It’s not all about Yeppoon

Published on 15 October 2020

Council is asking candidates in the upcoming state election to show their support for residents in the Northern Suburbs waiting to come home and join the Rockhampton Region.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the matter was referred to the Local Government Change Commission in January 2019, and yet residents in Glenlee, Rockyview, and Glendale are waiting for the consultation process to begin. 

“Polls conducted since de-amalgamation in 2013 have consistently shown these communities wish to come home to Rockhampton Regional Council,” said Mayor Strelow.

“Residents of Livingstone Shire have exercised in writing their free will to de-amalgamate. The residents of the Northern Suburbs are simply asking for the same privilege to choose where they want to call home.

“These residents are already part of our Region in their everyday lives.

“Those living in Rockyview have the choice of driving around 10 minutes to the nearest supermarket in Parkhurst, or 30 minutes to a supermarket in Yeppoon.

“Likewise, parents in Glendale and Glenlee can drive less than 10 minutes to Parkhurst State School or triple that to get to a school within Livingstone Shire Council.

“These communities are part of our Region everywhere except on paper, a fact which is beginning to push the boundaries of reason.

“Council and the northern communities understand that the process must be done correctly.

“All that we are asking as we go into the State government election is that the process be respected.

“The matter has already been referred to the independent umpire.

“This is not just about the financial impact on Livingston Shire - It is about making it right for Rockhampton Region.

“And don’t forget that there is a real financial kick in the guts to Rockhampton Region the longer the process is delayed.”