Political ambition hindering progress
DENIS May ( TB 28/ 09) makes some good points in regards to encouraging developments other than residential construction that have the ability to generate income and jobs for the region.
The belief shown was that the Townsville City Council showed inaction in regards to the zip line proposal and lost the opportunity.
True, but it should be noted that many projects – the wave pool, water parks ( other than The Strand), cable cars, entertainment precincts, arts and culture hubs – that have been mooted as “saviours of the city” have stalled with in- principle support the best on offer.
This is not just Townsville incumbent council thinking – governments at all levels follow the same tired model.
The policy is not to invest ratepayer funds in any project deemed to be “private enterprise” because the council won’t get re- elected should it fail. Good policy or a cop out?
Has anyone asked the ACCC if it is against the law to support an entrepreneur with community funds should the project be proven to benefit the community?
This is a serious question for if not, the only projects left for the development of the region are the likes of “The Stadium”, fully funded by the taxpayer so if it becomes a white elephant it’s “their fault”; Reed Park, funded by V8s and taxpayers; and the water security pipeline, funded by state taxpayer funds.
This is the 20th century approach to building a community, or should I say “political dynasty”. Could somebody please inform our leaders we are in a different world today?
It is essential for our governing bodies to collaborate with their employers, rate and taxpayers in regards to proposed job and growth- producing projects which directly affect their communities.
Collaboration requires talking “with”, not “at”, employers on the practicality of giving assistance to entrepreneurs who may have clever new ideas for generating jobs and growth, rather than blindly following the “bin there done that” second- hand ideas and hoping some multi- billionaire will pay for it all and, incidentally, take the vast percentage of profits.
Of course this won’t fit with the electoral time frame and we can’t gamble the cash cow away, apparently. JOHN JAUNCEY, Deeragun.