Minute with the Mayor - Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

Last week, I attended the 130th Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference in Cairns, alongside representatives from 77 councils across the state.

While our communities are all very different, there is real value in coming together to share ideas and speak with a united voice on the issues affecting Queensland communities.

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One of those issues is the availability of Working Holiday Makers, particularly in regional areas like ours.

At the conference, councils supported calls for the Federal Government to ensure Working Holiday Maker visas are processed in a timely and predictable way, maintain incentives for visa holders to work in regional communities, and consult with councils and industries before making changes that could affect workforce supply.

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This is incredibly important for regional Queensland. Industries including agriculture, tourism, aged care and childcare already face workforce shortages, and any further reduction in available workers could have a significant impact.

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For our producers in particular, having confidence in a reliable workforce is essential. If they can't access the workers they need, they simply can't produce at their full capacity.

A special moment during the conference was also marking 125 years of the Australian Flag, with Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick MP joining delegates for its ceremonial unfurling.

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It was a productive three days and a valuable opportunity to ensure the needs of regional communities remain part of the national conversation.

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Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to catching up with many of you around the community. As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss any Council matters, please contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582 or by email at mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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