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SURAT BASIN NEWS
Snap of the month
THE NEWSPAPER
EDITOR'S
NOTE
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ELLO and welcome to the November 2015 edition of Surat Basin News. Last month saw the tragic death of Chinchilla farmer George Bender. I behalf of Surat Basin News I extend deep sympathy to Mr Bender’s family on their loss. However I have nothing but contempt and disgust for the public reaction of Alan Jones, Senator Glenn Lazarus and Drew Hutton who rushed out before Mr Bender was even buried, to tie his death to their political causes. The sclerotic Mr Jones can’t be helped, this sort of rambling bile is grist to his mill as a radio shock jock. Ditto Mr Hutton, who was an unelectable non-entity in the Queensland Greens until he hitched his media-savvy wagon to Lock the Gate, he at least has the virtue of consistency. However Senator Glenn Lazarus, in my view is the greatest offender to decency in the matter. Senator Lazarus has a duty of care to all his Queensland constituents, many of whom owe their livelihoods to the industry he wants to shut down. His simplistic binaries of farming “good” versus resources “bad” do himself and his causes no favours. It reminds me of the then-Labor government’s catastrophic knee-jerk response to the live cattle export ban. A more nuanced view of the issue is found in these pages from landholder Peter Thompson (page 12) who has found a way to make CSG an integral part of his farming enterprise. We need more views like Mr Thompson and less like Lazarus.
The Surat Basin News publishes every month and will be delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region. Surat Basin News is a necessity. It was born out of a passion for Australia's fastest growing communities — a passion for a region of unbridled potential and a future of vast economic growth and opportunities. The newspaper, professionally designed and regionally topical, will be a must read for anyone associated with the exciting Surat Basin.
Evening sunshine near Blaxland-Irvingdale Rd, east of Dalby. Photo Derek Barry
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clients and markets. It will give a revealing insight into major industry Surat Basin News has gone online to while lifting the veil on current and ensure our readers in every corner of the proposed developments. It will be there country has the latest news sent directly for each and every announcement to them. shaping the region's future while profiling the colourful characters that define our communities.
WEBSITE
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View our previous editions on www.suratbasin.com.au
The Surat Basin News is inserted into the four dominant local newspapers for the region: the Chinchilla News and Murilla Advertiser, Western Star Roma, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle Toowoomba.
UPDATES Regular updates on www.suratbasin.com.au
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Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate Newsagents in - Chinchilla, Roma, with everyone in the 1200 sq km basin, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, providing unprecedented access to new Calliope
THE
TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw Chinchilla 07 4672 9921 manager@suratbasin.com.au
ADVERTISING TEAM Greg Latta Chinchilla 07 4672 9927 greg.latta@chinchillanews.com.au Bobbie Gorring Chinchilla 07 4672 9930 advertise@suratbasin.com.au Claire Morris Roma 07 4578 4105 clairemorris@westernstarnews.com.au Nicole Boyd-Taylor Dalby 07 4672 5500 nicole.boyd-taylor@dalbyherald.com.au
THE
INDEX
EDITOR
Derek Barry Dalby 07 4672 5500 derekbarry@suratbasin.com.au
IN THE NEWS QGC’s $1.7b deal...........................................3 QGC’s new deal with Skytrans................4 Second Range Crossing update...............5 Wellcamp Airport news.............................6 Linc court case.............................................7 Queensland exploration breakfast..........8 Origin news...................................................9 Gravel Road................................................10
DOWN TO BUSINESS
PAGE DESIGN
QGC – Ostwalds contract.........................16 Beth Walker Easternwell news.......................................17 MI Helicopters............................................18 SURAT BASIN NEWS Fish Ladder project...................................20 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 PO Box 138 Chinchilla QLD 4413
OPINIONS
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PLACES AND FACES
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The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413
TSBE November function..................24-25 Roads update..............................................11 Broncos fan day..........................................26 Rural news.............................................12-13 Michael Kasprowicz on India.................27 The Surat Basin News is printed by Tourism update..........................................14 Cunnamulla Fella festival.......................28 APN Print Warwick Murphy Pipe and Civil award.................15
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IN THE NEWS
CIMIC wins QGC contract
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QGC will be expanding their operations into Charlie field west of Wandoan. BELOW: A map of the project area.
Massive shot in arm for gas QGC announce $1.7 billion project to develop Charlie field near Wandoan
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contractor, will progress development and construction immediately with major infrastructure to be built on QGC property. Managing Director Tony Nunan said this was an important investment in the future of QGC’s operations and built on the success of the world-first production of liquefied natural gas from coal seams in the past year. The QCLNG plant has delivered 62 cargoes since first LNG production in December 2014. “This is a vote of confidence in the secure, long-term future of Queensland’s natural gas industry, which will employ Queenslanders for many years to come,” Mr Nunan said. “The Charlie development will help to sustain the benefits of our investment in local communities and the state, including up to 1,600 construction jobs and business opportunities during the two-year project.” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the QGC announcement and said the investment was a shot in the arm for the Queensland LNG industry. “As the LNG industry in Queensland moves from the construction phase to the operational phase, there have been fewer
jobs in the industry than there were in the boom years,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “QGC’s announcement today that they are investing another $1.7 billion in this industry is a welcome boost to the Queensland economy that will support 1600 jobs.”
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ESOURCE company QGC has announced a major new two year $1.7 billion development of gasfields west of Wandoan. QGC is partnering with China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Tokyo Gas in the investment which has Commonwealth and state government environmental approvals and has been approved by QGC’s parent company BG Group and the joint venture partners. QGC has a 73.75% interest in the relevant natural gas tenements known as Charlie. Charlie involves the construction of between 300 and 400 wells, a large field compression station and associated pipelines and facilities which will feed into existing gas processing and water infrastructure at Woleebee Creek. The works are part of the development of QGC’s tenements in the Surat Basin to sustain natural gas supply to domestic customers and the two-train Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) liquefaction plant at Gladstone. QGC, which has appointed Leighton Contractors Pty Limited as the main works
IMIC Group (formerly known as Leighton Holdings) are one of the big winners of the Charlie announcement. CIMIC’s construction company Leighton Contractors will deliver gas infrastructure for QGC in the Surat Basin North project after winning a contract worth $250 million in revenues over 18 months. CIMIC Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marcelino Fernández Verdes said QGC’s ongoing development of its world-class natural gas reserves was making a major contribution to the Queensland economy and growth of the LNG industry in Australia. “CIMIC Group and Leighton Contractors bring significant international and Australian experience to the delivery of large scale oil and gas facilities,” Mr Verdes said. Leighton Contractors Managing Director Román Garrido said their integrated project management, engineering and construction capabilities provided clients with a single interface for all civil, structural, mechanical, piping, instrumentation and electrical work for delivering oil and gas facilities. “We are pleased to continue our valued partnership with QGC and look forward to building on relationships formed with local subcontractors and suppliers,” Mr Garrido said. Construction is expected to begin in late 2015 for completion in 2017. The company's shares rose 1.45 per cent to close at $27.91 on receipt of the news.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
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IN THE NEWS
Johnathan Thurston is excited about the new service from Brisbane to Chinchilla. Photos Derek Barry
Skytrans new service to Chinchilla and Taroom
JT launches new route to Basin Route will ferry QGC workers from Brisbane to gasfields
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kytrans co-owner and NRL great Johnathan Thurston surprised his airline passengers on their inaugural flight earlier this month from Brisbane to Chinchilla. The inaugural flight marks a three year $25milllion dollar transport contract with QGC which will see Skytrans provide 7 return flights per week for QGC staff and contractors from Brisbane to sites in Chinchilla and Taroom. Thurston and aviation entrepreneur Peter Collings purchased the collapsed airline in March 2015 and also provide a daily operation (Monday to Friday) from Cairns through the Cape York and Torres Strait. Thurston was on hand at Brisbane airport to shake hands and pose for photos with passengers and crew on the first flight and he also signed a ball and a Chinchilla Bulldogs shirt which the club auctioned for a local charity. “Skytrans asked me to get involved with my background working with indigenous communities,” Thurston said. “They also do a lot of work employing and sponsoring a lot of community projects... I thought it was a great idea.” This new QGC contract has seen Skytrans expand their operations into Brisbane, re-employing three captains, three first officers, three flight attendants and two engineers in Brisbane, as well as local operational staff in Chinchilla and Taroom. Under the leadership of Michael Thinee as CEO, the company has re-employed their
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entire workforce from retrenched staff, now taking the staffing numbers over 80, with bases in Brisbane and Cairns (headquarters). Skytrans has an aircraft fleet value of $20 million and operates Dash 8-Aircraft (36 seater) throughout their network. The new Skytrans service will also allow QGC to continue to minimise traffic on the road.
Johnathan Thurston got to grips with local news perusing a copy of the Chinchilla News.
JT chats with QGC's Richard Eva.
The New QGC Skytrans Dash-8 service from Brisbane to Chinchilla.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
IN THE NEWS
Acland battle in the land court
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TSBE's Dr Ben Lyons and Shane Charles with Nexus's Paul Digby, John Hagan and Jose-Antonio Sanchez at the October enterprise evening at Wellcamp Airport. Photo: Derek Barry
Nexus making connections Toowoomba Second Range Crossing contract winners speak to local businesses
route was taken along the bypass, however the long held hope that there would be no traffic lights between Brisbane and Dalby has been dashed with release of the plans that show two sets of lights in the Charlton area. Mr Digby said while they would deliver the project and be responsible for the operation for 25 years however they would not be responsible for tolling, which the state government would tender for separately. Mr Charles said consortium representatives would be back in Toowoomba before year end to release and explain the construction packages to area firms. "For civil earthworks, rather than offering one big package to one company, they'll make several smaller bundles for more contractors," Mr Charles said. "Because it's no longer a tunnel but a cutting, they've had to change the original design for up to 6km to ensure they get the most efficient and cost effective design."
