Surat BasinNEWS Thursday 21 OCTOBER 2010
40 pages $1.00 inc GST
• MACKAY • ROCKHAMPTON • SURAT BASIN
Since 1986
SALE
Full Tansport & Installation Service
2nd HAND ACCOMMODATION
www.mpservices.net.au - Phone 4933 3833
HIRE and SALES
CAMEBY COAL on the way Open cut thermal coal mine Cameby Downs will see the first coal train leave site in November. First coal was mined at the site in August.
BUY : SELL : TRADE : LEASE FURNITURE & ELECTRICAL
Daley Furniture Traders
0
Servicing SURAT BASIN
E daleytraders@gotalk.net.au
P:4662 4211 M:0418 872 381 F:4662 2591 ABN:81 005 506 309
RENTALS SALES
Dalby FIRST NATIONAL R E A L E S TAT E
www.dalbyfn.com.au rentals@dalbyfn.com.au sales@dalbyfn.com.au Ph: 07 4662 2833 76 Drayton St, Dalby
inside this edition
SBNEWS
down tobusiness
in theNews
The Team
David Richardson General Manager Teneale Luckraft Editor Laurell Ison Advertising Beth Walker Graphic Design
pages 3 -7
pages 12-19 We take a look at CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station: where it started to where it is now. Record exploration and LNG figures for 2009-10 and the State Government’s strategic cropping land policy is explored further. Surat Basin Corporation also has a busy year.
This month Cameby Downs finalises rail and commissioning "The RSPT (Resource Profits has created to leave site next month. Origin projects. FirstSuper coal isTax)expected significant uncertainty for the future of mining investment into Australiagiven and would impair the value of previously Energy thumbs up to pump into Condamine River and approved projects and exploration to the point that continued investment can no longerminister be justified," Tony Burke touches down in Federal Environment Xstrata Plc chief executive Mick Davis said after Xstrata announced earlierQantasLink this month suspending $586on extra Roma flights to meet demand. Chinchilla. puts
The Newspaper
million of expenditure.
The Surat Basin News will publish every second month and will be delivered via the three dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star and Dalby Herald. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 12,000 living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region. Plans are to make the newspaper more frequent once support has been established.
building theBasin
Placesandfaces
pages 26-31 pages 32-40
The Vision
Dalby’s Diesel’s Electrics takes out awards honours. Easternwell and Australian Drilling Solutions merger complete.The QRC hands out scholarships to local students, while Surat Basin Developments ready to start construction on its new Surat Basin Industrial Estate.
Surat Basin News is not 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. Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 300 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 that define our communities.
Industry places students with disabilities in hands-on positions, Xstrata puts community first providing health and education funding. QRC holds special field day in Brisbane for regional students and QGC gets Dalby State High School biology students involved in rehabilitation programs.
advertisers index Abbertons Human Resources ..............33 Australian Camp Services ......................15 Border T Border Bioseptic West P/L ..14 Brandon & Associates ..............................4 Budden Contractors ..............................33 Chinchilla Crane Hire ..............8, 14 & 22 Chinchilla First National Real Estate ..40 Country Petroleum ................................29 Dalby First National Real Estate ............1 Dalby Real Estate and Rentals ................4 Daley Furniture Traders............................1 DDM Liquid Waste..................................16 Downlands College ................................36 Downs Group Training............................11 Easternwell ..................................................5 F K Gardner & Sons Pty Ltd ................33 Fleming's Welding Service ......................36 Goldskills Consulting ................................6 GW Training Plus Pty Ltd ......................28 HB Recruitment ......................................28
View Online With the Surat Basin region receiving national attention, Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them. View our August 26 edition at www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews
HSE Plus ....................................................35 Hub Real Estate........................................30 Hyder Consulting ......................................9 IOR Petroleum ........................................36 JJ Richards & Sons Pty Ltd ....................28 Len Patti Mitsubishi ................................18 Liam Shields ..............................................22 Linc Energy ..................................................7 Loughlin Crane Hire..................................4 M & P Services (Qld) Pty Ltd..................1 Maguire Coaches and Travel ..................36 MI Helicopters ............................................6 Murilla Community Centre ..................14 Neil Mansell Transport P/L ....................31 Onsite Rental Group ..............................19 Ostwald Bros ............................................15 Ray White Commercial Toowoomba ..23 Ray White Rural Chinchilla ..................10 Recruitment Vision ..................................35 Rob Davidson Water Carting................36
Roma Communications ..........................34 Smart Stay Villages....................................16 Speciality Services QLD ........................14 Stayover by Ausco....................................17 Supply Connections Pty Ltd ..................34 Surat Basin Developments ....................13 Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo ......20 Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo ......21 Surat Basin Homes ..................................16 Surat Basin Real Estate ..........................31 TAFE Queensland ....................................23 Taylors Safety Equipment ......................23 Trades and Services ......................38 & 39 WDS ..........................................................28 Westbrook Trailers ..................................30 Western Auger Drilling ..........................37 Wild Desert ..............................................27 Work Stuff ................................................37
Next edition - DECEMBER 16, 2010
Surat Basin NEWS
Print run 12,000 Inserted into the Western Star, Dalby Herald and Chinchilla News and Murilla Advertiser
The POWERFUL LEADER in the Surat Basin Surat Basin Surat Basin Surat Basin S S W in s W E in a s E N a B N B t NEWS S N a t u N BasinNEWS rat Basin Out of re SuErWS Sura ach anEWS S ORIZONS GREEN H ds plant grin -ethanol 21 grain-to - Page Dalby a’s first Australi action outside into
Thur sday
26 Marc h 2009
pnder pressu Sudrat uu re north heats s $1.00 32 page
inc GST
32 page s $1.00
inc GST
NOVATION ROUTS IN SANTOS SP
2009 25 June Thur sday
The CSG
9 Pages 28-2 flow on water over to waste ’s solution company
Race
Local gling to authorities are deal with strugcamps that worke are setting rs of reach up out of planni
ments and ng charges. requireter, the State Gover This quar nment legisla tion allows rants lished on camps to be estabfour aspi te a um leases mining or petrol ment from without involv eout to crea eAt least local government. ionthe Surat four exist across multi-bill Regional Basin and Dalby Counc dollar LNG stry e il spokesman ston mile export induand all claimed Gladstone. to race in Queensl ents in the may still be fourt at in achievem LNG plan Surat Bas ’s ng to an While the province from linki years out d, activity on the inside . Check Curtis Islanis at fever pitch lding. s race is unfo gas field the LNG to see how P18
for econom ic develo Andrew pment, Smith, was divide said d on how council camps should the into commu be integr ated nities. “It’s a very touchy subject
- P13
ORIGIN
- P16
- P4 EVIEW tes had ENCE PR of potential delega interest, supdreds CONFER expressed their already
Farmer
editorial sin.com.au @suratba
omena e off phen “It's a on in a lifetime — a once a.” en om en ph
ail must pr ev onsense
A tale way too Arrow m ose to oves into position STRARAclNDILEDme ho
WATER TO FLOW
ing thro ugh the dow ntur econ omic n, are Arrow powering towa rds line. its dead Turn to full stor page 14 for the y.
tbasi n.com
.au —
truth.
NEWraSt BasinNEW NO MSINuIN
Thur sday
32 page s $1.00
s $1.00 32 page
Thu rsda
G
E 2010 y 24 JUN
TAX
.sura tbasi — www
n.com .au
man Frank Chap Surat on the arrives Basin. Page 16
That is th Con sul tin
Engine ering
e questio
g Eng ine ers Rural Queen
sland for over 50 years
CHINCHILLA ROMA
TOOWOOMB A
P: 4668 93
51
RENTAL S SA
s $1.00 28 page
2008
Green
for COUNTDligOhtsiW is ngN m TO GLOBApor t FIRST BEGL INS
inc GST
pend its $6 n oa cision to sus Xstrata’s de coal project in Wand al rmal ny loc billion the reeling. Ma hip ns tow ion: has lef t the now asking the quest residents are rd? for wa y wa ich wh
inc GST
REFORM TDOWN TO
nt governme nths localresource n two mo a In less thaations will create al leader, amalgam e, a nation powerhous and...
COUN
the piece of Another falls into puzzle ce
pla Linc Energ plant with y begins commiss Gerbioning of the world outcome to rev ’s energy markets erate in L
4 Octo ber
Global Ambitions
News breaks ground C
$10 BILLION
The
2007
32 page s $1.00 inc
Santos ’ $7 billi on LNG project on P10 -11
GST
COMPANIES STAL LED
Forced to play the game waiting DET
AILS P9 EXCLUSIVE : GASFIELD RAMPS UP
National l after lateseader expansion t
hinchilla Newspapers today leading ground breaks new with as a worldced position r enhan Surat Basinof a regional the release first — ladstone’s has been furthelight for the News. the The newsp coal port month’s green Island Coal aper and website associated with this new Wiggins said while ple and captures the project BY John communities massive s, peor Paul Lucas Farmer Basin energy editorial the Acting Premie province. of the Surat per will @suratbasin.com Terminal, state’s port city. has approved conThe the .au 12,000, reach the homes newspaeneral subject to Coal visiting nator-G exposin of almost prosperity ent, economic g the culture statem “The Coordi Island as the Surat said. climate al impact Wiggins fastest develo inc Energy Basin,” of Austra and environmentthe $3.5 billion he “While has entered lia’s for fourth General ping region. Central the Energy the ditions, before the there is still a said. commissioninweek of a 10-wee in ent, he manager Richardson it region really way to go g phase Terminal,”project’s propon plans to build k Chinch are taking to liquids David wanted to be on the way said with the of ity, here at billion to there so takes off, we in Chinch demonstration its gas in the illa will soon reverbe “The to havePort Authorvalued at $1.3 next major to becoming Basin well the leadership when it facility energy market Queen illa. rate sland . achieve Austra does and potential alread first, energy here,” the world. co-ordination The commi The lia’s need for y in place.” Over the hassaid. s of the stages It he to a third, ssioning regional hub, therets.” coming 2012. isation of is The Surat three Energy was a and leaders “As s by up and bilweeks, ted bywill media projec export Basin News coveray Farmer hip.p those an ongoin the GTL plant final- begin to more and more coal up to $1.8 also be comple drillingone’s teLinc ge lish quarterly expand develo “We will be will pubBY John realise that people Gladst genera progra,m Basin Railwa ty tocan month and for of its no next six g process for about has Surat longer boost capaci its the one at shire s Linc but will tonnes and lly. the Chinch ce but editorial weeks. next Energy25 million bounda .au all confine the highthe potential to 2012, h be illa teneme gs annuaaroundy enhan By ries,” he It will three drillearnin or to unite throug by based on suppor grow more frequesix quality diesel produce very @suratbasin.com said. “Wed dinto rigs workin withnumber one t. willnts,greatl thelsregion weave its nt parallel include comple The long to be merge need will cohesio lion in export March Innsadditio Island tion in from coal at a low and jet fuel gget with numer term ambiti the our fromdevelo n betwee iland site. ial markets. become six counci to and cabling n, a one cost “Wiggi expans low Counc the n ous the on years, a the p al point “The CO2 ability weekly continual piping ion and commu runs. of Gladst Surat BasinPort same Region publica is for it to sland’s to 33 potent nities. designed tial of such footprint, the withQueen improv next four Linc Energy site are pubDalby seas UCG field to the News ement the is poten- the across infrastruc- But vein as the Chinchtion in the a compan ver the $10 billion of of and al hasofbeen effecti Peter Bond chief executi it offers The link Mr Richar webthat.” ve termin pieces 15. Surat ment is ways g. tonnes a year. tageongoin will become y and whatexportLinc Energy Mr ve all.” more than would stand dson saidilla News. upofthe of three e invest missioning said the start Richar three-s already uing newsp million is oneapers, “The to obvious 84 been dson said doing of to open into the the two tohas alone. contin- have we can add up to lic and privat to team with milestone marked a significcom“We like companies to pour new its more The ty ture needed Surat coalimpres to cope of person business, likely to any mines 20 and powerplays realise the Chinch sive capaci expected the companfor shareholders ant essenti commissioning nel with extra of the an import region are the be launchwithin Basin program push illa News “More on than a serious of coal s with popula t in any and each ally runs in y’s team. the acquisi resour ces ed ed in muniti “The GTL engine al a health A myriad es of the ant role in the stages with sed interes that tion of more unit of the tion growth 150 million Regionthat expres ytseconom comWestern are expect believes ers and sioning ofbeginning of commi GTL tion ing up to of Wiggins won’t change Dalby and coal gasifica Surat y. the Downs and e. Basin. er Anna Bligh projec He believe exportted because Basin beassocia years. Msl“But s- sequenplant commi demonstra- provid tionwill liquids Australia’s first fits of aries profess the tone ssioned Premi with the ,” he said. “We at Linc three stages next fives thecounci “Few plant and better spent amalgace. bound coal ionals. thebill. areas — we wanted in to do“Glads Surat money world’s when all forced in Austra il over indeed to Linc experie yearEnergy g the new of ferent the were first will be in aavery have a lot nt, the Counc ment’s that to strike Basin News nce said lia ststo tonnes are set gasification underground the Johnso Energy chairman such creatin short te.” but tone. a slightl indust an the intere announceme ng has over are comple timethe of her govern Bligh ry, new frame matio ns nced last year. al in influx past 18 something to diesel facilitycoal facility n said the demon Brian have of major on regional We wanted more y difIsland the with e and Planniprocess months the built aated stration events and pments,” would bepeople annou andy.econom focus are is cation was a credit Associ we proud of,” we can all be plate very going said region Infrastructur lian economcontem of good issues their develo to ic She investigation board shape he said. would Moura al very involve of capabi to the dedi- spring base Austra eing tment for contem you generations the Surat that from,” nment to — the and “These lity of said.Depar to oppord. “When govern ment capacity cils overse Basin, those steps we the enviroMr rail upgrade are here for those to come.” Bond ort coal grab the counstarted “One ces that d “This at Linc million to transp have more r infra- she said. cils that can A Brisba $500 period sector, with resour the deman ct of having a acoming impressed cannot to be for Project — Terminal. “Coun but private to delive Rail is a very and h tion to the ne woman’s the plate prospe going by acting ment’s Coal be ldoga excitin l in enoug what our the contrib Linc Energy Govern g time Link-A counci inters Island struct ure needed to tunities lion coal success of a $110 uteam holders for the are strong in place the resources, Wiggin regional team of the Bligh ry which conseam gas and ritspart the miland cils thatgrunt to put be necessary strong, large in the long termhere, of .” new y strategies been shareindust is ithally recognised project has t mining ts. will “It is anothe for the coal live p. drough Basin Railwa enough that that Queensland suppor the re develo region prot of plan Surat s condiprojec people in the y and power my view infrastructu opportunitie strategic the going eststions of the worsen key mining (QRC) annuaResources one to s aren’t ing she said. Council’s sland econom “It’s Link) andProject,” Mr Lucas carbon nects Gladst sec- to see these Queen signifi- theand for Women l Resources y,” opportunitiet someQueen Missing tradeconom ing Awards . that thoselikely “These and (Southern the Wandoan Coal sland Gas lianimmin d withou P.5 Shalene ued on ent, major roads annou do Austra tors are even to be realise McClure Gladstone, Compa Contin posals like leader ment in councils can’t nced it plans ny for the who is team for ies. It to be constru s- cant invest exciting to accelerhas QRC’s seam gas Santos’ Roma said. will need ction of uninsp routes and news is state econom theyConda ate more succes its $170 Action Wome n“(This) with freight their own, but Leadership project receiv coal ensure iring so did mine Power in Queen sland and jobs.” million CQ her ful l Resou rces that ed a Award, The compa Station. (WRA aims to Plan centra presented coun- that on and more premier was in term option this was not best to Roma P), jobs which ny plans QGC-owned which gas-fired stronger jobs, the a longcoal electricity age more . to work encourmeans Child Safetyby the Minist was of Port Alma month land, 8km electricity to deliver She began she leads seam gas project in Miles. genera women last National expansion and Women er for logical QRC’s “Just its implem her career Curren the resour east of where nal 30 million to the eastern seaboa tion across ces sector. study into The success February Electricity Marke entation. will become Mr Cottee as a geoncing a export an additio drafter per cent tly women Women’s annual Intern at the Explor “Recently, rd,” he said. the of water. its preside of this instrumental with of QRCannoumake would compri said the managing 2009, accord t by Hydro up 11 written you've You it could ed on P.3 project force MIM crowd of Day breakfast ational rocks ation, and after membe that rs’ nt. She a numbe ing to so in the compan Continu not produc had Snowy further threathave further per year. is se three station able director before a generation almost 500 has the and, in non-tr in South Cottee. looking workr of publica because and Siemens y being and research papers aditionofalcoal Shalene at to to commit to the Richar figure is next employ West Africa people. tonnes “Austr of a lack ing electricity houses in the s to the power source of tions constructed units and would d drought roles, $7 billion topics. seven per alia's proposed for her disliked energy, on oil and of water. er Crusad intensely, “With WRAP in 100 years inspired under an worst had Tarong Power cent. $5 but it also be LNG project You've because of a lack Latrobe Valley vides a new ment gas selves er Oil, was Gladstone. to study southe “Shalene has reduce fish and but found workinschool of water. geology. “In the power generasource of water pro- Envirowith Austrian EPC agreea target , we have set ourShe joined at sador is an excelle d back rn Queensland Station in As well chip shop g in to increas Energy centage nment for nt 70 per cent for tors and being cut water issuesface of increa starved equally a has worked Santos in 1996 and gradua as mentoring & of our female e the per(Australia) sector andthe minerals and ambas- in non-tr commu drought- Ltd. sing because as team her studen and energy Pty an inspira of a lack (CSG) is an , coal seam workforce Constructionnities.” aditional leader for way up to being eral vice tes, Shalene is the ts women Most signifi 12 percen undervalued gas way tion to roles modity. workin its $110 presid fedis cantly, the t by 2020,’ to at least Not only com- bined-on the 135 already under station will rely million Petroleum Explor ent of the ing a career g in, or contemother said. power is Mr megaw Australia it in platwaste ation Society — www entirely Roche the industr cycle gas-fir QRC att comwater recove and in two This year’s on the .sura tbasi a clean tion, which y,” said of Roche. chief execut ed the gas year’s time overall — www Award ive Micha n.com — production red as part of is to be power sta- would Resources .sura tbasi el Goony for Women located The award otherwise process which on n.com — ella Rivers went to BMA n.com — be evapor s are part .sura tbasi ated. of the engineer-major ide Mine senior cont’d on — www Gordon. projects page five Melanie
a Xstrat
MEET MR BG
inc GST
ary 24 Janu Thur sday
S T I X n E a o d n a W ?
