Message from the mayor

Mayor has her say on the end of 161 years of print and staying connected online

IPSWICH mayor Teresa Harding is no stranger to the pages of The Queensland Times.

Like many others in town, she too has her own routine with her local news.

“I love reading my actual paper on a Saturday morning,” she said.

“I read the digital during the week, but it’s one of those little routines that you have and I’ve also been speaking with people in the community and having that paper, or going up to the newsagents, having it delivered each day, is a big part of their morning routine.

“People like to clip out articles of their kids or themselves doing things around the community.

“It is a real disappointment. “I’m happy there is at least six reporters staying on and continuing on with the digital subscription, but it is a really big change for our community.” Cr Harding said The Queensland

Times had played a significant role in the community, providing a voice for the people.

“We saw at the last election, the editor there taking a very firm line ensuring that everyone was heard, that people got to hear from all the candidates so people could make an informed decision,” she said.

“For me, and I say this as someone who used to be in the military, how important it is for a functioning democracy and to make sure we have our freedoms.

“It is absolutely essential that we have a free and robust press for democracies to function.

“I do feel as though we are losing a voice in a way and certainly the local media has a massive role to ensure democracies function properly.” She said she hoped the staff at the

Queensland Times would continue to hold the right people to account.

“When the government, whether its council, state or federal government, do well that they note it, but also when they don’t they also hold them to account, including myself,” she said.

Cr Harding said while the paper would be missed, she encouraged readers to still keep up to date on the

Queensland Times website.

“I feel as though we’re losing part of our voice not to have a daily paper. It’s a real pity it couldn’t stay open and stay on and for the local staff as well,” she said.

“Change is always happening and I encourage everyone in Ipswich to take out a digital subscription.

“If you don’t like reading the newspaper on an iPhone, now is the perfect time to get a table to read your QT.”