ED vs Tourism

Save and sell our way to success. That seems to be the strategy the
Mayor (and possibly the Councillors) of Rockhampton Regional Council
seem to be taking.  One of the proposed savings is cut Capricorn
Enterprise funding to the provision of tourism services only
(withdrawing economic development funding). I don’t believe I’m the only
person to find this suggestion surprising. It’s been mentioned many
times that Central Queensland has billions of dollars in projects
happening or in the pipeline. Also mentioned many times that Rockhampton
appears to be largely by-passed despite the economic activity
surrounding it, citing Mackay, Gladstone and Emerald as comparison
examples. Gracemere Industrial Area is carefully evolving. Gracemere
Industry Park is now selling/leasing sites, with Toll already signed up.
Is now the time for Council to step back? Isn’t this the time Council
should be taking a strong leadership role demonstrating a commitment to
the economic development of the region. How does a potential major
industry investor view dealing with a Council choosing to decrease this
commitment? Appreciate cuts must be made; perhaps some assets may need
to be sold. However it appears the only outcome being sort is not to
pass on a double digit rate rise; potential political suicide.
Shouldn’t we be demanding more outcomes, like a vision for the region
that the Council is leading us towards? Admittedly it is easy to judge
from the sidelines. From my sideline view I believe Livingstone Council
rate payers have more to gain with the provision of tourism services,
particularly with the conditional approval of Great Keppel Island. The
remaining Rockhampton Region ratepayers arguably would get their
greatest return from funds provided for the economic development of the
region, particularly if the airport is to be sold and a western by-pass
of the city ever goes ahead. Here is an opportunity for the two councils
to demonstrate a willingness to co-operate for their mutual benefit.
Could the 3 Livingstone division Councillors make a commitment on behalf
of the future Livingstone Council to fund the provision of tourism
services and part contribute towards economic development activities
co-ordinated by Capricorn Enterprise and the remaining Rockhampton
Region Councillors agree to continue the balance of the economic
development funding. Two Councils working in conjunction for their
mutual benefit. The start of a collaborative rather than combative
relationship.