Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey has been elected chair of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils (WBBROC).
The organisation met by Zoom today for the first time since local government elections in March.
North Burnett Region Mayor Rachel Chambers was elected deputy chair.
WBBROC comprises representatives from Bundaberg, North Burnett, Fraser Coast, Gympie, South Burnett and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire.
New WBBROC chair Mayor Dempsey said he was honoured to receive the support of his fellow Mayors and Councils.
“We have an important role to play in advocating for the Wide Bay Burnett region on issues such as transport, communications, health and water security,” he said.
“The region’s voice will be heard more loudly in Brisbane and Canberra.
“Our member councils will work as a team to make sure we get our fair share of investment from the other levels of government.”
Mayor Dempsey said Wide Bay Burnett has the largest population outside South East Queensland but is sometimes neglected.
“We’ve been identified as one of the most disadvantaged regions in Australia and we need to address that,” he said.
“We’ve got a strong and united group of mayors and community members who will advocate to state and federal governments.
“It’s one of the best regions in Australia for lifestyle, agriculture and our people; we’re proud of that.
“All we’re asking for is our fair share.”
As WBBROC chair, Mayor Dempsey said regional priorities included transport logistics, connecting producers to markets through better roads, rail, airports and the Port of Bundaberg.
“We also need investment to address high rates of chronic disease and health issues across the region,” he said.
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