Dare to Take the Dream Journey

This week a 16 year old Slovenian girl has found her way to Rockhampton because of a dream.

Dream, some will do just that, for others it is the start of a journey. Rockhampton is part of her journey. With not much more than a change of clothes, a couple pairs of sandshoes and a bag of racquets her stay in Rockhampton will depend on some luck and her ability on the day. She’ll be one of about 80 contesting an International Tennis Federation sanctioned Pro Tour tournament. A tournament that Sam Stosur, Alicia Molik, Casey Dellacqua played previously in Rockhampton.  After battling through qualifying the young lass may be drawn against the number 1 seed in the opening round of the main draw. This is pro tennis as an apprentice. It’s a tough road; no detours or shortcuts, world ranking points and reputation have to be earned. The dream can only continue by amassing points, if not this tournament then the next. At the tournament will be young local girls who also have a dream. It is a dream that has already led them to play tournaments interstate and overseas. It’s all part of the journey they like the young Slovenian lass make to achieve their dream of playing grand slam tennis.

Last week I was somewhat critical of Council’s ‘can’t do’ stance on a new netball facility in Rockhampton. It is only fair to also offer praise when deserved. Praise for the decision to support the Rockhampton International. Rockhampton rarely has the opportunity to host international sporting events. Council’s decision to support this tournament made it possible. Additional sponsors make hosting the tournament less of a financial burden on Tennis Rockhampton. In this current climate some may be uncomfortable about the decision. However if we want to see the Rockhampton region develop, investment must be made in sporting and cultural activities as well as roads. Encouraging individual’s aspirations helps our region grow in many ways. Take this opportunity to watch the players and in a couple years say you saw them play in Rockhampton as they walk onto the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne for the Australian Open final. It’s free for spectators.

A Rocky Reunion

Where you from?            Where’s that?

What about yourself?  Rockhampton.  Oh yeh I know where that this.

For a city of around 70000 people Rockhampton or Rocky seems pretty well known.  I’ve rarely had to explain where it is when I’m away.  It got me wondering, why is this so?  (I know I’ve pinched that TV Professors line.)  Education helps, not just the geography classes though.  The University and boarding schools are priceless assets of the city.  They not only produce graduates who may leave our city and spread word of Rockhampton, but also attract students from all over Australia and the world.  The Rockhampton Grammar School is one of the largest co-educational boarding schools in Australia.  Within one class I lectured at the CQUniversity there were 8 different nationalities.

How can we get an even better return from these assets and the general awareness of Rockhampton?  One way could be a Rockhampton Reunion.  Like a school reunion, former residents come from all over Australia return to re-acquaint with family, friends, work colleagues and places.  I believe a Rocky Reunion has been done before.  However Google didn’t seem to have a record of it.  Could one be held like Beef Week, maybe even every 3 years?  One central location; different schools, workplaces, extended families could book a separate room/pavilion for their reunion, displays of all things Rockhampton (past, present and future) could be on show; tours arranged to prime city sites; guest speakers, entertainment, sporting activities could attract more attendance and publicity of the event.  A bit like the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. A lot of individual reunions and events bundled into one package.  A weeklong celebration of Rockhampton.  Like Beef Week the economic value to the region could be enormous.  Just important though is highlighting the positives of our city; the successes, the friendships, the progress, the history, the diversity of cultures, etc. What a social media gold mine this could be; after all everyone knows Rockhampton, or thinks they do. Why not take advantage of this awareness and every 3 years create a beacon that people around the world might be guided to.

Amalgamation, Not Perfect but....

Will the future of our region be better by staying amalgamated or de-amalgamating?  To me this is what the primary argument about de-amalgamation should be about.  The difference between population and rate revenue percentages argument may seem reasonable, but is that how any region should be managed?  For example if the ‘spend money where it is derived from’ principal was adopted by a newly de-amalgamated Livingstone Council would a suitable sewerage plant be funded for the Keppel Sands Caravan Park?

I assume most of Livingstone rate revenue is derived between the Causeway and Farnborough.  If correct, a major expense at Keppel Sands could be disproportionate to the percentage of general rate revenue collected from there.  Should this stop it from happening?  One would assume, as there is a justifiable need for it, that it would still be approved.  It should be the same for the whole region.  Decisions have to be justified on what and where expenditure is to be made on a need and potential to be realised basis.  Spending money in a section of the region just to match its population share to me is not good justification.   The divisional voting system Rockhampton Regional Council persists with is in my mind part of the problem. It encourages councillors to put their division first region second. Change it. The primary focus of councillors should be what is best for the region. While not perfect, the model Gladstone adopted of voting for councillors from the one pool of all the hopefuls arguably encourages a stronger regional focus of the candidates.

I believe the communities that made up the four councils in the Rockhampton region prior to amalgamation were and will continue to be intertwined. Why untwine something that is interdependent on each?  It wasn’t perfect prior to amalgamation; there will always be criticism of where and how money is being spent, no matter what size the council is. It’s democracy in action. 

Will our whole region be better or worse off, that should be the crux of the de-amalgamation debate.  I look forward to seeing how this point is debated. Hopefully it won’t be a one sided one.

Amalgamation: Lets have a proper debate

Amalgamation, that’s the flip side of the de-amalgamation debate, the side we hardly hear about.  Actually debate is the wrong word as it requires at least 2 opposing arguments.  Where’s the pro amalgamation team? After all there were good reasons to amalgamate in the first place, weren’t there.

I recall attending an amalgamation meeting in Rockhampton with the then Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser where he commented on the hospitable reception.  Maybe the arguments for amalgamation of greater efficiencies and better management seem redundant presently.  However, the feeling from that meeting was that amalgamation was necessary for the region’s economic growth.  A prevailing perception that the region was suffering due to Rockhampton City’s smaller population and growth rate compared to other regional cities.  The previously amalgamated Mackay was one example.  Growth in Yeppoon, north of Parkhurst and Gracemere were not included in Rockhampton City economic indicators despite the proximity.  Combine these interlinked communities population and a more attractive package is presented to investors.  One can argue that after 4 years of amalgamation evidence of greater investment in our region exists. 