Woman’s role in
ing overut becom d disyears witho Aclan past six ing in the nt the last stand to recou of the struggles He is one mine. Sid Plant by emotion. s coal ed New Hope’ whelm site of — trict, the
Thur sday
27 Marc h 2008
inc GST
ent commitm ic Lucas’ ct icon ed to prote land treat farming icking by as polit the those with lose. most to Page 7
advertise@suratbasin.com.au PAGE 2
32 page s $1.00
EMPTY PROMISES
Everald Compton out at governme hits in nt’s sday night failure on a Wedne unnoticed, to act. room At 7 o’clock entered the the centre row. Page they22 Miles, to in about
ed seat taking their50 people had gather for had in stall Around Xstrata Coal towns. hear what and surrounding ent , investm Wandoan as growth d Words such ings were bandie beginn and new wn two unkno and around. words the over They were crowd had heard later the years people in - words that six over again g. d to mean nothinMerilyn Plant travelle will be Sid and that soon towns. tell a story Miles to so many Surat Basin hard shared by page 4 for their ‘coal’ Turn to
2010
TAX
r 2008
comm But first
SANTOS
y 26 AUG UST
MINING
inc GST
n should a decisio Linc’s He said made on same coal have been the overlapping for the e and to the project competing t the disput e. issue left The Sura tenement nment to resolv resource and in Augus specift Court. the shared State Gover and Linc a Corporati Basin Farmer over d the Supreme eum “Both CSGhave worked out preBY John entere nsense sland, petrol appo returnon has and then In Queen coal seam ically could editorial Once commo y will inted om.au program issued tonies can Energ CEO whoexec-a new first step bigger issue @suratbasin.c licences vails Linc illa, says chief compa licences out the defin d (CSG) g worke itely gas knows he said. to Chinch Bond. have coal the minin how to later on,” that would overlap get underground ber, Linc utive PeterNovem the “At least to take big ball governing (UCG). its billion rollin In late both frustook d ation ultra g. was s of allowe up and gasific plant to said he forward.” packed page 10 -liquids 2013. 20,000 barrel Mr Bond e Linc had strides in Page into cont’d on a day by 6 dollar coal-to lia because, $50 trated becaus iled in the clean diesel y spent alread embro South Austra ce was not e 15km It had becom argument”. resour on its trial illa. part, its “greater million of Chinch planned was secure. ny had south-east coal sland Gas The compa burning But Queen gas from convert it to take and underground
had thrown and most — said. sponsors area,” he one off phenomena the event commeport behind players were “It's a e pheno a lifetim extent of the major a once inKrause said the Surat Surat the mitted. of e said the na.” Mr By 2012 y across y Mr Kraus nce in the face has in his of the activit ce rich countr Krause s resilie mus t be , Arrow Ener 2009 downturn resour Richard a lot of region Basin's Basin's on show at the gy economic y seen of new Conference, valve andread y to open field s the global ified an alread lifetime . would be by a wave Energy in Dalby. are in the region had intens swept along t 19 Surat Basin t of gas flow let coal seamthe just west main ly base interest Bowen on Augus host body, Mr healthy got a huge amoun e industry. raised in the d opening conof the players LNG plan to a worl d first ing noth of Dalb y, is “We've He was coal was being from outsid are As CEO of the key be leav coming who ing t one t when is could install interes Basin Krause than it from people still The com at Glad ston e. New tech to chan ce. the second which Mackay the region see why we're ence, sumed faster pany, who organising ry nolo gy, helped propel to ing work Mr to 600 the confer a grow curious se gas mined; hea surge of new indust ment of attracted close s and out here,” hing h disc iplin force and finan flouris throug last year business owner ent. t said. e criti cal cial Krause and investm e even brough investors, to Chinchilla. hunto push Mr Kraus to cities executives two months out courses were golf said He resort . only greens where thethe public domainCEO found in his new job as ation, e has been After year So from Basin Corpor Kraus rd ’s of prom be overCEO Richa s the Surat of the Suratexpecting to an enerBasin coul ration ise, acros ty one Corpo ial of he was not d final of activi the potent Surat Basinthe level ly be repletown in the Sura awed by ce only just being by t nished amazed gy provin by coal job, Mr Krause Basin. Find out seam water. realised. months into the Richard was whic that CEO Three h town on oration now knowsthe case. page 24. Krause to be — Basin Corp potential never going n.com .au — Surat such huge "There is that has never .sura tbasi ial history — www — potent repeated in restricted before been relatively — www — in this .sura
BY John
mbe 18 Dece
and we have varied on how opinio we with them,”should be dealinns placed added g pressu council Cr Smith he said. infrastructu re on said the preferred services. council re and in towns to see camps Cr Smith set up lished for, like those estabsaid the planning council’s the Kogan Power Projec Creek because was hindered t in Chinch it or Darlin or monito could not contro Station g Downs Powerilla r the camps l in “Some of But he Dalby. the camps. very benefi able land said a lack of are businesses cial because some many on and facilities availforced to leases them,” he do very well , which out of said. Cont’d on page 3
ENA PHENOM
OUP BG GR
- P13 ARROW
s $1.00 40 page
rom Linc far f ond :B SBD hed finARCHis ITECT
Thur sday
BY John
Farmer editorial @suratbasin.com .au
Thu rsda
n
www.dalby fn.co
ma
: LEA SE : TRA DE AL BUY : SELL ELEC TRIC
4211 P:4662 872 381 M:0418 2 2591
S RENTAL SALES
Dalby NAL FIRST NATIO E E S TAT REAL
hire supers
O
rm) “...our (refo take will process ard ons forw these regi that were in ways ly thought previous ” ble. impossi
QGC acce lerates M “Australia W urilla ’s wo
$110m ga s project recognise d
“Shalen minerals e is an excellent and ene rgy sector ambassador for other wom and an inspirat the ion to en...”
fn.com.a www.dalby albyfn.com rentals@d fn.com sales@dalby 2833 Ph: 07 4662 Da St, 76 Drayton
Burning bright
ad ming ahe in gas stea Surat Bas
The com of a new pletion processingas g plant has made Origin ergy’s Spring En Gully developm the larg ent est producing seam gas coal in Austr field Turn to alia. three forpage full detailsthe .
reduced
vators UCG Inno r new cleane a Bir th of energy
power stat ion
rst drough t in electricit y genera 100 years has tio eastern seaboa n across the rd.”
P.14-15 DETAILS
editorial@suratbasin.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
in theNews page 5 page 6 page 7 page 7
Decision time for Tony Burke
State Government talks to community
QRC scholarships given out at camp
QantasLink adds flights in Roma
Syntech Resources Cameby Downs mine is now only days away from seeing the first load of coal leave its site.
1.4 million tonnes of coal BY Teneale Luckraft editorial @suratbasin.com.au
The open cut thermal mine, located 45km north-west of Chinchilla will produce 1.4 million tonnes of export thermal coal each year. Owned by Syntech Resources, Cameby Downs, is one of the largest undeveloped deposits of high quality export coal in Australia. Earlier this year, Syntech awarded a three year contract worth $190million to Australian construction and mining company Macmahon Holdings Limited.
Macmahon will operate the coal mine. Rain has delayed the completion of a 5.9km rail loop that is currently being constructed on the Cameby Downs lease. The final stage of the railway link is expected to be finished next week, which will allow QR National's coal trains to take first coal from the site. The coal loading facility is located more than a kilometre within the Cameby Downs mine site, placed well away from public roads and train lines. For the first two years, two trains per day, each hauling around 2000 tonnes of coal will head for the Port of Brisbane, via the Western Railway line. The trains leaving Cameby are around
673 metres long and will travel through Chinchilla at a controlled speed. Meanwhile, commissioning is now in its final stages at the mines Coal Handling Preparation Plant. On November 1, Syntech will hand over the CHPP to Macmahon as the site moves into full production mode. The wet plant is unique to the Surat Basin with water used to flush clay from the coal. Syntech Coal Quality superintendent Leita Johnson said it was an exciting time. "Commissioning of the plant is well underway, she said. "Product stocks are being built in preparation
for the first train in November." The Cameby Downs mine is being built in two separate stages with Stage 1 now moving into its operational phase. During Stage 1, the open cut mine will produce 1.4 million tonnes of export thermal coal annually. Study for Stage 2 is underway with total production to increase to 11.4 million tonnes per year.This is expected to continue for 35 to 40 years. Ms Johnson said Syntech's holdings and exploration in the area indicated a potential resource of more than 1.7 billion tonnes. "This is likely to make it one of the major exporters from the Surat Basin," she said.
Community concerns a priority A D D R E S S I N G C O M M U N I T Y C O N C E R N S A S S O C I AT E D W I T H M I N E A C T I V I T Y I S A M A J O R P R I O R I T Y AT C A M E B Y D O W N S . With expansion plans securing a mine life of more than 35 years, Syntech Resources and Macmahon Holdings want to ensure issues with neighbouring properties are heard while the mine is in its infancy stages. In July this year, Syntech Resources and Macmahon formed a community reference group to promote open communication with community members impacted by the mining activity. Issues raised at these meetings have included haul truck exhaust noise, 3600 excavator noise and reversing alarm beeps. Background noise from the site's Coal Handling Preparation Plant also concerns the mine's neighbours. Since then, Macmahon and Syntech have been working hard to ensure these and other issues raised by community members have been addressed. Macmahon Mine Superintendent Dan Iliffe said a number of changes have been made and monitoring systems have been installed to help reduce noise. "Whilst our mine operations were already
within the approved noise limits, it was important to us to listen to our neighbour’s concerns and so we’re putting extra control measurers in place,� he said. Changes include fitting a new muffler system to help reduce haul truck exhaust noise as well as installing silent horns in heavy vehicles. This has not only reduced noise levels but eliminated it all together. "Radio based units have been fitted to the heavy vehicle communications system," Dan said. "We've spent $35,000 on this silent horn systems.The radio based 'horn unit' replaces the existing air horn. "The radio unit allows the operator to send an audible signal to the nearest haul truck only." The unit has been installed in all of the trucks and only beeps inside the cab of the truck. Meanwhile reversing alarms have also been replaced with a new 'Squark' type alarm. "The noise is not as sharp and travels less distance from the truck, while it's audible enough for other operators within the
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
immediate area to hear." Macmahon is also in the process of building a dirt boom on the north-east side of the waste dump to contain noise generated by mining activities.Meanwhile, the company is also undertaking a detailed noise assessment to monitor background noise from the CHPP. Conducted by Phillip Bryant from Macmahon's HSEQ department, the assessment includes a detailed noise monitoring program, baseline survey and preoperational CHPP audiometric study to validate the previous model prepared as part of the EIS/EA application.In addition, a new Cameby noise model will be formed which allows for the majority of changes in topography since the measurements were taken earlier this year and initially in 2006. "We take the concerns of our neighbours very seriously.We expect to be here a long time and it is important a good relationship with the community is built now and continued for the future," Dan said. PAGE 3
D L O S
in the news
Origin
S A N TO S S O L D A 1 5 P E R C E N T I N T E R E S T I N G L N G TO I N T E R N AT I O N A L O I L A N D G A S C O M PA N Y TOTA L . Worth $650 million, the sale was announced by Santos last month. In parallel, Malaysian based oil and gas multinational PETRONAS also entered into an agreement to sell a 20% interest in GLNG to Total.
water
Origin Energy was granted permission by the State Government last month to release up to 20 megalitres of water a day into the Condamine River. The water is being released from a reverse osmosis treatment plant located at Origin's Talinga Plant near Condamine. Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown said the water is subject to independent and random testing by the Department of Environmental and Resource Management. "I am satisfied with the environmental measures put in place, however, believe pumping the water into the river was not a long-term solution," he said. "It's not using the water for the most beneficial use. It's a poor man's way out." Meanwhile, Origin Energy general
manager Queensland CSG Martin Riley said the Talinga plant used stateof-the-art technology to treat the water produced from gas production. "By investing in reverse osmosis water treatment plants we can turn the water drawn from the coal seams into a valuable, more widely usable resource," he said. Reserve osmosis technology forces water through specially engineered membranes and removes dissolved salt and other microscopic particles. Origin Energy will also install extra online monitoring equipment at the Condamine water treatment facility. The approval will apply for 18 months.
Upon completion of the Santos and PETRONAS sale transactions, the ownership structure of GLNG will be: Santos 45% PETRONAS 35% Total 20% While Total is one of the world's largest LNG companies, the GLNG transaction is the first major investment by the company in an long-ter, project using unconventional gas anywhere in the world. Santos CEO David Knox said the sale agreement with Total was a landmark agreement for the Australian LNG industry. "We are pleased to welcome Total into the GLNG project as a fully integrated joint
venture partner," Mr Knox said. "Total brings substantial technical LNG plant and project management expertise with respect to major LNG developments." Total president and chairman Christophe de Margerie said Total was teaming up with Santos for its expertise in gas production in Australia and with PETRONAS for its experience in marketing LNG in Asia. "Total will bring to the project its experience in successfully managing projects such as the construction of gas liquefaction plants and its capacity to market LNG to the Asian market," he said. In addition, Santos and Total will explore potential further co-operation between the two companies with respect to commercialising Santos' significant contingent resources in Australia. Proceeds from the asset sale transaction will be used to fund Santos' significant pipeline of growth projects combined with general corporate purposes consistent with its investment grade credit rating. This will include funding Santos' 45% share of GLNG project costs.
ACN 010 461 113
ABN 98 903 123 870
Civil Structural Geotechnical Local Government
FOR ALL YOUR CRANE HIRE NEEDS
NEW FLEET DRY HIRE FRANNAS AVAILABLE
Consulting Engineers Providing Professional Services and Solutions in all areas of Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering and Related Fields 8 Colamba Street CHINCHILLA 4413 Ph 46689351
24 Quintin Street ROMA 4455 Ph 46223799
1/218 Anzac Avenue TOOWOOMBA 4350 Ph 46364100
www.brandon-assoc.com.au Affiliated with South Qld Soils NATA Accredited Testing Laboratories located in: Chinchilla, Roma, Toowoomba, Brisbane & Narrabri (NSW)
Engineering Rural Queensland for over 50 years • • • •
All Terrains 35 to 220 tonne Frannas 15 to 25 tonne Heavy haulage Specialised transport
07 4634 8777
Residential Sales & Property Management Specialists
Travis: 0408 018 509 FAX 07 46348677
24 Hour 7 Days
www.dalbyrealestate.com.au
Office & Depot: 29 Carrington Rd Toowoomba Postal Address: PO Box 9127 Wilsonton 4350 Email: loughlincranehire@bigpond.com PAGE 4
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
07 4662 3344 dalbyrealestate@netxp.com.au 126 Cunningham Street, Dalby QLD 4405
in the news
decision time
Basin Sustainability Alliance Members: Wayne Newton, Andrew Rushford and Anne Bridle with the Hon Tony Burke.
Environment minster Tony Burke is expected to make his decision on the Santos and BG Group coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas projects tomorrow. Both projects will be located on Curtis Island off Gladstone. Earlier this year, final decisions on the projects were stalled after former Environmental minister Peter Garrett asked for better clarification on some environmental issues. This has included the impact coal seam gas wells will have on the Great Artesian Basin groundwater. A majority of the wells being located across prime agricultural land. The approval will be the Government's first real environmental test since Labor struck a deal with the Greens and independents to form a minority government. Santos is eagerly awaiting Mr Burke's decision with Korea Gas, the world's biggest LNG buyer looking to buy 15 per cent of the project. While the company has not provided a financial value for the deal, industry news reports last month stated, Kogas would invest around $1.5 billion into Santos' GLNG project. Kogas will not make its decision until the GLNG project has been given the green light.
Minister’s visit Federal Environment minister Tony Burke paid a visit to Chinchilla last month. The newly appointed minister met with the Western Downs Regional Council and Basin Sustainability Alliance in midSeptember to discuss the coal seam gas industry. He hoped the visit would help him make his greatly anticipated decision regarding the future of Santos and BG Group's LNG projects. Combined, the projects are worth around $180 billion. Mr Burke is expected to announce his decision tomorrow. "I wanted to get different community views before I got departmental advice," Mr Burke said.
"Even the best quality briefing doesn't match a conversation on the ground." WDRC mayor Ray Brown said the minister's concerns included population distribution during boom times. "We presented to him the positives of local development, including the 1.8 per cent unemployment rate and the 142% increase in house values," he said. Water, liveability and upgrading the Warrego Highway were also discussed. "His major concerns were with underground water aquifers and ensuring there was a future in the region after mining." Meanwhile members of the BSA expressed their concerns regarding CSG effected groundwater.
BSA vice chairman Andrew Rushford said Mr Burke was particularly interested in the case studies of existing groundwater impacts. "We appreciated the minister taking the time to listen to our concerns about the environment regarding the discharge of treated CSG water to waterways and streams, other CSG water uses such as for tree plantations and the dumping of salt brine on properties purchased by CSG companies," he said. "We also spoke about the potential net loss of agricultural production across the state and the flow-on negative impact on the State's ability to grow clean, green and affordable food and fibre."
