Surat basin news november 2017 by News Corp Custom Publishing

NEWS

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SNAP OF THE MONTH

◗ PAINTED SKY: This photo of wildflowers at dusk was taken 10km south of Roma.

This region is heading confidently into the future From the editor QUEENSLAND is in the midst of a transition from a once in a lifetime resources construction boom towards a more diversified and renewables-based economy. The renewable energy sector holds the key to a very bright future for the region. The expansion of Dalby’s bio-refinery and the myriad solar and wind farms across the Western Downs are just the tip of the iceberg. A successful two-day renewables round-up hosted by TSBE in collaboration with Western Downs Regional Council this month provided an unprecedented platform for industry experts and innovative businesses to share knowledge and experience that assisted delegates to position their organisations to capitalise on the emerging opportunities charging forth throughout the region. One of the other major pillars of this region, agriculture, is advancing and prospering just as quickly. Australia’s oldest family-owned feedlot, Kerwee, turned 60 this month and plans are in the pipeline for an abattoir at Wallumbilla, half an hour east of Roma. With the looming state election, it is inspiring to see businesses and industries throughout the region illustrating long-term focus beyond electoral cycles, while keeping their finger on the political pulse. The Surat Basin continues to set the pace and raise the bar on liveable communities, diversified economies and inclusive growth. This edition of the Surat Basin News is proof that the region is unleashing Queensland’s future: collaboratively, creatively and confidently. — Marguerite Cuddihy

Contents

Dalby Bio-Refinery expansion .......................................................5 Former Linc workers set to lose entitlements ..............................6 TSBE Renewables Roundup ..........................................................7 Feedlot turns 60 .............................................................................8 Condabri closure ...........................................................................9 Bentonite well seals .....................................................................10 Proposed town bypass ..................................................................11

PHOTO: SARAH DIONYSIUS

Wallumbilla Abattoir .................................................................12 Opinion .................................................................................17; 19 Unpaid sub-contractors ...........................................................20 Tara’s water woes .....................................................................21 Places and Faces ..............................................................22–23 Fair Trade Seminar ..................................................................24

The newspaper

The team

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. 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.

GENERAL MANAGER

Erika Brayshaw, Chinchilla

Phone 4672 9921, email Erika.Brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING TEAM Bobbie Gorring, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9930, email Bobbie.Gorring@chinchillanews.com.au Greg Latta, Roma Phone 4672 9927, email Greg.latta@romawesternstarnews.com Nicole Boyd-Taylor, Dalby Phone 04672 5500, email Nicole.McDougall@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL

Marguerite Cuddihy, Roma

Phone 4578 4119, email marguerite.cuddihy@westernstarnews.com 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, November 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

◗ FUTURE: Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham visited United Petroleum in Dalby to announce a $26 million expansion of the ethanol bio-refinery.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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Expansion for ethanol plant A multi-million dollar development for Dalby’s Bio-Refinery is set to boost jobs and demand across the Darling Downs MINISTER for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham has announced a $26 million expansion of Dalby’s ethanol bio-refinery, which hopes to generate 50 local jobs and boost demand for Darling Downs sorghum. “What I’m here for is the bio-refinery industry, and the bio-futures that Queensland is promoting,” Dr Lynham said. “But what’s important to this region is the 50 new jobs that this will create,” he said. Commissioned in 2008, the Dalby bio-refinery is Australia’s

first grain to fuel plant. The refinery is essentially a large beer brewery and distillery designed to produce 76 million litres of ethanol per year, primarily from sorghum grain, grown across the Darling Downs. Approximately 400 litres of ethanol is produced from every tonne of sorghum (pending starch content). “We’re increasing ethanol production from 76 million litres to over 100 million litres per year, and that’s very significant,” Dr Lynham said. The minister 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. “We’d really like to thank the Queensland Government for their support and encouragement over the years,” he 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. 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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IN THE NEWS

◗ ENTITLEMENTS: The Linc Energy underground coal gasification pilot plant at Chinchilla.

