#PROJECTS: Rockhampton [Archive]

Red Nut

January 4th, 2007, 12:57 AM

Wow this thread's been forgotten hasn't it!? I suppose there is not too much happening in Rocky of late. Here's a story from their local newspaper, The Morning Bulletin.

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Strelow: Supershire by 2008

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/pics/mayor03b.jpg
SHIFTING BOUNDARIES: Rockhampton’s Mayor Margaret Strelow believes shire amalgamation is the best option for the region.

THE MORNING BULLETIN
04.01.2007

ROCKHAMPTON could merge with three neighbouring shires by 2008, the city’s Mayor Margaret Strelow said yesterday.

Cr Strelow dropped the local government bombshell yesterday in predicting the outcome of a State Government investigation into the council viability across the State. She believed the recommendation would be for Livingstone, Fitzroy and Rockhampton to join forces with Rockhampton.

“There are a lot of good reasons for an amalgamation of shires within the region and I believe that the process we are going through will prove that,” Cr Strelow said.

The Queensland Treasury Corporation’s report is expected to be released next month and Cr Strelow said she believed any significant change would be made before the next local government election in early 2008.

“We move so easily between shires now that facilities and commercial centres are used right across the board,” she said. “Our existing boundaries were drawn up in the horse-and-buggy days.”

Cr Strelow said in other States around the country, local councils had seen State governments step in and “make the tough decisions for them”; a step she said often led to councils simply being “bundled” together.

“We know we have a chance to work it out for ourselves,” she said. “I think so long as we are fair dinkum in our assessments the State Government will respect that.”

But the other councils involved are expected to have differing views. “Is amalgamation the answer?” was Fitzroy Shire Mayor John Hopkins’ only comment on the issue yesterday. The Morning Bulletin was unable to reach Livingstone Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig for comment yesterday.

Cr Strelow said while it was important communities “retain their separate identities”, she expected the QTC report would show the projected infrastructure demands on individual shires would be best managed by pooling resources.

“We must leave the option of full amalgamation on the table until it has been ruled out by an objective weighing up of the evidence,” Cr Strelow said.

The QTC report has thrown a spotlight on an issue that has been of interest to the Rockhampton region for more than a decade. Queensland local government association chief executive Greg Hallam was reported this week as saying QTC’s review was the “biggest challenge” local government had faced in 30 years.

“Some councils ... are struggling with their financial liabilities and are in no position to fund their infrastructure at the level required,” Mr Hallam said.

Red Nut

January 4th, 2007, 01:01 AM

This story is from October last year, probably the only major high-rise development in Rockhampton for the moment.

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Twin towers for riverfront

THE MORNING BULLETIN
17.10.2006

THE STAGE is set for Rockhampton’s old St John’s Hospital site to be transformed into Rockhampton’s biggest motel development, featuring 12-storey twin towers.

The proposed 200-unit development on Victoria Parade, previously reported as a $90 million project, was given the official green light yesterday from Rockhampton City Council.

Councillor Tom Moore is excited. He described the development as “a belter” and said it would be great for Rockhampton.

“If it can get up it will be another sign that Rocky’s really getting going,” the Planning and Development Committee chairman said.

The development would include a large conference facility and restaurants with terraced areas, cafe and bar facilities overlooking the Fitzroy River.
Cr Moore said he was confident the project would get off the ground, even though he said there was no guarantee.

“They (developers) have thrown a lot of money at it,” Cr Moore said.

“I don’t think there’s much chance of it not going ahead.

“However, you just don’t know what their plans are.”

The developer will be required to provide a minimum of 343 off-street car park spaces – 200 of those for residential parking.

The site was home to St John’s Hospital until 2001, when it closed.

One of the buildings was converted into backpacker’s accommodation and the site also housed the aged care facility, Tannachy Manor, which has also since closed.

The development approval for the site follows news last month that the Capricorn Regional Electricity Board (CREB) building, at the corner of Fitzroy and Bolsover streets, is set to be turned into a 4½ star, 90-room Country Comfort.

In further proof the city is coming of age, for the first three months of the financial year the council’s planning services department received 65 development applications.

There were 30 during August – the most for any month in the past six years.

“It’s flying,” Cr Moore said about the city’s growth.

“I don’t think anyone in Rocky is not happy with the way things are going at the moment.”

Cr Moore said he had been informed by the council’s planning and development manager that there was more to come.

“There are a couple of big one’s (development applications) on the horizon,” Cr Moore said.

“I won’t know the extent of them until they come to the council table.”

Red Nut

January 10th, 2007, 02:36 AM

It's been coming for sometime but all the signs are here now... Rocky is about to start booming, or at least start growing again from its relatively stagnant state of affairs. Exciting times!

If there are any Rockhampton lurkers on these forums, now's the time to sign up and start showing the forumers what Rocky is all about!

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City should be in hot spot top five

THE MORNING BULLETIN
10.01.2007

ROCKHAMPTON has made the list of hot property spots across Queensland, but Brisbane-based investor Mark Busmer doesn’t agree with the valuer’s assessment.

Herriots Certified Practising Valuers have announced Rockhampton made the State’s top 11 spots, but after spending almost three years buying and selling property in the region, Mr Busmer believes it should be in the top five.

Mr Busmer, who works in the freight industry, started his investment portfolio in Rockhampton with five properties. He now owns 30.

“I have made many transactions in areas all over Rockhampton, on the northside and southside,” he said.

“I’ve tried to keep within 10 kilometres of the city.
“Some of the properties are rentals, others are strategic keepers.

“I’ve since sold those first five and bought others.

I first came up and bought houses for $50,000 and $75,000 – those same houses are now selling for $200,000 and $250,000.

“I’ve seen houses sell for $140,000 this time last year, which with a coat of paint, have now sold for $250,000.”

According to Herriots hot spots report the Rockhampton residential property market continues to be one of the strongest performers in the State with increases of up to 32 per cent for the city.

While many Rockhampton residents consider themselves to be now priced out of the property market in Rockhampton, Mr Busmer said in comparison to the rest of Queensland; Rockhampton was still considered affordable.

“When you look at Mackay for instance, you are going to be very lucky to get anything under $300,000,” he said.

“As an investor Rockhampton has been good to me.

“Cairns has been growing and Brisbane has gone through the roof and when you look geographically at the State, Rockhampton is smack bang in the middle of that.”

Herriots named Berserker as Rockhampton’s best real-estate performer, stating the median price for the suburb rose 32 per cent from $145,000 to $193,000 in the 12 months from September 2005 to September 2006.

The report also singled out The Range, which achieved a growth of 30 per cent. to be found around Berserker for about $200,000, Baxters Real Estate principal Lance Baxter, who Mr Busmer solely sells his properties with, said since September, $200,000 had almost become the bottom price in the market.

“We had a home for sale over the weekend for about $200,000 and the phones didn’t stop all weekend. We probably had 30 calls for that one property,” he said.

“This is definitely the highest Rockhampton prices have ever been.

“Unfortunately I think that the property boom has priced people out of the market. Prices have gone up, but wages haven’t.”

It’s an assessment Harcourts Real Estate agent Barbara Harris agrees with.

“There is a magic line around $300,000,” she said. “First and second home buyers tend to be looking for homes no more than $300,000.

Boo4524

January 11th, 2007, 03:49 AM

If Rockhampton starts to grow again that old Mackay - Rockhampton rivalry will no doubt fire up again.

Wezza

January 11th, 2007, 08:03 AM

^^
Lol, i just posted on the Cairns v Townsville thread that Mackay & Rocky can have their own little battle.......Then i read your post, spooky!

Cairnsinite

January 11th, 2007, 11:00 AM

If Rockhampton starts to grow again that old Mackay - Rockhampton rivalry will no doubt fire up again.

just out of curiousity how delicate is the intercity rivalry between Mackay and Rockhampton? do alot of Mackayans and Rockhamptonites voice thier opinions? what about the mayors?

Cairns-Townsville rivalry at times can be a political hot patatoe with the mayors,mps and residents, but its all in the name of competiveness

Boo4524

January 11th, 2007, 11:50 AM

I dont think the rivalry is as fierce as it once was, mainly because Mackay has boomed and Rocky well...hasn't. I remember it was huge front of the Daily Mercury news when Mackay's population overtook Rockhampton's. There was a bit of "biff" earlier in the year when Rockhampton attempted to take the Queensland Mining Expo (QME) from Mackay. As you can imagine QME is a major event for Mackay and brings several million dollars into the economy every year. The Daily Mercury, I remember did a rather trashy (but whats new about the Mercury) front page accusing Rockhampton of trying to steal "our" expo.

If you ask my rather bias opinion Mackay wins hands down. I mean the beaches, marina, blue river beats the dirty old Fitzroy River, the jail and the statues of bulls complete with bolted down testicles to prevent Uni students from aquiring a "prize" on a Saturday night on the town!! :lol:

Cairnsinite

January 12th, 2007, 05:45 AM

In regards to Rockhampton merging with surrounding shires according to abs 2005 lga population estimations the City of Rockhampton would have a population of close to 100,000 people

Fitzroy (S) 10,374
Livingstone (S) 28,745
Rockhampton (C) 60,084
total: 99,203

compared with Mackay (C) 82,288

leaves a difference of 16,915

Cairnsinite

January 12th, 2007, 05:56 AM

i dont know much about Gladstone...Is it competitive enough with Rockhampton? whats the shires surrounding Gladstone City Council?

Red Nut

January 12th, 2007, 05:56 AM

Jumping from 60,000 to 100,000 in one day would certainly be the fastest rate of population growth in the history on this country!

Red Nut

January 12th, 2007, 06:01 AM

i dont know much about Gladstone...Is it competitive enough with Rockhampton? whats the shires surrounding Gladstone City Council?

I'm not intimately aware of the Fitzroy/ Central Queensland region in terms of hot spots and so on, but I do know that Gladstone is growing quite strongly on the back of it expansion of port operations due to its alumina plants and the associated resources boom.

Messed Up

January 12th, 2007, 06:08 AM

Rockhampton's growth would have a lot to do with affordabilty. As the cities around it grow and have major increases in real estate prices those that are looking for property will tend to look at places like Rockhampton for value. Rockhampton is just playing catch up with places like Mackay and Townsville etc.

Red Nut

January 12th, 2007, 06:18 AM

Growth in jobs and the subsequent investment opportunities associated with this are what typically inflate property prices (eg: Mackay), this is what Rocky really needs to kick-start any forward movement in regards to population and economic growth. The Rocky City Council is pushing the city toward becoming a second service-centre to the Bowen Basin, and this is certainly a step in the right direction toward making this happen.

I'm inclined to agree Messed Up, I think the area's current boom in prices is a bit artificial i.e. It doesn't appear to be occuring on the back of demand from economic growth and migrant influx. Will be interesting to watch over the coming year however...

kreuzer

January 12th, 2007, 11:34 AM

There has always been rivalry between Mackay and Rocky and I noticed this when I used to travel to rocky frequently. It must be remembered until the 90s Rocky was the bigger of the 2 and all of a sudden Mackay really started to take off. I believe all cities have good and bad points but I am sorry to say after hearing comments by rocky locals who have visited mky of late they were quite envious of mackay's new direction. It must be known that Rocky had a real chance to be the service hub of the bowen basin in the past, however the proximity of Mackay's industrial areas to the the coal laoding facilities, port and Peak Downs highway has cemented Mackay as the mining hub of Australia and will continue to do so as Paget now almost extends to Bakers Creek and has enormous estates being planned and now being constructed to facilitate the large demand for relocating mining businesses. Another known drain on Rocky is the large shift of traditional hinterland shoppers opting to shop in Mackay instead especially for furniture, homewares, and clothing as Mky now has the better range and choice which was a very different story to years ago. It is a shame for Rocky as it hit a certain population and then experienced negative growth considering their good infrastructure and well preserved CBD which is something I always enjoyed. Big isnt always beautiful and it is apparent with Mky's serious growing pains growing at 3.2% or more compared to Rockys 0.6% which I hope Rocky untakes serious planning for the future. However I cannot see Rocky ever overtaking Mackay as it would take many years of high population growth and Mky has many apparent advantages when it comes to lifestyle and choice and this is going to become more visible in the next 5 years.

pete83

January 12th, 2007, 09:58 PM

Well although I've lived in the UK for almost 2 years and left Rocky because it was a little 'boring' for my liking, I'm still happy it's my home town because it is a great place and it mightn't be growing as fast as Mackay, but it still has that easy going, relaxed feeling of a big town. The developers haven't moved in and wrecked the place like they have with Mackay yet. I have nothing against Mackay as I lived there when I was growing up and it was brilliant, but going back now it's just too busy and over developed. A lot of people think Rocky is rubbish, boring, a 'shanty town' i read on here somewhen, and I've slagged it off and complained about the place in the past too, but after being away from the place I can fully appreciate it's charms. There is development happening and it mightn't be growing as fast as everywhere else but better to grow slow, rather than fast and end up with the problems of Mackay and other cities in the state.

||-GOB-||

January 13th, 2007, 01:03 AM

What kind of problems is Mackay suffering from? I haven't lived there for years and years so I'm a bit out of the loop.

pete83

January 13th, 2007, 12:32 PM

Some better/newer pics of Rocky:

Riverbank Parklands along Quay Street, completed in 1998.
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock1.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock12.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock6.jpg

Customs House
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock9.jpg

Heritage Buildings in CBD
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock10.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock4.jpg

Criterion Hotel
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock2.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock3.jpg

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock5.jpg

Kershaw Gardens Waterfall (seen when driving along the Bruce Hway.
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock11.jpg

Alexandra Rail Bridge
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/rock7.jpg

These pics (apart from the first) are from the roof of the newest highrise development 'The Rocks'. Completed last year, I'd say it'd be one of the tallest buildings in the city now.
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks1.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_E.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_SE2.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_S.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_SW.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_W.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_NW.jpg

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Rocks_NNE.jpg

This is the latest highrise development, planned for the riverfront in Victoria Parade, called 'The Edge'.
http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/The_Edge.jpg

Red Nut

January 13th, 2007, 11:08 PM

Pete, thanks very much for posting those photos, and it's great to have a Rocky forumer on board. I hope your able to keep the forum up date with all the latest developments in Rocky, it's hard to search for particular urban developments for a city when you don't know what your really looking for!... Makes a big difference when you have a local (or previous local in your case) who knows an area intimately.

Here's a few more shots from http://www.theedgeapartments.com.au/, the same developer has also produced two other apartment blocks since 2005 in Rockhampton. The edge in particular is a magnificant design, certainly better than most projects I've seen in Mackay and other cities in Qld, AND it's taller (13 stories I'm counting).

http://www.theedgeapartments.com.au/images/rocks.jpg http://www.theedgeapartments.com.au/images/waterfront.jpg

Danubis

January 14th, 2007, 10:28 AM

top quality photos!!! definately gives you a better impression of rocky.

cool_dude69

September 13th, 2007, 08:36 AM

The second stage of the rockhampton riverbank redevelopment. it will join onto the first stage and includes more walking/cycling track on both sides of the river, huge adventure playground, cafe/coffee shop, off leash dog park, barbeques and fishing pontoons

http://www.rockyriverbank.com.au/

cool_dude69

September 13th, 2007, 08:38 AM

it was supposed to be finished last November, but due to rain, late construction start etc it is expected to open Oct/Nov 07

Theville01

September 13th, 2007, 12:29 PM

Townsvilles now double the size of rockhampton, I read on the internet that townsvilles population right at this minute is 184,629, I really dont know how they can be so exact

Theville01

September 13th, 2007, 12:30 PM

and rockys was 78,238

cool_dude69

September 15th, 2007, 09:32 AM

in the 2006 census rocky's population was only about 66,000

Theville01

September 15th, 2007, 02:22 PM

WOW that it, well the statistic I saw and gave may be including surrouding districts, if thats the case thats means Townsvilles practically triple the size of rocky even thuringowa is bigger, i find that amazing lol

Gertzy

September 16th, 2007, 04:58 AM

^^ Lol, thats always been a known fact that Townsville is bigger than Rocky.

Mr-Jay

September 16th, 2007, 10:46 AM

Ha ha Theville, what'd this site ever do without u, ur a crack-up. Btw who's that in ur profile pic, can't place it... off a recent movie maybe...

Hoping to see some pics of Rocky developments in the near future, anyone know of anything on the go at the mo?

cool_dude69

September 17th, 2007, 12:58 PM

There is a new 10 storey apartment complex called HighLife being advertised at the moment. it is one floor per resident. no pics at the moment.

Red Nut

September 24th, 2007, 04:16 AM

Hey cool dude, are you able to provide a summary list of completed, under construction and proposed high-rise developments in Rocky (I understand it could take some time).

Welcome to the forum, hope to hear a lot more out of Rockhampton!

cool_dude69

September 24th, 2007, 09:43 AM

yeah no problem

cool_dude69

October 13th, 2007, 08:37 AM

(From Stockland Website)

Stockland Rockhampton Development

Stockland has submitted a Development Application to Rockhampton City Council for the redevelopment of Stockland Rockhampton Shopping Centre, a plan which will revitalise the area.

The plans detail a $65 million redevelopment of Stockland Rockhampton with the integration of K-Mart Plaza. This will include the addition of a new K Mart and Coles store and approximately 50 additional specialty stores. The development will provide improved car parking, linking both car park sites with 200 car parks with additional shade cloth treatment.

Stockland’s General Manager - Retail Development, Tim Atkins said “The aim of this redevelopment is to position Stockland Rockhampton as a premier regional shopping destination offering great shopping in an environment that is modern, convenient and appealing.”

“The completed centre will provide a competitive up-to-date retail environment that will be the largest shopping centre in the region from Maroochydore to Townsville. We will set the benchmark for quality, range and presentation, and will improve centre operations and facilities.”

Upon completion, the overall consolidated floor area of Stockland Rockhampton will be approximately 3,000sqm larger than the existing centre.

Mr Atkins said the redevelopment plans for Stockland Rockhampton have been developed following extensive consultation with Rockhampton City Council, the local community, customers and retailers.

“The local community has been involved in our planning through a working group set up to develop a vision for the centre.”

“Our plans will deliver what the working group asked us to provide - a wide selection of stylish retailers offering good customer service, quality retail products, great undercover parking as well as contemporary dining experiences. It will be a safe, cool, modern, uncluttered and relaxed environment – something everyone can be proud of. You will be able to enjoy the experience of natural light while taking refuge from the elements, allowing the community to enjoy the best the region has to offer.”

“Stockland’s investment helps support the community by allowing residents to shop locally, creating jobs and injecting significant economic stimulus to the community we operate in,” said Mr Atkins.

cool_dude69

October 13th, 2007, 09:43 AM

All The Rockhampton Projects I Can Think of at The Moment

Completed
The Rocks (8 St-Residential)
Fitzroy Waterfront Apartments (7 St-Residential)

Under Construction
The Edge (12+ St-Residential) http://www.theedgeapartments.com.au/

Approved
Highlife (10 St-Residential)
Country Comfort (8+ St-Hotel)
St John's Hospital Site (2x12 St-Res/Hotel)
Church's Buildings Site (8 St-Res/Hotel)

Proposed
Centrepoint (2x15 St & 30 St-Res/Hotel) http://www.centrepointrockhampton.com.au/
Brigwood (11 St & 17 St-Res)

Theville01

October 14th, 2007, 02:47 AM

cool_dude69

October 14th, 2007, 04:02 AM

^^ What about that 16 story highrise cant remember what is was called, :)

It is called The Edge, it is the one under construction at the moment, the design of it shows 12/13 stories, but the plans might have changed since then

Red Nut

October 22nd, 2007, 12:31 AM

Here's a snippet from today's Morning Bulletin

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Site set for city's tallest building

http://media.apn.co.nz/regionals/ausmornbull/pics/VictoriaPde.jpg

20.10.2007

DEMOLITION has begun on what is set to become the site of Rockhampton's tallest building. Two buildings on the corner of Victoria Parade and North Street are being knocked down to make way for a development site which could see a residential building as high as 17 storeys. The Brigwood development application was first lodged with Rockhampton City Council in October last year and while still in its early stages, the exciting project is being carefully planned by a consortium of five local businessmen in conjunction with council.

http://themorningbulletin.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3752636&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=

cool_dude69

October 31st, 2007, 08:32 AM

RIVER REACH ROCKHAMPTON

Landmark, riverfront development site – rare release of prime land for sale, under instructions from Rockhampton City Council.

http://www.riverreachrockhampton.com.au/

Looks like a few more high-rises soon for Rockhampton, probably the best riverfront site left.

cool_dude69

November 15th, 2007, 07:51 AM

http://www.barkins.com.au/media/T8_NEW_LOGO.jpg
Barkins is now Open in the East Street Mall

http://www.warmupbaseball.com/locator/sportscene.jpg
One of the largest Sportscene Mega Warehouse's in Australia, now open at Red Hill Homemaker Centre.

