The 130th Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference is underway in Cairns, with the state’s council leaders gathering for the three-day event.
Hundreds of mayors, councillors, CEOs and other local government leaders will join with Federal and State government representatives to discuss key issues like housing, essential infrastructure and cost shifting.
Local government leaders will also discuss and vote on more than 130 motions put forward by councils across the state, that, if passed, will represent the collective views of the sector and direct the LGAQ’s future advocacy priorities.
On day one of the conference, Queensland’s First Nations local government leaders (pictured, above) came together for the Indigenous Leaders Forum where they discussed challenges and opportunities facing their communities.
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, will give an opening address at the conference today.
“Our 130th Annual Conference is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come while setting the course for the future,” said LGAQ President, Matt Burnett.
“The LGAQ has delivered some big advocacy wins alongside our member councils in our first 130 years and we’re determined to deliver even more in the next 130.
“This week is all about councils working together to identify the priorities and solutions that will help make their communities more liveable and prosperous.”
LGAQ CEO, Alison Smith said the conference remained one of the most important opportunities each year for councils to have a collective voice to the other levels of government.
“The LGAQ is a member-led association that exists to serve councils, and our advocacy for them is driven by motions debated and endorsed at our conferences,” Ms Smith said.
“This is also going to be one of our most memorable annual conferences as the LGAQ celebrates its 130th birthday.
“The 130th LGAQ Conference will be unlike any other and we’re all looking forward to a memorable few days celebrating the vital role councils play in every community across Queensland.”
Cairns Mayor, Amy Eden said hosting the LGAQ’s 130th Annual Conference during Cairns’ 150th anniversary year was a fitting opportunity to reflect on the contribution of local government and its role in shaping Queensland’s future.
“We’re proud to welcome hundreds of delegates to Cairns, bringing a welcome boost to our local economy and an opportunity to showcase our city to leaders from across Queensland,” Mayor Eden said.
“One of the great strengths of local government is that we learn from each other. Whether it’s a small rural town or a growing regional city, there’s always something we can take away from another council’s experience.
“But there’s also enormous strength in our collective voice. We saw that recently when all 77 Queensland mayors united in their concerns about proposed changes to disaster recovery funding, and the Commonwealth listened.
“That’s the power of local government working together, and it’s why gatherings like this are so valuable.”
