Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn has been appointed chair of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils (WBBROC).
WBBROC was formed in 1999 and is a peak advocacy organisation that supports and advances the regional interests of its members and their communities by strategically shaping how the regions will develop over the next 10 years.
Mayor Blackburn said it was important to see Bundaberg Regional Council take an active role in the group which brought together neighbouring Councils in the Wide Bay Burnett area.
“We’re joining with our neighbouring Councils to advocate for the wider region because we are stronger together,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The member Councils of WBBROC all have similar needs and challenges and when our voices combine we have a better chance of being heard by State and Federal Governments.
“I’m honoured to have been endorsed by the member Councils to act in the position of Chair and I look forward to working alongside our neighbours to drive progress for the region.”
WBBROC chair welcomes collaboration
Mayor Blackburn said there were many projects and initiatives that WBBROC looked forward to working on in coming months.
“Ensuring we’re uniting in a shared voice on big issues is fabulous for our region because it means that we get to be involved in things that will offer up opportunities for our community and those closest to us.
“That includes intermodal transport strategies, waste strategies and more.”
Other WBBROC members include Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council.
The appointment was made at WBBROC’s 2024 Annual General Meeting, prior to which Mayor Blackburn had filled the position of Vice President after Bundaberg Regional Council rejoined the group earlier this year.
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff was appointed Deputy Chair in the same meeting.
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Congratulations to our mayor Helen.
Thank you for bringing so much positivity to our region…J
Congratulations Helen ! You are an amazingingly intelligent person totally capable of handling such an important assignment.
I hate to think what the Wide Bay Area will be like in the next 10 years. Hopefully I will be dead as this Council has no idea what they are doing. Guess my comment will not be posted. At this time we don’t even have an International 5 star hotel and no accomodation at the airport where almost every other city in Australia has. Traffic is horrendous and yet no road developments, just stupid new corners being it in.
Congratulations Helen Blackburn. I think you’re doing a great job.
You are doing Bundaberg proud.