SWQROC Newsletter July 2021

“Promoting and Developing South West Queensland as the Cornerstone of Opportunities”

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the latest e-news update from the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils. As Chair, it is with a sense of pride that I look back on all we have collectively achieved as a new organisation over the last six months.

Having a united voice for the region is proving successful in enhancing our core focus, supporting our advocacy efforts and providing a single point of contact for our valued stakeholders and partners, as we collectively strive to showcase how South West Queensland really is the “Cornerstone of Opportunities”!

As you read through this newsletter you will see it has been a busy and productive time for the ROC Members and Executive team alike progressing matters associated with carbon farming, Financial Assistance Grants, regional investment attraction, tourism promotion, barriers to housing and digital connectivity, development of key infrastructure assets such as roads and water, as well as undertaking our inaugural deputation to State Parliament to discuss our region’s priorities with Ministers, the Opposition, Senior Department Executives and other key stakeholders.

In amongst all of our own activities, SWQROC collaborates closely with our neighbouring regions to the east through the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors (DDSWQCoM), and also the North through the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC). The WQAC partnership has been formed to push and promote the challenges and opportunities faced in communities west of the Great Divide and importantly, to highlight the contribution these communities make to the wealth of Queensland and the nation.

As part of this partnership approach, myself and many of my colleagues in South West Queensland headed to Richmond in May to attend the WQAC Assembly and participate in discussions on housing, digital connectivity, airline contract reviews and roads (amongst others) with Federal and State Ministers, Senators, senior industry representatives and government officials. Thanks to all that attended and the great discussion about working together to create jobs and progress rural and remote Queensland.

As you will note, the last six months has very much been focussed on setting the agenda and gathering credible data to present our case and to represent our region. The next six months will be focussed on putting these plans and strategies into action and engaging outwardly to progress the growth and development of South West Queensland.

Before I sign off, I’d like to take an opportunity to thank our respective Council teams for their contribution and dedication to the SWQROC agenda. It is clear we have a strong cohort of professionals that are passionate about making South West Queensland a great place to live, work and play!

I look forward to seeing what the next few months will bring and I hope you find value in this newsletter and understanding our regional priorities and future focus.

Cr Samantha O’Toole
Chair SWQROC