I hope everyone is getting excited for the upcoming events in Cloncurry.

The Arthur Beetson Outback Carnival was on over the weekend with some great football by the young teams. The QLD Police representative team versus the Northern Invitational side and was a great game to round out the carnival.

Council officially opened the kiosk at the Eddie Lee field and dedicated it to the hard work of Jim Clendinning an ardent supporter and tireless volunteer for football for many years.

The show is approaching quickly and I am sure it is going to be fantastic with the addition of the C150 Steam Train. Be sure to get your nomination in for the day trip ballot in. I am keen to see people from across the region visit and enjoy the weekend.

Budget season is upon us and I look forward to the Cloncurry Shire and Northwest featuring in the State Budget.

We are a key area for beef, mining and transport, and funding needs to reflect this importance.

I submitted Council’s priority list to the government for their support which includes increasing the number of living local jobs versus FIFO.

I support MMG’s commitment to employing staff primarily in Cloncurry, with the inclusion of incentives to live locally.

The next challenge to overcome and to ensure the greatest benefit for employees living locally, is for them to be able to commute home daily and be with their families.

There are thousands, possibly tens of thousands of people who commute daily to work in Southeast Queensland, travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane in heavy traffic.

The commute to Dugald River is much less onerous and the risk can be mitigated in many ways. For me personally, the main benefit to live locally over FIFO is the ability to not miss two-thirds of family life.

I thank the MMG team for listening to the community and supporting living locally as a priority.

I urge them to continue to listen and adapt around commuting. I am certain the outcomes will be positive for the company, the community, the employee and especially their families.

Regards Greg