Tablelands Regional Council strengthens advocacy efforts to deliver for the future of the region

Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) is continuing to advocate for the region’s priorities and strengthen relationships with all levels of government. Following a busy month of ministerial meetings, regional advocacy and local government networking, Council is progressing key issues affecting the region, including road infrastructure, grant funding, and disaster relief funding.

At the recent TRC Ordinary Council Meeting held 29 October 2026, Mayor Kevin Cardew provided an update highlighting some important recent meetings and discussions. Mayor Cardew said the past month had provided valuable opportunities to raise the region’s priorities and strengthen partnerships to deliver positive outcomes for local communities.

“Council’s role is to stand up for our region, make sure our concerns are heard and work collaboratively with government and industry to achieve the best possible outcomes for our residents, businesses and communities,” the Mayor said. “Whether we are advocating for better infrastructure, fairer funding arrangements or sustainable outcomes for our local industries, it is important the unique needs of the Tablelands are recognised at every level of government.”

The Mayor recently held three separate meetings with Queensland Government Ministers in Atherton: the Hon Andrew Powell MP, Minister for Environment and Tourism; the Hon John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and Arts; and the Hon Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The meetings provided valuable opportunities to establish relationships, promote the Tablelands region and highlight priorities relevant to each ministerial portfolio.

The Mayor, All TRC Councillors and Council’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Nikola Stepanov also attended the recent Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) State Conference in Cairns. The conference enabled Council representatives to connect with Mayors, Councillors and CEOs from across Queensland, hear from government ministers and officials, and engage with industry stakeholders on issues affecting local government.

During the conference, Council met with the Queensland Grants Commission to raise concerns about the funding received under the Federal Assistance Grant and request greater transparency around the methodology used to determine allocations. Council has requested clear information to inform a submission to the Commission advocating for improved funding outcomes in the future.

The Mayor also met with Alison Smith, CEO of the LGAQ, to discuss opportunities for coordinated advocacy to the State Government and the Valuer-General’s Office regarding the need to reassess how land valuations are calculated.

While attending the conference, the Mayor also met with Andrew Wheeler, Acting Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Management and Delivery, and Darryl Jones, District Director, Far North District, from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Discussions focused on the urgent need for traffic lights at the intersection of Grove Street and the Kennedy Highway.

Council will continue to advocate for infrastructure improvements that address regional transport needs and improve safety for motorists and the wider community.

A highlight of the LGAQ State Conference was the presentation of a service recognition award to TRC Councillor Annette Haydon recognising her 21 years of service in local government. The award acknowledged Cr Haydon’s longstanding commitment to local government and her contribution to the community. The Mayor congratulated Cr Haydon on the significant milestone and recognised the dedication required to serve local communities over such an extended period.

Earlier this month, Council joined the Queensland Government and other local governments in advocating against a Federal Government proposal to reduce its contribution to the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangement from 75% to 50%.

Following advocacy from all 77 Queensland councils and the State Government, the Federal Government has reversed its proposed change and will maintain the existing 75% funding contribution. The outcome represents an important win for Queensland communities and helps protect the funding arrangements needed to support disaster recovery and reconstruction.

Mayor Cardew said the result demonstrated the importance of councils working together to advocate for their communities. “When all 77 Queensland councils and the State Government came together to make our concerns clear, we achieved an outcome that protects an important funding arrangement for communities across the state,” the Mayor said.

“It reinforces why strong, coordinated advocacy is so important, particularly when decisions made at a federal level can have a direct impact on our region’s ability to recover from disasters.”

TRC continues to be committed to advocating for the needs and priorities of the Tablelands region and community and is currently preparing to advocate against another Federal Government proposal concerning a reduction in the number of Working Holiday visas available to backpackers entering Australia, which raises significant concerns for the Tablelands, where agriculture, tourism and hospitality rely heavily on seasonal and working holiday workers.

The Mayor is working with industry groups and stakeholders to develop an advocacy response and urge the Federal Government to reconsider its position.

“Our agricultural, tourism and hospitality industries are vital to the Tablelands economy and working holiday workers play an important role in helping these businesses operate,” the Mayor said. “We need to ensure the Federal Government understands the real consequences that reducing access to this workforce could have on regional communities, local businesses and the farmers who help feed Australia”, the Mayor said.

“Seasonal workers make up a large majority of the workforce for our regional industries and without them, the Tablelands could face a devastating impact on our local economy and our community as a whole”.