INDIGENOUS commentators Noel Pearson and Murrandoo Yanner will speak alongside Richmond cattleman Alistair McClymont and Karumba fisherman Gary Ward at the Northern Outback Development Forum in the Gulf Country township of Normanton on Wednesday.

 

Forum organiser and Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton said he expected the ideas-fest to attract a strong audience in the lead up to the North Queensland Local Government conference which starts in Normanton on Thursday and finishes noon Friday. Cr Wharton said the outback development forum -- the first of its kind to be held in North Queensland -- would address subjects such as indigenous affairs, transport, mining, agriculture, fishing and tourism.

 

Both Noel Pearson from the Northern Land Council and firebrand Murrandoo Yanner from the Carpentaria Land Council will address issues relevant to opportunities for Aborigines in the inland areas. Mr Pearson is expected to reiterate his opposition to the State Government's Wild Rivers legislation.

 

Cr Wharton said experts such as north-west cattleman Alistair McClymont, professional Gulf of Carpentaria fisherman Gary Ward, and Mt Surprise tourism operator Bram Collins would offer views on how their respective industries might expand inland.

 

Cr Wharton said all speakers would address the audience and that the only white board presentation would be made by Mr Ward who needed to show marine maps.

 

He said the forum would be a bureaucrat-free zone.

 

He said state and federal politicians who had indicated they would be attending, included Bob Katter, Senator Jan McLucas, Member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan and Senators Russell Trood and Ian Macdonald.

Cr Wharton said the issue of separate statehood would be one of the major points raised at the North Queensland Local Government on Thursday.

 

John Andersen