Surat basin news july 2017 by News Corp Custom Publishing

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

SNAP OF THE MONTH

◗ BIRD’S EYE: View of Hopeland from atop Col and Marcia Davis' grain elevator at their property, Wamba.

Contents

From the editor

Energy focus good for future of the Surat Basin ENERGY, or more specifically, how best to supply it, has been front and centre in the headlines recently. With the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise National Energy Summit held this month, there was plenty to discuss. On his way there, Federal Resources Minister and Queensland Senator Matt Canavan stopped by Kogan Creek and Braemar power stations to check out the incredible technology we use to ensure that when you flip a switch at home, the lights come on. Maranoa MP David Littleproud, who accompanied Senator Canavan on his tour, has called on the State Government to expand Kogan Creek Power Station. Situated in the heart of the Surat Basin, Kogan Creek sources its fuel supply from a coal mine next door. But it’s just one of many energy sources the Surat Basin is home to. Throw solar, wind and gas into the mix, and the region is primed to continue in its role as one of the “powerhouses of the nation”, as Senator Canavan rightly said this month. Since I started in this job more than a year and a half ago, solar energy development has gone from something that was barely mentioned to the next “big thing” in terms of industrial development for the Surat Basin - thanks in large part to the efforts of Western Downs Regional Council. It’s been a pleasure sitting in the editor’s chair and watching this development unfold, and I look forward to keeping an eye on it from Toowoomba, where I start a new job next month. Carmen Barclay will take over the reins from here on. Until next time, — Matthew Newton

IN THE NEWS

TSBE National Energy Summit.......................................................3 Calls for Kogan Creek Power Plant expansion ..........................4 Water fight ends for Hopeland farmers.....................................5 Data drought relief .....................................................................6 AgForce joins HK trip..................................................................8 Wastewater storage kicks up a stink.........................................9 Bio refinery gears up for expansion..........................................10

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 thought 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. ONLINE: Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them. Go to: www.suratbasin.com.au. PURCHASE FROM: Newsagents in Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope. VISION: Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 1200 sq km basin, providing unprecedented access to new clients and markets. It will give a revealing insight into major industry while lifting the veil on current and proposed developments. It will be there for each and every announcement shaping the region’s future while profiling the colourful characters.

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OPINION

....................................................................................................19-21

PLACES AND FACES

TSBE events.............................................................................26-27

The team GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9921, email manager@suratbasin.com.au ADVERTISING TEAM Bobbie Gorring, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9930, email advertise@suratbasin.com.au Greg Latta, Roma Phone 4672 9927, email Greg.latta@romawesternstarnews.com Nicole Boyd-Taylor, Dalby Phone 04672 5500, email nicole.boyd-taylor@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL

Matthew Newton, Chinchilla

Phone 4672 9926, email matthew.newton@chinchillanews.com.au

SURAT BASIN NEWS 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is printed by News Corp Australia.

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Thursday, July 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS

◗ SOLAR SURGE: Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply Mark Bailey presents at the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise National Energy Summit.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Solar Energy

Grid shock on the Downs A surge in solar projects across the Darling Downs risks crippling power networks if upgrades are not made to the grid A SURGE in solar projects across the Darling Downs risks crippling energy supply networks if upgrades are not made to the grid. Six projects worth nearly $2 billion are planned for the region in coming years, including a 5000 hectare plant at Millmerran billed as the largest solar farm in Australia, and the $200 million Yarranlea project. These have been lauded as the answer to soaring electricity bills and unreliable supply, but now doubts have been raised over whether the energy grid has the capacity to cope with the increased power load they will provide. Yarranlea Solar chief executive Nick Canto said major infrastructure upgrades to the existing network were needed to manage the upsurge in renewable power supplies.

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State Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply Mark Bailey said the government had no plans "at this stage" to upgrade the network to shore up renewable energy supplies in the Darling Downs but acknowledged it could form part of the government's future plans. "It's a good problem to have, isn't it, when you've got so many renewable energy projects happening and infrastructure and jobs that they're actually talking about upgrading the system," he said. "We're seeing solar power stations happening all over the state. "We've made a decision to upgrade the transmission line in North Queensland because we've got so many projects happening there. "We will continue to review our system to make sure that we can facilitate these projects." Mr Bailey singled out the Sun Metals solar plant in Townsville which will generate 116 megawatts and cover 30% of the plants energy needs.

The Bulli Creek Solar Project at Millmerran will generate 2000MW in what has been described as potentially the largest solar plant in the world. Yarranlea is estimated to generate 100MW. Federal Minister for Resources Senator Matthew Canavan said the rush to renewable energy sources put at risk jobs and industry without benefiting the end consumer. "We shouldn't push renewables up above 40% without a proper plan of knowing how to keep the lights on when renewables are not there," he said. "That's what they did in South Australia and they put their own state and businesses there at great risk. "(The Federal Government) are focused on looking at what technology works around the world, what works and doesn't work around Australia, and we can see at the moment that South Australia is doing a great service to our nation. "They're showing us all what not to do."

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

◗ POWER TALKS: Maranoa MP David Littleproud and Resources Minister Senator Matt Canavan talk energy security outside Kogan Creek Power Station.

PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

MP calls for power plant expansion

Powering up Kogan Creek AS the temperature drops, some of our most vulnerable ask themselves if they can afford to turn on a heater for warmth as Queenslanders pay some of the highest wholesale price for electricity in the national energy market. Sky-high power prices and the state government’s mismanagement is one of the greatest economic uncertainties crippling Queensland but Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the answer lies in the Surat Basin. “It’s got to the stage where electricity will become a luxury item if Qld Labor is allowed to continue on this path of mismanagement,” Mr Littleproud said. “That’s why I’m calling for action because as Queenslanders – the seniors, families and small business owners who call this great state home – we own the two state-owned generators at Stanwell and CS Energy and demand a better deal. “I visited CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station and they’ve got the ability to expand operations. There’s a coal mine already in operation next door and coal deposits to last

hundreds-of-years so it makes sense to grow this operation to address this state’s energy price crisis and create more jobs in the Surat Basin. “This operation is already leading the way as Kogan Creek is Australia’s most advanced power station and has one of the lowest environmental impacts of any coal-fired power station nationwide, with low levels of water consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.” The Labor State Government 2017-18 Budget forecasted a $1.5 billion windfall over the forward estimates from the state-owned generators – that’s a 110% increase on the dividend contained in the 2015-16 Budget. “How can Qld Labor – in good conscience – look forward to milking $1.5 billion from state-owned generators but let seniors and families doing it tough baulk at turning on a heater because they’re frightened of the next power bill? It’s absolutely disgusting and it has to stop,” Mr Littleproud said. Mr Littleproud said the Coalition Federal Government was

