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.

Looks like I've gained a regular spot in Saturdays Morning Bulletin. Here's a column that was published couple of weeks back. Thought I might had someone from either the cycling club or multi-cultural association call me to discuss it. But to date nothing. Be interested to know if you think its a good idea.

The flags of the commissaire's raised one by one; the crowd hushed as the gun sounded, and with a strong heave the Rocky Cup on Wheels started, the back markers quickly gaining ground.  Patrons of the inaugural Fine Food and Wine Festival cheered on the riders from inside the track.  The decision to co-host the food and wine festival with the annual Rocky Cup on Wheels at the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome proved to be a success.  Much like how the major horse racing days attract crowds with limited knowledge of the sport.

The decision of the neighbouring Rock Pool Water Park to open an adjoining fence for the children of the festival patrons to enjoy their facilities also proved a good decision.

I was thinking of uses for the Music Bowl.  It seems a shame that a community event like Carols by Candlelight may no longer have a home.  If only the Music Bowl could be more regularly, viably utilised.  One thought was a Fine Food and Wine Festival.  However it takes time to establish a successful event.  If though the event was held in conjunction and complimented another event then the sum could be greater than its parts.

The Rocky Cup on Wheels is indisputably a major cycling event but to get support from the non-cycling community it needs an x factor (xtra crowd puller).  In the past Sean Eadie and Ryan Bayley were the x factor.  Anna Meares is also an x factor.  Cadel Evans would be the one for this year Rocky Cup on Wheels (non-cycling people wouldn’t care that he is not a track rider, they just want to see cycling’s man of the moment).  However appearance fees, availability and only being a short term fix makes it a fickle foundation to build an event on.

By complimenting it with another event that has potential to grow the overall support base, surely it has to be worth considering.  Maybe a representative from the local multi-cultural association could meet with the Rocky Cup on Wheels committee to see if there is potential.  Council could possibly help them access funding through the Queensland Event Corporation to kick start the inaugural collaboration. Sponsorship opportunities for wine/beverages/food would add to existing cycling sponsors.  Plus there have got to be opportunities for the neighbouring Rock Pool Water Park and maybe even Diggers Bowls Club as well as the YWCA hall to be utilised.  Like I said the sum could be greater than its parts.  It’s just a thought. And it would add something else to the city’s event calendar.

Now back to the Music Bowl, or should we consider what could be done with the money raised from its sale!

Mt. Morgan - There's still Gold there

Over the past 2 weeks I've written an aspiration for Mt. Morgan. I really hope some from CQUni might find it interesting enough to follow through with.

Future to the Back Aspiration for Mt. Morgan

Was it fate or just chance? The offer of the helicopter pilot to take the student camera operator to get some aerial footage to include in the webisode proved to be the start of a game changer.  A game changer for the web TV series and also for the town.  The town of Mount Morgan.  Councillors were clamouring to claim the idea as their own, though most couldn’t remember the one sentence item on their agenda recommending a motion be passed for a twelve part webisode recording people living in Mount Morgan as if they were in the late 1800’s, after gold had been discovered, be submitted for possible State and Federal Government arts funding.  Whether it was the idea, the enthusiasm of the State Member, the involvement of the CQ University or a desire to give something back to Mount Morgan, the funding application was successful.  With an experienced mentor, students from the university’s media, graphics design and drama departments were now working on a real life project – a 12 part webisode titled “Ironstone”.  Early screenings were pretty basic; however it was gaining a curiosity appeal.  Admittedly from locals and friends and families of people involved in its production. Though with international University students involved the geographic reach was immense.  Accompanying vlogs were getting viewed on youtube and other social media tools like twitter were helping spread the appeal.

A local helicopter pilot needing to get his hours up offered to take a camera operator to get an aerial view of the town.  This footage used at the start of webisode six was about to take the series into the stratosphere.  A relative of an overseas student involved in the production flippantly mentioned the website at BBC studios in London.  A semi interested listener later searched the web site.  The vision of a road winding up the Mountain, with its tight twists was mouth watering.  Further research and a little reference revealing another road linking it was called the Razorback made it perfect.  This had to be included in their itinerary for their forthcoming Australian tour.  Jeremy mentioned it on the show that he had a perfect challenge for the boys while in Australia.  He went on to explain the webisode on which this twisting, turning track chiselled into a mountain that veered at its peak down the road called Razorback featured and the challenge it would provide.  Richard however saw a different opportunity and challenged Jeremy to feature in the webisode living as a miner in the late 1800’s.  After a couple of jibes from James the challenge was accepted, the boys from Top Gear were coming to Mount Morgan. The web series ‘Ironstone’ was about to go internationally ballistic.