After the meeting, Mr Burke said addressing potential environmental issues would be a major part of the decision. "I expect issues of that nature will be part of the departmental briefing that I will receive," he said. "These issues, you've got to look at the science, you've got to work that through, but I think scientific information alone doesn't give you a feel with how something might affect the community and conversations like that do."
At Easternwell we bring a wide range of essential services together delivering more efďŹ cient, responsive and cost effective solutions for our clients. Energy
Minerals
t Well servicing (oil and gas)
t 8BUFS EF QSFTTVSJTBUJPO TFSWJDFT
t Drilling (oil and gas)
t Water well dual rotary drilling
t $BNQ NBOBHFNFOU
t Diamond exploration drilling t 3$ FYQMPSBUJPO ESJMMJOH
(catering and housekeeping)
t Dam strengthening
t Training t 0ĆTIPSF OFBS TIPSF
and remediation t Water bore drilling
HFP UFDIOJDBM ESJMMJOH t 5SBOTQPSUBCMF KBDL VQ CBSHFT t Port infrastructure
Rig Positions Available! Outstanding company growth has
t /FX HFOFSBUJPO SJHT BOE FRVJQNFOU
given rise to excellent opportunities
t $PNQFUJUJWF TBMBSZ BOE DPOEJUJPOT
for you to become part of our dynamic team. We are seeking skilled Rig Employees to work on exciting
t -POH UFSN DPOUSBDUT BOE nZ JO nZ out and town based opportunities
projects within Queensland.
To ďŹ nd out more about our exciting
We offer:
employment opportunities, visit
t *OOPWBUJWF QSPKFDUT BOE DBSFFS
www.easternwell.com.au or email recruitment@easternwell.com.au.
DMS 1010034
opportunities
www.easternwell.com.au Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 5
in the news
Community information forums well attended BY Teneale Luckraft editorial @suratbasin.com.au
With more than 550 local residents attending the seven coal seam gas and liquefied gas community information forums held throughout regional and Surat Basin areas, the State Government is pleased with the response it has received from attendees. For six weeks during August and September, State Government officials including treasurer Andrew Fraser, Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson and Department of Environment and Resource Management co-ordinator general John Bradley travelled the region presenting a wide-
range of information to community members. These include updating local residents on new laws, management programs and topics of interest related to the coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas industries. These included groundwater management, CSG water management, strategic cropping land, land access and compensation and compliance and monitoring. Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation CSG Engagement (Suart Basin) director Bill Date said generally forum feedback
proved positive. "Overwhelmingly the majority of feedback was positive," he said. "We would ask at the end of each forum if landholders would leave with a better understanding. "A vast majority put their hand up. "We've also received emails and verbally positive feedback on the forums." Basin Sustainability Alliance chairman Ian Hayllor attended the Dalby forum and said he was pleased with the developments government had made on a number of key issues. "The premier and ministers obviously listened to the concerns raised about CSG activity at the community cabinet held in Roma earlier this year and have made considerable effort to address them," he said.
Scientific study - draining
More than 300 years of farming experience cast a keen eye over the State Government’s Strategic Cropping land Policy Framework recently.
A new scientific study has found Queensland's largest freshwater aquifer is at serious risk of being drained as a direct result of coal seam gas production in the Great Artesian Basin. Conducted by independent hydrogeologist John Hillier, the report identified a direct link between the Condamine Alluvium and the Walloon Coal Measure, where CSG activity occurs. The report Groundwater connections between Walloon Coal measures and the Alluvium of the Condamine River, was commissioned by Central Downs Irrigators Limited. Mr Hillier found that the Condamine Alluvium is incised into the Walloon Coal Measures.This is currently being dewatered for CSG production. "Because of the very real likelihood of movement of groundwater from the alluvium to the Coal Measure more data is required to allow the calculation of the volumes that could be involved," one conclusion states. The study concluded that as water levels in the Walloon Coal Measures declined as a result of CSG production, a reverse gradient would be created that caused the waters of the Condamine Alluvium to drain away into the Walloon Coal Measures. Central Downs Irrigators chairman Johannes Roellgen said the risk of allowing the alluvium to be drained from the bottom by mining activities was unsustainable and unjust. "This process is likely to mean irrigators will have to surrender at least half of their existing water allocations from the alluvium
with little chance of compensation, something irrigators have agreed to in the interest of protecting this precious water resource for the benefit of generations to come," he said. "Groundwater irrigators have had big cuts to their allocation in recent years and have co-operated because we want the resource to be sustainable.
Ray Hopper "But any risk of allowing the alluvium to be drained from the bottom by mining activities is unsustainable and unjust." Meanwhile, Member for Darling Downs Ray Hopper has demanded a moratorium on coal seam gas extraction. Mr Hopper said it must be enforced for extraction on the Condamine Flood plain. Basin Sustainability Alliance chair Ian Hayllor has agreed. "Coal Seam Gas extraction must not be allowed to proceed until the full impacts of the dewatering process is understood," he said.
"There is a serious lack of monitoring in place to establish the true extent of the impact." Mr Hayllor has also welcomed a recent announcement by Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Energy Jeff Seeney. Mr Seeney stated it must be mandatory to re-inject water extracted by coal seam gas companies back to where it came from. "The BSA is in favour of reinjection as a concept but it needs to be scientifically proven before adopted," Mr Hayllor said. "If proven to be scientifically sound, using treated CSG water responsibly by reinjecting it or substituting it for existing licensed groundwater extractions is likely to be the most beneficial long term use for this very valuable asset." Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson has said a moratorium on CSG exploration, would not be necessary. "I understand the concerns of landowners and water users in the region, and without being provocative, this report does note that ground water levels in the Condamine Alluvium have been gradually falling for 40 years and that time frame precedes the involvement of CSG activities in the area," he said.
"This is real community consultation and very much appreciated by landholders and communities that are facing the full impact of the CSG industry." Not everyone was left with a feeling of contentment, with Western Alliance group members not satisfied with the forums. Western Alliance member Scott Collins said the forums did not provide the reassurance Tara residential estate owners were looking for. "They're just saying the same old stuff," he said. "We got nothing out of it; it's the same old spin. "What about the residents and the dangerous conditions? "They're (coal seam gas companies) still going to destroy our living environment and the noise is extraordinary."
results The nine member team of concerned scientists applied their collective knowledge and experience to identify gaps and areas of improvement in the policy framework. Condamine Alliance, the peak natural resource management organisation for the Condamine catchment facilitated the review. Alliance CEO Phil McCullough said they valued the contribution of the group. “They possess high quality scientific knowledge and experience and are totally independent,” he said. Scientists spokesperson Gus Hamilton said it was apparent that the policy needed to be based on an understanding of landscape functionality. “While much is known, there are significant gaps in the scientific knowledge, particularly around the issue of connectivity in some landscapes,” he said. Some of the key issues the group of scientists include: • the criteria for identifying strategic cropping land need to be able to cope with the complexity and diversity of natural systems • soil and land capability assessments need to be combined with landscape, economic and social parameters • the full range of factors affecting the alienation of strategic cropping land need to be considered • the contribution of grazing land to the landscape, food security, carbon sequestration and social and economic aspects of the communities should be considered • significant scientific and technical capacity will be required to effectively implement and manage the policy. “One of the key issues the Government and the broader community need to understand is that high quality land does not exist in isolation but has a connection with its surrounding environment,” Dr Hamilton said. The findings of the independent group of scientists will be submitted to the State Government as part of the review process.
SAFETY WHS EHS HSE SYSTEM Our safety systems meets EHS ISO 14001, WHS and AS/NZS 4801 compliance Plus safety pre-qualifications requirements
8(&, @;JH7D=;H HE8?DIED H** IGK?HH;B 7I)+& >Xj&F`c Jlggfik 8\i`Xc Jlim\p&Jgfkk`e^ Gfn\ic`e\ Jlim\p`e^ C`]k Fg\iXk`fej
8\i`Xc 9XZbYlie`e^ =`i\ 9fdY`e^ G_fkf^iXg_p&=`cd`e^ =\iXc 8e`dXc :fekifc
9edjWYj '.&& ,&& )*+ 24 HOURS - BASED IN THE SURAT BASIN
PAGE 6
=`kk\[ n`k_ jXk\cc`k\ kiXZb`e^ ]fi X[[\[ jX]\kp <ok\ieXc 8l[`kj ZXii`\[ flk \m\ip - dfek_j
www.mihelicopters.com.au Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
• We can assist with the implementation of the system to self management • We can assist with all safety requirements and onsite management • We conduct detail compliance Safety Audits to AS/NZS 4801
Goldskills Consulting Working With You Phone Marion 0437 734 634 or email marion@goldskills.com.au www.goldskills.com.au
in the news
Rewards for students
Chinchilla State High School JASON BALDOCK
Oakey State High School S E A N F E D E RO F F
Toowoomba State High School JAMIE MCINTYRE BRANDT TUCKER SIMON GREENWOOD
Downlands College H A N N A H P OW E R
I N S I G H T I N TO A C A R E E R I N TO T H E C S G
Six of the students who gave up their school holidays to attend a coal seam gas engineering camp have been rewarded for their efforts. The students, who attended the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, CSG engineering camp, each received $5000 scholarships from the University of Southern Queensland faculty of Engineering and Surveying.
RECIPIENTS INCLUDED
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; T H E C A M P G AV E M E
I N D U S T RY A N D REASSURED ME OF MY D E C I S I O N TO B E C O M E A N E N V I R O N M E N TA L ENGINEERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; During the seven-day camp, the students travelled to Origin Energy and QGC sites and were required to devise solutions for managing the water byproduct as a result of CSG extraction. This was done with help from CSG company engineers. The students presented their findings and recommendations at an awards evening attended by senior Origin Energy, Santos, QGC staff and USQ representatives. QMEA project field officer Kris Stead said the students produced thorough and insightful solutions to the problems. "The students worked well in teams to devise practical solutions to the problems," she said. "The camp provided regional students with a unique opportunity to experience both life on campus with USQ and a career as an engineer onsite with a CSG company." Downslands College Year 12 student
Hannah Power said she was interested in a career as a mechanical engineer. "If you are thinking or unsure if you want to work in the resource industry then you should go to the camp," she said. "I met a lot of great people and I liked the site visits." TSHS Year 11 student Jamie McIntyre said the camp influenced her career decision and was a worthwhile experience. "The camp gave me insight into a career into the CSG industry and reassured me of my decision to become an environmental engineer, she said. Origin's Upstream Oil and Gas Executive general manager Paul Zealand said he was proud of Origin's work with QMEA in identifying and developing opportunities to support students build an understanding of the CSG industry to help them in their future careers.
QantasLink has added an extra three services to its Brisbane to Roma service in anticipation of growing demand from the mining and resources sectors. The new flights will ad an extra 216 seats to the route each week and will run during peak times from October 18 to December 18. The Roma service will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A 50-seat Q300 aircraft will also now operate the service. QantasLink executive manager Narendra Kumar said QantasLink was pleased to be able to support the Queensland economy. "In particular cater to the changing needs of these communities," he said.
Ge et the facts on UCG at p e
| +61 7 3229 0800 | linc@ @lin nce energyy.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 7
opinions Solving local issues
Risky cropping policy
Vital projects on radar
Awaiting announcement
Howard Hobbs, MP
Michael Roche, QRC
Ray Brown, Mayor
Bruce Scott, Federal Member Maranoa
SBNEWS 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla, QLD 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla, 4413 Phone: 4662 7368 General Manager:David Richardson Advertising:Laurell Ison Editor:Teneale Luckraft
Editorial It is decision time for new Federal Environment minister Tony Burke.The long awaited announcement sealing the fate of two major LNG projects is expected tomorrow. The minister had only four weeks to familiarise himself with Santos and BG Groups projects, worth a combined $36 billion. In July this year, the projects suffered major delays when the former Environment minister Peter Garrett requested further information surrounding the environmental impacts of the projects. In particular the impacts coal seam gas extraction will have on groundwater quality and supply. This will be the first real test for the new look Gillard government since striking a deal the Greens and Independents to form a minority government. The decision has not been made any easier with both Santos and BG Group acknowledging their projects will have an impact on groundwater levels. Industry talk believes Burke will sign on the dotted line tomorrow, but conditions will apply. Meanwhile, students of all ages have benefited from a number of announcements made during the past two months, with the QMEA (Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy) welcoming three new schools into the system. Wandoan and Taroom State schools and Miles State High Schools have jumped on board to provide education and training options for students interested in a career in the resource sector. Through the partnership, Xstrata Coal has contributed $720,000 to the three schools to utilise and create new curriculum and resources that are directly related to the resource industry. Another program of considerable note is the Surat Basin Work Placement project, this fantastic initiative provides the opportunity for university students, with a disability to gain valuable experience in different aspects of the resource industry. With companies including Origin Energy, Surat Basin Homes, Ostwald Brothers, ERM Power and HSEplus on board, the students will get hands on experience in their chosen fields. Also congratulation goes to Dalby business Diesel Electrics - what an outstanding achievement to be awarded Small Employer of the Year.
PAGE 8
Face-to-face with the government The community in the Surat Basin deserves the chance to ask questions and voice their concerns directly with my Ministers about the new liquefied gas industry. That's why we held a series of community forums across the region in August and September and local people came out in force to have their say. Over 600 residents from Injune, Roma, Toowoomba, Dalby, Miles, Wandoan, Injune, Warwick and Inglestone turned up to take advantage of the opportunity for face-to-face discussions with
COMMENT Anna Bligh Premier of Queensland
complaints; a commitment to regularly sample bores and a range of requirements for gas operators to keep landowners informed.
Our Government has also released a draft policy framework for strategic cropping land. This is our plan to protect the State's most valuable food producing land, and much of that is in the Surat Basin, for future generations. Please have a look at the policy and maps and have your say at sclenquiries@derm.qld.gov.au.
T H I S I S I N T E N D E D TO H E L P L A N D H O L D E R S D E A L W I T H C O M PA N I E S C O M I N G O N TO T H E I R L A N D A N D P ROV I D E A G U I D E TO N E G OT I AT I O N S A B O U T C O M P E N S AT I O N . government and the community. I know that the members of my Cabinet who took part in these forums found it an invaluable opportunity to hear the communities concerns in person. The topics covered at the forums included ground water, management of CSG water, hydraulic fracturing, environmental compliance and enforcement. Further reforms were announced to give landholders much more information about CSG operations on their properties. These included new land access laws; resources to respond to landowner's
Community members who attended the forums also had the opportunity to take with them the Landholder Information pack. This is intended to help landholders deal with companies coming onto their land and provide a guide to negotiations about compensation. These forums were just the start of a conversation about an industry that promises extraordinary opportunity but which must be managed in a way that is sustainable and which maintains the lifestyle the people that live in this region love.
I F YO U H AV E A Q U E S T I O N O R WA N T F U RT H E R I N F O R M AT I O N P L E A S E C O N TA C T T H E
LNG Hotline on 13 25 23 or visit www.lng.industry.qld.gov.au.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
opinions
New projects promise future water supply, jobs and vital infrastructure
COMMENT
Projects that could potentially provide long-term, reliable water supply, create thousands of jobs and secure vital infrastructure to the mining, energy, urban and agricultural sectors of the Western Downs region are on the radar of Western Downs Regional Council.
Ray Brown says
Securing the region’s water supply continues to be a significant issue considering the risk of future drought and the rapid pace of development occurring in the region. At present, two projects being watched with particular interest by Council are Sunwater’s proposal to establish a pipeline network to transport water from the Nathan Dam to customers in the Surat Basin which will run through Wandoan and Dalby, and the proposed Nathan Dam project on the Dawson River. Both projects will have a significant bearing on the security of our region’s future water supplies. These vital projects would support future resource development and power generation in the Surat Basin region and could be commissioned as early as September next year. The cost alone to build the pipeline is in the vicinity of $700 million and to build the Nathan Dam is $600 million, and if these massive projects go ahead this could well
guarantee the future water supply for the whole Western Downs region. Especially when you consider that the Dam could produce about 70,000 megalitres of water per annum and at full capacity support in the range of 880,000 megalitres and be up to 26.5 metres deep. The Dam, if built, would be the fourth largest in Queensland. The forward projection for the completion of the Nathan Dam project is 2015. Not only does the project offer long-term water security across the region for at least the next 50 years, it also presents various opportunities in water utilisation for the beneficial purposes of urban, industrial and agricultural development. Meanwhile our region is on the cusp of significant change following the announcements on October 22 of the Federal Government environmental impact statement approvals for major energy players British Gas and Santos. This is set to have a big impact on our region particularly the coal seam gas industry and the LNG pipelines. I was fortunate enough to be in Brisbane for the official signing of the $100 billion deal with Santos and Total, which is one of the largest contracts ever to be
signed in Queensland. It is anticipated that the vision of the Federal Government environmental impact statement could result in some major changes ahead for our region, however the extent of these changes is not yet known. Outcomes will be determined by how the Federal Government governs
Cr Ray Brown Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council
the proposals are for a major solar power station to be built in the region. The British Gas proposal is momentous in that their powerbrokers predict the project will create about 8000 jobs across the whole network from Brisbane through to Gladstone, with a substantial number of these expected to be created
Securing the region’s water supply continues to be a significant issue considering the risk of future drought and the rapid pace of development occurring in the region. over the State Government’s environmental policy and whether there will be any environmental consequences arising from these projects. The recent developments and the assessment of numerous development applications submitted for the heating solar project at Kogan are well advanced. The final decision making of the Solar Flagship Renewable Energy Program will be announced soon. This announcement is set to have a wideranging impact on local communities as
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
in the Western Downs region. Another important outcome to highlight as we await the pending approval of British Gas’ environmental impact statement is that 280 houses are to be built in our region alone. This is significant because we will not know the settlement patterns for our towns.Obviously, over the next three months there will be some major decisions decided in boardrooms that will influence the Western Downs Regional Council electorate.