JnR

November 15th, 2007, 09:47 AM

Townsvilles is still out right the biggest!^^

pete83

November 20th, 2007, 03:17 AM

These are a couple of PRELIMINARY renders for the North Street/Victoria Parade corner. The only people that have seen these so far are RCC, the architect and the developer so if the Rocky people on here can kind of keep these under wraps as I don't want my source getting their a*se kicked! I've seen a couple of other renders that give a better view of the overall project so will see if i can get them too.

Must say I'm not overly impressed by this so far. Nothing really 'new' or 'cutting edge' in the design, unlike 'The Edge' up the road in Victoria Parade which I think looks fantastic. Will wait to see if the final design is significantly different though.

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/BW1.png

http://www.carseldine.co.uk/graphics/Rocky_Pics/BW2.png

cool_dude69

November 20th, 2007, 09:36 AM

The only people that have seen these so far are RCC, the architect and the developer
The design for the building was in the Morning Bulletin back a couple of weeks ago. Also we had the architect come to school about 3/4 months ago for those career day things, he also showed us the first design that you have posted. I reckon it looks alright, at least Rocky is getting more high rises:)

BTW the old building's on the site have been demolished, so i hope that construction might be starting soon

cool_dude69

November 28th, 2007, 09:28 AM

http://www.toadshow.com.au/_dbase_upl/robins-140.jpg
Robin's Kitchen now Open in Stockland Rockhampton

http://www.mailpix.com.au/MailPix/Images/Home/auspost.gif
Australia Post now Open at Red Hill Homemaker Center

Red Nut

November 29th, 2007, 12:17 AM

These are a couple of PRELIMINARY renders for the North Street/Victoria Parade corner. The only people that have seen these so far are RCC, the architect and the developer so if the Rocky people on here can kind of keep these under wraps as I don't want my source getting their a*se kicked! I've seen a couple of other renders that give a better view of the overall project so will see if i can get them too.

Must say I'm not overly impressed by this so far. Nothing really 'new' or 'cutting edge' in the design, unlike 'The Edge' up the road in Victoria Parade which I think looks fantastic. Will wait to see if the final design is significantly different though.

Personally I think they look great the renders, 17lvs if I count right, two-tiered design, river frontage on the fitzroy. Rocky is really getting some momentum across a lot of fronts now, it's great to see.

cool_dude69

December 10th, 2007, 03:34 PM

http://www.nationwide.com.au/directory/franchise/images/nightowl2.jpg
Nightowl Convenience Store opening soon at the One Eleven Complex on George and Fitzroy Streets (opp McDonald's)

http://www.wordstorm.com.au/images/sumo_logo.gif
http://www.theregeneration.com.au/images/donutking.JPG
Sumo Salad and Donut King Open Soon in Stockland Rockhampton

cool_dude69

December 12th, 2007, 01:03 PM

(posted by Sunbus610 on http://www.skyscraperlife.com/)

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Rockhampton/Fitzroy region booms with $5.7 billion in projects

The Rockhampton and Fitzroy Region has become one of Queensland’s leading economies, with $5.7 billion worth of major projects either in full swing, due to commence or in approvals.

Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle sang the region’s praises on her visit there today to meet with Mayors Margaret Strelow, Bill Ludwig and John Hopkins as well as members of the tourism industry and to meet local department staff.

“Rockhampton is taking off with a huge future ahead. This is clear from the fact that total development applications to the Rockhampton City Council for the past financial year increased by 67 per cent on the previous year,” Ms Boyle said.

“Tourism figures to the area are also on the up with international holidaymakers visiting Central Queensland increasing 16 per cent in the year to September.”

Ms Boyle said unprecedented international demand and strong coal prices had cemented Rockhampton’s global reputation for mining and minerals processing.

“The region generates almost 40 per cent of Queensland’s coal production and, although it’s home to only 5 per cent of our population, it employs more than 10 per cent of the State’s workforce and produces more than half our electricity,” she said.

“In addition, across Central Queensland, there are 27 new coal development projects underway worth a total of $10.6 billion.”

Ms Boyle also lauded the ZeroGen Clean Coal Power Demonstration project as an option for producing new and cleaner ways of generating energy.

ZeroGen, a Government-supported subsidiary of Stanwell Corporation Limited, will provide employment to 700 workers during the five-year building stage and, once operational, will employ 125 people.

“ZeroGen is a world-first and has the potential to capture up to 90 per cent of carbon emissions currently released through conventional processes,” Ms Boyle said.

“It’s also going to bring a staggering $1 billion into the local economy during construction.”

“There are so many exciting developments on the cards for Rockhampton and in today’s competitive labour market the region certainly has an edge,” Ms Boyle said.

“It has a secure water supply, stunning beaches, affordable housing, excellent educational options and a major airport with direct routes to Mackay, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.”

ROCKHAMPTON

Under Construction

Stockland Shopping Centre / Kmart Plaza integration and revamp
‘The Edge’ multiple unit dwelling and accommodation building (84 units) including restaurant

CAP COAST

Under Construction

Sea Spray community title development at Zilzie
Great Barrier Reef resort, residential development and conference at Zilzie;
A large retirement village with aged care facilities at Zilzie
Lancini Shopping Mall in CBD Yeppoon;
The Yeppoon Community Hospital on Yeppoon Road
Motel, tavern and restaurants complex on Scenic Highway, Capricorn Coast
Several multiple dwelling developments in CBD Yeppoon and nearby beaches
Four large residential developments within Yeppoon and Emu-Park

ROCKHAMPTON

Approved

135 unit retirement village and caravan park (12 relocatable homes), South Rockhampton, to be constructed by March 2009
140 unit retirement village, North Rockhampton
Shopping centre, Parkhurst, to be commenced by 2011
200 unit accommodation building, conference facility and restaurant, South Rockhampton, to be commenced by October 2010
“Edenbrook’ residential and mix use development, Parkhurst, to be commenced by 2011
50 motel units and bottle shop, North Rockhampton, to be commenced by 2010
Retail showrooms, North Rockhampton, to be commenced by 2010
15 lot subdivision, North Rockhampton, to be commenced by 2008
Hotel, accommodation building and multi unit dwelling, South Rockhampton to be commenced by 2011
Industrial subdivision (12 lots), North Rockhampton, to be commenced by 2009
Shops, hotel (89 units) and restaurant, South Rockhampton, to be commenced by 2010

CAP COAST

Approved

100 lot residential subdivision (Cascade Heights – Stages 1-4) to commence by 2009

ROCKHAMPTON

Proposed

“Riverview” 86 lot multi unit dwelling
"Brigwood" 105 lot multi unit dwelling, includes restaurant and shops
“Wintergarden” 175 multi unit dwelling, commercial premises, shop and club
Accommodation building (100 units), conference facilities and restaurant
123 unit student accommodation
154 aged care units
2500 lot aged care accommodation and associated services
50 accommodation units
10 storey multi-unit dwelling

CAP COAST
7 different residential subdivisions providing allotments for 610 dwellings
In the Capricorn Coast area there are approximately 156 current applications ranging from residential and multi-unit developments through to large master planned developments

Ends

Media contact: 3224 2007

12 December 2007

cool_dude69

December 13th, 2007, 03:59 AM

Rocky Highrise Projects

Completed
The Rocks:8st/Residential
Fitzroy Waterfront Apartments:7st/Residential

Under Construction
The Edge:12+st/Residential

Approved
St John's Hospital Site, Victoria Parade:2x12+st/Residential/Hotel:Starts 2010
Church's Building's Site, The Mall:2x10st/Residential/Hotel/Retail:Starts 2009
Country Comfort, Bolsover Street:10st/Hotel/Retail/Restaurant:Starts 2009
Victoria Parade: 15st/Residential/Retail: Starts 2009
Highlife, Victoria Parade: 10st/Residential/Restaurant: Starts 2008/2009

Proposed
Riverview:12st/Residential/Restaurant
Brigwood, Victoria Parade:17st/Residential/Restaurant
Wintergarden, Alma Street, City:10+st/Residential/Retail/Club/Hotel
Centrepoint, Quay Street:2x15 and 30st/Residential/Retail/Hotel/Casino
Unknown 10 story residential multi dwelling/Residential/Restaurant

cool_dude69

December 20th, 2007, 04:10 AM

Wintergarden Central Apartments
Alma Street, Rockhampton City

Situated in the heart of thriving Rockhampton this old historic theatre will become a prestigious apartment hotel, residential apartment complex and private club with theatres, fitness, conference and wedding facilities, containing over 100 furnished residential apartments.

Click Here (http://www.primega.com.au/documents/CAG.pdf) for Renders. (on page 11)

cool_dude69

January 8th, 2008, 02:51 AM

Riverbank Plaza comprises 200 apartments over three eight storey towers featuring a range of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. The development offers a range of lifestyle and service areas, such as reception, restaurant, bar, lounge, and function centre facilities. This resort style development also boasts a large central common courtyard with large communal entertainment zones incorporating pools, sun decks, BBQ, and recreational landscaped gardens. The project will be an accomodation style building with both lettable and owner occupied apartments.

Click here (http://www.nouveauliving.com.au/) for renders

Click Projects, Coming Soon, Riverbank Plaza

cool_dude69

January 8th, 2008, 12:58 PM

Latest Highrise Update for Rockhampton
Rocky Highrise Projects

Completed
The Rocks:8st/Residential
Fitzroy Waterfront Apartments:7st/Residential

Under Construction
The Edge:12+st/Residential
Wintergarden, Alma Street, City:10+st/Residential/Retail/Club/Hotel

Approved
St John's Hospital Site, Victoria Parade:2x12+st/Residential/Hotel:Starts 2010
Cityscape, The Mall:10st/Residential/Hotel/Retail:Starts 2008
Country Comfort, Bolsover Street:10st/Hotel/Retail/Restaurant:Starts 2009
Victoria Parade: 15st/Residential/Retail: Starts 2009
Highlife, Victoria Parade: 10st/Residential/Restaurant: Starts 2008/2009
Riverbank Plaza, Victoria Parade: 3x12st/Residential/Retail/Restaurant/Motel: Starts 2008/2009
Riverlife Apartments, Victoria Parade: 10st/12st/15st/Residential/Retail/Motel: Starts 2009/2010
Brigwood, Victoria Parade:17st/Residential/Restaurant: Starts 2008

Proposed
Riverview:12st/Residential/Restaurant
Centrepoint, Quay Street:2x15 and 30st/Residential/Retail/Hotel/Casino
10 storey office building: Cnr Bolsover and Fitzroy Streets

BrizzyChris

January 14th, 2008, 10:53 AM

Awesome news updates. Rocky is just going bananas. What exactly is spurring this huge growth right now?

Red Nut

January 15th, 2008, 01:48 AM

A favourable city planning scheme is a big factor behind this. Rockhampton is also very affordable compared to other regional centres in Qld, although prices have surged recently. Population growth has also dramatically increased over the last few years, so combined with growing prices I'd hazard a guess that developers anticipate opportunity and are jumping on the demand band-wagon.

cool_dude69

January 15th, 2008, 11:54 AM

Down Below

cool_dude69

January 15th, 2008, 11:58 AM

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4863/concept20design201ob5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7807/concept20design202de3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4659/concept20design203hc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9656/concept20design204ou5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

||-GOB-||

January 15th, 2008, 12:25 PM

I leaning towards Design 4. To be honest they're all much better than the current one:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e8/RCCLarge.png

cool_dude69

January 15th, 2008, 12:27 PM

I prefer Design 4 but tbh they're all much better than the current one:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e8/RCCLarge.png

I Prefer Design 3 and 4, yeah but anything is better than the stupid logo at the moment:)

cool_dude69

January 21st, 2008, 03:01 AM

From the Courier Mail: Jan 13
Rocky Road for New Casino

DEVELOPERS planning to build the state's fifth casino in Rockhampton face an uphill battle.

They must first convince the State Government to change its casino policy and then get past local clubs who are against the proposal.
A spokesman for Premier Anna Bligh said yesterday that it was not government policy to allow another casino in Queensland, "but that does not mean someone cannot apply".

The State Government's takings from gaming are expected to top $1 billion a year in 2008-09.

The boutique casino is included in a multimillion-dollar riverfront development –part of a building boom in the state's beef capital driven by the thriving mining industry.

Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow said she was excited by the proposal, which would cater for cashed-up miners.

But Clubs Queensland says it would damage existing clubs and take money from the area.

Executive officer Geoff Parker said there was probably already an over-supply of licensed Rockhampton venues.

"Our main concern would be for the detriment to the broader community," he said.

"Clubs are not-for-profit and give surpluses back to the community."

If it gets the go-ahead from councillors and the State Government, the casino, which proponents say will boost the city's appeal to visitors and create hundreds of new jobs, will join casinos in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Townsville and Cairns.

Developers Millerview Constructions Ltd and Antiquaire Ltd say: "The proposed hotel and function facility will attract business conventions and entertainment opportunities from around the globe, increasing Rockhampton's profile and cementing a future as the indisputable capital of Central Queensland."

They say the boutique casino would be "smaller in scale than those in Brisbane or Cairns but of a similar standard".

cool_dude69

January 21st, 2008, 03:09 PM

There has been reports that one of the four following Fast Food Stores could be opening a new store at Rocky Airport over the next few months as Airport Management draws up an Expression of Interest for up to 5 new retail stores.

http://www.infiniterewards.com.au/Files/SupplierLogo_140.jpg
Currently 1 store in Rocky^^

http://www.quadrantpe.com.au/images/RedRoosterLogo190407_001.jpg
3 stores in Rocky^^

http://www.musicgizmos.com/entry_images/0706/19/subway_logo_220_145.jpg
5 stores in Rocky^^

http://www.actionfreightservices.com/clients/logos/mcdonalds_logo.JPG
2 stores in Rocky^^

In my opinion i don't care what one we get, anything is better than the overpriced cafe that operates at Rocky Airport.

Gertzy

January 21st, 2008, 04:20 PM

^^ Jesus Christ, and thats going into Rocky Airport!!! Townsville gets more passengers a year and all we have is an Eagle Boys. However, i very much believe it would be Hungry Jacks, as they're basically located at more airports around Australia.

cool_dude69

January 22nd, 2008, 06:27 AM

ROCKHAMPTON SHOWGROUND REDEVELOPMENT: STAGE 1 OF STAGE 5

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/2927/n3ze5.jpg

Construction has started with the old building being pulled down and the land cleared.

cool_dude69

January 22nd, 2008, 02:58 PM

Rockhampton Library Redevelopment

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3671/804cv7.jpg
View of the Dramatic Entry area facing the City Hall

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7397/806yn6.jpg
The main foyer area includes a cafe and and exhibition areas

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/8480/805je8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Aerial View of the Building with Roof Removed

Status: U/C
Location: William Street, Alma Street, Bolsover Street, Rocky City
Height: 1 and 2 Stories
Developer: Brewster Hjorth Architects
Builder: Stockland
Pricetag: 8 Million
Completion Date: Late 2008
Website: http://www.brewsterhjorth.com.au

Description

New Regional library of 3,200m2 incorporating a café, exhibition area, large auditorium youth library, and business services centre.
The new building will link to the heritage school of arts building which is to be upgraded as Council offices and joined to the existing library building.

cool_dude69

January 23rd, 2008, 08:48 AM

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8060/devtt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Major Rocky 2008 Developments

Approx 5 cranes going up this year{Highlife=1 , Riverbank Plaza=3, Brigwood=1) making a total of 8 (The Edge, Wintergarden, Hospital, Grammar School and listed above developments)
Serious work on Stockland
Showgrounds Redevelopment
Southside Library Redevelopment
Southside Pool Redevelopment
5 new housing estates
Wintergarden Apartments
Rocky Regional Council

Rocky is on fire!!!:banana::carrot::banana:so watch out Cairns, see ya later Mackay:lol:

§æµ

January 23rd, 2008, 11:50 AM

More like watch out Cairns, see you later Mackay!

cool_dude69

January 23rd, 2008, 11:52 AM

More like watch out Cairns, see you later Mackay!

:lol: sure of it^^

§æµ

January 23rd, 2008, 12:01 PM

What?

cool_dude69

January 23rd, 2008, 02:42 PM

The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is expected to peak between 7.7 metres and 8.2 metres on about Tuesday 29th causing major flooding.

This is the final flood levels until the water reaches Riverslea on Friday/Saturday.

All Riverbank Australia Day Celebrations including the sausage sizzle and fireworks, have been cancelled as a result of expected flooding of the Fitzroy River.

§æµ

January 24th, 2008, 12:58 AM

Nice Flag

cool_dude69

January 29th, 2008, 11:40 AM

COOL BREEZE COFFEE
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1837/pancakeqj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3646/gelare20fudge20basket20xi0.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9486/coffee20swirltu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Opening @ Mount Archer Lookout March 2008
www.cool-breeze-coffee.com.au

Gertzy

January 29th, 2008, 01:48 PM

^^ Sounds nice, hows the Fitzroy going?

Red Nut

January 29th, 2008, 02:10 PM

I've heard about this one opening. If it's anything like the Mt. Cootha lookout cafe & bar in Brisbane, it's sure to be a hit with both locals and visitors.

cool_dude69

February 2nd, 2008, 06:39 AM

http://www.noosajunction.com.au/images/Supa-IGA-Logo.jpg
Supa IGA Stockland Rockhampton Now Closed Down

http://www.thebigchoice.com/images/Logos/Aldi%20large%20logo.gif
Aldi should be opening in the next few months if the deal with Stockies went ahead

http://www.franchisesales.com/global-franchises/franchiseImages/franchise1177/image1.gif
Bedshed @ Red Hill Homemaker Centre closing down Feb 4
___________________
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/ROCKHAMPTON.jpg

cool_dude69

February 2nd, 2008, 01:38 PM

^^ Sounds nice, hows the Fitzroy going?

It has finally reached its peak of 7.5 metres and is expected to stay at this level for the next week until the Nogoa River water comes through. A sewage pipe burst earlier this week, so people who live near the River, in the flooded areas, near the botanical gardens Murray Lagoon, Yeppen Creek (the southern entrance to Rocky, etc (which includes me:() the smell of f**ken shit is disgusting and totally overpowering, it is f**cken fowl:skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull::skull:
___________________
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/ROCKHAMPTON.jpg

Gertzy

February 2nd, 2008, 03:56 PM

^^ I know how it feels bud, the sewer drains always overflow after a few days of heavy rain, especially at this time of year. Toliet paper, bits of crap, and other miscellaneous items (once saw a used condom) floating down the street and into storm water drains.

Jesse24

February 3rd, 2008, 01:29 AM

^^^^Beautiful

Gertzy

February 3rd, 2008, 05:41 AM

^^ Mhm, best sight you'll ever see :D.

cool_dude69

February 3rd, 2008, 06:44 AM

Found this whilst searching on Google

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1034/5353818ml1200022033dz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

6 Stories
Victoria Parade

it's nothing special compared to other Rocky developments, but i thought i would post it anyway
___________________
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/ROCKHAMPTON.jpg

cool_dude69

February 3rd, 2008, 08:55 AM

http://www.trikearoundaustralia.com.au/supporters/40604155602wow_logo_main.gif
When I was looking around on the internet i found that WOW Sight and Sound are looking at opening a new store in Rocky this year.
___________________
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/ROCKHAMPTON.jpg

Red Nut

February 7th, 2008, 01:31 AM

Wasn't sure where to post this one, but I wanted to share this spiteful piece that was posted in the Mackay Daily Mercury today. I have no idea what prompted the editor to do this article, in fact I'm quite shocked at the naked insults and self-indulgence to use the term 'Australia's worst city'. What a load of crap! I know there has always been a small rivalry with Rockhampton but I wouldn't expect to see something like this. In no way is this a true reflection of Rockhampton, just trash journalism.

Mind you, I still giggled a little bit at the stereotypes... sorry in advance cool_dude69 :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rocky: Boring one day, crime-ridden the next

THE DAILY MERCURY
07.02.2008

THEY say the best thing about living in Rockhampton is there's a good chance you'll be murdered.

For an alarming number of people, that's the only escape from the misery of living in what has to be Australia's worst city.

We've all seen the bumper sticker: "I'm not afraid of Hell, I've been to Rockhampton".

Ask anyone, and they'll tell you Mackay is beautiful. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you Rockhampton is not. An email, written as a news report and widely circulated this week, grasps the soul of the city.

For those who missed it, here are a few excerpts:

"The flooding of the Fitzroy River has devastated the area, causing approximately $30 worth of damage.

At Depot Hill, areas of historic burnt-out cars were disturbed.

"Many locals were woken by the rush of water well before their Centrelink cheques arrived. The Rockhampton Bulletin reported mayhem on the streets as hundreds of residents were left confused and bewildered and still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Rockhampton.

"One resident, Tracy-Maree Sharon Britney Madonna Smith, a 15-year-old mother of five, said: 'It was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes came running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two Joachim and River slept through it all'.

"Apparently, looting, muggings and car crime were unaffected and carried on as normal. The Australian Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4000 crates of bourbon and coke and cans of paint to the area to help stricken locals.

"Rescue workers are searching through the debris and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including Health Care Cards, jewellery from Kmart, and bone china from Big W."

