The community expects much better of its local MPs than the behaviour displayed by the member for Southern Downs this week.

Here’s the story of the 123rd LGAQ annual conference in Cairns by the numbers: 700 delegates, observers and exhibitors, 85 motions carried (16 unanimously), three motions withdrawn, one minister with some good news, 97 indigenous councillors in attendance and about $3 million pumped into the local economy.

The Queensland Government has released a suite of materials to support elected members and prospective local government candidates.

Delivered by Mayor Mark Jamieson, President of the Local Government Association of Queensland, 15 October 2019. What a term it has turned out to be - I’m very proud to be part of a sector that has demonstrated again and again, that we genuinely are the level of government closest to the people.

This will ensure the retention of optional preferential voting for next year’s council elections, ensuring voters have as much control over their vote as they like.

A series of stories on the monsoon floods that devastated north west Queensland in February this year told a searing story of the economic and personal impacts of the huge loss of stock caused by the flooding.

This is a great opportunity for regional Queensland councils to help offset the higher costs of transporting recycling material by providing grants of up to $250,000 for transport costs associated with recycling.

So far this financial year, I have continued to visit Councils throughout Queensland and provide councillors with ethics and integrity advice on an individual basis.

With the 2020 local government elections in sight, integrity issues are likely to be at the forefront for anyone considering becoming, or continuing to be, a councillor.

Queensland councils and ROCs have been invited to participate in a teleconference 25 October. Contact us to participate and contribute your feedback.

The LGAQ’s Regional Development Lead, Kirsten Pietzner, tells ABC Southern Queensland how a proposed action plan might work.

Public office can be rewarding for those who are dedicated to their community.