PAGE 9
opinions
Cropping land policy puts billions at risk The Queensland Government ’s proposed strategic cropping land policy puts at risk current and planned r e s o u r c e s e c t o r i n v e s t m e n t o f $ 2 2 b i l l i o n, r e p r e s e n t i n g m a n y h u n d r e d s o f j o b s i n t h e S u r a t B a s i n.
COMMENT Michael Roche
Michael Roche says
Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council
The policy is highly flawed and needs to go back to the drawing board. In February 2010, the Queensland Government released a paper on protecting Queensland’s ‘best’ cropping land.The government’s policy was reiterated in an August 2010 policy framework: ‘The government considers that the best cropping land, defined as strategic cropping land, is a finite resource that must be conserved and managed for the longer term. As a general aim, planning and approval powers should be used to protect such land from developments that lead to its permanent alienation or diminished productivity.’ It would quarantine large parcels of land that could not be fairly designated high-value cropping land and much of the land included in the policy’s proposed ‘trigger maps’ is not currently used for cropping. Currently cropped Class A land covers approximately 1.5 per cent of Queensland, and you would expect that so-called strategic cropping land would be a small sub-set of this.
However, the strategic cropping land maps released by the State Government cover a land mass more than 2.5 times larger than this area of Class A land. By contrast, all the land currently mined or ever mined in Queensland covers less than 0.1 per cent of the State’s land mass. This policy is a simplistic, populist reaction that will impose a significant sovereign risk on the resources sector and create an unwieldy precedent for future policy on competing land uses. However, if the government continues down this path, the policy needs to draw a sharp distinction between proposed developments and existing projects. In its submission to the government, QRC has strongly recommended that a measured transition for existing projects be applied, including an exemption for: • all granted tenures (both mining leases and mineral development leases) • Joint Ore Reserves Code (JORC) defined resources • applications that have received a final terms of reference for their environmental impact statement (EIS). Any such policy should also contain an effective ‘offset’ process, which would enable current cropping land to be replaced, using either high-value land
N O I T AUC Washington Estate CHINCHILLA
• •
13,030m2 block Nestled at the end of quiet cul-de-sac Spoilt with rich growth and tree canopy Very rarely does a jewel like this present itself to the market All offers considered Prior to Auction Call now to register your interest
PAGE 10
in this issue, QRC calls for a full consultation process on the proposed strategic cropping land policy, rather than the current headlong rush towards legislation early in 2011. QRC’s submission on the policy can be found on the QRC website at www.qrc.org.au and go to ‘publications’.
BY CONTRAST, ALL THE LAND CURRENTLY MINED OR EVER MINED IN QUEENSLAND C OVERS LESS THAN 0.1 PER CENT OF THE STATE’S LAND MASS.
At Ray White Rural Chinchilla every recommendation we propose and every decision we make is always focused on the needs of the most important person in the transaction
- You Speak to one of our dedicated Real Estate Professionals today
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS • • • •
that is not currently used for that purpose or land that can be improved to bring it to the standard of ‘strategic.’ The QRC also believes that exploration should be exempted from any cropping land policy. Exploration involves the essential process of discovering and describing the resource wealth that belongs to the crown.There is an obvious public interest in resource exploration because it is the only process by which Queensland can ‘find’ new resource assets. While the QRC has no difficulty with the concept of protecting our best cropping land, to achieve this goal, the government should have faith in its existing environmental impact statement (EIS) process that has evolved through time as a highly sophisticated instrument for making decisions in the public interest. The EIS process already carefully assesses environmental, economic and social benefits and costs of resource projects and QRC regards the EIS as the appropriate vehicle to objectively assess any impact on strategic cropping land. The strategic cropping land proposals represent well-intentioned but misguided policy, developed on an inaccurate premise of incompatible land use and the pre-eminence of a single land use (cropping) over all other possibilities. It fails any objective test of the broader public interest. Given the level of community interest
AUCTION: 1pm Sat 30 Oct Venue: Chinchilla Club Hotel Trina Martin 0422 769 194
Tel 07 4669 1911 Fax 07 4669 1912 rural.chinchilla.qld@raywhite.com
71 Heeney Street Chinchilla www.rwrchinchilla.com
Rural
Rural
Chinchilla
Chinchilla
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
opinions
LNP Shadow Cabinet in Roma Howard Hobbs says
The LNP Shadow Cabinet and Charity Ball held over the weekend of the 16th/17th October to celebrate the arrival of the Cattle Drive in Roma went ahead, with great success. All Members of LNP Shadow Cabinet held a round table discussion with representatives of the following groups, Basin Sustainability Alliance, Jimbour Action Group, Coal 4 Breakfast, Save Our Darling Downs, Fairymeadow Land Protection Group, Cameby Concerned Citizens, Agforce, Arcadia Valley Residents Group,Wandoan Landholders Group, Hopeland Community Group, Future Food Group, Concerned Landholders Roma North,Western Downs Alliance and We Are Anti Mining Group. This was a great information sharing opportunity and has enabled all Shadow Cabinet Members the opportunity to become more involved with the solutions to the problems that many people in the electorate are experiencing.
There is no shortage of information on CSG and legislative changes occurring in the industry. To help keep interested parties abreast of the changes I regularly email information out on what has happened during Parliamentary Sitting weeks. If you would like to join this email group please contact my Roma Electorate Office on 1800 814 479.
Whilst the LNP Shadow Cabinet was in Roma they made some significant announcements which will enhance health services and the social fabric of many regional communities. The LNP announced their commitment to providing Flying Specialist Services to
western Queensland - retaining the specialist services - obstetrician, gynaecologist and surgeon - with two planes, pilots and two anaesthetists, using Roma as a base. Community support for the Flying Specialist Service is very strong and local GPs in western towns appreciate the support
provided by the flying service. The service allows western Queenslanders to stay in their own communities while they receive high-quality specialist care. It is a service that is especially important to mothers and mothers-to-be and their families who would otherwise be forced to travel great distances to receive specialist
Announcement tomorrow Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke is tomorrow expected to make an announcement whether he has granted environmental approval to CSG projects in the Surat Energy Resource Province. The Santos and BG Group projects are considered matters of national environmental significance by the Federal Government because of their potential impact on the health and security of our Great Artesian Basin. The review of these projects comes on top of widespread concern that we do not adequately know what impact coal seam gas extraction will have on the water levels of the Great Artesian Basin, which is the lifeblood for towns and farming communities across western Queensland. Minister Burke’s decision could herald a new path for the future of mining across both the Surat Coal Basin and the Great Artesian Basin, setting a precedent for the environmental assessment of all energy projects in the near and long-term future. Yet should the Minister approve these projects, his reasoning could be inconsistent with his Government’s environmental agenda for the Murray Darling Basin.The recently released guide to the Murray Darling Basin reform plan has proved that farmers come in second best to the environment. Food and fibre producers along the Murray and Darling River systems, particularly those in Queensland
= = = = = = = =
have long been villainised for their perceived abuse of water from the Basin.They face cuts of up to 45% for water usage in the MDB, yet currently mining companies in the Surat Coal Basin are able to extract huge amounts of water from
underground without a water licence and without a solid, science-proof plan for its reinjection. I have written to the Minister requesting that he make public the scientific evidence provided to him by his department and other sources, so that the communities of the Surat Coal Basin are fairly informed of the reasoning behind his decision to grant or deny approval of the CSG
gynaecologist and obstetrician services. Currently the Flying Surgeon visits the towns of Charleville, Chinchilla, Cunnamulla, Emerald, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Miles, Quilpie, Roma, St George and Taroom and the Flying Obstetrician and Gynaecologist visits the towns of Barcaldine, Biloela, Blackall, Charleville, Chinchilla, Dalby, Emerald, Goondiwindi, Hughenden, Kingaroy, Miles, Longreach, Quilpie, Roma, Stanthorpe, St George,Warwick and Winton. Country Racing would receive a real boost under an LNP State Government with the provision of an extra 20 race meetings a year in regional Queensland. In many country areas of Queensland there are not enough race meetings for owners and trainers and as a result of the severe cutbacks from the long-term Labor Government horses have to be transported over long distances to meetings at huge cost and often past suitable racetracks that are under-utilised. The LNP was committed to improving country racing by providing more race meetings and supporting regional race clubs and local owners and trainers. There are plenty of good race tracks that are being woefully under-utilised in western towns such as Cunnamulla, Injune, Mitchell, Morven, Surat,Tambo and Wyandra, even towns such as Esk, Kilcoy and Bell could easily hold more meetings and the LNP is committed to giving local owners, trainers and racegoers more meetings.
COMMENT Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa
Bruce Scott says
COMMENT Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego Shadow Minister for Local Government and ATSI Partnerships
What a busy month October has been. It certainly has been a wet one for many, including the LNP Heritage Cattle Drive which has been delayed at Augethella due to the wet conditions.
projects. Much angst amongst farming groups is the limited information granted to them by companies and governments alike.To ensure a balanced future for mining and agriculture in the Surat Coal Basin, all stakeholders, whether they are farmers or miners, should be on a level playing field. On a more positive note, despite community concern about mining’s environmental impacts, we should not forget the positive contribution locally-based resource companies and their employees are making to our communities. I would like to acknowledge Xstrata on its $720,000 contribution to Miles State High School and the Taroom and Wandoan State Schools, as part of its Wandoan Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Partnership.The initiative includes the introduction of an apprenticeship or traineeship program with Xstrata Coal and other employers, which will provide exciting job pathways for young people in these communities.This is just one example of how mining can play a positive role in bringing new opportunities and prosperity to rural communities.
DOWNS GROUP TRAINING
THE APPRENTICESHIP COMPANY
FOR ALL YOUR TRAINING NEEDS
FOR ALL YOUR EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
General Safety – White card course First Aid & CPR Low Voltage Rescue Generic Mine Induction [G3] Fork Lift Traffic Controller Certificate I & II in Construction Certificate I in Resource & Infrastructure
The Apprenticeship Company will arrange:
Training delivered in all areas
High quality training | Flexible delivery options | Highly competitive rates | Ask about group discounts
Ph: 4639 2099 | www.dgt.org.au | Email: training@dgt.org.au
=
Recruitment & short-listing
=
Regular monitoring visits
=
Industrial relations
=
Payroll and administration
Apprentices & Trainees successfully being placed in many industries, including: = Engineering & Automotive = Construction = Hospitality = Agriculture & Horticulture = Administration & Retail
Quality service | Professional staff | Expert advice Not-for-profit, community based organisation
Toowoomba: 4639 2099 | Chinchilla: 4669 1533 | Goondiwindi: 4671 0170
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 11
down tobusiness page13 page14 page18 page19
Record exploration figures 2009/10
New land cropping policy released
Surat Basin Corporation going strong
Major projects put on the table
KOGAN CREEK
Power Station On 20 May 2004, the green light was given for the largest single boiler, turbine and generator unit in Australia to be constructed near Chinchilla. Three years later, CS Energy's $1.2 billion, 750 megawatt Kogan Creek Power Station was generating electricity into the national electricity grid. Kogan Creek Power Station site manager, Ivan Mapp, said the power station took over three years to complete, from the start of construction in September 2004 to the commencement of commercial operations on 7 December 2007. "There were 974 people employed on the project during peak construction and around 23 per cent of them, or over 200 of the workers, were locals," Mr Mapp said. "The skills of local workers were supplemented by industry specialists from nine countries." "At the time, CS Energy was competing for local workers against other energy and mining industry developments in the region. " The Kogan Creek Power Station was constructed by a Siemens Hitatchi consortium. The total value of the supply and construction contracts for the power station was approximately $900 million. More than half of the contracts were awarded to Australian firms and Queensland firms were awarded approximately $330 million worth of work. "This represented a significant proportion of the contracts, particularly given Kogan Creek Power Station was using leading technology and highly specialised equipment," Mr Mapp said. "Local Chinchilla and surrounding shire businesses obtained direct construction and site services contracts valued at around $21 million with Siemens Hitatchi, and we estimated that about the same amount again was generated in the local area from subcontractor services." The Kogan Creek Power Station continues to set a benchmark for environmental performance of a coal-fired power station. "The power station produces 22 per cent fewer emissions than conventional coal-fired PAGE 12
power stations, and because the station is aircooled rather than water-cooled we use one tenth of the water of a similarly sized power station. Black coal for the Kogan Creek Power Station comes from CS Energy's Kogan Creek Mine and is delivered to the station over a four kilometre overland conveyor belt. The Kogan Creek Mine delivers approximately 2.8 million tonnes of coal to the site each year. The mine has multiple coal seams and black coal from these seams is blended and supplied to the power station at a rate of approximately 8,000 tonnes a day. Mr Mapp said Kogan Creek Power Station may also become home to one of the largest solar projects in the world. "CS Energy is currently working on the Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project which will increase the station's electrical output by 44 megawatts during peak solar conditions, using compact linear fresnel reflector technology to provide solar-produced steam to supplement the steam being produced through the coal-fired process. "This solar addition will enable the Kogan Creek Power Station to produce more electricity with the same amount of coal and reduce the power station's greenhouse intensity. The project has the potential to produce up to 40 gigawatt hours of additional electricity per year, enough electricity to power 5,000 homes. "We are in the final planning and feasibility stage for the project called the Front End Engineering Design phase and if all goes to plan, construction will commence on the Kogan Creek Solar Boost towards the end of 2010," Mr Mapp said. Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
fast facts C O N S T RU C T I O N PHASE • Project approval - 20 May 2004 • Construction commenced September 2004 • Commercial operation commenced 7 December 2007 • Peak construction workforce 974 • Project cost $1.2 billion
O P E R AT I O N P H A S E • Unit capacity 750 megawatts • Current workforce 80 • Mine output of black coal each year 2.8 million tonnes • 2009/2010 Energy sent out 4,324 GWhso • 2009/2010 Reliability - 96 per cent
KOGAN CREEK SOLAR BOOST PROJECT Additional capacity 44MW peak (23MW average) Additional electricity each year 40 gigawatt hours Extra homes powered - 5,000 Greenhouse gas emissions avoided 35,600 tCO2 equivalent Land area - 30 hectares Peak construction workforce - 120 Estimated project costs - $98.8 million Time frame - Operational by 2012
down to business
Record expenditure A record $917.1 million in exploration expenditure was invested in Queensland's mining and petroleum industries during 2009-10 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is a massive 43 per cent increase on the 2008-09 figures of $639.9 million. Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson said exploration in the minerals sector (including coal), had increased 24 per cent from $351.7 million in 2008-09 to $436.6 million. "At the same time, investment in petroleum and gas exploration jumped 66 per cent from $288.2 million in 2008-09 to $480.5 million.
"This represents 60 per cent of total Australian onshore petroleum expenditure and clearly reflects the intense exploration activity in the search for CSG." Queensland's mineral exploration expenditure was greater than the combined total of $402 million invested in New South Wales, South Australia,Victoria and Tasmania. Mr Robertson said the State's performance clearly showed that the exploration industry recognised Queensland's potential for further mineral and energy discoveries. Meanwhile, increasing global demand for Australian liquefied natural gas culminated in record production in the 2009-2010 financial year. The report card, released by energy
economics group EnergyQuest, showed that LNG production grew by 7.5 per cent last year. This is from 17.4 million tonnes per annum to 18.7 Mtpa. EnergyQuest CEO Dr Graeme Bethune said the growth of the LNG production was driven by growing demand for Australian LNG in Japan, China and Taiwan. "Japan continues to be Australia's biggest LNG customer, taking two-thirds of Australia's exports in 2009-10," he said. "Australia supplies 18% of Japan's LNG and is moving up from being the third to the second biggest supplier, overtaking Indonesia. "China is also becoming increasingly important, taking 20% of Australian exports in 2009-10." Mr Bethune said although export volumes increased, the value of LNG exports fell from $10 billion to $7.8 billion. The report also indicated that CSG production continued to grow strongly, reaching a record 195 petajoules in 200910. Gas use for power generation on the east coast continues to grow and was up by nearly 10 PJ in the June quarter, reflecting in particular the start-up of the Darling Downs power station near Dalby.
online
The latest groundwater monitoring information is now available on a new interactive online portal. The portal maps the locations of private water bores and springs along with gas production sites and exploration wells. It also details historical water levels and salinity records (measured as conductivity) from the four major CSG explorers and producers in the Surat Basin including Santos, Origin Energy, Queensland Gas Company and Arrow Energy. Introduced by the State Government in August, the initiative has been undertaken by the Department of Environment and Resource Management in partnership with coal seam gas companies. "A help file is available to provide guidance on how to access this important information," Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson has said. THE PORTAL IS AVAILABLE AT www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/coal-seamgas/groundwater.html.
A Chinchilla the heart heart A premier premier industrial industrialestate. development in the of of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next energy capital. Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy capital. STAGE 1 ROAD NE W
Buying, buildingSTAGE or2 leasing - We can design a package to suit you.
NE W
AUBU RN
ROAD
ROAD
RO AD
NEW
ROAD
LA
AUBURN
Under Contract
OAD RWorks Operational granted by WDRC W
November:
Tender for civil works
N
December: June-July:
ROAD
Under Offer
October:
HWY
NE
NEW
BARAKU
BARAKULA
ROAD NE W
WARREGO
Available
Estimated Timing
Works commence Clear Titles issue
Note: You can lodge a building application during Estate construction period, to ensure you are ready to start as soon as Clear Title issues. NOTES This plan is a sales plan only. Areas and dimensions are approximate and subject to registration of plans of survey in the Department of Natural Resources & Mines. Some lots may contain drainage, access & services taken to ensure the accuracy of the information shown hereon, but intending purchasers should make their own enquires to verify the information.
