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.

Aspiration for CQ Letter 2

As a follow up to my first letter I sent the below to the local paper for publication. Love to see a similiar web site developed to the one mentioned below. I welcome any comments you may have about the letter.

A click on the mouse starts the video in the centre of the website.  Young children are seen playing tennis at the Victoria Park Courts in Rockhampton alongside their parents.  On the way home they pass the refurbished south side pool complex.  The image dissolves to the parents engaged in their occupations at one of the billion dollar industrial plants in Gladstone.  The scenery changes to sun, small surf and sand as the family enjoys the beaches and attractions of the Capricorn Coast.  The video ends with a pitch to live, work and play in Central Queensland’s Tri Cities – Rockhampton, Gladstone and Capricorn Coast.  Tri-rific opportunities, Tri-rific lifestyle, the Tri-rific alternative to the big city rat race.

Yes I’m daydreaming again, questioning why a synergy that to me appears so logical does not appear to be actively pursued by our community leaders.  I believe a local infrastructure wish list has been drawn up.  However one project, not on the list, that I believe is vital for the Rockhampton/Gladstone regions is a high speed train service between the two cities, making a live, work and play tri city concept possible and marketable. 

Why do we need a marketable tri city concept?  Gladstone, with the billion dollar projects planned needs more workers, but faces the challenges of where to accommodate them.  A fly-in fly-out solution with the social costs that come with it is surely a last resort.  Rockhampton needs a higher population rate.  If the city continues to only grow at around 3% (as it has over the last five years) while the state population grows at 10%, not only will it continue to slide down the list of Queensland’s most populated cities but arguably Rockhampton will find it harder to attract professionals like specialist doctors and consequently the services that they can provide.  One vote one value generally means more populous centres getting a bigger share of infrastructure and services.  We are in a competitive market; with not only the south east corner, but Cairns, Townsville and Mackay, for funds and services.  By marketing the tri cities of Rockhampton, Gladstone and Capricorn Coast as one destination we are all in a stronger position to effectively compete and help each other to meet the challenges each city faces.  However, like the chicken and the egg we need the necessary infrastructure first to make the tri city concept marketable.  A high speed train service that enables people to commute between Rockhampton and Gladstone in around thirty minutes is sellable.  Sellable to people who want to not only work in Gladstone, but go home to their family each day.  Sellable to people who have had enough of the big city rat race.

Have a look at the website www.evocities.com.au.  The NSW Government with the support of the Federal Government is actively promoting Sydney-siders to move to regional centres, NSW regional centres.  I can’t find an equivalent Queensland website.

We hear about the pressures on the south east corner infrastructure caused in part by interstate migration.  Is spending more on infrastructure in the south east corner really solving the problem or just band aiding it?  A smart solution to me is make another destination a real viable alternative, a destination that has jobs to offer, affordable housing, beautiful beaches and islands.  Live, work and play; between the Rockhampton/Gladstone regions we’ve got it all. We just need the suitable infrastructure to really link it all together then sell it.  If we are the smart state, here’s one way to prove it.