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year. Early earthworks are expected to begin by year's end on the much-anticipated project will deliver a jobs injection to the regional economy. Nexus executive director Paul Digby told a 500-strong crowd of business elites at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s October evening the bypass would cut up 40 minutes of travel time for trucks and be built by a 75 per cent local workforce. For businesses wanting to get in on the project, the international consortium say they will break down construction packages, offering contractors greater access. TSBE chair Shane Charles said the enterprise evening at Wellcamp airport was one of the best attended with everyone keen to hear more about the bypass build. Over 550 guests turned out last week to hear from Nexus infrastructure executives
charged with delivering the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project. As well as Mr Digby, attendees heard from Nexus Infrastructure’s Chief Executive Officer John Hagan and Project Director Jose Antonio Sanchez. Mr Digby told the large crowd plans were being finalised for the bypass, calling on residents to be patient. “There is a great economic benefit to the region, $2.4b over 30 years,” he said. “We are very honoured to deliver this infrastructure and we won’t let you down.” Mr Digby said their open cut solution accommodated oversized vehicles. “It ultimately provides a more cost effective solution to the state, not only during the concession period where we are responsible but by handing back an asset that doesn’t have a tunnel it will be much cheaper for the state to maintain,” he said. Nexus' design would cut 18 sets of traffic lights for commuters depending on which
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EXUS is finalising plans for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing with construction set to start next
HE trial in the legal challenge against the New Acland coal mine stage three could last up to 10 weeks. Lawyers were wrangling over the length of time needed for the March 2016 hearing during a Land Court directions hearing in Brisbane last week. On December 17 those opposing the $896 million mine west of Toowoomba and New Acland Coal will return to the court to finalise the trial length. The initial hearing in Dalby heard from local landholders objecting to the Acland Stage 3 coal mine and the second Land Court directions hearing set a timetable to allow relevant issues to be thoroughly considered in a final hearing. In Dalby Land Court member Paul Smith heard opening testimony from lawyers representing New Hope Coal, the Oakey Coal Action Alliance who oppose the expansion, and many locals including Glen Beutel, the last resident of Acland. A spokesman for environmental protest group Lock the Gate Alliance said the Acland Stage 3 coal mine continued to be a major test for the Queensland Government, even as the mining industry and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham were trying to limit the accessibility of impacted people to the court system and restrict the time limits even further. Oakey Coal Action Alliance president and local cattleman Frank Ashman said the main impacts were about drawdown of water and the destruction of prime agricultural land. “It’s a hell of a thing to be hanging over your shoulders,” Mr Ashman said. “We’ve got grass, we’ve got cattle, but without water coming out of the ground we can’t provide the cattle with water.” New Hope Group's Managing Director Shane Stephan said the company welcomed the land court process for the New Acland revised stage 3 plan. He said given the project had been through the Independent Expert Scientific Committee under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, he was confident of victory.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
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IN THE NEWS
Major milestone for Brisbane West Airport
Wellcamp goes international First Cathay Pacific freight flight arrived in Darling Downs on November 23 “We are on the cusp of a massive export opportunity that will give local producers access to markets that feed half of the world’s population and this flight is the first step towards achieving this long-term goal. “We are thrilled Cathay Pacific Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, is focusing on our region.” Mr Wagner, whose airport celebrated its first anniversary on November 17, said as Australia’s second largest agricultural basin it made commercial sense to build an airport in the region with a 2.87km runway that could accommodate large freight aircraft. The plane carried local Darling Downs produce when it departed Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport for Cathay Pacific
Airways’ main Asian hub at Hong Kong International Airport. At 76.3 metres long with a wingspan of 68.4 metres, the Boeing 747-800 freighter is larger than its predecessor the B747-400 and is quieter, more economical and environmentally-friendly. Cathay Pacific Airways Southwest Pacific general manager Nelson Chin said they was excited about bringing its 747-8 freighter into Wellcamp Airport. “Cathay Pacific is one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers and we are always looking for new opportunities. In fact, of the 12 new destinations that have been announced or commenced operations over the past two years, five are for freight only.”
Monday was a big day for Brisbane West Wellcamp airport with the arrival of the first international flight. Photo Derek Barry
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Q
ANTAS and Queensland’s Department of Transport have agreed to meet with Maranoa Regional Council and local stakeholders to address issues raised over their irregular flight schedule to Roma Airport. The meeting comes after Maranoa Mayor Cr Robert Loughnan expressed concerns about the negative direction being taken by Qantas in flight scheduling and fare pricing to and from the airport. “One of the keys to our loyalty has been the ability of our residents to access affordable fares and regular flights”, Cr Loughnan said. “Those factors can no longer be taken for granted in the current environment and in some cases have already been withdrawn.” Flights to and from Roma are just half what they were in the same period last year and the Mayor said that not be a reason to reduce the number of “local fares” and economy seats on those flights. “We always anticipated a reduction in flights as the resource sector wound down their major construction projects. However, Qantas really should now be working with us to optimise the current and future air schedules for Roma,” he said. “Fares have escalated in price by about 50% over the past two years so ‘economy’ can no longer be used to describe them. Likewise the ‘residents’ fares have increased in cost to become close to unaffordable for most.”
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
P 07 4672 9925 OR 07 4672 9900 E beth.walker@chinchillanews.com.au E erika.brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au 12 MAYNE STREET CHINCHILLA 4413
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istory was made when a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-800F landed at Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, Toowoomba and departed for Hong Kong on Monday. It was the first time an international flight departed from Australia’s newest airport and the first time Cathay Pacific Airways has operated a cargo service into an Australian regional centre. Airport developer Wagners chairman John Wagner said the flight marked not only a major aviation milestone but a significant commercial initiative for the country. “The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement is likely to come into force by the end of the year,” Mr Wagner said.
Roma Airport Qantas row
IN THE NEWS
Peabody loses Wilkie Creek coal appeal case
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Prosecutor Ralph Devlin leaves Dalby Magistrates Court after a scathing second day. Photo Alasdair Young / Dalby Herald
Linced In: On trial in Dalby T
Linc Energy UCG plant under investigation by state government
HE Linc Energy underground coal gasification court case in Dalby is still ongoing with last week’s hearing presenting results from the gas bore wells at the site by Professor David Ian Cliff. Linc Energy asked Prof Cliff to perform relative tests to see whether the reacting coal mine in 2013 was inhibited by coal combustion. Mr Cliff was questioned by defence barrister Robert Bain to produce his findings as a result to his lengthy research. Mr Cliff said that after the initial investigation it was evident that coal seam gas had combusted in the bore extremities. “I tested these materials with what we call molecular fingerprint processing and we then decided to undertake laboratory testing for high and low temperature coal and how it reacted in those circumstances,” he said. Test samples were taken from bore holes on and off-site. A report was then submitted which showed results of benzene being in air oxidation from a bore hole adjacent to Linc Energy. Prof Cliff said there was a possibility that seam gases may have been a natural gas
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I want correspondence referred to, in detail Ralph Devlin QC released from the bore hole over a long period of time. The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection filed the complaint in the Dalby Magistrates Court in June alleging Linc Energy wilfully and unlawfully caused serious environmental harm - another four charges are still outstanding. Prosecution lawyer Ralph Devlin QC proposed to take the full two weeks of available time to respond to new evidence in an "orderly fashion." Defence lawyer Robert Bain QC brought up issues around insufficient exploration of witness testimony from three key witnesses. Mr Devlin said he had not been made aware in any detail of one of the witnesses, an industrial engineer and formerly a specialist consultant to Linc Energy. He was also vocal about the introduction of
SURAT BASIN
what he believed to be completely new information in open court, questioning the record of their correspondence. "Can you make it clear that you're saying these things for the first time? I want correspondence referred to, in detail, because it looks as if the record reads as if the Crown has overlooked this," Mr Devlin said. "I want him (Bain) to name specifically what has been said that even resembles what's been said in open court. "I'm happy to look at it, happy to apply the decision of the court, but I don't want to be misquoted as to the state of my knowledge." The committal hearing, if it does run the full fortnight of allotted time, will not finish until November 9. The report which sparked the case was commissioned by the Queensland Government which focussed on Linc Energy's experimental plant near Chinchilla which it claimed caused "irreversible" damage to strategic cropping land. The unreleased report claimed government workers were hospitalised with suspected gas poisoning during soil testing in March.
EABODY has lost its case over a contract with the company involved in exporting coal from the Wilkie Creek mine. Earlier this year a supreme court justice found in favour of the Port of Brisbane operating company Queensland Bulk Handling (QBH) after a legal dispute over its contract with the mining company. Peabody, which operated the mine near Macalister, took this decision to the Queensland Court of Appeal and it was revealed last month it had lost the fight. QBH claimed it had entered into a contract with the mining company that would last until 2026. Under the agreement Peabody also had to provide a minimum annual coal throughput each year. Peabody disputed its contract would last until 2026, instead claiming the agreement was for the period between 2008 and December 2014. Peabody sold the Wilkie Creek mine for about $100 million this year after the mine stopped operating in December 2013. Brisbane Supreme Court determined earlier the companies had legally entered into the agreement until 2026. The Court of Appeal judgment supported the previous court decision in favour of QBH. "This is not a case in which the contract is unambiguous," Justice Fraser said. He said Peabody had argued that it had the right to refuse the extended contract. But he also said Peabody had given QBH a "contractually binding commitment".
