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.