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3762966&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=

rhys099

February 7th, 2008, 05:25 AM

That's really pathetic of them to write something like that...

cool_dude69

February 7th, 2008, 07:26 AM

Wasn't sure where to post this one, but I wanted to share this spiteful piece that was posted in the Mackay Daily Mercury today. I have no idea what prompted the editor to do this article, in fact I'm quite shocked at the naked insults and self-indulgence to use the term 'Australia's worst city'. What a load of crap! I know there has always been a small rivalry with Rockhampton but I wouldn't expect to see something like this. In no way is this a true reflection of Rockhampton, just trash journalism.

Mind you, I still giggled a little bit at the stereotypes... sorry in advance cool_dude69 :)

na that's cool mate:)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rocky: Boring one day, crime-ridden the next

THE DAILY MERCURY
07.02.2008

THEY say the best thing about living in Rockhampton is there's a good chance you'll be murdered.

For an alarming number of people, that's the only escape from the misery of living in what has to be Australia's worst city.

We've all seen the bumper sticker: "I'm not afraid of Hell, I've been to Rockhampton".

Ask anyone, and they'll tell you Mackay is beautiful. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you Rockhampton is not. An email, written as a news report and widely circulated this week, grasps the soul of the city.

For those who missed it, here are a few excerpts:

"The flooding of the Fitzroy River has devastated the area, causing approximately $30 worth of damage.

At Depot Hill, areas of historic burnt-out cars were disturbed.

"Many locals were woken by the rush of water well before their Centrelink cheques arrived. The Rockhampton Bulletin reported mayhem on the streets as hundreds of residents were left confused and bewildered and still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Rockhampton.

"One resident, Tracy-Maree Sharon Britney Madonna Smith, a 15-year-old mother of five, said: 'It was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes came running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two Joachim and River slept through it all'.

"Apparently, looting, muggings and car crime were unaffected and carried on as normal. The Australian Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4000 crates of bourbon and coke and cans of paint to the area to help stricken locals.

"Rescue workers are searching through the debris and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including Health Care Cards, jewellery from Kmart, and bone china from Big W."

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3762966&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=

It is pathetic for the Daily Mercury to write something like that though. Rocky isn't the best city in Australia, or as beautiful as Mackay, but Mackay isnt exactly 'the perfect city'.

Sure Rocky has crime, but i am positive that Mackay or any other city does as well.

Obviously people at the Mackay Daily Mercury need to get a life and stop writing crap like this about Rockhampton.

BTW Red Nut, i am assuming going by all the other stuff Mackay writes about Rocky, that this was on the front page of the paper??

Jesse24

February 7th, 2008, 07:29 AM

is this article a joke? pretty low...

Red Nut

February 7th, 2008, 07:39 AM

na that's cool mate:)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It is pathetic for the Daily Mercury to write something like that though. Rocky isn't the best city in Australia, or as beautiful as Mackay, but Mackay isnt exactly 'the perfect city'.

Sure Rocky has crime, but i am positive that Mackay or any other city does as well.

Obviously people at the Mackay Daily Mercury need to get a life and stop writing crap like this about Rockhampton.

BTW Red Nut, i am assuming going by all the other stuff Mackay writes about Rocky, that this was on the front page of the paper??

Don't know I'm afraid cool_dude, I've only seen an online transcript. You should send this through to the editor at The Morning Bulletin and see if they'll fire back a salvo :lol:

§æµ

February 7th, 2008, 07:49 AM

BHAHAHA Man that is low thats worse than the Townsville v Cairns thread HAHAHA OMG but seriously the old Hay ball must be travilling down the streets of mackay to report something like that seriously isnt there anything better to talk about haha

http://www.bunnybunchboutique.com/graphics/grassball.jpgp
__________________
http://i32.tinypic.com/2ptb6vt.jpg (http://www.skyscraperlife.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182)

cool_dude69

February 7th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Don't know I'm afraid cool_dude, I've only seen an online transcript. You should send this through to the editor at The Morning Bulletin and see if they'll fire back a salvo :lol:

Done(evil laugh):banana::banana::banana:

cool_dude69

February 7th, 2008, 09:28 AM

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/9789/beeflogo1701qj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
www.beefaustralia.com.au
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/366/beef2009flyerfinal0001ci6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Every three years beef producers, breeders and industry stakeholders converge on the beef capital of Rockhampton, Queensland to participate in Australia's National Beef Exposition.

Beef Australia 2009 featuring the nation's largest stud, carcase and commercial cattle competitions will be staged 4 May to 8 May 2009 in Rockhampton Queensland.

The Expo welcomes hundreds of international visitors who come to see for themselves how Australia consistently produces world class beef. Domestic and International exhibitors at Beef Australia also showcase the latest industry innovations from genetics to live cattle and handling equipment to cattle management software.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample great beef all week through a series of dinners, restaurants and cooking displays that highlight the versatility and great taste of beef.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3148/page5header05yd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cool_dude69

February 7th, 2008, 11:28 AM

"The flooding of the Fitzroy River has devastated the area, causing approximately $30 worth of damage.

There has also actually over $250,000 dollars damage and that is just to the riverbank alone, not including Callaghan Park Race Track, Depot Hill, Lakes Creek, so that is over 500-600K worth of damage, if these people are gonna make up stuff, at least try and get it right:ohno:

rhys099

February 7th, 2008, 10:51 PM

anyone else wake up to a storm at about 12am last night? recorded 54mm in about half hour.

cool_dude69

February 9th, 2008, 01:23 AM

City Centre Plaza is a single level shopping centre located in Rockhampton CBD. It is the home to Target, Coles, Medicare, Suncorp Metway and Bank of Queensland. Free shaded and underground parking is available also.

Home to 36 specialty stores with a range of fashion, food and services to meet your shopping needs.

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7125/qqln4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Other shopping centre developments:

ROCKHAMPTON: City Centre Plaza yesterday announced a major redevelopment. It includes new paint and upgrading toilets, entrances, furniture and signs.

GRACEMERE: The $30 million dollar Gracemere Shoppingworld began construction this week. It will feature a major supermarket (Woolies) about 20 specialty stores, two fast food outlets and a covered carpark.

NORTH ROCKHAMPTON: The former Menzies Kia caryard in Dean Street is planned to become a major shopping centre. Supa IGA will occupy one section and there will be a number of specialty stores and carparking spaces. It is set to be finished within a year.

PARKHURST: A major shopping centre is planned for parkhurst, to be built on the land beside the Parkhurst Tavern. The centre will include Woolworths, several fast food outlets, specialty stores, chemist, service station, and parking.
YEPPOON: Yeppoon Central Shopping Centre will open on March 3rd to the the public. It includes Big W, Woolies, Dick Smith, and McDonald's, The Coffee Club, Travelworld. It will also have Sunday trading.

NORTH ROCKHAMPTON: Stockland Rockhampton is currently in the middle of a $86 million dollar redevelopment. It will include a new Kmart Discount Department Store, Kmart Auto, a new Coles Supermarket, a bus interchange and 65 new specialty stores making Stockland Rockhampton the largest shopping centre between Maroochydore and Cairns. A bridge structure across Moores Creek will join Stockland and Kmart Plaza.

After City Centre Plaza and Stockies have been redeveloped that means that every major shopping centre in Rockhampton will have been redeveloped in the last 5 years.

cool_dude69

February 9th, 2008, 12:27 PM

QREX is coming back to Rockhampton in 2009
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6619/newlogoqi3.gif

QREX 2009 Flyer (http://www.qrex.com.au/documents/1191481233_qrex_2009_flyer.pdf)

QREX is a biannual event and will be held again in 2009. Dates are being finalised.

Where will QREX be held?
In Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia) at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.

Why is QREX being held?
QREX is being held to support the Queensland resources industry through the provision of a platform for trade and networking. It will not only give an opportunity to Rockhampton businesses to display their product and services, but will also showcase Queensland’s resources industry as a whole both nationally and internationally.

QREX also has the objective of providing education on the resources industry, and highlighting the many career opportunities available including opportunities for students and women looking to enter this industry.

Who is QREX for?
QREX will appeal to many. The trade show will attract managers, employees, buyers and suppliers from the resources industry.

QREX 2007 saw 250 exhibitors showcasing a host of product and services key to the resources industry. Exhibitors included companies from the industries of mining, minerals processing, electricity production, water and the infrastructure providers who support these activities.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4750/learn201173853453lp4.jpg http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6177/participate201173853469hq7.jpg http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6054/see201173853478xr3.jpg

www.qrex.com.au

cool_dude69

February 9th, 2008, 12:36 PM

anyone else wake up to a storm at about 12am last night? recorded 54mm in about half hour.

I was still awake when it hit, it was f**ken crazy though:crazy:. That's pretty good, 54mm in half an hour

cool_dude69

February 13th, 2008, 12:37 PM

Another flood warning for Rockhampton....f**ckin great:gaah:

From the Bureau of Meteorology website

Local runoff is causing moderate flooding in the Fitzroy River at Yaamba. This
will cause higher than normal tides at Rockhampton over the next few days.

The flood waters from the Connors and Isaac Rivers will cause stream rises in
the Fitzroy River during next week, with a peak at Rockhampton expected late
next week. Predictions for Rockhampton will be made when a peak is recorded at Tartrus.

RAINFALLS
TEMPERATURES

February rainfall

wettest on record 453.1mm 1942
wettest this month 93.6mm (11th total)
this month 384.2mm (over 9 days)
long-term average 137.6mm (12.0 days)
driest this month 0.0mm (1st)
driest on record (2.8mm 1965)
year-to-date

average rainfall to Feb 266.0mm (23.1 days)
total for 2008 420.2mm (29 days)
total to this day 2007 135.0mm (13 days)
wettest day 93.6mm (Feb 11)
lowest temperature 16.4°C (Jan 25)
highest temperature 34.7°C (Feb 7)

Gertzy

February 13th, 2008, 03:52 PM

^^ Cool Dude, love your avatar Brutha.

Sounds like its gonna be quite wet in Rocky for the next few days, more insurance claims i would imagine as well.

cool_dude69

February 14th, 2008, 07:08 AM

Public Meeting regarding built heritage in Rockhampton
Publish Date: 14 February 2008

The following media release has been issued by the Natural Trust of Queensland.

Saving Rockhampton's Character

The Rockhampton City Council and the National Trust of Queensland invite everyone interested in the heritage of the Rockhampton area to a public meeting on 20 February.

The meeting will discuss examples of Central Queensland’s important built heritage, including its wealth of character residences, and how they contribute to the identity of the region.

Rockhampton Mayor, Margaret Strelow said, “Rockhampton’s important buildings and character streetscapes are an integral part of our heritage-rich City. They provide us with a sense of place which recognises its past and looks to its future.”

John Jackson, President of the National Trust of Queensland echoed the Mayor’s comments. “The Rockhampton area has so many wonderful character streetscapes, both commercial and residential, so it is important to make sure they are developed in a way that their qualities are not lost. Quay Street is one of the great heritage precincts left in Queensland.”

How the forthcoming amalgamation will affect owners of heritage and character residences is one of the many topics on the meeting’s agenda. Other topics include the character codes within the current Rockhampton City Plan and how the public can become involved in the conservation of heritage and character values in the new Rockhampton Regional Council.

The meeting will be held in the Reception Room of the City Hall on Wednesday 20 February 2008, commencing at 6:00 p.m. and is free of charge.

cool_dude69

February 14th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Looks like we might be seeing some more highrises soon.

http://www.riverreachrockhampton.com.au/

Local company chosen to develop River Reach site
Publish Date: 12 February 2008

Locally based company Acton Property Corporation Pty Ltd has been chosen to develop one of Rockhampton’s finest inner-city riverfront sites, located on Victoria Parade.

At last night’s General Purposes Committee meeting, Council considered the tenders for the sale of the River Reach Development site and chose Acton Property Corporation Pty Ltd (creators of Echelon and Indigo Blue, Yeppoon) as the preferred tenderer.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Jim Webber said he was delighted that Council had chosen a local company to develop the River Reach site.

A Notice to Negotiate will now be issued to the preferred tenderer, which will enable the conditions of the contract to be finalised.

cool_dude69

February 14th, 2008, 09:21 AM

Just saw the 'river reach site proposal on win tv tonight

from win tv website
Rockhampton's sixty million dollar cultural precinct development has been unveiled.
Including a one hundred room hotel, residential towers, restaurants and a new art gallery, the complex is set to become the city's cosmopolitan hub.

includes a new 2 story art gallery
2 towers:
residential tower-16 stories
hotel with 100 rooms-16 stories
restuarants
retail

Design taken from buildings in Brisbane, and will have a cosmopolitan feel.
The buildings are pretty much all glass as well. looks bloody awesome if i say so myself.

the renders haven't been released just yet, but i would say they might be in the Bully tomorrow.:)

cool_dude69

February 16th, 2008, 07:18 AM

Rocky Highrise Projects

Completed
The Rocks-8st-Residential
Fitzroy Riverfront Apartments-Residential-(http://www.fmstudios.com.au/waterfront/)

Under Construction
The Edge-13st-Mix-(www.theedgeapartments.com.au)
Wintergarden Central-11st-Mix-(www.primega.com.au/documents/PGA.pdf)
Brigwood-17st-Residential-Retail

Approved
Riverview-11st-Residential/Restaurant
Cityscape-10st-Mix
Rockhampton City Country Comfort-10st-Mix
Quay Street Apartments-12st-Residential-Retail
Highlife-11st-Residential
Riverbank Plaza 3x12st-Mix-(www.nouveauliving.com.au)
Riverlife Apartments10st-12st-15st-Mix

Proposed
Riverside Cultural Precinct:2x16st-Mix
Centrepoint Megacentre 15st-15st-30st-Mix-(www.millerview.com.au)

Scrapped
Rockhampton Central Apartments-15st-Mix

cool_dude69

February 16th, 2008, 10:39 AM

http://www.globalliving.com.au/images/header_r1_c1.jpg

Global Living is looking at opening a new store at the Red Hill Homemaker Centre this year.

cool_dude69

February 17th, 2008, 10:34 AM

Rocky Highrise Locations

I know that they are not all there, but these are the ones that i know are still going ahead.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/6278/rocky1dd2.png (http://imageshack.us)
Riverbank Highrises

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/717/rocky2oh3.png (http://imageshack.us)
City Highrises

cool_dude69

February 19th, 2008, 08:14 AM

Logo Endorsed!
The LTC endorsed a new logo for the Rockhampton Regional Council in its meeting held February 7, 2008. The design was selected from nine original concepts and narrowed down to four concepts with a number of colour and style variations.

The final logo was designed locally and has a clear representation of mountain, river and ocean in its simple and clean design.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/4803/rrcweblogoai7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Gertzy

February 19th, 2008, 03:45 PM

^^ Thanks for the maps, shows that Rockhampton will have a dense little skyline in the next few years.

cool_dude69

February 24th, 2008, 01:44 PM

The Ginger Mule Tapas Bar Now Open in 'Nightcub District' (opposite Strutters Nightclub/Heritage Hotel)

There is also a new Indian Restaurant opening in the East Street Mall, a new Coffee Shop and Indian Restaurant opening in The Metro Complex

Also the East Street Mall has been getting a lot of new stores in there over the past year, about this time last year there would have been about 12empty shops, but now there is only around 3.

cool_dude69

February 24th, 2008, 01:48 PM

http://www.wellbeingclinic.com.au/cms/images/Gloria%20Jeans%20colour%20logo%20-%20customised%20for%20website.jpg
I'm am not sure when it was, but i read in The Bully that Gloria Jean's Coffee might be opening their second shop in Rocky in the East Street Mall/Kern Arcade. I think it might have been in Saturday's paper in the Bully Buzz section.

rhys099

March 1st, 2008, 05:52 AM

Does anyone have any idea what is being built in Bolsover Street, across the road from the Art Gallery Carpark?

cool_dude69

March 1st, 2008, 07:33 AM

Does anyone have any idea what is being built in Bolsover Street, across the road from the Art Gallery Carpark?

sorry, i have no idea, i have seen the sit though, it is gonna be something with a basement, that is all i know

cool_dude69

March 15th, 2008, 01:50 AM

CBD and Riverbank redevelopment to get 25 additional CCTV cameras
13 March 2008

Rockhampton residents and visitors can breathe a little easier with the announcement today of 25 additional CCTV cameras in the CBD and Fitzroy Riverbank redevelopment area.

Through the Queensland Government’s Security Improvement Program (SIP), $2 million has been allocated to be shared by 25 councils throughout the State, to improve safety and security in public areas.

Rockhampton City Council’s grant was the second highest amount allocated in the round.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bradley Duke said he was delighted with the funding, which would enable Council to implement safety initiatives like surveillance cameras and lighting.

“Our community deserves to feel safe while out and about in our City, and this funding will enable Council to install the equipment we need to assist in reducing crime and increasing safety for our residents and visitors,” Mr Duke said.

In this latest round of SIP funding, $180,000 was allocated to install 11 additional CCTV cameras in the Rockhampton CBD and network them to another 14 cameras to be installed as part of the Fitzroy Riverbank redevelopment which will be separately funded by the Department of Public Works.

“Including Round 9 of the funding, which allocated $75,000 to Rockhampton City Council, we now have a total of $255, 000 from the SIP funding, plus at least $65,000 from Project Services,” Mr Duke said.

“Our total project is $620,000 with a balance of $300,000 to be funded by Rockhampton Regional Council.

“Council is hopeful this may be offset by a possible additional contribution to the project from Project Services,” he said.
________

When these camera's are installed, Rocky CBD will have 20 CCTV Cameras.

cool_dude69

March 15th, 2008, 01:51 AM

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/4803/rrcweblogoai7.png (http://imageshack.us)
The All-New Rockhampton Regional Council (http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au) Website

cool_dude69

March 24th, 2008, 08:43 AM

edit

cool_dude69

March 24th, 2008, 08:55 AM

ROCKHAMPTON BASE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT

Local builder J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd has been awarded a $49.4 million contract for the next stage of the $74 million redevelopment of the Rockhampton Base Hospital, Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten and Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced today.

Mr Schwarten said the project would include a new emergency department with more than double the capacity; a new rehabilitation, learning and development building; a four-level extension to the clinical services building; and refurbishment of the existing clinical services building.

He said an additional 30 general medical beds will also be added and the hospital’s maternity, paediatrics, renal dialysis and rehabilitation units will be refurbished.

“This project will result in improved observation and treatment of patients, and a better work environment for staff,” Mr Schwarten said.

“It will also assist in recruiting and retaining more emergency department clinicians.”

“I’m delighted a local builder has been the successful tenderer as it means more local jobs for Rockhampton workers.

“Work is expected to start by the end of the month and be completed in November 2010,” he said.

“J.M Kelly are currently finalising work on the $8.4 million staff accommodation at the hospital.

“It was also responsible for the replacement and relocation of the hospital’s blood bank building at a cost of $1.8 million and the construction of the new oral health building.”

Mr Robertson said work would start this month on the project with the emergency department due to be completed next year and other facilities ready by 2010.

“The redevelopment will significantly expand the emergency department, doubling its physical size to:
• increase bed numbers from nine cubicles to 18 cubicles;
• increase observation bays from four bays to six bays, including a
dedicated isolation cubicle which the hospital previously did not have;
• increase resuscitation bays from one bay to three bays; and
• create a new dedicated space for medical offices/administration.

“In addition to 30 additional general medical beds, the maternity, paediatrics, renal dialysis and rehabilitation units will be relocated and refurbished.

“There will also be a new staff training and development centre created by the expansion.”
Mr Robertson said the improvements would ensure the hospital continued to meet the growing needs of the local community and region.

“The State Government is working to improve the community’s access to quality health services in the area,” he said.

“The Rockhampton Hospital redevelopment is part of a greater plan to deliver improved services for Central Queensland.

“The hospital’s $7 million oral health facility upgrade opened last November and we are delivering more health projects in the region including:

• $22.6 million Yeppoon Hospital redevelopment with work to commence
soon;
• $14.75 million Gladstone Community, Mental and Oral Health upgrade,
which is nearing completion; and
• $1.5 million Moura Private Practice Clinic which will be complete
later this year.”

cool_dude69

March 24th, 2008, 01:35 PM

http://theartchick.com/images/rockfest-X-logo.jpg

Rockhampton Music Bowl
Saturday April 5
Gates open 4pm, music from 5pm
Free Entry
Food and drink available.

Featuring The Butterfly Effect, Kisschasy, Gyroscope, Youth Group and much more

Rockfest is the largest annual rock music event in Central Queensland. The event gives local bands unprecedented levels of media coverage, radio airplay and opportunities to perform alongside a national rock act.