doing its part to put downward pressure on electricity prices and called on Qld Labor to not plunge our great state into darkness. “Nationally we’ve seen Labor close coal-fired power stations without any attempts being made to replace them with other sources of reliable baseload power,” he said. “The Coalition proposes new high-efficient, low emission coal-fired power stations which cost $2.2 billion each – considerably less than $3 billion of subsidies handed out in renewable subsidies each year. “There are some exciting proposed renewable energy projects in Maranoa but I also believe coal remains a vital part of our baseload system because we can’t replace our baseload with something intermittent and very costly. “That’s what Labor did to South Australia – a state with the highest electricity cost in Australia as a result of 45% of its power generation coming from unreliable wind, which plunged the entire state into darkness.”

Federal Resources Minister Matt Canvan says region ‘a powerhouse for the nation’ STANDING in front of the 750MW Kogan Creek Power Station this month, Queensland Federal Resources Minister Senator Matt Canavan declared the Western Downs a “powerhouse for the nation”. “You’ve got coal, you’ve got gas, you’ve got renewables,” he said. “We’ve got to stop putting all our eggs in one basket – we need all kinds of power to bring power prices down and keep our competitiveness as a country.” The Federal Government this week announced the acceptance of 49 of 50 recommendations from the recent Finkel Review into the future security of the National Electricity Market. The release of the Finkel Review last month prompted concerns within Western Downs Regional Council over changes to government policy – specifically the

requirement for power storage and batteries alongside renewable energy development. The worry was that the additional requirements could potentially derail investment in solar energy across the Western Downs. But Senator Canavan eased those concerns yesterday, saying the review wasn’t “explicit” in saying renewables required battery storage to be attached to the developments. “It has to have the ability of some level of backup is what (Finkel) recommended,” Senator Canavan said. “It doesn’t spell out how many hours or the particular technological backup there should be, just that there should be the provision that renewables can provide some kind of certainty in the energy system.” Senator Canavan pointed to the recent power blackouts

in South Australia where he said intermittent energy sources supplied up to 40% of the state’s power. “The back-up requirements will be calibrated to the specifics of the region’s electricity system,” he said. “The big issue in South Australia was that there was no baseload power, they relied on the power line from Victoria to keep them going and that put them in a vulnerable position. “You don’t have that situation here because you have places like Kogan Creek, Callide up the road, you’re in a resilient part of our electricity network. “I just make the point that I think you are in an area of great attraction of renewable energy investment because you have the resilience from having a significant baseload power system, so this is a good place to do things like solar.”

Thursday, July 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS

10 year struggle comes to an end

Water fight over for Hopeland farmers AFTER nearly 10 years of fighting, Hopeland farmers Col and Marcia Davis have been compensated for the loss of their water bores to the Coal Seam Gas industry. The couple signed a “make good” agreement with Arrow Energy on June 28 for an undisclosed sum of money, allowing them to drill a new bore into the Hutton Aquifer, 783m below ground. The new bore will secure the future of their farming business, which includes a 1550 Standard Cattle Unit feedlot and two piggeries totalling 5200 Standard Pig Units. “It’s a real relief,” Mr Davis said. “The future looks brighter with all the water down there.” The trouble began back in 2008 when the main water bore they used to supply water to their cattle feedlot and piggery, Wamba, began blowing gas intermittently. They made do until January 2016, when their bore - the lifeblood of their farming operation – was rendered useless by the constant gushing of gas and water from underground. While Arrow Energy does not have any active operations within 35km of the Davis’ property, they do own the petroleum lease over the Davis’ land, and are therefore responsible under state legislation to “make good” on the Davis’ bore. But that didn’t stop the company from digging their heels in when it came to fixing the problem. The Surat Basin News understands that industry insiders have been quietly furious over the Davis’ treatment by Arrow Energy for some time now. Back in 2016, Arrow Energy told the Davis’ their bore was now a “safety issue” and offered to fence in the bore with cattle panels. The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection even directed Arrow Energy to undertake an assessment of the four bores on the Davis property and enter into a make good agreement with the couple back in 2013. Yet it has taken four long years of back and forth between the Davis’ solicitors and the company for an agreement to be reached. The struggle has taken a toll on the couple, both mentally and financially. Before the September rains last year, they were four weeks away from running out of water completely – an untenable position for a feedlot and piggery operator, and one which they found themselves in through no fault of their own. “I think it’s a bit like anything that abuses you, you get tougher and tougher,” Mr Davis said of the protracted negotiations with Arrow Energy. “It’s a big invasion of your business.”

◗ RESOLVED: Col and Marcia Davis have secured an agreement with Arrow Energy over the loss of their water bore at their Hopeland Property, Wamba. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

At several points, Mrs Davis said they felt like giving up. “But only for a short space of time, and then you say, no, we’ve got to keep fighting for this because if we give up now, what are we going to do?” Mr Davis said the issue was that Arrow Energy were happy to offer money as compensation, but not sign a “make good” agreement on the bore. Then, just before Christmas 2016, the Davis’ solicitor slipped a hint that the couple would take money as part of a make good agreement instead of a bore, Arrow Energy began making monetary offers. “They didn’t want the risk of drilling down and finding no water and having to drill again,” Mr Davis said. Instead, the Davis’ contracted local company Dynamic Drilling to drill a new bore, taking on that risk themselves. Early indications last week were that the bore into the Hutton Aquifer will be a success. In 2016, Mr Davis said the government needed to stand up and ensure the Coal Seam Gas industry complied with its obligations to landholders. He said that changes to legislation in late 2016 had gone someway to addressing his earlier concerns. “Water security has always been the issue for us,” Mr Davis said. “We’re more optimistic about the future now.”

