Queensland publishers are pushing the state government to reverse plans for legislation which would move public notices from newspapers to digital sites.
In a letter to treasurer Cameron Dick, Queensland Country Press Association president Phill Petit says the proposed change in rules regarding statutory government and public notice advertising will have serious repercussions for print publisher members.
Newspapers are also "extremely concerned at the ramifications for transparency" which will result if notices are moved to "largely syndicated" websites, requiring specific searches for information.
Last July following News Corp Australia's closure of numerous print editions in the state, QCPA was assured that the state government would continue to support print newspapers, 22 new mastheads having been launched in the past year reaching a 1.33 million-strong regional audience.
"The decision will further marginalise regional communities, Phill Le Petit (pictured) says, pointing to community interest in planning applications, and the "opportunity for debate".
Regional MPs have been asked to state their position on the subject.