The group representing the North West Queensland councils has started a campaign to get the region on the agenda ahead of October's state election.
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The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) says the region pumps more than $5 billion into the economy annually, with industries that have survived and even grown during the pandemic, and is a region of lifters committed to growing their region and sharing the benefits with the State.
On Thursday the eight councils of North West Queensland launched their 2020 Election Platform and will call on candidates to commit to its plan to supercharge the region post-COVID and long-term.
The NWROC said North West Queensland was an economic powerhouse with its North West Minerals Province, massive and productive agricultural holdings and a burgeoning and stunning outback tourism industry.
Carpentaria Mayor and NWQROC chair Jack Bawden said each hardworking local contributed $176,000 per capita to the national economy compared to $66,000 elsewhere in Queensland and there needed to be real investment and real collaboration to help all Queenslanders unite and recover.
We're not asking to reinvent the wheel, or to fund unrealistic ideas and initiatives. This is about building on what already exists, what already has been done or what already has been identified," Cr Bawden said.
"As a region we punch well above our weight, continuing to deliver despite prolonged droughts, severe floods, high cost of living, inadequate and aging infrastructure, small population centres and global pandemics."
Cr Bawden said Queensland would be in a poor position right now without the North West.
"Imagine what we could do with real, sustained investment," he said.
"That's because our communities are lifters and are committed to making North West Queensland a region attractive for people and businesses to live, work and invest.".
Cr Bawden said that while much good work has been done by all levels of government in policies, plans and strategies, now was the time for regionally targeted action with immediate commitments and long term investment in region shaping projects.
"With much needed investment in vital infrastructure such as roads, water, housing, energy and connectivity, our industries that already contribute so much can continue to grow and deliver even more for Queensland into the future," he said.
"We're always ready to step up and work together in the North West, and our platform highlights our collaboration and the key election priorities we share as part of the 21 councils that form the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils."
The NWQROC Election Platform is at www.nwqroc.com.au/2020StateElection
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