For further information visit www.suratbasindevelopments.com.au, phone (07) 4669 1066 or email sales@suratbasindevelopments.com.au. Surat Basin Developments, PO Box 683, Warrego Highway, Chinchilla QLD 4413
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 13
down to business
Land protection plan released A plan to protect the area's most valuable food producing land against emerging industries including coal seam gas has been released.
SPECIALITY SERVICES QLD • VACUUM TANKERS • WATER TANKERS • DOMESTIC WATER CARTAGE • REGULATED LIQUID WASTE • VACUUM EXCAVATION • UNDERGROUND UTILITY LOCATING • POLY PIPE WELDING
DECLAN CUMMINS Ph 0417 839 331 SERVICING ALL AREAS
Border T Border Bioseptic West Pty Ltd
• Phone (07) 4668 9476 • Fax (07) 4669 1489 • 0429 10 10 26 Email biosepticwest@bigpond.com
EPA LICENCE #ENRE00815708
Regulated Liquid Waste Transporter DANGEROUS GOODS REG.
• • • •
Septic tanks Holding tanks Portaloos Sewerage treatment plants
• • • •
Grey water systems Oil/silt wash bays Grease traps Bung pits
Servicing all areas; Chinchilla, Brigalow, Warra, Dalby, Condamine, Miles, Dulacca, Wandoan, Taroom
Developing and Supporting the Community Providing a FREE CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE MURILLA COMMUNITY CENTRE INC.... • Rural Family Support Worker • Murilla Respite Service • Community Development • Outside School Hours/Vacation Care • Centrelink Agency • Miles NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) VISITS FROM: • Employment Agencies • Legal Service - Video Conference
• Rural Financial Counsellor • Murilla Family Day Care • Murilla Childcare Centre • Community Bus • Broadband for Seniors
• Optometrist • Hearing Services
Murilla Community Centre Inc 73a Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 P: (07) 4627 2027 F: (07) 4627 2021 Email: mccm@bigpond.com PAGE 14
Under the State Government's Protecting Queensland's strategic cropping land policy framework, mineral resources in the State's best agricultural areas will not be developed where they permanently alienate the land. Strategic cropping land has been defined as land on which soil quality, topography and seasonal rainfall combined, enable more than one quality crop to be grown on a commercial agricultural basis. Trigger maps will be published to identify exactly where the State's quality farming is located. One area currently involved in resource activity, which will be assessed for strategic cropping land, is Tarong Energy's Haystack Road coal tenure. The tenure is about 40km south-east of Chinchilla. Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson said the policy was about getting the balance right. "Where a development is proposed in an area that is mapped as Strategic Cropping Land, it will not be permitted to proceed if it permanently prevents the land being used for cropping in the future," he said. It may not go all the landholders way though with a provision for a 'demonstrated exceptional circumstance' being introduced.
conditioning and all the projects would still need to comply with other strict environmental and planning laws. The draft maps, which were released in late August, identify around four per cent of Queensland's land mass as having potential for strategic cropping. The maps and policy were developed following extensive consultation over six months with a number of stakeholders. These include the Queensland Resources Council, Australian Petroleum Production and
land on the basis of the scientific criteria. "If an on-ground assessment demonstrates that land marked as Strategic Cropping Land does meet the criteria, then landholders or resource companies can apply to have land declassified." Meanwhile Queensland Farmers' Federation CEO Dan Galligan said while the framework was a positive step for the agricultural sector, there were still concerns regarding coal seam gas industry. "Safeguarding our best land
"SAFEGUARDING OUR BEST LAND FROM PERMANENT ALIENATION IS AN IMPORTANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT AGRICULTURE WILL STILL BE PRODUCING FOR QUEENSLAND EVEN AFTER THE MINERALS ARE GONE" "This is where there was a unique resource found nowhere else in Queensland - but these will be few and far between," Mr Robertson said. "Based on current technology at least, it would be difficult to see how an open cut coal mine could proceed on Strategic Cropping Land, whereas welldesigned coal seam gas operations may be able to be accommodated under this policy without alienating the land." Mr Robertson said the policy was in addition to the usual stringent environmental assessment process and
Exploration Association, Queensland Farmers Federation and AGFORCE, LGAQ, UDIA NRM Groups Collective and Future Food Queensland. "These maps will be further fine-tuned using the best available science and through further consultation with stakeholders before the legislation is introduced next year," Mr Robertson said. "Even where a farmer's land is not shown as Strategic Cropping Land on the Trigger Map, they will be able to apply to have their landholding assessed as strategic cropping
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
from permanent alienation is an important acknowledgement that agriculture will still be producing for Queensland even after the minerals are gone," he said. "However, while the policy framework is quite clear in protecting against activities such as open-cut coal mines, it remains unclear how much protection it would afford against the rapidly expanding gas industry. "Farmers confronting challenges with coal seam gas expansion, won't necessarily have all their problems solved with is policy."
down to business The seventh and final Indigenous Land Use Agreement for Santos' GLNG project has been
signed. The Murribindi Gap B agreement is one of 42 individual agreements with Aboriginal peoples for the project. Collectively it is the largest set of agreements with Aboriginal peoples in Australia's resources sector history. It means GLNG can start construction knowing all appropriate Aboriginal agreements and conditions are now in place from Gladstone through to Roma. GLNG Queensland president Rick Wilkinson said the agreements were similar to those Santos has with pastoral or agricultural landholders. They involve agreements for land use and access and the way the project will manage impact on Aboriginal Cultural heritage. "The agreements provide surety to everyone and that issues such as Native Title have been considered effectively and appropriately," he said. "The big positive from my point of view is that our process has been highly collaborative and we have managed to achieve the agreements based on respect
for the traditional owners and a common objective of reaching agreement through negotiation." Santos Indigenous Affairs principal advisor Craig Jones said the large number of agreements were needed. "The GLNG project covers such a wide footprint from the gas fields in Roma along the pipeline route and to the proposed LNG facility in Gladstone," he said. "Along with Native Title and Cultural
Trish Leisha, Margaret Ke mp, Donna Sandow, (fro nt) and Conie Coolwell, with San tosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Craig Jones at the sign ing.
outcomes will assist Aboriginal communities to achieve important development outcomes in to the future. "They'll also assist GLNG to build capability in the region and manage potential future skills shortages in the LNG industry." Aboriginal Traditional Owner and one of the signatories Donna Sandow said she was happy with the negotiation process. She said she felt the agreement addressed
"The agreements provide surety to ever yone and that issues such as Native Title have been considered effectively and appropriately," he said. Heritage considerations, the Santos team is working closely with traditional owners to discuss important topics like employment, training and enterprise development. "The employment, training and enterprise
employment and training interests ahead of construction of the project. "We had the opportunity to meet several times with Santos and our legal representatives to discuss the project at
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
length," she said. "We appreciated that Santos supported our requests, like Working Party and an Employment and Training workshop, which allowed us to consider options. "The agreement's employment and training component is an excellent foundation for us to address employment and training needs." Ms Sandow said the agreement also gave them the opportunity to continue to work with Santos in accessing other opportunities that are available with this project. This includes 300 jobs for Indigenous people a long the pipeline route." GLNG is a joint venture between Australia's largest domestic gas producer Santos and Malaysia's PETRONAS, the world's second largest LNG producer.
PAGE 15
BANNED down to business
Petroleum compounds containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes
THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS ENSURED BTEX PETROLEUM COMPOUNDS WILL NEVER BE USED IN COAL SEAM GAS OPERATIONS IN QUEENSLAND. The government has made good on its commitment to ban petroleum compounds containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. The ban was enforced through legislation contained in a Bill introduced to State Parliament earlier this month. While BTEX petroleum compounds were never used in Queensland CSG operations, Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson said they now, never will. “With the Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010 tabled in State Parliament, we are well on the way to ensuring they never will be,” he said. He said BTEX compounds had been used
in overseas oil and gas operations during the fraccing process. Fraccing is when fluid is pumped at high pressure into a coal seam to fracture the seam and allow gas to flow readily into gas wells. Mr Robertson said a vast majority of gas wells do not need to be fracced. “It is a long-established and widely used process in other countries,” he said. “In Queensland, fraccing fluids are commonly 99 per cent sand and water. “Around 1% is made up of additives: typically widely used chemicals including sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid (both used in swimming pools), cellulose
(used to make paper), acetic acid (the active part of vinegar) and small amounts of disinfectants. “It is estimated that since 2000, around 5% of CSG drilled in Queensland have been fracced, although this proportion is expected to increase as CSG production increases.” Mr Robertson said CSG companies were required by law to provide daily bore logs to the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. DEEDI has requested operators to provide it with the results of any fraccing and CSG water ponds sampled to date.
Plea to Burke Energy and Resources shadow minister Ian MacFarlane announced last month, he would opppose the development of the coal seam gas industry until water issues are resolved. Basin Sustainability Alliance chairman Andrew Rushford said the comments demonstrated the growing concerns across all sectors of the community. Meanwhile BSA representatives have recently met with Federal Sustainability, Environment,Water, Population and Communities minister Tony Burke. Mr Burke is facing a deadline to review the Santos & Qld Curtis LNG projects for environmental impacts and implications. Mr Rushford said they urged the minister the review the projects with an integrated approach taking into consideration the environment, climate change, population growth and the reliance of rural and regional Australia on the Great Artesian Basin.
Columboola joint venture unconditional Last month MetroCoal Limited announced that a joint venture with China Coal Import & Export Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Coal Group Corp was unconditional. Under the terms of the JVA, CCIEC acquires a 51% interest in MetroCoal's EPC 1165 Columboola for an agreed expenditure commitment of $30million. The funds will be used for exploring and evaluating the potential for future commercialisation options within the Columboola tenement. It opens up the opportunity for participation in MetroCoal's other tenements. The Columboola JVA requires a minimum expenditure of $4 million within the first two years of the agreement.
New director for APPEA Ross Dunn has been appointed the new Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association director for Queensland coal seam gas. Mr Dunn is a long-term resident of the Darling Downs region and has an extensive background in agriculture and policy development. He is a former Policy director with Queensland Graingrowers Association and a senior Federal political advisor. Based in Brisbane, Mr Dunn will be responsible for APPEA's engagement with regional communities,APPEA's CSG-producing members, NGOs and senior State Government representatives.
• Chinchilla’s biggest builder • Total housing solutions • Master Builders Multi Award winning builder
1800 041 411 Call Di for your FREE info pack on the Surat Basin 0400 873 068 www.suratbasinhomes.com.au Warrego Highway Chinchilla PAGE 16
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR SUPPLY OF ACCOMMODATION IN MILES - ROMA Expressions of Interest are sought from companies requiring accommodation in The MILES/ROMA area for personnel from 50 persons upwards.
All enquiries addressed to ACCOMMODATION MANAGER PO Box 406 CLERMONT QLD 4721
• Portaloo Hire & Service • Bulk Liquid Waste • Washdown Bays • Grease Traps • Septics
P: 4665 3570 M: 0438 653 570 2 Surat Rd Tara ddmliquidwaste@aapt.net.au
down to business
More information for landholders A new package reform will enable landholders dealing with coal seam gas industries more information and greater access to government services. The State Government announced the reform package in August. The package of changes includes: • the investment of more than $2million to employ an extra 20 staff specifically in South-West Queensland to respond to ground water and environmental complaints. • A commitment by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) to sample around 300 monitoring bores in 2011 and 2012 to monitor the accuracy of information provided by the CSG operators through environmental authority reporting. • New requirements of CSG operators to assess landholder bore status before drilling to support their 'make good' obligations and streamline dispute resolution. • New requirements of CSG operators to notify affected landholders about works such as the drilling of bores. • In addition to the existing requirement to advise government, CSG operators will have to notify affected landholders about
their intention to drill a well or bore; when work is completed or altered; their intention to carry out technical, scientific or seismic surveys and when that work is finished. Under the proposal, CSG companies will also be required to advise landholders, as well as government, about a range of fraccing activities, including the proposed timing and chemical use. CSG companies will also be required to assess the status of authorised water bore prior to drilling. This initiative will support the CSG operators' obligations to ‘make good’ impacts on bore water supply and will also be used to develop ‘make good’ agreements and to limit and resolve disputes. Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson said 12 of the 20 new departmental staff would be dedicated to providing a detailed complaints management service in South-West Queensland. This will increase the department's groundwater expertise so it
can provide technical advice and assist resolution of groundwater and 'make good' issues relating to existing water bores. Staff will be actively involved in resolving disputes and will be able to assist by facilitating resolution through mediation, communication and consultation with the involved parties both over the phone and face-to-face. "This really will provide landholders and affected community members with a one-stop shop for all CSG-related issues they may have that are managed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management," Mr Robertson said. The service is expected to be operational by the end of the month.
Template agreements to help landholders released Two template legal agreements to help landholders in compensation and land access negotiations with resource companies have been released. Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson announced the Standard Conduct and Compensation Agreement and Standard Deferral Agreement last month.
The Standard Conduct and Compensation Agreement sets out important terms for inclusion in developing a contract with a resource company before it comes onto a landholder's property. The agreement covers possible compensation arrangements, land access rules, dispute
processes, apportioning of legal costs, expected conduct of company staff or agents and landholder obligations.
The Standard Deferral Agreement sets out terms for inclusion in a contract if the landholder chooses to hold off entering into a conduct and compensation agreement with the company until a later point in time.This option allows further information to be gathered to determine the possible impacts of the company's activities. Mr Robertson said the government recognized landholders faced growing pressure from resource companies to access their land for
Now owne opera d & ted Stayo by ver
petroleum and gas exploration and development activities. "It is important landholders receive adequate compensation and have a say in how companies can access their property and how they must conduct activities to minimise impacts," he said. "These template agreements have been developed with guidance and input from legal advisers in the primary and resource industry sectors and across key State Government agencies. "They are designed to help both landholders and resource companies prepare legally-binding agreements and guide negotiations about compensation and conduct related to exploration and development activities." He said the agreements would also allow landholders the right to determine how, when and
where activities on their land should take place. A 'Tips for Landholders' fact sheet is also available to help guide negotiations with a company before entering into a formal agreement. "It identifies general and specific issues to consider as conditions in negotiating agreements including obligations of the company and landholder, compensation, impacts on land, water and vegetation management, access periods, cropping, livestock and rehabilitation," Mr Robertson said. A copy of the template agreements and information about landholder rights and responsibilities is available at www.dme.qld.gov.au/landholderinformation
Purpose built commercial accommodation villages, servicing companies in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs regions. Both small and large bookings fully accommodated Spacious rooms Fast and efficient booking service On-site management Recreation facilities
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 17
down to business
Surat Basin
Energy Efficiency
Corporation With the regional economic environment changing significantly, the need for an organisation such as the Surat Basin Corporation has never been more apparent. Late 2008, SBC was formed to help the region capture economic opportunities that were expected from developments stimulated by growth in the region's energy sector. Prior to that, it operated for three years as a working group of the WDROC. SBC has been developed as a not-for-profit organisation that works in collaboration with industry, industry bodies, government and communities. It is a non-political membership based group and does not conflict with council's core undertakings. Since its inception, SBC has successfully completed projects that have focused on attracting relevant skills to our region. The corporation has also helped grow the region's economy and enhanced the lifestyle enjoyed by residents.
Projects have included:
1 2
Trade/Conference Shows in 2008,2009, in partnership with the Chinchilla Economic and Tourism Board and Dalby Chamber of Commerce. Three different Tender Ready Forums all held in Toowoomba, Dalby, Chinchilla and Roma.
The Prime Minister's Task Group on Energy Efficiency earlier this month, released its report detailing recommendations to deliver a step-change improvement in energy efficiency. Partnerships with a number of dominant entities have also been formed including:
1 2 3
partnerships and joint venture with local Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Local development groups A large number of industry organisations
These partnerships have helped maximise the economic opportunities for all of SBC's members. SBC acting CEO Marc Leman said being an independent body helps highlight and represent the region with an unbiased view. "We can foster strategic regional partnerships and linkages with State and Federal governments to address whole of region issues and activities," he said. "We also monitor and support balanced growth and can focus on activities that affect the entire region. "We need one voice, one entry point to business and one strong advocate to ensure the Surat Basin region takes advantage of the economic opportunities that are here right now. "The regional economic environment has changed significantly during the past four years and the need for such a regional organisation is great."
formed under former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's leadership. It advises the Climate Change,Water and Energy Efficiency and Resources and Energy ministers on options for introducing mechanisms to deliver a stepchange improvement in Australia's energy efficiency by 2020. Members of the task group include Secretary of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (Chair), along with Deputy Secretaries from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. In addition, an advisory group has been formed and comprises of senior representatives from Origin Energy, Rio Tinto,World Wildlife Fund, the Climate Institute, the Energy Retailers Association, the Energy Efficiency Council, the Australian Council of Social Service, the Council of Trade Unions and the Australian Energy Market Commission.
Origin Energy Policy and Sustainability general manager Carl McCamish said the company welcomed the report. "For Australia to deliver on its bipartisan target of a five per cent emissions reduction on 2000 levels by 2020, we need to use energy more efficiently, we need to develop zero-carbon renewable power technologies and we need to shift gradually away from our reliance on coal for base load power," he said. "A carbon price should be the core policy instrument to meet these goals because it contributes to all three of them, and leaves it to companies and individuals to find the least-cost, most flexible ways to reduce their emissions. "Action on energy efficiency and renewable energy are important complementary measures.We need longterm, national policy in these three areas that will bring forward sustainable longterm investment." The Energy Efficiency task group was
Funds to promote liveability in Surat Basin Extra funds to promote liveability in the Surat Basin have been awarded to two local projects. The projects, which promote jobs and the lifestyle attractions of the area, will receive $120,000 from the State Government. The Surat Basin Regional Development Corporation will receive $80,000, while $40,000 will go to the Liveability Regional Attraction DVD. Primary Industries minister Tim Mulherin said it was essential to make the region attractive for Queenslanders to live, work and raise families. He said the $80,000 for the Surat Basin Regional Development Corporation was to develop an employment attraction web portal. "The portal will act as a one-stop-shop connecting regional employers and jobseekers," he said. "Considering the Surat Basin has been identified as a future large-scale energy and
industrial province, such a website will be very useful. "Mining activities are expected to generate many more jobs in areas such as mining services, construction, infrastructure, transport and logistics. "Other major local industries including agriculture, food processing, manufacturing and education are finding skilled workers in huge demand and this project will link them directly to employers."