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

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RURAL and remote Australians will soon be granted some data-drought relief when NBN Co opens the floodgates on internet usage. Following months of lobbying from community and rural industry groups, NBN Co has announced that from October 1, the maximum monthly wholesale data limits on its Sky Muster satellite service will be doubled to 300GB (150GB peak and 150GB off-peak). The increase is expected to be passed on to consumers via retail service providers. “This is a very positive step in the right direction to end the data drought that has restricted business, education and social development across regional Australia,” said Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia founder Kristy Sparrow. “BIRRR has advocated for increased data limits ever since the launch of Sky Muster, as we believe the current maximum of

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75GB is inadequate for the multiple needs that rural customers often require.” Ms Sparrow said it was heartening to see a positive response from the major players in bush telecommunications. AgForce telecommunications committee chair Georgie Somerset said Queensland was the most decentralised state in Australia and the need for fairer, more reliable and more affordable phone and internet services was the number one issue for people living and working in the bush. “Today’s announcement by NBN is welcome recognition that rural Australians need realistic data limits to be able to run their businesses, ensure their children are educated and to stay connected socially with family and friends,” she said. Issues around Sky Muster data were raised by ministers Fiona Nash and Mitch Fifield at an NBN Co board meeting a few months ago.

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Giovenco Industries

Giovenco Industries keeping it local FROM blasting and painting, insulation to fireproofing and scaffolding, Giovenco Industries is one of Australia’s largest industrial contracting firms and has grown to be the biggest coating facility in the Surat Basin. Giovenco set up shop in Chinchilla in 2014 following a modest project with QGC for just 12 staff in 2012. Since then, the company has grown exponentially in the Surat Basin and now services industry heavy weights such as Arrow Energy, Downer Edi, Mondadelphous, Decmil and Santos GLNG. But despite doing business with the big end of town, Giovenco Industries regional general manager Clay Evans said there is no job too big or small for his local team. Mr Evans, who used to work for Rio Tinto, relocated to Chinchilla from the Northern Territory in January with his wife and two young sons bringing with him a wealth of industry experience. “The workshop is here to support local projects,” he said. “Our facilities were set up to support the management team so we don’t have to be on-site, we can be in town to do any additional projects for smaller clients and packages of work. “The painting workshop was set up to support workshop

◗ BIG OR SMALL: Giovenco Industries Chinchilla can complete smaller coating and blasting jobs for locals.

based work rather than what our workers do in the field... We’re really looking to fill a gap in the local market for smaller jobs.” Mr Evans said Giovenco’s purpose built Osborne St facility, located in Chinchilla’s Industrial Park, is ideal for coating a variety of steel structures, agricultural and industrial machinery, from piping to machinery to light small box trailers. “We have people come in here and say ‘we didn’t know you were here’,” he said.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

“Recently we’ve had guys come in with car bodies, we’ve painted the odd excavator and cattle truck and we’ve recently painted some hand rails for a business in Miles. “Most the guys we have here are experienced in vehicle restoration as well as the high-end heavy industry coatings. So they don’t just do industrial work they know how to complete smaller projects to a high standard.”

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

TSBE’s Access Hong Kong

AgForce to join Access HK Trip

◗ JET SET READY: AgForce general president Grant Maudsley.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

AGFORCE will be part of a high-powered business delegation travelling to Hong Kong in September to accelerate and activate opportunities for agriculture in the Asian market. The Access Hong Kong delegation is organised by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and Food Leaders Australia and marks the first international passenger flight direct from Wellcamp airport to Hong Kong, and just the second international passenger flight to leave the airport. The September 3-7 delegation will include a major conference, industry and site tours and a chance for producers to highlight Queensland produce at the Asia Fruit Logistical conference. Asia Fruit Logistica is where companies across the international fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain meet face-to-face each year, with organisers expecting 700 exhibitors and 11,000 buyers from 70 countries. AgForce General President Grant Maudsley, who will be part of the delegation with the support of IOR Petroleum, said Queensland rural and regional communities were on show on a global stage thanks to the agriculture conference. “This trip provides a great opportunity for agricultural representatives and businesses to grow their understanding of the Asian market, to connect with potential customers and to develop relationships with other delegates,” he said. Mr Maudsley also travelled with TBSE and FLA’s delegation last year, known as AccessChina’16, and said the trip highlighted the problems and solutions around tariff barriers and export into the China market under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

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Thursday, July 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS

Wastewater storage facility

Kicking up a stink over wastewater storage A ROMA property owner is using new council laws to help fight a battle she believes is on the nose. Sharon Wraight and her husband’s property, Westmore, is 20km from Roma and it could end up being across the road from a wastewater storage pit she claims could destroy her livelihood. Approval for the pit was granted to Chinchilla-based company We Kando two years ago by the Planning and Environment Court, but time is running out for the company to put its plans into action. Mrs Wraight said prior to the laws changing last year, they were unable to make an official complaint about the facility as their property did not border the site. Now that laws have changed, she is not going down without a fight. “Anywhere within 500m of the storage pits will be a contaminated site, which means we can’t graze cattle, can’t grow a crop or anything on our land that will be affected by this facility,” Mrs Wraight said. “It will basically be left a wasteland.” She said she couldn’t believe the facility had been approved at all and it could have detrimental effects for everyone in Roma. “If the storage pits overflow and that gets into our water source it can not only can contaminate water here but in town as well,” she said. We Kando was given approval in June 2015, with the conditions that the storage pond be in use within two years of the approval being given. Portfolio Chair for Planning and Building, Councillor Wendy Newman said this had not occurred and the court approval was due to lapse. However, she said the applicant had taken action to request an extension to the development’s start date. “The applicant (We Kando) is seeking an extension of time to start the development,” she said. “There is a court hearing about the case next week. “If the applicant is not able to obtain an extension, or if an

◗ ON THE NOSE: Sharon Wraight of Westmore, Roma, is concerned about the planned waste facility site to be built across the road from her property. PHOTO: SARAH DIONYSIUS

automatic extension does not apply, the approval will lapse.” Mrs Wraight is not the only resident to speak up about the proposed facility. There have been a number of complaints opposing the development, including those from Tyson Golder, prior to his mayoral position, and former Maranoa MP Bruce Scott. Cr Newman said the process of assessing whether an extension of time would be granted was largely dictated by the

court. Therefore the opportunity for formal public comment was limited because the legal processes did not provide for public consultation. The owner of We Kando was contacted for comment but they declined. We Kando is the company behind a controversially approved salt storage facility, 10km outside of Chinchilla.

