Flying fox management, infrastructure funding and indigenous issues are expected to hotly debated topics this week, at the annual Local Government Association of Queensland’s conference in Cairns.

More than 630 delegates and observers, including Cairns Regional Council Division 10 Councillor and Douglas Shire Council Mayoral candidate Julia Leu, gathered at the Cairns Convention Centre yesterday, October 21.

Delegates will debate about 80 separate motions on subjects ranging from improving the management of flying fox colonies to whether ratepayers should subsidise new residential developments.

Ahead of the conference, LGAQ President Margaret de Wit said its theme of 'Value for Money' was a key concern of councils as they focused on improving their financial sustainability.

Cr de Wit said the conference came at a challenging time for local government, with councils under increasing pressure to “do more with less”.

“Councils are keen to play their part in ensuring the Newman Government’s four economic pillars continue to underpin a thriving economy,’’ she said.

“The business of local government requires striking a good balance act between maintaining healthy finances and meeting the expectations of the community we serve.’’

Premier Campbell Newman, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, Local Government Minister David Crisafulli and Opposition Deputy leader Tim Mulherin will all speak at the conference.

A notable feature of this year’s conference is the largest ever number of delegates from Queensland’s 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils.

The conference comes less than two weeks before Douglas Shire residents elect their new, de-amalgamated Council representatives, with many councillor and mayoral candidates identifying financial responsibility as an election priority.

A conference program is available at lgaq.asn.au/upcoming-events.