Mistakes with the amalgamation process were arguably made.  However, wouldn’t it more productive to put our energies into rectifying the mistakes and improving the process then to dismantle it?  Would the 4 point size footnote under Rockhampton regions future economic indicators explaining the 28000 decrease in population be noticed by investors? Would a 28000 populated shire make their short list?  Investors deciding the location of the next Myers or foreshore development for example. 

Supporters for de-amalgamation have their reasons and it’s healthy to argue for them.  Without balance though are the residents in the former Livingstone Shire making an informed decision or more an emotive one?  With the current national and international attention Central Queensland is receiving wouldn’t it be better to remain united than divided.  Splitting but remaining close friends sounds like an amicable separation, but will two bureaucracies happily co-exist or file for divorce.  Let’s have a proper balanced debate.  Champions of amalgamation please step forward and present your arguments for keeping the status quo. (Be interesting to know how many councillors will be amongst you).

Doing More with the Less Known

Interesting that old gold mining equipment can be a historically significant attraction.  At some sites sign posts are constructed describing what the equipment did.  The area around it maintained, with arrows pointing where further pieces of historically significant litter can be located.  Litter, at the time it was left there, that’s what it was.  Equipment discarded as the viable gold disappeared along with the miners and sometimes the communities the gold supported.  Will the CSG wells dotting our rural landscape be future historical attractions?  Or has mining lost the perceived charm of yesteryear.  A charm that could see fortunes made, lost, robbed or killed for.

Mount Britton, 65km west of Sarina and Ravenswood, an hour drive east of Charters Towers are hardly up there with Dream or Sea World as tourist attractions. Each however adds to the visitor’s perceived charm of the gold mining in the late 1800’s.  Mount Britton; population 0, buildings 3 (shed, lookout shelter and toilet); hardly the infrastructure is the attraction, but the stories and pictures of the school, picture studio, doctors surgery and the pubs scattered across the site that once was home to 1500 inhabitants is a shiny lure for the more adventure seeking tourist. At Ravenswood the infrastructure is the initial attraction.  The township is listed by the National Trust.  Two beautiful hotels remain out of the 48 that once quenched 5000 throats.  Chimney stacks, mullock heaps, the school swimming pool are brilliant camera fodder, however it is the stories on the signposts beside them that engages the visitor, keeping some a few days in the free campground at the showgrounds, or bedding with the ghosts at the hotels.  Could more be done with the old gold fields around Rockhampton; Canoona, Bouldercombe, Morinish, Rosewood, Ridgelands, Mt. Chalmers and of course Mount Morgan to attract the more adventure seeking tourist.  Drive along the western highways and you’ll see them towing a camper trailer or 4WD caravan.  The Cape, Uluru, Winton’s dinosaurs footprints, Undara Lava Tubes are typical destinations.  For these tourists it’s the journey that’s just as important.  To see, experience different things, and engage with the stories and characters.  Maybe as we wait for Great Keppel Island to once again become a major tourist attraction, we should do more with less, our less known sites of interest.

Government Versus Household Spending

Interesting how Government react the opposite to the way a household does.  When times are tough household’s tighten the belt make do with the old TV, repair the old fridge not replace it, forget about the extensions, etc.  Government though borrows more money and spends it, big time.  When things improve the household splurges a little, buys a flat screen TV, gets quotes on the new kitchen etc. However with our economy in good shape, one of the best in the world, our new state and local governments are tightening the belt, cutting jobs, asking remaining staff to duplex their photocopying.  Some economists argue this response reversal is necessary. Continued spending by either the public or private sector is necessary to maintain employment.  However in the 2 tier (speed) economy which we are experiencing Government seems to be relying on the mining/resource boom to soak up all the new unemployed and more.  Will a former public servant be keen to swap their desk in Brisbane for a dump truck in Alpha?  Even if they were would they get the job?  If they do, how will FIFO affect family and social life?

It is a responsible action for Government to reduce wasteful expenditure and cut debt, but needs to be careful how it’s done.

Allowing mining/resource companies 100% FIFO workforce, employing and sourcing supplies from overseas is making it tough for that tier of economy not directly involved in mining/resources; the bigger of the 2 tiers.  If this tier of the private sector reduces spending in union with Government (public sector) cut backs, where’s the spending necessary to maintain jobs in retail, services, tourism and construction industries?  Maybe the Newman Government did actually think of this in announcing the ‘cost neutral’ Brisbane North CBD renewal project.  Pity it’s the south east corner that Newman big idea is to be realised.  It should though highlight to the Rockhampton Regional Council to work on its own big ‘cost neutral’ idea for the region.  As just hoping the mining/resource companies are going to stimulate the non mining tier in the local economy or the State/Federal Government will play white knight won’t be enough. The honeymoon is over; let’s see more from the Council than just driving personal agendas.

Trying to find an Australian at the Coal Face

“Mate, this will be the last time, going back to Caboolture tomorrow”.  “So the job with the mines didn’t work out”.  “No, he never returned a phone call, looks like better opportunities back home after all”.  This was part of a conversation I had at tennis last week.

Other conversations during the week included the voluntary (!) redundancies at QR National, school based apprenticeships and TAFE courses that can’t be delivered as trainers aren’t available.  Hard to believe Central Queensland is in a boom and thousands of jobs need to be filled.  Extra rail corridors will be criss-crossing CQ and I image more trains will be needed to transport the greater quantities of coal, but QR National need less workers in CQ!  TAFE Rockhampton offers a Certificate II in Electrotechnology, a bit of a leg up to an electrical apprenticeship, but can’t deliver it as they can’t get trainers.  A school based apprenticeship can involve 4 weeks during the year where students attend TAFE. I said, “this would be during school holidays”.  “Not necessarily” was the answer.  That’s a bit of catching up a student has to do.  While also missing up to 2 days a week for an apprenticeship that has no guarantee of being completed after the student finishes grade 12.  Then do you have a better chance of getting a job in the Galilee Basin from Sunshine Coast than Rockhampton because it’s been in FIFO slumber land?  It appears Government responses to the job shortages is foreign workers.  Maybe if they scratch the surface a bit they may find a few things that aren’t enhancing the chances of Australians filling Australian jobs.  The government grant the mining companies the right to dig up our nations resources and send it overseas without having to make significant contributions to the infrastructure, with now even less green tape and apparently little real requirement to train and employ Australians.  Why aren’t the pollies asking and even better looking and listening for the reasons why 1 in 6 eligible Australians are either under or unemployed (Roy Morgan Research)?  Get out of the office and visit the coal face. Getting more Australians gainfully employed is going to go along way to decreasing the debt, than just collecting royalty cheques.

