By Logan mayor Jon Raven
Working together isn’t always easy, but it’s often how the best results are achieved.
This was on full display at the Local Government Association of Queensland’s annual conference where mayors and councillors from across the state came together to discuss the issues facing their communities.
The conference showed the power of local governments speaking with one voice. One council can raise an issue, but when 77 councils back it, governments listen.
We saw this recently when councils across Queensland successfully opposed proposed changes to disaster recovery funding. Together, we made it clear the changes would shift significant costs onto councils and ultimately, ratepayers.
The conference also gave Logan the opportunity to advocate for issues that matter to our community.
Council submitted three motions aimed at improving outcomes for residents.
The motions were endorsed by delegates to become part of the LGAQ Advocacy Action Plan which the organisation uses to lobby the Queensland and Federal governments for the requested policy, funding or legislative changes
That same focus on collaboration and planning for the future guides us here in Logan.
Last week, councillors and council’s executive leadership team took part in a two-day strategic planning workshop on the Gold Coast.
It was an opportunity to learn from one of our neighbours who have transformed themselves over the past 50 years from a regional holiday destination with a string of beach shacks into a thriving city that hosts year-round mega events and has diversified its economy.
We learned about what they did well, especially with the way they activated their civic precinct around Home of The Arts (HOTA) and now their massive Green Heart parkland development.
We also learned about what to avoid as we embark on a similar journey.
But the best decisions aren’t made around a boardroom table alone.
We want residents to be part of the conversation and help shape Logan’s future. Your feedback helps us understand what’s important to our community and where we should focus our efforts.
Whether it’s a major project, a local issue or a simple idea to improve your neighbourhood, we’d love to hear from you.
Please share your thoughts by emailing mayor@logan.qld.gov.au
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