Summit looks at cost of living

This week’s Cost of Living Summit on Waiben was held in response to number of issues identified at last year’s community cabinet in September last year.

Those issues included rising food and fuel costs, freight challenges, marine infrastructure falling into disrepair, energy prices, and transport.

Cook MP Cynthia Lui lead the forum, which brought together government, councils, business and the community.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said they had promised to act to help ease the cost of living pressures in the region.

“That’s exactly what we are doing,” the Premier said.

“I heard from the community that the impact of rising food and fuel was around three times what’s being experienced in South East Queensland.

“That’s why I directed key ministers to hold this cost-of-living summit and see what work we can do and how we can work with other levels of government at a local and federal levels to make improvements.”

Torres Strait Ministerial Champion and Attorney General Shannon Fentiman said she was delighted to see the support offered.

“As ministerial champion for this region I’m delighted to see cost of living support being delivered in the form of freight subsidies, transport improvements, and social housing,” Ms Fentiman said.