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, November 23, 2017

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Former workers set to lose entitlements

Linc workers: Give us our $5 million Linc Energy workers say the Palaszczuk Government abandoned them over work entitlements

A GROUP of 59 former Linc Energy workers have accused the Palaszczuk Government of hypocrisy and of taking their entitlements worth more than $5 million. The workers lost their jobs after the collapse of the controversial company in 2016 and are now expecting to lose all their entitlements because the State Government has pushed itself to the head of the creditors’ queue and will use the remaining funds from the liquidation to clean up the Chinchilla site. The issue adds to concerns about the government’s environmental laws, which can force directors of a company to pay environmental clean-up costs, which Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said was causing investor concerns as far away as Japan. Recent court rulings relating to Linc found that liquidators must use available funds to ensure the company complies with its environmental obligations and that compliance was to be paid ahead of the priority claims of employees. The government said its moves are justified because it was the biggest pollution event in Queensland’s history and it needs

to ensure the environmental damage is contained. Some of the former workers were owed more than $100,000 in entitlements but received a portion back from the Federal Government’s entitlements guarantee. They are now saying that if they were CFMEU members the government would be acting differently. Sarah Goscomb and her partner, who also worked for Linc, are owed “more than $100,000” in long service leave and other entitlements. “Surely the employee creditors are more important than their own financial demands,’’ she said. “We were planning for that money and to have that fall through makes it difficult. “It’s very ironic because Linc wasn’t a largely unionised workforce and for a Labor Government that is supposed to protect the worker ... obviously we don’t have workers paying CFMEU fees or the like so suddenly it’s not important that we be protected as hard-working Australians.” Lisa Rogers said the impact had been huge for her and other

‘‘

It’s disappointing. There are people who worked there for 10 years or more and did nothing wrong and the government stands in front of us.

former employees. She is owed about $28,000 and said she felt for others who were owed much more and had struggled to find work. She said it was hypocritical of the Labor Government to put itself ahead of workers. “We did everything by the book and now they are standing in front of us in the line. “It’s disappointing. There are people who worked there for 10 years or more and did nothing wrong and the government stands in front of us. Daniel Trewin is one of those who spent 10 years with the company and said he felt the government had abandoned him. “They are not helping us one bit,’’ he said. Environment Minister Steven Miles said the EPOs are to ensure the Linc site is maintained to avoid further damage to the wider environment. “Creditors including the Queensland Government are likely to only receive a small proportion of the funds owed to them regardless of the actions we have taken to protect taxpayers and landholders,’’ he said. The company, which operated an underground coal gasification plant, has been accused of causing widespread contamination of the land surrounding its site. Company directors are facing prosecution and its one-time chairman and biggest shareholder Peter Bond was issued with an environmental protection order which he is challenging in the courts. — John McCarthy, NewsRegional

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, November 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Energy capital of Queensland

Sun shines on Western Downs’ energy sector THE Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise in partnership with the Western Downs Regional Council hosted a two-day Renewable Energy Roundup in Dalby on November 9 and 10, following on from the National Energy Summit held in June in Toowoomba. Industry experts and innovative businesses attended to share their knowledge and experience as they looked to capitalise on the emerging opportunities of the region’s renewables boom. Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh spoke about the importance of the renewable energy sector. “Renewable energy is a great example of adding diversity to our strong economy, which compliments the pillars of agriculture, intensive agriculture, manufacturing and energy,” Cr McVeigh said. “A strong economy makes for a strong community, so we will continue to drive our region forward.” Cr McVeigh also noted future prospects in the renewable sector, adding credence to Western Downs’ title as the Energy Capital of Queensland. “In addition to approved renewables projects in the Western Downs region, council also has 1.84GW of renewables in the pipeline, which is a construction investment of $1.9 billion,” he said. “We’re in a unique situation where we are supporting coal,

◗ BOOM TIME: APA Group's Sam Pearce with Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh at the Renewable Energy Roundup. PHOTO: MARGUERITE CUDDIHY

gas, wind and solar as well as our ethanol bio-refinery project, proving it is possible for competing industries to work in unison.” APA Group’s Sam Pearce is excited about the future of the renewable energy sector in Western Downs, however also recognises the significance of the gas industry.

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“From an APA perspective, we support both gas-fire generation and renewables, so we want to invest and operate both,” Mr Pearce said. “We look at gas and renewables as both being important parts of the future energy mix.”

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, November 23, 2017

◗ CELEBRATING: Lachie Hart (Managing Director), Robin Hart (Founder and Chairman) and Steve Martin (Kerwee Feedlot General Manager).

PHOTO: SARAH COULTON

Oldest family-owned feedlot

Milestone as Kerwee turns 60 KERWEE Group celebrated a special milestone recently, with the company celebrating 60 years in business. Kerwee’s Jondaryan facility is the oldest family-owned feedlot in Australia. Last year the company decided to expand its operation significantly, a requirement to meet growing demand for its grain-fed angus and wagyu beef, which is marketed under the Stockyard label. Stockyard CEO Lachie Hart said the company was chuffed to reach 60 years and was looking forward to many more. “We’re incredibly proud. As a family business I think we’re well and truly punching above our weight as far as creating demand for the Stockyard brand and distributing products throughout international markets,” Mr Hart said. “Our 60th year has been a fantastic year in regards to branded beef competitions. “We not only won the trophy in Sydney but we also picked up

trophies in the Brisbane and Melbourne shows. “No other brand has achieved those three trophies in one year. “That’s made Stockyard the most awarded beef brand in Australia. “We’ve got 75 prizes and awards that we’ve earned over the last 17 years.” Mr Hart also noted his excitement at the prospect of the brand continuing to boom overseas thanks to the major expansion. “Our previous capacity was 11,100 head and now it’s 20,200 head, so it’s about an 80 per cent increase in capacity,” he said. “It’s a significant investment to make and we wouldn’t have done it if we weren’t confident that the support of our customers internationally for our brand could grow. “We’ll probably consolidate around this level for now.

