Five mayors, 90 business representatives, 16 meetings, 28 politicians and two major events turbocharged North Queensland’s voice in our nation’s capital during a three-day delegation presenting our federal priorities.
Whilst Canberra has had changes, the priorities for Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Palm Island has not, with our united North Queensland advocacy campaign full steam ahead leading up to an election.
Despite the changes, briefing various parties and ministers meant our reach was extensive, with the highest levels of Government noting they had never seen such a cohesive regional presence partnering to secure the futures of not only their own communities, but for the broader North Queensland.
We were fortunate to brief Josh Frydenberg, the first Minister for Northern Australia and now Treasurer, who is well-informed on key regional priorities requiring Commonwealth support such as the Hells Gates Project and a North Queensland energy solution. Prime Minister Morrison also visited Townsville recently, and was briefed on critical projects such as the Port's Channel Widening, the Mount Isa to Townsville Supply Chain and water infrastructure.
Unlike many regions in Australia, we hunt in packs and the relationship between our private sector and five regional mayors, with our local MPs, makes us a formidable force. Public funds are exceptionally competitive, and this delegation provided the platform for our local leaders to make a strong statement on the importance of the north’s development.
We look forward to building upon the momentum this delegation created at Parliament House and working with the new Prime Minister and his Cabinet to secure North Queensland’s future over the next 150 years.
