To A Happy 'Fitter' New Year

Many of us tonight will make a resolution or two.  A popular resolution will be to get fitter in 2012.  Could we extend this to making a resolution for a fitter Central Queensland in 2012 also?  What would it mean if we were to make this resolution?  ‘To get in good health and physical condition’, I think that’s what most of us mean when we say ‘I want to get fitter’.  Can this also be relevant for a geographic region also?

Our politicians will tell us CQ is in great shape – never better, billion dollar projects; jobs, jobs and jobs.   Is CQ fit though?

Are our rivers, harbours, agricultural land an indication of good physical condition? People living in their cars, creating an environment that encourages prostitution to flourish are these indicators of a region in good health.

I therefore hope that many of us will make a resolution for a fitter CQ tonight.  Along with this resolution however should be one for strong ‘fit’ leadership for our region.  As without strong ‘fit’ leadership I fear it will be difficult for the other resolution to be achieved.  The resource boom will provide our region many opportunities.  Strong ‘fit’ leadership will be required to recognise and grab those opportunities that will lead to a fitter CQ.  But also be prepared to stand up opposing those projects that may be thrust upon us which may in the long term be detrimental to a fitter CQ. This ‘fit’ leadership will need to be proactive, on the front foot, not reactive jumping on populist issues after the damage is done.  It certainly can’t be sitting on its hands cowering behind bureaucratic processes, committees and awaiting the production of expensive authorless ‘fuzzy logic’ expert opinion called a report.  Opportunities good and bad will have passed while other experts are deciphering what the report says or doesn’t say.  “Fit’ leaders will be pro-active in pushing for the early rollout of the national broadband network (NBN) for this region, high speed train linking Rockhampton and Gladstone, an environmentally sensitive resort for Great Keppel Island, a high school for Gracemere, better vehicle access at the southern entrance to Rockhampton and a foreshore development that will attract tourists to Yeppoon because they know these aspirations are needed to help make CQ fitter.

2012 looks to be an exciting year.  You can choose to passively sit by as the 366 days pass by (taking an interest in the Olympics of course) or indicate to the mining companies, south east Queensland State Government and Canberra that Central Queensland is more than just a mine which you fly workers in and out of to exploit.  There will be two elections in the first quarter of the New Year.  If you make a silent resolution tonight for a ‘fitter’ CQ that your kids and their kids will want to live, work and play in, consider not  the party the candidate represents or the fuzzy logic of their promises, but which one’s are offering ‘fit’ leadership, willing to put their neck on the line to make our region fitter. 

To keep the resolutions you make tonight will depend on your actions.  Just like your future, it’s yours to make, not to see. Let’s make 2012 a good ‘fitter’ one for us individually and as a community.

Happy New Year here’s hoping we’re not met with the challenges that we were presented with at the beginning of this year. 

A Chrstmas Aspiration for the 3H's

A Christmas Aspiration for Happiness, Health & Harmony

When did money become the goal and not a vehicle to obtain a goal?

‘Show me the money’, ‘Follow the money’, ‘I want more money’; long forgotten it seems that money is supposedly the root of all evil.  It now appears to be an aspiration itself; not what it can buy.  Why do we now pursue the ‘almighty dollar’ and not the benefits it is supposed to be able to provide? 

Happiness, health and harmony are listed again and again amongst the most popular aspirations for people.  As the richest generation ever to live on earth are we now concurring that money can’t buy happiness, - health or harmony.  That amassing money is the next best option.

I recall reading a book within which a fisherman who lived simply by the beach with his family was mentioned. He only fished for his family and friends needs.  Each afternoon he would be home enjoying the company of his family and friends.  He was asked why not buy a fleet of boats, employ workers, export your product, float a company to get the capital required and make a lot of money.  The fisherman asked, ‘what will I do with all the money?’  “You could retire, live by the sea, fish when you want to fish and enjoy the company of your family and friends’ was the reply.

In the season of goodwill, I hope we all get the chance to stop for a moment and reflect on what is happening in our lives.  Central Queensland is rushing into a massive resource boom.  However in this ‘rush’ to make money, what are we sacrificing? A fly in fly out workforce that separates workers from their families for up to 21 days at a time; a harbour we no longer care to eat the fish from; a water supply we have concerns about drinking from; irreparable damage to valuable farming land and the water below it; increases in housing rental prices forcing long time residents to leave towns, replaced by a mobile workforce. 

In this column I have listed a number of aspirations for Central Queensland.  A high speed train linking the cities of Rockhampton and Gladstone; a wave pool for Yeppoon foreshore; a reality website TV show for Mount Morgan; the early rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) etc, as I believe that decentralisation is essential in providing for a better future for all Australians.  By providing this type of infrastructure Central Queensland can be a more attractive destination for people to live, work and play in.  We need to assess what kind of future do we want for this region and for our country.  A short term fix may deliver bigger problems in the future; environmental and social.  Pause, take a breath and lets again place happiness, health and harmony as our main aspirations, not money.  May the decisions made during this boom reflect on the3 H’s and not the almighty dollar. 

Happy Christmas, I do hope you get to spend it with family and friends.  Remember the future is not to see, it is to create.

P.S.  Central Queensland lost one of its champions this month with the passing of Lloyd Willie.  As Robert Louis Stevenson said, “the man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earths beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had”.  Lloyd Willie was a success, which I’m sure will be appreciated even more in time.

A Dr. Suess Prescription for Rockhampton

Can Rockhampton take Some Medicine from Dr Seuss?