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“I think our customers are going to be happy that we are going to be able to meet their demand. “Having said that, we can’t rest on our laurels too long and will have to start thinking about our next growth phase. “I think our customers are going to continue to grow so we are going to find other feedlot facilities to continue our growth phase.” Mr Hart said Kerwee was also conscious about the impact it could have in Jondaryan and its surrounds. “The real thing for us is to ensure we’re a good corporate citizen in a regional community and our neighbours benefit from our ‘buy neighbours first’ policy,” he said. “We’re really trying to put back into the community. “We’ve done economic research on the expansion and we estimate we will be putting an additional $50 million into the local community.”

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, November 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Origin’s gas field workforce is on the move to town under a strategic new plan aimed at vacating its three major Western Downs work villages.

◗ CLOSED: Origin’s Condabri Camp, south of Miles, officially closed on November 1.

PHOTO: FILE

Company’s move to town welcomed

Condabri is officially closed ORIGIN’S Condabri Camp, south of Miles, has been permanently closed at the end of October and transitioned its workforce into local communities. The closure of the 400-bed capacity camp was celebrated officially by Origin Energy, Western Downs Regional Council, Miles and District Chamber of Commerce and Warrego Member for Parliament Ann Leahy.

Western Down Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said he was more than enthusiastic about the future and longevity of the Coal Seam Gas industry and the camp closure was a celebration of building our communities. “It has been a tremendous learning curve,” Cr McVeigh said. “This is just the start of a greater journey and it is building our community.”

Origin Energy General Manager Reputation Rebecca Pickering said the camp was the first of its kind that Origin Energy ever built. “It’s not a sad occasion, we are just at a milestone in our operations,” Ms Pickering said. Warrego Member of Parliament Ann Leigh said the closure of the camp after the five-year operation was a celebration of what the communities and the company had achieved.

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, November 23, 2017

A natural solution to a boring problem ◗ WELL SEALED: Bentonite clay plugs are lowered into decommissioned wells as a natural seal.

a pressure of 500 psi. The University of Queensland has also commissioned a well-simulator facility to test the plugs at extreme pressures under laboratory conditions and is working with the Queensland regulator to ensure all tests and trials are in place and validated before full deployment. Director of the UQ Centre for Coal Seam Gas, Professor Andrew Garnett, said the bentonite project may become a big step forward to developing new and innovative technologies with potentially better environmental performance than existing solutions. “We’re really excited by this project and its potential to support the bentonite industry in regional areas as the gas industry moves into more of a long term, maintenance phase,” he said.

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There are extensive deposits of bentonite in Queensland and the solution could help secure local employment to mine the bentonite as well as manufacture and insert the plugs. Chief Executive Officer of the GasFields Commission, Carolyn Collins said the science surrounding the gas industry, water aquifers and beneficial use of both resources was growing all the time. “The use of bentonite plugs seems like such a simple solution when you first see it in action and the science that has gone into the idea is really quite amazing,” she said. There are thousands of CSG wells still to be drilled in Queensland and hundreds of thousands of old coal and water bores in existence that will need to be plugged and decommissioned in the future.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, November 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Livestock Productivity Partnership to be expanded

Local economy under threat

Businesses fear town bypass MAYOR Paul McVeigh has come out strongly in opposition of a proposed study to asses a bypass of Chinchilla. The opposition to the study comes amidst growing fears Chinchilla would not be the only Western Downs town bypassed. In relation to the proposed $1 million study, Cr McVeigh said the local economy would be under threat if the bypass was to ever proceed. “The Chinchilla business community has worked hard to build a strong local economy with a range of retailers and modern conveniences for locals and visitors alike,” Cr McVeigh said. “Rerouting traffic away from the town’s CBD would significantly impact these local businesses and harm Chinchilla’s strong economy.” There were rumours in Dalby about a possible bypass around town during the talks prior to the commencement of the Warrego Highway upgrades according to Dalby Chamber of Commerce Vice President Jim Charlton. However Mr Charlton said Dalby residents would not have to fear about a bypass in the immediate future. “I do not think it is an issue for Dalby at the moment,” Mr Charlton said. “I believe there has been some preliminary worked discussed about how a bypass could possibly work, but the Department of Main Roads said to us during the discussions for the highway upgrade, bypassing Dalby was not on the agenda.” Mr Charlton said he would be long out of business by the time bypass discussions were serious, but said when those discussion came, it would be an issue. “I do not think there is a town, or at least business, in Australia which has benefited from being bypassed,” Mr Charlton said.

