Our readers have their say on how to fix economy

INGENIOUS solutions abound in the local community as our readers put their heads together to think of ways to boost the Fraser Coast economy.

INGENIOUS solutions abound in the local community as our readers put their heads together to think of ways to boost the Fraser Coast economy.

Responses were prompted by our Facebook question yesterday: If you were in charge of the Fraser Coast, what would you do to fix our economy and grow the region?

Here are some of your suggestions:

Pat Sells says: "Build Maryborough Hospital into a major adults and children's hospital for the region" 

Rosemary Good thinks construction workers should be hired locally rather than outsourced.

Anne Hare says: "Why not turn Hervey Bay into an education hub for the greater Wide Bay area? There's nothing between here and the Sunshine Coast."

Tarsha Elizabeth thinks Wharf St should turn back time to attract the tourist dollar: "Have horse and cart rides, paddle steamer boats in the river, blacksmiths shops and timber works," she said.

Trudi Edwards thinks mining in the area should go ahead.

Diane Button thinks Hervey Bay should be an RV-friendly town and housing development should be slowed for rates to remain stable.

Natalie Richardson thinks eco-tourism needs attention. "It's hugely unacknowledged and under utilised in the Fraser Coast region," she said.

Kylie Graham thinks day trippers from Brisbane need to be catered for. "What about the water park? What about the pier? What about the diving reef? We have some beautiful natural gifts," she said.

Jodie Pearson Berkhout says with aviation, the sky's the limit: "The Fraser Coast has possibly the best set of conditions for a vital aviation industry."

Robert Macfie wants to encourage more grey nomads into region to boost retail, and also to push government to build more call centres on the Fraser Coast.

Sue Brooks says we should: "Eliminate duplicate spending across all layers of government. Ensure Council spends funds on core responsibilities. Make the Fraser Coast as self-sufficient as possible, including generating our own power with wind and solar."

Andrew Goodwin suggested a casino in Hervey Bay would be great way to attract spending, and employ all local people.

Emma Ferling want to get the train contracts back and build up the TAFE to support the train building and hospital industry.

Andrew Jackson wants to redevelop the waterfront into something like the Strand in Townsville: "This way we have infrastructure and building works being carried out so would be close to 1000 jobs, not to mention all the work for local companies and the influx of money to the region."

Originally published as Our readers have their say on how to fix economy