A game changer doesn’t have to involve building something new.  It can be just looking at something that’s always been there with a new set of eyes.  Eyes that see potential, not obstacles.  The road up the Mount arguably an impediment to Mt. Morgan development might to many be seen as difficult, one that induces road sickness, but to someone like Jeremy Clarkson, imagine what he would see through his eyes.

How do we currently see Mount Morgan?  Look at it again with a new set of eyes, its history, landmarks, its lack of development, even its road.  Next week I’ll expand on what a simple idea like a webisode could provide Mt. Morgan and our region.  It just needs the will to make it happen. Remember the future is not too see, it is too create.

Part 2 of this article (in full) not the abridged version the Bullie put in is as follows:

Ironstone Still a Jewel in Capricorn’s Crown

The Premier and the Mayor were all smiles for the camera at the opening of the Swinging Bridge.  Funded and re-built in record time it included some of the original planks from its predecessor.  The first question from the attending media was “if the lads from Top Gear weren’t coming to Mount Morgan, would it have been re-built?”

Imagine what a game changer an episode of Top Gear being filmed in a town would have.  Imagine if that town was Mount Morgan.

Last week my aspiration was for a webisode called Ironstone to be produced.  A reality series that followed different people living like they would have in Mount Morgan in the late 1800’s.  By chance or fate Jeremy Clarkson would come across an episode which included an aerial view of the road up the Mount.   The twists and turns leaving him salivating.  This road, this town had to be included in Top Gear’s Australian tour.

The televised announcement made Ironstone an instant huge online success in terms of downloads and social media interaction.  The affect it would have on the town would also prove to be massive.

The cogs of government were quickly lubricated; along with the swinging bridge, old buildings were being restored and painted, the cemetery tidied, story boards around points of historical interest were erected.  Plans for a bigger, interactive museum were being discussed.  Spin offs from the Top Gear announcement included confirmation that Getaway would do a whole program on the surrounding region and impact Mount Morgan had on the Australian economy in the early years of federation.  A Current Affair had just finished recording.  When it aired it turned out to be a story on how the town that once saved the Australian economy was now threatened by toxic water.  Not the story the Mayor eagerly agreed to be interviewed for.  However the appearance of water quality experts from Melbourne within the week supported the view that sometimes any publicity is good.  Rumours also abound that the guys from Myth Busters were coming to do a story of the dinosaur footprints on the cave ceiling.  Mount Morgan was no longer the forgotten town.  Renewed interest in its history meant there was now a living case study which not only involved media, marketing and drama students from the dual sector CQ University; psychology, arts, engineering, apprentice carpenters, boiler makers, mechanics were all involved.  Research not only included insights on how people lived in the late 1800’s while inflicted with gold fever, but also on the interaction people were having with the webisode -  the online commentary and social media interaction.  Commercial networks were seeing the series as the future of television. 

However, before I get too carried away I should acknowledge the knockers, ‘or realists’, question, “what’s the chance of Top Gear coming to Mount Morgan?”.  And even if they did, all would be forgotten within a couple of months and it would go back to the way it was!  Perhaps, I even hope so; the way Mount Morgan was at the start of the twentieth century.  A town with a mountain of gold and copper called Ironstone.  Consider what arts projects do receive Government funding.  Do they all have the potential to provide students from a wide variety of disciplines the opportunity to be involved?  The opportunity to reveal the history of a once important town; the opportunity to provide an insight into how social media and entertainment can fully converge.  The opportunity to be used as a drawcard to attract students to a university.  The opportunity to attract tourists.  The opportunity to stimulate restoration projects.  The opportunity for training programs.  The opportunity to revitalise a town.  The opportunity with the international students involved for it to generate international interest and maybe the decision to film a television episode there.

There’s still gold in them there hills, but it may not be only under the ground.  Sometime it’s just how you look at it, not where you look.  Still got doubts?  Consider the huge popularity of Wild Boys.  There is huge interest in Australia’s gold rush period and Mount Morgan was the richest mine.  Ironstone the webisode could be just the game changer Mount Morgan needs.  A game changer that once again makes Mount Morgan a jewel in the Capricorns’ crown.  Remember our future is not to see, but to create.

CQ's Game Changer - The Justification

Hopefully the below explains why CQ needs a game breaker. Because just going along thinking if it ain't broke, don't fix it isn't going to work out forour kids. Planning to benefit them should be happening NOW.

