The 2023 LGAQ Annual Conference kicked off in Gladstone last month as members of 77 Queensland local government councils brought together their influence and used it to advocate for changes to improve the lives of their communities.
Livingstone Mayor Andy Ireland said councillors got a lot out of the conference including the GMS Local Government risk management award after staff conducted a simulated cyber attack where council lost a large portion of their records and had to find a solution to retrieving the information.
“Councillors Andrea Friend, Pat Eastwood, Adam Belot, Clint Swadling and myself were in attendance with Cr Swadling and myself were nominated as the delegated councillors to vote on the 152 motions put forward at the conference,“ Mayor Ireland said.
“One of the big topics on our agenda was to have services to public health in regional areas improved. The motion was supported unanimously.
“This is an issue that is close to my heart as we have seen services reduced right across our regional areas.
“We had the opportunity to speak to the committee for the Office of the Independent Assessor who has undertaken to reduce the time taken to address complaints and to remove vexatious complaints from the table.
“Generally speaking the conference was a fabulous opportunity for local councils to come together, share ideas and find solutions for challenges for the benefit of our communities.”
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the LGAQ provided an opportunity for the council to discuss local issues as well as the issues that impact the greater local government sector.
“Central Queensland is a dynamic powerhouse and it is here that we have the hard working communities delivering for the rest of the state and our nation, so we are pleased to see this conference in our own backyard with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Steven Miles attend and share in these discussions,” he said.
“Councillors and I very much welcomed the announcement that our region will share in the extra $100 million towards the Works for Queensland program which has delivered a number of fantastic projects across our region over the years.
“This additional funding is set to offer support for essential local infrastructure, of which we will certainly apply for as we continue to undertake a range of critical upgrades to infrastructure across the region.”
The Indigenous Leaders Forum (ILF) also gathered recently, following the referendum.
LGAQ President Mark Jamieson said the LGAQ’s advocacy will be ongoing to close the gap, with the resolve to carry on in the quest for justice, equality, and recognition unwavering.
Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Jason Woibo shared, “The sun’s still going to rise in the morning and set in the afternoon, so we need to go forward.”
The ILF was an opportunity for Indigenous Leaders to gather and discuss issues of importance to their communities.
On Monday evening there was a moving Welcome to Country from Gooreng Gooreng Elder, Aunty Juliri Ingra and a warm welcome to Gladstone from Mayor Matt Burnett.
Delegates were invited to enjoy a drink and socialise afterwards—while exploring everything the Trade Exhibition had to offer.
The idea had been floated around to do a talent search and put together a LocalGovQld band for the 127th LGAQ Annual Conference.
With everyone spread across the state rehearsals proved tricky and some thought it couldn’t be done.
But with a little help from the LGAQ digital team, virtual rehearsals and a strong line-up of local government musical talent meant the One Hit Wonders’ debut performance went off without a hitch Monday evening.
The LGAQ band members consisted of Cr Kahn Goodluck, Gladstone, Cr Councillor Kurt Rehbein, Townsville, Cr Liam Mooney, Townsville, Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Somerset, Mayor Andrew ’Marto’ Martin Blackall-Tambo, Cr Glenn Churchill Councillor Gladstone, Megan James, Councillor for Western Downs and local special guest bass player, Jack Vilioen.
On Tuesday Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk conducted the official opening and leader of the Opposition, David Crisafulli presented an update after the lunch session.
The conference concluded Wednesday afternoon after a full day of motions debating.