“This year the school had seven Australian representatives………”; this is no aspiration for a future speech night at one of Rockhampton’s high schools.  This was said last week at North Rockhampton State High Schools Presentation Night.  Similar comments were no doubt echoed by other high schools throughout the region.  Approximately 1000 former students within our region are about to embark on the next stage of their life journey, taking the career path, hopefully all optimistic about making their mark.  However many will leave our region to do this.  Which in one way is a shame, but as champions of Rockhampton they will each play a part in building a perception of the Rockhampton Region in the cities and companies in which they’ll study and work.

A couple of weeks ago I questioned the perception ‘Beef Capital of Australia’ was creating with people outside the region of Rockhampton.  As an alternative slogan I suggested “Home of Australia’s Future Champions” could be a more positive perception creator.  North Rockhampton High School’s speech night reinforced my thoughts.  For an aspiration to be realised it’s important to identify the foundations that already exist, and build upon them.  Rockhampton does produce champions; we’ve just produced another one thousand.  Imagine what a deliberate plan to foster this aspiration could achieve.  Not just for the elite, after all a champion is anyone who has strived to achieve more than what others may have thought was possible.  To be Dux of the school is to be a champion, to represent Australia is to be a champion, to achieve best marks in a subject is to be a champion and to complete twelve years of education when the expectation of others was you would not go the distance, is to be a champion.

I hope these young adults continue to be champions by striving to find out how great he or she can be.  To strive beyond the expectation and be proud to say you come from Rockhampton, a region that produces champions – a champion region.  One of these champions quoted Dr Seuss in his speech to the North Rockhampton High School graduating class of 2011, “you have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who decides where to go…..”.  I think the Rockhampton Region can take something from this Seussism.  Times have changed, it’s time Rockhampton chose to steer a new direction.  A direction that builds on its current strengths and the opportunities with and around us.  What vision do you have of Rockhampton Region and how will you contribute towards its attainment?  Sadly these questions aren’t being asked or answered enough.  I hope we hear of the aspirations of the graduating classes of 2011.  Their personal aspirations, their aspirations of the region they’ll always call home and maybe how they hope to contribute towards attaining them.

In keeping with Dr Seuss, I congratulate and encourage the Grade 12’s of 2011 to continue to be champions with another of his quotes, “you’re off to great places!  Today is your day!  Your mountain is waiting, so…. Get on your way”.

Good luck and as Dr Seuss also says, “only you can control your future”.

What History Can Teach Us

Generally when faced with a problem, we (mankind) have found a solution. It seems though at the moment we are more intent on creating problems than finding solutions. There must be a huge problem, that we allocate so little to finding solutions to the extra problems being created in attempting to fix the big problem.

It’s Time we Took A History Lesson

The sun was just rising, giving the sky a bluey grey glow.  He looked across the Yeppen Lagoon at the lighted train carriages taking the Rockhampton based workers to work for the start of their shift.  This is not an aspiration for a bullet train to take Rockhampton based workers to Gladstone to start their shifts at the LNG plants.  This was 1926; the Rockhampton based workers were being transported by train to start their shift at the Mount Morgan mine.  I asked why the workers didn’t live at Mount Morgan.  “There was no where to live there Warren”, was the reply.  Here we are 85 years later with an accommodation crisis in Gladstone and we don’t have a dedicated passenger train from Rockhampton to help alleviate the problem.  Baffling to me, why this hasn’t been identified as a “significant project for the State”.  Not only back in 1916 (and beforehand) were workers being transported by train to work at Mount Morgan, special Abt Rack locomotives were imported to overcome the obstacle the Razorback with its steep incline provided.  Footage of this can be seen via a 3D presentation at the Mount Morgan Rail Museum.  How determined and innovative they must have been.  Eighty five years later our solution to meeting the labour demand appears to be fly in fly out.  Is there a lesson to be learnt here! Mount Morgan must have wished it was screaming out for long term sustainable development when it was the richest gold mine in the southern hemisphere.  Fly in fly out is not going to assist the long term sustainable development of Central Queensland.  We should look at history and learn from it, the good and not so good chapters.

A bullet train between Rockhampton and Gladstone will benefit both cities, not just during the job boom, but for the future.  Each city has complimentary strengths that need to be jointly marketed.  I also hope we hear more about a possible hovercraft transport route between Zilzie and Curtis Island.  Now’s the time to demonstrate how determined and innovative Central Queensland still is.

By the way, the person at the beginning of the column who was looking across the Yeppen Lagoon is my grandfather.  He was sixteen then and had just finished doing the Gracemere milk run by horse and cart.  He will be 102 in January.

Development in CQ, is it worth singing about

Billion dollar projects planned

Here in our Central Queensland

Plenty of jobs going about

They’ll even fly you in and fly you out

Export income is the goal

All we got to do is dig more holes

We’re told its all good news

Let’s hear your view

Is there enough infrastructure about

Does the only solution have to be fly in fly out?

If there is to be a boom

Will our kids benefit from it to???

Aspire CQ

Now’s the time to get our due

Aspire CQ

 Enough of most of it going to SEQ

Aspire CQ

C’mon lets hear your view

Aspire CQ

C’mon Canberra, you can take but how about giving it too

Long term benefits that’s got to be the goal

Not just been left with lots of holes

Lets all benefit from the boom

And remain sustainable after it too

Vibrant and innovative is what we are

Now’s the opportunity for CQ to star

(chorus)

Work, live, play

Lets’ give them no reason to fly away

Central Queensland has it all

We have to go beyond thinking small

Stop treating us as just being part of the herd

Now’s the time that our aspirations are heard

(chorus)

It’s our CQ; we’re entitled to a view

No more words and empty promises

We’re tired of being Doubting Thomases

Actions are what are needed

One’s that demonstrate our community concerns are heeded.