Meanwhile the $40,000 granted to the Liveability Regional Attraction DVD will help revamp the existing DVD. "An existing DVD will be revamped and eventually posted as an interactive web-based tool on the Surat Basin Regional Development Corporation's website," Mr Mulherin said. "The first stage of the project will be the production of a Surat Basin video promoting the lifestyle benefits of moving to the Surat Basin, as well as investment, business and employment attraction. "The region includes Toowoomba, Dalby,
PAJERO WITH MINE PACK
TRITON UTE WITH MINE PACK
R.O.P.S. AVAILABLE
R.O.P.S. AVAILABLE
Roma, Chinchilla, Surat and Miles, so there is much to promote to prospective new residents looking for a 'tree change' and good employment opportunities." The minister said the project would use existing still and video footage supplied by the three regional Local Governments, the State Government and others. New footage will also be shot and made available to the relevant councils for further use. The $120,000 in funding is part of the $7.52 million of funding over four years to support regional economic development projects. "QRDI provides funds to regional development organisations to deliver key projects, such as developing skilled labour, creating job opportunities and promoting a region as an attractive place to live for both residents and new workers," he said.
TRITON DUAL CAB WITH MINE PACK R.O.P.S. AVAILABLE
Phone David Plumb - Dealer Manager 43 Archibald St - Dalby www.lenpatti.com.au | Ph: 4662 3122 PAGE 18
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
down to business
Successful Major Projects Conference More than 800 delegates and business leaders flocked through the doors for the 2010 Major Projects Conference. The conference was held earlier this month in Brisbane. Topics discussed during the conference included mining, land development, energy, tourism, Local Government and transport projects.
directly from infrastructure experts about major projects in Queensland's resources and mining sector, growth management for Queensland and major transport projects all under one roof, in one day," he said. "This makes the conference invaluable for professionals in small to medium sized enterprises, as well as those involved in large infrastructure projects." Delegates also had the opportunity to pose questions
More than 800 delegates and business leaders flocked through the doors for the 2010 Major Projects Conference.
The facts will continue as one of the world’s major importers of coal and iron ore into 2020 according to the latest figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics China.
China
These predictions along with electricity power demands, coal demands and coal supply were presented by Marubeni Research Institute director Tetsuhide Mikamo at the 48th Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference this month.
Australian
Japan Business cooperation committee president Sir Rod Eddington also said Australia and Japan were well positioned to capitalise in joint ventures on this huge opportunity given their close proximity to Asia. particularly has a lot of resources and stands well to benefit from the growing demands coming out of China,” he said.
Queensland
Xstrata Coal, BG Group and GE Energy were among the guest speakers on the day. Infrastructure and Planning minister Stirling Hinchliffe said 23 highly respected leaders outlined the importance of major projects to Queensland's recovering economy. "This annual conference is the only opportunity to hear
to each speaker during the day. "Public and private sectors are continuing to choose Queensland as a great place to invest. "Our massive infrastructure investment program ensures that Queensland is well placed to capitalise on improving global economic conditions and for creating new jobs for Queenslanders."
The Federal Government’s proposed Mineral Resources Rent Tax was also discussed with the 30 per cent tax placed on iron and coal resources seen as a major challenge for Australia. of Commerce and Industry Queensland president David Goodwin said there was a risk that the tax would mean Australia was less competitive and thus could be overlooked by China when looking to meet growing electricity and crude production demands.
Chamber
Surat Basin...
The rental landscape is changing
More on the horizon
Access
Portables
Fencing
Power & Air
Pumps
Scissor Lifts Boom Lifts Man Lifts Telehandlers
Buildings Toilet Blocks Containers SuperLoo Custom Build
Temporary Fencing Site Establishment
Generators Compressors Welders Lighting Towers
Diesel Pumps Submersible Pumps Hoses and Fittings
ONSITE RENTAL GROUP - SPECIALIST PRODUCTS
CHINCHILLA 10-12 Cooper St ROMA 160 Raglan Rd
WEB SITE
CONTACT
www.onsite.com.au
Scott Burke Ph 0459 200 170
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 19
Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo Event gateway for companies to get a foot in the door The Toowoomba Showgrounds is recognised as the best showground facility in Queensland and it has a proven track record of hosting major events The official launch of the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo was well attended at the Toowoomba Showgrounds recently, which is the host venue for the inaugural event to be held in June 2011. Event director Bob Carroll from Australian Events said that the energy and mining industry sectors have enthusiastically welcomed the event with strong interest in exhibition
sites and sponsorship options. “The Surat Basin is well know internationally for the enormous potential that it holds and there is significant interest by a whole raft of companies who want to get in on the ground floor,” he said.
involved and get your planning under way. “We have a good number of highly successful companies already booked in with more coming online daily.”
This event is the gateway for them to do that.
General manager Damon Philips said that he and his management team are looking forward to the event.
“My advice to businesses is to make a commitment now to be
“Planning is well under way,” he said.
Australian Event Management Queensland director Bob Carroll officially launching the event.
Anyone interested in booking a site at the event can register online at www.suratbasinexpo.com.au or phone (07) 4634 7288
Western Australian company flies in for expo Coming all the way from Perth in Western Australia, Baguley Engineering will be sure to feature at next year's Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo. Baguley Engineering has a solid engineering services history and a comprehensive range of products servicing the mining, transport and heavy industries. Established in 1946, Frank Baguley
formed F.Baguley & Co, a small enterprising and successful business in North Fremantle specialising in general engineering and ship repairs. Today, Baguley Engineering employs 40 people and occupies a 2000 square metre factory floor which houses a machine shop, fabrication shop and also a sheet metal division. While times have changed the output and scope of Baguley's work
dramatically, its long and stable history in the field ensures customers the best possible experience in both workmanship and customer satisfaction. Their clients are spread throughout the harshest conditions both in Australia and internationally and demand the toughest systems for all their activities. With decades of experience in offshore engineering, oil and gas engineering and as mining engineers, Baguley Engineering
ENERGY & MINING 22nd & 23rd June 2011
For more information visit www.baguleyengineering.com.au
EX BO H N O IB O K IT W IN O O GS R P
Surat Basin
TOOWOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS, QUEENSLAND
offers businesses a wealth of expertise and first class workmanship across a range of industry specific products and systems. Baguley's O'Connor Perth based factory houses both machine and fabrication workshops, and employee's engineers and machinists of the highest calibre.
expo
EN
Do you have a product or service to market to the Surat Basin energy & mining industry? THIS EVENT IS A UNIQUE PLATFORM FOR BUSINESSES TO MARKET THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO THE MINING INDUSTRY AND TO CONDUCT FACE TO FACE BUSINESS WITH KEY DECISION MAKERS AND BUYERS FROM THE BOOMING SURAT BASIN.
FREECALL 1800 671 588 PAGE 20
AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
www.suratbasinexpo.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo
Westco trucks Westco is a company that has a long history in supplying trucks to the transport and mining industry. Product range covers the Freightliner brand of trucks, with trucks available in every shape and size up to a 140 tonne road train prime mover.
up to 40tonne GVM and huge PTO drive systems.
Together with their Mercedes Benz trucks and Fuso products,Westco has the most comprehensive range of off road trucks in the market place.
With five dealerships located throughout Queensland, including Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mackay,Townsville and Cairns,Westco easily services its customer's needs right across the State.
This makes the Actros a great truck to set drill rigs up on.
They can provide the 4x4 Fuso Canter range with a single or dual cabin option and these vehicles can be driven on a car licence.
With a huge model range and State-wide service,Westco simply cannot be matched.
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L T H E F R I E N D LY TEAM - THEY ARE THERE TO S E RV E
These trucks are very well regarded by many operators and have been used for years in the mining industry. From there, is the Mercedes Benz off road trucks with the Atego 4x4 15 tonne GVM and Axor 4x4. Both trucks have big horse power and huge towing capacities. Moving up Westco's Actros range can be supplied in 8x4, 10x4, as well as 6x6 and 8x8 all wheel drive models with
T H E S E T R U C K S A R E V E RY WELL REGARDED BY M A N Y O P E R AT O R S A N D H AV E B E E N U S E D F O R YEARS IN THE MINING I N D U S T R Y.
Hutchinson takes up any challenge As one of the largest privately-owned building and construction companies in Australia, Hutchinson Builders has crafted a reputation for innovative and quality construction underpinned with business integrity. Established in Queensland in 1912, Hutchinson Builders has grown to have offices throughout Australia. Headquartered in Brisbane, Hutchinson's branches cover the entire east coast from Cairns to Hobart. They also has offices in Adelaide and Darwin, and the opening of its first office in Western Australia not far away.
billion, Hutchinson Builders has grown a solid balance sheet and capability that enables the company to take up any challenge.
With a turnover peaking at almost $1
The Hutchinson workforce of 950
Projects range from inner city high-rise commercial or residential developments, through to state-of-the-art mine accommodation villages in remote areas.
employees and 150 apprentices, is mobile and committed and can move with ease between projects and locations. The Hutchinson board consists of industry professionals, who are committed to both client and staff member needs. Jack Hutchinson, who was managing director of the business for more than 30
years, handed the reins to his son Scott in 1992. As the business expanded, Greg Quinn was appointed managing director after 17 years with Master Builders Association of NSW and Queensland. He occupies the position of executive director of both organisation. Jack remains involved as a board member and Scott an executive chairman.
Contact Hutchinson Builders in Toowoomba on 4632 5877 PR E
Surat Basin
ENERGY & MINING 22nd & 23rd June 2011
TOOWOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS, QUEENSLAND
expo
The Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo is a must attend event for buyers seeking to source industry suppliers for a wide range of products and services specifically for the Surat Basin Energy and Mining industries.
VI
RE SI G TO IS TE R R S N O W
DATES & TIMES Wednesday 22nd June 2011: 9am to 5pm, Thursday 23rd June 2011: 9am to 4pm
LOCATION Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Road, Toowoomba Qld Australia 4350
WHO CAN ATTEND The 2011 Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo is a TRADE show with FREE ENTRY to all in the mining, engineering and construction industries. All visitors must register to attend.
FREECALL 1800 671 588
AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
www.suratbasinexpo.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 21
Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo
RMF synonymous in filtration technology The name RMF Systems has become synonymous with the latest developments in filtration technology. RMF filter units are the most complete and efficient filter series available today.Worldwide a great success in a huge range of hydraulic applications. The solution to contamination problems which cause more than 80% of all hydraulic malfunctions and component defects. The filter units of RMF Systems have a large dirt and water collection capacity and are famous for their excellent filtration efficiency. Costly main flow filters are protected and malfunctions are reduced to a minimum. Oil life is increased resulting in lower oil change frequency and less machine down-time. The wide range of RMF products consists of: Air conditioners, By-pass units, Off-line units, Off-line units with water sorb, Heated Off-line units, Off-line units air driven,Vacuum dehydration units, Filter elements and By-pass lube oil units.
Doedijns organisation The brand RMF Systems is registered, designed, developed and produced in-house by Doedijns Hydraulics B.V. in The Netherlands. Doedijns Hydraulics is a leading manufacturer and supplier of fluid power solutions and one of the largest independent specialists in the Benelux in the field of hydraulics, measurement, control. Systems and oil management. Alongside sales of leading branded components, the organisation specialises in the development, assembly, production, implementation and after-sales service of custom-made systems for the industrial, mobile, maritime and offshore industries. Doedijns Hydraulics B.V. forms part of Doedijns International B.V. (head office in The Netherlands), an international force in the field of hydraulics, pneumatics and instrumentation. Doedijns International is a healthy growing organisation with more than 250 employees and several branches in Europe and Asia.
FESTO Festo is a leading global supplier of automation technology providing innovative solutions in pneumatic and electric drive technology. THIS TECHNOLOGY HELPS TO ACHIEVE H I G H E R P R O D U C T I V I T Y. For industrial and process automation - from single components to turnkey solutions, we deliver the right solution for every application.
Liam Shields Emergency Response Team Training, Qld CPR First Aid Oxygen Defibrillation Advanced First Aid G5 Fire
Road Accident Rescue Low Voltage Working at Heights Confined Space Entry Fitness for Work
email liamshields@bigpond.com PAGE 22
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo
UNIQUE MARKET POSITION Bard Engineering Pty Ltd is well known and respected in the earthmoving and mining industry across Australia wide. A business where the owners continue to take an active role in the daily business (operations), Bard Engineering continues to grow and develop with their business partners. Business founders and owners, continue to invest time and effort into developing and improving the business. Diversification and expansion plans combined with professionalism ensures Bard Engineering continue to deliver engineered solutions for every application. "It's not where we come from; it's where we are going." Bard Engineering's head office is located at Archerfield in Brisbane. It also has two strategically positioned branches, which service Bard Engineering customers on the Australian east
coast. These are Paget in Mackay and Blacksmiths in Newcastle. As a successful steel fabricator building service modules and water trucks, Bard Engineering diversified in fluid distribution to compliment the existing business. Associated products include hose reels, pumps, automatic lubrication and filtration products. This gives Bard Engineering a unique market position, a single entity able to design, fabricate, install all components from stock and provide technical and after sales service. Product distribution - importers distributors - world class products. Built with pride and business integrity, the goals of the company are simple and achieving these goals will ensure that Bard Engineering and their business partners will grow together. Their goal - "To deliver product and services which
exceed our customer expectations." This goal is based on the philosophy. Customers are our business partners and we need our customers to be successful to ensure that we are successful.
Specialists in field Rotating Disc Systems specialises in the design, manufacturing, transport and installation of commissioning of small to medium size wastewater treatment plants. The treatment range varies between 20 persons and 2000 persons depending on site requirements. RDS has more than 45 years experience in the field and understand the dynamics around wastewater treatment with smaller applications - especially the need for minimum operator input and attention. The RDS plants: - maximise gravity flow thus eliminating a multitude of pumps - robust in construction - use minimum electricity and chemicals - very low operation costs - no noise pollution - reliable - easy to operate and maintain
- environmentally friendly in terms of aesthetics and carbon-footprint - de-sludging only once a year -manufactured in Toowoomba and Highfields, Queensland. Treatment plants are offered in the following packages and combinations and depending on capacities - RDS plants can be relocated. 20-30 person plants 30-80 person plants anything over 80 persons to 2000 persons As a standard normal class B quality, effluent is offered and is good for irrigation and dust suppression. The effluent can be polished even further to meet more advanced quality requirements and be used for process dust suppression, washdowns etc. For more information visit www.rotatingdiscsystems.com
Local training for local people
207 McDougall St Toowoomba P 1800 330 466 F 4633 0470
With local trainers in Chinchilla and Roma SQIT can give you the edge in construction, energy.
allan@taylorsafety.com.au
Products such asâ&#x20AC;Ś
NEW KONG GLOVES
$52.40 large
W E SE RVIC E A LL A RE AS
â&#x20AC;˘ Respiratory protection â&#x20AC;˘ Eye & face protection â&#x20AC;˘ Hearing protection â&#x20AC;˘ Hard hats â&#x20AC;˘ Chainsaw chaps â&#x20AC;˘ Barrier mesh â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic signs/ equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Safety signs & tapes â&#x20AC;˘ First aid kits â&#x20AC;˘ High visibility vests â&#x20AC;˘ Gloves â&#x20AC;˘ Training â&#x20AC;˘ Wide range of safety boots â&#x20AC;˘ Work clothing â&#x20AC;˘ Welding protection â&#x20AC;˘ Rainwear â&#x20AC;˘ Spill kits â&#x20AC;˘ Gas detectors â&#x20AC;˘ Height safety â&#x20AC;˘ Fire extinguishes
to deliver a wide variety of training solutions:
Toowoomba Transport Depot 84 Warwick St Toowoomba â&#x20AC;˘ Road train accessible; Light Industry Zoning â&#x20AC;˘ 35,000* litre diesel + 5,500* litre unleaded underground storage â&#x20AC;˘ 716m²* workshop + 95m²* office; 12,000m²* land area â&#x20AC;˘ 3 street frontage; Concrete loading ramp â&#x20AC;˘ Council approved for extra 333m²* shed + office space
Sale Offers to Purchase Ron Crossley 0412 353 762 (07) 4613 1455 www.rwct.com.au
*approx
Toowoomba
...plus many other products Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
Â&#x192; First Aid Â&#x192; Forklifting Â&#x192; White card Â&#x192; Scaffolding Â&#x192; Engineering Â&#x192; Gas testing Â&#x192; Â&#x192; Â&#x192; Manual Handling Â&#x192; Four Wheel Driving Â&#x192; Working at heights Â&#x192; Rigging and dogging Â&#x192; Â&#x192; Elevated Work Platform Â&#x192; Crane, hoist and load shifting
For more information contact SQIT Roma 07 4620 4200 SQIT Chinchilla 07 4672 6400
PAGE 23
Cameby Downs Mine Cameby Downs is an open cut thermal coal mine and coal handling and preparation plant. Initially, 1.4 million tonnes (mt) of export thermal coal will be railed and shipped annually. The forecast capacity for an extended operation (Stage 2), is 11.4mt annually for the next 35-40 years.
