Moranbah Hosts Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum

Regional infrastructure and service delivery, workforce attraction and retention, and housing accessibility and affordability were among the priorities discussed at the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum, held in Moranbah on Monday. The Queensland Government stated it has allocated over $613 million in the 2023-24 State Budget for Mackay Hospital and Health Services, aligning with the forum's emphasis on health. Presentations at the event included HEALTHQ32, the State Government's 10-year vision for the future of healthcare in Queensland.

The forum also featured a regional-specific update on the Queensland Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, a key action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032. Site visits were organised as well, including a trip to Signature Beef at Sondella Station, a fourth-generation family business known for local employment and school-based apprenticeships.

Forum participants were updated on government investments in the region resulting from coal royalties. The discussions culminated in a panel session, providing an opportunity for in-depth dialogue on important regional issues.

The Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum, chaired by Assistant Minister for Education Julieanne Gilbert, was attended by Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan, and Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon.

"The Palaszczuk government is investing billions of dollars across the region, and I'd like to thank the forum members for providing important advice and working so hard to ensure all community voices are heard," said Assistant Minister Gilbert.

"The forum members work very hard to ensure all of the communities in the region are in focus because we are here to listen and act to drive the region forward," added Minister Ryan.

"The Palaszczuk government investment in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday emphasises the importance of the region, and this is supported by the great work of the regional forum members who contribute so much time and advice," stated Minister Scanlon.

The Moranbah Hospital redevelopment in the Isaac Region is receiving a $54 million investment, facilitating the construction of a new helipad, expanding the emergency department, and providing staff accommodation.

This forum is one of seven held in regional centres across the state, with additional forums dedicated to Central Queensland, Darling Downs South West Queensland, Far North Queensland, North and North West Queensland, Western Queensland, and Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast. The forum in Moranbah marked the second meeting of forum members in 2023, with two more Regional Community Forums scheduled for later in the year.

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Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan shared images from his time in Moranbah attending a local Regional Community Forum held at the beginning of this week

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