Though the dust has settled from Labor’s victorious 2017 State Election, the dust is still yet to settle in the paddocks of north west Queensland and local councils are calling on the newly elected government to do more.
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Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell in particular has been vocal about the need for government action, following an election campaign in the North West where the leaders, ministers and shadow ministers of both major parties were conspicuously absent.
When the election was finished Campbell invited the newly appointed Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner to Cloncurry to experience and understand importance of the beef industry in the North West.
He reiterated that call after the minister’s visit to the Central West region last week to inspect water infrastructure projects.
“It was good to see the Premier and Agricultural Minister Mark Furner visiting Longreach last week where he will have seen parts of the Central west at its worst, however there is still a lot more to see and the invitation to visit the Cloncurry region remains open,” Cr Campbell said.
Cr Campell said he looks forward to working with the Minister who is new to the agriculture portfolio but has the strength of character to identify and act upon the needs of communities.
“Hopefully when the Minister visits he can truly experience and understand why Cloncurry is the powerhouse of the grazing industry following a decent wet season,” the mayor said.
KAP State leader and member for Traeger Robbie Katter said Mr Furner’s visit to Cloncurry would provide an unique insight into the current situation.
“The North west communities have been doing it tough for a number of years as a result of continued drought conditions,’’ Mr Katter said.
“The Minister would greatly benefit from experiencing first hand the challenges the local community is currently facing.”
Mr Katter said a new Rural Development Bank would be a great first step in assisting primary producers throughout regional Queensland, and the communities they support.
“Rural Queenslanders don’t want a hand out but now and again they need a hand up,” he said.
“They know how to work their land and are extremely responsible land custodians. But when things outside of their control, such as continued drought, make an impact they need a helping hand to get them through the tough times.’’
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