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
PAGE 7
IN THE NEWS
QRC’s state of the sector
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Minister Anthony Lynham speaks at the exploration scorecard breakfast in Brisbane's Hilton Hotel. Photo Derek Barry
Lynham lays down the law Queensland Mines Minister defends record with resources industry
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ines Minister Anthony Lynham vigorously defended his government’s resource policy at a Queensland Resources Council breakfast in Brisbane this month. “Policy uncertainty is a side effect of democracy,” he said. Mr Lynham said the Paluszczuk government was pro-mining but would not change its opposition to uranium mining and said it was up to the mining industry to fix any problems of perception in the community. “Social licence is in your hands and engagement with the community is vital,” he said. Mr Lynham was speaking as Queensland’s minerals and energy exploration industry put policy and regulations under the microscope at the fifth annual Exploration
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Scorecard breakfast. The fifth edition marks the mid-point of a decade-long journey, charting what needs to be achieved over the next five years to achieve Queensland Exploration Council’s 2020 vision for Queensland to be recognised as an exploration leader. With low cyclical commodity prices offset in part by a lower Australian dollar, the scorecard results were on par with industry expectation, with a slight stall in overall progress for 2015. QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said the fundamentals of exploration in Queensland were irresistible. “It’s no secret that the short-term outlook for commodities is weak but it is a common malaise, and not a point to structural decline,” Mr Roche said.
“Queensland has largely untapped mineral and energy reserves; and despite the current downturn, long-term growth in global demand for resources is assured.” Shadow Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said he was concerned confidence in the exploration sector had declined steeply under the current government. “The scorecard very clearly shows that industry uncertainty about Labor’s resources policies has increased significantly under the Palaszczuk Government and was heading back to levels similar to the bad old days under the Bligh Government,” Mr Cripps said. Mr Roche said while Australia could not hope to influence international commodity prices, we could be masters of our own destiny through the policies and regulatory environment for exploration.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
INING in the Darling Downs has been given a plug in the Queensland Resources Council State of the Sector September quarter report. The report stated coal and gas operations supported more than 15,000 or 13% of all jobs while using 0.3% of that region's land. In the report, QRC chief Michael Roche predicted another upturn in the mining sector globally. It found coal exports in the June increased three million tonnes on the previous quarter, despite historically low prices. The report pointed to the rapidly burgeoning LNG industry, with gas production projected to increase from 38.6 billion cubic metres in 2015-16 to 53.5 billion cubic metres in 2019-20. Mr Roche said the International Energy Agency's 2015 World Energy Outlook showed a positive outlook for the state's resources sector. He said the sector had the capability to energise Asia, including India, which IEA predicted would soon become the top importer for coal. But Mr Roche said the state and federal approvals system needed to be changed so the sector could take advantage of the growing markets. He said the legal hurdles now confronting resource projects working to finalise regulatory approvals would have been unimaginable a few years ago. Mr Roche accused environmental groups of blocking tactics.
IN THE NEWS
CSG Inquiry not needed - APPEA
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Australia Pacific LNG facility on Curtis Island off Gladstone is almost ready to start production. Photo Contributed
Origin closes in on Train 1 Gladstone plant in “final commissioning stage” for export of first APLNG gas to Asia
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HERE is no word yet on when Origin might join Santos and QGC in delivering its first gas from Gladstone to Asia, but the company has announced that key activities in the final path to first cargo from Train 1 at the Australia Pacific LNG facility on Curtis Island have now been completed. An Origin spokesperson said mechanical runs had been completed on all six compressor units and Train 1 was in final commissioning stages. The latest update regarding Australia Pacific LNG shows the upstream part of the project was 99% complete at September 30, 2015. To get this far, APLNG had drilled 1176 development wells and commissioned 1050 wells.
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APLNG had drilled 1176 development wells and commissioned 1050 wells The spokesperson said all gas processing trains were mechanically complete and 14 of the 15 gas processing trains had been commissioned, with the final train at Combabula, between Roma and Miles, progressing to schedule. The nearby Spring Gully Pipeline Compression Facility has been commissioned, and all gas processing facilities are connected to permanent power from the grid, the company said. The downstream project was 94% complete at September 30 They have started up the
fifth of seven gas turbine power generators completing the final generator required for Train 1. While all this means a start date is near, the continuing low oil price has meant redundancies in the company. Origin announced they would streamline processes and operating structures across the company during the Full Year Results announcement earlier this year which would see a reduction of 800 roles nationwide, with most expected to come from city locations but also around 17 jobs were lost in Chinchilla and Miles. “We are continuing with a program announced a year ago to remove $1bn in costs as APLNG construction phase winds down and transitions to ongoing operations,” a spokesperson said.
HE Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has slammed the proposed senate inquiry into coal seam gas. APPEA chief executive Malcolm Roberts said the inquiry was just rehashing issues which had already been “exhaustively investigated by numerous independent or parliamentary inquiries”. “Australia does not need another politically motivated and costly federal parliamentary inquiry into the natural gas industry,” he said. “The gas industry is confident that the facts will show an industry which is safe, responsible and enormously beneficial to Australia, especially to regional communities.” Senator Glenn Lazarus put the motion to the Senate calling for a Senate Select Committee to examine how CSG has affected Australians since its boom as an industry across Queensland and NSW “Governments can no longer ignore the impact of coal seam gas mining and other types of unconventional gas mining on the people of Australia,” Senator Lazarus said. “I have been to gas fields in Queensland and they are a living hell for people having to live in them.” The Senate passed the motion – now known as the Bender Inquiry named after Chinchilla cotton farmer George Bender, who died in early October. “George Bender fought for ten years to keep CSG mining companies from coming on to his land. It is an absolute tragedy that he saw no way out other than to take his own life,” Senator Lazarus said. “Governments and resource companies have blood on their hands.” Senator Lazarus said any changes to laws borne from this inquiry would be known as “George’s Law” and he expected the inquiry to hold hearings across Australia. QRC chief executive Michael Roche said since George’s death that public debate has been hijacked by some people. “Professional anti-gas activists, certain politicians and a Sydney shock jock - who are far from pure in their motives,” Mr Roche said.
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CAUTION: Gravel Road Ahead
There are highways and by-ways and then there are gravel roads. Gravel Road will take a leisurely look at the road less travelled across the region. We would have called it Dirt Track but we are far too clean for that — most of the time.
Browned Off
AFTER two terms and eight years in the White House, the leader will finally be stepping down next year. I’m referring, of course, to Mayor Ray Brown who has announced he will be stepping from the role of Western Downs Mayor in 2016. But unlike US president Obama whose two terms of leadership are also expiring, Mayor Brown does want to hang around Dalby’s White House a little longer by running for another term as a councillor. The reason for this voluntary demotion? Cr Brown has his eyes on a meatier role at the Local Government Association of Queensland but needs a springboard of being an elected representative. "I’ve said from day one that I would only do two terms as Mayor. I believe that’s best for all organisations,” he said.
Keeping up with the Joneses
One wonders how many other regional mayors are taking Cr Brown’s dictum to heart that two terms are “best for all organisations”? Balonne Mayor Donna Stewart certainly agrees and she has already
said she won’t run again in 2016. Less certain is Maranoa Mayor Rob Loughnan who is also eight years into the job, but there are plenty of rumours out Roma way that up and coming Cr Cameron O’Neil will run for the big job. Cr O’Neil narrowly lost out on Maranoa LNP preselection to Warwick bank manager David Littleproud last month but aged just 30 he is surely destined for higher office. A stint as Mayor of Maranoa may just be the higher profile he needs. As for others in the region, Mayors Paul Antonio of Toowoomba and Denis Cook of Murweh have only done one term so should be favourites to win a second term of office. That leaves the colourful Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones (a cousin of the equally irascible shock jock Alan Jones). Jonesy is a bit of an African leader-for-life type; he once took so much objection to a journalist quoting him accurately that he banned recording devices from council chambers. He probably takes more of a lead from Joh than a mere two-timer like Obama. Unless a strong candidate can ever be found to run against him, Mayor Jones may remain the Grandee of Gatton for many years to come.
Scruffy Love
Perhaps the prospect of leaving office is having a mellowing effect on some of those mayors. Gravel Road would hardly be telling too many tales out of the hard shoulder to say that Rob Loughnan and Donna Stewart are not renowned for being the best of mayoral bosom buddies. The pair go back a long way when Cr Loughnan was mayor of Bungil Shire and Cr Stewart was mayor of nearby Warroo in those halcyon pre-amalgamation days of yore. When the shires came together in 2008, Mayor Stewart had to move further south to Balonne, where she oversaw an agricultural economy while Mayor Loughnan took over the more resource-focussed Maranoa. When the south-west mayors gathered in Roma recently for the biannual Region of Councils (ROC) meeting, it ended with a dinner to pay tribute to the retiring Balonne Mayor. Chair ANYONE HOME?: A police officer chats (maybe) to the of South West ROC and Mayor of Bulloo self-driving car’s human back-up driver. Photo courtesy of Shire Council, Cr John “Tractor” Ferguson Google. said was great to see Donna share stories of
BEST BUDDIES: Mayors Rob Loughnan and Donna Stewart share a moment.