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◗ NOT UP FOR IT: WDRC Mayor Paul McVeigh isn’t happy about the proposed survey to asses a bypass of Chinchilla. PHOTO: ANGE STIRLING PHOTOGRAPHY

A MAJOR collaborative research partnership aimed at lifting the productivity of Australia’s livestock industry has been expanded – with the potential for up to $50 million worth of projects over the next five years. The Livestock Productivity Partnership was initially announced in February between MLA Donor Company and NSW Department of Primary Industries and featured a $17.5 million commitment from NSW DPI over five years, to be matched through MDC, for research projects that address key red meat and livestock priorities. The LPP has now been expanded with the addition of research partners the University of New England and CSIRO, with the potential for more partners to join. The MDC Board recently approved the LPP Strategic Plan as well as co-investment for the partnership of up to $50 million over five years, with 50 percent of funds coming via MDC. The LPP aims to develop and demonstrate, by 2022, region- and system-specific feedbase options, new animal phenotyping and farm management tools with quantified potential to reduce the cost of production ($/kg liveweight) in commercial grazing enterprises in the improved pasture regions of NSW and southern/central Queensland by at least 5 percent in real terms. MDC CEO Dr Christine Pitt said $6.5 million had been committed to commence the first set of LPP projects. “The LPP will provide a vibrant, collaborative environment that will leverage the expertise, reach and depth of the partners to advance research to improve productivity for the red meat industry. It will also foster early career researchers and help build long-term capacity for the industry,” Dr Pitt said. “LPP will focus on research that addresses key industry challenges and the early development of viable commercialisation and adoption models. This collaborative model of engagement with universities, other research providers and state departments is a key focus for MDC and we’d like to encourage more of these types of partnerships.” NSW DPI Director General Scott Hansen welcomed the additional partners to the LPP while reaffirming NSW DPI’s commitment over five years. “This is a pivotal investment that will boost the sheep and cattle industries, which have been key contributors to the record-breaking returns for the primary industry sector in 2016-17. “Sustaining these returns over a long period benefits not only producers, but people working throughout the processing chains and in local regional communities,” Mr Hansen said. The LPP Management Committee has now been formed to steer the partnership and an interim program leader, Dr Ian Johnson, appointed. A search has commenced for a full-time coordinator. The committee said benefits will arise from the LPP through the sharing of skills, infrastructure, assets and research data. “The alignment of expertise, data and resources provides an ideal springboard for accelerated research, development and adoption, and has the potential to bring transformational change to the industry,” the committee representatives said.

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, November 23, 2017

Residents talk hard issues at draft meet MARANOA residents were invited to have their say on issues affecting the community at an Economic and Community Development Plan draft meeting held at Explorers Inn earlier this month. The draft was split into seven subcategories, each allocated to one table, and opened for public consultation, with councillors and staff on hand to field the comments. Posters of the strategy lined the walls of the Leichhardt room, with pens at their base allowing for notes and comments to be added by guests on each proposal. Residents were quick to explore a range of controversial issues, including the saleyards expansions and the funding and support issues of smaller community groups. Businessman Steve Merrick jumped straight to the heart of an issue on the minds of many, “semi-permanent workers’ camps”, housing CSG workers who could contribute to towns in the area.

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We have hundreds of houses that are untenanted, motels that have 30–40 percent occupancy rates and a main street that’s near empty. ◗ PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: The Valinda Team, Linda Claxton,and Val Cormack, are hoping to establish the Wallumbilla meatworks. PHOTO: SARAH DIONYSIUS

A beefy project on the cards

Next step for the Wallumbilla abattoir have the project considered as a project of Regional Significance under the Water Resource (Great Artesian Basin) Plan 2006. If it is passed, it will allow the company to apply for a state reserve water allocation of 750ML to support the development and give them access to a more sustainable water supply. Without it, their would be impediments to the sustainability of the meatworks and this is something Mr Cormack said he is not willing to risk. “It is hoped that this project will give beef producers a fairer income for their cattle and provide jobs and income for the Maranoa region to Longreach and beyond, to St George and as far east to Dalby,” Mr Cormack said. “The Valinda Team, now needs your support. “We are asking you to ask the political parties, whichever you vote for, to make the Wallumbilla- Pickanjinne Abattoir project, a Project of Regional Significance.”