CQ’s Game Changer – The Justification

Why does Central Queensland need a game changer? Last week my aspiration was for planning to start now to develop a game changer for Central Queensland. I suggested the combined Councils of Central Queensland would be instrumental in developing such a plan and that a bullet train from the coast to Uluru travelling roughly along the 23.5° latitude could be the game changer needed. Now I’ve been challenged, why does CQ need a game changer? A little like ‘if it ain’t broke why fix it’. Change has made it ‘if it ain’t broke, break it’. This resource boom will end. What happens to CQ then? Arguably CQ relies too much on the resource sector to generate wealth. In the short term this reliance will only grow. Growth that could be to the detriment of other industries, farming being one of them.  The resource companies won’t re-invest profits made out of this region into this region after the boom ends. State and Federal Governments may think likewise. Unless other viable, major opportunities presents themselves. Game changer opportunities.

Ones that create jobs and on-going employment.

Ones that enable mining town’s on-going sustainability.

Ones that truly help decentralise Queensland.

Ones that positions Central Queensland as a go ahead region.

Ones that retains the labour and families that have moved to CQ because of the resource boom.

Ones that due to their daring and innovation gain both international attention and visitation.

Ones that become a catalyst for greater population growth and greater political representation that comes from it.

Ones that our kids can benefit from.

As my greatest concerns with this resource boom; along with the damage to our agricultural land, possible water contamination, the social costs of a fly in fly out work force; are what benefits this resource boom will provide for our kids.  When the workforce is gone, their temporary quarters disassembled, mines abandoned, what will our kids have to show for all the resources that have left out shores?

Long term benefits and not just short term fixes are needed to be voiced and pursued.  In my opinion a game changer project will need to include an international airport for Central Queensland.  If we want (or more correctly need) international tourists to utilise a bullet train service we need to make it easy for them, a direct service.  My suggestion of Central Queensland International Airport at Raglan is at best thought as pie in the sky, but with Rockhampton Airport flood prone, the growing city of Gladstone needing more land, is the suggestion that ridiculous?  Especially if a bullet train service was operating between the two cities.  We’ve got to think beyond small and beyond Council borders.  Central Queensland is a dynamic, vibrant region, arguably the greatest place in the world to live – currently the engine room of Australia.  We’ve got to plan how to keep it that way, after all our future is not to see, it is to create.  Community pressure is an important factor in creating a future we aspire to.

Game Changer Needed for Central Queensland

Too much reliance on 1 industry is going to leave this region vulnerable in the future. A game changer is needed. And planning for it should be happening NOW. And maybe it could be happening like I described in last weeks newspaper column.

Top of the agenda was approval for funding a business plan for a bullet train service linking the Central Queensland coast to Uluru.  It had taken some time for it to finally get to this stage.  Some in the room thought too long.  However after much politicking, debate, agreement for collaborative action and community pressure the combined Councils of Central Queensland were finally agreeing to take this potential game changer project to the next stage.  The ability to link two internationally recognised Australian icons – the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru with an ultra modern form of transport through the heart of Central Queensland, roughly following latitude 23.5^o did appear marketable.  Particularly the maturing market of China and its growing middle class.  The ability to package this unique holiday experience in 7 days with diversity and bucket list locations satisfied the available secondary research findings.  This indeed appeared the potential game changer Central Queensland was going to need.  A game changer to not only keep the region strong after the resource boom peaks, but for mining communities like Blackwater to remain sustainable.  With a business plan the combined Central Queensland Councils would push for the necessary funding and infrastructure.  Preliminary discussions with the Australian owned Hassell to relocate their bullet train research and development team from Melbourne to CQ University Australia, Rockhampton campus to work in conjunction with their Centre for Rail Engineering had already taken place.  The State Government were already aware of plans to lay new tracks between Rockhampton and Gladstone for the bullet train.  The benefits of a safer, more environmentally friendly mode of transport between the two cities utilised primarily by Gladstone workers living with their families in the Rockhampton region were becoming harder to ignore.  The business plan would also investigate a second stage between Rockhampton and Blackwater serving a similar need before extending the track to Uluru.  Thus by satisfying an established need in its first two stages revenue could be generated as the project developed.  The political environment was deemed more acceptable to the project chances of obtaining the necessary funding.  Community pressure of the perceived all take and no give by the southern capitals and what the Central Queensland landscape would look like after the resource boom – of one littered with holes and hills of over burden trying to sustain some spindly vegetation was starting to be noticed and talk of committees being established to report on the concerns were being discussed during question time. 

The time for a game changer for Central Queensland was definitely now. The poor planning affecting Gladstone massive development was evidence enough.

 Imagine if we don’t start planning now for the post resource boom period. Without a planned game changer what will happen.

Our future is not to see, it is to create.  Community pressure is an important factor in creating a future we aspire to.