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

Minister announces new jobs

Ethanol bio refinery set for expansion MINISTER for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham visited United Petroleum in Dalby to announce a $26 million expansion of the ethanol bio-refinery, which hopes to generate 50 local jobs and boost demand for Darling Downs sorghum. “What I’m here for today is the bio-refinery industry, and the bio-futures that Queensland is promoting,” Dr Lynham said. “We know here, at the Dalby bio-refinery - Australia’s first grain to ethanol bio-refiner - there’s a $26 million expansion ready to go. “But what’s important to this region is the 50 new jobs that this will create,” he said. “We’re increasing ethanol production from 75 million litres to over 100 million litres per year, and that’s very significant. Dr Lynham said bio-futures was a massive industry for Queensland. “Don’t forget, we’ve invested $20 million to grow a $1 billion industry here in this state,” Dr Lynham said. “The Darling Downs is going to be one of those centres that we’ll be focusing on to grow our bio-futures industry.” Chief Operating Officer of United Petroleum, David Szymczak, was hopeful the expansion would be a huge step forward for the industry.

◗ JOBS: David Szymczak, Chief Operating Officer of the United Petroleum (left) and Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham at the Dalby ethanol bio refinery. PHOTO: SOPHIE VOLKER

“We’d really like to thank the Queensland Government for their support and encouragement over the years,” Mr Szymczak said. “The ethanol mandate was a huge step forward for this industry, and something we’re very grateful for. “The Dalby bio-refinery is already Australia’s largest source of protein, and that will be just increased with expansion,” he said.

DOWNS STYLE

Mr Szymczak said it was important for people to understand the importance of ethanol fuel. “E10 is a better fuel than regular unleaded, and people should be under no illusion about that,” Mr Szymczak said. “E10 is locally made, locally manufactured, and it produces jobs in regional Australia,” he said.

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Meet baby Claire

◗ Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham smelling the sorghum at the Dalby ethanol bio refinery. PHOTO: SOPHIE VOLKER

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Family’s leap of faith is starting to pay off! WHAT do you do when you want to escape FIFO life, to keep your husband home for more than a week at a time and to keep your young family together? You take a leap of faith and buy a country pub. At least that’s what Jaimee Neilsen-O’Donnell and husband Stephen O’Donnell did when they purchased Miles Windsor Hotel last year and since then, they haven’t looked back. “We’ve picked up a lot of business with me being a local and us being young, full of energy and ideas, and love doing what we do. “It makes a difference to running your business every day because failure is not an option,” Mrs Neilsen-O’Donnell said. Stephen, an Irish native, was working away in Karratha, Western Australia, on a 4/1 roster after the couple returned from overseas four years ago following the birth of Alfie, their first child. The pair purchased the hotel after seeing an opportunity to make a long-term investment in the community and bring back a sense of town spirit to Miles following the resources boom.

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We saw an opportunity to be a family friendly business and to be a part of the community.

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The couple’s new direction Stephen work closer to was also driven by their home so they could focus on desire to secure Stephen their young family. work to opportunity home so “Wecloser saw an to be a family friendly business they could focus on their and to family. be a part of the young community,” Mrs “We saw an opportunity Neilsen-O’Donnell said. to “The be a family friendly last few years when business and to be part we were looking fora an exit strategy from FIFO, we of the community,” needed to regroup and be Mrs Neilsen-O’Donnell said. together. We thought ‘this is “The last few years when something we can do’. we“That’s were looking forwe an the road wanted to go from down.FIFO, exit strategy was trying for us,and butbe we“It needed to regroup we didn’t have much option together. We thought ‘this is something we can do’. “That’s the road we wanted to go down. “It was trying for us, but we didn’t have much option. If it wasn’t for the hotel we’d be apart. “Alfie is four and Teddy is now 10 months, so we had a baby in September and bought a pub in the November.

NEW LIFE: Stephen and Jaimee Neilsen-O'Donnell own the Miles Windsor Hotel. “We bought the hotel to have a job together and to keep our family together... and we really appreciate the support of the community; we love it.” Since then, the couple has focused on creating a boutique gastropub which nods to their time travelling in Europe and the United Kingdom.

“Stephen’s got an eye for craft beer from his global travels and we’re a boutique pub doing great meals,” Mrs Neilsen-O’Donnell said. “From here we want to continue to do more work to turn the front into a gastropub with high stools and some Chesterfield sofas, so people can come in for a nice beer or a nice glass of wine and a conversation with their mates.

“We’re also looking towards revamping the bottle shop and looking at hosting wine tasting seasonally.” The Windsor Restaurant menu offers a range of classic pub meals and gourmet pizzas for lunch and dinner seven days a week, as well as a well-stocked range of craft and tap beer and boutique wines.

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The hotel can also cater for functions of up to 50 people and offers a daily packed lunch for miners, tradespeople and long-term visitors. “The locals like to have somewhere different to go, we get our everyday lunches in here and if people have events they come to us and that’s really special,” Mrs Neilsen O’Donnell said. 6630637ai

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IAN MACFARLANE Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council

DAN MCGAW

WORKPLACE laws in Australia are broken. The ‘fair go’ Australia we once knew, the legacy are parents and grandparents fought for have been eroded and is in danger of being wiped out. Wage growth in Australia is at the lowest point since records began, company profits are at an all-time high, and inequality is at a 70 year high. 40% of the Australian workforce is now in insecure work that means a generation of workers do not know what its like to have a paid annual leave or sick day. All while the rich get richer. The richest 1% of Australians own more wealth than the bottom 70% of Australian citizens combined. Working people deserve fair workplace laws to ensure that jobs are secure and wages are fair. The current Fair Work Act is too easily manipulated. Companies like 7 Eleven and Domino’s blatantly underpay their workers, and only if caught pay up. Yet if a union official goes on a construction site to stop unsafe work, they are fined and threatened with jail. This is not the Australia I want to work in. Cutting workers wages does not help the economy. The average working class Australian puts their hard earned money back into the community. They don’t hide it in some offshore bank account where the taxman cant find it. Giving tax cuts to multi-national’s is crippling Australia. Less tax means less revenue for the Government. That’s less money for schools, hospitals and roads. One in five privately owned companies with more than $100 million in revenue paid no tax according to figures from the ATO. If an individual worker refused to pay their taxes, they would be jailed. Why don’t the same laws apply to all? We have been fooled by a propaganda campaign and blindsided by big business. We need to re-write the rules.