◗ VOICING OPINIONS: Residents moved around the tables, each representing a category, to provide their views to council members regarding the Economic and Community Development Plan. PHOTO: ALEXIA AUSTIN

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A NEW project proposed to create jobs and drive the beef processing industry in the region is only a few steps away from becoming a reality. The Wallumbilla Abattoir Project is a joint venture on behalf of investors Val Cormack and Linda Claxton under their company name the Valinda Team. Mr Cormack said they are in the midst of submitting a development application to the Maranoa Regional Council but before they can do so, the project needs to be declared a state or regional Project of Regional Significance. “The development application would have been submitted before Christmas this year,” Mr Cormack said. “The project has now been put on hold until it is made a Project of Regional Significance. “The reason being is that we only have approximately 400 mega-litres of water in the bucket and the project will need 1000-1200ML of water to secure it into the future.” The Valinda Team have submitted a document to the Director General of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to

“If some of the workers’ camps were to close down, it would be a huge gain to the economic situation in the Maranoa. “We have hundreds of houses that are untenanted, motels that have 30–40 percent occupancy rates and a main street that’s near empty. “If you close the camps down, you’ll bring the workers into town, which is what we need.” This meeting was the first of many, as councillors travel across the Maranoa to discuss plans for each town. On completion, the plan will guide council’s actions in the areas of industry, tourism, arts, culture, sport and recreation over the following five years.

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OPINIONS

Thursday, November 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Where business meets opportunity SHANE CHARLES TSBE Executive Chairman

THE state election is set to be held on Saturday, determining if we’ll see Labor continue to run the state, or a return to an LNP government. TSBE works with all sides of politics and we’re looking forward to getting on with the job of building the region and linking business with opportunity. It’s imperative that regardless of who takes the helm, that the party focus on fast-tracking private investment into improving and expanding existing freight and infrastructure corridors throughout the resource-rich Surat Basin. Years of limited investment in rail infrastructure, plus an increase in freight volumes means we urgently need significant investment in the freight railways for minerals, agriculture and commodity exporters in the region.

In addition, the region is seeing improved mining conditions, and as we learnt from prior mining and agricultural turnarounds, it’s all too late and gets too expensive to try and improve freight infrastructure when users need it most. Recently we’ve seen the State Government grant mining leases to Glencore for its proposed coal mine at Wandoan. Yancoal has also continued to operate its Cameby Downs mine at record rates. We need a firm commitment from the state to work with private enterprise to fast-track investment into the region’s rail corridors to enhance the export capacity of the network. The government’s Market Led Proposal (MLP) framework has the endorsement of both sides of government. Projects like the one proposed by ATEC Rail Group (ARG) should now be a priority for the next government. Having already invested significantly in the Surat Basin, ARG is positioned to deliver this MLP, which proposes to invest more than $250 million into expanding open access freight rail

corridors west of Toowoomba. ARG’s MLP offers an improved transport solution for minerals, agriculture and commodity exporters in the Basin by upgrading rail infrastructure, improving existing freight bottlenecks, and getting freight off our roads and onto rail. These types of projects, where proponents have already shown the strength of their support of this region through significant investment, should be at the top of the “to do” list for our government. I encourage the Queensland Government to hasten investment discussions with private investors, so that infrastructure investment in freight corridors starts happening, and local mining, agriculture and commodity exporters can future-proof their operations, and most importantly, provide jobs for the region. This project has been on the agenda for some time. Enough is enough – let’s get on with it.

Look to the future at this state election ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

THE LNP has a real plan to create jobs and a real plan to act on the cost of living. Electricity costs for families and businesses are raised with me throughout the Electorate. A future LNP Government, having learnt from our mistakes in the past, will govern for all Queenslanders and get on with Building a Better Queensland. The LNP’s plans will create new jobs, support small business, invest in education to raise standards and we will provide better services for families and retirees. The LNP’s energy plan will save a typical Queensland family an average of $160 a year over the next two years. The LNP will undertake major economic reforms of the state’s electricity system to sustainably deliver cheaper electricity. We are overhauling, electricity generators, the poles and wires and

subsidies for renewables. The reforms will also deliver cheaper electricity for businesses and industry meaning more jobs for Queenslanders. The LNP’s practical plan will help make things easier while investing in local projects like those listed below: ■ Improving safety at the Warrego-Landsborough Highway intersection with $250,000 to improve drainage and install culverts. ■ Boosting our local tourism industry and creating jobs with a $50,000 Mega Fauna Marketing Package. ■ Finalising flood immunity at Bollon installing road humps on the Highway to complete the levee – $200,000. ■ Delivering an extra Police Officer at Dalby Station to cope with growing demand and keep up the fight against crime. ■ Working with council to develop long-term, practical flood mitigation options for Meandarra. ■ A trial where speed limits are printed on the road tarmac at