(chorus)

I’m no song writer, but several months ago I decided to try and write a jingle to help make aspirations for CQ a day to day issue for governments to be faced with. However like my letters to the editor, and some may think this column, the lyrics became too long. I decided to share these lyrics as the relevance of them is arguably more relevant now then several months ago. It seems this resource boom is like a snow ball rolling down a hill. Growing and increasing in size – its momentum apparently unstoppable. I’m for development. I want to see the Rockhampton region gain long term benefits from this resource boom. For too long we’ve largely missed out and become like a gap in the map. Yet there appears to be more issues than real long term benefits so far. No doubt the national economy is benefitting, ‘export income is the goal’ but what has Rockhampton region seen from it. One of the current major issues is water quality; drinking, harbour and ground water.  So is this development ‘all good news’.

This is not a pollie bashing column. I have no doubt our politicians have fought very hard to get what they have got. In our politically diminishing region they have to. One vote, one value encourages more attention goes to where the most voters are. So we need to be more vocal in helping our politicians push the urgent need for more infrastructure and that our concerns for sustainable, community acceptable development are heeded. There is noise from both sides about the benefits to be delivered (but not when) and calls for no development. At the moment it seems the Rockhampton region is sitting on its hands not sure what to put its’ hand up for, while the rest of CQ powers on, for better or otherwise. Without development, aspirations for a high school in Gracemere, a better southern entrance into Rockhampton, development of the Yeppoon foreshore, etc., are more difficult to achieve. Development and the population growth that comes with it will improve our political clout. Clout needed to get more infrastructure. Unfortunately the Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce with its mission of promoting sustainable and community acceptable development in Central Queensland no longer exists. I think its time for a non-political, 100% community driven organisation was formed to take on this mission and help our politicians get a better deal for us. Champion our aspirations and our concerns. What do you think? Would you join a group passionate, pro-active, and protective in promoting sustainable, community acceptable development in Rockhampton and Central Queensland?

I would love to hear your thoughts and aspirations for CQ. Even if you think the lyrics are a chance of becoming a song.

Where's the Welcome Mat

Hit the road Jack, and go see Australia…. that would be an aspiration for most of us, well of mine anyway.  For many this involves the purchase of a motor home.  The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) has 61000 members.  Just over two years ago they held their national rally here in Rockhampton.  Waiting in the doctor’s reception area I started reading their magazine ‘The Wanderer’, it was even a 2011 edition.  It included a list of RV (recreational vehicle) friendly towns/destinations.  I was surprised that a former host city of their national rally was not included.  A check of their website confirmed no towns within the Rockhampton region were included.  Yet towns such as Duaringa, Theodore, Springsure, Longreach and Winton were listed.  The criteria to be listed as RV friendly didn’t look too demanding.

As in the Mayors welcome message for the 2009 National Rally in Rockhampton, “from the city to the beach and the bush – we’ve got something for everyone!”  Mayor Carter went on to list, “the pristine beaches along the Capricorn Coast, the many parks and gardens around our region including our internationally recognised Botanic and Japanese Gardens, the Rockhampton Art Gallery, the Rockhampton Zoo and Murray Lagoon Wetlands, Mount Archer lookout, Fitzroy River Park and nature walk”.  Add to this the historic charms of Mount Morgan, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, barra fishing in the Fitzroy, the Dreamtime Centre, the islands,  exploring Capricorn Caves and digging for thunder eggs; our region does arguably have the variety to attract a CMCA member if not a few thousand of them – every year.

One of the services to be classified as RV friendly is the provision of short term (24/48/72 + hour) parking.  Could the Council provide space and facilities within our regions showgrounds for this provision?  Charging a reasonable rate for those who want to stay longer then the determined short term stay.

A win, win scenario; the region attracts more RV’s, nearby businesses benefit from their patronage, and it’s an opportunity for Council to earn revenue.  After all why host a CMCA National Rally if no long term relationship with them was desired.  So the question is why hasn’t Rockhampton, Mount Morgan, Yeppoon or The Caves been classified as an RV friendly town/destination?  Surely the benefits would out weigh the costs.  61000 members – 61000 people who have made a considerable investment to tour Australia and the baby boomer generation hasn’t all retired yet.  The motor home tourist market will continue to grow.  Lets get on the bus or in this case the motor home and instead of hoping they will visit us again, give them reason to return and explore this part of Central Queensland.

Time to claim a new title (slogan)

I just read today that Queensland Rail are to consider a fast train between Rockhampton and Gladstone. At last. Lets hope this consideration process doesn't take too long and we see some action.
The below column questions the benefits of the Beef Capital of Australia title that Rockhampton carries. Should it be the city's slogan as well?

The media were vying for the best position at the bottom of the mobile steps.  The pressurised door of the plane was released, the eyes of the entire airport ground staff diverted to the top of the steps.  The beaming hostess thanked her for flying with them and just contained herself from asking for a photo together.  What a hit on Facebook that profile photo would make.  In her stunning outfit and with a radiant smile Jennifer Hawkins put on her designer sunglasses as she departed the plane.  The Myer PR team watched from the plane windows.  The result was exactly what they hoped for.  Maximum media coverage for the Rockhampton store opening.

No…. Myers isn’t coming to Rockhampton, not yet anyway.  It’s just another aspiration of mine (more for Jennifer Hawkins than Myers to come to Rocky).  However this is what happened recently in Mackay.  Why Mackay, why not Rockhampton?  Rockhampton, on the doorstep of billion dollar projects, the Beef Capital of Australia, why didn’t Myers choose it over Mackay?  No doubt there were many reasons.  Could one of the reasons be the title, Beef Capital of Australia?  A title that’s used pretty much as a slogan for the city.  Like The Morning Bulletins slogan ‘where local news comes first’, a slogan helps people visualise what the brand is about.  In this case the brand is Rockhampton city.  At the risk of upsetting the beef industry, does Rockhampton city reflect a beef capital image and what do people perceive when they hear it?  Are these perceptions conducive to deciding where to live, visit or invest?  Bull statues contribute to the beef capital image, but other than cattle trucks, The Great Western or at show time, where are the cattle?  Apparently you’re more likely to come across a deer or brumby when driving around the city.

