Fed: CHOGM leaders to hop into roo

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Fed: CHOGM leaders to hop into roo

By Paul Osborne

BRISBANE, Feb 12 AAP - Commonwealth leaders will hop into Australia's faunal emblem,the kangaroo, and snap up crocodile at a function next month.

Premier Peter Beattie said today the official Queensland welcome for Commonwealth Headsof Government Meeting (CHOGM) members at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the SunshineCoast would serve kangaroo kebabs and crocodile vol-au-vents.

Mr Beattie said Queensland beef and wine would also be served, reflecting the state'srich diversity.

"I will not miss an opportunity to profile Queensland's produce to an influential globalaudience, and I will not hesitate to promote our food and beverages to potential exportcustomers," Mr Beattie said.

"When it comes to our food and beverages I will be happy to give Commonwealth leaders a serve."

The food for the function is expected to cost around $14,500.

Mr Beattie, who inspected the resort today, also today produced a list of 50 reasonswhy protesters should support the work of CHOGM.

Among the reasons were that all countries were equal around the CHOGM table despitetheir economic or social circumstances, CHOGM was committed to the alleviation of povertyand that funding was given for projects such as HIV/AIDS prevention, literacy and numeracyand refugees.

"I believe many people may not realise that CHOGM overwhelmingly comprises developingnations which gain enormous help from this conference," Mr Beattie said.

"If they still decide to protest after reading these 50 positive points, that's fine."

CHOGM will be held at the Novotel Twin Waters and Hyatt Regency resorts from March 2 to 5.

AAP pjo/sc/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: CHOGM FOOD