All levels of Government commit to Region’s Recovery

Published on 03 April 2020

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Local politicians from all three levels of Government have virtually met today and committed to working together on a plan to support both businesses and community groups through the next few months and beyond.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the plan would have three stages - Hold, Recover and Grow.

"Obviously we are very much in the holding stage at the moment and this is clearly the time for all of us at every level of community or business to plan now so that we can come out of the blocks strongly on the other side,” Mayor Strelow said.

"In this first stage our goal is to gather information and to help the various sectors of the community set their direction; whether that be increasing training for businesses or shifting more to the online world.

"All three levels of government stand ready to help support the changes in whatever way we can.

"It’s a moment to take stock of big picture social changes and technology changes and learn to adapt to them.

"And then of course it will be an opportunity for community-led thinking about the future and where we want to be in five years and 10 years to grow the Region.

"Our next step from here will be to undertake engagement with a range of stakeholder groups and the broader community to understand where exactly we should be focused at to make sure our Region is in the box seat," Mayor Strelow said.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said it was great to see all levels of government come together for the benefit of the local community.

"I want to congratulate the Rockhampton Regional Council for coordinating the community recovery group and consolidating all of our collective strengths to plan for the community's future after the coronavirus," Ms Landry said.

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said she was committed to working together with all levels of government and the entire community.

"The commitment to collaboration by all three levels of government is wonderful. Central Queensland is well prepared but working together and being kind, patient and supportive of each other is really important right now.

"By working together we can absolutely limit the impact on our local community and ensure that after this crisis is over, our region comes out stronger," Ms Lauga said.

Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke said this was not just a health crisis.

“It’s much broader than that and we need all levels of government working together to support our local community,  keep local businesses afloat and people in jobs.

“It is also vital that everybody in our community plays their part as well," Mr O'Rourke said.

Further details on the engagement with the community and stakeholders will be released next week.