The message at the final Grow Queensland forum, held in Blackall on Thursday, was loud and clear – there’s no better lifestyle than that offered by western Queensland – the question is, how can it be maintained and shared.
In a room of 80 people buoyed by rain and the sight of vegetation on the ground once again, participants spoke of a frustration of red tape hampering people from surging ahead.
In possibly one of the most laissez-faire panels of all seven Grow Queensland forums, staged throughout Queensland by Fairfax Media, panellists at Blackall largely expressed a desire for government to take off the brakes and let experienced Queenslanders get on with it.
The region has no shortage of ideas; only drought and finance tied up in bank loans stands in the way of initiative – and examples of success stories abound.
While inadequate technology was once again seen as a barrier to development, Rabobank’s state manager Brad James said technology could go the way of the bush if people thought outside the square.
“I could do my job from anywhere,” he said. “I think this augurs well for us.”
There was plenty of interest from the audience in succession planning, in health services that catered for birthing choices, in diversifying incomes through sheep and tourism, and through thinking outside the square.
The full report on the debate will be in the Queensland Country Life next week.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
