Building better city for all
I APPLAUD the Mayor and her call ( TB, 25/07) for local businesses to express their interest in the Defence works around the Australia Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
The headline “Big project a boon for business” is partially true. While it is good to get the sugar hit of building something in a one-off situation, it is projects which provide continued payoffs post-construction where we should focus our drive.
We have seen a lot of construction in and around our city, funded by government and private business, but what happens after the builders finish? Where is the continuing economic activity and the jobs for our people? Where is the wash-through of continued investment and economic activity which will see our city and region grow?
While I see a point in Townsville businesses trying to link up with Singapore businesses, it is my belief that we should be looking after our economic growth first. We should be using the CSP as a launching pad for our future. We have strong central pillars to our economy. Each of these should have input into the possible outcomes. Each should have projects which can drive our city and region into the future. It is there for us if we want it.
Using the CSP as a chance to build our overall economy is where I want to see the discussion take place. How can each section grow, using the CSP as a link (however tenuous), to build our future? All it takes is a plan, and a group of people primed to have a go. Someone recently said: “If you have a go, you will get a go”, or words to that effect.
I wrote in a previous letter that this should be a whole-of-government issue. If we allow Defence to dictate the terms of our engagement and the works to be carried out, we will come a long way second. Make no mistake, Defence has been great to this city, but only when continual activity and positive engagement drives other industries and economic sustainability. Berth 10 at the Port is a prime example. It was delivered by Defence for their ships, but the Port uses it for other customers. The cruise ship terminal is used for many functions each and every year.
I want to live in a city which is growing. It is time for Townsville business to stand up and tell Canberra and Brisbane that we want to have an overarching strategy, designed by us, built by us, serviced by us, to assist with Defence and the CSP, but our focus should be entirely on how we can get the best result for our economy.
We must be more than a one-trick pony. We have the City Deal, the North Australia Infrastructure Fund, and other levers which Governments can employ to roll out our vision. There are ministers and shadow ministers who want to have their photos taken in front of great big things which change people’s lives. All we have to do is tell them what we want and be prepared to fight for it.
Again, Scott Morrison said “how good is Queensland?”. I want him to say, “Those North Queenslanders have a real plan for themselves and I am going to back it”.
MARK BOGIATZIS,
Owner, Great Northern Laundry.