Region powering on with renewables

Coal must be part of the mix

ENERGY security in Queensland and Australia continues to grab headlines and so it should. Power is a basic need for industry and if we are to secure and create jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and SMEs we must be technology neutral in our approach to the energy mix. Last month the Liberal National Party showed its support for a high efficiency, low emissions (HELE) coal-fired power station in North Queensland to deliver base load power and create hundreds of regional jobs. I applaud the Nicholls LNP team and call for two more HELE plants including one in south-east Queensland to increase supply into the electricity market and put downward pressure on prices. Electricity is an unavoidable cost to industry and in the end, they either reduce staff or pass the costs on to consumers to survive. None of these scenarios need to happen if we get the right mix. But we can’t ignore that the wholesale electricity price in Queensland was the most expensive in the National Energy Market on May 31. Queensland businesses were paying $157 MWh compared to the next highest in South Australia at $149. Today we continue to see global investment into the latest coal-fired power generation in countries such as Japan, Germany, China and India. There are more than 1,000 of these HELE units currently delivering reliable and affordable electricity around the world and more than 1,200 planned, or under construction. Queensland has substantial reserves of high-quality, lower emission coal and it should take advantage of this resource to increase its international competitiveness. Growing the economy and attracting industry and jobs is a great way to make sure Queensland grows.

THE future of Australia's energy mix and solutions to deliver reliable, affordable energy for the long-term were topics keenly debated at last week's National Energy Summit, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE). As one of the few local governments in Queensland with five pillars of energy generation, it was an opportunity for Western Downs Regional Council to share our experience with thought leaders from around Australia and demonstrate how we could be a national example. Striking the balance between sustainable, reliable and affordable energy to power our country is a complex issue, one that will require government to have the wisdom and strength to make good policy that balances the benefits of robust export markets with delivering on the needs of local communities. Policy aside, at a local level I believe that diversified energy generation is the immediate future and here on the Western Downs we're already powering ahead. We have coal, gas, ethanol, solar and wind. This mix of energies puts us at the forefront of diversified energy production and the untapped potential of resources makes the Western Downs a key energy hub, both now and into the future. Four of the top 10 largest capacity power stations in Queensland are located within our region and we're now riding the renewable energy wave with one wind farm and five solar farms already approved. And this is just the beginning, with another four applications and over 4,000 megawatts of clean, green power in the pipeline. That could be as much as $8 billion invested in renewables development in the Western Downs over the next few years. This kind of investment in our region is a massive boost to our regional economy, not only stimulating local supply chain businesses and creating new jobs, but also positions us as the place to be for associated renewable industries such as battery storage and solar maintenance. We're serious about becoming the Energy Capital of Australia and playing our part in delivering reliable and affordable power to regional Queensland and beyond.

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OPINION

LNP to partner with farmers

Energy summit cuts through the spin SHANE CHARLES TSBE Executive Chairman

WE HAVE just held the National Energy Summit in Toowoomba, with the likes of AGL, APLNG, New Hope Group, Hatch, iCubed consulting, as well as local, state and federal politicians joining us TSBE had two reasons for running this: The first is that energy production and use is just so damn important to us here in the region. The energy debate is hard, complicated and I think it’s safe to say most of us just don’t understand it. We know the debate is influenced by Paris Climate accords and climate change as to how we should look to improve our carbon footprint as a nation. It is argued that one way to do this is to move to renewable energy rather than coal and gas fired power stations. While that is one solution, how do we do that at the same time as keeping energy reliable, affordable and sustainable? So of course, tied in with the debate, is coal mining and whether we should mine coal to export to the rest of the world so they can have affordable energy. Should we export our gas from the Surat Basin to the rest of the world, or should the industry be forced to keep some gas in Australia for domestic use? And why should industry be punished (and prices affected) just because New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory have a moratorium on gas production? How do you begrudge a company after they’ve spent millions of dollars on developing their projects to suddenly have to change their export contracts and start putting more gas into a domestic market. From a pure market point of view – this surely is also unfair. But it comes back to the same thing. We just want energy that is sustainable, affordable and reliable. That really is the debate and it is a shame in this country that we have not had a national energy policy that everyone adopts. It has been hi-jacked by politics, industry, and environmental groups. That is why we had state and federal ministers at the summit to talk through these issues, as well as CEOs of major industries.

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

New roadmap for gas development RHYS TURNER APPEA Qld Director

PAT WEIR

Member for Condamine

A TIM Nicholls led LNP Government will join forces with farmers and industry to create the Agriculture Energy and Water Council to address out of control electricity prices. This year alone, power bills have increased by up to 5.1% for on farm and irrigation tariffs which is triple the current rate of inflation. LNP Leader Tim Nicholls said farmers could not grow their businesses or plan for the future when weighed down by crippling power prices. "Farmers are facing astronomical electricity price rises due to poor policy decisions by this do-nothing Labor Government," Mr Nicholls said. The LNP set up the Council in 2014 as many farmers faced the prospect of electricity prices doubling in 2020 when obsolete tariffs ended. Labor then axed the Council when it came to Government, tariff reform has stalled and nearly three years has been wasted but the LNP plans to bring the Council back bigger and better. I will fully support the LNP’s policy to create the Agriculture Energy and Water Council and I believe plans to expand and bring the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF), AgForce and Canegrowers to the table is a huge step forward in tackling the issue of out of control electricity costs for farmers. My electorate encompasses some of Queensland’s most productive and intensive agricultural industries and it is my job to make sure farmers can prosper and grow in their businesses. I get the message loud and clear that electricity costs are out of control and something needs to be done to sort it out. Irrigators in Condamine have told me they are switching their pumps from electricity to diesel to combat the rising costs of power. This flies in the face of the State Labor Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions as farmers are forced to choose dirty diesel power over electricity with costs that are out of control. The LNP would like to begin the Agriculture Energy and Water Council now.

Fox & Rynne Accountants Pty Ltd 45 Marian Street Miles Ph 4627 1500 Fax 4627 1878 29 Yaldwyn Street Taroom Ph 4627 3225 Fax 4627 3426 Email: admin@foxrynne.com.au

A REPORT released by Queensland’s GasFields Commission shows how regional communities, landowners and gas companies can work together to deliver jobs and economic opportunities. The report “On New Ground” details the lessons learned from the development of Queensland’s pioneering onshore natural gas industry as well as the massive benefits that have been gained. We are talking about a $13 billion boost to the Queensland economy, more than 4,700 full-time jobs and almost $240 million in direct payments to landholders. On the last point, more recent industry data puts this figure at close to $300 million in payments to landholders. What this means is that a successful model, based on quantifiable fact, rather than emotive hearsay, for co-existence now exists. State and territory governments have been handed a successful roadmap for the development of their own natural gas industries to help boost domestic supply. In a country crying out for affordable energy there is simply no reason why Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory cannot be developing their own gas resources too. There is no more room for excuses. Australia needs more gas to put downward pressure on prices and regional Queensland and the gas industry has shown how it can be done. Even Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, says there is no place in Australia for bans and moratoriums on natural gas. Every project should be considered on its merits. This really should be a no-brainer. It’s not enough for some states to complain about gas prices while continuing to block new projects.