Life in the slow lane
her favourite times in local government. Whatever about Tractor, it was Scruff who Meanwhile in other odd news, it would was clearly the attractor in this photo (above) obtained by Surat Basin News. Lovely hardly surprise anyone to note that Gravel Road pays a particular interest in fellow road to see! stories. It was tickled pink last week when it heard the story of a police officer in Mountain View, California who pulled over a slow-moving car only to find out that there Also lovely to see was former Australian fast was no human driver inside. The cop was about to book one of Google’s self-driving bowler Michael Kasprowicz who was the vehicles. The officer pinged Google’s car for engaging speaker at the November TSBE traveling 24 mph in a 35 mph zone and event in Toowoomba. Having seen many planned to inform the driver that travelling cricketers speak on television, and particularly thinking of the wayward Warnie, too slow to impede traffic was a violation of Gravel Road did not go to the event with high California’s traffic laws. Instead, after discovering the vehicle was autonomous, the expectations of soaring prose and officer “made contact with the operators to inspirational ideas. But Kasprowicz showed learn more about how the car was choosing he was no ordinary cricketer. When he speeds.” Either that or he issued a stern finished his playing career he went into business and sent himself back to college. As re-boot. An undeterred Google announced that it proudly kept up its record of never he said on the night, he is probably the only international cricketer who now has an MBA. receiving a traffic ticket but didn’t explain Speaking of Warnie, Kasprowicz said “what’s how the car knew how to stop for police. Only a handful of media even seemed to have Warnie really like?” was one of the three asked the question and their tentative questions he always gets asked (alas Kasper conclusion was that there was a human did not spill the beans Warnie so loves on toast to his Toowoomba audience). The other passenger in the car who may have stopped the vehicle. However it happened, it is a two questions? Firstly, was it the right fascinating part of the process of how to get decision when he was given out to hand self-driving cars to obey external stimuli England the Ashes in that famous 2005 such as sirens. One wonders when they Edgbaston test (no, it was wasn’t – his hand finally come here to rural Australia, what was off the bat) and secondly, what is he Google plans to do to avoid kangaroos and doing now? To find the intriguing answer to stray pigs. Animal magnetism, anyone? that second question, turn to page 27.
Kasper the friendly go-to guy
Hit the Road
OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN: The Dalby White House will need a new commander-in-chief after next year's council elections.
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Got something we should know about? Contact us on gravelroad@suratbasin.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Busy upgrade highway program ahead Fifteen projects on the Warrego between Toowoomba and Miles worth $635m will take place over the coming 12 to 24 months
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PDATES on the Warrego Highway are about to get serious in the coming months with 15 projects to be delivered between Toowoomba and Miles. These projects are happening under a $635 million funding arrangement between federal and state governments and are essential to the region’s economic growth and will benefit the agriculture, resource and tourism industries. The Toowoomba – Oakey duplication stage 1 has already started and is a $110m project to extend the four-lane Warrego Hwy from Nugent Punch Rd to west of Charlton. The Toowoomba – Oakey duplication stage 2 will take the four-lane highway a further 4km west to Kingsthorpe with construction expected to start in 2017.The Toowoomba – Oakey duplication stage 3 is a $2 million project to plan the 4-lane highway constuction from Kingsthorpe to Oakey, though the timeframe is not yet clear. There is a $44 million project to provide additional overtaking lanes between Oakey and Dalby at regular intervals and in both directions. Construction expected to commence mid-2016. Dalby western access upgrade stage 1 is a $59 million project to upgrade the highway and
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improve safety at the various intersections and accesses from adjacent industrial development on the western outskirts of Dalby with construction expected mid-2016. The Dalby eastern access upgrade is a $56 million project to upgrade the highway and improve safety at the various intersections and accesses from adjacent industrial and commercial developments on the eastern outskirts of Dalby. Construction is expected mid-2017 but controversially, street parking on the highway in town will be removed. There is a $16 million project to upgrade safety at the open level rail crossing at Chinchilla and a $1 million project to investigate the need for a future bypass around town. There is a $35 million project to replace the deteriorated culverts and construct a new concrete bridge at Jingi Jingi Ck. Construction expected in early 2016. There is also a $6 million project to improve the intersection at Sabine Road, Jondaryn so heavy vehicles have safe access to the highway. Other upgrades include Brigalow-Chinchilla, Dalby-Miles overtaking lanes, Miles western access, Oakey-Miles safety projects and a Drillham-Palardo upgrade.
Roadworks on the Warrego Hwy at Charlton, near O'Mara Rd development, Saturday, September 12, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle
Location as important as marketing for Chinchilla business
arketing can be the business success but so can location, according to Chinchilla hydraulics business Enzed Surat Basin. Owner Shannon McDermott said the proximity of his business, in the Surat Basin Industrial Park, opposite the QGC upstream operational supply base, was ideal. “We are right in there, so hopefully it holds us in good stead. We are the first business you see when you enter the industrial park,” Mr McDermott said. x He attended the first Business Resilience Forum in August and was at the second presentation for local small businesses like his on November 12. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland has
teamed up with QGC and the Chinchilla Community, Commerce and Industry Inc to help rural and regional small businesses. CCIQ and QGC are supporting the Chinchilla Community, Commerce and Industry through the Strengthening Local Chambers Program and are committed to helping local businesses grow and develop. “The local and state chambers have offered us some great benefits and we try to get involved whenever possible,” Mr McDermott said. “I encourage all small businesses in the region to come along.” Running across Chinchilla, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan, the program will provide expert training, advice and support
from HR to marketing and provide essential website and communications infrastructure for each chamber of commerce. Aimed at supporting the local chambers of commerce across the Surat Basin and Darling Downs in their work for local SMEs, QGC has committed $450,000 over three years to fund the program which features three core elements: 1. Technology backbone - providing financial support, technical expertise and training to participating local Chambers of Commerce to establish new, fit-for-purpose websites with added customer relationships software to better equip them for delivering core services to their member businesses. 2. Free CCIQ member services – providing
access to full CCIQ member benefits free of charge to participating chambers of commerce and their members. These benefits include access to expert human resources and industrial relations advice, marketing and communications support, access to CCIQ knowledge banks including webinars, seminars and research archives, and advocacy activity. 3. Expert workshop series – delivering a program of face-to-face workshops to help build capacity in regional businesses. Workshops cover a range of topics including business resilience, social media marketing for small businesses, employee engagement, managing debtors and maximising cash flow.
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RuralNEWS N
Echo Hills shared future
Share your wheat data
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Roma grazier talks of his accommodation with CSG Industry
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HILE the Lock the Gate lobby is trying to turn back the tide in Queensland, many farmers have come to a profitable accommodation with the gas industry. Peter Thompson of Echo Hills has always been an innovative farmer, along with his wife Nikki, and sitting on APLNG tenements, they now see coal seam gas as an essential part of their business. “CSG is now part of our landscape so we definitely don't see it as an eyesore," Mr Thompson said. "It is a part of the integrated operation we have here." Echo Hills is a grazing and grain farm on the Roma-Taroom Rd on the border of Maranoa and Western Downs Regional Councils. APLNG has 40 gas wells, two water stations and over 70km of flow lines on Echo Hills and the Thompsons' adjoining property. Mr Thompson said the company paid them $320,000 for the privilege, a sum which the Thompsons drove a hard bargain for after some initial teething problems when six guys in orange shirts turned up unexpectedly for the first time at Echo Hills. "I had the worst day in my farming life when they told me what they were going to do,” he said. But after thinking the matter through, Mr Thompson said it was either a choice of fighting it or making it work for his family and after much difficult and time-consuming negotiation, the Thompsons now have a good working relationship with APLNG. “It has evolved into more of a partnership", he said.
The CSG compensation has allowed them to take on more workers, pay down debt and build their dream of preserving 2000 hectares of Brigalow forest for eco-tourism at the next door property Nugget Hills, which they recently bought. The Thompson see themselves as “stewards” of the land and say CSG is a stepping stone towards solar and wave energy. “Farmers need to be part of any change, and not let change wash over you like a wave,” Mr Thompson said.
Roma grazier Peter Thompson has come to an accommodation with the CSG Industry. Photo: Derek Barry
rain farmers are being asked to share three kgs of their wheat harvest for the development of the 2015 Wheat Quality and Variety Report.The report enables farmers to benchmark performance of wheat varieties on a classification zone level. By taking part farmers also receive the complete test results for the samples they submit.The annual report is a joint initiative of Grain Growers Limited and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and this year the publication will mark the fifth edition.Following farmer feedback in 2015 there will be an increased focus on varietal performance. GrainGrowers General Manager - Grower Interests, Michael Southan said the aim of the Report was to assist growers in their sowing decisions.“Feedback indicates there has been a lack of available information on how varieties perform in terms of quality in each classification zone. “Such data is obviously highly valuable when planning for the next growing season." He said analysis this year would therefore report the processing and end use quality of individual varieties and some grade samples from each classification zone. This is a change from past seasons where the focus has been primarily on the quality of grades. As well as an information tool for farmers the Australian Wheat Quality & Variety Report delivers benefits across other areas of the supply chain. “The analysis provides domestic and international customers of Australian wheat a summary of the quality attributes of the most recent harvest which assists their buying and processing decisions,” Dr Southan said. Dr Southan said for the report to be statistically valid and thus accurate a sufficient number of samples was needed for analysis. Farmers can register to receive a wheat sample collection kit by emailing cropreport@graingrowers.com.au
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RuralNEWS N More water storage
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Researchers identify key gene to enable water access
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n a world first, researchers from the University of Queensland have identified a key gene in barley that enables the plant to access water even under drought conditions. The gene promotes narrow root growth, which enables the plant to grow roots that penetrate down to water stored deep within the soil. “This may be one of the most exciting research findings to come out of my lab,” said Dr Lee Hickey of the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, whose PhD student Hannah Robinson made the discovery. “Hannah has undertaken the first study of its kind that aims to connect root architecture to yield in barley and her findings will impact everything from basic research to predicting yield and modelling,” he said. Leading agronomist Paul McIntosh from Landmark agrees. “Even in a drought, there is water deep
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the gene for narrow root growth provides a significant yield advantage Hannah Robinson underground and to be able to breed plants with the type of root architecture to access this water-bank means growers can maintain barley yield in drought conditions.” A former medical student turned plant scientist, Ms Robinson is also playing a key role to connect the genes for narrow roots across both barley and wheat crops species. “Our latest findings demonstrate the gene for narrow root growth provides a significant yield advantage throughout Queensland and New South Wales,” Ms Robinson said. “Even before the headers hit the
paddock, the lack of rain caused by the current El Niño has stripped around half a billion dollars in yield from the wheat industry, and looks set to also have a major impact on the barley industry. “While barley crops on the Australian east coast enter the critical grain filling period, there appears to be no relief in sight as the next few months are forecast to be drier than average.” Australia is the 8th largest barley producer worldwide, producing around 7.5 million tonnes of barley annually. Most barley in Australia is used for animal feed and beer production but in North Africa and Southwest Asia, barley is a critical staple food. “Worldwide the largest limitation on barley production is water,” Ms Robinson said. “Dry seasons mean lower yield and less profit for farmers. The effect is more severe in droughts and El Nino weather events.”
