“State Parliament is sitting so we have a captive audience,” NWQROC chair and Carpentaria Mayor Jack Bawden said. “It’s only through a better understanding of our challenges that government policy and funding will produce jobs, grow the economy and support the social fabric of our communities,” he said.

The delegation will meet Ministers Kate Jones, Mark Bailey, Anthony Lynham and Stirling Hinchliffe to discuss funding for roads, water and sewerage infrastructure, the North West Minerals Province, tourism infrastructure, product development and events, pest and weeds management, progress on the new grants program for councils, and changes to councillor complaints handing.

“We will also meet Shadow Ministers Andrew Powell and Ann Leahy and Robbie Katter, whose assistance made the meeting possible.”

Also on the agenda is the ROC’s Strategic Plan.

In November 2017 the regions eight councils  - Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa and Richmond agreed to ramp up the operations of the NWQROC and appointed its first Executive Officer, Greg Hoffman PSM, former long term LGAQ General Manger of Advocacy.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to continue working with the councils and communities of the North West. The potential of the region is enormous and the NWQROC can play a vital role in working with the councils, industry and representative bodies. By aligning our efforts we can maximise our influence on Federal and State Government policy, programs and funding arrangements” Greg Hoffman said.  

“Over the next three months I will be meeting key stakeholders across the region as the NWQROC looks to firm up its strategic direction and regional priorities.”