Looking into the facts of RUTH WADE Chair, GasFields Commission Queensland

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of changes that have occurred over a 15-year time period. The early work is turning up some very interesting results. Total business incomes (non-primary production) increased in all the towns studied to between four and five times pre-CSG levels. The 2014-15 figures show business incomes now declining in most towns but Chinchilla still stands out as a town where businesses continued to do well into 2015. Total business incomes remain at levels around 4 times historical levels. Average personal incomes also increased CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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OPINION

Energy crisis

From camp closures to veterans support and successful grants

Vulnerable and hard-working Australians will be hardest DAVID LITTLEPROUD Federal Member for Maranoa

VULNERABLE and hard-working Australians will be hardest hit if unrealistic renewable energy targets are favoured over addressing sky-high energy prices – a harsh reality the State Government needs to address immediately. Queensland Labor’s reckless rush to increase renewable energy from its current level of 4% to 50%, within six short years, will hurt Maranoa jobs and increase electricity prices for our most vulnerable. Latest Census data revealed Maranoa’s median weekly household income is $355 below the national average, proving we don’t have the resilience to keep pace with Labor’s power price mismanagement. For too long the Qld Government has been milking the system. It’s now time to wean the coffers off state-owned electricity companies where 47% of the household power bill is made up of distribution costs, flowing back to the Qld Government as dividends. I’m not calling for privatisation. As these companies are state-owned, the State Government actually has control of the retail cost of power in Qld. However, Qld Labor has turned these state-owned networks into cash cows at the cost of consumers – it has to stop. It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior, family or small business owner – sky-high energy prices hurt us all and we see through Labor’s flawed rush towards renewables as wind costs around $140MWh, solar is $100MWh against coal which is only $40MWh. This Coalition Federal Government is doing its part to put downward pressure on electricity prices and called on Qld Labor to not plunge our great state into darkness. Nationally we’ve seen Labor close coal-fired power stations without any attempts being made to replace them with other

sources of reliable baseload power. The Coalition proposes new high-efficient, low emission coal-fired power stations which cost $2.2 billion each – considerably less than $3 billion of subsidies handed out in renewable subsidies each year. Labor’s report includes an option to close one of Qld’s coal-fired power stations – what will this mean for employment in the Western Downs reliant on the Kogan Creek Power Station or the Millmerran Power Station on the Darling Downs? There’s also a critical challenge around gas – where the Surat Basin is a Qld hub. Gas now makes up about 25% of baseload electricity, up from around 9%, resulting from the reduction in coal generation across the country. Qld Labor failed to plan for gas and now we pay the price – I just can’t get over the fact that gas customers in Japan buy our gas more cheaply than Australians. That’s why the Coalition Government is putting in place gas export controls and continues to press the states to develop reserves. I believe energy security is an opportunity for Maranoa to become a hub with boundless opportunities provided by both private sector and government investment, in terms of jobs and wealth. Unlike Labor, the Coalition Government won’t lead our nation down the path of South Australia’s compromised energy security. The Labor government in SA allowed the state to get into a position where it had 45% of its generation coming from unreliable wind, which plunged the entire state into darkness. There are some exciting proposed renewable energy projects in my electorate but I also believe coal remains a vital part of our baseload system because we can’t replace our baseload with something intermittent and very costly. That’s what Labor did to SA, a state that has the highest electricity cost in Australia and a power source that isn’t reliable. We’re taking decisive action but the Qld government now needs to follow otherwise electricity will be a luxury only a few can afford.

Coal Seam Gas impact FROM PAGE 20

during the construction period in most of the towns studied. The researchers are cautious about these early findings and warn that it’s important to look more closely at the data, and the full range of indicators to assess variability and cumulative effects. That’s what they’re working on now. For instance, Queensland police data over the same period shows crime rates, including drugs and traffic offences increased to levels almost twice the rate for the whole of Queensland in Miles, Chinchilla and Tara in 2016.

Researchers want to look at that data more closely to find out how that relates to incomes with some business leaders suggesting it may have something to do with low rental costs. The GasFields Commission is committed to presenting the facts about gas so that landholders, local governments, communities, local business and gas companies can make informed decisions about the future of the industry. You can see the UQ research at https://boomtown-indicators.org./compare and compare a wide range of indicators such as house sales, population, taxable income and even fuel prices.

ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

I WOULD like to thank Surat Basin News Editor Matthew Newton for his stewardship of the Surat Basin News. He has been a tough but fair editor to work with and produced a sterling publication. I wish Mr Newton well for his future endeavours and I extend a warm welcome to Carmen Barclay who will have big shoes to fill.

Update on camp closures

On August 1, 2017 I look forward to the update from the Miles Chamber of Commerce, Western Downs Regional Council and Origin Energy on the progress with the closures of workers camps in the region.

Veterans Support

An LNP Government have pledged if elected to provide improved services, more opportunities and stronger representation for our retired servicemen and servicewomen. The LNP will appoint a State Minister for Veterans, and set targets to increase the number of ex-ADF personnel in the public service, and appoint a Veteran’s Champion.

Well Done Rotary

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Chinchilla who were successful with their grant of $17, 142 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to help with the upgrade to the Rotary Park facility.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, July 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Daffodil Day

Queensland to turn yellow for cancer CANCER Council Queensland is gearing up to turn Queensland yellow next month to celebrate 31 years of the state’s most iconic campaign - Daffodil Day. Queensland is set to turn yellow with the fundraising campaign set to be celebrated during the entire month of August, with the official Daffodil Day date falling on Friday, August 25. The daffodil is the international symbol of hope. With every daffodil sold, the Cancer Council can reach out and support all Queenslanders and all cancers. Every day in Australia, around 350 people are told they have a life-threatening cancer. The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by 30% in the last two decades, but there is still a long way to go. In 2016, Daffodil Day raised more than $5M for cancer. Money raised helps the Cancer Council continue to fund research into the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and its information and support services. Cancer Council Queensland is calling on communities right across South West Queensland to show they care in 2017 by wearing a pin for someone they know or volunteering to sell daffodils locally.