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PhD student Hannah Robinson has identified a key gene in barley that enables the plant to access water even under drought conditions. Photo Contributed
group of leading water scientists is urging the federal government to accelerate underground water storage following reports a strong El Nino will increase the risks of major drought. The call for a national underground ‘water bank’ was made at the Australian Groundwater Conference in Canberra this month. Conference Chair, Professor Craig Simmons, director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT), said groundwater made up over 90 per cent of Australia’s fresh water supplies. }It is far more important than we think – but it is often poorly understood and valued. The recent Commonwealth Water Infrastructure Options Paper proposes new dams in Australia – yet all but ignores groundwater,” Prof Simmons said. With over 300 groundwater scientists, policy makers and managers in attendance, the Groundwater conference focussed on a range of serious issues affecting the nation’s largest resource, its subsurface water: • Developing a plan for nationwide underground banking of water in managed aquifers • Ways to return over-allocated groundwater to sustainable levels of extraction • The impact of fracking, coal mining and gas extraction on Australia’s groundwater reserves • The role of water banking for preventing water shortages in Australia’s cities • The role of groundwater in a successful Murray-Darling Basin plan • The role of groundwater in the future development of Northern Australia
NEWS
Now available as a Flip Book! @ suratbasin.com.au http://www.suratbasin.com.au/digital-edition/SuratBasin/ Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
PAGE 13
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Tourism initiatives across the region
Maranoa to host major tourism event Australian Regional Tourism Network 2016 convention set for Roma while Western Downs launches $1.4 million tourism partnership with APLNG
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HE Maranoa is set to host the Australian Regional Tourism Network’s (ARTN) next convention in
Maranoa Council's Coordinator - Tourism, Megan Swords wins the 2015 ARTN MyTravelResearch.com Young Tourism Professional Award. Photo Contributed and initiatives over the next three years. WDRC Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism Cr Tony Brame said the project aimed to cement the Western Downs tourism industry as a key leader in the region’s economy, enhance visitor experiences across the region and support the promotion of the Western Downs, identify key tourism-related activities,
projects and initiatives through community consultation and develop Local Tourism Action Plans that will guide the future of tourism in each district. Cr Brame said the support of the community throughout the various stages of the project will ensure the initiative’s success, delivering activities and projects that have been nominated and developed by them.
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2016. As well as hosting the convention, Maranoa Regional Council’s tourism coordinator Megan Swords took out the prestigious Young Regional Tourism Professional Award for 2015 last month at this year’s ARTN annual convention. It is a hotly contested national award which recognises excellence and passion for regional tourism in professionals aged 30 years or younger. Cr Ree Price, portfolio chair for tourism said it is a fantastic achievement for both Megan and Council to be recognised as leading the way in tourism. “We are very proud of Megan, who encapsulates everything we value in our staff – professionalism, dedication and passion for their job. She is a great asset to our region and the tourism industry,” Cr Price said. “Winning this award means Megan will participate as an ex-officio member of the ARTN Board, receive mentoring and will attend events on behalf of the ARTN. A big congratulations to Megan.” “Council is looking to encourage more business tourism, this means attracting more business travel and activities including meetings, conferences and events – just like the ARTN convention.”
Ms Swords said she was ecstatic to have won the award and was excited to see the Maranoa host next year’s convention. “I am honoured to have received the award and to represent the Maranoa at the convention – it is a beautiful region with a bright future ahead,” Ms Swords said. “I am thrilled that ARTN chose to host the convention in Roma next year, it will be a great opportunity to showcase our many tourism initiatives.” The ARTN’s annual convention is the most significant annual event for industry, practitioners and government agencies engaged in regional tourism throughout Australia. In other tourism news, new figures show that if we took more annual leave at home it would equate to billions for the local economy. If all 129,000 workers in the Darling Downs and Maranoa District holidayed at home this year (based on 21 days) that would equate to a $530 million boost to the State’s economy. The Western Downs region hopes to tap into that market with a landmark partnership between Origin Energy APLNG and Western Downs Regional Council. Together they have launched the Western Downs Tourism Investment Project, a joint project to invest together in the region’s future which will see $1.4 million injected into expanding tourism activities, projects
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Mental health app wins award for MPC
Murphy Pipe and Civil have a win Australian Pipeline and Gas Association honours company for app which enables workers to do two-minute mental health survey
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urphy Pipe and Civil’s effort to understand and improve the wellbeing of its workforce through an innovative mental health app, has been recognised by the Australian Pipeline and Gas Association (APGA). The company was announced the winner of the APGA’s Annual Safety Award during the Association’s annual conference. Last year, Murphy Pipe and Civil (MPC) collaborated with app developer Mate Check to implement a mental health survey and employee feedback system to gauge the wellbeing of the company’s FIFO (fly in fly out) and BIBO (bus in bus out) workforce. Apart from providing a valuable insight into workforce wellbeing, the app also provided employees easy access to counselling assistance and information and, if required, immediate contact with trained counsellors working on MPC project sites. Every employee participated in the two minute survey while traveling to and from site by plane or bus or during regular Toolbox Talks on site. The app’s introduction has delivered the company a far clearer picture of the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce and enabled it to address any issue if needed. All survey results, and the feedback from employees on ways to improve project safety, camp and work life, is immediately sent to
project management teams for evaluation and action after each swing. Since rolling the app out to its 850-strong workforce in December 2014, the company has received more than 2000 feedback suggestions advising project management
how to improve work and camp life and improve mental health. While the inflow of employee feedback has been strong, the company’s CEO John Smith said the most successful outcome since the App’s introduction was that more than 50 of
the company’s employees had used the app to reach out for help. “It has been well documented that there has been a significant increase in mental health stress being felt right across the construction industry, and sadly, our company is not immune to this,“ Mr Smith said. “What has been clearly identified is that people undergoing this type of mental pressure often feel too overwhelmed to reach out for the help they need. “What MPC wanted to do was to provide its employees with useful information on mental health, and also give them an avenue where they can very easily connect with the people who can give them help if needed. “It’s saddening to realise that 50 of our employees were dealing with mental health issues, but I am buoyed by the fact that through this app they have been able to make contact with people who can help them, rather than feeling like they have to deal with their issues in isolation,” he said. “I am very pleased the APGA has recognised the mental health initiative that MPC and Mate Check has developed in order to gauge, and also engage, our workforce.” “However, I think the real award goes to our employees who each swing participate in the app survey with a great deal of honesty to help make their workplace a mentally Murphy Pipe and Civil CEO John Smith (right) accepting the APGA Safety Award from the Member for Surfers healthier place to be,” he said. Paradise and LNP Deputy Leader John-Paul Langbroek.
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DOWN TO BUSINESS
Increase ethanol mandate: MP
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Matt Ostwald (left) accepts the award at the ASCL awards night in Sydney.
QGC-Ostwalds honoured Plant Operator Training Program takes out award at Supply Chain and Logistics awards night in Sydney .
