Short Sleeves

“You know what is needed, a fast train service between Gladstone and
Rockhampton”. Yes I’m onboard the fast train push again, however the
preceding sentence wasn’t said by me this time but to me by a visiting
Brisbane businessman. Naturally my eyes grew larger, ears sharpened and
head automatically nodded in agreement. The Brisbane businessman was
discussing social housing opportunities in Central Queensland with the
changes the State Government are looking to implement. I naturally whole
heartily agreed with him explaining my thoughts on a tri-city model,
promoting a scenario of workers living with their families in
Rockhampton, being able to easily and quickly commute to Gladstone for
work and enjoy the uncluttered beaches of the Capricorn Coast to play.
We however were thinking of different workers using the train service
though. Mine are wearing hi-vis shirts, his wearing short sleeved
business shirts.  The cost of living in Gladstone is resulting in people
leaving the city if they don’t have high paying positions. This is
affecting the retail and hospitality businesses who are finding it
difficult to attract and keep staff. Mr. Brisbane sees the fast train
service as way for Gladstone retail and hospitality workers to be able
to access more affordable housing in Rockhampton without leaving their
jobs in Gladstone. Rockhamptonites looking for retail and hospitality
positions would also have greater opportunities with the quicker access
to Gladstone. The total tri-city package would also be more attractive
in attracting workers families to Central Queensland cutting back the
need for fly in-fly out (FIFO) workers and see more of the money earned
in Central Queensland spent in Central Queensland. However despite the
favourable pre-feasibility report and some talk at QR level, it would
appear a fast train service has disappeared from the agenda. Are we too
distracted in pulling our region apart than looking at unifying
projects? Imagine if de-amalgamation is successful, for the next 12
months attention will be on the split of assets and debt. Lawyers and
consultants must be salivating at the thought. Take the de-amalgamation
debate beyond rates rises to visionary leadership? Are we more likely to
get major projects like a fast train or fore-shore development being a
council of 100000 plus, than ones of 70000 and 30000?