These include the agricultural sector, police, victims of crime, recreational and sporting shooters, firearms dealers and the legal community.

Following through on that, the Palaszczuk Government has established two stakeholder groups regarding firearms regulations and licensing – a Weapons Consultation Forum and a Weapons Dealers Consultation Forum.

The discussion from the most recent forums, which were in September, was both positive and constructive.

As we all know, this topic evokes strong views from people, no matter who they are.

The fact of the matter is, regulations and licensing should be considered with a calm head – rather than making false accusations and threats to strike.

I will not take action based on the opinions of one group, particularly when they are in stark contrast with others’ opinions. 

As the Police Minister for Queensland, I must take into consideration all views.

At a Federal level, the National Firearms Agreement is designed to achieve a balance between people who have a genuine need to access firearms and the interests and safety of the broader community. 

The technical elements of the National Firearms Agreement are currently under review by the Firearms and Weapons Policy Working Group, which is made up of representatives from all Australian jurisdictions.

I will soon meet with police ministers from across Australia, where we will discuss the National Firearms Agreement. 

I will discuss the outcomes of this meeting with the forums when we next meet

Bill Byrne MP, 

Police Minister 

I would like to congratulate the Burke Shire Council on its vision and dedication to ensuring the economic growth of its region.

The council has just secured funding of $994,619 for the Burketown Wharf Precinct, under the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).

The council put together a comprehensive application for NSRF for the construction of the Burketown Wharf Redevelopment project, which includes the widening of the boat ramp to improve safety and access. Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland (RDA) provided the council with support through the application process.

This project stands to have a positive local and regional impact by providing better facilities for locals, tourists, tourist operators, marine transport operators and commercial fishing vessels.

Regional towns are currently struggling with high unemployment, so it’s vital new projects such as these come to fruition to create new jobs and help boost the local economy.

Such projects provide short and long term jobs, while assisting the regions to maintain valuable skill sets.

This is the final round of NSRF program, as it will be replaced with the new Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

The new fund will access projects in three categories depending on their size, which will mean applications for smaller grants will not be competing with large projects.

Guidelines for the new fund are currently being developed and details will soon be announced.

I encourage councils and not-for-profit organisations to identify projects that they believe would benefit their communities.

Further information is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au

Paul Woodhouse

Chairman,

RDA Townsville and North West Queensland