The title ‘Beef Capital’ does provide a point of difference from other cities, but is it the only difference we want to highlight and is it a real benefit.  Those who visit Rockhampton city because it is the Beef Capital of Australia, outside Beef Expo time, are they really going to be satisfied with their experiences?

It’s time for an image overhaul for the city.  In earlier columns I’ve suggested a slogan, ‘Rockhampton – Home of Australia’s Future Champions’.  Imagine what people would visualise (their perceptions) when they hear this.  Arguably more conducive pictures for people considering to live, visit or invest in the city.  With our education, sporting facilities, cultural centres and industry base we have solid foundations to develop such a slogan.  Plus Rockhampton has proof of being able to produce champions in numerous fields, including one of the all time greats – Rod Laver. Perception is a very powerful marketing tool. Unfortunately the Council in their Draft Community Plan have identified adopting a new vibrant and progressive image for the region as a low priority. Ask any business what their biggest asset is and they’ll answer their brand.

Has anyone from Council asked Myers why Mackay and not Rockhampton? That’s the kind of feedback you need to help effectively plan for the future.

Looks like I've gained a regular spot in Saturdays Morning Bulletin. Here's a column that was published couple of weeks back. Thought I might had someone from either the cycling club or multi-cultural association call me to discuss it. But to date nothing. Be interested to know if you think its a good idea.

The flags of the commissaire's raised one by one; the crowd hushed as the gun sounded, and with a strong heave the Rocky Cup on Wheels started, the back markers quickly gaining ground.  Patrons of the inaugural Fine Food and Wine Festival cheered on the riders from inside the track.  The decision to co-host the food and wine festival with the annual Rocky Cup on Wheels at the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome proved to be a success.  Much like how the major horse racing days attract crowds with limited knowledge of the sport.

The decision of the neighbouring Rock Pool Water Park to open an adjoining fence for the children of the festival patrons to enjoy their facilities also proved a good decision.

I was thinking of uses for the Music Bowl.  It seems a shame that a community event like Carols by Candlelight may no longer have a home.  If only the Music Bowl could be more regularly, viably utilised.  One thought was a Fine Food and Wine Festival.  However it takes time to establish a successful event.  If though the event was held in conjunction and complimented another event then the sum could be greater than its parts.

The Rocky Cup on Wheels is indisputably a major cycling event but to get support from the non-cycling community it needs an x factor (xtra crowd puller).  In the past Sean Eadie and Ryan Bayley were the x factor.  Anna Meares is also an x factor.  Cadel Evans would be the one for this year Rocky Cup on Wheels (non-cycling people wouldn’t care that he is not a track rider, they just want to see cycling’s man of the moment).  However appearance fees, availability and only being a short term fix makes it a fickle foundation to build an event on.

By complimenting it with another event that has potential to grow the overall support base, surely it has to be worth considering.  Maybe a representative from the local multi-cultural association could meet with the Rocky Cup on Wheels committee to see if there is potential.  Council could possibly help them access funding through the Queensland Event Corporation to kick start the inaugural collaboration. Sponsorship opportunities for wine/beverages/food would add to existing cycling sponsors.  Plus there have got to be opportunities for the neighbouring Rock Pool Water Park and maybe even Diggers Bowls Club as well as the YWCA hall to be utilised.  Like I said the sum could be greater than its parts.  It’s just a thought. And it would add something else to the city’s event calendar.

Now back to the Music Bowl, or should we consider what could be done with the money raised from its sale!

Mt. Morgan - There's still Gold there

Over the past 2 weeks I've written an aspiration for Mt. Morgan. I really hope some from CQUni might find it interesting enough to follow through with.

Future to the Back Aspiration for Mt. Morgan

Was it fate or just chance? The offer of the helicopter pilot to take the student camera operator to get some aerial footage to include in the webisode proved to be the start of a game changer.  A game changer for the web TV series and also for the town.  The town of Mount Morgan.  Councillors were clamouring to claim the idea as their own, though most couldn’t remember the one sentence item on their agenda recommending a motion be passed for a twelve part webisode recording people living in Mount Morgan as if they were in the late 1800’s, after gold had been discovered, be submitted for possible State and Federal Government arts funding.  Whether it was the idea, the enthusiasm of the State Member, the involvement of the CQ University or a desire to give something back to Mount Morgan, the funding application was successful.  With an experienced mentor, students from the university’s media, graphics design and drama departments were now working on a real life project – a 12 part webisode titled “Ironstone”.  Early screenings were pretty basic; however it was gaining a curiosity appeal.  Admittedly from locals and friends and families of people involved in its production. Though with international University students involved the geographic reach was immense.  Accompanying vlogs were getting viewed on youtube and other social media tools like twitter were helping spread the appeal.

A local helicopter pilot needing to get his hours up offered to take a camera operator to get an aerial view of the town.  This footage used at the start of webisode six was about to take the series into the stratosphere.  A relative of an overseas student involved in the production flippantly mentioned the website at BBC studios in London.  A semi interested listener later searched the web site.  The vision of a road winding up the Mountain, with its tight twists was mouth watering.  Further research and a little reference revealing another road linking it was called the Razorback made it perfect.  This had to be included in their itinerary for their forthcoming Australian tour.  Jeremy mentioned it on the show that he had a perfect challenge for the boys while in Australia.  He went on to explain the webisode on which this twisting, turning track chiselled into a mountain that veered at its peak down the road called Razorback featured and the challenge it would provide.  Richard however saw a different opportunity and challenged Jeremy to feature in the webisode living as a miner in the late 1800’s.  After a couple of jibes from James the challenge was accepted, the boys from Top Gear were coming to Mount Morgan. The web series ‘Ironstone’ was about to go internationally ballistic.

