CONNECT Your Council Community Update
Not on Q+A? You can still have your say Gladstone Region residents are invited to participate in an online survey to share their thoughts on the future changes to the energy sector and how the region can take advantage of emerging changes to generate new economic opportunities. The survey content has been generated following a series of in-depth community and industry forums involving people from across the region.
The Q+A audience wait in anticipation moments before the show went live to air from the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on 21 April.
Lights, cameras and plenty of action as Q+A puts Gladstone in the spotlight Our region was thrust into the national television spotlight recently when the ABC’s Q+A program broadcast live from the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) on 21 April.
Those watching on from home hoping to spot a friend, relative or co-worker in the crowd weren’t left disappointed as there were frequent cut aways to see audience reactions.
Now in its 16th season, the popular panel discussion show led by host David Speers visited Gladstone to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, while also discussing issues that matter to locals.
Questions concerning the federal election and foreign affairs kicked off the discussion with all panel members having their say.
Joining Speers on the panel was Bob Katter (Member for Kennedy), Keith Pitt (Minister for Resources and Water), Murray Watt (Labor Senator for Queensland), Amanda Cahill (CEO, The Next Economy) and Bronwyn Fredericks (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Engagement, University of Queensland). Filmed during the second week of the federal election campaign and exactly one month prior to polling day, there was plenty of robust discussion between the panel members – including all three politicians who are seeking re-election come 21 May. The show ran for one hour and five minutes, only allowing for seven audience questions, but those questions were all met with plenty of differing answers and opinions.
This online survey – Energising the Gladstone Region Future Economy – is part of a joint initiative between Gladstone Regional Council and The Next Economy, a non-profit organisation who work with communities, governments and industry to build regional economies that are climate safe, regenerative and socially just. Survey feedback will guide what is required to adapt to a changing energy sector and to support our region over the next 10 years. You can have your say up until Sunday 15 May 2022 by visiting Council’s Conversations page (conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au) and clicking on the Energising the Gladstone Region Future Economy heading.
A video snapshot of the Flynn electorate was then played which provided the perfect segue into a series of questions regarding regional economies and transitioning to renewable energy. Questions followed regarding regional GP and medical specialist shortages and the Murugappan refugee family from Biloela and were greeted with audience applause before the final question regarding the Close the Gap campaign was met with pertinent discussion from the panel. “I feel like we could go for another three hours tonight with this panel and the terrific questions,” said Speers, when closing the show. It was the first time Q+A had broadcast in Queensland since 2019. Speers also hosted national political program Insiders live from Gladstone Yacht Club on 24 April.
Have your say on the Gladstone Region’s future economy by visiting Council’s Conversations page.
4970 0700 | www.gladstone.qld.gov.au COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES PRECINCT