I held off on the fortnightly update for a few days so that I can let you know what transpired at the Chamber meeting with the Hon David Littleproud MP. The 30 Minute meeting was attended by Chamber Vice President Julia Keogh and Members: Gary Hayes, Robyn Fraser, Joanne O’Reilly and Yve Stocks.
The points discussed were:
- Traffic and Visitor accessibility to Warwick via Cunningham's Gap. There are accessibility issues due to ongoing repair work required at Cunninghams Gap as result of the natural disasters (floods and bushfires). Minister Littleproud advised that while the area was under the national highway network, any ‘permanent’ solutions would need to be raised through the appropriate channels and suggested that Chamber seek a meeting with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out what the latest ‘solution’ proposals (if any) were currently being discussed. Chamber will contact the Regional Director.
- Water security for Warwick. Minister Littleproud stated that this was a State responsibility and that Chamber should approach the local member and the state Premier.
- Jobseeker and Jobkeeper. Minister Littleproud advised that while he understood the issues being faced by local businesses in light of the Federal economic response to COVID-19, there would be more ‘filters’ put in place, potentially around the end of September 2020. Minister Littleproud advised that the Federal Government needed to see the data on what industries have been the most impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and border lockdowns, and what pressure the current restrictions are having on the economy.
- Chamber Q&A with Minister Littleproud. Minister Littleproud advised that he would be happy to attend a event in the near future. Chamber is currently liaising with the Minister’s staff to identify a suitable date for this networking event.
Next Networking Events
The next networking event is this coming Thursday 20th August at 12:30 with Jim Chalmers MP Federal Shadow Treasurer and Senator Anthony Chisolm at the Criterion Hotel. Tickets are available at Warwick Tickets.
The next WING Breakfast is on Wednesday 23rd September at Gardens Galore. Tickets will be available in early September.
What’s Your Favourite Thing to Do In Warwick?
Karina Devine from the Warwick Art Gallery has suggested that Chamber runs a regular social media post featuring ‘Your Favourite Thing to Do In Warwick’. So, Members, send me your favourite things to do in Warwick along with an appropriate photo and we will post it on social media. Here are Karina’s
- To see the Craftivism exhibition
- To have coffee and Banoffee pie at the Belle Vue Cafe
- Go plant shopping at Garden’s Galore
- Get the takeaway lunch special from Blue Bird Kitchen and eat it in Leslie Park
- Do the toilet art trail.
Last two weeks
The General Meeting was held on 3 August. Of course, we were intending to have it ‘in person’ but a change in restrictions meant that we conducted it via teleconferencing instead. Let’s hope we can get together for the next one in October.
Next two weeks
Chamber is continuing with the development of the new website www.warwick.qld.com.au.
Watch out for the new signage on the billboard at the Northern Entrance to Warwick!