ASCL Awards are the most recognised and esteemed awards in the industry heavy machinery using safe, state-of-the-art simulators. Since the program was launched in 2013, 64 people have completed the course with 60 per cent of graduates securing a job. The partnership is depicted in one of three videos QGC has recently developed to showcase and celebrate the outcomes of QGC’s investment in Indigenous participation. These two minute videos explore the themes of business development, employment and training. In recognition of Ostwald Bros commitment to provide long term support for traditional owner groups and providing real outcomes for their people, the Plant Operator Training Program (POTP) was established in partnership with QGC to engage and employ
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the local indigenous community. The POTP provides a unique and innovative training pathway to a career in the construction, resource and logistics industry. The project aims to deliver new skills and improve the job prospects of indigenous and under-represented groups by enabling participants to be ‘workplace ready’ as entry-level plant operators and drivers. With 25 sites in Queensland and various others interstate, Ostwald Bros are in a strong position to promote the POTP into rural and remote communities and expansion of simulated experiences with other plant and transport equipment. Finalists were: All Purpose Transport, CNW Electrical Wholesale & Energy Solutions, Chain of Responsibility (COR) Australia, Ostwald Bros & QGC Partnership - Plant Operator Training Program, School of Business IT & Logistics, RMIT University, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney and the Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
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HERE has been a local winner in the 2015 Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards. The Ostwald Bros/QGC Partnership took out the 2015 Training, Education and Development Award for their Plant Operator Training Program. The awards are held by the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia, in conjunction with Amcap, Dematic, KTM, Leadership Management Australia, Telstra and Vertical Talent and winners were announced on November 4 at the Dockside Pavilion in Darling Harbour, Sydney. As the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the industry, the ASCL Awards have served the industry for 55 years making them the most recognised and esteemed awards in the industry. QGC invested $500,000 in a partnership with Ostwalds to promote indigenous training and employment. The funding enabled skilled applicants to do a three-week intensive course in operating
LTHOUGH a parliamentary committee has admitted a 2% biofuel mandate is unlikely to boost the industry, it has not suggested an increase. AgForce and an MP have questioned the committee's reasoning behind the recommendation in a report tabled to Queensland Parliament on November 17. AgForce grains president Wayne Newton said it clashed with the mandate's main goal. "The main purpose is to promote regional development in Queensland," he said. Mr Newton said 2% was only slightly higher than now and would not generate any extra investment in regional areas. The Dalby Bio-Refinery is only operating at 40% capacity, Mt Isa MP Robbie Katter said. Mr Katter said Queensland's existing production capacity was more than 4% and his party was advocating for a 5% mandate. Mr Newton said with such a low mandate the government was risking the confidence of proponents who would be willing to spend millions of dollars. He said the US was an example of the power of biofuels to boost regional communities. Mr Newton suggested the government clearly map their plan for the future, with deadlines set for goals for the mandate levels. Last week the government released a biofuels consultation paper about the mandate. The committee suggested the mandate should be increased as soon as practicable. "While the committee does not recommend the level of the initial bio-based petrol mandate of 2% be increased, it is concerned that the initial mandate is unlikely to encourage additional investment.”
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Easternwell signs up for more Toowoomba-based company have a three-year extension to their contract with Santos GLNG
B
roadspectrum’s subsidiary, Easternwell, has signed a three-year contract extension for one rig with Santos Limited. The rig will continue to provide workover and completion services in the Surat Basin, Queensland. “We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Santos for more than 20 years and have successfully worked together to improve the safety and efficiency of our operations in the Surat and Cooper Basins,” said Tim Phelan, Easternwell’s Executive General Manager. “We welcome the opportunity to extend our agreement with Santos and look forward to providing industry leading services.” The contract includes two one-year extension options. Easternwell specialises in providing drilling, well servicing and remote mobile camp management services. The company employs more than 900 people and manages more than 60 rigs and 35 remote mobile camps. Easternwell’s parent company officially changed its name from Transfield Services to Broadspectrum on November 4. Broadspectrum represents the company’s delivery of a broad range of services that are essential to clients across multiple sectors. The new brand will support clients in delivering logistics and facilities management, consulting, construction, care and welfare, operations and maintenance, Easternwell has extended its contract with Santos. well servicing and business support services.
ACCC approves Shell - BG merger
A
FTER months of uncertainty, the competition regulator Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has approved the massive Royal Dutch Shell - BG Group merger. BG Group, the parent company of natural gas company QGC which has operations across the Surat Basin, has confirmed the ACCC had given unconditional merger clearance to Shell's recommended cash and share offer in a deal worth $US70 billion. ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the proposed acquisition would be unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the wholesale natural gas market in Queensland or eastern Australia. The deal still needs approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board and China's Ministry of Commerce. Based on 2014 data, the combination will add 25% to Shell's proved oil and gas reserves and 20% to production and provide Shell with enhanced positions in competitive new oil and gas projects.
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DOWN TO BUSINESS
ProRotor gives MI an edge Roma helicopter company expands into aircraft maintenance
M
I Helicopters has always been one of the more innovative businesses in Surat Basin with Kevin and Sandy Clark running their efficient operation servicing the resource industry out of Roma Airport. Established in 1993 MI Helicopters operates single and twin engine turbine helicopters providing a range of viable alternatives to ground based travel. Whether it is a simple staff transfer to a remote location which would normally require off-road travel or a low level survey flight over unchartered terrain, MI Helicopters can provide the speed and flexibility you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. But always looking and planning ahead towards the next set of issues, the Clarks took the decision in 2013 to purchase Pro Rotor Australia Pty Ltd (formerly known as Helicentre Pty Ltd) a company based in Caloundra. ProRotor had the reputation of being an outstanding maintenance facility and “one stop shop” with a team of five people offering a full suite of services - aircraft maintenance, component overhaul and rectifications, painting and sheet metal repairs for both rotor and fixed wing. MI Helicopters’ chief pilot and company director Kevin Clark said Pro Rotor performed maintenance and component
ProRotor’s maintenance shed in Caloundra now does all MI Helicopter’s maintenance and component overhaul and also does it for MI Helicopter clients and others in the industry. overhaul of their aircraft feet as well as doing it for other MI Helicopter clients. “They either do that out of their main hangar at Caloundra or come out to Roma to do servicing,” Mr Clark said. “We’ve got to have maintenance so (having Pro Rotor) gives us some surety for our business.”
With over 35,000 hours of experience in the air, MI Helicopter pilots are in hot demand and Mr Clark said business was good despite the resources downturn. “We are starting to pick up again with a Santos contract at Wandoan,” he said. “We also do rural mustering aerial operations.”
Moonie mining prospects
H
UGE swathes of land north of the Moonie Hwy in the Balonne Shire have been earmarked for petroleum exploration. The biggest single exploration licence ATP1186 belongs to Goshawk E&P Pty Ltd and was granted late last year. Seven applications have been made to the Department of Natural Resources and Mining for Exploration permits. Of these seven, five have already been granted and two are pending. Of the five permits that have been granted, four are ATP permits and one is an Exploration Permit for Mineral. Triangle Energy towards the end of last year entered into ATP1186 with Goshawk E&P and according to their quarterly report "there is a significant amount of geological information for the area that will now be used to progress the Understanding of the Licence with a view to identifying prospects and drilling targets." Bridgeport Energy also was granted an ATP in June last year. ATP 805 is a petroleum permit halfway between Surat and St George. Exploration Manager of Bridgeport Energy, Cameron Fink, said his company had been in the area last month conducting 3D seismic investigations. "We do feel that the area has significant potential,” Mr Fink said. “We are hoping to make this a core area for Bridgeport."
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PAGE 19
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Native wildlife initiative in the Surat Basin
Fish ladder is a step to success Native fish at Condamine to be helped “step” over the town weir wall
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fish ladder has been built below the Condamine Bridge at Condamine to help native fish ‘step’ their way over the Town Weir wall. The ladder is a series of rising rock pools and will effectively open the river stretch from Cotswold to the Condabri Weir giving native species such as the Vulnerable Murray River Cod a better chance of survival. Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) CEO Geoff Penton said weirs that are a barrier to fish migration had been identified as a contributor to the decline of native fish species in the Murray-Darling Basin. “This fish way is low maintenance and is expected to open up almost 100kms of the Condamine River to fish passage which is a significant gain for fish needing to migrate to forage and breed,” Mr Penton said. “The fish way is already working with sightings of dozens of native fish resting in the pools during a flow in the river from recent rain.” Origin Energy, on behalf of Australia Pacific LNG, engaged QMDC to manage the fish way project while design, construction and monitoring drew on the expertise of Alluvium Consulting, Catchment Solutions, Australasian Fish Passage Services, and Bland Sand and Gravel. Natasha Patterson, Origin General Manager
.
This fish way is low maintenance Geoff Penton QMDC Approvals, Land and Community, said approximately $180,000 in funding had been provided through an environmental offset arrangement. “We are proud to be assisting in efforts to ensure that native fish habitat is enhanced in areas of the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin where Australia Pacific LNG operates,” Ms Patterson said. The ladder begins downstream from the weir wall with resting ponds that will allow fish to recover between ‘steps’ of no more than 100mm as many native fish are unable to negotiate large vertical jumps in higher water levels. Native species expected to benefit from the improved connectivity include the Murray River cod, Golden perch, Eel-tailed catfish, Carp cudgeon and Bony bream. The Condamine Town Weir is owned by the Western Downs Regional Council and provides a water supply to Condamine. The fish ladder will be officially opened at 11am on Tuesday, December 1, at the Pioneer Park Rest Area in Condamine.
QMDC's Paul Webb with Australasian Fish Passage Services Principal Consultant Tim Marsden work on the fish ladder under the Condamine Bridge.
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UEENSLAND’S creeks, rivers, aquifers and the Great Barrier Reef would be protected under new water laws introduced to Parliament this month, according to Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham. On November 10, Dr Lynham introduced the Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 to replace the previous government’s proposed water legislation. “This Bill will underpin the sustainable management of our precious water resources for all users – landholders, communities, the resources sector -and protect the environment,” Dr Lynham said. “In Opposition, Labor fiercely opposed
many elements of the LNP’s water laws because we were very concerned about what they meant for the Great Barrier Reef and the potential for frittering away our water resources.” Dr Lynham said a key issue was removing the water development options. “These options would have irresponsibly given water to big projects without consultation and without strong criteria to make good decisions,” he said. Dr Lynham said the bill restored the principle of ecologically sustainable development, replaced references to responsible and productive management with sustainable management in the purposes and
throughout the Water Resources and Other Legislation Act 2014 (WROLA) and stopped the creation of so-called “designated watercourses”, where water could have been taken without a science-based water licence. Water expert Tom Crothers dismissed the changes as “media spin”. “The Queensland government is giving up the powers which it has to prevent miners from extracting vast quantities of water to unsustainable levels during mining operations,” Mr Crothers said. “Minister Lynham fails to recognise or understand that the current Make Good Agreement framework is not delivering the goods – it’s flawed, inequitable and totally unfair on landholders.”
