Meeting of mayors has a sweet start

THERE was love in the air yesterday when mayors from across south-east Queensland flocked to the Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Logan Mayor Pam Parker celebrated a political Valentine's Day, giving chocolate hearts to mayors from across the south-east including those from Ipswich, Brisbane, the Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim.

The giant hearts also doubled as reminders to the other mayors of Logan's motto: "The heart of south-east Queensland".

"It's about sharing the love," Cr Parker said.

"It's Valentine's Day and we'll be spending more time with the other mayors than with our families, so I thought it would be a nice way to celebrate the day."

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the gift was a sweet reminder of the ties between the two cities.

Council of Mayors meeting in Ipswich from left, Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent, Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Redlands Mayor Karen Williams, Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Mike Williams and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland Times David Nielsen

"If anyone sees a boundary between Ipswich and Logan, they're crazy," he said.

"What makes a strong region is people working together."

While the gifts may have started the Council of Mayors meeting on a lighter note, the meeting saw the mayors of 10 of the councils from across south-east Queensland discuss a variety of important regional issues.

Flying foxes and encouraging development investment were among them.

Cr Pisasale said the Council of Mayors meeting was a vital way for the various local governments across the south-east corner to communicate with each other and work together.

"What you've got here is south-east Queensland without borders," he said.

"It's the responsibility we have to make south-east Queensland strong."

The Council of Mayors board meeting is set to continue at the hotel today.