Sponsored by:
http://www.deborahdewilliams.com.au/images/logoCampQuality.gif http://www.testdrivethearts.com/images/arts_qld_logo.jpghttp://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4473/rrclogopx7.gif (http://imageshack.us) http://www.rve.com.au/images/rvElogo.jpg http://www.findnearest.com/images/logos/stockland_rockhampton.gif

cool_dude69

March 31st, 2008, 12:26 PM

http://www.rockhamptonregion.com.au/_data/docs/zerogen.jpg
The ZeroGen Project for Central Queensland

The proposed $1.7 billion dollar ZeroGen power plant to be built at the Stanwell Energy Park near Rockhampton, will demonstrate the viability of integrating coal-based gasification and carbon capture storage to produce low carbon emission baseload electricity.

It will be the world’s first power plant that uses two clean coal technologies making Queensland a leader in the international commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The government owned Stanwell Corporation Ltd and their subsidiary ZeroGen Pty Ltd will be joined in the project by Shell Development (Australia) Ltd, a world leader in underground carbon dioxide storage technology.

Coal-based gasification is a process which converts coal into a gas fuel. It removes carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce a high hydrogen fuel that drives turbines to generate electricity. It is one of the cleanest methods for converting coal’s energy potential into electricity.

Carbon capture and storage (CSS) is also known as sequestration. It involves dehydrating and compressing the extracted CO2 gas and then transporting and safely storing it underground in deep saline aquifers. Effectively returning it deep underground from where it came.

A test drilling program has commenced in the Denison Trough area south-west of Emerald in Central Queensland to identify a suitable geological site for the safe and secure underground storage of the carbon dioxide.

The first well has been successfully drilled to a depth of approximately 1500 metres and work has commenced on the second well.

At the proposed purpose built ZeroGen coal-gasification power plant at the Stanwell Energy Park near Rockhampton, CO2 would be captured and then transported by pipeline 220 kilometres to the sequestration site near Emerald.

Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie has said that it is a winning situation for the Smart State on all fronts.

“In addition to enabling Queensland to use its massive reserves of coal to produce hundred of years of safe, reliable and environmentally-responsible electricity, the success of this project would open enormous export opportunities for the technology.”

“Because of this, the Queensland Government has earmarked $300millllion for the Queensland Future Growth Fund to develop clean coal technology.”

Both coal-based gasification and carbon capture and storage are currently used in the petrochemical and petroleum extraction industries, however the ZeroGen project will be the first to use it for power generation.

Construction of the project, which has also received support from CO2CRC, Agforce, Centre for Low Emissions Technologies and CRC for Coal in Sustainable Development is expected to start by mid-2008.

http://gc3.cqu.edu.au/newsletters/2006-q3/cq-zerogen/images/zerogen-impression.jpg
http://gc3.cqu.edu.au/newsletters/2006-q3/cq-zerogen/images/zerogen-imp-on-site.jpg

cool_dude69

April 2nd, 2008, 12:58 PM

$21m poured into Gracemere hotel

ROCKHAMPTON businessman Bill Reid will invest $21 million in a new hotel-motel complex in the heart of Gracemere.

Mr Reid, the principal of Rockhampton's Reid Industry Group yesterday said he picked Gracemere as a potential boom town two years ago when he conceived the idea.

To be built close to the town's main shopping area, the complex, to be named Reidy's, will employ 50 people and operate as a family-orientated business.

cool_dude69

April 2nd, 2008, 01:29 PM

Garden Links Apartments

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7513/104040147al1180410218yc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2622/104040147mm1180410217tp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/9493/104040147cl1180410220ij3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3488/104040147el1180410221nl2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Garden Links Apartments will feature modern designs and stylish finishes. With an emphasis on security, lock up garages, automatic gate at street entry, and audio communication at each units entrance, are all part of the package. Each unit spacious and air conditioned, with resort style living, peace of mind, security and unrivalled luxury.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4886/104040147dl1180410220lj4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6092/104040147fl1180410223gc3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7487/104040147gl1180410224bz7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1416/104040147il1180410226sr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cool_dude69

April 2nd, 2008, 01:30 PM

New Mini Shopping Complex for Rocky
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5263/retail4poplx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cool_dude69

April 9th, 2008, 10:56 AM

Millionaire keen to invest in Rocky

A CASHED-up Sydney developer, claiming to have close to $100 million burning a hole in his pocket, is eyeing off Rockhampton.

Michael Saadie said he could see a big future ahead for the region.

Mr Saadie said he'd been involved in a number of high-profile projects in regional Queensland, including at Mackay, and now his focus is on the Beef Capital.

The developer spent the past weekend in Rockhampton as part of his research process.

"I think there is big oppurtunity here," Mr Saadie said.

"Rockhampton needs a lot of activity, from someone like myself, to attract more investors."

He said a decision would be made by the end of month once he'd spoken with council, as to whether he would commit to the region.

Rockhampton Mayor, Brad Carter said he was hapy to meet Mr Saadie later this month.

"I'm very keen to talk to quality developments," Counciller Carter said.

"I've had breif discussions with him and he will come up later this month and we'll meet,"

He said Rockhampton had some high qulaity developments going ahead and he took the issue of investment in the region seriously.

If the apparently cashed-up Me Saadie is looking for a positive reference for the city he need not go further than local developer Andrew Beaumont or the lastest edition of the Queensland Property and Lifestyle magazine which has a front page cover on Rockhampton and a glowing article inside.

Mr Beaumont said all the economic indicators showed the city's future was looking bright.

"I think we are no different to other centres at the moment, in that we're coming off a good period of growth and things have levelled out for a number of reasons," Mr Beaumont said.

"There are signs ou there that show Rocky is set for growth." "Mining is still strong and there have been a number of big contracts re-signed with China."

He said the cattle industry was also going well and Rockhampton still offered good value for money.

Meanwhile, the article focussed on Rockhampton's massive increase in property market value.

In the past four years median property prices have risen by 200%.

It also siad the successes of the coal and cattle industries were big factors in the region's success.

cool_dude69

April 9th, 2008, 11:07 AM

Coal Boom

Just when we thought we were at the height of the coal boom things are getting even bigger, with thirty six billion dollars pegged for central Queensland coal mining infrastructure.

However there are concerns the region's housing, hospitals and schools won't cope with the population onslaught from the expansion.

cool_dude69

April 10th, 2008, 06:36 AM

Push for Mount Morgan to become next Maleny
April 3 2008

A number of people in the new Rockhampton Regional Council think the region needs a town similar to Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Councillor-elect Sandra O'Brien supports calls for the town of Mount Morgan to use its location, climate and sweeping views to attract more visitors to the area.

But she says securing the water supply is the town's first hurdle.

"I am quite sure when we get a good supply of continual water we will see development and progress," she said.

"We need more shops in the main street, we need shops open and we need competition.

"Competition is good for everyone who lives in the town."

cool_dude69

April 10th, 2008, 06:38 AM

Mount Morgan mine could re-open

A Central Queensland gold mine that was once the largest in the world could be back in operation soon.

Norton Gold Fields Limited has announced plans to extract gold from the old tailings dams and mullock dumps at the Mount Morgan mine south-west of Rockhampton.

The chief executive Tim Prowse says it could create 50 jobs in a town that now has one of Australia's highest unemployment rates.

Mr Prowse says there was a similar operation after the mine closed in 1980, but it became uneconomical.

"The mine was operating between 1980 and 1990 processing the tailings. The gold price took a significant dip in the early '90s and also the cost of the processing chemicals increased sharply at that time too," he said.

"There's a reserve there of around 4 million tonnes which can recover around 180,000 ounces of gold and there's a further resource of a further 300,000 ounces of gold that still needs to be further assessed.

cool_dude69

April 13th, 2008, 07:16 AM

New Council puts $1m price tag on democracy
April 12, 2008

THE region's new councillors set the cost of democracy yesterday at $1,227,650.

That's how much the mayor and 10 councillors will receive in pay in the next year with expenses on top.

One of the first acts of the new administration was to agree on alaries and allowances for the elected representatives. And there was no debate, just a simple show of hands to approve the amounts recommended by acting chief executive officer Gary Stevenson.

cool_dude69

April 13th, 2008, 07:20 AM

Rocky hit by boozy thugs
April 12, 2008

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1189/safeplace06cj7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ingrid Lang makes sure she stays in company when she's out and about in Rockhampton at night.

INGRID Lang may be relatively new to Rockhampton's night scene, but she's already seen her fair share of booze-fuelled thugs in action.

Ingrid, 18, yesterday said she supported initiatives to make the city safer after dark, after damning figures that show Rockhampton district's assault rate is nearly 40% higher than the rest of the state and even more than that compared with neighbouring areas Gladstone and Mackay.

But it's not all bad news, as Rockhampton police say it appears a number of key initiatives to stop alcohol-related problems in the CBD are starting to have an effect.

... Read the full story in today's MORNING BULLETIN.

cool_dude69

April 13th, 2008, 07:23 AM

edit

cool_dude69

April 13th, 2008, 07:32 AM

The beginnings of our new Council

Rockhampton Regional Council met for the first time on Thursday, April 10 for the Post-Election Statutory Meeting.

In a historic occasion for Council, this meeting saw the Councillors- elect sworn into their positions around the Council table, with Oaths or Affirmations of Allegiance and Declarations of Office administered by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Stevenson.

Other business included the appointment of Cr Rose Swadling as the Deputy Mayor, and decisions regarding Council committees and Council representatives for other organisations.

The following interim committee structure was adopted by the new Council, with all Committees to be chaired by the Mayor:

Strategic Planning Committee - to establish and drive key reforms and set strategic direction of major projects/programs (fortnightly)
Finance Committee - to review existing financial position, develop longer term financial planning and rating reforms and to oversee budget preparation (fortnightly)
Planning and Development Committee - to facilitate Council’s routine consideration of development applications and other related regulatory functions (fortnightly)
General Purposes Committee - to develop and oversee community engagement, place management and community development initiatives across all Groups of the Interim Executive Structure and to address policy and other critical issues relating to all operations (fortnightly)
Commercial Business Management Committee - to oversee strategic commercial business development and reform initiatives including Water, Waste, Saleyards, Airport and MBS (monthly).
The Acting Chief Executive Officer will submit proposals for a substantially functionally based committee structure prior to July 1, 2008.

cool_dude69

April 14th, 2008, 06:24 AM

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cool_dude69

April 15th, 2008, 08:57 AM

Friday, April 11, 2008

Rockhampton set for improvements and skilled workers

Three employment projects funded $566,440 by the Queensland State Government is giving 30 Indigenous and long-term unemployed jobseekers in Rockhampton skills to prepare them for work in the construction, horticulture and landscaping industries.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel and Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said the projects are three of eight run by Jobs Queensland to spruce up community facilities and prepare 80 participants for work through work placements and 40 participants for work through job preparation activities, accredited training and work experience.

“These projects have been granted an overall $1,363,407 Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding to prepare participants for work in the horticultural, hospitality and business administration industries,” Mr Mickel said.

“The mining and construction industries are booming in Central Queensland which has contributed to serious labour and skill shortages.

“Unemployment might be at a 30-year low of 3.5 per cent in Queensland but there are still people who have difficulty finding work.

“Projects like this are helping people participate meaningfully in the workforce and giving local industries much-needed skilled workers.”

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said participants will undergo paid work across a number of Rockhampton locations including the Rockhampton Golf Club, the Capricorn Country Club and a number of public parks.

“Participants will level all tee areas of the Capricorn Country Club as well as establish gardens around tees, replace rotten timber and paint the rotunda, create a grass nursery and lay concrete blocks and pavers,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Similarly, the Rockhampton Golf Club will be revamped as Indigenous participants are paid to build retaining walls, construct paths, remove and plant trees and renovate greens.

“Excavation work around the course will give participants the opportunity to gain hours on skid steer machinery and achieve a ticket which will be provided by Gidarjil Development Corporation through federal government funding.”

Project participant Kadeem Tatow, 17, from Frenchville said he hopes the project will prepare him for work in the mining industry.

“I don’t like sitting in offices and I really like working with my hands,” Mr Tatow said.

“Through the project I’ll be getting my skid steer ticket which will give me a good shot at landing a job at a mine.“

Jobs Queensland Project Manager Chamay Bauer said participants are individually assessed to determine their skill levels and work goals.

“The community will enjoy improvements to the area, particularly the work carried out at the Botanic Gardens and Southside United’s home ground at Jardine Park,” Ms Bauer said.

“Participants will get paid to construct tiered concrete seating and fencing at Jardine Park, build an elevated flight aviary walkway and rock-block retaining wall in the Botanic Gardens, install irrigation in Diggers Park and pave walkways and erect signage at suburban parks.

“The soccer club improvements will be much appreciated with the club set to host major state level Q-league events next year lifting the profile for soccer in Rockhampton.”

During 2007/08 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give an estimated 17,000 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job related assistance and skills training to maximise labour force participation and increase Queensland's prosperity.

Twelve months after receiving assistance 67 per cent of participants are in employment or further training.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work is part of the State Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan which aims to provide individuals and industry with the skills and workforce for the 21st Century.

For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925

Contact: Jobs Queensland Project Manager Chamay Bauer on 4921 3024 or jobsqld@smartcity.net.au

Member for Rockhampton: 4927 5299

Ministerial contact: Nathan Moir on 3235 4060

April 11, 2008

cool_dude69

April 17th, 2008, 09:08 AM

Webber warns against off-loading airport cash cow
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3619/thumbnaillk2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Rockhampton Airport attracts 680,000 domestic and 10,000 international passengers each year
Carter non-committal
17 April 2008
The Morning Bulletin

The sale of Rockhampton's airport remains on the radar with the facility's future to be considered by the council at the appropriate time.

Mayor Brad Carter yesterday didn't rule out a possible future sale and said the issue of the best use of assets would be considered by the full council in due time.

Cr Carter said he had no preconceived view on the airport's future. The new Mayor is keeping options open as he works to bed down the new council.

"I have no individual thoughts on whether the airport sould or should not be sold," Cr Carter said.

The Morning Bulletin yesterday asked the Mayor, who is also the interim chair of the airport committee, his thoughts on the airport's future in light of this announcement that by the Queensland Government that it would sell Mackay and Cairns airports and its share in Brisbane Airport to fund hospital projects.

It's understood that the most recent valuation for Mackay Airport was $66 million.

The Government plans to spend more that $400 million on a new hospital at Mackay. Former Rockhampton deputy mayor and airport and economic development committee chairman, Jim Webber yesterday warned the new council about off-loading the city's airport.

"It's a cash cow for the council and community," Mr Webber said. "It would be crazy when you have an asset that brings in more than $1.5 million a year and paying its own way.

"After the initial five to 10 years after the sale, the money would be gone and you would no longer have the asset."

He said the council had worked hard to improve the airport and entice users. The future of the city's airport was concidered by council last June when The Morning Bulletin reported a enquiry was made about the facility.

At the time the paper ran a phone poll with only three of the 121 people who responded in favour of selling.

Among those who then said a sale of the airport should be fully concidered was former Airport chairman, Dick MacNevin.

*The valuations for council assests listed on this page do not represent a re-sale value. The figures are used in accordance with accounting standards and represent the current replacement cost. These were the valuations as at 30 June, 2007.

Pilbeam Theatre
http://www.rockhamptoninfo.com.au/about/images/1143524875.jpg
VALUE $5 MILLION

Customs House
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2329/1159511082customshousesy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
VALUE $6.5 MILLION

Showgrounds
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5641/showgroundsarielnq4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
VALUE $11 MILLION

Gracemere Saleyards
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8413/mastheadwx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
VALUE $22.5 MILLION

Fitzroy River Barrage
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7046/hydrofig5jk1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
VALUE $54.7 MILLION

Airport
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3452/rocky2vj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
VALUE $63 MILLION
____________
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1059/54880832lh6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cool_dude69

April 21st, 2008, 10:30 PM

Rockvegas ganglands
April 21, 2008

IN a matter of weeks, Rockhampton will be transformed into a gangster's paradise. A gang of hitmen, dubbed the "Sharkmen", are set to hit the streets, working for gangland bosses in the underworld. And Rockhampton film-maker Jason Gibson will be there to capture it all on film. ...For more see today's Morning Bulletin

cool_dude69

April 22nd, 2008, 12:22 PM

Central Queensland high on holidaymakers’ list

More than 1.3 million Australians spent over 4.8 million nights in the Central Queensland region in 2007 according to new figures released today.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the National Visitor Survey for the year ended December 2007 revealed that 17.3 percent more visitors spent 22.3 percent more nights visiting Central Queensland destinations.

“This is good news for the region, particularly as the national visitor number growth rate is virtually flat at 0.3 percent.”

Ms Boyle said holidaymakers made up the lion’s share of visitors (36%) with the sector growing a strong five percent last year and 11.8 percent over the past three years.

Central Queensland also recorded a bumper year for business travel with 392,000 (or 29%) of Australians travelling to the region for business purposes last year, up a significant 49 percent on 2006. This was largely attributable to the resources boom.

“Over 363,000 visitors also spent time with friends and relatives in Central Queensland last year, an increase of 2.3 percent,” Ms Boyle said.

“Central Queensland also increased its popularity with ‘locals’ as there was a 5.6 percent trend increase in Queenslanders who visited the region over the last three years, while interstate visitors increased by 1.2 percent over the past three years.

“Increasingly visitors are looking for different places and experiences and Central Queensland offers this in spades, from national parks to picturesque scenery, great beaches and friendly locals,” she said.

All up, visitors stayed an average 3.6 nights, around the same as the year before.

Ms Boyle said the positive results were a credit to the initiatives of Tourism Queensland and the regional tourism organisations, but needed to be approached with a degree of circumspection.

“While the figures for Central Queensland are encouraging, there’s no hiding from the fact that Australia’s whole domestic tourism industry is facing challenging times.

“A combination of rising interest rates and spending on consumer items is keeping many families at home while a strong Australian dollar and cheap overseas package holidays have many other Australians packing their bags and grabbing their passports in record numbers,” she said.

She said Tourism Queensland was working closely with the Capricorn Tourism and Development Organisation and Gladstone Area Promotion and Development to promote the region and she would soon announce some exciting new campaign initiatives, due to roll out nationally in the coming weeks.

National Visitor Survey Central Queensland snapshot year to December 2007:
Visitors – 1,337,000 – up 4.8%:
Holiday – 480,000 – up 5%
Visiting friends and relatives – 363,000 – up 2.3%
Business – 392,000 – up 49%

Intrastate total – 1,132,000 – up 20.6%
Interstate total – 205,000 – up 2%

Visitor Nights – 4,810,000 – up 22.3%
Average length of stay – 3.6 nights – up 0.2% nights

cool_dude69

April 28th, 2008, 08:39 AM

VICTORIA PARK AND SHOWGROUNDS MASTERPLAN (http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/Uploads/13846/13846-Victoria_Park_Master_Plan.pdf)

Before
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After
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The Site

cool_dude69

May 10th, 2008, 08:55 AM

The most livable community in the world

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Rockhampton Regional Council has adopted its new vision, "To make our region the most livable community in the world," in support of the enviable lifestyle we all enjoy here in the Rockhampton region.

Council adopted its new vision, mission and set of values on Tuesday, April 29 after attending a Visioning Workshop on April 15, which was facilitated by Dr Tim Baker, a Brisbane consultant on leadership.

This was the first step in Council's corporate planning process. Council is establishing an underlying base from which to develop a full corporate plan, which will then undergo a full community consultation phase, before being developed into a long term corporate plan for the next four years of Council.

Vision

" To make our community the most livable region in the world"

Mission

"To plan for and provide innovative and effective services and infastructure that meets the community's economic, social and enviromental needs and aspirations.

Adopted Values

Leadership
Inclusiveness and Fair Representation
Honesty and Integrity
Openness and Accountability
Ownership
Trust
Fairness and Consistency
Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Expanded Values

Leadership - which means Council will demonstrate high standards of stewardship and guidance for the community to support and participate in achieving the regional vision and mission.

Honesty and Integrity - which means that Councillors, staff and the community develop mutual understanding and respect for each other's roles and responsibilities that fosters transparency and promotes public trust and confidence.

Openness and Accountability - which means that the community expectations are that they have a right to know what goes on in Council. It means that you can always hold your head up - nothing to hide.

Ownership - which means that every individual can play a part and take ownership of the Region's development and future.

Fairness and Consistency - which means that in dealing which all issues including the management of change, due consideration will be given to reconciling inconsistencies and acheiving the fairest outcome possible.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement - means being outcome focused by seeking innovative and more effective and efficient ways of producing outcomes and outputs.

cool_dude69

May 10th, 2008, 10:10 AM

189 East Street: Redevelopment

This building is up for sale for $1,750,000 bucks.

This magnificent building has an amazing history and has been apart of Rockhampton for many years. There are current plans in place for a complete refurbishment of the building and with a current lack of supply for prestige office space in the CBD of Rockhampton this is an opportunity for a developer to make their mark in the Central Queensland region.

