Maximising our Assets

A criticism one attracts ‘aiming high’ with aspirations is that we don’t have the population to support it. Could more be done to attract more? We could hope a viable mine opens close by, maybe seek our own LNG plant or look at what is here and do more with it. One asset more could be done with is Shoalwater Bay. The Singaporean and American exercises add significantly to the local economy. Should we seriously try for a permanent military presence, a base for approximately 1200 or more personnel (and their families)? The dynamic of the region would certainly change, especially a multi nation military base, where most personnel would be aged under 30. This extra demand for local goods and services would generate more jobs, new infrastructure and new opportunities. It could trigger the airport being upgraded to international standard and flood proofed. A multi-national base would also attract more international tourists to the region.
A permanent military base has been previously mentioned but I’m not aware of any persistent push for one. In this current climate of selling assets we should also look to maximise the dividends our assets could realise directly and indirectly, not necessarily what immediate dollars can be gained.
This leads to last week’s column which I need to remedy. I have been advised that Council has already decided to install paid parking beside Pilbeam Theatre as well as the old Grosvenor hotel site. The decision was made in July when the budget was passed. Perhaps optimistically Council also decided that the sale of the land beside the Art Gallery will not necessarily go to the highest bidder, but consider proposals to develop it (and maybe the neighbouring blocks) into something that reflects and enhances the liveability of the city, thus providing the region a greater dividend even though Council may not own it. For example research paid by Council identified some time back the need for a water park to enhance the attractiveness of the city to live, invest and visit; thus an asset. Would Council if approached by a developer interested in building one at the Music Bowl consider a favourable long term lease arrangement instead of the one-off sale proceeds?