LGAQ Conference
On the eve of the state election, the recent Local Government Association of Queensland annual conference in Brisbane certainly shone the spotlight on the need for fairer funding of Queensland communities.
The conference brought together local government leaders from across Queensland, industry experts and key stakeholders to discuss, debate and vote on issues under the banner of “Don’t Leave Local Communities Behind”.
As a Councillor, I found the conference a valuable opportunity to gain an insight into the issues Scenic Rim shares with other local governments across Queensland and the importance of our sector in working together to achieve the best outcomes for our communities.
Roads and transport are major issues for councils and the lack of investment in infrastructure by other levels of government is a key theme of submissions to the Australian Government’s inquiry into local government sustainability.
The public hearing at The Centre Beaudesert by the House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport provided a forum for Scenic Rim Regional Council to raise its voice for increased funding for our community.
Welcome to our new citizens
It was great to attend the recent citizenship ceremony at The Centre Beaudesert where we welcomed 23 Scenic Rim residents from seven nations as our newest Australians.
Among the 23 are two residents of Boyland, formerly of South Africa, and a member of our Canungra community born in New Zealand.
This year’s citizenship ceremonies have highlighted the increasing diversity of our Scenic Rim communities.
In January, 31 Scenic Rim residents from 17 nations pledged their allegiance to Australia and its people followed in June by another 43 from 12 countries.
I hope our new citizens will be inspired by the example of community members who contribute so much to our local organisations.
Australia Day Awards
That brings me to the 2025 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards as nominations close on 15 November.
Citizen of the Year awards will be presented in three age categories, along with an award recognising the Community Event of the Year.
Please see Council’s website scenicrim.qld.gov.au/grants-funding-awards/australia-day-awards/1 and nominate someone well worthy of recognition.
