The Gracemere Saleyards west of Rockhampton hosted a public meeting recently with guest speaker The Nationals Senator for Queensland Barnaby Joyce.

The event was well attended with some 70 people taking up the opportunity to engage Senator Joyce in a question and answer forum.

Members of the general public spent approximately an hour and a half asking questions and making comments to Senator Joyce who spent this time listening attentively while jotting down plenty of notes for future reference.

“This type of forum is fantastic. People are sick of sitting around meetings and functions listening to poly waffle. On this occasion the ability of a politician to sit and listened to the people is what matters. They had their say and asked numerous questions of the way in which things have been dealt with and the way our decisions are made in Canberra,” Senator Joyce said.

While a number of issues were canvassed including the sale of Telstra, amendments to the Trade Practices Act and Voluntary Student Unionism the dominate topic was water and the Fitzroy Water Pipeline project.

“It’s obvious from this meeting that the feeling surrounding the water pipeline is very strong. It is wonderful to see the local people involving themselves in issues that will affect the future development of their community and district. Its imperative this issue makes its way to Canberra in the New Year,” said Senator Joyce.

This was Senator Joyce’s first visit to Central Queensland since his election and he assured all in attendance that regular visits are on the cards for the future.