Its election time, that time about every 36 months we get some of our wishes granted, well conditionally granted, well maybe conditionally granted, but definitely considered!
Here’s one wish that I like unconditionally granted, the declaration of a Youth Entrepreneurship Economic Zone (YEEZ) for the Rockhampton and Livingstone Council regions.
I’ve broached this several times hoping that one of our politicians or development groups might see merit in the idea, but it has gained no traction. Reinforcing it is easier to keep talking up ‘jobs, innovation and regionalisation’ then actually do something about it.
Instead of just adding YEEZ to the wish list though it should be the only one on the list.
The other wishes of water storage at Rookwood and Eden Bann, along with exporting produce from the Rockhampton airport all have merit. An economic cost benefit analysis will arguably largely determine if they progress, possibly not so much politics.
However a YEEZ will be hugely dependent on political favour.
Not because the cost benefit analysis won’t weigh up, but unlike the Fitzroy River or Rockhampton Airport the resource needed for a YEEZ is not unique to this region (or specifically electorate of Capricornia), every electorate has it and in regional areas many have the same issue, we’re losing more than we’re gaining; Entrepreneurial Youth.
Youth who believe they need to leave regional centres to develop their ideas into a business. A most valuable resource that needs to be retained and nurtured if you are truly dedicated in not letting a regional centre slowly die.
There is recognition by all levels of government of the need to foster entrepreneurialism in order to create new jobs, replacing old jobs that have become automated.
This election is an opportunity for us to push for this region to be the test tube, pilot study to test methods that can further stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit and job growth talked about.
It could be the zone that provides tax breaks for the budding entrepreneurs and investors, making available necessary infrastructure at subsidised cost, introducing more entrepreneurial content into student’s education (secondary and primary).
This election Capricornia is a seat both major parties seriously want to win, (it may be different in 3 years time) we must use this to our advantage.
Don’t produce a list of wishes that we know will at best get a promise to consider, present just one and have every local development, business, community group on board.
Don’t unequivocally grant this one wish then you have no chance of winning this seat.
That’s the message we all need to be singing.
A YEEZ would not just help slow the brain drain, it could actually reverse it, attracting young people to live here, develop their ideas here and build their global business from here.
YEEZ would give long term life, not defibrillator bursts, to our region. Giving more of our children reason to raise their children here.
What other election promise can deliver that outcome?