SBRC Councillors presented Local Government Minister David Crisafulli with a hamper of local produce

July 27, 2012

Local Government David Crisafulli has praised the South Burnett Regional Council for the way it has handled the forced amalgamation of the four former shires.

“You have made it work and to each and every one of you I say congratulations,” Mr Crisafulli said during a visit to the region on Wednesday.

“The people have spoken and decided you were doing a good job. Across the State it is unheralded for all councillors in a region to be re-elected.”

Mayor Wayne Kratzmann welcomed the opportunity to have a discussion with the Minister about the relationship between the two tiers of government.

“The councillors were very interested in knowing what we can do to help the Minister and what changes were planned for the Local Government Act,” he said.

“We had an in-depth meeting with Minister Crisafulli. It was refreshing to talk with a Minister who really understands local government.”

Cr Kratzmann asked Mr Crisafulli how the SBRC could assist the Minister in his role.

“We have visited over 60 councils and I have never been asked that question. I am glad this chair has sides on it or otherwise I would have fallen off,” Mr Crisafulli said.

He encouraged Council to continue to work in partnership with Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney.

“I am impressed by pro-development councils. I detest party politics in local government and it’s great to see local MPs and council heading in the same direction.”

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