SYNTECH RESOURCES Macmahon Holdings Limited CAMEBY DOWNS AND THE ADJACENT SEFTON PARK, RYWUNG AND CHINCHILLA COAL DEPOSITS ARE 100% OWNED BY THE SYNTECH GROUP OF COMPANIES. SYNTECH
HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE MINE INFRASTRUCTURE. DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
, NEARLY 900
INDIVIDUAL WORKERS HAVE BEEN INDUCTED TO WORK ON THE SITE SINCE
WHEREVER
2009.
POSSIBLE, THESE EMPLOYEES AND
SERVICE PROVIDERS HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM THE WESTERN
STAGE 1
DOWNS
OF THE
REGION.
CAMEBY DOWNS MINE
PROJECT HAS BEEN SUBCONTRACTED TO
MACMAHON HOLDINGS, ONE OF AUSTRALASIA'S LEADING CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACT MINING COMPANIES. MACMAHON
IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COAL
MINING AND PROCESSING OPERATION.
THE
COMPANY WILL RECRUIT THE NECESSARY
STAFF AND WORKFORCE FOR THE MINING OPERATION AND HAS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
65%
OF THEIR STAFF FROM THE LOCAL
COMMUNITY.
SYNTECH TAKES
PRIDE IN ITS BEHAVIOUR AS A
GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN AND LOOKS FORWARD TO PARTNERING WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF
MILES AND CHINCHILLA TO
CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, GROW LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CREATE PROSPERITY IN THE REGION.
PAGE 24
Macmahon Holdings Limited has been awarded a three -year contract by Syntech Resources to develop and operate the Cameby Downs Mine. They will undertake all mining activities for Stage 1 including planning, mine development, waste stripping, coal preparation and train loading. Macmahon is a leading Australasian construction and contract mining company that has been operating for more than 45 years. Employing more than 3000 people, the company has major projects in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and Africa. Macmahons was chosen due to its success in the mining industry, extensive remote location experience and understanding of logistics and resourcing. This knowledge and experience will provide a comprehensive service capability for the Cameby Downs mine as well as contributing to the community in which it operates. Approximately, 140 people will be employed to operate the mine 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Eighty staff have been employed at the mine to date, with 56 of them recruited from Chinchilla, Miles and Dalby. This already exceeds Macmahons local recruitment target of 60 per cent.
Employment Macmahon Mine Superintendent Dan Iliffe is responsible for employing staff for the company’s Cameby Downs operation. Approximately 140 people will be required to operate the mine during Stage 1. Macmahon's target is a minimum of 60 per cent local hire and to date, they have already exceeded this, achieving a workforce of 65 per cent local hire. "Our view is that we are here for the long term, so it is important to build a relationship with the community," Dan said. “Preference for recruitment is given to people from the local community who then receive the required training for their employment and options for career development. "On the production side alone, we have provided eight to 10 dump truck traineeships to local community members. Dan said providing employment opportunities to local residents was more appealing to the company than sourcing outside the area. "In some cases, the company has brought some of our employees 'home', from where they have been employed in other mining operations,” he said. "For these miners, the ability to go home at the end of the day, rather than being separated from their families and working on a fly in/fly out or drive in/drive out basis, makes employment at Cameby Downs particularly attractive." Overall, around 900 people were inducted by Syntech, at the Cameby Downs site during the development and construction phase, which began in 2007.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
Cameby Downs Mine The mining process The in situ coal resource is most suited to open cut mining, which is conducted using large excavators and haul trucks. Prior to the development of any open cut pits, vegetation and topsoil is removed from the footprint area and stockpiled. Overburden is blasted if needed, to fracture before being loaded onto trucks and placed on the cleared spoil dump area. Once mining is sufficiently advanced the overburden is placed back into the already mined void. Once coal is uncovered, it is mined using large front-end loaders and transported to the coal preparation plant for washing. Once the coal has been processed it is stockpiled prior to being loaded onto trains via a trainload out facility. Reject rock and clay are the main waste products from this mining process. A co-disposal/rejects system has been established on site. Used water will be collected in dams and recycled for future use in the processing plant. Stringent systems have been put in place to ensure that no water used in the operation will leave the site. All mined areas will be capped and rehabilitated and the dams covered with original topsoil and seeded to return the land to the condition it was prior to mining.
Environmental protection Syntech is committed to observing all the environmental regulations that apply to coal mining in this region and to discharging its responsibilities to the local community. Extensive assessments were done on land, surface and ground water, air quality and ambient noise and Indigenous and European cultural heritage, before work started at Cameby Downs. These were examined by the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (now DERM).The Environmental Authority was issued in August 2008. Because the volume of coal being mined per annum is less than 2Mt, an EIS was not required for Stage 1. However, an Environmental Management Plan, An Environmental Authority and Plan, Environmental Authority and Plan of Operations have all been developed in close and ongoing consultation with DERM. An Environmental Impact Statement and Social Impact Assessment for the expanded operation will be submitted for approval by government. Rehabilitation of the mine areas will take place progressively and land will be returned to its original grazing capacity by the end of the mine's life in line with the Plan of Operations, Environmental Management Plan and the Environmental Authority.
Community reference group In July a community reference group was formed to promote open communication between Syntech, Macmahon and the surrounding communities. The last meeting was held earlier this month in Miles. The purpose of the group is to ensure stakeholders are kept informed of activities and developments relating to the project and provide the community members who make up the group with a forum for discussing any issues or concerns and ensuring they are heard by mine management. The committee will help guide Syntech and Macmahonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local community initiatives, through its Community Investment Program with flagged priority areas including: -
youth development business and skills training, community development and welfare arts and cultural development environment sustainable development
Project background TEN YEARS AGO, LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR PHILLIP J SMITH, FOUNDER OF SYNTECH RESOURCES PTD LTD, DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP
SURAT BASIN. CAMEBY DOWNS CHINCHILLA AND MILES AS A
COAL RESERVES IN THE
PHILLIP
IDENTIFIED
BETWEEN
POTENTIAL SOURCE OF HIGH GRADE EXPORT COAL AND PURCHASED THE GRAZING
2003. WHILE PHILLIP AND
PROPERTY IN
FRANK, CONTINUED THEIR EXPLORATION ON CAMEBY DOWNS AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES, PHILLIP HIS BROTHER
ALSO OPENED NEGOTIATIONS WITH A CONSORTIUM OF PRIVATE INVESTORS
-
SYNTECH GROUP, WHO BOUGHT SYNTECH RESOURCES PTD LTD THREE YEARS AGO. SINCE THEN, THE SYNTECH GROUP, HAS TURNED CAMEBY DOWNS INTO AN OPERATIONAL MINE, WHICH SAW THE FIRST COAL COME OUT OF THE GROUND IN AUGUST THIS YEAR. AS THE MINING OPERATION RAMPS UP, THE THE
PROCESSING PLANT IS BEING COMMISSIONED AND THE LOAD OUT FACILITIES ON SITE ARE BEING COMPLETED.
THE
FIRST COAL WILL LEAVE
FOR THE
PORT
OF
BRISBANE
CAMEBY DOWNS FOR EXPORT
BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 25
building theBasin page27 page 28 page30 page31 Easternwells merge complete
Doucon takes on job challenge
New Miles housing estate nearly full
QGC funding to help with growth
Work philosophy given thumbs up by award judges A
DEDICATION TO TRAINING AND
A GENUINE COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES HAS SEEN WIN
DALBY B USINESS D IESEL E LECTRICS S MALL E MPLOYER OF THE Y EAR .
The award was part of the recent Queensland Training Awards for South West Queensland and Darling Downs division. Diesel Electrics took the top prize ahead of a range of other successful businesses including hairdressers and builders. Entries came from throughout the region including Stanthorpe,Warwick,Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Kingaroy and Charleville. Diesel Electrics owners Anthony and Kellie Wenning said that providing staff with the time and resources they need to undertake training was an important part of the businesses success.
member's input was valued. "We turn it upside down with management at the bottom, meaning that Diesel Electric s owners Kelli our technicians and e and Anthony Wenning prou frontline team dly display thei r award. recognise the value they bring to the organisation. "We put our customers at the top of our org chart as a regular reminder that we work for our customers." WHEN A NEW EMPLOYEE STARTS AT
Mrs Wenning said well-rounding training was the key to achieving positive team morale and improved productivity. "We don't just focus on technical training," she said.
"E VERY
STAFF MEMBER RECEIVES
OPPORTUNITIES TO DO CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING , TEAM B UILDING AND PR OFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
"We believe in empowering employees and driving the business success from the frontline. Most businesses put their CEO at the top of the organisation structure so they are driven from the top down. "Diesel Electrics works from the bottom up." Mrs Wenning said it was important each and every team PAGE 26
D IESEL E LECTRICS ,
“W E
LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE FUN TOO.
WE
USUALLY GO AWAY ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR
THEY UNDERTAKE A FULL PAID IN - HOUSE INDUCTION COURSE TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THEY NEED TO WORK SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY.
"We spend eight per cent of our time on training and regularly send team members to trade shows and technical training to improve their skill base. "We encourage our employees to do things that might not be the norm for workshop technicians. "They attend industry functions, chair meetings or come up with their own strategies to improve our customer service. Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
FOR A SOCIAL WEEKEND CAMPING OR WATERSKIING .”
"Sometimes we include some more serious team building exercises and other times it's just a chance to relax and socialise." The different approach appears to be working for the Dalby-based company with their apprentices consistently achieving 95% and above in their assessments. "And our business is continuing to grow," Mrs Wenning said. The win will see Diesel Electrics join other regional winners at the Queensland Training Awards State titles in Brisbane in September.
building the basin
New era in drilling Following on from the announcement of the merger between Easternwell Group and Australian Drilling Solutions earlier this year, the group proudly released its new brand last month. Rebranded Easternwell, the new company has about 800 employees and 70 rigs across Australia.The rebranding has also united the two companies to create this national operation, which offers a diverse range of leading class drilling and service capabilities.
finding better solutions. "It's about integrity, safety and reliability too.
The company has been established to make the recruitment process much easier for companies involved in the oil and gas industry, where the shortage of skilled labour has been restricting growth for companies of all sizes.
Mr Campbell said it would take a couple of months for the full transition to be complete. "We are very excited about this new chapter for our company," he said.
"It tells people who we are and what we believe in," he said.
Easternwell's head office is based in Brisbane with offices in Toowoomba, Perth, Melbourne and Alice Springs.
THE
A new Australian initiative was launched early last month, with CAZA Energy Recruitment offering specialist recruitment and training for the energy industry.
"And it's about our people - the talented team, who bring our unique blend of products, services and benefits together and sets us apart from the crowd.
Easternwell CEO Troy Campbell said the Easternwell brand was about more than the service they offer.
"It's about breaking new ground and
CAZA uses different tack for recruitment
CAZA Energy Recruitment spokesperson Maree Petty said CAZA offered employers a unique recruitment package.
EASTERNWELL GROUP
AUSTRALIA DRILLING SOLUTIONS
IN JANUARY EASTERNWELL GROUP AND AUSTRALIAN DRILLING SOLUTIONS, ANNOUNCED THEIR MERGER.THIS CREATED A
FORMED IN 1976, EASTERNWELL GROUP HAS 560 EMPLOYEES AND IS A MARKET LEADER IN THE ENERGY SECTOR, IN PARTICULAR THE
GROUND TECHNICAL DRILLING SERVICES
NATIONAL COMPANY WITH A RANGE OF
RAPIDLY GROWING COAL SEAM GAS SEGMENT
AND MOST EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE BASED
DRILLING AND SERVICING CAPABILITIES
OF THE MARKET, PROVIDING A FULLY
OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS ACROSS A WIDE
SUPPORTING THE HIGH GROWTH ENERGY
INTEGRATED SERVICE OFFERING WELL SERVICING,
RANGE OF DRILLING APPLICATIONS FROM
AND MINERAL SECTOR. REBRANDED
DRILLING AND REMOTE SITE CAMP
WATER BORES AND EXPLORATION DRILLING,
EASTERNWELL, THE
MANAGEMENT.
THROUGH TO DAM REPAIRS.THE MERGER
MERGE
NEW COMPANY SIGNALS
A NEW ERA FOR ONE OF
AUSTRALIA'S
LARGEST DRILLING AND SERVICING
EASTERNWELL
BUILT ITS REPUTATION BASED
ON SAFETY AND QUALITY CLIENT SERVICE.
ADS
IS A GROUP OF FIVE SPECIALIST ABOVE
COMPANIES THAT AIM TO DELIVER THE SAFEST
CREATES A LEADING, DIVERSIFIED ENERGY AND MINERALS SERVICE PROVIDER.
CONTRACTOR.
"CAZA gathers the resumes that prospective employees submit online and assess them for eligibility and suitability,â&#x20AC;? she said. "Then CAZA posts relevant details on their website for employers to search for applicants specific to their needs. "Our job is to match the right person with the right employer, then efficiently as possible get staff trained to the employers requirements."
New, versatile work over rigs Safe and efficient Cost effective Experienced in coal seam gas Tailored packages available
For more information check out our website www.wilddesert.com.au
Wild Desert 71 Chrystal Street ROMA QLD 4455 Phone: (07) 4622 6004 Fax: (07) 4622 6003 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 27
building the basin
Doucon pledges to find Indigenous Australians employment
field infrastructure gathering systems pipelines CSG drilling & completions
The drive to address inequality and disadvantage took a positive step forward with Sunshine Coast based construction company Doucon signing an agreement with GenerationOne Foundation.
coil tubing unit
Coal Seam Gas Specialists P: +61 7 3292 0800
1HHG /DERXU +LUH RU 6WDII 7UDLQLQJ" 7E ARE YOUR /NE 3TOP 3HOP FOR 2ECRUITMENT ,ABOUR (IRE 4RAINING
" T R A I N I N G A N D E M P L OY I N G LOCAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE MAKES SENSE AS IT ENABLES T H E M TO L E A R N A N D DEVELOP NEW SKILLS.
The agreement is a pledge from Doucon to the Australian Employment Covenant, an initiative backed by the mining magnate.
"We want this agreement to inspire staff to come and work for us because of the positive impacts we can have on Indigenous communities."
provide for their families and addresses poverty, disparity and disadvantages in their local community."
The aim is to find employment opportunities for 50,000 Indigenous Australians.
With project offices in the Sunshine Coast and Northern Territory, the company is a diverse construction business, which operates, in a number of remote communities.
With Indigenous unemployment three times higher than the national average, organisations like GenerationOne work to bridge the poverty gap, provide employment, education mentoring and training opportunities.
Doucon director Bill Douglas said his organisation has an established Indigenous Employment and Training Initiative, which provide Indigenous Australians with a suitable pathway to employment and training. "We already employ an Indigenous Employment and Training officer and this agreement is already inline with company objectives of being an employer of choice," he said.
Doucon builds infrastructure such as homes, mine camps, communal facilities and warehouses. "Training and employing local Indigenous people makes sense as it enables them to learn and develop new skills. "It also gives them a sense of pride and confidence knowing that they can
,OOKING FOR 7ORKERS s 7HITE OR "LUE #OLLAR s 4EMPORARY s 0ERMANENT s #ONTRACT /UR COMPREHENSIVE (2 EXPERIENCE SPANNING NEARLY TWO DECADES IN SKILLED AND UNSKILLED WHITE BLUE COLLAR SECTORS WILL DELIVER RESULTS
,OOKING FOR 3TAFF 4RAINING s !DMINISTRATION s #OMPUTER SKILLS s 7HITE #ARD s -ANAGEMENT s 'ENERIC -INING )NDUCTION 0OSITIVE OUTCOMES TOGETHER
("
2%#25)4-%.4 42!).).'
-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160;-Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;
>Â?Â?Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;°°°
Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°Â&#x2026;L°Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x152;°>Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;JÂ&#x2026;L°Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x152;°>Ă&#x2022; {Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iÂ?Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x152;]Ă&#x160;/Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;L>
PAGE 28
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
It also builds economically sustainable communities to break welfare dependence. GenerationOne is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Andrew and Nicola Forrest. Foundation supporters include James Packer, Kerry Stokes, and the Lowy and Fox families.
building the basin
Scholarships to support mine site rehabilitation Two scholarships worth $35,000 each are being offered by the Queensland Resource Council to support research into coal mine site rehabilitation. Applicants are now being taken for the 2011 postgraduate scholarships, which have been provided under the Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust Fund. The fund supports students in Queensland universities, who undertake research aimed at improving the environmental management of coal mine sites. Some of the 13 research priorities for 2011 will include: - defining key parameters for sustainable post-mining land use, such as native ecosystems, grazing and forestry. - improving understanding of community aspects of sustainable development associated with the coal mining industry - evaluating the economic return from post-mining land uses, particularly the potential for CO2 offsets and sequestration within native ecosystems. University of Queensland student Jaclyn Chan (pictured right) is one of eight continuing
recipients of the scholarship. Jaclyn will soon present her research on determining rehabilitation success through the measurement of organic carbon quantities in mine soils, at a conference in France. QRC CE Michael Roche said the research was vital to minimising long-term impacts of mining once operations cease. "From the planning stages of a project to well beyond its lifespan, industry works hard to minimise the impacts of its activities on the land and the environment," he said. "If managed properly, the land can be used after the completion of mining for farming, forestry and development." The Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Fund Trust was established in 1999 with industry funding. A steering committee or representatives from the fund trustees oversee the trust - the QRC in partnership with the State Government and representatives from major Queensland coal mining companies. The scholarships are offered for a maximum value of $35,000 per annum, for up to three years and are to support the scholar not the research funding. For information on the scholarship or an application, visit www.qrc.org.au. Applications close November 26.
