The Local Government Association of Queensland congratulates Deputy Premier Steven Miles on his appointment as the Minister for State Development, Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning, in addition to his Deputy Premier role.
LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said councils had developed a strong working relationship with the Deputy Premier throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and looked forward to this continuing in his new role.
“Deputy Premier Miles and Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young have done an exemplary job of keeping Queenslanders safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“It is through their work that Queenslanders were able to safely have their say at the March 28 Local Government elections to ensure they could choose who would lead them through the pandemic and into recovery.
“On behalf of Queensland councils I congratulate Deputy Premier Miles and look forward to continuing to work with him to create jobs and take this state forward over the next four years.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe for his work as Local Government Minister over the last term including partnering with councils on critical job-creation programs. We look forward to continuing to work with him in his new portfolio."
Mayor Jamieson also thanked Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for recognising the job-creation and economic development credentials of Queensland’s councils by ensuring the Local Government portfolio was linked to an economic portfolio.
He said councils were also pleased to see the Local Government portfolio once again linked with Infrastructure and Planning.
Mayor Jamieson wrote to the Premier following her re-election to request the reformation of the Department of Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning following a resolution carried by Mayors and Councillors at last month’s LGAQ Annual Conference.
“We thank the Premier for once again listening to the needs and views of councils and their local communities,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Linking these portfolios together will ensure our efforts to rebuild the economic fabric of Queensland will not only continue but will be bolstered.”
Mayor Jamieson congratulated Treasurer Cameron Dick on his new role as Treasurer and Minister for Investment, Yvette D’Ath on her appointment as Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, and incoming new ministers Meaghan Scanlon, Leanne Linard and Scott Stewart on their elevation to the front bench.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vogler, Media Executive
Local Government Association of Queensland