WHILE you are here you must see AELEC. "Sure”, I said not knowing what or who AELEC was.

I was in Tamworth, the Country Music Capital of Australia and instead of the giant Golden Guitar our gracious host wanted to make sure I saw AELEC. Wow, the giant Golden Guitar certainly is a second fiddle to AELEC, the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, it is huge. An indoor arena of 40 by 80 metres, individual seating for 3360, plus a mezzanine level for extra seating/corporate area; and that's not including the attached sales ring that can seat another 562. "It's practically in use every weekend, keeps the motels busy, great for the region, why doesn't Rockhampton build one”, my Tamworth host, formerly of Rockhampton, asked. Good question I thought as well how does a city of some 50000 boast such terrific infrastructure; there's so much more than a Golden Guitar and AELEC (you should see the playground in the CBD).

Tamworth has a vision of being 'rural Australia's most inviting region for residents, investors, workers and visitors'. It's a vision that from my 3 day stay looks like their Council is serious about.

Tamworth is also an evocity. I've mentioned evocities before, an initiative to encourage people move from Sydney to regional (evo)cities in New South Wales. The evocities web site demonstrates the strong commitment for migration to the regions. Commitment needed in Queensland in addressing the congestion and associated problems/costs of the south east corner.

In a few weeks Rockhampton region has 3 important days in its yearly calendar. Over the past few years these 3 days have largely passed unnoticed by many townies. It is the world's biggest multi vendor breed sale attracting buyers from every mainland state in Australia, Brahman Week at the CQLX (Gracemere Saleyards). Current cattle prices indicate this year could be a record breaker for attendances and turnover. While not AELEC, CQLX selling ring is not only where sellers can parade their beasts but Rockhampton can promote its services and attractions to a traditionally difficult to reach market. Tamworth appears to have a pro-active approach in its economic development strategy; a cashed up market is coming to Rockhampton, if you're a local business what is your pro-active strategy to reach it?