locations along the Warrego Highway – as signs often go missing or get damaged. ■ Improving safety along the vital Meandarra Talwood Road with an $8 million investment to widen and seal sections of the road, allowing for safer access for trucks, school buses and cars. ■ Upgrading the Tchanning Creek Bridge on the Condamine Highway to increase safety and load capacity. ■ A $300,000 upgrade for Dalby Showgrounds, a local icon and the home to many local events and sporting contests. Regional Queensland is a place of untold opportunity, which needs to be re-invigorated and under the LNP, and as a strong voice, I will ensure Warrego Electorate receives its fair share. The LNP want to work together with local communities to build a Better Queensland, to create jobs across Queensland, lower the cost of living, support Queensland families and provide safe and liveable communities.

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‘Live Local’ achieves as we go to the polls Cr PAUL McVEIGH Mayor Western Downs Regional Council

IN JUST two days’ time Queenslanders will go to the polls to decide who holds government at a state level. With politicians on the campaign trail these last few weeks, Council has been advocating for state support for the Western Downs, to complement the strength and innovation our communities have cultivated. At time of writing, there have been three election commitments made for our region form the LNP camp, if elected. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington visited the Western Downs to pledge $8 million to the Meandarra Talwood Road as well as commit to a land swap and business plan to make the Chinchilla Mega Fauna Museum a reality if elected. The LNP has also pledged $300,000 to the Knowles Pavilion upgrade, to create an entertainment precinct for our region. The current Labor Palaszczuk Government has also vowed to continue the Works for Queensland Program funding for our region if re-elected — to date this program has been a fantastic driver for employment in our region. We are passionate about the future of the Western Downs and intend to hold any elected State Government to account for their promises to help make this region strong for the future. Part of this Council’s passion is to inject the best we can into our local communities and economy, and we are pleased to see a major player in the energy sector coming on board with this. Origin Energy, Miles Chamber of Commerce and Western Downs Regional Council have worked tirelessly to drive the ‘Live Local’ mantra on the Western Downs. In particular I’d like to extend my appreciation to Tim Ogilvie of Origin Energy who has been helping facilitate the move of Origin staff into our communities with the closure of the Condabri workers camp on November 1. We will continue to work closely with other resource bodies to bring workers into our communities, and I believe the established resource sector is starting to see the value in this.

OPINIONS OPINIONS

Focus on state’s electricity prices

Informed and engaged CAROLYN COLLINS CEO GasFields Commission

SWISS novelist Max Frisch once said, “Technology is the knack of so arranging the world that we don’t have to experience it”. And so it seems at times in the communications business websites, Facebook, Twitter, email – the list goes on. They’re all important and powerful tools but nothing truly replaces the personal touch. With that in mind, the GasFields Commission has been making itself as available as possible, in locations where our staff are needed, as often as possible. Since the restructuring of the Commission Board late last year, we’ve held community forums at Biloela, Roma, Yuleba and Charlie Field with our next gathering planned for Arcadia Valley in a few weeks. We try to bring together a wide range of people from government, industry, science and even legal backgrounds to discuss matters of importance to the community we’re in and encourage healthy business relationships. Next year will be even busier. We’re developing new communications tools as we speak, constantly engaging with community leaders in the regions and supporting forums hosted by the CSG Compliance Unit, Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment, Groundwater Net, the Land Court of Queensland, University of Queensland, TSBE, CSIRO, AgForce, gas companies, local government and a host of other organisations. Our two regional engagement officers based in Dalby and Roma started work in July and have been dealing with issues as they arise, communicating possible solutions and engaging with their communities ever since. The entire GasFields Commission team is equipped to be completely mobile and we spend as much time as practical in the gas fields, working with landholders, industry and local government on issues in their area. By spending time directly engaged with the community we are able to better understand the issues, concerns and success stories so that we can respond with the support people need.