Iron Boomerang: Why aren't we hearing more about it?

At school I was taught a developed nation exported value added products, a developing nation its raw resources.  I wonder if they still teach that.  Before Gina Rinehart there was Lang Hancock (her Dad) and he along with former Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen mooted a west east railway line transporting the iron ore to where the coal is then make steel for export.  Now some 30 odd years later the idea is getting some traction, even a forecast completion date of 2018.  Not one steel smelter plant, but two;   Newman, Western Australian and Abbott Point, Queensland, connected by a 3300km rail line. Covered coal carriages travelling west returning east with iron ore, steel being produced at each end.

East West Line Parks is behind this touted nation building project appropriately named Project Iron Boomerang. Their web site suggests the steel produced will be globally cost competitive, plus ships required to transport it can be up to a third smaller than the latest super coal carriers.  I assume making Friends of the Barrier Reef somewhat happier.  Interesting in all the talk of new coal mines, ports and rail corridors this project seems off the media radar.  Proponents of Project Iron Boomerang suggest it could lessen the number of rail lines proposed to transport coal across Central Queensland, by having spur lines from the Galilee Basin and Moranbah mines.  While not the Capricorn Tropic Bullet Train running from Gladstone through Rockhampton, Alpha out to Uluru mentioned in previous AspireCQ columns, Project Iron Boomerang appears to provide vital infrastructure for the resources boom period and post boom as well.  Hopefully the tourism potential of the infrastructure will be considered and the usability of the tracks for high speed trains.  

Project Iron Boomerang will no doubt be seeking Government concessions.  At least this project adds value to our natural resources and will leave more than just holes.  Let’s hear from all levels of government their reaction to it.  Especially Queensland Government as one third owners of QR National, who I understand have alternative plans. Be a shame to let another 30 odd years pass.

Statistic's - Believe it or Not - They Need to be Challenged

Lies, damn lies, then there’s statistics.  It’s amazing what can be done with figures.  Practically halve the unemployment rate for one.  Roy Morgan Research figures claim Australia’s unemployment rate is 8.2% not the Governments 4.9%.  One reason for the discrepancy is apparently Government figures don’t include people not actively looking for a job, but who don’t have a job!  Add to this figure those with a job, usually part-time or casual, but want extra hours – the underemployed; the percentage is 17.2% of the workforce.  So approximately 1 in 6 people eligible to work are either under or unemployed.  2.1 million Australians, according to Roy Morgan Research. With a mining boom creating thousands of jobs why are possibly over 2 million Australians under or unemployed?  Is it the education system, the amount of government benefits, pay rates, delivery of training schemes, workforce moveability, an aging workforce or apprenticeship schemes?  While the government creatively uses statistics to derive an unemployment rate under 5% we don’t challenge them as to why. 

It’s not just unemployment we allow the Government to go unchallenged about.  Our expectation for the government to provide fair, honest and free elections is another issue that needs to be challenged.  This paper reported on alleged incorrect instructions being issued to voters in the local government elections.  Mayoral aspirant Tim Griffin wrote to the Electoral Commission on the instructions he received from ECQ staff and what others advised him. “I have noted the examples you listed in your correspondence, but am not in a position to make any authoritative response without concrete evidence”, was part of the reply.  Apparently quoting what happened is not concrete enough.

Cynicism of government grows – “they’re as bad as each other”.  Maybe it would be different if we started to expect more from them.  There are major issues we should be interested in like unemployment, the environment, the amount of debt, CSG mining practices, election practices and farmers land rights for example.  All of us need to take a more active interest.  Politicians need to be reminded that Government is more than a game of power; it’s listening and doing the right things for us, now and for the future.  If we aspire a better future, than we have to play an active role.

The 4 D's - Dream, Debate, Decide, Develop

“Tell her she’s dreaming”, that would be the response from Darryl Kerrigan (of ‘The Castle’ fame) to Kirsten Livermore’s call for an eastern highway bypass of Rockhampton and relocating the airport to Hedlow.  That’s one of the responses I got to a previous column about establishing an international airport at Raglan and an eastern highway bypass of the city.  Take it as a compliment Kirsten; daring to dream and putting it out there for all to read.  From Kirsten’s mention of relocating the airport came the call to upgrade the Emu Park airstrip.  Brilliant idea, develop the Capricorn Coast as a fly in fly out (FIFO) base.  It is recognised mine workers prefer coastal locations with good (not too lengthy) transport links to their work site.  An airstrip able to accommodate charter flights to Emerald, Wondoan, Alpha, Dysart, maybe Katherine (am I dreaming Darryl) imagine what a stimulus this would provide.  The Whitsunday Council is keen to upgrade the Proserpine Airport primarily to attract more FIFO families. Be good to see our region this proactive.   It’s the same with a highway bypass of Rockhampton.  It appears if it goes ahead it will be west of the city.  An eastern bypass would be more beneficial for the region.  Our main tourist assets are coast based moving the highway closer will potentially increase stop-over’s and their duration.  Imagine what the result could be.

Including the airport as part of the bypass, strategically located between Rockhampton and Capricornia Coast, facilitating easier access for the defence forces to Shoalwater Bay is visionary, worthy of future investigation and getting on the Council’s agenda.

The Department of Regional Australia has a billion dollar plus budget to invest in regional projects. With our federal member talking major infrastructure, a can do State Member of Keppel and a newish council let us start planning with fresh open minds.  Maybe I’m dreaming; I believe Central Queensland has the natural beauty to be an international tourist destination; it’s just lacking the infrastructure.  An international airport with a bullet train service to Uluru for example.  Let’s hear, talk and act on aspirations for CQ. The future is not to see, it’s to make. Let’s get started.

