CANDIDATE COMMITMENTS DON’T ADD UP FOR WESTERN QUEENSLAND AS COUNCILS TALLY UP RESPONSE TO THEIR CALLS TO INVEST IN THE WEST
2020 QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTION
Hot off the campaign trail, twenty one Mayors representing communities across the length and breadth of Western Queensland have delivered their assessment of State Election candidates and their commitment to their region.
The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) wrote to all of the major parties contesting the election seeking a response on the priorities that will help communities across their region grow and prosper.
“Bringing together these responses isn’t just about what happens in the tally room on election night - it’s a snapshot of commitments and accountability to Western Queensland now, and into the future. ”
We had one clear message for candidates – it’s time to invest in the west if they truly want to unlock the economic potential of Queensland. As the State faced and continues to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, the West has continued to deliver and help carry the State’s economy along the way.
Queensland Labor, Liberal National Party and Katter’s Australian Party have each responded. Our assessment of their response has formed the basis of our 2020 State Election Candidate Scorecard.
While there were positive responses and announcements in the lead up to the election that tick the box against some of our priorities - such as funding for roads and Works for Queensland - the response to a broader range of issues across our platform was disappointing.
We were hopeful of greater commitment from candidates to not only recognise the importance of our region but to deliver for regional and remote Queensland in order to sustain and create jobs and support future economic growth.
We understand that many people have already pre-polled or have already made up their minds. Bringing together these responses isn’t just about what happens in the tally room on election night - it’s a snapshot of commitments and accountability to Western Queensland now, and into the future.
Our platform is a framework that will continue to guide the WQAC and its 21 councils.
While we may have finished on the 2020 State Election campaign trail, we’ll still be knocking on doors and advocating for our region.
We look forward to working with the next Queensland Government to make Western Queensland, and in turn, the State, even stronger. We know that if you invest in the West – it pays dividends!
The WQAC brings together their representative bodies: the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC); the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD); and the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (SWQROC).
Further information on the Election Platform: www.wqac.com.au/2020StateElection.
Media contact: Aleisha Domrow – 0423 116 865 | aleisha@ascribe.com.au