Before
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After
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cool_dude69

May 11th, 2008, 01:20 PM

http://i25.tinypic.com/o5wb49.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/21jt5ky.jpg

http://www.rockyresort.com.au/

Rocky Resort Motor Inn Now Open

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The Rocky Resort Motor Inn features luxury modern accommodation for the corporate or business traveller, the stop over traveller, or for those just wanting a night away from it all.

http://i29.tinypic.com/2po5o1x.jpg

Our 4 star establishment offers:

Clean, modern interiors
King sized bedding
Executive, Family and Spa rooms
Disabled friendly rooms
LCD Televisions
Free AUSTAR service
Free Wireless and Broadband Internet
Fully air-conditioned rooms
Non-smoking rooms
Room Service (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Fully Licensed a-la-carte Restaurant and Bar (open Monday - Saturday)
Conference and Function facilities
Resort Style Pool

http://i31.tinypic.com/156x1te.jpg

cool_dude69

May 13th, 2008, 10:17 AM

Riverfront Development

from www.wintv.com.au

Rockhampton's skyline is set to rise a little higher, with the latest riverfront development approved by council.

But, with interest rates soaring, there are concerns whether there's enough demand for another high rise unit complex.

There should be more details on this one in tomorrows Bully. It is a 15 storey high-rise on Victoria Parade.

cool_dude69

May 17th, 2008, 09:36 AM

Rocky's rocking to the beat of coffee beans

TMB
Thursday May 15

RENOWNED more for beef and beer than a sophisticated cafe set, as coffe houses spring up in our midst, is Rockhampton fast becoming "cafe au fait"?

Starbucks is yet to stamp it ubiquitous green and white seal on Rockhampton's streets, but the city's cafe owners tell us competition is heating up as the Beef Capital learns its macchiatos from its frappacinos.

A Yellow Pages search yesterday listed 25 cafes in the city itself and a total of 103 in the Rockhampton district, although there are plenty more places out there that serve up coffee.

Nowhere proves this upswing in the popularity of the magical bean better than the suddenly exclusice Delizie - the clever little venue atop East Street's Stewarts Department Store building, where the weekly "high tea" is booked out until July.

Owners John Cornwell and Gianni De Luca have turned the department store floor-come-authentic Italian cade-restaurant into one of the city's hot drawcards, with women queuing from all over town to be spoiled by course after course of dainty cakes and petite fours each Saturday.

Every cake in the venue is handmade and their meals made from Italian produce and cooked by Gianni.

John yesterday described his business as a "quiet, comfy, cosy little place - except Saturdays when high tea breaks loose!".

The venue had no need to advertise, he said, as all their business came through word of mouth.

Through loathe and boast, he attributed the venue's immense popularity to its uniqueness

"Nowhere else actually does high tea," he said. "We are not the average; we don't do takeaways, sandwiches or chips and gravy. "We do what we enjoy and those folk who enjoy us keep coming back."

He said Gianni's personal approach and traditional Italian theme had won them plenty of fans among the city's older residents.

Meanwhile popular southside venue The Coffee House has just changed hands, with new owners Anne and Terry Corfe relocating from Coffs Harbour because of the potential they saw in Central Queensland's cafe scene.

"It was just such a good business and we didn't want to go west," Anne said yesterday. "Rocky's still got a fair bit of a way to go but there's definatley potential. Just by the patronage here people do appreciate it (coffee). Competition's good, people think 'thats whats out there' - they don't have to go to a pub to have a good time."

Anne said The Coffee House has a strong corporate tradition, frequently visited by plenty of business people day and night.

So what about those kids in tow? For the "yummy mummy" set, right next door to Goodlife Gym in North Rockhampton is the Crazy Joker - an airconditioned family cafe with a a giant obsticles fort and jumbo slides for the kids, along with good coffee and those very necessary tables where parent can recoup.

WHERE TO SIP

Refined mum and daughter day out - Delizie
Business Meetings and coporate dinners - The Coffee House
Cosy Catchups, ladies lunches in a garden setting - Wild Parrot Cafe and Teahouse
Kid and Parent Friendly - The Crazy Joker

Burden

May 17th, 2008, 10:01 AM

cool_dude69

May 17th, 2008, 10:36 AM

Did anything eventuate with that article, Usually there in the Saturday papers, Sounds good though ;).

No they didn't print anything, although WIN said they all plans and renders and sale of the apartments will be released in 2 months.

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

May 24th, 2008, 11:45 AM

What do you think on today (24/5/08) The Morning Bulletin front cover story on the new shire changes?

I don't particularly agree with Bouldercombe having a merge with a Sarina-based council. But I do agree with Gracemere to become part of the city.. Rockahampton grows by 5,000 people in a night?? haha, I can see the headlines now... what do you think?? VOTE YES to see the merge or
VOTE NO to keep the boundaries, or you can just post what boundaries you would personally like to see changed..

Full story below :)

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

May 24th, 2008, 11:49 AM

GORDON Carter is used to travelling just 10km from Bouldercombe to see his local state member in Gracemere - not 350km to Sarina. That is the grim future for the Royal Hotel publican and thousands of other Central Queenslanders after a shock redistribition proposal by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ). The radical plan is to scrap Fitzroy and slot Bouldercombe, Mt Morgan, Stanwell and Westwood into the Mackay-based seat of Mirani. There were only minor changes to the seat of Keppel, while Gracemere would become part of the seat of Rockhampton, but Mr Carter described the Mirani decision as "another kick in the guts" for Bouldercombe. "What would Ted Malone (Member for Mirani) know about Bouldercombe and what would we know about Sarina or anyone else in Mirani," Mr Carter said outside his hotel after details of the redistribution were released. "With Jim (Pearce) you were that close to him and he came to see you this guy (Malone) wouldn't come here. "We had no say in amalgamation and now at the state level we're being kicked in the guts again." Another bizarre aspect from the proposal report is that Mirani is considered by the ECQ as part of North Queensland. Frank Malloy, who has lived in Mt Morgan for 75 years was bamboozled by the proposed change. "It's on the nose," Mr Malloy said. "We have nothing in common with Mirani and now that we're in Rockhampton Regional Council, we are more aligned with Rockhampton. "I'm not happy and I'm not sure if anyone else would be." A spokeswoman for Fitzroy MP Jim Pearce said it was highly unlikely that Mr Pearce would contest the election if his electorate was dissolved. Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said he would contest the newly aligned seat. He said Gracemere had been in and out of the Rockhampton electorate numerous times. "It's happened previously, I think when Keith Wright was in and when Paul Braddy was in," Mr Schwarten said. Mr Schwarten reiterated that while Bouldercombe was proposed to be part of Mirani, it didn't necessarily mean that its main office would be in Sarina. "He might not be the member who will contest the seat." He said Gracemere residents would be happier that they would be a part of Rockhampton rather than Mirani. Gracemere would become part of the Rockhampton electorate along with a small part of Norman Gardens between Moores Creek, the Bruce Highway and Yewdale Drive. The only change to Keppel would be the addition of part of the suburb of Frenchville east of Frenchman's Creek. A decision on the boundary changes will be announced in August. Final boundary changes will be announced in August.

cool_dude69

May 24th, 2008, 12:28 PM

the map from TMB

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cool_dude69

May 25th, 2008, 07:13 AM

City's homes among cheapest

WHILE housing affordability in Rockhampton might seem long-gone to some, real estate agent Ray Hooper believes the city is still one of the cheapest markets in the state.

Yesterday the Rockhampton First National principal predicted housing prices in the region would drop by 5% in the next six to 12 months, but said even at today's level, homes in Rockhampton were affordable.

While industry experts have suggested housing prices across the state need to fall 10-15% and wages need to increase by 6% for housing to become affordable, Mr Hopper said Rockhampton was not out of reach as other areas of Queensland.

"Rocky, I believe, has always been affordable," Mr Hooper said. "There is likely to be a downward adjustment in prices in the next six to 12 months. I wouldn't expect it to be more than 5% though."

Mr Hooper said Rockhampton's real estate market was somewhat insulated by the mining boom and the large amount of the which is forming around the area.

"Rockhampton's (real estate market) may have a couple of spikes and may go down slightly but Central Queensland is certainly a go-word down south," Mr Hooper said.

He also said the drop in prices would not necessarily be a negative for locals.

"It would allow first home buyers to get into the market without having to borrow too much money," he said.

He also said as long as vendors sell and then buy on the same market, their purchasing power would also not be eroded by a fall in prices.

"It's all relative," he said. Mr Hooper said there were plenty of listings around in the mid $200,000 price bracket which were hard to find 12 months ago.

"I think there are some great houses for sale in the mid to high $200,000's and low $300,000's," he said.

The agency recently sold a three-bedroom in Norman Gardens in North Rockhampton for $335,000. "It's a beauty," Mr Hooper said.

The highset brick-base house has a rumpus room with an extra toilet and shower under and a fully fenced inground pool.

cool_dude69

May 29th, 2008, 12:45 PM

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cool_dude69

June 4th, 2008, 12:08 PM

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Roll up, roll up, it's Showtime
June 03, 2008

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Rachel Wojtas, Mattea Holliday (with Abigail Holliday on her lap), Sam Ferris and Daniel Hartzenberg on the Sky View.

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Skyview Ferris Wheel

WITH a name like hers it was only right that Sam Ferris was among the first to ride Rockhampton Show's latest and largest attraction.

Sam, 18, was on hand to try out the $5 million 15-storey Sky View yesterday afternoon as show folk worked flat out to get everything ready for today's opening. And the Rocky teenager was in no doubt that the biggest ferris wheel in the southern hemisphere would be a huge hit.

After a couple of air-conditioned revolutions in one of the 36 gondolas, said she was most impressed. "It's more comfortable than any other big wheel. You feel really safe because it doesn't rock around and the views are fantastic," she said.

Sam was setting up a produce display in the main grandstand when the call went out for volunteers to join Sky View's trial run. Rocky High School students Janany Latimer, Kushla Kris-Jasperson, Steph Troy and Laurissa Chippendale couldn't wait to climb aboard. The 14 year olds will be working at the pasta bar and on sideshows for the next couple of days. "It's really cool," said Janany. "You can see everything and listen to music, but the best thing is that the gondolas are soundproof. So you can scream as much as you want."

The wheel is 16 months old and comes to Rockhampton after Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. This will be its first outing at a regional Show. It takes an eight-man crew two full days to erect and will be operating continuously for 12 hours a day during the Show.

An $8 ride lasts for about 15 minutes and will give riders a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding mountains.

It was the ideal place yesterday afternoon to appreciate the size of the task facing an army of workers who were toiling to clean up the Rockhampton Showgounds.

The downpours of the last week took their toll and what had been grass was churned into a quagmire by the heavy trucks unloading fair rides.

The plan was to lay a series of roadways, with hard core and a top dressing compressed by bulldozers, so today's Show patrons do not sink into a sea of mud.

Today's main ring program: - 10am sheep dog trials - 1.30pm V6 Hilux heroes - 2pm sheep dog trials - 5pm V6 Hilux heroes - 5.30pm emergency services parade - 6pm tug of war competition - 6.30pm motorbike and bmx stunt show - 8.10pm V6 Hilux heroes - 8.30pm fireworks

The Stockland Stage program features a series of performances throughout the day, from 9.45am to 9pm.

Muddy in the fast lane
June 04, 2008

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FAST LANE: The Toyota Hilux Heroes in action at the Rockhampton show yesterday.

THEY'RE fast, revved up and just the thought of them got my heart racing.

The image of a performance-modified Toyota Hilux stunt ute spinning in the mud and flying through the air gave me instant motion sickness, before she had even stepped in the passenger seat.

Yesterday, Morning Bulletin reporter Melinda Siegmeier drew the short straw at work and was faced with the task of being a passenger in the Toyota V6 Hilux Heroes display at the Rockhampton Show.

But she put on a brave face, strapped on an attractive helmet and buckled up next to driver Jack Monkhouse.

It didn't take long for her to realise my favourite high heels probably weren't the best footwear option - they ended up covered in mud.

At age 27, Jack was the youngest of the Heroes team, and she had to admit she was a little nervous at first.

However his skill behind the wheel was quickly proven as we spun, jumped and hit high speeds through the mud.

Even though driving takes a lot of skill, Jack still managed to chat about his job as she tightly gripped each side of the seat.

Jack moved from Adelaide to become part of the team, which is based in Sydney.

"It's pretty good driving cars for a living - it's good fun," he said.

"But days like today make it hard."

The rain meant the display was cut down for safety reasons.

Because of Rockhampton's recent rainfall, their usual display had to be cut down for safety reasons.

Show-goers missed out on seeing the cars jump over three stationary cars, a four-car cross over and two-wheel driving.

Jack said the utes were standard Hiluxes with new exhaust systems to make them louder, and new suspension.

A slice of life in the fast lane was definitely worth it yesterday, and Melinda was actually glad I was forced to hop in the car.

If you missed yesterday's performances, don't worry - they'll be on again today and tomorrow at 1.30pm, 5.15pm and 8pm in the main ring at Rockhampton Showgrounds.

cool_dude69

June 5th, 2008, 08:14 AM

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR NEXT STAGE OF ROCKY HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT

Local builder J.M. Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd has been awarded a $49.4 million contract for the next stage of the $74 million redevelopment of the Rockhampton Base Hospital, Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten and Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced today.

Mr Schwarten said the project would include a new emergency department with more than double the capacity; a new rehabilitation, learning and development building; a four-level extension to the clinical services building; and refurbishment of the existing clinical services building.

He said an additional 30 general medical beds will also be added and the hospital’s maternity, paediatrics, renal dialysis and rehabilitation units will be refurbished.

“This project will result in improved observation and treatment of patients, and a better work environment for staff,” Mr Schwarten said.

“It will also assist in recruiting and retaining more emergency department clinicians.”

“I’m delighted a local builder has been the successful tenderer as it means more local jobs for Rockhampton workers.

“Work is expected to start by the end of the month and be completed in November 2010,” he said.

“J.M Kelly are currently finalising work on the $8.4 million staff accommodation at the hospital.

“It was also responsible for the replacement and relocation of the hospital’s blood bank building at a cost of $1.8 million and the construction of the new oral health building.”

Mr Robertson said work would start this month on the project with the emergency department due to be completed next year and other facilities ready by 2010.

“The redevelopment will significantly expand the emergency department, doubling its physical size to:
• increase bed numbers from nine cubicles to 18 cubicles;
• increase observation bays from four bays to six bays, including a
dedicated isolation cubicle which the hospital previously did not have;
• increase resuscitation bays from one bay to three bays; and
• create a new dedicated space for medical offices/administration.

“In addition to 30 additional general medical beds, the maternity, paediatrics, renal dialysis and rehabilitation units will be relocated and refurbished.

“There will also be a new staff training and development centre created by the expansion.”
Mr Robertson said the improvements would ensure the hospital continued to meet the growing needs of the local community and region.

“The State Government is working to improve the community’s access to quality health services in the area,” he said.

“The Rockhampton Hospital redevelopment is part of a greater plan to deliver improved services for Central Queensland.

“The hospital’s $7 million oral health facility upgrade opened last November and we are delivering more health projects in the region including:

• $22.6 million Yeppoon Hospital redevelopment with work to commence
soon;
• $14.75 million Gladstone Community, Mental and Oral Health upgrade,
which is nearing completion; and
• $1.5 million Moura Private Practice Clinic which will be complete
later this year.”

cool_dude69

June 7th, 2008, 11:55 AM

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cool_dude69

June 7th, 2008, 12:57 PM

http://qldcoalition.org.au/news/Article.aspx?ID=2401
Rockhampton’s 20 year infrastructure planning under way
Monday, 19 May 2008

Rockhampton’s transport, water and community infrastructure needs were in the spotlight today during the State Opposition’s Building a Better Queensland Regional Infrastructure Forum.

State Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Infrastructure and Planning Minister Fiona Simpson, along with Shadow Minister for Northern Development Ted Malone, met with local industry and community representatives to discuss infrastructure projects needed to support the sustainable growth and development of the Rockhampton region.

The forum will help the Opposition develop a 20-year infrastructure plan for the region.

Ms Simpson said the area’s infrastructure needs had been poorly planned by the Beattie-Bligh Labor Government and the Opposition were committed to driving a fair go for the region.

"Adequate infrastructure is the backbone of the Rockhampton community," Ms Simpson said.

"Our vision will see the right infrastructure development put in place at the right time to encourage sustainable growth.

"Queensland’s high growth has not been decentralised or accompanied by timely infrastructure. People are sitting in traffic longer, regions are becoming overcrowded or neglected and key services aren’t keeping up with growth.

"It’s time to build a better Queensland by embracing true decentralisation throughout all regions, creating good transport linkages and getting the right plans in place."

Ms Simpson said the best people to advise the Opposition on the needs of the Rockhampton region were the people who live, work and play there each day.

"This is about the people of the region having a say on the priorities they want to see put in place by the State Government to create a sustainable future with well-managed growth," she said.

The Rockhampton Regional Infrastructure Forum is part of a state-wide series being run by the Opposition throughout May and June.

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

June 8th, 2008, 09:21 AM

Finally, thanks for always putting up news Travis!

cool_dude69

June 16th, 2008, 02:56 AM

Tourists seek the 'Reef to Outback' experience
June 16, 2008

GERMAN tourists Sabrina Frank and Andy Rohde hit Rockhampton yesterday afternoon on their year-long Australian odyssey.

And they are part of a rising trend that is bringing increasing numbers of international visitors to Central Queensland.

While numbers of foreign tourists are down for Queensland and the rest of Australia, they are up 5% in CQ.

A report published by Capricorn Tourism says the region is high on the must-visit list when international visitors arrive in the country.

Alan Chamberlain, general manager of Capricorn Tourism, said the success was the result of a long-term strategic plan to reach out to new international markets.

He said the airport was a huge drawcard and said increasing numbers of visitors were searching for new, different and exciting experiences away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Almost 700,000 passengers used the airport in the last year.

"Central Queensland offers excellent value for money and a diverse range of genuine and new experiences for international visitors and we will be working hard to take the best possible advantage of the interest," he said.

The organisation has just launched a campaign aimed at foreign visitors.

"Reef to Outback an undiscovered Australian journey" suggests three, six or 11-day itineraries for making the most of the Great Barrier Reef, Rockhampton, the gemfields and the Outback.

Campaigns might work for some, but for Sabrina and Andy it was word-of-mouth that brought them to Rockhampton yesterday.

"We met another German couple on our journey and they told us they had fallen in love with Great Keppel Island. They said it was so beautiful so we decided to see it for ourselves," said Andy.

He thought they would stay in Central Queensland for at least a couple of weeks.

At the Capricornia Tourism information centre on Gladstone Road, trainee travel consultant Tara Holmes said there was a constant stream of visitors from abroad.

"Most of the foreign visitors are aware that Rocky is the Beef Capital and many come to find the best steak," she said.

cool_dude69

June 21st, 2008, 09:53 AM

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Crane at the Rockhampton Base Hospital....Pic from TMB.

cool_dude69

June 21st, 2008, 10:03 AM

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<NEW LOOK MORNING BULLETIN COMING IN 2 WEEKS>

cool_dude69

June 22nd, 2008, 11:55 PM

Council's $1m zoo bungle
June 21, 2008

A MILLION dollar communication bungle has put the Rockhampton Zoo upgrade in jeopardy.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Brad Carter this week confirmed council had received a letter advising it of a $1m State Government grant, but he couldn't pinpoint why it wasn't passed onto the correct department.

The promised funding, secured from the Regional Centres Program, was originally dependent on the zoo and chimpanzee facility upgrade being completed by March 9, next year.

The mayor said he wasn't sure now when the project, which had already started, would be finished.

Cr Carter said it was unclear where the breakdown in communication had occurred, but said ultimately the responsibility landed on the desk of the organisation's chief executive.

"I know that the letter had formally been received by council, I had discussed that matter with the CEO (ex-acting CEO Gary Stevenson), about the commitment of the State Government, but in terms of why that wasn't known to the parks department, I have no idea," he said.

"There's no conspiracy theory to do with the piece of correspondence not catching up with the action officers.

"We're reviewing the management structure and reviewing a whole range of procedures and processes for the new council and through a combination of both; and bedding down a new management structure, this should not occur again.

"I don't know what the previous council arrangements were in handling that item of correspondence, I don't know if the issue got caught up with the amalgamation and management changes."

He could not provide a revised deadline for the completion of the upgrade, but said construction had already begun on the new chimpanzee habitat.

He's hopeful council will be able to get an extension from the Queensland Government and retain the funding.

He was optimistic about the zoo's chances.

Cr Carter said the upgrade had also been delayed by the change in Federal Government, from which council hoped to receive a matching $1 million in funding.

RRC has committed a guaranteed $300,000 for the zoo upgrade from its 2008/9 budget.

Designs for the new zoo were complete, he said, with a focus on fauna conservation as well as animal displays; and potential for a snake shaped serpentine display to be built.

Council this week established a working group, comprising councillors Sandra O'Brien, Greg Belz and Rose Swadling, to work with council officers to take the project forward.

Cr Carter said he hoped $2.3 million would "go a long way" to transforming the facility over the next five to 10 years.

While he intended to enlist the help of Federal Member for Capricornia, Kirsten Livermore, in gaining Federal Government funding, Cr Carter said any development at the zoo would be financially "prudent".

cool_dude69

June 22nd, 2008, 11:56 PM

Multicultural Fair axed
June 21, 2008

SHARBAREE Biswas and her kids can't believe their favourite day of the year, Central Queensland's Multicultural Fair, has been axed.

