Longer-term priorities for Rockhampton by 2030
A new document released by a Rockhampton MP outlines some longer-term priorities which could secure the city’s prosperity in the future.
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A Rockhampton MP has compiled a ‘white paper’ of future projects that are aimed at boosting the city’s prosperity.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke’s ‘Rocky 2030’ plan outlines a list of projects that are on the cards in the midterm, including developing manufacturing industries, post-Rookwood Weir agriculture projects, energy, exports, defence, education and a new convention centre.
He said community members had been concerned about politicians looking only a couple of years into the future instead of developing longer-term priorities.
Most of these projects have already been announced and many are underway, but the white paper was developed as a ‘starting point for an ongoing discussion about our region’s future.’
Mr O’Rourke said these projects could help Rockhampton grow, if there was the political willpower of all levels of government to commit to them.
“We have an abundance of sunshine, for solar power, wind power, our world class Stanwell power station, and so many other opportunities with water, ports, rail, hopefully we’ll have Inland Rail as well,” he said.
“It's about capitalising on those opportunities and building jobs for the future.”
The white paper was developed via discussions with local community leaders including Rockhampton Regional Council.
The white paper shows food exports as an area of opportunity, with a potential for expanding the growing aquaculture industry.
Exporting via the Port of Gladstone is an option, especially if the Inland Rail links to there.
“We actually watch mangoes go from Bowen down to Toowoomba and get exported out of there,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“There is so much produce that is produced in Central Queensland that we don’t tap in to.”
Manufacturing could be another major industry for Rockhampton, if it isn’t already, with a Grattan Institute report predicting up to 25,000 jobs being created in Queensland and New South Wales if they capture 6.5 per cent of the global steel market.
The white paper mentions Central Queensland as an ideal place for manufacturing due to the skilled workforces in the coal industry.
Defence is floated as another opportunity if the Australian Defence Force had a permanent set-up at Shoalwater Bay, which could be achieved with investments in storage and maintenance facilities.
Rockhampton could also get a convention centre to attract major events to the region.
Mayor Tony Williams said these projects were what could be delivered to Rockhampton after Rookwood Weir, the Ring Road and the expansion to Shoalwater Bay.
Mr Williams said some of the projects ‘dovetail’ into the council’s priorities.
He echoed many of the priorities including manufacturing and water security, but also floated the idea of repurposing the Pilbeam Theatre into a convention centre.
In terms of export capacity, Mr Williams said there was support for the Inland Rail Gladstone link through the Central Queensland Organisation of Councils.
“We believe that working together, we’ll achieve a lot more,” Cr Williams said.
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