QUEENSLANDERS’ 30-year vision at the Local Government Association of Queensland Regional and Economic Conference held in Hervey Bay yesterday was the culmination of the largest community engagement activity of its kind in Australian history.
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The Queensland Plan Ambassadors Council formed at the conference will be charged with overseeing the plan’s roll-out.
Speaking as ambassador for North West Queensland, Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady said although he was a proud life member of the ALP, this was a united plan for Queensland – and one that could have great potential for the future of the state.
“This is neither an ALP plan, a LNP plan, nor a PUP or a Katter plan – this is a plan for Queensland and one that could have great outcomes,” Cr McGrady said.
“When I was invited by the premier to join the committee, I would have been reneging on my role as a representative for Mount Isa and North West Queensland had I turned it down.
“I will now use the influence that I have to create bigger and better outcomes for North West Queensland and ensure that we have a loud and clear voice within this plan.”
Mr Newman said the “people’s plan” provided key goals on jobs and the economy with agreement among 80,000 participating Queenslanders that they wanted their state to be the top performing economy which provided the best job opportunities in Australia.
‘‘People from every corner of the state contributed ideas to the Queensland Plan with a common vision to grow our regional economies, foster innovation, strengthen our education sector and encourage community connections,’’ Mr Newman said.
He said the Queensland Plan offered many challenges to government with targets such as doubling the population of regions outside south east Queensland, while other goals would require new thinking by all levels of government.
