Rockhampton Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Neil Fisher, has condemned the actions of two state LNP Shadow Ministers who yesterday launched a petition against a municipal boundary review of the region.
“Yesterday, two state LNP Shadow Ministers stood outside Rockhampton City Hall and launched a petition against our region,” said Cr Fisher.
“Those two Shadow Ministers called for a stop to the Northern Suburbs Boundary Review of Glenlee, Glendale and Rockyview.”
Local Government Shadow Minister, Ann Leahy and Small & Family Business Shadow Minister, Brent Mickelberg launched the petition yesterday, saying nearby Livingstone Shire Council would be left financially unviable if the suburbs were transferred to Rockhampton Regional Council control.
“I’m not going to mince my words. They should hang their heads in shame,” said Cr Fisher of the Shadow MP’s petition.
The Deputy Mayor said the actions of the two politicians were disrespectful to residents in both the Rockhampton Region and Livingstone Shire.
“Our communities deserve to be heard on this issue. Whether you live at Bajool or Byfield or Rockyview, your voice matters. Your vote matters,” he said.
“To try and stop people having their say is disrespectful. It is disrespectful to both our Local Government Areas and everyone in it.
“To do it on the doorstep of City Hall in Rockhampton was just plain unprofessional. At no time did these Shadow Ministers reach out to us to get the Rockhampton Region’s side of the story.
“If this was of such concern to them, why did they not contact Rockhampton Regional Council? There wasn’t even the common courtesy of letting us know they were here.
“I am at a loss as to how they acted. And I know members of our community will be too, including those LNP party faithful who call the Rockhampton Region home.”
Councillor Fisher slammed the actions of the Shadow Ministers as “unforgivable” ahead of a public vote on the boundary i ssue.
“Postal ballots are going to arrive in mail boxes in just two weeks and everyone in our region will get to have their say,” he said.
“Residents in the Northern Suburbs have voted three times to come back to the Rockhampton Region. Livingstone Shire Council and these Shadow Ministers want to take away their voice and your voice by stopping the vote.
“They need to be held accountable. When it comes time to vote, vote ‘Yes’ and stand with these residents.
“They deserve better. We all do.”
From June 13, the Electoral Commission Queensland will send a letter to enrolled voters in the Rockhampton region, the northern suburbs, and Livingstone Shire outlining details about the upcoming poll.
