As North West Queensland faces the road to recovery from its greatest natural disaster, the leaders of the region want a fair regional “Future Deal” from Canberra.
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As the region counts its losses from devastating flooding, the Federal Government is set to deliver yet another “City Deal”, ramping up its already significant investment in South East Queensland.
Representing the eight regional mayors, Carpentaria Shire Mayor Jack Bawden said politicians were yet to commit to the necessary deal for the north west and is time for real regional investment beyond the east coast.
“If it’s good enough for the comfortable South East Queensland to have a region-wide plan for the future, it’s no less important - and now essential - for the North West of the state,” Cr Bawden said.
“It’s at times like these that the chronic lack of investment from our governments hits the most – from road infrastructure to transport to social services.”
Cr Bawden said the area had been overlooked for too long.
“Seeing the big city get a deal while we can’t get a commitment, is a kick in the teeth. So, we need help to get some action,” he said.
“We need real investment now and the relevant Ministers - and those who want to be Ministers - need to step up.”
Cr Bawden said the region punched well above its weight, contributing $176,000 a head to the national economy – nearly three times more than elsewhere in Queensland.
“Late last year we delivered our strategic Six Point Plan to government and opposition to seek support for a strategic, long term Regional Deal to address the infrastructure and service deficits across our region,” he said.
“After the response and important initial recovery to the floods, a long-term plan is needed for the rebuilding of the region’s industry.”
The six-point plan pinpointed the need for reliable energy, roads, dams and water, first world communications and funding services in a way that suits remote communities.
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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.