A game changer doesn’t have to involve building something new.  It can be just looking at something that’s always been there with a new set of eyes.  Eyes that see potential, not obstacles.  The road up the Mount arguably an impediment to Mt. Morgan development might to many be seen as difficult, one that induces road sickness, but to someone like Jeremy Clarkson, imagine what he would see through his eyes.

How do we currently see Mount Morgan?  Look at it again with a new set of eyes, its history, landmarks, its lack of development, even its road.  Next week I’ll expand on what a simple idea like a webisode could provide Mt. Morgan and our region.  It just needs the will to make it happen. Remember the future is not too see, it is too create.

Part 2 of this article (in full) not the abridged version the Bullie put in is as follows:

Ironstone Still a Jewel in Capricorn’s Crown

The Premier and the Mayor were all smiles for the camera at the opening of the Swinging Bridge.  Funded and re-built in record time it included some of the original planks from its predecessor.  The first question from the attending media was “if the lads from Top Gear weren’t coming to Mount Morgan, would it have been re-built?”

Imagine what a game changer an episode of Top Gear being filmed in a town would have.  Imagine if that town was Mount Morgan.

Last week my aspiration was for a webisode called Ironstone to be produced.  A reality series that followed different people living like they would have in Mount Morgan in the late 1800’s.  By chance or fate Jeremy Clarkson would come across an episode which included an aerial view of the road up the Mount.   The twists and turns leaving him salivating.  This road, this town had to be included in Top Gear’s Australian tour.

The televised announcement made Ironstone an instant huge online success in terms of downloads and social media interaction.  The affect it would have on the town would also prove to be massive.

The cogs of government were quickly lubricated; along with the swinging bridge, old buildings were being restored and painted, the cemetery tidied, story boards around points of historical interest were erected.  Plans for a bigger, interactive museum were being discussed.  Spin offs from the Top Gear announcement included confirmation that Getaway would do a whole program on the surrounding region and impact Mount Morgan had on the Australian economy in the early years of federation.  A Current Affair had just finished recording.  When it aired it turned out to be a story on how the town that once saved the Australian economy was now threatened by toxic water.  Not the story the Mayor eagerly agreed to be interviewed for.  However the appearance of water quality experts from Melbourne within the week supported the view that sometimes any publicity is good.  Rumours also abound that the guys from Myth Busters were coming to do a story of the dinosaur footprints on the cave ceiling.  Mount Morgan was no longer the forgotten town.  Renewed interest in its history meant there was now a living case study which not only involved media, marketing and drama students from the dual sector CQ University; psychology, arts, engineering, apprentice carpenters, boiler makers, mechanics were all involved.  Research not only included insights on how people lived in the late 1800’s while inflicted with gold fever, but also on the interaction people were having with the webisode -  the online commentary and social media interaction.  Commercial networks were seeing the series as the future of television. 

However, before I get too carried away I should acknowledge the knockers, ‘or realists’, question, “what’s the chance of Top Gear coming to Mount Morgan?”.  And even if they did, all would be forgotten within a couple of months and it would go back to the way it was!  Perhaps, I even hope so; the way Mount Morgan was at the start of the twentieth century.  A town with a mountain of gold and copper called Ironstone.  Consider what arts projects do receive Government funding.  Do they all have the potential to provide students from a wide variety of disciplines the opportunity to be involved?  The opportunity to reveal the history of a once important town; the opportunity to provide an insight into how social media and entertainment can fully converge.  The opportunity to be used as a drawcard to attract students to a university.  The opportunity to attract tourists.  The opportunity to stimulate restoration projects.  The opportunity for training programs.  The opportunity to revitalise a town.  The opportunity with the international students involved for it to generate international interest and maybe the decision to film a television episode there.

There’s still gold in them there hills, but it may not be only under the ground.  Sometime it’s just how you look at it, not where you look.  Still got doubts?  Consider the huge popularity of Wild Boys.  There is huge interest in Australia’s gold rush period and Mount Morgan was the richest mine.  Ironstone the webisode could be just the game changer Mount Morgan needs.  A game changer that once again makes Mount Morgan a jewel in the Capricorns’ crown.  Remember our future is not to see, but to create.

CQ's Game Changer - The Justification

Hopefully the below explains why CQ needs a game breaker. Because just going along thinking if it ain't broke, don't fix it isn't going to work out forour kids. Planning to benefit them should be happening NOW.

CQ’s Game Changer – The Justification

Why does Central Queensland need a game changer? Last week my aspiration was for planning to start now to develop a game changer for Central Queensland. I suggested the combined Councils of Central Queensland would be instrumental in developing such a plan and that a bullet train from the coast to Uluru travelling roughly along the 23.5° latitude could be the game changer needed. Now I’ve been challenged, why does CQ need a game changer? A little like ‘if it ain’t broke why fix it’. Change has made it ‘if it ain’t broke, break it’. This resource boom will end. What happens to CQ then? Arguably CQ relies too much on the resource sector to generate wealth. In the short term this reliance will only grow. Growth that could be to the detriment of other industries, farming being one of them.  The resource companies won’t re-invest profits made out of this region into this region after the boom ends. State and Federal Governments may think likewise. Unless other viable, major opportunities presents themselves. Game changer opportunities.

Ones that create jobs and on-going employment.

Ones that enable mining town’s on-going sustainability.

Ones that truly help decentralise Queensland.

Ones that positions Central Queensland as a go ahead region.

Ones that retains the labour and families that have moved to CQ because of the resource boom.

Ones that due to their daring and innovation gain both international attention and visitation.

