Queensland council leaders gather for 130th LGAQ conference

The 130th annual Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference has commenced in Cairns. The three-day event brings together hundreds of mayors, councillors, CEOs, and local government leaders, alongside state and federal representatives, to address critical issues including housing, infrastructure, cost shifting, and disaster funding arrangements.

During the conference, leaders will vote on over 100 motions submitted by councils across the state. If passed, these motions will establish the sector’s collective advocacy agenda and direct the LGAQ’s future priorities. The program includes an Indigenous Leaders Forum, which addressed specific community challenges such as health inequity and the ‘Closing the Gap’ agenda.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is scheduled to deliver a keynote address. LGAQ President Matt Burnett noted that the gathering is intended to help councils identify solutions to make their communities more prosperous and liveable.