Lets Take the Hot Air Out of the Carbon Tax Debate and Hear the Facts

From July 1 the Carbon Tax kicks in.  The Gillard Government has presented a budget arguably designed to lessen the impact of the tax on low and middle income households.  Will that be the end of it?

With an election due next year, Labor tenuous hold on power and Abbots Liberals saying if elected they will repeal the tax, it’s going to be a major issue.  Labor will have to find a way to effectively sell the tax (or is it now price).  Tax concessions maybe won’t be enough.  Capricornia is the only regional Queensland Federal electorate held by Labor.  Arguably Labor will have to keep the seat to stay in Government.  Latest opinion polls indicate that this may not occur.  So I’ll suspect we’ll start to see more of Julia, not just in Queensland, but Central Queensland.  Will this be enough to convince CQ voters that the carbon tax is a necessary tax?  With all the resources available to Government why aren’t we convinced of the necessity for the tax?

There is credible science supporting the justification for the tax.  Numerous TV documentaries have detailed the effects of global warming including Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”.  Now with tax concessions; why is the carbon tax a hard sell?  The budget allows for $36 million dollars promoting the tax.  Instead of bombarding us with ‘households are hardly affected because of the tax concessions’ (pseudo election) message, use this money to discuss the facts about carbon.

Is this really a man made problem; what impact will the tax really have; how many other countries are introducing a tax; are there alternatives - if so what are they; what is the impact of a 1% rise in average temperature; will weather patterns really be affected; will polar bears have nowhere to live?  This is going to involve a lot more than a blanket TV campaign with some full page happy family image advertisements.  Households need to receive real facts (without the political overtures) and interactivity encouraged with untainted sources. 

It’s a vital global issue, let’s take the politics out of it and have an intelligent debate.

Treat the public as being able to make informed decisions. I think we owe our children and grandchildren at least that.

Church Could Prove More Effective Than State

The Chinese solution might be build a city and then move people to it.  However in Central Queensland it’s the reverse, people are moving to it and infrastructure is at best in catch up mode.  As highlighted in centres like Mackay, Gladstone, Moranbah and Emerald. “The last thing we want is politicians sticking their bib in”, Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive, Mr Michael Roche reportedly said about the federal government enquiry about FIFO.  It appears to me the government haven’t stuck their bib in enough.  Arguably we should all be shouting for joy and driving expensive cars with the amount of investment happening and planned for CQ.  However we have The Treasurer, Wayne Swan say, “for too many Australians this feels like someone else’s mining boom”.  Issues like the division between FIFO and resident workers, costs of accommodation, drugs, prostitution, driver fatigue, foreign workers, long established businesses closing because they can’t attract workers, cleanskins trying to get mine jobs, let alone environmental concerns frequent newspaper headlines.

On a CQ level is it possible to bring all the affected parties together to openly discuss the social issues that are affecting the very soul of our communities.  A difficult process and maybe it won’t change a lot, but is doing nothing at the grassroots level hoping for State and/or Federal Governments to do something a better alternative.  I believe this is where the Church could take a leadership role.  It has representation in nearly all the affected communities in CQ and understands ‘soul’ better than most.  Grandstanders aren’t needed; moderators who live and work with all members of a community will arguably get the best results out of such forums.  Healing divisions, foster better understanding of how communities and workers are being affected as well determine ways genuine help can be delivered would be the desired outcomes.  The signs are obvious; something at a grassroots level needs to be done. The Church is the one organisation I believe has the clout and provides the guidance to conduct simultaneous interconnected forums throughout CQ with a pure purpose of attending to the soul of our communities. Another talk fest maybe, but has there been enough real communication at a grassroots level on the social issues now affecting the communities of CQ.

Democracy: Why do we take it for granted?

First defence: ignore the issue and hope it goes away.

Second defence: state the official line and hope the issue goes away.

Third defence: oops (or similar 4 letter word), looks like the issue is not going away, start regretting taking actions one and two, looming public relations problem, scapegoats list to be prepared.

The Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) will possibly be taking defensive action three soon.  Their response published in Saturday’s paper to the query about advice given to voters on preferential voting in the Rockhampton Regional Council elections demonstrates either a department that doesn’t conduct a thorough review of their operations or one that doesn’t believe it is accountable to the Queensland public.

Instead of going down the well trodden defence mechanism track that generates only more cynicism of Government, can I suggest the ECQ go direct to the fifth defence; be transparent and honest. If a communications error was made, as alleged by both voters and ECQ staff, then admit it and establish how wide spread the problem was. It is possibly not just the results on the Mayoral election that may be affected. In the divisions where there were 3 or more candidates for Councillor did voters receive correct information about their right to indicate a preference if they wanted to. Could the results in Divisions 4 and 6 be tainted? Where there is smoke there is fire. If Premier Newman wants to build some credibility in State Government, then conduct a quick but thorough review and have the truth come out.  Especially since the Commission charter is to ensure the electoral system is free, honest and fair.  Whistle blowers within ECQ are already telling others of the erroneous instructions they received.  Combined with voters telling the media what happened to them, the public will draw their own conclusions and social media will amplify it. Lets avoid the forth defence of the lengthy, expensive process of forming an enquiry committee with a broad brief and 12 months to report back, basically burying the problem with boring jargon the media will hopefully lose interest  reporting on. Mistakes are made, no one is perfect – instead of trying to bury them move immediately to the fifth defence and look to how the mistake can be rectified.

