There’s a little more anxiety today, not about the future of the Adani mine or bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef but if Queensland has the player depth to win tonight’s game.
Lose Game 1 and we might see a NSW team win a series; that will haunt us for at least a year.
Central Queensland’s passion for our state rugby league team is admirable.
CQ is also in a battle and our talent depth tested as many of our youth leave to seek better opportunities. With Adani still only mining moth balls in Australia as now royalty negotiations continue we could also be looking at an economic loss that will haunt us for years.
Like Tower Holdings Great Keppel Island plans we are again spectators on the sidelines as CQ’s economy is being toyed with as Government and Adani engage in highway chicken.
Unless we start being more pro-active about determining our future rather than having others play with it CQ will always be relying on the ‘whims’ of others.
When I started writing this column I ended with variations of the future is not what we see but what we create. At the moment it appears inner Brisbane electorates have more influence on creating CQ’s future than we do.
CQ needs to be more entrepreneurial and not just dependent on the self interest of out-of-towners.
This weekend sees Rockhampton’s first Start-Up Weekend. Over 54 hours those who are entrepreneurially minded can get a full on taste and tuition into developing a start-up.
I’m asked why keep pushing start-up’s and not just commerce in general.
While CQ’s population stagnates what will drive job growth (outside of Government defibrillator bursts) is innovation and commercialising new ideas here. Entrepreneurs initiate this. Just opening similar business to what already exists in a stagnating market generally results in cannibalisation; as one opens another eventually closes.
Innovation needs a large talent pool and willingness from those within to have a go here. Start-up Weekend stimulates and better prepares those who are thinking of having a go (becoming entrepreneurs). If you are interested in attending or finding out more visit www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-weekend-rockhampton-tickets-32177409498?aff=sworg.
Let’s hope the Queensland spirit stoked by our passion prevails tonight. Then maintain this passion for CQ and help create the future we want.