support further 100 percent forced Fly-in Fly-Out (FIFO) mining operations in Queensland.
“But what we are seeking from state candidates is a retrospective policy position that would give Queenslanders a choice on where they live and work, ending 100 percent forced FIFO.”
Isaac Regional Council has committed to advocating for the following issues:
1. 100 percent forced FIFO – Resource workers must be given the option of residential or non-residential accommodation. Without options, the full benefit from the resources sector for the state is at stake.
2. Water supply – Isaac Regional Council is advocating for the development of dams and for infrastructure funding to upgrade ageing networks and plants.
3. Priority Road Infrastructure – Targeted investment in priority area roads, including the Alpha Clermont Road and the Peak Downs and Bruce Highways.
4. Cumulative impacts – That the impact of developments on local communities are assessed on the basis of how they will cumulatively affect the community, not just on how they will individually affect the region.
5. Recommendations from federal FIFO report – Council looks to the State Government to advocate for the 21 recommendations of the ’Cancer of the bush or salvation for our Cities?’ report on FIFO and DIDO practices, compiled by the Federal Government’s House Standing Committee on Regional Australia, to be implemented, and for action plans to be developed in consultation with local governments.
6. Return of planning powers – Isaac Regional Council seeks the return of planning powers to local governments.
7. Real role in Environmental Impact Statement process – For Councils to play a real role in planning and conditioning of projects to ensure real mitigation measures are undertaken to reduce impacts on communities.
8. Royalties for the Regions – For the program to return to its original intent – to help communities better manage the impacts of resources sector development and ensure they remain livable and sustainable well into the future.