Ms Biswas said she was disappointed to hear the fair, believed to be Rockhampton's biggest day event of the year, was now off the calendar.

"I've been in Rockhampton for the past four years and myself and my family have been involved every year," she said.

"My children perform, and we've had food stalls.

"We really enjoy the day."

The Central Queensland Multicultural Association and Central Queensland University yesterday agreed to discontinue the annual event, held in August, instead opting to introduce a number of smaller events during the year.

CQMA president Lavenia James said it was time for a change.

"The fair has been a wonderful expression of community support for many years, but the Multicultural Association believes it's time for something new," she said.

"The fair was also once a year, and frankly, we want for there to be more activities spread throughout the year at different locations involving more people."

CQU has announced a $25,000 multicultural partnership fund for community group projects, with one project proposal being an International Food Festival later this year.

Organisers said they would like to take Central Queenslanders on a culinary trip to experience the aromas and tastes of worldwide cuisine with foods of India, Pakistan, Thailand, China, South and Central America and more.

Ms Biswas, a representative of the Bangladesh community in Rockhampton, said she was interested to see what other events were being proposed.

"Hopefully these events will be something we can take our families and children to them," she said.

"We have 24 families in our community now, and everybody got involved in the fair in different ways.

"Five or six families organise food, and a lot of the children perform.

"If the new idea improves the cultural situation, then it might be okay."

cool_dude69

June 23rd, 2008, 01:57 AM

Sleek new look for CQU
June 23, 2008

IT'S got an annual budget of $250.million and it's had almost as many reincarnations as Madonna and this week, Central Queensland University will become ... CQUniversity.

Research for the re-structure cost $250,000 and the implementation has inflated the institution's marketing budget by an extra $1.5.million, to about $5million annually.

In a region with increasingly rich industry and employment opportunities for job-seekers, the re-launch will help it to remain an attractive career option.

CQUniversity is a response to the increasingly individual needs of a new breed of students, many of whom get jobs first, and then think about study.

"What we're really announcing is a different way of operating and doing business," Vice Chancellor and President Professor John Rickard said.

In the last 18 months, it's undergone a significant restructure and cut down from five faculties to three.

"We've surveyed almost 5000 students, staff and others to learn more about ourselves and have spent the last two years working on inconsistencies with our resources, facilities and services that sometimes frustrate and disappoint our students and customers," Professor Rickard said.

"Have we fixed it all? No, but there are at least 12 major projects under way across the university to improve our performance."

Researchers discovered that awareness of the university wasn't as high as they had previously hoped - another issue the re-branding will deal with.

The university's domestic student-base has declined by 3% over the last five years, but its marketers attribute this to more students choosing to study via distance and part-time options; and to significant shift in overseas student demand to the vocational sector.

Then of course, there's Queensland's booming natural resources sector, prompted the institution to develop courses compatible with the mining industry.

With a new website already up and running (www.cqu.edu.au); the official re-launch takes place at the North Rockhampton campus on Thursday.

Sleek new branding will be installed on signs and billboards around the city complete with a new logo.

The complete rollout of the CQUniversity brand across the university's 10 sites is expected to take 18 months.

The evolution of the higher-learning institute's brand has included Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education, University College of Central Queensland, University of Central Queensland and most recently, Central Queensland University.
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Old Logo
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New Logo
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cool_dude69

June 23rd, 2008, 04:31 AM

CQU worth more than $300 million a year to Rocky region
15 June, 2008

An "understated" research report has concluded that Central Queensland University generates more than $334 million in economic outputs and expenditure for the Rockhampton region each year.

The report remarks on impacts such as employment effects of 3017 jobs and employment income of $163.63 million and takes into account ripple effects.

"The results of the economic modeling demonstrate the substantial contribution CQU makes to the economy in the Rockhampton region," says lead report author Professor John Rolfe.

Professor Rolfe says CQU's annual impacts have been predicted based on the most realistic ‘counter scenario', where the University did not exist.

Under the counter scenario, there would be no operating expenditure, staff expenditure, international students or 50% of domestic students (assuming at least half would go elsewhere for tertiary study).

"The economic impact of CQU on the Rockhampton region is estimated at $89,919 per student at the Rockhampton Campus," the report says.

"Clearly, the impact of running operations across distance education and a variety of campuses, particularly the international ones, are generating substantial benefits to the Rockhampton economy."

Professor Rolfe said the economic impacts are likely to be an understatement of the contribution of the University to the local economy.

He says other key ways in which the University helps to stimulate the local economy include:

- the direct provision of skilled labour and training in the workforce through contributions to human capital;
- indirect contributions to the social capital of the region;
- helping to attract skilled labour and other services to the region; and
- Contributions through research activities.
The Institute for Sustainable Regional Development report was authored by Professor Rolfe with assistance from Wei Cui and Liz Sidiropoulous, and took into account techniques honed by other reports into the economic impacts of universities elsewhere in Australia.

cool_dude69

June 29th, 2008, 06:51 AM

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Fitzroy River Coal Terminal

The Rockhampton Regional Development board room was buzzing on Monday as Patrice Brown from CQ Environmental unveiled an initial advice statement for a proposed Fitzroy River Coal Terminal.

The proposal, which is being developed with the support of major Queensland coal interests and Scorpio Shipping Management, will provide a low impact, timely solution that will compliment the port project at nearby Wiggins Island and potential future development at Port Alma.

The proposed terminal would include a “drop off” area, south of Rockhampton where coal would either be stored in a silo or a stockpile area, before being transported on barges down the Fitzroy River to an off-shore transhipment facility for loading onto cargo ships.

The $400 million project would be able to handle 15 million tonnes of coal per year, primarily from the Blackwater and Moura area mines. The report has proposed three different locations for a rail line into the project area.

The initial advice statement (IAS) released by CQ Environmental was commissioned by Fitzroy Terminal Pty Ltd and Queensland Rail (QR), in partnership with Scorpio Shipping and an unnamed coal company.

_____________________
I Will post more information later

Red Nut

June 29th, 2008, 06:58 AM

Very interesting, coal is sending Mackay, Rocky and Gladstone into overdrive and now we're seeing proposals like these being put together. They've recently begun a study looking into undertaking a similar option at the Port of Mackay, but that would take coal right through the heart of the city and won't likely get up.

The proposed terminal would include a “drop off” area, south of Rockhampton where coal would either be stored in a silo or a stockpile area, before being transported on barges down the Fitzroy River to an off-shore transhipment facility for loading onto cargo ships.

What does it mean by 'transported on barges down the Fitzroy River to an off-shore transhipment facility'? I'm trying hard to visualise this but I can't...

cool_dude69

June 29th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Very interesting, coal is sending Mackay, Rocky and Gladstone into overdrive and now we're seeing proposals like these being put together. They've recently begun a study looking into undertaking a similar option at the Port of Mackay, but that would take coal right through the heart of the city and won't likely get up.

What does it mean by 'transported on barges down the Fitzroy River to an off-shore transhipment facility'? I'm trying hard to visualise this but I can't...

more info at these websites

http://www.frct.com.au/pdfs/2-Description.pdf
http://www.frct.com.au/pdfs/4-Need.pdf
http://www.frct.com.au/

cool_dude69

July 1st, 2008, 11:54 AM

Media Releases
Home > Council Services > News and Announcements > Media Releases

Sister City re-signing

The Rockhampton region will celebrate the re-signing of a relationship that is more than a quarter of a century old on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 when Mayor Taharasako, from our Japanese Sister City of Ibusuki visits our region.

There have been changes to the re-signing celebrations, and Mayor Taharasako and the Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council, Cr Brad Carter, will now re-sign the Sister City Agreement at a ceremony at The Shearing Shed at the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council, Cr Brad Carter said it was decided to change the plans for the re-signing celebrations to include an indoor venue rather than an outdoor venue, due to the cold of a winter’s night.

“As the Sister City re-signing celebrations fall in the middle of winter, we thought an indoor venue would be best and we’re encouraging families with young children to come along to help us celebrate the occasion,” Cr Carter said.

If you would like to attend the re-signing celebrations, bookings are essential for catering purposes. Please RSVP to the Mayor’s Office before Friday, July 4 by phoning 4936 8294.

The Rockhampton Region's Sister City relationship with Ibusuki began more than 25 years ago, after signing the first Sister City Agreement on November 21, 1980.

After Ibusuki underwent an amalgamation in 2006, former Rockhampton Mayor, Margaret Strelow and former Rockhampton City Council CEO, Gary Stevenson travelled to Ibusuki to re-sign the Sister City Agreement

This July, Ibusuki Mayor Mr Taharasako will travel to our region to re-sign the Sister City Agreement with the new Rockhampton Regional Council.

Mayor Taharasako will be accompanied by Ibusuki City Council Chairman Mr Shinguryo and Kaori Hanaki.

cool_dude69

July 7th, 2008, 07:02 AM

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Mining boom hits city

THE mining boom is behind a surge in commercial and industrial property prices in Rockhampton.

Interest in vacant and developed land in Parkhurst is coming from companies outisde the region who are prepared to pay benchmark prices to establish places closer to the Bowen Basin. Real-estate agents can't keep up with demand.
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Waiting list grows as commercial demand on the rise
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Pat O'Driscoll commerical real-estate agents Chris O'Driscoll and Neale Crow are dicovering the booming industrial market at Parkhurst

Parkhurst is state's new industrial boom suburb

PARKHURST is quickly becoming the place to buy when it comes to commercial land in Rockhampton, and real-estate agent Neale Crow has a waiting list to prove it.

The Pat O'Driscoll commerical agent wasn't surprised to hear this week that Herron Todd White pin-pointed the spot as an industrial market boom suburb.

"There is a lot enquiry coming from Mackay, Gladstone and Brisbane and massive demand for up to 8000 square metres.

"It is a real emerging market and it's quite exciting," he said.

Mr Crow, who currently has 20 people on waiting lists for industrial land, said the interest was mostly coming from the mining sector and Discovery Industrial Estate has already seen the evidence.

"Twelve lots went to the market and we already have 8 to go to contract," he said.

"If you're exporting from the Bowen Basin, you are much better off basing work sites here to cut travel costs."

Herron Todd White market reseachers this week said Rockhampton's industrial market was continuing to strengthen with increases in vacant commercial land values as well as increases in the volume of sales over the past two years. And the proof is in the pudding.

A two-hectare site at Parkhurst which was bought for $700,000 was recently sold for $1.8 million. Vacant allotments are fetching up to $105 a square metre, which developed subdivisions whichi boast tilt-up slab warehouses are comanding rents of approximately $170 a sqaure metr, well about the average of $100 to $120.

The report said achieving rents at that level provided incentive to warrant construction.

A 2.7 hectare site on Richardson Road in North Rockhampton is also under contract for $4.2 million and older warehouses on the fringe of the CBD are achieving benchmark price levels.

cool_dude69

July 7th, 2008, 08:46 AM

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Country fresh air and cool mountain breezes. This new acreage development is situated on the edge of the city, with only a short 5 minute drive to schools, shopping centres & the Central Queensland University - you can now enjoy the quiet rural neighbourhood with all the convenience of living in town. These easy to build on, level homesites are selling quickly... with only a few opportunities remaining...

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Forest Park - is a growing community with distinction, character and appeal.

Forest Park - these residential precincts of Forest Park are part of a master planned estate that is designed to maximise capital growth for the fortunate home owner.

Forest Park will become your private residential sanctum, with green lawns, rolling parklands and modern housing styles.

That special place where you can shut out the world and relax in your home.

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The Meadows is conveniently located just 10km from the Rockhampton CBD on James Street, Gracemere.

The estate is close to a host of amenities including public transport, child care centres, primary schools, medical centre, RSL and a new shopping complex to be constructed soon.

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Panorama Heights Estate is a prestigious land development with houses in the vicinity of $550,000. These last remaining blocks in this estate have all been levelled, retained and your builder can start building your dream home.

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Surrounded by natural bushland and quality new homes, this exciting new development offers fresh, modern living in an unbeatable location. Situated within easy walking distance of shops, schools and the Central Queensland University, residents will enjoy an unparalleled lifestyle within their own private sanctuary.

Encompassing 25 architecturally designed units and townhouses, Platinum North offers a variety of contemporary floor plans designed with today’s lifestyle in mind. With luxurious features such as bifold doors, spa baths, private balconies and Caesarstone bench tops, this development offers the ultimate in affordable contemporary living.

This exclusive community boasts fully maintained resort style gardens, as well as a sparkling in ground pool with BBQ pavilion for residents to enjoy.

Unique to this area, Platinum North is a quality development in a prime location, with the potential for excellent investor returns.

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BSD

July 7th, 2008, 08:49 AM

Nice and small urban releases aye. One opinion, why does develop on flood prone areas prior to Fitzroy River?

cool_dude69

July 7th, 2008, 08:52 AM

I can't understand the last part of your post:)

BSD

July 7th, 2008, 08:54 AM

Okay making it easier. Why those estates develop on flood prone areas near the famous Fitzroy?

Thank you Cool Dude, that is very polite! :)

cool_dude69

July 7th, 2008, 08:59 AM

some of these estates might be near the river, but they aren't actually in flood prone areas.

BSD

July 7th, 2008, 09:01 AM

No worries mate. Just checking because i wouldn't like to see another natural disaster to drown people in front of the public media!

Some of ours are in flood prone areas expect the 80% of our newly built estates are on hilly areas especially Lennox/Skennars Head and along the Cumbalum Ridge as best example.

cool_dude69

July 10th, 2008, 02:39 AM

Customs House plans delayed by red tape

July 10, 2008

THE rebirth of Rockhampton's Customs House as a riverside function centre has been pushed back until next year while council secures EPA approval.

Da Berto's restaurant owner Dominique McGregor originally planned to open a wine bar, cafe and function space in the Quay Street building by October, but now fears air-conditioning will not be completed in the upstairs function space until Christmastime; with no firm date for the downstairs refurbishment.

Rockhampton Regional Council, who is conducting the renovation, were yet to secure the EPA approvals necessary for a Heritage-listed building, she said.

A council spokesperson could not confirm any delay or otherwise regarding EPA applications yesterday, but said the EPA processes for approval may still be in progress. Council said three project officers were working on the refurbishment.

"I'm still excited, it's just dampened a little bit," Ms McGregor said.
Despite the air-conditioning hold-up, she was still hopeful to get in and open at least the downstairs wine bar by October.

"It was supposed to be ready by September/October," Ms McGregor said.
"I've organised a lot of staff around that time, all my top management staff, so I'm still hoping we can come to some sort of arrangement and push along downstairs.

"Hopefully by October I'll be feeding someone!"

Ms McGregor said she was disappointed at the delay, but optimistic about getting started.

The State Government has also contributed $400,000 from Q150 Legacy Infrastructure funds towards the refurbishment.

Council will contribute $870,000 towards Customs House's transformation into a function centre with a commercial kitchen, and upgrades to public amenities.

cool_dude69

July 12th, 2008, 09:45 AM

McLaughlin Street Industrial Park - Opening October 2009

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rockhampton.c.qld

July 12th, 2008, 10:08 AM

McLaughlin Street Industrial Park - Opening October 2009

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Any idea as to who will be moving in at this point?

cool_dude69

July 12th, 2008, 12:43 PM

New Recycling Service

Rockhampton Regional Council is doing its bit to protect the environment with the introduction in July 2008 of a new recycling service for domestic residents of Rockhampton and Gracemere.

The new wheelie bin with a yellow lid will replace the existing bag you currently use to collect some recyclable products.

Through participation in the existing "bag" recycling collection, the Rockhampton community has demonstrated that it is willing to make a significant effort to minimise waste and maximise the amount of material that can be recycled.

These efforts can now have a greater impact on conserving valuable resources and reducing pressure on the current landfill at Lakes Creek, through the collection of a broader range of materials.

The current recycling service is more than 15 years old and while it has served the community well, it is time to modernise the collection system and make it more efficient.

The introduction of wheelie bins for recycling provides a tidy and cost effective way to enhance the service and recover more, valuable resources.

For more information contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77.

cool_dude69

July 12th, 2008, 01:03 PM

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Plenty of accommodation projects in the pipeline

ROCKHAMPTON's tourism industry is set for expansion with a number of major developments projects in the pipeline.

At the end of December 2007, the city had 1445 hotel rooms. This is set to increase.

An economic impact assessment prepared by Urban Economic in May for a major hotel development near the Rockhampton Airport said some of the larger projects included:

The Edge - will provide 120 units in a mix of long term, and overnight accommodation. This project is expected to be complete by late this year.
The former St John's Hospital site , on the corner of Bolsover and Albert Streets. It's set to become a 200-room accommodation building with cafes and restaurants.
An 89-room hotel with restaurants and shops which has been approved along Bolsover Street in the CBD (this is believed to be a Country Comfort project)
An accommodation building with 100 units, conference facilities and restaurants is set proposed as part of the Wintergarden development.
A 150-unit building with 100 long term, short term and overnight accommodation rooms has been proposed for the Church's Building Site on the corner of Fiztroy and East Streets.
The Centrepoint mega-centre which has been proposed to include over 300 accommodation units, a cinema, restaurants and retail has been proposed between Derby and Stanley Streets.
FAST FACTS

As of December 2007, Rocky has 1445 rooms/units.

The city's biggest hotels currently are:

*Leichhardt Hotel - 96 rooms
*Travelodge - 72 rooms
*Plaza Hotel - 66 rooms
*Centrepoint - 60 rooms

Visitor numbers in Rockhampton are set to increase from 529,000 in 2007 to 700,000 in 2011.

Domestic airport passenger numbers are expected to climb to 730,000 a year in Rockhampton. International airport passenger numbers are also expected to climb to 12,000 a year.

Rockhampton's tourism industry is somewhat lagging behind more established areas in Queensland. However there is a positive outlook for the future.

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

July 15th, 2008, 02:23 AM

BSD

July 15th, 2008, 04:28 AM

Wow are you serious? We had that for ages lol.

JayT

July 15th, 2008, 05:05 AM

Wow are you serious? We had that for ages lol.

With little towns like Ballina its easier to implement changes than say in a City like Rockhampton.

j

rockhampton.c.qld

July 15th, 2008, 08:01 AM

When do these bins get introduced? Will every household get one?

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

July 15th, 2008, 11:13 AM

Yeah, weird huh?

cool_dude69

July 15th, 2008, 12:38 PM

not at first, just people who currently used to povo recycling bags, but by the end of the year, most houses should have them.

and the bins will be introduced this month, it says so in the first paragraph:)

cool_dude69

July 15th, 2008, 02:57 PM

First new coal port in 25 years planned for Qld mines
Tuesday 15 July 2008
The Queensland Government is considering plans for a new $5.3 billion coal port between Rockhampton and Mackay to service coal boom-basins Bowen, the Galilee and Surat.

The proposal from Waratah Coal would be the first new coal mine built in Australia in a quarter of a century.

It’s one of three plans being considered by the Government to deliver a 40 percent coal export increase for the State.

Premier Anna Bligh says the plans are a "quantum leap" for Queensland’s coal industry.

"These projects could see this State fully harness the opportunities the resources boom can offer by delivering a 40 percent increase in our coal exporting capacity," she says.

The Waratah Coal proposal will see a new mine built near Alpha, with the potential to produce 25 million tonnes of terminal coal for export per annum.

The new port, to be built at Shoalwater Bay between Rockhampton and Mackay, will have a capacity of up to 100 million tonnes of coal per annum.

A new 500km rail line – reaching from the Galilee basin to the new port – would open the region to coal exports for the first time.

Defence Force land is being targeted for the project so that adjacent Byfield National Park will not be affected.

The State Opposition has already questioned the plan, which Opposition Leader Laurence Springborg calls a "shock announcement".

He says Port Alma, at the southern tip of the Fitzroy River downstream from Rockhampton, already handles significant shipments of fertiliser, explosives, salt, beef and scrap metal.

"It's midway between Rockhampton and Gladstone and right up till last week it was to be the new big port for Central Queensland," he says.

"Now, this morning, we hear from the Premier that her Government is planning a major new coal loader at Shoalwater Bay."

"I'm sure the people of Yeppoon will have something to say about this, as will anyone who's concerned about the sensitive environment around Byfield National Park."

OTHER PROPOSALS
The second proposal, the Bowen Basin Growth Project, consists of two new mines at Daunia and Caval Ridge and an expansion of the existing Gooyella Riverside Mine north of Moranbah.

The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance proposal could boost coal exports in the area by about 20 million tonnes.

"Both these major coal mining proposals have been declared 'significant projects' by the Coordinator-General and will now undergo a rigorous environmental assessment process," Bligh says.

A third proposal – for a 30 million tonnes-a-year open cut coal mine near Wandoan by a consortium led Xstrata Coal – was declared a significant project in December last year.

"My Government is determined that this State should be in a position to take advantage of our abundance of natural resources," Bligh says. "That is why our work with industry, searching for clean coal solutions, is so important.

