Mayor and CEO Advocate for the Region

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Published
29th March 2023

Mayor and CEO Advocate for the Region

Charters Towers Regional Council representatives have been busy advocating for the Region, meeting with ministers and advisors from the Australian Parliament.

Earlier this month, Mayor Frank Beveridge, and Chief Executive Officer Martin Drydale visited Canberra as part of a Townsville North Queensland delegation to discuss the region’s priorities.

The delegation team, made up of Townsville Enterprise executives and North Queensland council Mayors, made the journey to Canberra to actively advocate for their respective communities.

Mayor Frank Beveridge said water security, agriculture, investments in education, health and roads are our priorities for our Region.

“Each Council has something they are asking for and working together gives us a lot more relevance and power.

“It’s all about the big picture, and Council is doing its best to bring the focus of the Australian Parliament to our regional issues,” said Mayor Beveridge.

The delegates were involved in several meetings to discuss key projects, highlight significant issues, and voice how the Federal Government can assist and further invest in the North and Northwest Queensland regions.

Some of the meetings secured included the following ministers and advisors from the Australian Parliament:

  • Christopher Ketter; Senior Advisor, Minister for Defence
  • Amy Crawford; Senior Advisor – Regional Development; Office of the Honourable Kristy McBain MP – Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
  • Kelly McManus; Senior Advisor – Local Government; Office of the Honourable Kristy McBain MP – Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
  • Honourable Madeleine King MP; Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia
  • Mr Phillip Thompson MP; Federal Member for Herbert

The 2023-25 Advocacy Plan was adopted at Council’s March General Meeting and delegates will continue to advocate for the North Queensland regions until their needs are met.

“All of our regions want to be sustainable, and we are all fighting for money from the same pool.  We have to be here, loud and proud telling our story,” Mayor Beveridge continued.

A copy of Council’s Advocacy Plan can be found on Council’s website at www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/advocacy.