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.