BSD

July 16th, 2008, 02:05 AM

Hey, another coal stuff again. No more CO2's please!!!!!!!!!!!

All good now!

cool_dude69

July 16th, 2008, 02:13 AM

Shoalwater Bay considered for new coal port
July 16, 2008

THE Rockhampton region is set to reap the rewards of a proposed major $5.3 billion coal project, which includes Australia's first deep water coal port to be built in 25 years.

Premier Anna Bligh yesterday said the government was considering a new coal port to be built at Shoalwater Bay, 90km north-east of Rockhampton.

The proposal by Waratah Coal includes a new mine near Alpha, allowing for 25 million tonnes of thermal coal to be produced for export each year.

The port would have a million tonne a year capacity, and would be connected to the mine by a new 500km rail line.

"The project is expected to create around 2200 jobs during construction and some 760 permanent jobs during operation," she said.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg yesterday called for more information about the new coal port to be released, after the government indicated last week that Port Alma would be upgraded to provide increased port and coal shipping capacity for the region.

The government said the proposed Port Alma upgrade and Fitzroy River port would not be affected by the latest proposal.

Mr Springborg said the local community would be concerned about the impact on the sensitive environment around Byfield National Park.

Ms Bligh said the government was in discussions about using Australian Defence Force land, so the adjacent Byfield National Park was not affected.

A Defence spokesperson said the southern part of Bay's Training Area was being considered.

It is expected the draft environmental impact statements for the new proposals will be released by late September.

Red Nut

July 16th, 2008, 04:54 AM

Wow, this will be the biggest thing to happen in Shoalwater bay for years (beyond Military exercises). I wonder what the closest community (besides Rockhampton) would be to this area... Marlborough?

cool_dude69

July 16th, 2008, 08:25 AM

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I'd say it just depend where abouts in Shoalwater Bay the thing will be built, it could be Marlborough or Byfield.

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

July 16th, 2008, 10:00 AM

$5.3billion, heaps.. how much would it put into the economy, a town would grow with 760 jobs, and their families!

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

July 16th, 2008, 10:01 AM

Economy of rocky

cool_dude69

July 16th, 2008, 12:50 PM

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cool_dude69

July 20th, 2008, 11:26 AM

Rocky hosts FuelWatch inquiry

Posted Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:35am AEST

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Rockhampton is the only regional destination the inquiry will visit in Queensland. (ABC)

The inquiry into the Federal Government's proposed FuelWatch scheme moves to Rockhampton in central Queensland today.

The Senate Committee held hearings in Brisbane yesterday and Rockhampton is the only regional destination it will visit in Queensland.

The inquiry will hear submissions from industry groups on the scheme which would require service stations to publish fuel prices 24 hours in advance.

The committee's chairwoman, Senator Annette Hurley, says today's hearing will be about giving regional Queenslanders a say in the process.
"We're very interested in regional areas of course because we want to get the perspective from around the country," she said.

"We do expect some different comments from Rockhampton and we'll be very interested to see what happens there."

RACQ spokesman Gary Fites says the proposal will not help Queenslanders outside the south-east.

"Regional motorists by definition virtually will always pay more than metropolitan motorists so they need every opportunity they can to buy as well as they can," he said.

"That's why we'd like to see a FuelWatch which provides quality information to motorists rather than any over-regulatory approach which could in fact see motorists pay more."

cool_dude69

July 20th, 2008, 12:22 PM

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Project Area Map
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Project Investigation Areas
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Option 1A
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Option 1C
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Option 2B
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cool_dude69

July 20th, 2008, 12:23 PM

Information

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cool_dude69

July 20th, 2008, 12:28 PM

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Buildings Closest to the Proposed FRCT
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Project timeline
Project timing is dependent on a number of internal and external factors, including securing approvals. The proposed timing list below is for planning purposes.

Table 3 Proposed timeline for Fitzroy River Coal Terminal Project
Submission of IAS and commencement of EIS process
Mid 2008
Referral to Australian Government (EBPC)
Mid 2008
Development of Terms of Reference
Mid 2008
EIS on public display
Late 2008/ early 2009
Supplementary EIS (if required)
Early 2009
Coordinator General’s Report
Mid 2009
Commence land acquisition
Mid 2009
Approvals
Late 2009
Commence onsite construction
Late 2009/early 2010
Commissioning
Late 2010/ early 2011

cool_dude69

July 21st, 2008, 12:59 PM

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BIODIESEL FOR FUTURE

Diesel users take heed...for the first time ever, Central Queensland is set to see the introduction of an alternative fuel choice. After undergoing intense research and development, Biodiesel will be available in Rockhampton within two months.

cool_dude69

July 24th, 2008, 10:25 AM

Rocky is CQs Tidiest Town!
http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/thumbnail.ashx?filename=~/Uploads/14446/14446-Tidy_Towns_009.jpg&width=300
Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland CEO, Carole Miller with Mr Graham Clark, Manager Ergon Energy Regional Services, Central and Mayor Cr Brad Carter - celebrating Rockhampton's win as CQ's Tidiest Town.

Date Published:24/07/2008

Today was the day that reinforced why we live in one of the best regions in Central Queensland, with Rockhampton taking out the Ergon Energy 2008 CQ Regional Tidy Town Award for the second consecutive year, ahead of 23 other contenders from the Central Queensland region.

The announcement was made in the Rockhampton Regional Council Reception Room in Rockhampton today where Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council, Cr Brad Carter was presented with the prestigious award.

“This is well deserved praise for Rockhampton to receive the award of CQ’s Tidiest Town two years running, recognising and rewarding the outstanding work done by Council, community groups and volunteers across the city,” Cr Carter said.

“The Ergon Energy Tidy Towns competition is about so much more than just having a clean town, and our community can feel proud, knowing other people recognise and appreciate the beauty, friendliness and livability of our City,” he said.

Other areas of our region also being presented Regional Outstanding Achievement Awards this year:

Rockhampton – Grundfos Pumps Queensland’s Sustainable City
Stanage Bay - Australia Post Bush Spirit Award
Yeppoon - Do the Right Thing Resource Recovery Award sponsored by the Packaging Stewardship Forum
Emu Park - OneSteel Recycling Partnerships Award
James Fleming from Emu Park State School - MINT Individual Outstanding Accomplishment Award (awarded at the regional level only).
Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Cawarral, Marlborough, Keppel Sands, Stanage Bay, Ogmore and The Caves were all placed under the microscope from May 26 to June 2 when judging for the Ergon Energy Tidy Towns competition took place.

In entering this competition, our unique communities were judged on environmental innovation and protection, visitor hospitality, cultural and natural heritage preservation, resource management, youth initiatives, and community action and partnerships as well as tidiness and litter abatement.

Cr Carter congratulated everyone involved in helping to make Rockhampton such a beautiful city.
Rockhampton will now go on to compete for the State Title of Queensland’s Tidiest Town, on Setpember 1 in Cairns.

BNE_Kid_in_ROK

July 24th, 2008, 11:11 AM

Saw it, and I'm like, the hell? was in the city today and saw a businesses 4 rubbish bins tipped all over the road on corner of East and Bolsover Lane

stardust27

July 27th, 2008, 02:42 AM

Hi I am new on here and have really enjoyed reading about the future projects in Rocky. Can't wait for the new stocklands to open. I wonder if any of you know what is planned for that ugly corner old building at East street and Fitzroy street near the Criterion Hotel. it is a real eyesore and do you think a casino will really be built here

cool_dude69

July 27th, 2008, 03:12 AM

well first off, welcome to the forums, it's awesome to see more and more people from Rocky on here:):)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=656280
This is what has been proposed for the Churchs Building's site on the corner of Fitzroy and East Streets.

It would be good to see a casino built here, but i really can't see it happening anytime soon.

Burden

July 30th, 2008, 01:16 AM

EDIT

Rockvegas

July 30th, 2008, 01:18 AM

Rocky on target for $25m luxury Barracks hotel

July 30, 2008

http://media.apn.co.nz/regionals/ausmornbull/pics/mil29.jpg
Museum volunteer Joe Lynam backs a plan lodged with council to transform Rockhamptons historic Archer Street Barracks into a $25m luxury hotel

MILITARY museum volunteer Joe Lynam yesterday threw his support behind a plan lodged with council to transform Rockhampton's historic Archer Street Barracks into a luxury hotel.

My Lynam said the development, expected to cost about $25 million, would prove a boom for the city and the museum.

A development application has been lodged with council to turn the 1.13 hectare site into a five-star venue.

The plan is to integrate the heritage buildings, including the drill hall and rifle range, into a themed, luxury hotel complex, called The Barracks.

Key features of the four-level development include a 115-unit motel, a restaurant seating up to 350 people, cocktail lounge, an aquatic centre, day spa and a convention centre.

The application follows closely plans for a classy hotel near the city's airport, which is also before council.

Yesterday, Russell Winnett and Tamara Eyles, both directors of Studio R, a company that specialises in hotels, resorts and luxury apartment complexes and who helped the site's owners Michael and Sharon Wagner, of Rolleston, lodge the application, said the development would bring a new standard of accommodation and dining to Rockhampton.

"There s nothing similar to this throughout Australia," Mr Winnett said. "The whole site is heritage listed and we are making use of the heritage buildings."

Ms Eyles said the "niche" project would be of the highest class and would become a regional landmark.

"There's nothing to this standard in Rockhampton now, or on the horizon, although you hear rumours about all sorts of things," she said.
It was hoped necessary council approvals would be obtained as quickly as possible.

However, realistically, by the time this was done it would probably be well into next year when work started.

The development should be completed in 2010.
The Wagners bought the property at auction for more than $1 million in early 2007.

Burden

July 30th, 2008, 01:20 AM

Why didnt you ask "Jan" to change your name from "Cool_dude" to "RockVages"

Rockvegas

July 30th, 2008, 01:25 AM

Why didnt you ask "Jan" to change your name from "Cool_dude" to "RockVages"

i have asked Jan, but he/she said that names changes aren't allowed.

Jesse24

July 30th, 2008, 01:51 AM

There was just a name change festival lol, see I have a capital J now.

Rockvegas

July 31st, 2008, 03:38 PM

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Rockvegas

August 2nd, 2008, 04:48 AM

Tenders called for Coffee Shop at new Regional Library
Date Published:1/08/2008

Tenders have just been called for the lease of a coffee shop space to be located in the new Rockhampton Regional Library, Bolsover Street.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Cr Brad Carter said this business opportunity would certainly provoke some interest in the community and would be a fitting addition to a magnificent new community resource centre that will become a great meeting place for a coffee, a read and social interaction between all members and ages within the region.

“Council is obviously looking at having the best service provider in the new library,” Cr Carter said.

“An established coffee franchise within the City should not be deterred from considering having an additional outlet in the centre.

“An established name and brand means a great deal to customers and Council is wanting to attract as many people and business it can to the new library and its facilities.

“It will certainly be a major showpiece for the new regional Council,” he said.

It is estimated that on average about 7,000 - 8,000 patrons will visit the new library per month.

Some of the features will include:

Ground Floor - Wireless internet access, lounge areas, kids activity area, youth leisure lounge with big screen TV, Xbox games, listening posts for CDs, outdoor activity area, lending collections including toys, DVDs, CDs, multipurpose room, small exhibition space, self checkout of items
Mezzanine Level – Internet access, sound and film editing facilities, COIN internet training rooms, study/small meeting rooms, reference collection
For more information, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77.

GrammarGrub

August 2nd, 2008, 05:38 AM

Saw that, make me read more books =|

Rockvegas

August 2nd, 2008, 01:16 PM

TMB 16/7/2008

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Rockvegas

August 3rd, 2008, 04:41 AM

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Rockvegas

August 7th, 2008, 01:35 PM

Uni's five star report
August 07, 2008

IF five stars looks good for restaurants then it looks great for CQUniversity, but students Nicci Kingston and Stephanie Ciesiolka feel their uni is not quite perfect.

Hobsons' 2009 Good Universities Guide has awarded CQUniversity five-star ratings in areas including graduate salary, academic services, international enrolments and diversity.

The guide offered congratulations on its achievements for "turning in a very credible performance".

Ms Kingston, a Human Movement/Science student, agreed with many of the ratings, but hoped for more.

"The entry flexibility is good with STEPS and it's good to have smaller classes and labs," she said.

"Distance education has come a long way in three years, but many of the internal classes they had are now external, so there are less classes."

Ms Ciesiolka, a psychology major, said while graduate salaries and outcomes were good, she hoped there were improvements in lecturer availability and the number of classes.

A CQUniversity spokesman said when considering the university's graduate outcomes ratings, the uni outscored every other public university in the state.

"No other public university in Queensland ranks better for salaries, positive graduate outcomes, access and equity or diversity," he said.

"We're providing wide access and our students are achieving excellent results that's what the experts are telling prospective students."

Rockvegas

August 12th, 2008, 07:29 AM

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storm7

August 14th, 2008, 06:49 PM

think about it guys, i live on northside..... sound real sophisticated dont it? there is virtually zero suburb identity to rockhampton. sure there are plenty of actual suburbs but us old hat barn yard folk dont identify it as such. i live in frenchville and refuse to say northside or north rockhampton when quoting my address. its not that i am ashamed of it, on the contrary actually because i have suburban community pride and a little bit of the year 2008 in me. get with the times people please. do you hear people say "i live on northside" from brisbane , sydney or even townsville? absolutely not.they state the suburb they actually reside in. the council have alote to blame as they do not promote community pride and identity . in mackay,townsville cairns and other large urban cities you see suburb sighns anounced on the main roads leading into them. we have berseker but who knows where that ends and park avenue starts? hmmm . real community identity here hey? what do you think guys we dont sound too house proud?

Red Nut

August 19th, 2008, 01:22 AM

Building redrawn

THE MORNING BULLETIN
August 19, 2008

A PROPOSAL to build a $7 million, seven-storey apartment block opposite Rockhampton Hospital has been scaled back amid council concerns the building would be too high.

The Statewide Property Group has submitted a revised proposal to develop a four-storey accommodation building on a block of land off North Street.

The revised development would include a restaurant, shops, underground car park and 48 units.

The project, called The Icon, is expected to accommodate a combination of tourists, medical specialists, staff, patients and their families.

"It will assist in attracting and retaining qualified staff," a report supporting the application by Urban Economics said.

The report said the construction cost of the original application was $7 million, with an overall benefit to the economy of $14.7 million.

Construction would provide work for 50 people.

The building would have been lower than Rockhampton Hospital, which has six levels, even though it would have had more storeys.

Yesterday a council spokesman said an information request had been submitted to the applicant outlining concerns.

While council is happier with the scaled-down version, there are still some smaller concerns to be addressed.

The council is currently awaiting a further response to its information request and the application is yet to reach the public notification stage.

The development is not the only planned large construction project now before council.

Others include an application to build a big hotel near the airport and another to transform the Archer Street Army barracks into an exclusive five-star facility. The Statewide Property Group has submitted a revised proposal to develop a four-storey accommodation building on a block of land off North Street.

Source: http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au

Renni

August 21st, 2008, 09:02 AM

Red Nut

August 22nd, 2008, 02:05 AM

It just keeps getting better for Rocky. Rockvegas, can you highlight on a map where abouts this one will be located? Sounds as though the St. Johns Hospital site has riverfront coverage??

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Great Scott! Adam tees up $100M Rocky apartments

THE MORNING BULLETIN
August 22, 2008

Golf great Adam Scott is teeing up Rockhampton for a future development along Victoria Parade.

A COMPANY controlled by Australian golfing great Adam Scott is the driving force behind a major accommodation development in Rockhampton.

The Morning Bulletin understands the astute sportsman's business entity, The Adam Scott Foundation, plans on starting work on a multi-million-dollar, 200-room apartment complex within the next 12 months.

The business reportedly bought the site of the former St John's Hospital in October last year for $15 million.

The site came with council approval for a major 12-storey development, previously reported as a $90 million to $100 million project.

It's believed a high-profile hotel group has been lined up to head the project.

Yesterday the site, which has been vacant for a number of years, was overgrown with grass.

It's not the only site in the area earmarked for massive expansion.

Rockhampton businessman Solly Stanton, a previous owner of the former St John's Hospital site, plans to lodge an application soon for a 20-storey unit development next door to the hospital. Coldwell Banker's Richard Vanhoff, whose agency handled the former hospital site's most recent sale, said the plan was to turn it into an "iconic building".

"It will be the first time in our region we will have one of the three big hotel banners," Mr Vanhoff said.

"They should be cutting dirt within 12 months."

Mayor Brad Carter yesterday said he'd spoken with a representative of the site's owner.

Cr Carter said he was given every indication the business would proceed with developing the site, which was "fantastic news".

He said the riverfront offered a wonderful development opportunity and he could see good times ahead.

"There is a very good opportunity for investors in our region," Cr Carter said.

Mr Stanton said his application would be lodged as soon as the design was right, within six to 12 months.

He said work had recently finished on a similar-sized high-rise at Townsville, developed by the Hedley Group.

"Things are looking up for Rockhampton," said the former owner of the Silly Solly's chain.

"When you look at the units that have just gone up in Townsville, Rockhampton is probably 10 years behind, but I think we will catch up.

"Within five to six years the riverfront is going to be the place to be in Rockhampton. There will be a great atmosphere."

Source: http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3782449

Rockvegas

August 23rd, 2008, 10:26 AM

http://i38.tinypic.com/2eba39s.jpg

^^The twelve storey development is Riverbank Plaza
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=567042

Rockvegas

August 23rd, 2008, 10:29 AM

Council budget delivers 9.5% rates shock
August 23, 2008

Brad Carter and the council tried to find a balance between spending and revenue raising.

HOME owners across the region got the news they were dreading yesterday afternoon when Rockhampton Regional Council announced a rates rise averaging 9.5%.

The hike, revealed by Mayor Brad Carter, takes the annual rates bill for the average household in the region to more than $2000 for the first time.

And it could have been worse. Cr Carter revealed that in the past week officers had identified $1 million worth of savings by dropping non-essential projects.

Setting a fair and equitable budget had been hugely complex, he said. And in the end the council decided to set slightly different rates for each of the four council areas that came together to form the amalgamated authority in March.

Ratepayers in Rockhampton will see their bills increase 10%, in Mount Morgan and Yeppoon the rise is 9% and in Gracemere bills go up by 7%.

The differences are explained by the different systems of rate calculation used in the former councils.

In Gracemere the new rate for a "mid-level, four-bedroom low-set house" is now $2105 a year, a weekly increase of $2.71. In Mount Morgan the new rate for average home is $1979.91, a weekly rise of $3.21. In Rockhampton the new average is $2049.21, a weekly hike of $3.65. And in Yeppoon the 2008/09 average is $2161, up $3.45 a week.

Bills will be delivered by September 10 and to qualify for a discount, payments must be made by October 15.

Cr Carter said the cost of amalgamation accounted for about 15% of the increase.

"If we had increased rates only by the current rate of inflation, it would have had a serious impact on our capital works projects and the community would have been disadvantaged for years to come," he said.

"The only other way to keep the rise down would have been to make reductions in the workforce, and we are not in a position to look at that option because of the terms of amalgamation.

"There are no grandiose schemes or extravagant expenditure."

The costs of amalgamation had been significant, he said. Ensuring wage parity among the workforce had added $1.2 million and funding a new computer system would cost $3.6m.

But he said he hoped meeting the costs of merger would be a one-year hit and that he hoped increases in subsequent years would be lower.

Rockvegas

August 26th, 2008, 12:22 PM

Rockhampton 2020 & Youth Summit - Creating a New Region to be Discovered (http://www.rockhampton2020.com.au/)

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The Rockhampton 2020 & Youth Summit - This is an exciting initiative aimed at harnessing the best ideas for reshaping our region and “creating a new Rockhampton Region to be discovered”.

Since the amalgamation of the Fitzroy and Livingstone shires, the Rockhampton Region is now a super shire that will not only be remembered for as the Beef Capital of Australia but “The liveable capital of Australia.”

The ideas and ambitions from the Summit will now help us shape a long term strategy for our region’s future. It’s a 12 year plan that will be driven by all the people that make up our region.

We’d like Central Queensland to be one of the first amongst Australia’s communities to get really serious and achieve our very own 2020. There are few limits to our future potential – now is the time to start turning our region’s potential into a reality.

If you want to become a part of the Rockhampton 2020 & Youth Summit “engine room” then contact Mr 2020 now.

GrammarGrub

August 27th, 2008, 12:14 AM

I got chosen for Grammar, one of the Senior School ones. Do you think Rocky High will choose you Travis

Rockvegas

August 27th, 2008, 01:45 AM

I don't think so

Rockvegas

August 28th, 2008, 07:57 AM

Rocky medical emergency as hospital runs out of beds

August 28, 2008

ROCKHAMPTON Hospital was in damage control mode yesterday after a crisis in its emergency ward on Tuesday night.

Pressure on hospital bed numbers across the city's public and private sectors reached boiling point about 6pm when a "line-up" of ambulances carrying seriously ill patients all turned up at once.