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
www.suratbasin.com.au PrinT | Online | MObile | SOCial
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OPINIONS
Unions are needed more than ever
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COMMENT DAN MCGAW State Organiser Electrical Trades Union South West Queensland
T
here is always a call from certain politicians and business groups saying that unions are no longer relevant and there is no place in the business world for them anymore.
They say that unions drive up wages and put companies out of business. If you think unions are no longer needed, ask yourself: Are capitalist less greedy? Are bosses generous and humane? Are corporations no longer obsessed with squeezing labor costs? Can you trust politicians to maintain worker protections when they rely the investor class to finance their campaigns? Every worker, past and present has the union movement to thank for conditions most
people take for granted. It was the union movement, though past campaigns and action that bought you things like Medicare, Superannuation, Long Service Leave, Maternity Leave, Workers Compensation, strong Workplace Health and Safety laws, 8 hour working day and paid leave just to name a few. Can you imagine your job without these conditions? Joining a union is the best way to protect your rights at work and the life you enjoy
outside of work and ensuring these basic are enjoyed by future generations to come. Businesses come and go but love them or hate them the union movement has been here for well over 100 years and we will continue to fight for rights and conditions for ALL Australian workers. There will always be a need for unions are we are dam proud of our achievements to date. We will not be silenced by corporations who are only interested in massive profits and shareholder returns.
Exploration scorecard reveals mixed results for sector
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COMMENT ANN LEAHY MP Member for Warrego
W
elcome to the latest Surat Basin News and it has been great to be out and about in the Surat Basin over the last month particularly in the communities of Charleville, Chinchilla, Mungindi and Tara.
Queensland Exploration Scorecard
The fifth annual Queensland Exploration Scorecard, has been released by the Queensland Exploration Council, has revealed mixed results for the resources exploration sector.
In 2013-14, the Queensland Resources Sector contributed a huge $1.9 billion to the Warrego State Electorate. That confidence in the resources exploration sector has since declined steeply under the Palaszczuk Labor Government. This has a flow on effect into communities across the Warrego Electorate. In previous scorecards the former LNP Government dramatically reduced the levels of policy uncertainty expressed by explorers in Queensland, almost halving it in two years. After nine months in office Labor is certainly holding back Queensland’s resources sector. In a worrying sign that this State Government is not up to the job, policy uncertainty was nominated as the number one concern for drilling companies on the front line of the exploration sector. Confidence in the exploration sector is important in terms of encouraging
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investment which leads to the next generation of job creating projects in the resources industry. The 5th Annual Queensland Exploration Scorecard can be found online at: https://www.qrc.org.au/_dbase_upl/QEC%20 Exploration%20Scorecard%202015_FINAL.pdf
with the seat of Balonne. In 1999 Warrego assumed almost two thirds of the seat of Western Downs. In 2008 the Murweh Shire was returned and Warrego expanded eastward to the Condamine River and Jimbour Creek and included the town of Jandowae. The LNPs Private Members Bill was opposed by the State Government, and lost on the floor of the Parliament. The LNPs proposals to review the state's electoral redistribution process after 30 years However a new private members bill has was rejected by the State Government earlier been introduced last week advocating an increase in the number of state this month in State Parliament. parliamentary seats from 89 to 93 and The population of Queensland has doubled bipartisan support for the appointment of since 1986 and there has been no increase in Electoral Commisioners. the number of seats in State Parliament and This legislation will be likely to be debated in Queensland has the second highest voter the last sitting week in December – and we representation ratio in Parliaments in will have to be patient and await the outcome Australia, 33,430 people to one Member of which I will be sure to report to your readers Parliament. in due course. The Seat of Warrego in 1991 amalgamated
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OPINIONS
Rising fuel prices Presents challenges for agriculture sector in Western Downs and Surat Basin COMMENT Cr RAY BROWN Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council
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ur towns and communities have stood strong and flourished through the challenges and opportunities the renewable energy industry continues to bring to the Western Downs and Surat Basin. Our aim has always been to build our region so that the futures of our communities are sustainable, and
well-positioned to capitalise on the advantages of the expansion of natural gas production in the Surat Basin. Continued infrastructure development, as well as a burgeoning regional economy, highlights the many benefits that come from working alongside the energy sector. As a Gasfields Commissioner, our communities can rest assured that the resource industries within the Surat Basin and Western Downs region are held to the highest-standard, with industry operations held to a strict regulatory regime. With the recent announcement of a Senate inquiry
Gas sector keeps delivering .
COMMENT MICHAEL ROCHE CEO Queensland Resources Council
T
he Surat Basin’s natural gas industry has taken another leap forward with the announced development by QGC and joint venture partners of the Charlie tenements west of Wandoan. This $1.7 billion investment in the future of the Surat will generate up to 1600 construction jobs, and provide other major business benefits for surrounding communities. Queensland has led the way in developing a world-class onshore natural gas industry and this announcement positions the state well to tap into a forecast 160 percent growth in Asian gas demand out to 2040. Regulation of our onshore natural gas industry was given special mention by the
International Energy Agency in November: “Overall, the Queensland approach seems to embody many features of regulatory best practice, with cumulative, regional assessments revised regularly, purpose built institutions and a strong focus on water issues,” the IEA said in its World Energy Outlook report. The benefits of the Charlie development will flow far and wide through the communities supporting the enterprise in the Surat to Queenslanders across the state courtesy of the royalties paid to the state to help pay for schools, hospitals, roads and other government services. The Queensland natural gas sector supports directly and indirectly more than 114,000 local jobs and 3600 businesses, in all, accounting for seven percent of the state’s economy. Further information on the economic contribution of the natural gas industry and other resource industries can be found on the QRC website.
into the health, social, agricultural and environmental impacts of the coal seam and shale gas mining sectors on rural and regional communities, it is extremely important that we be guided by the facts of the investigation and keep in mind the ongoing benefits the resource sector has on our communities. I'll be watching the inquiry with a keen interest over the coming months. On a different note, it is concerning to see that despite international oil prices being at an extreme low, the price of fuel in rural and regional areas across Queensland still
remain at a relative high. The price of fuel has an enormous impact on our agricultural sector, as our rural producers are vulnerable to rising and over-inflation of fuel and fertiliser costs. I believe that the State and Federal Governments need to look at why there is an anomaly in fuel prices between large metropolitan areas and rural and regional Australia. We need to look after our agricultural sector, support our farmers, and reduce financial risk to ensure our agricultural production is maintained well into the future.
China FTA is local boost .
COMMENT BRUCE SCOTT MP Federal Member for Maranoa
T
he Senate has passed the China-Australia Trade Agreement legislation. The question is: What does it means for the Maranoa electorate? Maranoa exporters to China should see tariffs fall by the end of the year with the Senate passing legislation earlier this month to enable the China-Australia Trade Agreement. As a member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade joint standing committee and chairman of the Trade subcommittee, I offer an insight into what this historic agreement will mean for the Maranoa. This powerful agreement means this electorate is a step closer to enormous opportunities. Entry into force this year will see an immediate round of tariff cuts, followed by a second round of cuts on January 1 next year, allowing the benefits of this agreement with China to flow quickly through to Australian
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exporters and consumers. This is an absolute win for the Maranoa – whether it’s agriculture, horticulture, wine, dairy, beef, sheep, coal or household goods. The trade agreement means Maranoa businesses will have unprecedented access to the world’s second largest economy. It greatly enhances our competitive position in key areas such as agriculture, resources and energy, manufacturing exports, services and investment. The agreement will enter into force when Australia and China have both completed their domestic treaty-making processes, and we are working with China for this to happen as soon as possible. On the back of the Liberal National Coalition Government’s successful Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and with major trading partners in Asia – Korea and Japan. This proves our government is serious about growing our economy, creating jobs and supporting farming families. The powerful trifecta of Asian agreements account for more than 62% of Australia’s export market and provide Australian businesses with access to more than 1.5 billion people, opening up endless opportunities across goods, services and investment.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
5799771ah
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OPINIONS
Ag in Asia takes flight
The road toll must come down .
COMMENT
Wellcamp freight departure a major milestone
PAT WEIR MP Member for Condamine
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COMMENT BEN LYONS TSBE CEO
B
y now, there is no doubting that you have all heard about the monumental occasion that took place Monday, November 23 in Toowoomba. Australia’s biggest and best agriculture region took a massive leap forward when the first international freight flight chartered by Cathay Pacific took off from Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport bound for Hong Kong. Our region now has a direct link to the world’s biggest and best premium food demand story and better access to the world’s largest economies. This opportunity is only accelerated by Cathay Pacific’s impressive freight network which gives this region access to 57 cargo destinations in Asia, not to mention the number of other international destinations
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now at our fingertips. This means that in conjunction with the advent of E-Commerce platforms, our local food producers and processors can get closer to their customers. The transparency of these E-Commerce platforms backed by our logistics capabilities means that we have the potential to form better relationships with consumers than ever before. This is particularly important for small businesses and enterprises who now have access to additional premium markets that they may not have been able to reach otherwise. Our agriculture sector needs to get better at utilising collective thinking to get the best outcomes. Producers need to collaborate more to improve supply chain efficiencies, in order to open the doors Wellcamp Airport has given us and to ensure our region is making the most of what we are given.
