Mayor calls for candidates to back Isaac for its fair share

A region that produces billions in royalties is asking for its fair share in this federal election to future proof Australia’s resource communities.

The Isaac region has helped the Australian economy move through the pandemic is now calling on political parties to commit funding to critical community, health and industry projects.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said as a one of the nation’s largest economic contributors, her communities have supported the state and Australia through the pandemic.

“We continue to power economic recovery while trying to build sustainable communities, businesses and industries,” Mayor Baker said.

“Our communities are at the coalface of change, and a transformational opportunity exists to maximise the social, environmental and economic benefits not just for the Isaac region, but for regional Australia.

“We have ambitious plans, but we cannot do this on our own. All we are asking for is our fair share this federal election.

“Our 17 unique communities and their futures lie within the outcomes of this federal election. What we know is that when we succeed, regional Australia succeeds.”

Nebo Showgrounds, Isaac Resource Excellence Hub, Clermont Seniors Living Project and under-funded critical health services are the key priorities needing attention.

Mayor Baker said Council has joined community groups to advocate for $2.8 million for stage 1 of the Nebo Showgrounds Masterplan.

“Nebo is home to Australia’s largest one-day rodeo and the showgrounds are a vital piece of community infrastructure as it attracts 20,000 visitors annually with an estimated local economy return of about $1.2 million,” Mayor Baker said.

“The facility requires infrastructure upgrades, heavy vehicle access, general camping upgrades and more car parking as this place support industry, community groups and neighbouring townships.”

Mayor Baker said the growing demand for the Isaac’s metallurgical coal and record prices being achieved, the region has a stable industry on which it can build the new economy.

“To prepare our workforce for the coming change, we need to enable opportunities for them to develop future skills – and the Isaac Resource Excellence Hub is part of the answer,” Mayor Baker said.

“We are asking for $2 million commitment from political parties to create a sustainable future for resource communities through one social, safety and environmental hub.”

Mayor Baker said Council is proud to support this Belyando Enterprise Network Inc project and their vision for residents to enjoy their twilight years in their hometown of Clermont.

“The Seniors Living Project is a social innovation model that could have far reaching benefits across regional Australia,” Mayor Baker said.

“We are asking for federal funding for the Monash Lodge internal refurbishment, consisting of the upgrades to the 20-bed facility and to create 12 independent living units plus caretaker’s apartment for 24-hour onsite management.

“Aged care is an emerging issue for the nation and here’s a viable solution for a small rural and regional community.”

Mayor Baker said currently, the provision of medical, hospital and allied health services in the Isaac region is not enough to service the full-time equivalent population.

“The sustained critical shortages in medical, general practice and allied health services across our region while new mines continue to pop up, present an unacceptable risk to its communities,” Mayor Baker said.

“There is an absolute critical need for increased resilience in clinical services planning for hospitals, general practices and allied health services to satisfy the demand generated by the permanent resident and permanent non-resident population of the Isaac region.”

Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/advocacy  for more information.

Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/advocacy  for more information.