Queensland Split Into Two? The Pros and Cons

Robbie Katter announced a potential scenario this week where it could see Queensland split into Two.

The argument is that it  “was needed to address what he described as a “sinkhole” of funding to “keep building aquariums in Brisbane and office buildings and to buy votes”, as said by Robbie Katter from an article in the link above.

Not a bad idea, a Queensland split into two could serve both halves of the state well. Northern Queensland would get most of it’s mining royalties and a government that is truly interested them.

Or it could end up a flaming disaster with cities going broke from the

Some think it might even work, and the reasons are given here.

What do we think? Well we’d hate to see our northern neighbours go. The benefits might not be as great as they think, look to some of the Queensland councils that have de-merged from the state’s super councils.

But northern Queensland do get brushed by the southern based hierarchy, and deserve their chance to run things for a bit. Give them a go they’re only new.

It is unlikely to get through parliament, so maybe this is all academic.

Maybe instead this could be added to our #PlebFest2017 and put to the people. We’re already spending the $160M anyway.

Here’s our thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of a Queensland Split into Two.

PROS

ORIGIN TRI SERIES

The new North Queensland split could see a Tri Series for State of Origin. Whilst that may give NSW more of a chance to win, it may also lead to an all Queensland final. We know how good those turn out.

Given that most Broncos fans have a soft spot for the Cowboys, and vice versa, it would more than likely give us two chances for success each year.

NORTH v SOUTH CLASH FOR THE QUEENSLAND CUP

Whilst we’re on the Origin bandwagon, why not a new series on drawn along borders in the high quality Intrust Super Cup.

The Queensland Cup could hold it’s own State of Origin style clash between the northern sides and the southern sides. Northern Pride, Townsville, Mackay and Central on one side, the SEQ baed teams on the other. It could play as another fixture on the eventual State of Origin standalone weekend.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Both half of the states would get what they want. SEQ would get the luxury of an extra hour at the end of the day, and in the morning thanks to the sun not getting up at 4:15am. The north could retain their status quo.

CAIRNS WOULD NOW BE AN INTERSTATE HOLIDAY

For those on a budget who would like an interstate holiday, they can now claim Cairns as that place to go.

ANOTHER NIGHT OF ELECTIONS WITH ANTONY GREEN

There’s nothing better than an election night countdown with expert analyst Antony Green. A North Queensland split would gives the punters two events to mark on the calendar.

BOB KATTER COULD BECOME PREMIER OF NORTH QUEENSLAND

Who better to have at the helm of the new northern state than the man whose electorate takes in a good chunk of the area it will govern. There’s never quite enough Bob Katter for The Gurgler’s liking, so more is more. All hail Premier of North Queensland elect – Bob Katter.

CONS

LOSS OF BUNDY RUM

Depending on where the line started, the southern half could no longer claim to be the home of the World Famous Rum.

SHEFFIELD SHIELD

Even fewer people would show up for a Sheffield Shield game in North and South Queensland.

MORE GOVERNMENT

To be honest Australia doesn’t need another state, it needs less government in general. No one would miss State Government, except for fans of Jackie Trad and the Borg.

The savings of missing an entire level of government could see the extra money being used for jobs, infrastructure, and hopes for the northern half of the country.