Increased investment in education, more practical study options and greater involvement in community activities are some of the initial ideas provided to The Queensland Plan from the Burnett and Wide Bay region.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said feedback has identified the key issues that are important for the future of the region.
“More than 40 per cent of local respondents to The Queensland Plan think we need to revise the way education is offered to personalise it for the student and make it relevant to future opportunities, and a large number also say education at all levels – school, home and community is key,” Mr Bennett said.
“Responses from Wide Bay Burnett show a range of factors contribute to building a sense of community in the region, including involvement in local events, volunteering and participation in projects.
“While there is still one month left for people to contribute to Queensland’s 30-year vision, early analysis shows we place importance on disciplining kids, and it needs to be instilled from an early age.
“There have been some really exciting ideas put forward by people in the region – subsidies to Australian farmers to make fresh local produce more widely available, greater focus on educating kids in politics, and harsher penalties for parents who do not send their kids to school.”
More than 10,000 people from every corner of Queensland have responded to the six questions developed collaboratively by Queenslanders at the Mackay Summit. Queenslanders have had their say by attending local events, while others have gone online to share their ideas.
It is now even easier for residents to contribute their thoughts with responses to the questions added to The Queensland Plan website (www.qld.gov.au/queenslandplan). These provide an opportunity for residents to comment on feedback from their fellow Queenslanders.
“Let’s make sure that our community’s voice is heard loud and clear in The Queensland Plan,” Mr Bennett said
“If you haven’t had your say yet it’s not too late. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas.”
Submissions to The Queensland Plan are open until 30 August 2013 at www.qld.gov.au/queenslandplan. A summit will be held in Brisbane on 9 and 10 October 2013 where the results of all the engagement from throughout Queensland will be discussed and prioritised into a clear direction for The Queensland Plan. The plan will be released in late 2013.
Relevant data for Wide Bay Burnett region
Key points (23/07/2013):
- A roughly equal amount of males and females have responded (51% males).
- Baby Boomers (1946-1966) outweigh other age categories (44%).
- The number of respondents is higher than other regions as a percentage of the Queensland population.
Statistics from responses to date (23/07/2013)
- In the context of living in the community, how do we move our focus from me to we? Community involvement – Drive community projects/helping others/Volunteering (22%); Community involvement – Block parties/community get togethers/More activities for the community (18%); Local community meetings – Community reps have say in government – community solutions to community problems (15%).
- How do we create and foster an education culture that teaches skills and values to meet global challenges and optimise regional strengths? Revise studies – make relevant to future needs/Greater personalisation of learning/interest driven/less standardised factory teaching (41%); Education at all levels – school/home/community – build pride (34%); Practical rather than theoretical study – link to real world (29%).
- How do we empower and educate individuals, communities and institutions to embrace responsibility for an active and healthy lifestyle? Education/teachings in schools – engrain early/instil discipline/stop cocooning kids (33%); Encourage involvement – wider community activities (30%); financial assistance eg lower gym fees, assistance with kids sport activities (22%); maintain and develop more facilities in regions/more infrastructure to encourage exercise eg paths/bike tracks (21%).
- How do we structure our economy to ensure our children inherit a resilient future? Better education – generational change/practical learnings (25%); build and maintain a sound economic environment (23%); Strengthen the jobs market (18%).
- How do we strengthen our economic future and achieve sustainable landscapes? Government planning and legislation – long term financial plans/relaxed red tape (26%); Conservation – e.g. water/produce/land (21%).
- How do we attract and retain the brightest minds and ideas where they are most needed and capitalise on global opportunities? Invest in them – reward the brightest minds (30%); Appreciate those we have here – hold them high and others will follow (26%); Invest in education and schools (24%).
Quotes
- “Engender within the youth of our time a deep respect for self, knowing that helping others is our most precious tool from the past, for the present and future.”
- “Cheap, reliable public transport is needed and creates communities.”
- “There is not enough things for younger people to do. You need to have more events for young people that naturally form a community feel and transform me to we.”
- “Learning is individual and teachers/educators need the resources and freedom to respond with creativity – not to teach to a standardised plan.”
Ideas
- “More calls to action from government through social media and mainstream media asking for assistance, guidance, views on a multitude of topics.”
- “Discussions at school on all levels of politics and what affects their lives locally get children to understand how to approach all levels of politics.”
- “The mining industry is Australia’s biggest problem, and must be slowed down. This is creating absent-father families, unfaithfulness to partners, community disconnect and a great divide between rich miners and other members of society.”
- “Penalise parents who do not send their children to school, make the conditions and laws surrounding truancy harsher and more enforceable.”
- “Provide subsidies to Australian farmers to increase supply of healthy foods.”