MACKAY CHOSEN TO HOST SITTING OF QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT

_{03 July, 2010}

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In a major coup for Mackay, Premier Anna Bligh today announced that the city will host the next regional sitting of the Queensland Parliament.
"Mackay will become only the fourth city in the State's history to host a meeting of the Queensland Parliament," Ms Bligh said.
"Parliament will sit in Mackay for three days in the first half of 2011.
"We are looking at dates now and will make a further announcement on timing in the future.
"This exciting news is recognition of the significance of Mackay and the importance of the city to Central Queensland and the rest of the state.
"Local members Tim Mulherin and Jan Jarratt put a strong case to me that Mackay was the natural choice for the next regional sitting.
"Mackay is now in great shape to play host thanks to the State Government's $29 million investment to build the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
"Government and Parliament Officers recently did a site visit and confirmed that the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre would be an ideal venue.
"It has ample space and is close to accommodation and the city centre.
"This will be a fantastic opportunity for people from Mackay and the surrounding region to see the democratic process.
"In particular it will be great for children. They learn about parliament in school - now they will be able to come along and see for themselves what they read about in books.
"Kids from all over south-east Queensland come to Parliament sittings in Brisbane - now the children of Mackay and the region will get a chance," Ms Bligh said.
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the attention of the whole state will be firmly focused on Mackay and the region when Parliament arrives.
"There are so many opportunities here as a service centre for the mining industry, as a sugar stronghold, and in tourism with 31 beaches and several tropical islands within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
"This is the chance for Mackay to showcase all we have achieved and what our plans are for the future," Mr Mulherin said.
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said there would be both immediate and longer term benefits to the region.
"It's a huge operation to bring 89 members of Parliament and support staff to town," Ms Jarratt said.
"Our hotels and restaurants will get a boost from this as an event.
"Then longer term the exposure that comes from having the Parliament here should result in a better understanding and uptake of the opportunities in this great region," Ms Jarratt said.
Media contact-
Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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