How Can A Mistake Like This Not Cause An Outrage

It’s the 79^th minute, Queensland two points ahead is parked on New South Wales ten metre line.  Smith is brought down on tackle four; he plays the ball to Cronk who passes to Thaiday, who bursts through the first tacklers.  Pierce hangs on; Gallen throws himself at Thaiday as he stretches for the try line, but falls centimetres short.  The referee calls hand over, Pierce grabs the ball from Thaiday’s outstretched hands, the Queenslanders looks to the referee in dismay.  Slater shows his extended fingers to indicate only five tackles; Pierce plays the ball to Soward, he passes to Hayne who side steps two bewildered Queenslanders, runs one hundred metres and scores right under the posts, the Suncorp crowd is in outrage, the chant becomes deafening, the referee blows his whistle to confirm the four pointer.  The full time siren is hardly heard, police rush on to the field surrounding the English referee, the conversion is forgotten as the Blues celebrate their victory.  The next day front page headline reads ‘I Made A Mistake’, beside a photo of the referee.  The Courier Mail editorial coverage is brutal, opinion pieces demand the match be replayed, SMS’s are less complimentary towards the referee, Premier Newman expresses his outrage, QANTAS insiders confirm the referee was secretly flown out of the State an hour after the game to Melbourne for a connecting overseas flight.  This scenario is not an aspiration of mine for this year’s series, but I think details what could happen if a simple mistake that led to a New South Wales winning try was made.

At the rcent Local Government elections it would appear a bigger mistake occurred, but has yet to receive the scrutiny that a State of Origin mistake would receive. “Only mark 1 in one box, do not fill in any other box, we will not count preferences”, or something similar was allegedly told to who knows how many local government voters by Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) officials.  I understand the Rockhampton Regional Council budgeted $500,000 for ECQ to conduct its election.  How could a communication error such as this possibly have occurred?  Was it an interpretation error, despite what was written on the actual ballot paper? Did this simple alleged error affect the democratic choice of who will be our Mayor or Councillors for the next four years?  Maybe not everyone agrees, but in my opinion this type of mistake is bigger than a rugby league referee not being able to count to six correctly.  The political decision to make preferential voting optional has undoubtedly caused confusion, not just with voters possibly.  Is there a better system to elect our political representatives?  Mackay Regional Council conducted a postal vote only election.  Not only does this save their residents from remembering to vote on a set date and passing through the ‘vote this candidate’ gauntlet; it takes out the potential for human error with the verbal instructions issued to the voter.  Gladstone region did not have divisions, so residents there could elect the eight councillors they wanted, not just one.   Could future elections be done on-line, or maybe while shopping at Coles or Woolies?  Should a series of elections be held until there are only two left to ensure the most popular candidate does win, or instructions issued to number every box.  The Newman State Government needs to review the voting process. We should be demanding this as vocally as we would a mistake awarded winning try to NSW in a State of Origin game and as the ECQ is a state government instrumentality Premier Newman should be expressing his outrage.  If we really want good government and representation from politicians that we respect then we need to be more involved and vocal of the political process.  Our democracy must be diligently protected. The ECQ needs (forced too if necessary) to explain what happened and what is to be done. To just let this alleged mistake be swept under the carpet will be unforgivable.

What is Acceptable to the Community?

Community acceptable development, that appears to be the big challenge for our new council.  The Rockhampton region needs to keep growing in population unless residents are happy to pay higher rates and/or receive fewer services.  Costs are unfortunately going to continue to rise, greater efficiencies alone in how Council business is conducted I imagine won’t be able to prevent the need to raise more revenue or debt to provide just the existing services.  The mining/resources boom is looked upon as the saviour, either directly or indirectly.  However, are we prepared as a community to accept coal ports in Keppel Bay?  I, for one, am not keen on coal dust being blown over Capricorn Coast beaches and beyond.  What if a viable coal seam was discovered in the Hedlow district would we as a community be accepting of CSG wells dotting this picturesque environment?

We look to our near neighbours Mackay and Gladstone and compare their growth to ours, wondering why we are missing out.  However, are we as a community willing to readily accept the social costs this development has caused?  If the mining/resource boom is the saviour and ways were found to achieve community acceptance of certain projects, what is plan B, if something like the carbon tax was to result in the coal companies picking up their ball and going to China or Russia – what then? (Though all of east coast Australia would find itself paddling upstream with just one paddle if this happened.)  Basically we have made too many mistakes in our past which have contributed to the situation the region is in now.  Not enough diversity with our industry base has been developed making our local economy strong enough to maintain healthy growth should the mining/resource boom end. Of course Rockhampton isn’t the only region in this boat.

From next week our new council has a big challenge to find that acceptable balance of development, lifestyle and environment.  The Rockhampton Region is blessed with a beautiful environment, as one mayoral candidate says, “one of the best places on the planet”.  A day sailing around the Keppel’s, driving to 5 Rocks, paddling on the Fitzroy or fishing at Stanage Bay confirms this.  An environment that provides us opportunities to enjoy a great lifestyle.  This is what we need to be aggressively promoting and target the indirect benefits of the mining/resources boom, a place for workers and their families to live, to play.  We need a pro-active council, with new thinking to make this happen.  For example – a council that holds talks with the lease holders of Great Keppel Island (Towers Holdings) to see if there are opportunities to use the existing infrastructure or the island to help house some of the workers on Curtis Island, instead of leaving it just sitting behind security fences. Imagine what this could stimulate.  A Council that proactively collaborates with Gladstone and other regions to maximise the benefits, short and long term, of its mining/resource boom, and determine ways the regions can prosper after the boom. For example fast train infrastructure connecting the regions to not only transport workers but develop tourism opportunities. A pro-active Council that sets its own direction and tells the State Government what is needed, like a high school for Gracemere or unique foreshore development for Yeppoon, instead of waiting to see what it may be offered to co-fund. 

From next week the new council needs to do (or hopefully update) a SWOR (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risk) analysis of the region. Then armed with the information be pro-active in generating community acceptable development seeking both state and federal government as well as private sector support.  Our region has been too reactive and narrow minded for too long. Today is an opportunity for a real change.  A change that just might be up to the challenge of stimulating community acceptable development, attracting more people to the region, broadening our revenue base, putting on hold further steep increases in our rates and/or debt.

An Enthralling Bricks & Mortar Journey

“Hey we got to go into the store on the corner, they’ve got a football field in the middle of it, I bet I can score more goals then you.” “Not before we go into this dress shop I just got a text saying they’ve just received a new range from my favourite designer in my size, I got to see what it looks like on me on their life size interactive screen”. “I just got a text too; we can get 2 coffees for the price of one just across the street”.

