David French | 17/05/2010 10:30:23 AM

This article was first publihed in The Morning Bulletin dated 15th May 2010. The New Town.

The suggestion of a “new town” to accommodate the influx of people that some expect from the mining and gas boom smacks of being dreamt up by people who don’t know the history of urban development in contemporary Australia. Proponents of this particular bandwagon should read up on Monarto (Dunstangrad), and more recently the Multi-Function Polis – both failed initiatives of the “new town” variety. True, Elizabeth got up, but only to be shackled by unemployment, crime and the vagaries of an exchange rate sensitive outpost of an almost failed multinational motor company.

Not only is the “new town” idea flawed, the projected population growth is not exactly exciting. A doubling of the region’s population by 2050 suggests growth of about 1.5 per cent per annum and a continued loss of importance compared with other large regional centres.

Once home to Queensland’s second largest city, our region’s struggle to keep up, is perhaps more a matter of culture than ability. Some civic leaders expound the region’s natural position with respect to the resources boom, but most development of new mines is much nearer Mackay. The fact is, our region is situated in the cleavage dividing the sources of economic sustenance that are coal and gas. In terms of direct economic effects, employment shortages, blocked and damaged roads and increased costs of living mean that these booming industries probably take from our region as much as they give.

With money due to roll in from the new Resources Tax, Central Queensland is long overdue for an honest reassessment of its strengths. Improving transport links between our disparate communities, and providing financing and education to underpin growth, are fundamental opportunities. But cultural change has to be right up there too. Looking long would be new, as would encouraging immigration - reflect on the ballsy decisions of Mediterranean developers, Middle Eastern retailers, and more recently the positive effect of Asian culture on a dying East Street. South African professionals have filled gaping holes in medicine, and the South Americans have a way of emphasising excellence in soccer.

But that’s all too serious. Taking our airport, the region’s love of country music and the ability to run events like Beef, I’m plugging for a giant Shania Twain Concert promoted throughout SE Asia. Admittedly any big country music star will do, but if it isn’t Shania, that won’t impress me much.

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