The Local Government Association of Queensland says the field is wide open ahead of upcoming elections.

LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson says both major parties have a long way to go to meet the priorities local communities need.

Cr Jamieson has released the LGAQ’s first State Election report card alongside a new website, urging Queenslanders to #VoteForLocal at the coming State Election.

“Strong councils mean stronger local communities,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“As the level of government closest to the people, councils are best placed to deliver tailored economic stimulus to local communities where they need it most.

“This election we are asking Queenslanders to decide their vote by considering what is best for their local community.”

Voters can go to www.voteforlocal.com.au, type in their suburb, choose an issue that is important to them, and view a scorecard rating the parties based on their commitment to Queensland local government priorities.

Cr Jamieson said the LGAQ had undertaken a baseline assessment of each political party and their commitments to the local government sector to date.

“Our ‘Vote for Local’ campaign ranks the major parties according to their commitment to our local community election priorities,” Cr Jamieson said.

“At this stage we have given the ALP an overall mark of C and the LNP a B-. 

“We consider both major parties have a lot of room for improvement. We look forward to them improving these marks as the campaign progresses and more commitments are announced.

“We have also engaged with Queensland’s minor parties who may hold the balance of power after the October 31 poll.

“The Katter’s Australian Party has provided a comprehensive response to the LGAQ’s 2020 Election Priorities. While the party has not supported every initiative, we do hope to engage further with them to better define their support, particularly in the areas of protecting the environment and advancing First Nations councils.

“For the next 50 days the LGAQ will continue to engage with political leaders to make sure they take notice of what local communities need.

“We will also be taking our message to the broader Queensland community to demonstrate the link between their vote and securing the needs of their local communities.”