Youth Week funding timelines and dignity in death are among the topics covered in motions Redland City Council will take to the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) annual conference.
To be held in Cairns from 19–21 October 2026, the conference brings together government delegates, key stakeholders and media representatives to discuss the challenges facing local governments and their communities.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the motions being taken to the LGAQ conference all had statewide significance.
“Each one is also aligned with objectives in Council’s Corporate Plan,” she said.
The six motions to be proposed by Council request that the LGAQ calls on the Queensland Government to:
- Return the role of maintaining and renewing Queensland State School carparks to the Department of Education
- Undertake reform to ensure more equitable financial and tenure arrangements between State and local governments in areas such as rates payable and lease arrangements
- Expand eligibility of funding programs to include operational funding as an eligible cost, alongside capital funding, for local government CCTV infrastructure that supports asset protection, and community safety outcomes
- Ensure dignified cemetery burial interment for Queenslanders
- Fund and deliver cold body storage facilities with basic mortuary equipment across isolated, remote and rural communities, including island communities
- Expand timeframes for Queensland Youth Week Funding
Cr Talty said the Youth Week funding motion, through the LGAQ, called for a minimum six-month period between the opening of the grant program and event delivery.
“This will provide councils and not-for-profit organisations with sufficient time to work with young people to develop meaningful and impactful Queensland Youth Week events,” she said.
Cr Talty said two of the motions had relevance to maintaining dignity in death.
“Through the LGAQ, one motion calls on the Queensland Government to fund and deliver cold body storage facilities with basic mortuary equipment across isolated, remote and rural Queensland communities with limited transport access, including island communities,” she said.
“These facilities would be installed at appropriate state-based service locations to minimise delays and the financial burden associated with travel, including long-distance and island transfer costs, for families and service providers.
“They would also enable timely and dignified local management of deceased persons, including the ability to remain on Country where appropriate.
“Another motion calls for an urgent review and reform of Queensland Government funeral assistance arrangements to address lengthy delays in decision-making for people experiencing financial hardship.
“Under the Burials Assistance Act 1965 (Qld), the Department of Justice, through the Coroners Court of Queensland, administers assistance for eligible persons.
“Through the LGAQ, this motion seeks targeted financial support for local governments so they can better support vulnerable community members experiencing financial hardship where existing assistance arrangements are insufficient, delayed or unavailable.”
LGAQ is the peak body representing local government. Councils are required to table proposed motions at the annual conference that respond to statewide needs and assist other local governments.
The motions must also identify opportunities for reforming or creating new policies, programs and legislation that supports councils to deliver for their communities.
Mayor Jos Mitchell and Cr Talty will be Council’s official delegates at the LGAQ conference, with other Councillors able to attend as observers.