IAN MacFARLANE Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council

THE Queensland Resources Council welcomed the release of the LNP’s electricity policy, in particular its focus on injecting more competition into the generation market. Rapidly increasing wholesale electricity prices undercut the competitiveness of the resources sector. That hits the economy of regional Queensland. In the last five years, resources companies have absorbed a three-fold increase in the wholesale cost of electricity. In a recent QRC survey, the leaders of the state’s resources companies highlighted electricity prices as a key concern potentially holding back new investment. The increase in wholesale electricity prices is switching off economic growth in our regions. The economy needs reliable, dispatchable power at an affordable price. The ideal way to deliver this, and reduce emissions, is to deliver a balanced energy mix. Renewable energy clearly has a role in the generation mix to drive down emissions, although it cannot entirely replace the reliability of baseload power. We have to compare apples with apples. Adding battery storage to wind and solar to deliver reliability is at least seven times more expensive than a new baseload high efficiency, low emission (HELE) coal-fired power station. QRC also welcomes the inclusion of HELE coal-fired power in the LNP’s future energy mix. QRC is pleased to see the election campaign focus on the cost of electricity across the board, from generation, transmission and wholesale costs through to household bills. We support more competition in dispatchable electricity generation by establishing a third generation corporation. That competition will help push down prices when large industrial contracts are negotiated for Queensland’s smelters, refineries, gas compression and at mines. It is now essential that the Labor Party also outlines a plan to cap the sharp increases in wholesale costs which are holding back further investment and jobs.

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, November 23, 2017

Ostwalds abandons sub-contractors

Unpaid workers want answers ◗ OUT OF POCKET: Kathie and Gerry McMullan of G. McMullan Contracting in Grafton are one of numerous subcontractors yet to be paid since the collapse of Ostwald Bros in August. PHOTO: BILL NORTH

were doing the right thing. They’ve got to have protocols in place to cover that as well.” An unpaid creditor, who chaired the meeting and wished to remain unnamed, said there were two main objectives for the meeting. “The purpose of today is to look at alternative means of getting the unpaid monies,” the creditor said. “The second objective is to look at how we can reform the industry to safeguard subbies on government contracts into the future. The system’s broken, subbies don’t get the protection they need. Steps need to be put in place to ensure accountability. “This will be a good brainstorming session, but what we really need is a direct conversation with Pac(ific) Complete, RMS and the government to get things done.” According to the creditor, Ostwald Bros, Seymour Whyte,

Pacific Complete, RMS and several government officials were invited to the meeting. None were in attendance. “We’ve also contacted Kevin Hogan, Chris Gulaptis, Andrew Fraser and had no response,” the chair said at the start of the meeting. “Is there anyone else here with a government connection? ... No.” There was reportedly no response to the invitation from Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey’s office, while Pacific Highway general manager Bob Higgins did send his apologies and representatives of the Unpaid Wave 5A Creditors were planning to meet with him this month. “Any subcontractors or employees affected by collapses under government projects should contact wave5subcontractor @gmail.com, because we want information to help put change in place.” — Bill North, The Daily Examiner

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SUB-CONTRACTORS left reeling from the Ostwald Bros collapse are no closer to collecting unpaid debts. The company abandoned the Glenugie to Tyndale section (Wave 5A) of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade on August 25, leaving 200 workers out of a job. More than two months later, as many as 23 unpaid sub-contractors are uncertain whether they will ever recover their losses. “We lost $289,000 direct to Ostwalds plus we’re up for three months wages, fuel and taxes in the region of $400,000,” Grafton’s Gerry McMullan of G. McMullan Contracting told The Daily Examiner. “It’s caused a lot of stress for our company. It’s a fair bit of money to lose. We had to put four people off. “I think the government should be held responsible. It’s a government job, and we should get paid from the government. Why does it have to go through three different hands to get to us? It hasn’t been handled well at all. People knew about it and did nothing, and they’re just turning a blind eye to it now.” Mr McMullan and his wife Kathy were two of about 20 sub-contractors, employees and union representatives affected by the collapse who attended an Ostwald Bros Unpaid Wave 5A Creditors meeting this month at Jacaranda Motor Lodge, which was provided free by Tony Stackhouse in support of their plight. “We’ve been going 20 years and this sort of thing has never happened,” Mrs McMullan added. “And I don’t think that they did their due diligence in making sure that all the contractors from the top to the very bottom

Thursday, November 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS A Tara resident said it was unacceptable the town had been without potable water for the past 13 years.

Tara situation hard to stomach

Water issue stills drips away CONCERNED Tara residents have expressed their disappointment at Western Downs Regional Council as members of the community wonder if they will ever be supplied with drinking water. The issue of not having potable water in Tara has sparked renewed attention after the Western Downs Concerned Ratepayers group held meetings to discuss the rising rates in towns across the region. A Tara resident said it was unacceptable the town had been without potable water for the past 13 years. “It is a basic human right that people deserve and are entitled to have clean drinking water. “Who wants to move to a town where you can’t drink the water?” Tara resident Sandra Bamberry said the water quality and supply was a major issue and it was contradictory that people should pay for water. “There are no signs around town that the water is non-potable, and we get a lot of travellers come through Tara,” she said. “Depending on what is in the water, it can put people in danger.” The council has invested $6.2 million since 2011 to deliver the project of the Tara Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant to produce clean water.

