International delegation to provide lasting benefits for region

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan is honoured to be part of an upcoming international delegation to north America, which is set to focus on a range of issues for the Lockyer Valley.

The Council of Mayors South East Queensland delegation will put a spotlight on waste management issues and better transport connectivity ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We desperately need to solve the transportation issues surrounding our community before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and how regions like the Lockyer Valley will connect with our cities.

“The Lockyer Valley, and South East Queensland as a whole continues to experience considerable growth, which will only increase as the Brisbane 2032 Games get closer.

“This delegation is a prime opportunity to build the necessary relationships that will allow us to solve this problem and allow our residents to travel in a more cost and time-effective manner.

“Waste also continues to be a focus for our Council, particularly through our highly successful Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) trial, and I look forward to being privy to discussions around a range of other progressive solutions to waste.

“With less than six years’ capacity remaining in the Gatton Landfill, we need a solution to decrease the amount of waste at the Gatton Waste Facility.

“Anything that provides environmental benefits to our region, within the relevant economic parameters, should be considered.”

Mayor Milligan said she was confident the delegation would present tangible benefits and lessons learnt to bring home to the Lockyer Valley.

“It is wonderful to see the return of these international missions undertaken by the Council of Mayors, which took a hiatus throughout COVID-19.

“This is an opportunity to represent the region and, given travel costs are covered by COMSEQ, one that would be a missed opportunity otherwise,” Mayor Milligan said.

The delegation is poised to meet with key officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Metro Vancouver senior transport officials and newly appointed Wisk Aero CEO, Dr. Brian Yutko.

The group will explore emerging examples of Olympic and Paralympic legacy, as well as innovative responses to public transport, waste management, housing affordability and growth during the 11-day mission.