IN A LANDMARK move to support regional media, the Queensland Government has committed a minimum of 75% of all press advertising placements to rural and regional newspapers across the state and the commercial support is a significant boost for local news, as the Hervey Bay Advertiser celebrates five-years of hyper-local journalism.
State Member for Hervey Bay, David Lee, has strongly welcomed the policy and highlighted its importance for communities like Hervey Bay.
‘This is exactly the kind of support our regional communities need’ Mr Lee said.
‘Local newspapers like the Hervey Bay Advertiser are absolutely vital to keeping people connected, informed, and engaged. I’ve always said that public messaging works best when it’s delivered by trusted, community-focused platforms, and this policy delivers on that principle’.
‘This is not just a win for local media, it’s a win for community resilience, and for the people of Hervey Bay who rely on publications like the Advertiser for timely, relevant, and reliable information’.
The policy, which applies to all Queensland Government departments from 1 July 2025, is being praised as a timely and strategic investment in the future of regional journalism.
Malcolm Quinn, Publisher of the Hervey Bay Advertiser, said the announcement couldn’t come at a better time, as the publication prepares to celebrate its fifth birthday later this month.
‘This is truly a milestone moment, not just for regional media across Queensland, but for local titles like ours here in Hervey Bay’ Mr Quinn said.
‘I have been in regional print media for over thirty years and this is one of the best announcements I have seen. It shows that the government understands how vital local print remains’.
‘The Advertiser was built on the belief that local people want local stories, told by people who live here, who understand the community and who are passionate about sharing its successes, challenges, and voices’.
Mr Quinn said the commitment of government advertising dollars represents more than just revenue, it’s a validation of the vital role that hyperlocal media plays in building informed and resilient communities.
‘This funding isn’t just about placing ads. It’s about recognising that the Hervey Bay Advertiser delivers journalism that empowers people, whether it's covering local council decisions, highlighting community events, or helping vital local organisation to be heard’.
‘We are proud to have built a strong, independent voice for Hervey Bay, and this announcement shows that the government values what we do’.
Mr Quinn added that the Advertisers strong connection with Hervey Bay’s diverse demographic, from retirees and young families to local business owners, clearly positions it as an effective and trusted channel for government communication’
‘Hervey Bay is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, and the people here want to read about what matters to them’ he said.
‘Our paper delivers content that reflects the voices and values of this community. It’s fantastic to see the Queensland Government recognising the unique power of regional media to do that’.
Mr Lee echoed the sentiment, saying the announcement is a strong endorsement of regional resilience and community identity.
‘We have seen time and again, that local newspapers like the Hervey Bay Advertiser are a trusted source of information for many people in the region’ Mr Lee said.
‘I’m committed to seeing this policy succeed and ensuring Hervey Bay continues to benefit from strong local journalism’.
The Queensland Government’s decision is expected to channel a major share of public communication funding to grassroots media across the state, reinforcing its trust in regional publishers to deliver critical messages to Queenslanders.