Will this be East Street, Rockhampton in a few years? One hopes something like this will happen. In a way it’s got to. More competition for shopper’s dollars will drive it. Competition like a Westfield Shopping Centre with two hundred plus shops, 3000 brands, open 24 hours a day seven days a week with trolleys ready now to take Central Queenslanders money. This is no aspiration for the future it’s here. Didn’t you notice it getting built; after all it’s a huge site. In fact Westfield declared it was ready for business with a full page advertisement in last Saturday’s paper.  Not a bricks and mortar shopping centre an online shopping centre. On-line shopping, how convenient is that. And it is going to get even easier to do, as technology continues to delve into the realms of science fiction. The 2002 movie “Minority Report” is now practically reality, well the shopping part anyway.  Apparently you’ll be able to buy online just by putting on a pair of glasses, no computer screen needed. Will online shopping (or e-commerce) be a nail in the coffin of bricks and mortar stores or energises them. What will the shopping centre of the future look like and what of locally owned stores?  I’m no shopaholic, but my general observation of shopping centres is that they’re pretty much the same.  The size may vary but the general mix of tenants in all centres is pretty much the same, national stores and franchises.  A walk around any regional city CBD however reveals stores you don’t find in shopping centres.  Sure it might be a rent issue, but maybe because of it CBD shopping can reveal a surprising variety of shops, products and services.  Shopping can be just going to pre-determined destinations to buy particular products.  It can also be a journey, a social occasion, interacting with people, making unplanned visits to stores and purchases.  Thus I see the challenge for retailers, particularly local businesses is to make this journey enthralling, maybe even enchanting.  Technology is going to continually raise the benchmark of what enthralling is.  Awesome service and competitive pricing will also be essential for local shops to survive.  However hasn’t this always been the case?  Online shopping can be viewed as a threat or an opportunity. Westfield decided to go online because of the threat of online stores like E-Bay, but now they see it as an opportunity to expand into markets like Central Queensland without building a physical centre. Personal experience with a local business threatened by cheaper online stores provided a surprising result. After they got their e-commerce web site built, and with some promotion through Facebook not only did they start getting online orders but visitation to their bricks and mortar store also increased. The variety of stock their web site revealed resulted in more people dropping into the store, paying more than they could have online. It’s got to the point the business has employed an additional team member.  There will always be shoppers who want to enjoy the journey as much as their purchases.  The journey will quite likely evolve to standing in front of life size screens waving your hands around to see what you look like in the latest fashions with the co-ordinating accessories, clicking the Facebook link to get friends opinions before making a purchase.  A sports store (or any store) having a digital football (soccer) field on the floor encouraging the customer to play a game with a digital ball.  An enthralling journey, that’s the challenge for local retailers.  Provide an off-line experience that shoppers enjoy, they’ll go online and let others know.  Being unique provides the locally owned and operated business the opportunity to stay open on and off line. If you’re a retailer what kind of future are you going to create for your customer?

What's the Plan for the Region

Trundle, ever heard of it?  Up to a few weeks ago I hadn’t, but this town in NSW of less than 500 people now has its own weekly national television show – Country Town Rescue.  To attract people to live in their dying town five homes were offered at a $1 a week rental.  This raw reality program demonstrates what a community can do to keep their small country town just that, hopefully for the next five, ten, fifty years.

While definitely not a dying region I wonder that the Rockhampton region needs to do to attract more people to live here.  Could towns like Marlborough, Bajool, Westwood or Mount Morgan benefit from a Trundle like initiative?  Or is the plan to sit on our hands as more services leave these towns encouraging people to leave for the bigger centres, all in the name of efficiency.

 What is the plan for the whole of the Rockhampton region?

The Council has a vision for the region to be the most liveable community in the world. However their website gives little detail. (Just finding the vision statement in the website is a challenge.)  Does everyone in the region buy into this vision anyway?  This to me has been the biggest failing of amalgamation for our region; the lack of a plan on how to include all the communities that make up the Rockhampton Region to truly feel a part of it.  The Name for the regional council was wrong.  Changing it though is maybe not the most prudent use of rate money’s.  The top down approach Council seems to be taking rather than a bottom up (grassroots) approach is wrong.  For people to buy into a forced amalgamation they need to feel their views are heard.  Council did conduct their “Be Heard” workshops but I understand only 51 recommendations were received.  A sign that more work needs to be done to encourage people to feel a part of the region and thus more willing to contribute. To assist we need a slogan that reflects positively on the whole region.  Extending Rockhampton City Beef Capital of Australia title to the whole region is a big brother top down approach and not the answer.  Perhaps a competition could be conducted to gain grass roots input for a slogan and hopefully acceptance of it.  A slogan will help in the region’s branding, giving people a reason to think more about Rockhampton region.  If Council does nothing and brands like Great Keppel Island Resort, Zilzie Bay, and Gracemere develop their own separate image without a blanket regional slogan then the fracturing will continue.  Just look at Las Vegas, with all the multi million dollar casinos, hotels, resorts, ego’s, etc., one unifying statement brings it all together, - ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. That was planned, it didn’t just happen.

Amalgamation has not been perfect, but was it perfect before?  The next Council needs to bring a new approach to the way amalgamation is managed; de-amalgamation is not the solution to the current problems.  New thinking is needed and a plan on unifying all the communities that make up Rockhampton region needs to be prepared.  Our region is changing; we can manage the change or sit by and see what happens. Much like what has happened for the past ten years or more.  Inaction that now sees the Rockhampton Region not benefitting as much as it should from the current resource boom.  Fail to plan, then plan to fail.  Before all the Mayoral candidates fall over their feet to say they are in favour of de-amalgamation in an effort to win votes, I urge them to look for new ways to make amalgamation work.  In the long term I believe amalgamation will make us all stronger.  Strong leadership and a willingness to listen are needed.  Maybe like the LNP did with Campbell Newman, bring in someone new without the baggage, without the old prejudices.  It’s going to take some time to achieve, but if we all feel part of our region, part of a unifying plan and vision, then together we will all be stronger communities and region for it.  Something Trundle I believe will become with its warts and all portrayal of living in a country town.

