Council showcases region by hosting ULGA conference
The Mackay region’s diversity and impressive lifestyle facilities go on show next week as about 200 delegates descend on the city for the 59th annual Urban Local Government Association Conference.
Mackay Regional Council will host the four-day conference, themed ‘Urban Crunch Time – Balancing Growth and Liveability’ at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre from Tuesday, May 25 – Friday, May 28.
Mayor Col Meng said as well as international speakers, council delegates from across the state would attend the conference, allowing the city to show off some of its greatest achievements and community facilities.
“The conference is a real opportunity to highlight some of our more unique offerings – such as the Sarina Sugar Shed, Australian’s only miniature sugar distillery, the Botanic Gardens, the award-winning Mackay Marina, Bluewater Quay and Bluewater Lagoon,” Cr Meng said.
“Hundreds of regional council delegates will stay, eat and play in our beautiful region for a week.
“It’s likely to generate about a quarter of a million dollars in economic benefits,” Cr Meng said.
Cr Meng said it is the first time the city had hosted the conference, bringing together Mayors and CEO’s together to discuss future issues confronting local government.
Urban Local Government Association president and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the conference would deliver significant benefits to the ongoing development of Queensland.
“It will focus on understanding the diversity and needs that exist across Queensland that will strengthen each individual city but also create a strong and well balanced state,” Cr Pisasale said.
“As the debate hinges around liveability, growth, migration and balancing all of these aspects, this conference is aimed at understanding the needs of the different regions of Queensland by sharing the load and making sure each region plays its role in developing our state.”
Cr Meng said local business leaders had the opportunity to meet civic leaders at the Mackay Movers’ Business Breakfast on Wednesday May 26, sponsored by Tenix.
Cr Pisasale, LGAQ President Paul Bell and other dignitaries would attend to hear presentations from Mackay Chamber of Commerce president Kylie Porter, Mackay Sugar Chief Executive Quentin Hildebrand, Andrew Garratt from Dalrymple Bay Coal Loading Facility and Jeff McCarthy from Tenix
“This is a wonderful one-off opportunity to network with civic leaders from across Queensland,” Cr Meng said.
Tickets are now available from the MECC.
Other speakers at the conference include former Governor of Maryland, Parris N. Glendening, who is now President of Smart Growth Leadership Institute in the United State. Former Detective Inspector of Operations within the Forensic Services Group of the NSW Police Force Peter Baines, one of Australia’s leading corporate futurists Steve Tighe.
The speaker list also includes Creator of the Dynamic Thinking course for Leadership, Glen Capelli and David Fagan, Editor-in-Chief of Queensland Newspapers.
For further information about the 59th annual Urban Local Government Association Conference, visit www.ulga.qld.gov.au.
Contact: Ken Furdek
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)