Population growth is a stimulator for economic growth. This premise is generally accepted as correct. Central Queensland’s population has decreased with the decline in employment levels in the mining and construction industries. Jobs are the most likely reason people will uproot from where they live; or persecution. It was quite brave of Michelle Landry to say she was in favor of relocating Syrian refugees to Central Queensland. It is a divisive issue, one many politicians may prefer to remain tight lipped about. However many a time we identify a lack of population mass for this region missing out on stadiums, big name concerts, Myers; or a reason why there are business closures and empty shops. Yet we have people who want to relocate but until only recently don’t appear to have figured in any population growth strategies (or discussions) for the region. Having opened the door on the issue I hope that the CQ community now starts a mature discussion about it. I’m no expert on this issue but believe it’s more than just identifying how many vacant rental homes are available. Physical and social support structures would need to be put in place. Ways identified to integrate the refugees into our community. Awareness built about why it is being done and the benefits that can be gained. Let’s have mature discussion, identify what is needed to make a possible resettlement of 500 or more refugees in CQ as successful as possible then see if Government will commit to providing it. We shouldn’t behave like ostriches about the problems in the Middle East. There is undeniably a strong humanitarian case for increasing Australia’s refugee intake and regional centres throughout Australia could arguably well do with an infusion of people; more so than our capital cities. Rockhampton already is a multicultural city, the Rockhampton campus of CQUniversity each year attracts numerous nationalities and many migrants have started their own businesses contributing to the economic growth of our region. Yes there are alternative arguments. Perhaps proper discussion can address these. It is time for more of our politicians to be active in consulting with the community about this issue. Leaving our head in the sand won’t make it go away and CQ may become stronger with 500 new residents in a number of ways.