Ones that become a catalyst for greater population growth and greater political representation that comes from it.

Ones that our kids can benefit from.

As my greatest concerns with this resource boom; along with the damage to our agricultural land, possible water contamination, the social costs of a fly in fly out work force; are what benefits this resource boom will provide for our kids.  When the workforce is gone, their temporary quarters disassembled, mines abandoned, what will our kids have to show for all the resources that have left out shores?

Long term benefits and not just short term fixes are needed to be voiced and pursued.  In my opinion a game changer project will need to include an international airport for Central Queensland.  If we want (or more correctly need) international tourists to utilise a bullet train service we need to make it easy for them, a direct service.  My suggestion of Central Queensland International Airport at Raglan is at best thought as pie in the sky, but with Rockhampton Airport flood prone, the growing city of Gladstone needing more land, is the suggestion that ridiculous?  Especially if a bullet train service was operating between the two cities.  We’ve got to think beyond small and beyond Council borders.  Central Queensland is a dynamic, vibrant region, arguably the greatest place in the world to live – currently the engine room of Australia.  We’ve got to plan how to keep it that way, after all our future is not to see, it is to create.  Community pressure is an important factor in creating a future we aspire to.

Game Changer Needed for Central Queensland

Too much reliance on 1 industry is going to leave this region vulnerable in the future. A game changer is needed. And planning for it should be happening NOW. And maybe it could be happening like I described in last weeks newspaper column.

Top of the agenda was approval for funding a business plan for a bullet train service linking the Central Queensland coast to Uluru.  It had taken some time for it to finally get to this stage.  Some in the room thought too long.  However after much politicking, debate, agreement for collaborative action and community pressure the combined Councils of Central Queensland were finally agreeing to take this potential game changer project to the next stage.  The ability to link two internationally recognised Australian icons – the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru with an ultra modern form of transport through the heart of Central Queensland, roughly following latitude 23.5^o did appear marketable.  Particularly the maturing market of China and its growing middle class.  The ability to package this unique holiday experience in 7 days with diversity and bucket list locations satisfied the available secondary research findings.  This indeed appeared the potential game changer Central Queensland was going to need.  A game changer to not only keep the region strong after the resource boom peaks, but for mining communities like Blackwater to remain sustainable.  With a business plan the combined Central Queensland Councils would push for the necessary funding and infrastructure.  Preliminary discussions with the Australian owned Hassell to relocate their bullet train research and development team from Melbourne to CQ University Australia, Rockhampton campus to work in conjunction with their Centre for Rail Engineering had already taken place.  The State Government were already aware of plans to lay new tracks between Rockhampton and Gladstone for the bullet train.  The benefits of a safer, more environmentally friendly mode of transport between the two cities utilised primarily by Gladstone workers living with their families in the Rockhampton region were becoming harder to ignore.  The business plan would also investigate a second stage between Rockhampton and Blackwater serving a similar need before extending the track to Uluru.  Thus by satisfying an established need in its first two stages revenue could be generated as the project developed.  The political environment was deemed more acceptable to the project chances of obtaining the necessary funding.  Community pressure of the perceived all take and no give by the southern capitals and what the Central Queensland landscape would look like after the resource boom – of one littered with holes and hills of over burden trying to sustain some spindly vegetation was starting to be noticed and talk of committees being established to report on the concerns were being discussed during question time. 

The time for a game changer for Central Queensland was definitely now. The poor planning affecting Gladstone massive development was evidence enough.

 Imagine if we don’t start planning now for the post resource boom period. Without a planned game changer what will happen.

Our future is not to see, it is to create.  Community pressure is an important factor in creating a future we aspire to.

Capricorn Tropic - The Bullet Train Journey Part 1

I want to demnstrate how a bullet train service from the coast (in this case an international airport at Raglan) to Uluru could be an international tourist attraction. A game changer for Central Queensland. Something to highlight to the world what an innovative, vibrant region we are and can still be after the resource boom. Please use the RSS button to be informed of when further updates are posted.

The touchdown on the tarmac was heightening their anticipation – a new country, new adventures. From the people mover they got glimpses of the land beyond the glass walls. However it was not until outside the terminal that the clear blue sky took its full effect on the Chinese tourists. Their 7 day Tropic of Capricorn Outback experience was to begin here at the Central Queensland International Airport, Raglan. The awaiting ‘Capricorn Tropic’ Bullet train would be taking them to Uluru and return. The first leg to Rockhampton took only 18 minutes. Amongst the departing passengers was a well known international pianist who had joined their flight at Singapore. Whilst the temptation to also disembark was strong especially after the long flight, their first overnight stop was to be Blackwater, a little over an hour away. Here in the Coal Capital of Queensland they visited the International Coal Museum, operated a dragline at an open cut mine, then boarded a four wheel drive coach for an overnight stay on the Blackdown Tableland. Trepidation mixed with excitement meant a largely sleepless night as the mega city based tourists gazed into the Milky Way. Muffled shouts and hand signals would greet each falling star or satellite. A little weary the next day the coach took them to aboriginal rock art sites and to Rainbow Falls. Some braving the cool water for a refreshing swim.  Returning to the Bullet train, which by now had itself been out to Alice Springs, back to Raglan and returned to Blackwater, the tourists relaxed before their next over night stop at the legendary town of Longreach. Upon arrival they were met by restored Cobb & Co coaches and presented with cork ringed hats. Here their itinerary allowed the flexibility of seeing the QANTAS Museum, Stockman’s Hall of Fame, enjoy a twilight cruise of the Thomson River and stay at a real country Pub. Or take the mechanical coach to a farm stay on a working sheep station.  (Over the following weeks I’ll continue describing this journey and hopefully demonstrate the potential benefits this aspirational ‘Capricorn Tropic’ would provide Central Queensland).

