RURAL SERVICES

WHILE drought is the main problem facing rural Queensland at the moment, there are a multitude of other issues combining to make life increasingly difficult.

While the weather is beyond our control, some of these other matters can be addressed.

A case in point is the criteria for the qualifications of child-care workers and governesses. In remote areas it is notoriously difficult to fill these positions.

Any increase in necessary qualifications will further restrict the number of suitable applicants and add to the expense involved, at a time of very restricted incomes for the families or businesses seeking staff. The government should urgently seek consultation with groups such as the ICPA with a view toward some form of exemption or concession for those parties affected.

Another hot topic causing consternation in the bush is the ongoing closure or downgrading of birthing facilities in regional hospitals. This is a retrograde policy and must be urgently reassessed.

The inability to give birth in your area adds enormously to family expenses and to the stress and pressure on the women involved.

The increased costs associated with fuel and accommodation, not to mention time away from work or farm for the partners is just another obstacle for families under duress.

The prestige in country areas of being born in your home town is also a building block in community cohesion and should not be under-rated. Midwife services must be restored in regional areas. A review of the PTSS scheme would also be timely, the rebates failing over the years to keep the pace with expenses.

Every time I complain about a large tax bill or some other government charge, I am reminded that revenue has to cater to all the needs of all Queenslanders.

I agree, but while I see the millions of dollar flowing from the bush to the city to create roads and sports stadiums etc., what I don’t see is an equitable share of that enormous revenue flowing back to the regions where a large proportion of it was generated.

We need doctors, nurses, teachers etc, out here in the bush just as badly as they need them in the capital cities.

Right now is an opportune time for rural organisations to lobby government and to raise awareness of these and many other important issues vital to rural communities.

The media intensity generated by the drought has drawn the public’s attention to the point it may be interested in helping resolve some of these deep-seated problems. The drought will pass, the problems with education, health, roads etc, will still be there when the season improves. JOSEPH COURTE, Miles