Emu Park Airpark

By the time you get to this I imagine you’ve read enough about the budget so instead of more about selling assets why not look at some of our underutilised ones and speculate if they could generate more capital or income than they currently derive without disposing of them. The airport, not the Rockhampton airport, it’s been discussed a number of times, the Emu Park airport, well airstrip is one example. What could be done with it to generate capital and or more income for the Livingstone Shire Council? How about a residential airpark? A residential estate bordering the airstrip which small plane and helicopter owners could taxi their aircraft from their hangar’s onto the strip. Only something you see in Miami! WAVE is presently being marketed just about 5 hours drive north of Emu Park; Whitsunday Aviation Village Estate. Their web site www.whitsundayairport.com/wave was an eye opener when I first saw it. One thousand square metre blocks for half a million dollars plus, homes listed at $1.85 million sold. With pending development of Great Keppel Island, the scenic coast line, the expected mega mines in the Galilee Basin, is the idea of a residential airpark at Emu Park that farfetched; certainly brings a different aspect to FIFO. Alternatives include leaving it as is returning a modest return (if any) or sell it for its real estate value. An approved operating air strip I believe has greater worth than just its land value. Maximising the return requires different thinking. The charm, beauty and proximity to Great Keppel Island make Emu Park attractive for investors. Infrastructure like a proper boat ramp could expedite interest in greater private investment in the town that leads to the possibility of a residential airpark. Instead of getting caught up in this season of selling assets lets evaluate on not just what returns are being received presently but what could be realised looking at the asset with a new set of eyes then make it happen. One shouldn’t be afraid of dreaming big, better to at least achieve part of the dream than to not try at all.