◗ DAFFODIL DAY: Cancer Council Queensland is calling on communities right across South West Queensland to show they care by supporting Daffodil Day. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

More than 2040 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in South West Queensland alone. About 150 volunteers are needed to lend a hand at Daffodil Day sites across the region, to help make a difference.

‘‘

The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by 30% in the last two decades, but there is still a long way to go.

Whether you can volunteer for a few hours, or the whole day, your efforts will make a significant difference in the race to raise $1.4 million in the fight against cancer. Cancer Council Queensland urges people to volunteer this Daffodil Day in support of someone they know affected by cancer. Show you care for all Queenslanders, all cancers – volunteer this Daffodil Day Register now via daffodilday.com.au/volunteer or call us on 1300 65 65 85.

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Our business On the Spanners Mechanical, would like to announce that we will be relocating as of the 1st August 2017 to - 2b Etty St Dalby. All postage to be sent to - PO BOX 224 Please contact Jade 0439 635 582 for all future booking and enquires. We are excited to also announce that we have officially become the REPCO AUTHORISED REPAIRER for the Dalby region. We take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and we look forward to doing business with you at our new location 2b Etty St Dalby.

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DOWN TO BUSINESS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

Carrick Aland Wealth Planning

Planning for retirement Financial security the key to a happy retirement

travel increased to $58,444 a year, according to Association of Superannuation Funds research. For those leading a more modest retirement lifestyle better than the age pension but still fairly basic, the yearly cost was $33,799. “With life expectancies increasing, it’s even more important to ensure your retirement finances are well-planned so you don’t outlive your money,” Mr Burton said. When it comes to retiring, there are complex rules around tax, social security, investments and superannuation and so many ways to structure finances. “If Australians only seek financial advice once in their life, planning for retirement is the time to do it and the earlier they seek advice, the more options they’ll have,” Mr Burton said. Professional financial advisers can help people identify what sort of retirement lifestyle they want and how to structure their resources to make the most of tax and social security rules and ensure a reliable income. They can provide advice about how and where retirement savings should be put, how to get the most from superannuation and when to retire, as well as how to plan your estate so it’s distributed to who you want in the most effective manner. “You only have one life so make the most of your retirement with help from a financial adviser,” Mr Burton said.

Ruralweekly

FINANCIAL security is the most common factor influencing people’s decision about when to retire, according to research released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the 2006/07 financial year. “But the problem is, without professional retirement planning advice, it’s near impossible for most people to know if they’re financially secure enough to provide for the retirement they want,” says Greg Burton from Carrick Aland Wealth Planning. While their retirement lump sum is likely to be the biggest sum of money they’ve ever had and may seem like a fortune, when the impact of tax and inflation is considered and the fact the money might have to last for a retirement of up to 20 years plus, the amount might not end up stretching far at all. “It’s important to think in advance about what sort of lifestyle you’re expecting in retirement and consider the costs,” Mr Burton said. While the Government age pension may offer some support, at a maximum of approximately $22,000 a year for singles, it’s not something to aspire to by itself. In the March 2015 quarter, the cost of living for retired couples with a comfortable lifestyle including a broad range of leisure activities, private health insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, and occasional international

JUNE 2017 EDITION NO. 8

FULL STORY PAGE 2

Go to issuu.com and search GRAZIER AND FARMER

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WINTER EDITION Read your edition online now!

Goat breeding market growing

◗ ON TOP: Financial security is key to a happy retirement

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

TO FIND OUT MORE How to retire successfully, phone Carrick Aland Wealth Planning on 07 4669 9800.

State stumps up $2.85m for Chinchilla Botanic Parklands THE State Government will fund half of Chinchilla’s proposed Botanic Parklands to the tune of $2.85 million. Western Downs Regional Council will fund a further $2.6 million, bringing the total project cost to about $6 million. WDRC Mayor Paul McVeigh said the council was “very pleased” with the announcement. “This is about growing the diversity of our region... focused on Chinchilla that will deliver both community pride and aspiration, as well as a tourist attraction that will have people stopping in town,” Cr McVeigh said. While a project start date is yet to be given, Cr McVeigh said the council was conducting a final consultation with the community about the draft master plan of the Botanic Parklands

and expected to see “some major development” happening within this financial year. “(The $2.85m) is a significant contribution from the State Government and it is with great appreciation that council does say thank you to both the Department of State Development and the Palaszczuk government,” Cr McVeigh said. Consultation is being held with “identified key community stakeholders” and residents can have their say by visiting public displays at Chinchilla’s council offices, the library and the Visitor Information Centre, or by heading to the council’s website, www.wdrc.qld.gov.au. “The detail will change and grow over time but the key thing is having the master plan there,” Cr McVeigh said.

Thursday, July 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Healthy hair and healthy weight loss

Birthday buddies turn 12 INNOVATIVE weight loss program, the Chocolate Frog Diet, recently turned 12 years old and founder Monica Siemsen teamed up with her birthday buddies at Price Attack Grand Central for a celebration. To celebrate their combined 12th birthdays, the Chocolate Frog Diet and Price Attack Grand Central offered a birthday prize package including a program with the Chocolate Frog Diet and four sessions with Mrs Siemsen, a full hair makeover with Price

◗ REAL PEOPLE, REAL FOOD: Chocolate Frog Diet founder, Monica Siemsen, at her desk. PHOTO: KEVIN FARMER

Attack Grand Central, a two-hour personal fashion styling session with Carolyn Taylor-Smith, and a glamour experience with Sonny and Kat Photography. The birthday prize package, valued at over $1200, was won by Karlee Goddard on Friday, June 30. The Chocolate Frog Diet is unlike most other weight loss programs on the market because as its namesake suggests, people are still allowed to enjoy a sweet treat. “It’s about real food for real people, so if people want to have a chocolate frog every day, they can,” Mrs Siemsen said. “People need to know they can still have the foods they love while they’re losing weight. The Chocolate Frog Diet has no shakes, no pills, and no potions,” she said. Mrs Siemsen recognises that many people don’t have a lot of time to spare, so she customises her weight loss plans for each individual. “Each program is specifically designed for them, taking into account their age, personality, home life, work life, responsibilities, body type and general health,” Mrs Siemsen said. The program can be conducted over the phone or Skype, in person, by email or a combination of these. Price Attack Grand Central owners Peter and Janelle McManus are also looking forward to celebrating their twelfth year in business this November. “Last year we moved our store into a bigger and better place on the second level near Coles – our customers are loving having more room to move and it’s easier to look at our large range of haircare products,” Mrs McManus said. “Inside Price Attack Grand Central, you will find the friendly team of experts guiding customers through over 6,000 products to find the solutions to every hair and beauty question. “Kelsie, our store manager, has been with us over 5 years, is well trained and ready to help with all your product needs. Our