◗ DRINKING WATER: Tara residents are concerned about their water quality.

The bulk of the town’s water supply comes from the plant. On days of high usage, this base water supply is mixed with treated water from the lagoon or chlorinated bore water. Councillor for utilities Peter Saxelby said the council got the water to the standard where it was good, clean, quality water. “The townsfolk of Tara asked for good-quality, clean water, which council is supplying, it is just the fact that the water that is coming out of the ground is not up to a standard where we can produce that to a potable water,” he said.

PHOTO: FILE

“But we’ve got the water to a suitable standard – it is clean, it’s got no bacteria in it, it is just that it fluctuates sometimes and it cannot be brought up to just that little bit extra so that the State Government can class it as potable water.” Cr Saxelby said Tara residents did not pay the full cost of water. Water charges for non-potable water supplies were 10 per cent lower than the standard charge for potable water supplies.

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PLACES AND FACES

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◗ Lee Bermingham (QCV Pty Ltd), Ross Musgrove (Western Downs Regional Council) and David Stock (rt Health).

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◗ OUT AND ABOUT: Neil Weatherly (APA Group), Jordan Hintz (Swift Energy Group) and David Totenhofer (Toowoomba Regional Council) at TSBE’s Renewable Energy Roundup in Dalby earlier this month. PHOTOS: ANGE STIRLING PHOTOGRAPHY

◗ Morgan Warnock (I3 Consulting Pty Ltd) and Bridget Parge (I3 Consulting Pty Ltd).

◗ Bernard Carroll (Shell Australia), Simone Jackson (Southern Cross Motel Group) and Cr Kaye Maguire (WDRC).

◗ Ross Musgrove (WDRC), Sandra Hobbs (Central Highlands Development Corporation), Cr Kaye Maguire (WDRC), Sonja Basson (AECOM) and Cr Paul McVeigh (WDRC).

◗ Daria Bontch-Osmolovskaia (USQ) and Reagan Parle (TSBE).

◗ Glenn Springall (Energy QLD), Alex Guinane (Energy QLD), Michael Derrick (Energy QLD),Dave Shephard (Ergon) and Jordan Hintz(SEG).

◗ Georgina Davis (Queensland Farmers' Federation), Damian Leahy (FCF SQ Pty Ltd) and Jon Edwards (Red Soil Constructions).

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◗ Cr Kaye Maguire (WDRC), Sandra Hobbs (Central Highlands Development Corporation), Rebecca Meek (RES) and Llion Parry (RES).

◗ Craig Leschke (Retracom Toowoomba), Phil Neidler (Frontier Voice & Data) and Tom Glasby (Wagners).

◗ Bernie Hayes (Aurum Contracting Pty Ltd) and William Smith (Adani Australia Renewables).

◗ Mike Tierney-Williams (RPR Trades) and Stuart Wagner (Easternwell Camp Management).

◗ OUT AND ABOUT: Matt Myers (Powerlink QLD), Susan Mallan (Powerlink QLD) and Michael van Baarle (ADME Fuels) at TSBE’s Renewable Energy Roundup in Dalby this month. PHOTOS: ANGE STIRLING PHOTOGRAPHY

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

Open for business

Top tips to take on the world Australia’s products are a hot commodity overseas BUSINESS owners gained an insight into what it’s like in the export game thanks to a seminar hosted by Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud and Austrade at the BMO Business Centre this month. Guest speaker and AGT Foods CEO Peter Wilson captivated the crowd with his knowledge of the industry. Mr Wilson said the Western Downs was a great area to look into going global. “Our head office and all trading is done in Toowoomba, it’s a great regional centre with access to the world,” Mr Wilson said. “I consider myself a door to door salesperson, you need to keep your foot in the door before they shut it closed on you.” Mr Wilson said getting into the export industry could be a major risk but that risk could be minimised through research and brand confidence. “Business is tough, it doesn’t matter whether your customer is next door or interstate, let alone overseas,” he said. “Everything you do beyond your front gate is an expansion in risk. “When people go into the export market they need a defined plan and know their product. “It’s understanding how much (product) is going into the industry right now and what’s your offer... how can you knock someone out. “Some of these places have their own rules, it’s not for the faint hearted but really rewarding if you manage it correctly.” Mr Wilson also reinforced the fact Australia had a brilliant reputation overseas and businesses that expand over the ocean needed to be aware of that. “The reality is that brand Australia is well thought of and we must respect it, we can’t rubbish it,” Mr Wilson said.

◗ GLOBAL ADVICE: Austrade trade advisor David Wise chatting with CEO of AGT Foods Australia Peter Wilson. PHOTO: SAM FLANAGAN

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