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n recent months the number of accidents on Condamine electorate roads has been horrific. Many fatalities have resulted from these accidents, and many have involved vehicles veering on to the wrong side of the road and crashing head on with the oncoming traffic. Paying due care and attention doesn’t seem to appear to be registering with drivers presently and most of these accidents have been completely avoidable. The heavy vehicle traffic on our local roads is substantial and we all need to remember it is very difficult for a fully loaded semi-trailer, B-Double or road train to stop or swerve when another vehicle comes unexpectedly into its path. The condition of our roads does play a part in accidents occurring, however several of the most recent accidents have happened on roads that are in excellent
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condition and where the driver has had an adequate view of the traffic ahead of them and behind them. A complacency seems to have developed about paying attention to the road conditions, the amount of traffic on the road and the type of traffic on the road. Because we live in an area where we do have a large proportion of our traffic transporting freight, livestock or produce we need to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of ourselves and the others we share the road with. I would urge and encourage all of you to pay extra attention when driving, especially as the school holidays approach, and Christmas and New Year festivities commence. Don’t be preoccupied by mobile phones or other distractions, stop if you are feeling fatigued and rest a while. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination and pay attention to the oncoming traffic at all times. One moment of inattention can lead to the devastation of a family forever; these families will never be the same again.
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PLACES & FACES
1
TSBE function 1. Venture India's Chris Henderson and Michael Kasprowicz chat with Rob Hart at the TSBE November event at Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre. Chris and Michael spoke at the event about business opportunities for Australian companies in India. 2. Marianne Kintzel and Peter Cox. 3. TSBE chair Shane Charles speaks at the TSBE event. 4. TSBE CEO Dr Ben Lyons chats with Abhi Aggarwal of event sponsors PWC. 5. Joe Wagner, Phil Stonestreet and David Bowler. 6. Graeme Partland, Adrian Vowles and Steven Keating (right) chat with Michael Kasprowicz at the TSBE function. 7. Kaye Maguire, Phil Somers and Rob Hart catch up at the TSBE enterprise function.
2
8. David Franey, Christine Lee Billon and Scott Standfast.
3
9. Michael Kasprowicz speaks at the TSBE event. Photos Derek Barry
4
5
6 8
7
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
9
PLACES & FACES
11 10
12
13 TSBE function
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10. Matthew Knudsen and Danny Brooker of JJ Richards, Toowoomba. 11. Kent Antonio, Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio and Marianne Kintzel. 12. Brendan Goleby and Cecil Barnard. 13. John McCormack and Russell Genrick attended the TSBE evening evening in Toowoomba's Empire Theatre on November 12. 14. Carmen Charles chats with guest speaker Chris Henderson of Venture India.
15
15. Dr Ben Lyons speaks at the TSBE event
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16. Dave Taylor, Adrian Vowles and Graeme Partland. Photos Derek Barry
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HE Brisbane Broncos will travel to Dalby next month to go head-to-head with locals in what will be the touch football game of the year. The 2015 Arrow Energy-Brisbane Broncos Fan Day on Saturday, December 12 is an opportunity for Western Downs fans to spend the morning with the team and will also include a children’s clinic and family entertainment. Arrow Energy CEO Mike Grieve said the touch football match is a new addition to the fourth annual Surat Basin fan day. “As part of our partnership with the Broncos, it’s great we can bring the team to Dalby to meet and greet some of their biggest supporters,” Mr Grieve said. “This year will be extra special with local residents having the opportunity to play an all-star touch football game with the Broncos. “The Broncos had a very strong season and this is an opportunity for fans to congratulate the team and have a photo with their favourite players – a perfect way to kick-off the school holidays!” Senior player Sam Thaiday said more than 1000 people attended the 2014 fan day and the club hoped to top that this year. “We have had a great partnership with Arrow over the last few years and working with them to get out into regional Queensland has been a big part of that,” he said. The Broncos will be led westwards by Dalby boy and the
club’s 2015 Most Consistent Player of the Year, Andrew McCullough. “We have had a couple of really good fan days in the past in Dalby, so I am looking forward to getting back out there and seeing as many familiar faces as I can,” he said. “Rugby league is a huge part of the community, so it is nice to be able to come back to my hometown.” As part of the fun, the Broncos will hold a football skills clinic with local junior players. There will also be a BBQ lunch, music, NRL merchandise and giveaways, face painting and laser skirmish. A highlight of the morning will be the “Broncos and Western Downs Local Legends” touch football game. For your chance to be on the legends team and take to the field, visit the Arrow Energy website homepage. The Arrow Energy Broncos Fan Day will be held 9am 11am, Saturday, December 12, at Dalby Leagues Club.
Brisbane Broncos Fan Day Where: Dalby Leagues Club When: Saturday, December 12 Time: 9-11am Highlight: Broncos versus Western Downs local legends touch footy game
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
PLACES & FACES
TSBE CEO Dr Ben Lyons with Michael Kasprowicz and PWC’s Abhi Aggarwal at the Toowoomba evening evening. Photo: Derek Barry
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I’m probably the only international cricketer with an MBA Michael Kasprowicz “You are in charge, it’s your journey, it’s your business,” he said. When speaking of the role of perception, Mr Kasprowicz said that it would be easy for Submersible Repairs most people to look at India as an emerging opportunity and think it was all a bit too difficult. However, Mr Kasprowicz reminded guests most people thought the same of China 10-15 years ago. “Everyone looks at India and goes it’s a bit hard you know… I am not quite sure actually how this all works,” he said. “Exactly the same way we thought of China e your 10-15 years ago. Because that was going to be & Seals Split Seal hard, that was going to be tough. “But we put the work in, we actually understood how it all worked. “Now everyone talks about China as being easy as going to Westfield Indooroopilly.” Mr Kasprowicz said dealing with India was in some ways easier than China with English widen spoken and a shared set of British institutions – especially the love of cricket between the two nations. India is Australia’s 12th largest trading partner and our seventh largest export market and Australia has placed India at the forefront of its international partnerships. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was one of the stars of the Brisbane G20 when he visited in November 2014 reciprocating a visit to India by then-prime minister Tony Abbott in September that year. Mr Kasprowicz told his TSBE audience Queensland was in a golden position to benefit from the growing relationship. The event was sponsored by PWC. TSBE’s final Enterprise Evening for 2015 will be held in Toowoomba on Thursday December 10.
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erception. Pain. Pressure. Possession. These are the four core components needed for businesses to see success in India, and cricket, according to former Australian test cricketer Michael Kasprowicz. Mr Kasprowicz is the founding partner of Venture India, a sub-continent consultancy firm specialising in facilitating opportunities and establishing business relationships between Australia and India. He shared his insights about doing business successfully in India with guests at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s November enterprise evening, held at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. Mr Kasprowicz said during his cricketing career he became known as a “sub-continent specialist” and said that while his teammates mostly hated touring India, he was determined to enjoy it. When his career was over he decided to go into business and went back to do studies. “I’m probably the only international cricketer with an MBA,” he said. “In India cricket starts the conversation, but that’s all it does.” From his time playing cricket, and subsequently working in the Indian marketplace, Mr Kasprowicz told guests that understanding the role of the four P’s, perception, pain, pressure and possession, and how these elements can contribute to success, is key for breaking into an emerging market. “Perception, understanding how perception works and how you can adjust perception, if you like, and influence perception,” he said. “Then there’s pain, understanding that it’s going to hurt, it’s going to be pain. “There’s going to be pressure at different points, on your performance, on the outside, and pretty much that it’s about possession you own your journey, that’s the ownership of that particular path that you are choosing.” Mr Kasprowicz said businesses should not to deal in luck, but trust their skills and know their competitive advantage.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015
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PLACES & FACES
The blokiest festival you’ve never been to
Oh he’s the feller from Cunnamulla Cunnamulla Fella festival is local in scope now but one man has big visions to take it nationally
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UNNAMULLA Fella is one of the blokiest festivals you’ve never been to. Dusty, hot and fly-blown, it’s as truly Queensland as any place on Earth. You’ve got the local gymkhana, not one but two rodeos, proper PBR and the rookie’s rodeo. There’s even a competition where it is obligatory to wear a hat and boots. And the whole thing is based on a song popularised by Slim Dusty, written by Stan Coster. It was the 10th anniversary of the event this year, and it’s never been so strong. But, as usual, mostly the small town draws in locals from Quilpie, St George and Charleville. Mike Nichols, the former police officer who painted the design of the
Cunnamulla Fella statue has plans for getting the festival on the bigger map. “What we really need is a real personality to come out here, someone who’s full of themselves who’s got a million followers on Facebook,” he said. “Get them to come here and have fun and then put it up on Facebook and we’ve got a tidal wave of people. “I reckon the one is the girl who’s just won the Melbourne Cup (Michelle Payne). “Everything runs through the internet, that’s where all the people are. “That’s how the world’s gone.” Mr Nichols, who worked in Cunnamulla as a police officer in the 1960s, was recognised as a key driver of the success of the iconic event. He told how he became involved in the
festival. It was 2004. “I (initially) didn’t know anything about it. The council made a decision because Slim Dusty died,” he said. “Because of his involvement in the town and because he wrote the song the Cunnamulla Fella. “Someone said – in that case we have to put it out to tender. “They finally decided it would be a good idea to have a statue, something to symbolise Cunnamulla, as well as in memory of him. “That was the first I heard about it I opened the Courier Mail one morning and there’s this bit in the paper. “I turned to my wife and looked at it and said to my wife – that’s mine.” - Andrew Messenger
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SURAT BASIN NEWS Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 Printed by APN Print Warwick 2013 General Manager Erika Brayshaw 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413, PO Box 138 Chinchilla Q4413, Phone 07 4672 9900
NOT JUST BLOKES: Roxanne Hooper, Jessica McArthy, Donna Purcell and Linda Turnbull enjoy the Cunnamulla Fella festival. Photo Andrew Messenger
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BRISBANE - CHINCHILLA - ROMA - BLACKWATER - MIDDLEMOUNT - MORANBAH - BOGGABRI - PNG
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 November 2015