Sustainable Growth

Phenomenal Growth

During the previous election cycle, our Livingstone population grew unprecedentedly. Over 4000 people joined our community. The CQROC has projected that we’ll reach an unbelievable 63,000 by 2031. That’s in seven years.

Most people going about their day-to-day probably wouldn’t spare a thought about our community a decade into the future. Yet if you’re a young family, work in Rockhampton, need frequent medical services, etc. the Keppel Electorate is wholly unequipped to service 63,000 people. Especially in the next seven years! To sustain a 55% increase in our population we would require significant infrastructure projects to begin this election cycle. The pressure on roads alone during peak hour traffic would result in a complete gridlock as people attempt to get kids to school or bottleneck heading to the highway for work.

Necessary roadworks

All roads and roundabouts out of Yeppoon upgraded to two lanes. That means Tanby Road and Scenic Road, from Lammermoor to Tanby roundabout, which would require another bridge across Ross Creek. Connecting roads, Scenic through to Kinka Beach and Tanby Roads, with an upgrade from Tanby to Emu Park Road to divert Rocky workers.

Attract service providers

Additionally, we have a growing aging population as many Southerners retire to enjoy our coastal lifestyle. Yet we have zero increase in medical services or aged care facilities. We currently face a depletion of private medical doctors as many resident MDs leave the region and are not being replaced due to housing affordability and the tight rental market.

We haven’t even touched on the need for necessary projects like education facilities, increased water supply and holding capacity, and a larger hospital.

The Rockhampton side of the Keppel Electorate, especially the Northern Suburbs given the housing projects, also require additional medical facilities, educational institutions, shopping complexes, services and increased infrastructure.

These projects need to be brought to the fore and immediately addressed. Any delay would see the area collapse under the pressure of this unprecedented, unsustainable and ill-thought-out growth. We need plans in place this election cycle to make sure these projects are well underway or completed in the next decade.