Last month, the LGAQ Board signed off a $7 million investment in the Local Buy Next Gen project - a massive down payment on both fraud proofing and achieving greater value for money from the entire council procurement function - worth about $6.5 billion a year.

As you know, here at the LGAQ we have a drought strategy, a water security strategy and today I’d like to talk about our plan for the reef – our 7th wonder of the world and a true Queensland icon.

The LGAQ is currently reviewing the proposed amendments to telecommunication carrier powers and immunities law and welcomes member feedback by 16 December 2019.

The Department of Environment and Science wants to hear from you on the final stages of the review of the codes of practice.

Consultation requested for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 review

Organisations, including councils, are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for active community infrastructure projects. Closing date for Round 1 EOIs 6 December 2019.

We need real outcomes if Queensland’s $20 billion primary production sector is to be effectively supported. Sufficient funding is critical to ensure the ongoing vitality of these industries in our regional communities.

The need to manage our own waste and recycling is urgent, but to do this both State and Commonwealth leaders must come to the party.

The President of the LGAQ, Mayor Mark Jamieson has called on the Member for Capalaba, Don Brown MP, to cease using Parliamentary Privilege to pursue a political agenda against a fellow elected representative, whilst due process runs its course.

The announcement by the Federal Government to provide drought funding to non-farm businesses and more funding for councils in drought-affected regions is a win for communities and councils.

The Federal Government’s move to provide drought funding for non-farm businesses and extra funding for councils in drought-affected regions is a huge win for Queensland communities.

The LGAQ will be making a submission on the draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan released by the Federal Government.

The LGAQ welcomes the commitment from all sides of politics to the Bradfield Scheme but says the focus must be on water supply and quality in rural communities, and is calling on state and federal governments to commit to $500 million over five years of dedicated funding.

Cr David Schefe attended the conference as the chair of the LGAQ Water & Sewerage Advisory Group and has provided a summary of the event.