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.