Make One of the Lights at the End of the Tunnel a Train

Be interesting to see if any of the Mayoral aspirants respond to this column with their aspirations.

A producer of Sixty Minutes was on the phone to the Mayor’s office, “we want to do a feature story on Rockhampton, a city that despite being in the heart of Australia’s greatest ever resource boom is identified as one of the ten most disadvantaged cities in Australia.  We feel there is an interesting story here and want to get local perspectives on the reasons behind this.  Would the Mayor be available for an interview?”

How would our five Mayoral aspirants handle that scenario?  An opportunity to sell Rockhampton, or make excuses and pass blame for poor planning, or simply decline the national television exposure.  If the opportunity was accepted how would the next Mayor respond to the following questions (especially if asked during Beef Week)?

(i)                   Do you believe persisting with the Beef Capital of Australia slogan has negatively affected people’s perception of Rockhampton as a place to re-locate to?

(ii)                Why hasn’t the Council been more pro-active in fighting for the early roll out of the National Broadband Network (NBN)?

(iii)               Why in a region screaming out to fill jobs does Rockhampton have an unemployment rate of approximately 7%?

(iv)              Why do 10000 people want to de-amalgamate from the Council?

(v)                If the resource boom were to end tomorrow, what would be Rockhampton’s future?

(vi)              It’s been described as the gap in the Queensland map.  Why is that?

(vii)             Why should people consider moving to Rockhampton to live?

(viii)           What is Rockhampton doing to attract new industry/jobs to Rockhampton?

(ix)              Why in the eye of the resource boom are property prices flat?

Hopefully the next Mayor in this scenario would accept the opportunity and see the national coverage offered as exactly that, an opportunity.  An opportunity to start reversing the negative image created from previous national coverage Rockhampton received of last years flood.  Despite being seemingly behind the eight ball in comparison to other centres in Central Queensland, like Mackay, Gladstone and Emerald and a high percentage of disadvantaged in the community, in the right light and with genuine enthusiasm these apparent weaknesses can become our strengths.  Rockhampton region has people wanting work; Rockhampton region has affordable housing; Rockhampton region offers both sea change and tree change lifestyles; Rockhampton region has the chance to learn from other regions mistakes as it actively pursues opportunities its geographic position provides.

Of course the Sixty Minutes reporter would be trying to paint a picture of poor planning, poor leadership, a region grown reliant on government incomes and spending; but a vibrant Mayor brimming with genuine enthusiasm could positively respond to the above questions, not dwelling on the past, but projecting an image of a region ready to go forward, ready to meet the new challenges that lay ahead. A Mayor that’s not weighed down with baggage, but one with a new set of eyes, has a long term plan and will persistently fight to see solid foundations are correctly laid. 

The Mayor would be a salesperson for the region that through their enthusiasm inspires others to get involved at grass roots level eager to help lay the solid foundations for the community.  A salesperson that inspires others to live, work, play and invest in the region.  A salesperson that sees the national exposure a Sixty Minutes interview would offer as part of a platform to build a new dynamic vibrant image of Rockhampton region. 

Let’s hear more about the Mayoral candidate’s aspirations for our regions future than who didn’t do what so many years ago. We’re in a new era, with new challenges, new opportunities.  It’s time Rockhampton region embraced a new direction and dared to dream big.  Hopefully one of the five Mayoral aspirants agrees and sees one of the lights at the end of the tunnel is a train; a fast train travelling between Rockhampton and Gladstone, and eventually west out to Alpha and beyond.  

Demonstrate Our Attention at Election Time

3:30pm, as if on cue the afternoon south easterly picked up.  Being a fresher breeze meant it was going to be worse today.  Though hard to see in the air, it could be noticed on the once white roofs of homes in Keppel Sands and on top of windscreen wipers of cars parked along Lakes Creek Road.  Fine coal dust blown in off the hills of coal to be loaded onto the giant ships parked in Keppel Bay waiting their turn to berth at Balaclava Island Port. 

Is this an aspiration we want for the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton?  Maybe it is for some; a sign of progress, jobs, economic growth.  The coal dust would be something we would just have to put up with.  Possible health concerns would be constantly debated just like adding fluoride to the water. 

Last week I questioned if there was a plan/vision for Queensland, particularly Central Queensland or if we were jumping on any bandwagon to help address the debt levels no matter the possible long term detriments.

Today we have a chance to say what kind of future we do aspire to.  Many of us will do the same as previous, some will change their preference and some will draw a smiley face, doodle, write obscenities, or just leave the vote blank.  This will be a sign of protest by some.  Others it’s just an indication of a lack of interest or belief things won’t change with or without their vote… which is a pity, as it basically gives permission to the south east corner decision makers to continue to make decisions that allow FIFO, discharges into our waterways, peoples right to object to zoning changes to be quashed, accommodation crisis to escalate, investment in necessary infrastructure to be ignored and perhaps coal dust to blow over a large part of the Rockhampton region.  Whose aspiration for CQ is this? 

In all the negativity and even defeatism of the election campaign have the major parties indicated what their big picture vision is for Central Queensland.  Or is it just to continue as the income generator for the State.

Supposedly the Council’s vision for the Rockhampton region is to be the most liveable community in the world.  It is hard to find evidence to show how they are working towards this lofty goal though.  A super dump mooted for in Yeppoon, and an industrial estate mooted to be built beside residential homes, little interest in the National Broadband Network and potentially coal dust blowing in on a south easterly are hardly an indication this goal is really considered.  In my first letter to the editor I proposed a tri- city concept for Gladstone, Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast. A work, live and play destination: a destination that with the appropriate infrastructure would attract people, taking pressure off the south east corner.  Unfortunately in elections you don’t hear of visions/aspirations, only how bad the alternative is.  It’s got to change, but for change to happen it has got to come from us. Show the politicians we do give a damn and that we expect them to be more accountable.

