THE Burdekin Shire Council is happy with the responses they received from Queensland Government Ministers at the Community Cabinet meeting held in Townsville on Sunday.
Burdekin Mayor Bill Lowis, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin and Economic Development Manager Adrian Scott spoke with five state ministers about projects that would help grow the Burdekin.
Cr Lowis said he was very happy with the reception the team received.
“I was very happy with their responses and they were impressed with the documentation we presented them on the projects we are seeking to progress,” he said.
“I had a number of Ministers comment on how well prepared our Burdekin team was for the short meeting.”
Deputations were held with:
- Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Training and Skills the Hon. Yvette D’Ath regarding a research, development and training centre in the Burdekin.
- Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety & Ports, Minister for Energy & Water Supply the Hon. Mark Bailey regarding a second crossing of the Burdekin River, replacement of the Haughton River Bridge, establishment of a Department of Transport & Main Roads office in the Burdekin and the relaxation of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Mass or Dimension Exemption Permit.
- Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government & Planning, Minister for Trade the Hon. Jackie Trad regarding funding for the internal fitout of the Burdekin Cyclone Shelter and the construction of a multi-purpose hall/cyclone shelter.
- Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister for Sport and Racing the Hon. Bill Byrne regarding the expansion of the northern and southern irrigation areas and the RegionsQ Framework Burdekin catchment development. Minister Byrne also was invited to open the upcoming Rabobank Burdekin Value-Adding Seminar.
- Minister for State Development, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines the Hon. Anthony Lynham regarding the Burdekin catchment development, expansion of the Northern and Southern Irrigation Areas, the minor raising of the Burdekin Falls Dam and the construction of the Urannah Dam.
Cr Lowis said the team was able to get across to the Ministers the importance and value of the Burdekin to the State’s economy.
“I was pleased to get such positive responses to all the projects we spoke about and a number of the ministers indicated they would visit the Burdekin to further understand our needs.
Economic Development Manager Adrian Scott reiterated the Mayor’s thoughts on the success of the meetings.
“I was pleasantly surprised at the degree of detail discussed with several of the ministers regarding our road network, water management and irrigation infrastructure,” Mr Scott said.
“There were key senior staff in the departments at the meetings and they will provide necessary links between the Ministers and Council to progress our key projects.”
