I’ve been at many similar events before where local councils talk to their community and I was a bit apprehensive that this one might descend into argumentative chaos like many I’ve seen across Queensland in recent years.

But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The councillors and CEO articulately put out what they were doing and the community responded with good questions, some of which were tough, but all of which were asked in a polite and considered manner and even where there was criticism it was constructive and it played the ball not the player.

It was accountability at its best with the key players all available to give updates and answer questions.

It was the second such forum in the 12 months since the council elections last March and I hope they continue them every six months or so. 

The forum covered a lot of ground and of course the three R’s were covered.

But showing that Councils these days are a lot more than just about roads, rates and rubbish, the forum covered a wide variety of other topics such as the Council’s pro-active stance against Fly In  Fly Out, its relationship with local businesses and mines, and its promotion of health and lifestyle with liveability, parks and gardens and promotion of local sports and culture.

Just like in the first forum, the turnout was healthy – around a 100 people turned up at the Community Precinct to hear about their community.

It shows that locals care about their community and bodes well for what is going to be an exciting year for Cloncurry.

In May the Arthur Beetson Shield will bring hundreds of youngsters and their carers from across outback Queensland for a rugby league carnival.

In June the annual show’s highlight is expected to be the arrival of the Q150 steam train from Brisbane.

Then in August-September the town celebrates its 150^th birthday with a week of events, commemorations and celebrations. I would like to see other councils follow Cloncurry’s lead with these forums. It is local democracy at its best. DB