2 October 2022
Published 22 April 2020
Moreton Bay Region’s newly-minted Mayor Cr Peter Flannery has committed to leading an open and accountable Council that’s united in its focus on economic recovery.
Councillors are taking the Declaration of Office individually throughout today in the company of six invited guests, in order to observe social distancing regulations.
Mayor Flannery said that the community had to be at the heart of every economic, strategic, and stimulus decision they make in the Chamber.
“As a group our, laser focus every day must be on getting local families through the months ahead and making sure Council’s efforts reflect local expectations,” he said.
“These are extraordinary times, which means we must take extraordinary actions to make sure Moreton Bay Region is at the forefront of Queensland’s economic recovery.
“There are dark days ahead, but there will also be opportunities, so it’s the jobs of the new council to work together in shaping a strong agenda of new initiatives and policies that will see our region bounce back from the worst effects of this pandemic.
“That work starts today.
“We must immediately set about delivering a second stimulus package, to continue the support we delivered through last month’s $15 million stimulus package.
“Simultaneously we must work to finalise the 2020-21 Budget and I look forward to hearing the ideas Councillors have on how we can deliver a targeted plan to rebuild our region.
“Key to our success into the future will be assistance from the State and Federal Governments, and we’ll be seeking commitments from them on key economic stimulus projects.
“We will not surrender to this virus, nor will we sacrifice our standard of living, because while times may be tough Moreton Bay is tougher.
“To date this crisis has required an agile response from all sectors of our region who are adapting and evolving day-by-day, and Council has partnered with them every step of the way.
“What I think it important is to ensure Council has measures in place to protect the most vulnerable in our community.
“So we’ll be activating the Moreton Recovery Group to consider all issues and recommend a range of actions to ensure the health and wellbeing of our residents is part of our economic recovery.
“I’m open to all ideas about job creation, because I want to see people back at work right across our region.
“We may be living in uncertain times and no one knows what the world will look like on the other side, but between the experience of our returning councillors and the fresh ideas of our new councillors, I think we already have the foundations for success.
“And my door will always be open to anyone who has ideas on how we can do things differently here in Moreton Bay Region.”