Gympie forum to focus on regional vaccinations

Premier and Minister for the Olympics The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Gympie today will host the fourth and final Regional Community Forum for the Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast region for 2021, with local forum members, Ministers and Members of Parliament to work on increasing vaccination rates to protect the region from COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said since 2019 the forums have been a platform to elevate regional voices in the State, and the local community representatives could now help to increase vaccination rates.

“With just weeks to go until our border reopens and greater freedoms flow for vaccinated Queenslanders, we are getting the message out – vaccines are safe, effective and our best defence against COVID-19,” the Premier said.

“We want to ensure people living and working in regional Queensland are fully vaccinated to protect their health and the health of their family, friends and community.

“That’s why the vaccine rollout and sharing the opportunities that come with reopening our State will be a key focus of the final round of Regional Community Forums for 2021.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said other local leaders including Hospital and Health Service representatives have also been invited to all seven forums today to focus on the health and economic benefits of vaccinations.

“The Palaszczuk Government values the contributions that forum members make as community leaders,” she said.

“So now we ask them to do what they do best – help us to ensure more of our communities are vaccinated.”

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith, who will chair the forum alongside Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, said today’s eighth round of Regional Community Forums will also be the last for existing forum members, with their terms to conclude at the end of 2021.

“Our forums have been a wonderful showcase of the innovative small businesses and local manufacturing in our region,” Mr Smith said.

“Forum members, Ministers, Chairs and guests have visited Plenty Foods in Kingaroy, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Gympie’s own Gold Mining and Historical Museum.

“And while celebrating our strengths, we have also explored priority issues like demand for local housing, mental health support, and skills and training for local young people.

“Our forum members have demonstrated an outstanding knowledge, care and commitment, and as a Government we are deeply grateful for their insights and input over the last two years.”

Expressions of interest for new members on the Regional Community Forums can be made on the Advancing Queensland’s Regions website.

Regional Community Forums will also be held today in Far North Queensland, North-North West Queensland, Western Queensland, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Central Queensland and Darling Downs-South West Queensland.

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