If your pro-development, anti-development; pro asset sales or anti asset sales; pro amalgamation or anti amalgamation; young or old, demonstrate today that you are interested in what is happening in our region, in CQ by making a valid vote.  By demonstrating our interest in the future of CQ we have a better chance to make the politicians, when they meet in George Street, think twice about the decisions they make about CQ. We have a better chance of finding an acceptable balance between development, lifestyle and the CQ our children and grand children are to inherit.  Our politicians must be made aware that we can’t be taken for granted, that CQ can’t be just milked but not fed.  Barack Obama said, “…. if people are paying attention, then we get good government and good leadership.  And when we get lazy as a democracy and civically start taking short cuts, then it results in bad government and politics”.

If there is to be a change of government let it be known from day one that the people of CQ are paying attention and will not tolerate shortcuts in the decisions they make, particularly the ones affecting us.

The future is not too see it is too create. Make a valid vote today that indicates the future for CQ you aspire to see created.

Backcasting Helps Make the Forecasting A Reality

It was slick, built for speed, a closer inspection revealed the Monaro inspiration in the design.  The Premier, Mayor and dignitaries tightly grouped together for the media photo.  With a large pair of scissors the Premier cut the ceremonial ribbon to signify the bullet train service between Rockhampton and Gladstone was ready for passengers.  The aspiration was finally a reality.

I’ve generally used this column to highlight aspirations that I believe will help make Central Queensland a vibrant dynamic region, even after the resource boom ends.  A kind of forecasting what the future could be like. However this alone is not enough to stimulate action to make an aspiration a reality.  In some cases this column has stimulated some talk, but no tangible results.  Instead of just forecasting some backcasting is needed to help achieve these aspirations.  With words I’ve painted a picture and described a need for aspirations like a bullet train, a webisode series for Mt. Morgan, a wave pool for the Yeppoon foreshore, even a home for 4 Gladstone children to live in.  With a goal in mind one needs to work backwards to identify what needs to be done to achieve it – backcasting.

This week I attended a meeting and heard how a million dollar donation was secured from a single donor.  How it was achieved was from a lot of good planning, preparation and having faith in the six degrees of separation notion.  The idea that everyone is on average approximately six steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person. Knowing someone, who knows someone etc that ends up with contact made with a person who can help realise the goal/aspiration.

Reaching the desired decision maker is only part of it, making the best of the contact is also vital.  As a former supervisor told me there’s no such thing as good luck: fortunate moments occur when good preparation meets opportunity.

So how can backcasting be used to achieve an aspiration?  Identify who are the people needed to be convinced to make a favourable decision on the aspiration.  Politicians maybe one, but who puts all the requests for support on their desk and decides which one is on top of the pile.  What bureaucrats produce the reports for the politician’s considerations?  Once identified, determine who knows someone that may know someone who knows the targets.  What is your pitch, when you make the opportunity to meet them?  Be prepared with the facts, figures, costings, benefits, leverage opportunities, petition of support, a plan B if a compromise is necessary, a hard copy to give, etc.  Have a follow up strategy planned and implement it.  Sure it’s not going to be an easy process, but it will probably be more effective than just writing a column in the daily paper about it.

If anyone would like to help me use backcasting to help achieve some or all of the aspirations mentioned above I would appreciate you contacting me.  Especially the urgent one of finding a home for 4 Gladstone children by May.

It may just involve talking to the person beside you on the next plane flight as the speaker at the meeting illustrated.  Introductions revealed the person beside the speaker owned a business and after listening to the speakers pitch the business owner offered to hold regular fund raising BBQ’s at his workplace to raise funds for the charity the speaker represented.  The speaker thanked him for his offer, but also politely asked if he write a letter of introduction to his major clients and suppliers.  The six degrees of separation process of reaching another million dollar donor had started again.

A HEC's on Mine Jobs

We give our resources away to multi-national companies, let them introduce FIFO, let them discharge whatever into our rivers, let them use the infrastructure we the taxpayers have funded; so at the very least shouldn't we insist they invest in one of our resources, our youth, by giving them the opportunity to be gainfully employed and learn a trade. At least they will be one asset that will increase in value after the resource boom ends. Hope you enjoy the following blog.

‘There’s a woman from some HR department on the phone for you’.  Having not received a phone call before, at best a letter, but usually nothing, he was hesitant to hear the outcome to his latest job application.  As the phone went back on the docking station a satisfied smile soon broke into a huge grin.  “That training I got, it’s going to pay off. I’ve got a job with the mines”.

A couple of weeks ago I questioned with 1.2 million Australians unemployed and 2.2 million underemployed, why the need for foreign labour.  Liveability near where the jobs are is one issue.  It was good to see this week one state election candidate help try to address this with a free family fun park proposal for Rockhampton.  The Rockhampton region needs to position itself as a place where families of mine/resource workers can live.  Infrastructure like this proposal and for Yeppoon, along with fast train access to Gladstone and out west to Alpha would make it more enticing for people to move closer to where the jobs are.

Another issue that was brought to my attention was the high cost to get all the training and tickets required to make a person potentially employable by the mines.  A $7000-$10000 outlay.  If you’re unemployed this outlay would be a substantial hurdle, if not insurmountable.  Why not introduce a HEC’s type of repayment scheme, suggested a reader to this column.  Just like a university student, the person receiving the training repays the cost of it out of their income once it exceeds a pre-determined amount.  Sounds like a great idea.  The Government would be making an investment in its own citizens which would be repaid once they gained employment and the income exceeded the set amount.

With the Government also collecting income tax and extra GST with more gainfully employed Australians.  Something I question whether they’ll be collecting taxes from the fly in fly out (FIFO) foreign workers.  The person who advised me of the idea has written to the State Minister of Mines suggesting it, but has yet to receive a reply.

However instead of the Government creating another level of bureaucracy to handle this would the mine/resource companies be better to fund and administer it.  They could therefore give a clearer indication of persons they deem suitable for the work and thus eligible for the training and funding.  Not providing false hope to the participants who outlay the huge dollars but aren’t likely for whatever reason to gain employment with the mines. Plus arguably the mines/resources companies could administer such a scheme more efficiently than the government.

Either way there does appear to be merit in this HEC’s type proposal.  Hopefully someone who has the power to appraise it fully can bring it to the attention of the people who do really want to get more Australians employed does so.