Published on 26 May 2026
Mayors, councillors, CEOs and State Ministers are gathering in Longreach this week for the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) biennial three-day Bush Councils Convention.
The May 26-28 conference – which has been running for more than a decade – brings together over 150 state and local government leaders to discuss critical council sector issues, from freight to fuel, insurance to infrastructure, water to weather, biosecurity to bush racing and much more.
LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett said the convention’s theme “Outback & Onwards: Today & Every Day” highlights the challenges for local government, but importantly the future opportunities for regional, rural and remote councils.
“The Bush Councils Convention is an event unlike any other in Queensland, bringing councils together in a spirit of cooperation to discuss critical issues,” he said.
“The event has gone from strength to strength since it was first held in Longreach in 2013 and it’s great to see the convention returning here in 2026.”
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the convention program includes expert speakers, panel discussions and networking events.
“We look forward to engaging with local and state representatives at the conference over the next few days to drive better outcomes for our members and their local communities,” she said.
Longreach Regional Council Mayor Tony Rayner said the convention would bring a welcome economic boost to Longreach and surrounding communities.
“The convention is a great way to showcase what Longreach and the Central West has to offer,” he said.
“The convention also provides an opportunity for regional and remote councils to collaborate on policy because it’s local councils that know their communities best.”
More information on the Bush Councils Convention can be found here.