Ten community representatives are set to directly engage with the state government at a series of new forums.
Sunshine Coast residents are expected to have a greater say in shaping the future of their region via the Sunshine Coast Community Forums, which are expected to strengthen partnerships between community, industry and government.
Community representatives have been invited to apply to join the forums, through a formal expression of interest process that opened last month, with the first meeting to be held before the end of the year.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the meetings would be a crucial line of communication between the region and the government.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, and this is an ideal time to continue building the region’s economy and create jobs,” she said.
“The new community forum program provides an opportunity to hear directly from Sunshine Coast residents on the issues that matter most, which will drive our investment agenda.
“Regional community forums have been driving change and building stronger relationships between local communities and the Queensland Government since 2019.
“Ministers and local State Members of Parliament have been actively involved at each regional community forum and we look forward to continuing with our collaborative approach with Sunshine Coast community forum members.”
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said the meetings would help the region address population growth.
“We know how much the Sunshine Coast community is growing and changing, which is why it’s key that our region has its own dedicated community forum,” he said.
“This is a place for community members from all walks of life to come together and contribute their ideas to a brighter Sunshine Coast.
“We are a government that listens and I’m proud we will soon have this fantastic opportunity to connect on the issues that matter.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton urged locals to get involved.
“From Cherbourg to Muttaburra, Cooktown to Charters Towers, people from all around the state are getting involved (in regional forums) and now it’s the Sunshine Coast’s turn,” he said.
“I encourage all interested Sunshine Coast residents to take a look at how they could contribute to the first Sunshine Coast community forum, and get involved.”
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