The future of South East Queensland’s (SEQ) waterways is looking clearer following successful discussions by the SEQ Mayors in Canberra.
During their annual Canberra delegation, the SEQ Mayors met with a number of Government and Opposition representatives including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Councillor Graham Quirk said initial discussions pointed to SEQ’s waterways and catchments being the biggest beneficiary of today’s visit.
“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has been instrumental in the development of a regional agreement to secure and manage SEQ’s waterways.
“Today we came asking for the Federal Government to support this approach.
“Discussions between the SEQ Mayors and the Environment Minister have strongly indicated this support will be forthcoming.
“Following on from our meeting, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) will now be investigating a number of environmental funding sources available from the Federal Government.”
A potential Olympic bid on behalf of SEQ for the 2028 Olympic Games was also a key agenda item during the meetings.
“While we weren’t seeking a yes or no from the Prime Minister today, the Federal Government were certainly open to further discussions once detailed feasibility studies had been undertaken by the Council of Mayors (SEQ).
“There’s clearly a long journey ahead before a bid on behalf of SEQ gets the green light, but we’re pleased to see no doors were closed following our meetings with the Prime Minister and Sports Minister.”
Twenty-nine crucial infrastructure projects across the region were also identified as part of today’s discussions with the Government and Opposition.
“For many years, the SEQ Mayors have advocated for significant Federal investment in SEQ infrastructure.
“Just as we have done for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Brisbane’s Legacy Way and Gold Coast Light Rail, we will continue to use our collective power to lobby the Federal Government to ensure the region receives its fair share of infrastructure investment.”
