Residents of the new Isaac Regional Council area will be asked to share their opinions on issues affecting their community into the future when Central Queensland University conducts a telephone survey of approximately 400 randomly selected households in the area this month.

The local authorities of Belyando Shire Council, Nebo Shire Council and Broadsound Shire Council will be amalgamated on March 16 to form the Isaac Regional Council and residents will be given the opportunity to offer feedback on important community issues before this amalgamation occurs.

Central Queensland University's Population Research Laboratory has been commissioned by the Isaac Regional Council to conduct the survey.

Interim C.E.O of the Isaac Regional Council, Mr John Torpy explains the need for the survey saying, "I have been charged with the task of ensuring that the new Council is in a position to operate effectively from changeover day".

"One of my duties will be to brief the new Council on issues that it will face during its 4-year term. In order to do this we must understand the needs of residents and obtain their views on areas on which the new Isaac Regional Council should focus and ascertain their expectations of the amalgamation process. We can then use these results in due course for the development of the Isaac Regional Council Corporate Plan," Mr Torpy said.

Population Research Laboratory Manager, Christine Hanley confers saying, "The findings of the survey will provide the Council with knowledge that can be used to facilitate genuine positive outcomes for a changing community and residents should not shy away from the chance to have their say during this period of transition".

"Participation by residents who are randomly selected to take part in the survey is highly important in ensuring that the results of the survey represent the views of the wider community. The survey is a great way for people to get involved and ensure that issues which they believe are important are given a voice," Miss Hanley said.

The survey will be conducted by Central Queensland University's Population Research Laboratory during the month of February.

For more information about the survey please contact Christine Hanley of Central Queensland University (07 4930 6335) or John Torpy of the Isaac Regional Council (07 4983 1133).