The Australian Labor Party will hold a regional conference to debate and formulate policy influencing our region on May 9.

Following a meeting of the ALP's Federal Electorate Committee for Leichhardt, party members confirmed the forum to discuss issues such as dredging, coal seam gas, renewable energy and insurance.

FEC President Cr. Richie Bates said the conference was a great opportunity for rank and file members of the party to have their say and influence policy.

"The controversial mining method of fracking otherwise known as coal seam gas exploration, will be a key topic on the agenda."

“State Governments around Australia are responding to ever increasing fears from farmers and members of the public,” Cr Bates said.  “Tasmania has imposed a five year moratorium, South Australia has implemented a State Inquiry into fracking in that State, Victoria has imposed a moratorium and in NSW, Labor Leader, Luke Foley has promised to follow the lead of Tasmania and impose a five year moratorium.”

Cr. Bates said a recent underground fire in the region of Hopeland, near Chinchilla in Queensland, was the likely cause of coal seam gas mining, according to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.  “Farmers are particularly worried,” Cr Bates said, “because of the threats to soil and water and the potential for explosions.”
Cr. Bates said the new Queensland Government of Annastacia Palaszczuk needed to address the matter with some urgency.

Last year's regional conference was successful with many topics put forward for consideration:

Cr. Bates said, "The Labor Party has never been afraid to tackle the tough issues at a grass roots level - sensible, robust debate brings out the best results and I look forward to another well attended meeting in May."

"2014 resolutions on issues such as medical marijuana and community housing were voted on to be considered as party policy, and we received strong community support in the wake of this."