What would Walt do? Up to $200000 is needed to do a feasibility study on a development that could be a real game changer for the Rockhampton region. Should rate/tax payers money be spent on it? In November I mentioned a concept that could make Rockhampton the Beef Capital of the World and international tourist destination. I labelled it Beefland, in drawing a comparison to the effect Disneyland had on the population of Anaheim, an increase of 90000 in the first 5 years. The documented concept and model is called The Golden Spurs Country Park. The minds behind the concept have told me they haven’t the $200000 that a feasibility study could cost. Without a feasibility study it is highly unlikely the hundreds of millions required to develop the concept will be raised. With all the government talk about the benefits of entrepreneurialism, developing Northern Australia and supporting job creating projects is a $200000 outlay that much of an ask? No doubt a government response will be ‘ask’ and then wait for the wheels of bureaucracy to process it. The minds of the project conceptualisers are nimble but their bodies aren’t; in their 70’s bureaucratic process is not something they have a lot of time for. The project needs a political champion to push it, but politicians being naturally risk adverse the concept is unlikely to gain one. The vision is grand; up to a 60000 seat stadium, 740 room hotel, arena’s, light aircraft strip, paddle steamers, racetracks – a one stop 800 acre venue highlighting country lifestyle; arguably beyond the belief of many of ever being achieved. Assuming government (any level) reluctance to openly support the concept perhaps they could subtly help expose the project to more people. There is a dining room size model of it in Gracemere, can opportunities at events like the World Brahman Congress to held in Rockhampton this May be utilised to display the model. The more public awareness of the benefits this project would deliver and subsequently support it the more likely government and hopefully private enterprise will get behind it. It’s too late to ask Walt how he get the feasibility study done; it’s what will our economic development guru’s do?