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Slicker cities for city slickers

By Ross Elliott - posted Friday, 15 October 1999


Far easier to promise aid packages for a rural town hit by the loss of a factory than to grapple with the complex urban economy which can shed thousands of jobs without it even being noticed.

Rather than being starved of funds and policy support, our capital cities should instead be the focus for international competitiveness.

World-class cities present us with our best - and only - chance of finding a route to greater global influence and economic prosperity in the 21st century.

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So what's needed?

The easiest way to understand the city's economic needs is in simple terms. There are hardware needs and software needs.

In terms of hardware, substantial reinvestment in improving our transport systems has to be a priority.

Not the 'toys for boys' projects like the Light Rail which are foisted on an unwilling commuter class by a zealous governing class, but a serious recapitalisation of the city's bus fleet. Air-conditioned buses and adequate seating are minimum expectations in this sub tropical climate.

And in terms of heavy rail, proposals to extend the urban network with links to Redcliffe, new underground stations within the CBD, and a line connecting the city centre to Toowoomba all deserve far more serious consideration than the resurrected "inland rail" proposal now doing the rounds.

And let's not forget the importance of integrating schedules and ticketing, which bureaucrats have failed to deliver despite a decade of promises.

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You still can't catch a bus and transfer to a train using the same ticket, knowing that schedules will be designed to improve your trip.

Transport connects cities and connects people with their workplaces - the 19th century infrastructure we're saddled with is simply incapable of delivering the speed, convenience and amenity demanded by today's commuters.

Information systems are another priority - ensuring that our cities have world class digital networks, and the talent to support them, must remain an ongoing priority.

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About the Author

Ross Elliott is an industry consultant and business advisor, currently working with property economists Macroplan and engineers Calibre, among others.

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