Bowen was host to the third Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum of 2023 earlier this week and attendees came together to discuss pressing issues of the region.
In particular housing availability, housing affordability, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and workforce attraction and retention were hot topics of conversation.
There was also a presentation about the Queensland Procurement Strategy, which outlined that Queensland based business will be prioritised with an estimated $180 billion in government procurement, from 2023 until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The forums provide an opportunity to represent the voices of our communities to government, and in return it enables our communities to contribute to effective input ensuring regional and rural Queensland is included in government’s priorities, planning, and decision making,” said Carl Walker, a Bowen Farmer.
Mayor Julie Hall said she was honoured to be a guest at the forum.
“As part of the forum I was invited to do a presentation showcasing the diversity of the Bowen region and address regional challenges and opportunities,” Mayor Hall said.
“I also participated in a panel discussion with local Bowen Business representatives and stakeholders to showcase how regional areas can make the most of economic growth and infrastructure opportunities to ensure regional communities can continue to thrive,” she said.
“The Bowen Marina and foreshore and the State Development area were discussed as two of our priorities for unlocking Bowen’s liveability and regional potential and of course housing and accommodation were hot topics.”
A fourth Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum is scheduled for 2024.
Forum participants attending the Coral Coast Barramundi Farm. Photo supplied
