- First Regional Community Forums of 2023 exploring local priorities and opportunities across seven regions.
- Focus on skills, training, jobs, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and Path to Treaty.
- The first of four rounds of Forums to be held in 2023.
Energy, jobs and Path to Treaty will drive the agenda for the opening round of the 2023 Regional Community Forums, to be held on Monday (20 March).
Significant announcements made, including Copperstring 2032 and the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project, will be in focus for their job creating opportunities.
Community members from around the state will gather at individual forums held around the grounds.
Forums will be held in each of the seven regional centres:
- Gordonvale (Far North Queensland)
- Ingham (North, North West Region)
- Mackay (Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region)
- Blackall (Western Queensland region)
- Emerald (Central Queensland region)
- Cherbourg (Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast region)
- St George (Darling Downs South West region)
This Forum is the fifth in a series of eight Forums over a two-year series.
Quotes attributable to the Premier:
"My government is committed to listening to communities and understanding the priorities of Queenslanders right across the state.
"We've made incredible commitments to clean energy, Path to Treaty and in creating good jobs for the next generation. Queensland's regions are the driving force behind the success of those plans.
"On Monday, Ministers will be on the ground with local members hearing directly from forum members on the issues that matter.
"A big thank you to those forum members who continue to contribute their insights to deliver a better, brighter future for all Queenslanders."
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:
"The Forums are an opportunity for community members who have specific expertise and knowledge, to participate in the discussions creating positive outcomes for their region.
"This year, the focus is on themes established by each region, including employment pathways, workforce attraction, housing, economic diversification and Reconciliation and Path to Treaty, and the members will continue to explore other avenues for growth.
"Importantly, our landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will drive conversation about our great states' clean energy future – a plan that will benefit Queenslanders from the coast to the country and contribute to significant regional development between now and 2032."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
"The Forum members have another busy and exciting year in which to advance the plans for their respective regions, bringing their wealth of knowledge to the table.
"We are the nation's job creator and intend to remain so by investing in a workforce with the skills and capability that industry needs now and into the future.
"That's why we have our $200 million Future Skills Fund that focuses on skills attainment for jobs of the future, providing modern infrastructure for TAFE Queensland and supporting disadvantaged cohorts.
"We are investing $100 million to upgrade TAFE campuses across the regions which will do just that, building on our record investment in training infrastructure of almost $280 million since 2017.
"No matter where you choose to live, work or train, we are developing far-reaching and innovative plans and programs which will secure a great future for regional Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Darling Downs South West Regional Community Forum member Adam Wenitong:
"As an Indigenous man who has been actively involved in community services for over 20 years, I am proud to support the Regional Community Forums," Mr Wenitong said.
"The Forum program provides a much-needed platform for local communities to come together and voice their priorities, concerns, and opportunities.
It is important that community members, including Indigenous peoples, are given the chance to have their voices heard and their needs met."
