- The State's first Special Commissioner for Regional Rural Queensland has been appointed to focus on delivering programs and services across the Queensland.
- The Townsville-based role will help unlock economic opportunities, strengthen local voices and improve service delivery across regional Queensland.
- A born and raised North Queenslander, Andrew Cripps is a passionate advocate for the regions, experienced Recovery Coordinator and former Minister, and brings a deep understanding of the complexities regional Queenslanders face.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and backing regional communities.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed Queensland's first Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland, strengthening the voice of regional communities in government decision-making and supporting future growth.
The new role will focus on government policies, programs and services better reflecting the needs, priorities and aspirations of regional and rural Queenslanders.
Former Deputy Mayor and Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Mr Cripps was born and raised in the farming town of Tully and brings a wealth of regional knowledge, government experience and leadership to the role.
Recently serving as the Recovery Coordinator for North Queensland, following the 2024 floods, he understands delivering for regional communities.
As Special Commissioner, Mr Cripps will engage directly with communities across Queensland, helping to identify barriers, unlock opportunities and drive better outcomes in regional and rural areas.
The role will act as a direct link between communities and government, ensuring local insights help shape policies, programs and investment decisions and support delivery of key government priorities.
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the appointment would bolster the voice of regional and rural communities with a senior government role based in the regions.
"The Crisafulli Government understands that Queensland doesn't start and end in Brisbane," Minister Last said.
"For too long the former government took their eye off the ball in regional Queensland and failed to listen to these communities who were calling for action on youth crime, health, housing and cost of living.
"This Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland will be on-the-ground across this state, listening and helping deliver what's needed for Queenslanders.
"Queenslanders deserve timely, effective and accessible government services no matter where they live and Andrew Cripps brings the right mix of experience and community connection to help deliver that.
"As a former Government Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and having worked in local government, Mr Cripps understands how to navigate the challenges facing our regional and rural communities.
"As the most decentralised State in mainland Australia with more than half of the population living outside Brisbane, we understand the importance of a direct link between people in regional Queensland and decision-makers in government.
"Regional Queensland is full of opportunity, and this role is about making sure communities are supported to grow, attract investment and create jobs.
"Whether it's supporting growers, backing local industry or making sure services like hospitals, roads and schools keep pace with growing communities, this role is about turning local voices and knowledge into real results."
