A delegation led by Mayor Mick Kruger lobbying support for our region has received a positive response from state leaders and resulted in a meeting with Invest Queensland.

The delegation included representatives from Council, the Fraser Coast branch of the Urban Development Industry Association, Chambers of Commerce and medical practitioners.

Seeking financial assistance and backing for major mining, marine and engineering projects that would generate employment and investment in our region, the local delegates met with Deputy Premier Paul Lucas, Treasurer Andrew Fraser and other ministers who reacted positively to the region’s initiatives.

One of the main topics for discussion was the Urangan Harbour redevelopment, which would create 650 jobs during the construction phase alone and provide a major injection into the local economy.

As a result of the delegation, senior Council staff then met with Invest Queensland to discuss the promotion of the region’s opportunities for business and investment.

Council is now working to ensure that relevant statistics about the region’s facilities, infrastructure and forecast population growth are readily available to prospective investors and developers.

On the agenda...
Topics covered with the Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade, Andrew Fraser included:

• Urangan Boat Harbour Redevelopment;
• Marine Industrial Park;
• EDI Rail future contracts, and;
• Fraser Coast Cultural Centre funding opportunities.

Topics covered with the Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining, Stirling Hincliffe included:

• Colton Mine and mining in general;

Topics covered with the Minister for Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure, Craig Wallace included:

• Burrum Heads Boat Ramp;
• Upgrade to Urraween Intersection;
• Upgrade to Bruce Highway,and;
• Upgrade to roads servicing Yarrilee State School.

Topics covered with the Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State Paul Lucas included:

• Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan, and;
• Fraser Coast region in general.

Topics covered with the Minister for Small Business, Tourism and Manufacturing Jan Jarrett included:

• Tourism and small business.