“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”. An inspirational quote that has much more potency when you find out it is attributed to Sir Edmund Hillary.
What is Central Queensland’s ‘mountain’ to conquer? I suggest it presently is to be perceived as a place where you can make things happen, be successful. I stress perceived. By things I mean adding vibrancy, excitement to the economy. A place that people are attracted to, have families and start businesses. Projects are happening to address this ‘liveability’ issue in parts of CQ but it’s not just about infrastructure it’s believing in ourselves too.
How well do we sell our part of Central Queensland? I once heard a local business leader comment if you say it enough times people start believing it (politicians are experts exponents of this). Do we talk up Central Queensland enough, taking the glass half full view rather than half empty? Does the ‘silence’ contribute to the ‘gap in the map’ and ‘Queensland’s best kept secret’ references frequently said of CQ. Of course, it does.
So if all of us start talking up CQ our economy will be transformed into a vibrant, dynamic one. In part yes, but only in part. Unfortunately, government has a necessary significant part to play as well and that adds complications whilst power is the main driver.
The other significant part of a vibrant dynamic economy is the business sector. Profit is usually its primary motive but emotion can make interesting decisions, note Twiggy Forrest comments about abused children and the Western Force Rugby Union team.
At the moment, there is a wave building, in part stirred by government funding but sustained by applying new technology, for start-ups to conceive and propagate around the world. This is what CQ must not only tap into but be perceived as place conducive to their success.
I’ve been criticised in the past for dare suggesting our region could be developed into Australia’s Silicon Valley by creating a Youth Entrepreneurial Economic Zone (YEEZ), but it’s that kind of stated goal that breaks down perceptions if genuine efforts are made to achieve this lofty ambition and people consistently talk positively enough about it, not only convincing others but ourselves.
A YEEZ requires government, business, education and the most important part, people, to make it happen. The outcome being a giant hub of start-up’s being developed by young people who live and attracted to here, resulting in and as importantly be perceived as a vibrant, dynamic economy – our mountain conquered.
Tomorrow evening meet Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, Mark Sowerby, for an insight of what he has learnt from his near 12 months in the position and perhaps find what we, not government, business or education, but what we need to do for CQ to start conquering its mountain.
It’s at Callaghan Park function room, starting 5.30pm. It’s free and everyone, young and old, is welcome.