Suggestion - Relocate Our Capital Cities

The headline in todays Courier Mail reported something along the line of "20 years of water problems". Why? Well, most would argue it was a lack of planning. I would agree - but not for more dams in the South East - no the REAL problem is overpopulation in the South East and a lack of planning to force/redirect/encourage the mexicans into other parts of the state.

But frankly, this is NEVER going to happen because whilst the capital remains in Brisbane, the vast majority of people will want to move there. So why does the Capital have to be Brisbane? Perhaps the solution is to move it elsewhere in the state.

As much as we harp on about it, North Queensland statehood just isn't going to happen (a) because the majority in Queensland (those in the SE) know it would kill their futures and b) the remaining states don't want to unsettle the balance of power in the Federal Parliament (where NSW and VIC have the seat of power by the balls). So, if that's not possible, why not move the capital?

My suggestion - put it on a 25/50 year rotation. Why? Well, moving the capital will come with some costs and time to plan things - so if it's on a fixed arrangement, then planning becomes simpler. It also means that Brisbane wouldn't loose it forever - you'd get it back eventually. But by that time, it will have had the necessary affect - namely to encourage development and population growth away from the South East.

So, what things do we need to do to plan for moving the capital? How would we plan to "upgrade a city" to accommodate future growth - sustainably? I think it's an excellent challenge.

And my preference for the new State Capital? Charters Towers!!! Why? Well, if we leave it coastal we'd never get anyone to agree (e.g. the usual Townsville vs Cairns rivalary). Charters Towers has historical importance (it was "The World" in a previous life). It has ample room for growth - has plentiful water (Burdekin River) and yet is still close enough to the coast to be accessible.

So what do we need?

• Improved Airport (perhaps even an International Airport one day)
• Improved Rail Services (high speed links to surrounds)
• New Road Networks
• New Subdivisions
• New High Rise Development
• What Else?
  

Just imagine - Macrossan could become the "upmarket" riverside suburb of the new Capital?