Mackay Whitsunday residents to have their say on SEQ daylight saving

_{16 April, 2010}

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Mackay Whitsunday residents are being urged to have their say on a trial of daylight saving for South East Queensland.

Premier Anna Bligh has asked her local mps Tim Mulherin and Jan Jarratt to provide feedback by mid-May on support or opposition for the introduction of an SEQ trial and a referendum, potentially from this summer.

Additionally, the government today opened an on-line forum - providing direct contact with the Premier - offering residents of communities from Coolangatta to Cooktown the chance to have a say on whether Queensland should have a split time zone trial, followed by a referendum.

"Our government has previously categorically ruled out Daylight Saving for the entire state and we remain opposed to any consideration in that regard," Ms Bligh said.

"But in South East Queensland this is an issue that polarises residents, this is the issue that never goes away and no matter where I am in the south east, it is the issue that is regularly raised with me - and I can't ignore that.

"And it's little wonder when you consider that anyone aged under 36 has never been given the opportunity to have their say.

"Independent MP Peter Wellington has introduced a Private Members Bill to have a referendum on two time zones for Queensland and maybe Mr Wellington is headed in the right direction.

"Maybe we need to revisit the Daylight Saving issue and listen more to exactly what it is Queenslanders want for the South East in regard to split time zones.

"Our government won't decide how to vote on Mr Wellington's Bill without talking to Queenslanders first," Ms Bligh said.

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said while he personally did not support a separate time zone for South East Queensland he was keen for feedback.

"I have concerns about dividing the state and the possible implications for business - maybe people in the region agree with me, maybe not.

"What's important is people have their say and provide their view on this issue," Mr Mulherin said.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said she also had reservations about split time zones in Queensland.

"I believe that dividing the state on the basis of time zones would be a counter-productive and unpopular decision.

"I welcome feedback from all my constituents on this issue regardless of their position. It is imperative we get this right."

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