That forced management to declare a rare "Code Brown" and, according to a hospital source, staff in the emergency ward found themselves with several patients on ventilation and transfers, and not enough beds or skilled staff to care for them.

The source said some patients were discharged to free up beds and at least one was sent to a hotel to stay overnight. The hospital's acting manager, Monica Seth, yesterday played down the situation, confirming patients were discharged, but said they were due to be, regardless of the Code Brown alert.

She agreed the lack of beds created pressure for staff, but said the Code Brown was only a procedural measure to get senior staff back to help manage the situation.

Patient Dylan Warcon missed the commotion by only three hours, but his older sister Demi said he still had to wait four hours on Tuesday.
Dylan was in serious need of treatment for the two broken heels he had sustained in a car crash.

He arrived at 8.30am Tuesday, and after initial treatment at 11.30am he eventually made it to the children's ward at 3pm.

"There were seats left (in the emergency ward), but it was really busy," Ms Warcon said.

"I just thought that it was ridiculous that he did not get up to the ward straight away.

At a press conference, Ms Seth said Code Brown indicated an external disaster was impacting on the hospital and senior staff were notified to assist.

"We don't have any control over the number of patients who come into our hospital," she said.

"We had a number of patients in emergency (Tuesday) night that were seriously ill and on ventilation, and another critically ill person from an accident and a transfer from a private hospital.

"The private sector was also full and we reached a point that we required additional staff, senior nursing staff, to come back."

She said some patients had to wait lengthier times to be treated because of the influx.

Ms Seth said Townsville Hospital and the Sunshine Coast were also under significant bed pressure.

The hospital admitted that even with the extra 30 emergency ward cubicles to come with the multi-million dollar redevelopment, the situation could still be repeated in the future and cause pressure.

"It was peak hour traffic and Code Brown was about clearing that traffic," Ms Seth said.

But the hospital source said the bed pressures were worsened by the fact that there were not enough junior staff.

The source said while the staff did a good job under the circumstances, the incident was as a result of "poor long-term health policy".

http://media.apn.co.nz/regionals/australia/images/share-this.jpg (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php)

Rockvegas

September 7th, 2008, 06:35 AM

Revamp for our racing centre
September 1, 2008

MAJOR revamps to both the grass racing surface and the sand training track at Rockhampton's Callaghan Park race course, which will ensure the long term viability of the racing industry in Central Queensland, may commence as soon as later this year.

While no set timetable for the multi-million dollar reconstruction of the venue has been scheduled, Queensland Racing Limited chairman Bob Bentley has announced that it will "definitely go ahead".

"Rockhampton is a vital cog in the UNiTAB provincial racing circuit in Queensland," Bentley said.

"It is also very important to the racing industry being a big training centre for horses.

"Queensland Racing intends to recognise this importance by investing millions in overcoming what is a major problem with the track and fixing it.

"We have been looking at the state of the track there for some time and have become increasingly concerned.

"This major reconstruction just has to be done." Construction on the current grass short course track at Callaghan Park, which replaced the previous sand racing circuit, was completed in 1984 and since then it has been one of the most raced-on tracks in Australia.

This in itself has brought about major wear and tear to the point where race meetings are in jeopardy and indeed have been lost owing to problem "spots" on the course which no longer respond to quick fix solutions. Worryingly, race meetings have been abandoned, particularly in the advent of what at some times could only be described as minimal rainfall.

Bentley ruled out building a synthetic track in Rockhampton, which has been installed at Corbould Park at Caloundra, and will be constructed at Clifford Park in Toowoomba. "We can't put a synthetic track in at Callaghan Park because of the danger of flooding," Bentley said. The 1990 flood caused a damage bill of almost $1 million dollars at Callaghan Park.

It is expected the current straight at Callaghan Park will be widened from it's current 20 metres to 25 metres which will allow for maximum movement of the false rail to minimise bias and aid in regrowth. Bentley said no time frame on the work could yet be put into place because "we are currently assessing engineering designs".

"We are taking steps as quickly as possible so as we can consult and advise all stakeholders. Queensland Racing will consult with trainers, jockeys and owners for input," Bentley promised.

With as many as 200 horses currently using Callaghan Park training facilities, Bentley and Rockhampton Jockey Club executive-manager Bruce Slattery realise that major disruptions to such schedules are of paramount concern. Slattery said the much maligned sand training track would undergo upgrading.

"The sand track will have a complete new base as well as a new top," Slattery said.

"We know this could cause training problems but we do not want to hinder training.

"The RJC will work through these matters with trainers through consultation.

As well as impeding training schedules, the reconstruction works could mean that designated racing dates scheduled for Callaghan Park later this season may have to be transferred to other clubs within Queensland.

"In the long term this project will be a great coup for Rockhampton racing and consolidate our role which is vital for racing's licensees and owners," Slattery said.

Rockvegas

September 8th, 2008, 08:57 AM

Rockhampton's heritage post office sold

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Since 1895 the Rockhampton Post Office on East Street, a beautiful sandstone heritage building, has graced the centre of the city.

It's been empty for the past nine years, but has finally been sold.

Grant Hutchings is the Managing Director for CBD Property Solutions the successful tender company and he says they plan to return the building to office space.

"What we're looking to do with the old post office building is to turn it into office space predominantly with some retail on the ground floor to allow for public access," Mr Hutchings says.

"We intend at this stage to upgrade the front foyer pretty much in the period that the building was designed in, it was designed in about 1886 so we're looking to retain the sort of flavour into the front entry.

For the rest of the space, there are several features we want to retain in terms of columns and things like that, but because it's been used as a post office in the past, a lot of that's been lost so we'll probably include suspended ceilings, air conditioning and bring it right up to speed so that the building will become commercially viable."

As the building is on the Heritage Register, there will be things that can and can't be done to the building.

"We've been in contact with the Heritage Trust so we've been liasing with them as we need to.

We know pretty much what restrictions there are and what's required."

As to what price the building was sold for, Mr Hutchings is a little coy.

"The university when they sold it had a figure of $2 million they were hoping to achieve, they didn't quite get that much but it's in that region."

Mr Hutchings says they hope to start work on the building in about eight weeks from now, and that they have long term hopes for the site.
"We hope that it will continue as a viable building and maintain the grandeur in terms of it's external facade.

We're looking to perhaps increase the lighting and landscaping but otherwise just maintain it as it is.

The architecture and builders did an incredibly good job, you wouldn't see anything like this happening in this day and age - you just couldn't afford to do it."

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/09/03/2354292.htm

GrammarGrub

September 8th, 2008, 09:02 AM

It's been sold for about two weeks

Rockvegas

September 9th, 2008, 01:28 PM

ROCKY'S $100M STORMWATER SHOCK

September 09, 2008

http://media.apn.co.nz/regionals/ausmornbull/pics/drainage08.jpg
PLUGGED UP: Lamington Street resident Ron Busby hopes Rockhampton Regional Council can save his property from being flooded.

RON Busby has always known his street had the worst stormwater drainage in the city, but he didn't know it was part of a $100 million upgrade headache for Rockhampton Regional Council.

The council has identified five neighbourhoods with the worst drainage in the city and revealed that improving them will be a very costly exercise.

The five areas were the worst hit in the once in 100 years rainfall event that pummelled Rockhampton on February 25.

The five areas are: Upper Dawson Road/ Lamington Street; Hook/ Wooster/ Simpson streets to McLeod Park; Davis/ Dagmar/ Penlington streets; Canning/Archer streets and; Dean/ High/ Craig/ Tomkys streets.

Mr Busby, who lives on the corner of Upper Dawson Road and Lamington Street across a natural catchment area, had two feet of water in his yard after the February rain event.

"The gully traps in the street are insufficient," Mr Busby said.
"The (drainage) pipes are too small, the council has to do something, that's for sure."

Mr Busby said the water from the February rain flowed to the back corner of his property and had a drain less than 20 centimetres wide to escape through.

In a report to be tabled at the RRC's Infrastructure Committee today, acting engineering services manager Martin Crow said the job would be a big one.

"The cost to upgrade the drainage systems on the older parts of the city could be in the order of $50 million to $100 million," Mr Crow said.

"The former Rockhampton City Council over the past five years has undertaken (stormwater drainage maintenance) with a budget allocation of approximately $1 million annually.

"In order to properly protect the council's interests, the council will need to commence the systematic and possibly costly acquisition of easements.
"What is becoming clear is that each problem area will need to be analysed individually and possible solutions arrived at on a case-by-case basis."

Rockvegas

October 5th, 2008, 03:14 PM

Rockhampton

Complete

Hillside Estate - 88 houses
Norman Gardens -150 houses
Lifestyle Rockhampton North (http://lifestyleresorts.com.au/html/lifestyle-resorts/3/6/rockhampton) - 140 houses

Under Construction

Forest Park (http://www.forestparkestate.com.au/) - 200 houses
Chancellors Park Estate (http://www.chancellorslifestyle.com.au/) - 260 houses
Cascade Gardens (http://www.skyscraperlife.com/cascadegardensresidential.com) - 600 houses
City Lights (http://www.citylightsestate.com.au/land_salesB.html) - 375 houses
Gracemere Heights - 319 houses
Mountain View Estate - 85 houses
Lucas Heights Estate - 101 houses
Rosella Park - 90 houses
Victoria Heights - 65 houses
Hawthorne Park (http://www.realestate.com.au/realestate/qld/central+region/gracemere/land+for+sale/2576435) - 70 houses
The Meadows (http://www.skyscraperlife.com/www.themeadowsgracemere.com.au) - 300 houses
Riverside Estate - 150 houses
Platinum North (http://www.platinumnorth.com.au/) - 25 houses
Panorama Heights (http://www.domain.com.au/Public/PropertyDetails.aspx?adid=2007120379) - 100 houses
Wara Gardens (http://www.homecorpgroup.co.nz/wara.html) - 107 houses

Approved

Garden Links - 20 houses
Chatterton Park (http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=2536042)- 46 homes

TOTAL - 3291

Cap Coast

Under Construction

Keppel Bay Estate (http://www.keppelbay.com.au/) - 600 houses
Mulumbin Waters (http://www.mulambinwaters.com.au/) - 165 homes
Zilzie Bay (http://www.zilziebay.com.au/) - 1500 houses + 400 hotel rooms
Seaspray (http://www.seasprayliving.com.au/pages/masterplan.asp) - 600 houses

TOTAL - 2865 houses

OVERALL TOTAL - 6156 houses U/C or Approved in the Rockhampton Region

rhys099

October 6th, 2008, 03:25 AM

thanks for putting that together :) interesting. and there is alot more than i thought :cheers1:

Indictable

October 6th, 2008, 03:21 PM

thanks Rockvegas, i cans see Wara Gardens from my houses, and heaps of homes that went there last year in Gracemere where i live

Indictable

October 16th, 2008, 07:35 AM

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/coaltermianal.jpg

CAN you imagine up to 10 barges transporting coal down the Fitzroy River, 24 hours a day, 10km south of the city?

If the proposed Fitzroy Coal Terminal goes ahead this could be a reality by 2011.

Promising hundreds of jobs for the region, Fitzroy Terminal Pty Ltd presented Rockhampton Regional councillors with its $400 million proposal this week.

Director of CQ Environmental, Patrice Brown, told councillors on Tuesday that investigations into environmental impacts like possible coal spillage off the Capricorn Coast were still to be done.

She said conveyors would carry the coal from the proposed terminal, built on existing rail infrastructure, five kilometres to the $15 million barges. There are a number of positions about 10km south of Rockhampton proposed for the conveyor to meet the river.

The coal stockpile, from Blackwater and Moura mines, would not be in flood zone.

But Ms Brown said some of the five kilometre conveyor would be. The conveyor is also likely to be covered, because of coal dust flying into the air.

Barges will transport up to 10,000 tonnes a load to a transhipper about 15 to 20 kilometres out from the mouth of the river.

Construction would start in 2010 and the terminal could start operating by 2011.

The company plans to have landowners' consent and is looking at site options. A complete survey of the river will be done in the next few weeks.

Impact assessment and consultation with traditional owners, recreational fishermen, landowners, Gladstone Harbour Master, environment specialists, government and interest groups will take place over the next six to 12 months.

The Capricorn Conservation Council were contacted for comment yesterday but did not respond.

Indictable

November 25th, 2008, 08:53 AM

The Morning Bulletin November 25, 2008

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/river24.jpg

COUNCILLORS will today be asked to confirm their support for a proposal to dramatically change the face of the Fitzroy River in the heart of Rockhampton.

If it goes ahead the development of a four-lane public boat ramp and floating pontoon will transform the appearance of the river and create a haven for boat owners.

The pontoon would sweep into the river directly in line with Customs House and would allow walkers the opportunity to get much closer to the water.

It would also provide a mooring for boat users seeking supplies.

Downstream, near the existing boat ramp in Littler-cum-Ingham Park in Quay Street, the new ramp could create quick and easy access to the river for recreational boaties, with a carpark for up to 90 vehicles and a toilet and amenities block.

It won't cost ratepayers a cent.

The project has pre-approved funding from the State Government and if the latest development application is approved work could be under way early in the New Year.

The proposal is not new. It was first suggested in late 2003 and there was extensive public consultation during 2004.

A broad concept plan was drawn-up in May 2005. Rockhampton City Council thought the idea had considerable merit.

It would provide proper access for boats to the river; the city could become a destination point for touring boats; it would bring additional business to the city and would help develop tourism on the river.

This afternoon members of Rockhampton Regional Council will discuss the project.

Officers are recommending they confirm their support for the development and agree to take ownership of the pontoon and boat ramp once construction has been carried out by the State Government.

A report to this afternoon's full council meeting also suggests that the authority continues discussions with Queensland Transport towards passing-on ownership and management to it.

Councillors will also be urged to make it clear the council does not support closure of the Reaney Street boat ramp.

*

Rockvegas

February 7th, 2009, 10:01 AM

Building industry looks up in Rocky

Adam Wratten | TMB | 6th February 2009

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/media/img/news/2009/02/06/job-7a_t312.jpg
BRIGHT FUTURE: John Murphy, construction manager with JM Kelly, looks ahead to a bright future in Rockhampton. Find out why Rocky is well placed to ride out the global credit crunch – Page 5.

BLUE skies look to be ahead for Rockhampton's construction workers, such as John Murphy, with more than $1 billion worth of key projects in the pipeline or surging ahead.

As the global economic crunch threatens jobs across Australia, Rockhampton's business and community leaders yesterday said they were very much getting on with the job of building a bright future for the city.

A survey released on Thursday shows businesses in Central Queensland are starting to feel the bite, with 35% of those quizzed in the St George Bank/Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Pulse Survey of Business Conditions reporting weaker trading conditions during the December quarter.

Yesterday Rockhampton Regional Council mayor Brad Carter said the region's diverse economy would be a key factor in providing an exciting future and helping cushion the blow from the economic downturn.

Cr Carter outlined a number of key projects in the pipeline, and they're not the only ones.

Cr Carter said he was in contact with investors and developers who shared his positive view of the region.

“I am being regularly approached,” Cr Carter said.

“There are a number of investors and developers out there still proposing projects in a very positive sense.

“It's also very pleasing to see The Edge coming to fruition and the Echelon is progressing very well.

“Just before Christmas I was pleased to open the new accommodation units at Seaspray, which is a first-class resort.

“And we recently approved at the Strategic Planning Committee a residential subdivision of 150 lots behind the Causeway Lakes.”

He said a pleasing sign came from the mining industry this week, with major expansion work discussed.

“Council met with Xstrata in relation to plans at Port Alma,” Cr Carter said.

“They indicated while there was a downturn globally in terms of the coal situation, when you take the peaks and troughs out of the graph it still showed growth prospect for steaming coal.

“They are fully committed to pursuing their feasibility study at Port Alma (which could lead to a $1billion port expansion).
“That's come from the industry itself.”

He also said he was working closely with Rockhampton Regional Development Limited to promote the city and make it more attractive to industry.

Council was also playing a leading role.

The mayor said the feedback from the business community was positive about council's new Development Control Unit and council was working hard to look after its workforce, where there wouldn't be any downsizing.
Key Rockhampton businessman Geoff Murphy, whose company, JM Kelly, is working on the $75 million hospital upgrade, yesterday said the city's future was good.

“I think the outlook is very positive,” Mr Murphy said.

“People can make of it what they want. If they want to feel sorry for themselves, that's their choice, but we have plenty to be positive about here ... there's lots happening.”

http://i41.tinypic.com/2py0rbs.jpg

Indictable

February 9th, 2009, 08:12 AM

Little brother broke his left arm, for the third time, so heres some pics of the hospital development :)

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/Photo0009.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/Photo0010.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/Photo0011.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/Photo0012.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/Indictable/Photo0013.jpg

Burden

February 9th, 2009, 08:14 AM

Do any of you guys have a Subway at the Hospital, Its crazy Townsville has a Subway in the hospital. Just felt like bringing that up :).

What are the plans for this thing?

Indictable

February 9th, 2009, 08:23 AM

No, we dont, we have a cafe and a post office. Thats about it I guess.

rhys009

February 9th, 2009, 08:50 AM

dont mean to sound stupid...but what exactly are they building? haha. is there like renders of this or anything?

Rockvegas

February 9th, 2009, 08:55 AM

Rockhampton Hospital Improvement Project – Stage 1

www.atkinson.conwag.com/news.html

APM are Project Managers for Stage 1 of the Rockhampton Hospital Improvement Project. The $75m project consists of extensions and refurbishment of the main medical/clinical services building, new buildings and associated demolition and external works. The project entails the various challenges typical of works within a hospital campus.

The outcome will include new or refurbished facilities for the Emergency Department, Dialysis, Maternity, Paediatrics, Rehabilitation, and other areas, as well as a new Learning and Development Centre, and two new lifts for the medical services building. Overall bed capacity is also increased as the existing maternity and paediatrics wards will become free for additional general ward beds.

The project is currently in the Design Development phase and construction is scheduled to commence under a traditional lump sum contract in October 2007. An early works package including a new Blood Donor Centre facility is currently underway to facilitate the main project.

A recently completed Master Plan for the redevelopment of theRockhampton Hospital includes various future stages for which funding will be progressively sought and the Stage 1 project includes provision for the future stages.

Indictable

February 9th, 2009, 09:03 AM

i saw a render by the cafe at the main entrance, i couldn't mamage to get a copy

Indictable

February 27th, 2009, 08:07 AM

I'll post here and on Citypoint, because this is the project confirmed, instead of a 20st building.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Demolition time for city eyesore

Nikita Watts | 26th February 2009

http://i42.tinypic.com/2hgh3jm.jpg
DEMOLITION HAS BEGUN: Ray Busby and his team have started demolishing the site of Sisley’s Warehouse at the Churchs’ Buildings to make way for a new seven-storey high-rise.

SEEING is believing.

Demolition has finally started on one of Rockhampton's biggest eyesores.

Busby's Demolition started knocking down the Churchs' Buildings on Fitzroy Street this week as preparations start for the much-anticipated seven-storey hotel/motel development planned for the site.

The owner of Busby's Demolition, Ray Busby, said the demolition process had begun on the historic building by pulling down parts of the roof and clearing out the inside.

“This has all been done in a couple of days,” he said.

“It is a beautiful old building but it also is a stigma on the town.

“When we get rid of everything inside we will get in the machinery and pull it all down, which will take a couple of weeks.

“We've got 12 men working on and off; it's a big job.”

Dean Giannarelli of Melbourne company Southern Capital Corporation, who purchased the buildings from the Churchs family in November 2005, said the company had given the go-ahead to demolish the entire building to get ready for the development.

However, Mr Giannarelli said it was “nowhere near ready” to start building, as there was still documentation to be organised.

“We should be ready to start (building) before the end of the year,” he said yesterday. .

“The best way is to demolish it and start fresh so we are starting to demolish the area and clean it all up.

“The planning and permits are in place for some retail shops and a tavern downstairs.

“We also have a permit for apartments and serviced apartments above that, but that may not be what it is.

“Our options are completely open at the moment, subject to council approval.”

Mr Giannarelli did confirm the development would be a 24-metre, seven-storey high-rise apartment building.

He said it would be completed by the end of 2010, and was confident it would be a landmark building for Rockhampton.

“This is the sort of development Rockhampton needs and will be the start of good development yet to come.

“Whatever we do, we will stick to the same name - the Churchs' Buildings.

“Rockhampton is taking a new step in the right direction.”

A steady deterioration in the site's presentation over the years has prompted some business operators in the area to describe the Churchs' Buildings as “derelict”, and of a “ghetto standard”.

They say the eyesore of a building was hurting their businesses.

Pat O'Driscoll Real Estate principal Pat O'Driscoll said the development was a positive step for Rockhampton.

“Obviously the confidence in the area is being recognised by other groups who live outside the city and the state for that matter,” he said.

“This is a positive point for Rockhampton and you just have to look at the success story of the Edge Apartments, which is building momentum continually and is now near the opening time.

“I'd rather be here than anywhere else.”