The Queensland Plan summit attracts more than 800 business, community and government leaders

ONE of the most innovative pieces of public consultation in Australia is moving to the next stage today and tomorrow (October 9 and 10) with the gathering of more than 800 business, community and government leaders in Brisbane.

More than 800 business, community and government leaders gather at BCEC to work out The Queensland Plan.

It is the second major public gathering to ferment what the State Government is calling The Queensland Plan, which aims to foster a genuine public-led direction for Queensland over the next 30 years. The previous gathering was in Mackay in May which fostered the questions that were to be asked as a basis for the plan.

These questions were answered by more than 78,000 people and organisations and form a unique database of public priorities and intellect that is unlikely to be ignored by future Queensland state and local governments.

Out of the research, five key themes have emerged clearly and these will form the basis for discussions at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre today and tomorrow.

Creating a stronger sense of community cohesion and strengthening Queensland’s economy are the top two priorities across Queensland according to the analysis of contributions that have informed the development of The Queensland Plan.

Queensland people also prioritised community health and well-being, balancing the economy with the environment and strengthening Queensland's regions as the top focus areas into the future. 

State Minister responsible for The Queensland Plan, Andrew Powell said a detailed report summarising the contributions was now available.

“Since May, more than 78,000 Queenslanders added their voice, either through an individual response on the website, or through participation in a group activity that informed a submission,” Mr Powell said.

“This is an overwhelming and unprecedented response, particularly as it was voluntary to take part.

“With over 83,000 unique web visits, over 200 local community events across Queensland, a dedicated schools engagement program, and a good following on social media, this was a comprehensive grassroots engagement program.

“One of the world’s leading engagement experts, Steven Ames, agrees. He’s been very vocal about the exceptional number of responses.”

An estimated 800 people at the summit aim to fuse together the diverse opinions of the community.

“A broad cross section of Queenslanders will work together to build consensus, consider how we achieve balance and then work together to deliver real and tangible outcomes that will help shape The Queensland Plan,” Mr Powell said.

“Those not attending the summit can still watch history unfold as The Queensland Plan takes shape.

“You can watch summit sessions live, submit comments and be part of the online conversation, or visit the website throughout the day to catch-up on previous sessions.”

The Queensland Plan will be delivered by the end of the year and is likely to form the cornerstone of policy for the current Campbell Newman-led LNP State Government and others of all political persuasions for the next 30 years.

Visit www.queenslandplan.qld.gov.au/journey/brisbane-summit/index.html for more information about the Brisbane Summit.

The statewide report, executive summary and regional reports are available at www.qld.gov.au/queenslandplan

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