After all this aspiration can happen, if we make it happen.  Our future is not to see, but to create.  By showing how Central Queensland can continue to make a significant contribution to the State and nation’s economy after the resource boom gives us a stronger argument for the infrastructure needed.  Major infrastructure projects like the ones suggested here. Infrastructure that’s needed now to help create the CQ we aspire to.

To start this process we need a vision for Central Queensland, more than just being the engine room of Australia. In my view all of Central Queensland Councils should be meeting and formulating a post resource boom vision for a dynamic, vibrant, innovative CQ now. Then with combined strength push Canberra and Brisbane for the infrastructure needed to achieve the vision. Our kids must benefit from this resource boom too. Planning needs to happen now, because when the resource boom is over there’s arguably little chance of getting the funding after the ‘taking’ has ended.

Eastern By-Pass Aspirational Boost for Emu Park

I've made the editorial pages in the local paper. For the next 3 weeks anyway, while the usual Friday provider is away. So I wrote this piece on an eastern highway by-pass of the city. Something that doesn't seem to be a favoured option. Not sure why. Because if a highway by-pass is part of the grand plan, wouldn't an eastern (coastal) one provide more benefits for the region. And as 1 Pink Lilly resident said, "if they build a western by-pass that acts like a dam in flood time to protect the airport Pink Lilly will be wiped out". Feel free to add your comments.

The mono rail service to Rockhampton was full of fluoro orange and yellow shirts as it departed Emu Park.  After a quick stop at the Keppel Sands turn off the track now was parallelling the new eastern highway by-pass of Rockhampton, following it across the new vehicle/rail bridge at Nerimbera to its next stop at Gavial.  Here predominately Gracemere passengers boarded for the short trip into Rockhampton station.  Passengers disembarked at Rockhampton to catch the connecting Hassel Bullet train service to Gladstone, hop on a bus or take advantage of the free bicycles to get into town.  The decision for the highway by-pass to go to the coast side of Rockhampton not only decreased the number of semi trailers driving through the city, it effectively flood proofed the highway and Rockhampton.  The added benefit was the effect it was having on Emu Park and Zilzie.  Many of the fly in fly out Gladstone workforce were re-locating their families to Emu Park and Zilzie.  The train service was enabling the workers to return to their families after each shift.  Combined with the coastal lifestyle, affordable land, proximity to Rockhampton and Gladstone, it was proving to be an irresistible lure.  The increase in both residents and tourists was stimulating further development.  Improvements to the Coorooman Creek boat ramp and the new marina were being completed.  Zilzie Bay was drawing comparisons to Port Douglas and Noosa with its resort, shopping centre and golf courses.  The business centre of Emu Park was expanding, with what seemed to be a real estate agent on every corner.  The surf life saving club expansions were proving popular with diners and for functions, providing the club a good income source to fund the additional resources needed for its now larger patrol commitments.  Despite pressure the Capricorn Regional Council was able to maintain Emu Park’s village appeal, banning development in Bell Park and high rise developments, enabling the residents and tourists to still hear the hum of the Singing Ship as the sea breeze blew across its pipes. 

This aspiration can happen, if we make it happen.  Our future is not to see, but to create.  By showing how Central Queensland can continue to make a significant contribution to the State and nation’s economy after the resource boom gives us a stronger argument for the infrastructure needed.  Major infrastructure projects like the ones suggested here.  Infrastructure that’s needed now to help create the CQ we aspire to.

Footnote:  I wonder if the Local and State Governments have considered an eastern highway by-pass of Rockhampton.  If a by-pass of the city is in the grand plan, I question wouldn’t a by-pass that leaves the southern highway around Gavial crossed a new bridge at Nerimbera, followed the existing Emu Park Road, then cutting across to Cawarral following Artillery Road onto Greenlakes Road back onto the highway be more advantageous to our region.  At least with this option there’s arguably a greater chance of people stopping in the region then there would be with a western by-pass.

Rockhampton City - Home to Australias' Next Champions

I received a radio station profile yesterday. Part of the presentation listed Rockhamptons main industry as "grazing". I assume they meant cattle grazing. The beef industry is a major industry of Rockhampton. However our Beef Capital of Australia tag does lead to some interesting perceptions of Rockhampton being created - cattle grazing in each backyard!! Here's my aspiration for our city. Rockhampton already boasts some great champions, arguably one of the greatest - Rod Laver. Imagine the perceptions that would be created of a city tagged as "home of Australias' Next Champions".

The direct flight from Singapore was landing as scheduled.  The destination read Central Queensland International Airport, the passenger remembered it as Raglan.  The town had certainly changed in the eight years she had been away.  Shops in the airport terminal included the usual book, souvenir and food shops, along with booking agents for the Capricorn Tropic (Bullet Train) service to Uluru, helicopter flights to Great Keppel Island Resort, Heron Island, Stanage Bay and Curtis Island.  Ignoring the people mover she walked outside to the awaiting Hassel bullet train.  Within 18 minutes she would be in Rockhampton.  Along the way she noted the Capricorn Region sign – Welcome to Rockhampton City – home to Australia’s Next Champions; the Beef Capital of Australia tag has been replaced.  The interactive on-board video presentation enabled her to choose and book accommodation and dinner on the banks of the Fitzroy.  The video presentation also mentioned Rockhampton was a city of 88000 people, offering a family friendly environment with excellent sporting, educational, cultural, medical and retail facilities.  The fast train service between Rockhampton, Gladstone, Blackwater made it possible for workers to easily commute to their location and return to their home after each shift.  This piece of infrastructure was instrumental in the now healthy population growth Rockhampton City was experiencing.

