Committing three-quarters of Queensland’s print ad spend to regional newspapers gave premier David Crisafulli an opportunity to hark back to his own days as a reporter on the Herbert River Express.

His government’s commitment was announced at Queensland Country Press Association’s annual conference in Brisbane.

Primary industries minister Tony Perrett, who made the announcement, said the policy – applying from next month – reflected the Liberal National government’s recognition of the vital role community newspapers play in delivering trusted, place-based journalism.

It also reflected the premier’s understanding of the importance of credible, independent public interest journalism, “and the role it plays in building resilient communities”, gained as a regional reporter in north Queensland.

“Our commitment will ensure consistent and ongoing support for rural and regional publications and local journalism,” said minister Perrett. “Local journalism is the voice and heartbeat of many communities across Queensland, ensuring communities stay informed, engaged, and connected.”

He also acknowledged the role regional newspapers have played in emergency response and public information, recent natural disasters highlighting the critical role of local journalism.

QCPA president Wendy Creighton said the announcement was a clear signal of the government’s appreciation for regional journalism and the communities it serves. “We are very pleased to see the Queensland government formally recognise the value of regional journalism,” she said.

“Advertising dollars help fund the kind of public interest journalism that is so vital to local communities, stories that inform, connect and empower Queenslanders in ways that no other medium can,” she said.

• QCPA’s annual awards were presented at an event on the evening of the conference. Among winners, Gympie Today was honoured for a feature about the new Gympie by-pass, and placed second to group colleagues CQ Today as ‘best paid newspaper in country Queensland’. Judge Andrea Graham liked the road feature, ‘Bypass – Good for Gympie’s heart’, commenting “Here’s one for thinking outside the box”.

Pictured: primary industries minister Tony Perrett (centre) with QCPA president Wendy Creighton and Queensland Today News Group general manager Andrew Guiver