◗ EXPERT CARE: The team at Price Attack Grand Central will take care of all your hair care and styling needs. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

salon manager Ali has been with us 10 years and makes it her business to help with all your styling needs, from maintenance to makeovers. “We firmly believe that you feel fantastic when your hair looks fantastic and that is why we focus on quality to achieve great results. Our salon stylists are committed to providing clients with the highest level of skills and service in a friendly and enjoyable environment,” she said. Visit the team in-store today for a full range of services including style cuts and blow drys, stunning colour and hair-saving treatments.

INFORMATION ■ For more information about the Chocolate Frog Diet, please visit www.chocolatefrogdiet.com.au or email info@chocolatefrogdiet.com.au. ■ For gorgeous hair at reasonable prices, visit Price Attack on the second level of Grand Central Shopping Centre (near Coles) or call them on 4638 0600 to book an appointment.

CALL MONICA 0407 738 620 chocolatefrogdiet.com.au

Grand Central Shopping Centre Level 2, Near Coles Ph: 07 4638 0600

PLACES AND FACES

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

◗ Rachek Denning (left) met Lyn Cochrane at the TSBE event.

BUY PHOTOS

www.suratbasin.com.au/photos/buy

◗ Peter Wilson (left) and Mick Clarke chat about Maranoa region projects at the TSBE Roma Enterprise Evening. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Meika Burey (left) and Fleur Anderson have a great time in Roma.

◗ Craig Leschke (left) and Aaron Furner have a chat.

◗ Banana Shire Cr Terri Boyce speaks with Colin Boyce.

◗ Michael Horgan enjoys the successful TSBE Enterprise Evening with Jess Lott.

◗ Networking are (from left) Scott Cox, Jason Micallef and Dean Harman.

◗ Having a great time are (from left) Reagan Parle, Cameron O'Neil, Darren Greers, Andrew Snars and Mike Jericevich.

Thursday, July 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

PLACES AND FACES

Skin Cancer ◗ OUT AND ABOUT: Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki, Empire Theatre's Kerry Saul and Cr Megan O'Hara-Sullivan at the TSBE Political Leaders Series, featuring Dr Anthony Lynham. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Don’t risk it

Skin Cancer Checks ◗ Toowoomba Regional Council's Brian Pidgeon with Western Downs Regional Council's Ross Musgrove.

◗ Craig Commens (Oakey Fights Back) and Ricky Mead (Oakey Martial Arts Club) at the TSBE Political Leaders Series.

Dr Eddie Roos & Dr Albert Vermeulen

NO REFERRAL NEEDED. MEDICARE REBATES APPLY

Cosmetic Elegance Clinic

102 Medici Medical Centre, cnr Scott/ Curzon St Toowoomba ◗ Kenneth Wagner, Cr Ray Brown, and Cr Chris Tait at the TSBE Political Leaders Series in Toowoomba.

Ph: 4638 2700

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◗ Kim Frances, Rob Rashleigh, David O'Dwyer and Trent Knack (New Hope Group) at the TSBE Political Leaders Series.

IN THE NEWS

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, July 27, 2017

Surat Basin News Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, Q 4413 Printed by APN Print Warwick General manager: Erika Brayshaw

Western Downs’ solar boom

Fallout over solar projects continues THE fallout from council’s quest for the Western Downs to become the country’s renewable energy capital continued this week with Columboola Country operator Colin Jackson venting his concerns. Mr Jackson said the council had failed to consult residents about a massive solar farm to be built in the area. When a journalist contacted Mr Jackson in January, it was the first time he had heard Luminous Energy’s plans for an 809-hectare 300MW solar plant. The proposal had been approved to be built not far from Columboola Country, the caravan park he has owned and operated for more than 10 years. Columboola Country is on an 80-hectare property between Miles and Chinchilla and is accessed 10km along Ryalls Rd off the Warrego Hwy. The farm is to be built opposite Yancoal’s Cameby Downs mine on Ryalls Rd. “(The) council never told us, the ABC radio told us…. they rang us up and said ‘we want to do a story about people and businesses that live around the infrastructure and I said ‘oh that freaking coal mine’ and she (the journalist) said ‘no not the coal mine, the solar plant’ and I said ‘what solar plant?’,” Mr Jackson said. “Apparently you don’t need to know anything because its classed as national power grid or some s***... so they don’t have to ask anyone to put solar plants or power in.” Ryalls Rd will be the main thoroughfare during the estimated two-year construction of the plant. Mr Jackson said Yancoal planned to close a large portion of Ryalls Rd, hindering access to his property, and replace it by extending nearby Kerwicks Rd, but that the new access road would not be built to the same standard. “The new roads will be constructed to a Rural Access 2 Standard – no bitumen, 2.5 metres either side. So the whole road is only going to be five metres wide. So if you have a truck coming this way and a caravan going the other way, where do you go?” said. “If (the new) road is decent we might be able to stay in business, if they build a road like this or worse then our

◗ CONCERNED CITIZENS: Darryl Bishop and Colin Jackson are worried about the construction of an 809-hectare solar farm at Columboola. PHOTO: JULIA BAKER

business is gone.” In response to Mr Jackson’s claims Mayor Paul McVeigh said Ryalls Rd would not close. “At this stage that is a no and it will hinge on whether Cameby Downs expands in the future and if a council road was ever to be closed the access road for those people would have to be replaced with the same standard of access,” Cr McVeigh said. Mr Jackson and his neighbours are to meet with Cr McVeigh this month.

“Some of the issues Mr Jackson is raising won’t be issues,” Cr McVeigh said. “If Cameby Downs ever wanted to expand that may bring that to a head but for now for council there is nothing on the agenda to change Ryalls Rd.” Cr McVeigh said as solar projects rolled out across the region, the council would work to consult locals. “While (the) council doesn’t have to play that role, we will certainly make sure those communication lines are open between people that are potentially impacted,” he said.

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