The limo trip down Quay Street was what she was expecting; beautiful old buildings, but the tenants were now restaurants, day spas, creative hubs, book/coffee stores, and dance and art studios.  The slight left hand veer into Victoria Parade was a bigger surprise though.  Six to seven storey hotels, residential and office apartment complexes stood side by side.  Each architecturally designed to compliment its neighbours and the river it overlooked.  Rockhampton had come of age.

In the hotel room the video wall was displaying beautiful graphic still shots of the city and region.  Local sporting, cultural and academic images of youth were interspersed amongst the picturesque city and landscapes.  The investment in international standard sporting and cultural facilities along with the growing reputation of the regions education facilities was paying dividends.  Rockhampton was now recognised as a nursery for future champions – in the pool, on the field, on the stage, in front and behind the camera, in industry, in academia.  Major youth sporting competitions, eisteddfods, and academic challenges were now being hosted regularly, filling the city accommodation places and shops.

The spin off was flowing through the whole region and the rest of Central Queensland.  A satisfied smile spread across her face as she started to think of her sold out home coming performance tomorrow night at the Pilbeam Theatre.

This aspiration can happen, if we make it happen.  Our future is not to see, but to create. 

By showing how Central Queensland can continue to make a significant contribution to the state and nation’s economy after the resource boom gives us a stronger argument for the infrastructure needed.  Infrastructure that’s needed now to help create the CQ we aspire to.

Hedlow Aspiration Makes Horse Sense

Not sure if my column in the paper is now going to be Saturday or Mondays. Anyway the below aspiration was in todays paper. Hope you find it interesting and feel free to comment.

The horse came to a brief stop its chest heaving after the series of jumps, the rider pressed his knees in tighter and with a little urging the four bar high jump with water trap on the other side widens in the horses eyes.

The ex-Olympian rider, now teacher, leans forward in the saddle as the horse clears the jump and water hazard.  The attentive secondary school girls are impressed.  The Rockhampton Girls Grammar School Equestrian class was gaining an international reputation and following, particularly out of Asia.  Justifying the brave entrepreneurial decision the school board took several years beforehand to co-develop an equestrian residential community at Hedlow.

The strategy was to develop an international standard equestrian centre to attract more students, both nationally and internationally.  By making the equestrian centre the hub of an acreage residential estate the costs and profits of the development could be shared amongst the financiers of the project.  Hedlow was identified as an ideal site, its picturesque beauty, volcanic plugs, lake and creeks made it ideal for an acreage lifestyle along with the planned horse trails, walking and cycling tracks.

The Bruce Highway by-pass of Rockhampton and the improvements to the Greenlakes Road, now the major route into Yeppoon and Byfield also made the acreage blocks attractive to buyers, despite the must own horse covenant.  The spin-offs from the Equestrian Centre was not only an increase in student numbers at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, but the centre was hosting show jumping events, holiday classes and tourists wanting to explore the Hedlow district on horseback.  Land set aside for boutique horse related businesses and accommodation was now seeing construction taking place.  The CQ University Australia Rockhampton campus was also benefiting from enrolments in the new Bachelor of Equine Science Degree and their access to the Centre.  The Capricorn Regional Council was also busy with applications for more residential development along Greenlakes Road, remaining sensitive to Hedlow’s unique eco riches and potential.

This aspiration can happen if we make it happen. Our future is not to see but to create. Do nothing and what will CQ be like after the resource boom? We need to show how CQ can continue to make a significant contribution to the state and nations economy after the boom. Justifying the major infrastructure investment required now to help make CQ the region we aspire to.

Aspiration for Yeppoon Main Beach

The following article was published in the daily paper on Saturday. The Weber Wave Pool and Schweeb actually exist. Google them. Imagine what they would trigger (development wise) on the Capricorn Coast. Hopefully a private developer might find it interesting enough to pursue it with Council. 

Looking over their shoulder they manoeuvred their boards in preparation for the next wave.  A perfect one point five metre tube rose behind them.  Here on Yeppoon’s main beach was their chance to perfect a 360.  The new Webber Wave Pool was an immediate hit.  With the Bruce Highway now by-passing Rockhampton, the Capricorn Regional Council was pro active in marketing Yeppoon as not just a stop over but a holiday destination.  Realising that beaches alone were not enough, in a joint venture with a private developer the Council converted the old hospital site on Anzac Parade and Appleton Park into a circular wave pool with high-rise accommodation with ground level shops on the island created in the middle of the pool.  To help overcome parking problems and add an extra element to the development a Schweeb track was built from the Scenic Highway side of Ross Creek across to the wave pool.  The novelty of the pedal powered mini mono rail saw the track quickly extend down Anzac Parade to the new Strand Hotel Apartment Complex (with further plans to extend down James Street to the shopping centres).  Face Book and You Tube videos of the Yeppoon beach front from inside the Schweeb capsules certainly weren’t hurting tourism.  Together with the northern Bruce Highway access into Yeppoon and the new Great Keppel Island resort the Capricorn Coast was now booming, attracting not only more tourists but residents and businesses as well.  Confidence in developing a mono rail train service linking Yeppoon, Emu Park with the Rockhampton train station was strengthening.  A service that would not only be utilised by tourists to see more of the Capricorn Coast, but also Rockhampton residents frequenting the coasts restaurants and new wave pool, plus Gladstone based workers who reside on the Capricorn Coast.  Enabling them to easily get the connecting Hassell Bullet train Rockhampton to Gladstone return service.

This aspiration can happen, if we make it happen.  Our future is not to see, but to create.  By showing how Central Queensland can continue to make a significant contribution to the State and nation’s economy after the resource boom gives us a stronger argument for the infrastructure needed.  Major infrastructure projects like the ones suggested here.  Infrastructure that’s needed now to help create the CQ we aspire to.

Constructive Noise

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.