Barcaldine, an outback town, arguably in the shadow of near-by, larger, Longreach, but just as famous, if it not more, in outback folklore, has the potential to double its population in the next 10 years.
Something not many outback towns can boast.
Barcaldine is more than a town though, it is also a regional council, encompassing 4 more historic towns, Alpha, Jericho, Aramac and Muttaburra.
Alpha, now loudly professing to be the Gateway to the West, with its new highway signage. Jericho with its biblical Crystal Trumpeters and less biblical Drive-in theatre. Aramac, where Harry Redford (Captain Starlight) began his infamous cattle drive. Muttaburra, home of the Muttaburrasaurus dinosaur. And of course, Barcaldine, with its Tree of Knowledge.
BREZ, is the driver for the population boost. Barcaldine Renewable Energy Zone, is the first of potentially 12 such zones the state government is planning to provide tenants with competitive low carbon electricity.
The snapshot plan for BREZ, according to Sunshot Industries, who have the responsibility to develop and deliver the project, is “pioneer sophisticated zero emissions production of hydrogen, ammonia and urea, processing of minerals and intensive horticulture.”
The challenge is, how you fill the 1000 construction + 500 direct on-going jobs that will come with the development and delivery of BREZ, ideally with people (families) moving to live in the region, not just workers flying in and out.
The Council has made steps to make the region even more liveable with its water ski park and 60 kilometres of motor bikes trails, to accompany the existing infrastructure of shops, schools, parks and health providers. But it is the recognition that small things may have greater impact on the appeal of a region, that the Council deserves congratulations for.
Imagine watching television in regional Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, even Queensland, and seeing a commercial for a garden competition in BARCALDINE.
What sells liveability more than a nice established garden? And here (Barcaldine region) somewhere in the middle of nowhere, they are promoting a garden competition, wow they must cherish their gardens; arguably could have been the viewers response on seeing the commercial. A wow factor maybe stronger than learning about Barcaldine’s water park, to some viewers. Viewers who maybe more influential in deciding if a family would move to live in the Barcaldine region.
Be interesting to know more of the Council’s and Sunshot Industries strategy to attract workers, and their families, along with the new industries, as BREZ develops. Though waiting to see what next might appear on the TV screen or laptop, will just be as intriguing, as the tactics of their population growth strategy are revealed.
Of course, getting away from the rat race of metropolitan living, visiting the natural attractions of the Barcaldine region, soaking in its past, taking the time to experience the outback lifestyle and contemplate its potential, is the best way to see if it could be part of your future. Remember to bring your water skis.
