This is the 3rd letter I sent to the local paper. However it never got
published, they said it was too long. If we all start talking more about
what this region needs then more notice will be taken. This blog is
part of the constructive noise. You can add to it. Central Queensland is
on the brink of being something real special, but it won’t just happen,
we have to make it happen.
“If you want to know the future, go out and create it”.
I heard these words (or something similar) when “Aussie” John Symond
addressed a RING function here in Rockhampton recently. In my past 2
letters I’ve made some suggestions of a possible future scenario for
Rockhampton, Gladstone and Capricorn Coast. I was hoping that as well as
getting some comment, that the letters might stimulate some action.
Action towards developing a tri-city concept, pooling the strengths of
each, to attract more people to live, work and play in Central
Queensland.
Why? Because I believe in John Symond’s statement. To me NOW is the
time to turn thoughts into action. The political timing is right. A
state election is looming. We have a federal Labor member in a minority
federal government. There are regional independent politicians who have
unprecedented input into federal government policy. And, the
combination of the mining boom mark II, grazing and agricultural
industries are all pointing toward Central Queensland as the engine room
of Australia.
The timing is as good as it gets.
Not just asking for band aid projects, but major “population generator”
projects. Projects that make Central Queensland more liveable,
desirable, perception changing, future orientated and sustainable even
after the resource boom ends. I mean is it unrealistic for an
international airport between Rockhampton and Gladstone serviced by a
high speed train service between the two cities be built. This would
solve a few issues, wouldn’t it?
While not being critical of anyone and maybe I’m a bit naïve about the
right processes, why isn’t there more ‘constructive noise’ being made in
Brisbane and Canberra about getting major infrastructure dollars for
our region.
By constructive noise, I mean communication that is well supported –
ideally by all the Central Queensland councils, major employers, unions
and elected government representatives. Noise that is devoid of
political party interests, ego’s, old rivalries, etc. Noise that is
collaborative, co-ordinated, persuasive, persistent and passionate.
Instead of the federal minister of Regional Australia and Regional
Development, Simon Crean leaving Rockhampton thinking that a fly in fly
out workforce is the only solution for the Central Queensland resource
boom was he presented a co-ordinated alternative plan? A plan showing
how a good percentage of the workforce could live in the community they
worked, or near enough to. A plan that showed how workers could go home
to their family after each completed shift.
A very fast train service between Rockhampton and Gladstone could be
part of this plan. Extend the service out west and not only are you
giving families more reasons to relocate to Central Queensland, but
we’re getting infrastructure that can be continued to be used after the
resource boom is over. We’re demonstrating to the world what an
innovative, forward planning region we are.
If we do not get action taken now, what chance is there in getting major
infrastructure funding after the resource boom is over?
Is there a plan on how to keep our mining towns sustainable after the
resource boom? How will the impact on Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast,
Gladstone, Emerald, etc., economies be minimised?
Families relocating to live, work and play in Central Queensland will
help make our towns sustainable after the boom, fly in-fly out doesn’t.
To me it’s vital that we pool all our resources, energies and visions to
generate enough ‘constructive noise’ out of Central Queensland that
Brisbane and Canberra will not only take notice of it, they’ll action
it.
Central Queensland can be so much more than the engine room of
Australia; it has tremendous and still untapped potential as an
international region recognised for its natural beauty, liveability and
innovativeness.
Constructive noise, I hope this letter has made a contribution towards
it and helps stimulate action. We can’t change our past, but we create
our future. Lets all add some ‘constructive noise’ in creating it. Our
best opportunity is here, now, let’s not let it pass.