Mayor helps forge Canberra partnership

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the delegation told the newly formed Federal Government that councils are the ideal delivery partners when it comes to investment in south east Queensland.

“South east Queensland is the fastest growing region in Australia. In less than 20 years, our region will have the same population as Greater Sydney today, an additional 1.6 million residents and we’ll be home to around 75 per cent of all Queenslanders," Cr Schrinner said.

“The region is experiencing a range of challenges, yet the Brisbane 2032 Games present an enormous opportunity for all levels of government to respond in a coordinated way.

“The challenges we face include housing availability and affordability, attracting skilled labour and critical investment in infrastructure to improve connectivity between growing communities.

“We’re ready and willing partners, and we’re keen to see how we can support the Federal Government’s agenda when it comes to improving regional connectivity, boosting affordability, and enhancing the resilience of local communities and our environment.”

Mayor Clare Stewart said the talks were positive.

"We had discussions about natural disasters, climate change, the importance of skilled migration and how councils could bid on the Housing Futures Fund," she said.

"I also had a good chat with the Asssitant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm."

Deputy Chair, Mayor Paul Antonio said partnerships between Council of Mayors (SEQ) and other levels of government were already delivering transformational benefits for the South-East.

“Working together with state and federal governments we‘ve secured the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the $1.8b Foundation SEQ City Deal.

“We know population growth and traffic congestion will continue to be one of our region’s greatest economic, social and environmental challenges,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Without significant support from other levels of government our region will struggle to cater for this growth let alone the additional load the Brisbane 2032 Games will bring.

“It’s essential SEQ Councils continue to have an active role, including in the planning and delivery of a successful Games. “This will help to ensure we showcase the region as an attractive place to live, work and play; and we leave a lasting and meaningful legacy for our communities for generations to come.”