Surat BasinNEWS Thursday 26 March 2009
32 pages $1.00 inc GST
Out of reach and under pressure Local authorities are struggling to deal with workers camps that are setting up out of reach of planning requirements and charges. State Government legislation allows camps to be established on mining or petroleum leases without involvement from local government. At least four exist across the Surat Basin and Dalby Regional Council spokesman
BY John Farmer editorial @suratbasin.com.au
for economic development, Andrew Smith, said council was divided on how the camps should be integrated into communities. “It’s a very touchy subject
and we have varied opinions on how we should be dealing with them,” he said. Cr Smith said the council preferred to see camps set up in towns, like those established for the Kogan Creek Power Project in Chinchilla or Darling Downs Power Station in Dalby. But he said a lack of available land and facilities forced many on to leases, which
placed added pressure on council infrastructure and services. Cr Smith said the council’s planning was hindered because it could not control or monitor the camps. “Some of the camps are very beneficial because some businesses do very well out of them,” he said. Cont’d on page 3
SBD ARCHITECT The Surat Basin Corporation has appointed a new CEO who definitely knows how to get the ball rolling. Page 6
Arrow moves into position By 2012, Arrow Energy must be ready to open the valve and let coal seam gas flow to a world first LNG plant at Gladstone. The company, whose gas
fields are mainly based just west of Dalby, is leaving nothing to chance. New technology, a growing workforce and financial discipline critical to push-
ing through the economic downturn, are powering Arrow towards its deadline. Turn to page 14 for the full story.
WATER TO FLOW After year’s of promise, one town in the Surat Basin could finally be replenished by coal seam water. Find out which town on page 24. — www.suratbasin.com.au —
RAIL STRANDED Everald Compton hits out at government’s failure to act. Page 22