Queensland riders appear to have representation at government level once again more than 18 months after the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland closed largely due to a lack of support.
Several South East Queensland riders have formed the Queensland Motorcycle Council which is incorporated and has a three-man executive and four committee members.
President Graham Keys told me they had created a website, Facebook page and had held initial discussions with Transport and Main Roads officials who had promised them a seat at the table at future relevant government meetings and road safety forums.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson confirmed they had met with Graham and were “exploring opportunities for ongoing engagement and consultation”.
“Transport and Main Roads (TMR) regularly engages with and seeks feedback from a range of community organisations with an interest in motoring and road safety matters across all modes of transport,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR welcomes the establishment of the newly formed Queensland Motorcycle Council.
“Since the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland’s cessation last year, TMR has not been approached by any other incorporated or dedicated advocacy groups for motorcycle riders.
“However, we do engage with motoring organisations who represent broad-ranging road users.”
Graham says the QMC would represent all powered-two-wheeler riders throughout the state and is currently on a membership drive.
Queensland Motorcycle Council president and proud Honda 750 Four rider Graham KeysHe is joined by secretary David White from the Facebook group Motorcycle Advocacy Group and Roy Parker who was a former treasurer for the MRAQ for six years up to 2014.
Graham says rider representation to government over issues affecting riders was lost with the folding of the MRAQ and they hoped to end the void.
He told me their main objectives would be road safety issues and promoting the benefits of motorcycling to the community.
“We want to present a professional, objective and rational view of the challenges riders face on our roads to both government agencies and other road users,” he says.
“The QMC aims to provide a consolidated and consistent message to the community drawn from the exert rise and experience of our members.
“Through this we believe other road users will also gain an insight into the many benefits of motorcycling.
“We also believe that all road users need to work together to improve the situation we currently have on our roads, and we will work with riding groups to create a far more harmonious relationship with other road users.”
Graham says they have met with the Australian Motorcycle Council and an executive member has attended QMC meetings.
The QMC website lists their aims as:
- To establish relationships with, and lobby to, all levels of government and industry on your behalf;
- To influence policies and regulations that affect the safety of riders;
- To work with other road user groups to promote the overall safety of all road users;
- To work with other road user groups to promote the benefits of motorcycles in our community;
- To educate government, motorcycle riders and other road users in the unique challenges riders face on our roads.
Membership with voting rights is $10 a year and other associations, community groups and commercial entities can join as an affiliate free without voting rights.
Click here to become a member contact the QMC via email at voice@queenslandmotorcyclecouncil.com.au.