In my view, the saying ‘build it and they will come’ is over simplified, but it is one that has been used to describe the rationale behind a number of successful council projects.   

There is more to it than merely the construction of infrastructure, there has to be a mandate and some strategy behind it.

Currently, council has a number of strategies open for community input.  The draft Tourism Strategy and the draft Gold Mining and Heritage Precinct Strategy are both geared towards increasing our region’s clout in the competitive South East Queensland tourism and visitation market.  

I believe Council has a responsibility to create a stable economic climate where growth is encouraged. The reality is, tourism plays a big part in this. Particularly in a region like ours where we are so near to the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland. In time, and thanks to the Bruce Highway upgrade, we will be more accessible to more people than ever before. We need to make sure we are in a position to embrace this and take advantage of it. 

A good example is seen with the continual success of the Rattler. Last week for instance over 1,000 passengers paid to ride the locomotive. The degustation train on Thursday had visitors from all over Australia, a wedding on Saturday night featured the steam locomotive and Dagun station and there is a special school safety week train running today. 

The vast majority of passengers on these Rattler services are from outside the region and as a result, jobs are being created.

This scenario is an indication of a healthy local economy, and we must keep open minded about what is needed to keep moving forward.   

Building it is one thing, making sure people come to enjoy everything we have to offer is another. That’s why it is vitally important the community has input. 
It is the residents of this great region who will benefit as a result. 

Mayor Mick Curran