Country Petroleum Pty Ltd Fuel supplier for the Surat Basinâ&#x20AC;Ś
24HR FUEL *WANDOAN Coming Soon
*MILES Graincorp
*MOREE
ON SITE FUEL DELIVERY
Graincorp
*MEANDARRA Graincorp
QUALITY LUBRICANTS 24 HOUR CARD FUEL ON TIME DELIVERY
*MALU Graincorp
DALBY Moonie Highway
CHINCHILLA Warrego Highway
JANDOWAE High Street
TARA Day Street
Loudoun Road, DALBY & Warrego Hwy, Chinchilla Phone: 1800 625 293 Fax: (07) 4662 4161 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
TAROOM 7amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;8pm * Diesel Only
PAGE 29
building the basin
ABBERTONS
ONLY TO
Finance has been approved and the tick of approval has been received for the next stage of development for Chinchilla's Surat Basin Industrial Park.
GROW STRONGER ABBERTONS HUMAN RESOURCES CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR AND ANTICIPATE BUSINESS TO CONTINUE TO GROW FROM
BEING CONFIRMED BY THE PROJECTS WE ARE NOW
Suart Basin Developments director Warren Daniells said contracts would be prepared next month.
PLANNING FOR AND BEING ENGAGED IN," HE SAID.
STRENGTH-TO-STRENGTH OVER
ABBERTONS ALSO
THE COMING YEARS.
Construction to start this year
EMPLOYS A
NUMBER OF CONSULTANTS WHO
THE TOOWOOMBA-BASED RECRUITMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMPANY HAS SPENT THE PAST SIX MONTHS
WORK ACROSS MOST INDUSTRIES AND SPECIALISE IN RECRUITING FOR REGIONAL AREAS.
"We have 10 to 12 lots under offer and tenders will be called next month for civil
construction," he said. "Construction is due to start in December." The 52 acre estate is located on Aurburn Road and has been designed for medium to heavy industry. Extra wide road reserves and an upgraded power supply has been developed for larger operations. "It's the only genuine heavy industry estate built between Toowoomba and Roma."
POSITIONING ITSELF TO PROVIDE THE RESOURCES AND ALLIED
"BY WORKING IN REGIONAL AREAS, WE FIND OURSELVES
INDUSTRIES.
MORE ATTACHED TO THE RESULTS
RELEVANT, QUALITY SERVICE TO
IN THAT TIME THEY
WE CAN ACHIEVE FOR OUR HAVE
RECRUITED JOHN THOMPSON, A
CLIENTS THAN PERHAPS OUR
SPECIALIST WITH MORE THAN
METRO COUNTERPARTS DO,"
YEARS IN THE MINING
ABBERTON
40 INDUSTRY.
JOHN WAS RAISED IN THE ACLAND DISTRICT AND HAS
"THERE
PREDOMINATELY IN THE
ISA
MOUNT
DISTRICT.
MR
SAID.
HAVE BEEN MANY
20 YEARS PARTY,
With between 60 and 70 per cent of Miles' newest residential estate under offer,The Pines is proving to be the town's most liveable estate.
OCCASIONS OVER THE
RETURNED HOME AFTER SPENDING HIS CAREER WORKING
Lifestyle blocks selling in Miles
WHERE A THIRD
PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT AND
HR
FIRM, ABBERTONS HAS
Developed by Surat Basin Developments, the 134 lot estate has blocks ranging in size from 800sqm to 7690sqm.
"It enhances an outdoor lifestyle and is only minutes from the centre of town."
With contracts set to sign later this month, developers will move to tender, with construction expected to start before Christmas.
Mr Daniells said the spacious blocks were perfect for leisure time with family and friends.
BEEN ABLE TO NOT ONLY SAVE
JOHN
HAS WORKED ACROSS A
RANGE OF OPERATIONAL RULES INCLUDING MINING SUPERINTENDENT.
CLIENTS VAST AMOUNTS OF TIME AND HEADACHES WHEN RECRUITING BUT ALSO OUR INDEPENDENT NATURE AND THE
HE WAS ALSO
RECRUITED TO
UNITED STATES AS A CONSULT ON AUSTRALIAN MINING METHODS. TRAVEL TO THE
METHODOLOGIES WE HAVE DEVELOPED AROUND ATTRACTION, SEARCH AND SELECTION ALLOW US TO DELIVER MORE, QUALITY
ABBERTONS MANAGING DIRECTOR GRAHAME ABBERTON SAID THEY DIDN'T WANT TO
CANDIDATES."
RUSH IN AND OFFER SOMETHING
ABBERTONS
THEY COULD NOT DELIVER.
EMPLOYEES WORKING ALL
"WE ARE
CONFIDENT IN OUR
ABILITY TO DELIVER A
AROUND
HAVE CONTINGENT
QUEENSLAND AND ARE
RECRUITING FOR REGIONALLY
SPECIALISED SERVICE TO THE
BASED CLIENTS' IN BRANCHES
MINING INDUSTRY, WHICH IS
FROM
"The estate enjoys a generous landscaped parkland, which preserves the natural terrain of the area.
Surat Basin Developments director Warren Daniells said it was an exciting time for Miles residents.
With blocks selling quickly, Mr Daniells urges anyone interested to contact him now. "Property prices in the region are set to rise as the Surat Basin grows to meet the rapidly expanding energy sector.
"Make the most of your leisure time with picnic tables, open parklands, walking tracks and
"With the influx of workers and families arriving to meet this demand, don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to benefit from this capital growth."
"This planned community sets the benchmark for property in the region," he said.
CAIRNS TO MELBOURNE.
WESTBROOK TRAILERS “IN THE RED SHED” 101 Main Street, WESTBROOK, 10 Minutes from Toowoomba on Gore Highway Phone: 1300 88 50 12 Fax: 07 46 306 209 Email: sales@westbrooktrailers.com.au
• Box Trailers • Fuel Tanker • Tandem Axles • Tradesman’s Trailers • Plant & Equipment Trailers • Tipping Trailers • Horse Floats & Goosenecks • Custom Made PAGE 30
riding paths all set along a natural creek setting."
PUTTING THE PEOPLE-FOCUS BACK INTO PROPERTY Are you interested in industrial land in the Surat Basin? You're not Robinson Crusoe! Grab an opportunity to purchase a large parcel on the eastern outskirts of Miles. Situated next to the Warrego Highway and the railway line, there's not a better position. If you want a DA, well it's been done for 14 lots on McNulty Street, and 24 lots on Laycock Road Share in our passion for real estate and call or email to discuss buying, selling, or just to find out some information about the property market in this region. You'll find that we love to talk about property.
HUB Real Estate 41 Murilla St, MILES 07 4627 2217 sandra@hubrealestate.com.au www.hubrealestate.com.au Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
building the basin QGC recognises increased demand on services THE TARA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE MYALL YOUTH AND COMMUNITY NETWORK CENTRE MURILLA COMMUNITY CENTRE CHINCHILLA FAMILY SUPPORT CENTRE EACH CENTRE WILL RECEIVE $10,000 TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF THEIR ORGANISATIONS. Four family and community support centres in the Surat Basin will share in $40,000 in funding thanks to QGC. The four centres provide a range of services to the community including computer, internet access and administration, community development, family support, child care co-ordination, aged care programs, rural family support and adult education programs. Many centres are also Centrelink agencies and host visiting services such as Legal Aid and other professionals. QGC Gas Field Social Performance manager Tony Heidrich said QGC recognised the increased demand on services to accommodate recent and future growth in the region. "These centres provide a wide range of vital functions to the community and we are delighted to help them deliver these services and develop their
capacity to meet future demand," he said. Tara Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Roslyn Wade said the funds would be used to improve an outdoor area by replacing an existing sail with a fixed roof. They will also buy new outdoor furniture. "By covering the area we will increase the capacity of the centre to deliver services to the community," she said. "It will give us an extra client area for consultation and activities and provide a pleasant, all-weather meeting place." Myall Youth and Community Network Centre co-ordinator Lyn Clancy said the funds would go towards a new laptop computer, projector, screen, dishwasher, under sink urn and 50 chairs to fit out the conference rooms in their new purpose-built centre. "Until now, we've had to borrow equipment for any program run
Chinchilla Family Support Centre to receive $10,000.
at the centre," she said. "This equipment will help us offer topics such as community skills, cooking classes, English conversation as a second language and budgeting courses." Murilla Community Centre manager Cecily Brockhurst said the centre was a one-stop-shop for information and support to individuals, families and community groups about Government services and programs including Centrelink, funding submissions, drought assistance, Legal Aid and stress management.
"Staff at the centre reported increased client contacts and enquiries over the past 12 months due to the number of significant projects and major developments in the Miles area," she said.
Chinchilla Family Support Centre co-ordintor Doreen Goldsmid said the centre had seen an increasing number of people seeking help through their Centrelink agency and emergency relief programs.
"This funding will provide additional administrative support so our field workers can focus on direct service delivery."
"The work of our Community Development Worker has also increased to keep local networks connected and stay abreast of new developments in the face of increased population and service demand," she said.
In Chinchilla, the funding will be used for a part-time position to update the centre's policies and procedures and ensure ongoing compliance with Queensland Government standards.
"The funding will help us build a good foundation to meet our region's growing needs."
Empowering energy symposium to look at coal seam gas - today and tomorrow An empowering two-day symposium for industry leaders working in the resources sector will be held in Brisbane next month. 'Powering the World: Queensland's Energy Supermarket' will be held
on November 3 and 4 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and has been organised by the Queensland Resource Council and The University of Queensland. The symposium will provide two days of
informed debate on the future of base-load power in the Asia Pacific region and how Queensland is taking the lead in providing a diverse offering of energy solutions. Keynote speakers from China, India, US and
Australia will address the critical issues of energy efficiency, energy security, energy diversity and sustainability. Industry leaders will also participate in an interactive panel to generate a better understanding of the
energy mix required to deliver socio-economics through sustainable energy solutions for both developing and established regions. Other discussions will include:
- Global trends in carbon capture and storage - Land rehabilitation and co-existence with communities - Coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas: looking at what is possible today and tomorrow.
For more information email info@energysymposium2010.com
1(,/ 0$16(// 75$163257 3W\ /WG 3URXGO\ VHUYLFLQJ WKH $XVWUDOLDQ 7UDQVSRUW ,QGXVWU\ IRU RYHU \HDUV
Surat Basin Real Estate Total Peace of Mind
6SHFLDOLVLQJ LQ WUDQVSRUW DQG ORJLVWLFV VHUYLFHV WR WKH SLSHOLQH LQGXVWU\ WKH RLO JDV DQG UHVRXUFH H[SORUDWLRQ LQGXVWULHV LQ WKH 6XUDW %DVLQ DQG $XVWUDOLD ZLGH x
2,/ *$6 3,3(/,1( 75$163257$7,21 $1' /2*,67,&6
x
2,/),(/' &$6,1* +$8/$*( $1' 6725$*( '5,//,1* 5,* 029(6 %8/. :$7(5 +$8/$*( *(1(5$/ +$8/$*( $1' 75$163257 6(59,&(6
x x x
722:220%$ a $'(/$,'( a 0220%$ a &+,1&+,//$ a 520$ a -$&.621 a ,1-81( 0F'RXJDOO 6WUHHW 722:220%$ 4 3K )D[ ( WUDQVSRUW#PDQVHOO FRP DX :HE ZZZ PDQVHOO FRP DX
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
â&#x20AC;˘ Buying, Selling, Investments â&#x20AC;˘ Professional Property Management Visit our dedicated team for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;personal serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; you deserve at our new Chinchilla office for all of your real estate needs!!
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be the difference you are looking forâ&#x20AC;? P: 07 4669 1790 F: 07 4662 7250
Shop 2, 1 Warrego Hwy Chinchilla Q4413
www.suratbasinrealestate.com.au PAGE 31
Placesandfaces page33 page35page 37 page 40 Xstrata funds health projects
Students attend world congress
Partnership benefits local schools
QGCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new office in Chinchilla
Students with disabilities get real life exposure to coal seam gas industry The program aims to provide university and TAFE students, who have a disability, and are nearing completion of their qualification, with a platform to get real life exposure to the gas, mining and energy sector.
It also looks to instigate an influx of qualified workers in the area. Students from as far field as the Sunshine Coast will soon be travelling to the region to participate in the Surat Basin Work Placement project. Seven students arrive from three different tertiary institutes and are
piloting the hands-on work experience program. Project co-ordinator Nancy Nixon said she has been overwhelmed with the positiveness of many employers to take a student. Origin Energy, one of the companies involved in the program.
Companies signed up to take one or more students are
"Origin Energy, Surat Basin Homes, Ostwald Brothers, ERM Power and HSEplus have all signed up to take one or more students," she said. "Many employers are interested to see where the student is up to with study to ensure that they get the most out of the placement and will value add to their studies. "Two more companies are in continued discussion with a final decision to be formalised soon." Ms Nixon and her colleague Debbie Rooskov, the NDCO, met with students on the Sunshine Coast earlier this month to discuss the placement and answer a wide range of questions. The students all showed their appreciation for the project and were eager to show their diverse
range of skills and experience to an employer without needing to consider ways of broaching the topic of disclosing their disability. The Surat Basin Work Placement project is funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and provides students travel to and from the Surat Basin. All accommodation, meals, safety induction course and delivery to and from employer's designated pickup point are included.
P roject co-ordinator Nancy Nixon said she has been overwhelmed with the positiveness of many employers to take a student.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t N D C O w e b s i t e a t w w w. n d c o . s t e p s c s . n e t . a u or CALL MS NIXON on 0428 713 606 PAGE 32
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
places and faces Sarah looks to the future with Arrow Energy Former Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry manager Sarah Delahunty is Arrow Energy's new community liaison officer. The new position will be based in Dalby. Ms Delahunty said she was excited about the position and was looking forward to starting her new role. Department of Public Works project services Peter Roberts, Xstrata Coal Naomi Golden, Project Services consultant Richard Cheverrell, Queensland Health Darling Downs West Moreton Health Service District Judy March, Northern Downs Health Council Cecilia Donohoe and Queensland Health Wandoan Marion Randall.
Health priority for Xstrata A new health clinic will be built in Wandoan and the Wandoan Primary Health Centre and Outpatients Clinic will receive a face-lift thanks to a $750,000 contribution by Xstrata Coal. XC recently met with the Wandoan community and Queensland Health to discuss the best way to utilise the funding. With the groups full support, there are now plans to build a new health clinic on site, in addition to
redecorating existing clinical areas and staff accommodation. Xstrata Coal's representative Naomi Golden said the Wandoan Primary Health Centre project, was an exciting initiative for the community. "The project aims to increase the
capacity for the clinic to attract and house primary health care services, together with additional allied health services" she said. Design of the new facility is expected to start in coming months.
"I have worked with many of you and know that you are aware of my passion for promoting the region and progressing beneficial partnerships between local groups," she said. As the community liaison officer, Ms Delahunty will engage with community groups, landholders, Indigenous groups, local businesses and all levels of government, to work towards a plan for a sustainable and shared future and to provide information and raise awareness of Arrow's activities. "Arrow appreciate that the support of all our stakeholders, particularly landholders and the local communities, is vital to the success of any resources project."
BUDDEN CONTRACTORS
2010 MASTER BUILDERS CIVIL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR.
FK Gardner 20STATE x WINNER. 4 QUEENSLAND
•• 30,000 30,000 LITRE LITRE WATER WATER TANKER TANKER •• DECK DECK WIDENING WIDENING LOW LOW LOADER LOADER TO TO 3.5m 3.5m WITH WITH HYD HYD WINCH WINCH •• GRAVEL GRAVEL TIPPERS, TIPPERS, 45ft 45ft DROP DROP DECK, DECK, FLAT FLAT TOPS, TOPS, BULK BULK TIPPERS TIPPERS •• ROADTRAINS ROADTRAINS •• QUAD QUAD FLOAT FLOAT & & DOLLY DOLLY
PHONE NOEL 0428 457 871 STEVEN 0429 346 876
Professional Regionally Based Recruitment Service for Resources and Allied Industries Abbertons Human Resources introduces John Thompson.
. . . . .
With over 40 years mining experience, both underground and above ground, John is now available to assist you in sourcing and securing the people you need.
Civil Building Developments Plant Hire Plumbing
TOOWOOMBA BRISBANE
P 07 4620 0500 F 07 4620 0555 P 07 3354 6500 F 07 3354 6555
10 Pechey St Toowoomba 4 Cartwright St Windsor
QLD Aus 4350 QLD Aus 4030
MACKAY ROMA
P 07 4998 6500 F 07 4998 6555 P 07 4622 7200 F 07 4622 7200
24-32 Interlink Crt Paget P.O. Box 1488 Roma
QLD Aus 4741 QLD Aus 4455
www.fkg.com.au
John Thompson Recruiting for Mining, Resources and allied industries.
Tap into John's experience and industry network. Contact him for an initial discussion.
Ph: 4659 7111 www.abbertons.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 33
places and faces
Past preserved
Drumming, dinner and diversity The sounds of Africa will be heard from Chinchilla's Heeney Street next week at a unique community One Long Table event. Initiated by Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry, One Long Table is a family dinner celebrating cultural diversity in the region. It will be held on Saturday, October 30. Support from QGC will see African drummers Rhythm Konnections perform at the dinner. The group will also hold a series of interactive drumming workshops at the event. QGC Social Performance Gas Fields manager Tony Heidrich said they were proud sponsors.
"Drumming and dance have traditionally been used to build community spirit in Africa and we hope Rhythm Konnections can contribute something special to the One Long Table," he said.
One Long Table organiser Robyn Mapp said the event was designed to encourage the community to reach out and get to know each other. "Chinchilla's population is expanding rapidly as the resources sector grows," she said.
"People with a range of backgrounds are moving here and we want to host an interactive function to celebrate the diversity of our community and encourage the integration of new arrivals." During the dinner international foods including Turkish, Filipino, South African, English, Indian, Islander, Italian and American will be showcased. There will also be foods from closer to home as well such as Indigenous fare and a camp oven. Also during the night musician Sterle Buchanan will perform as well as Indigenous dances. There will also be games, painting and a jumping castle for the younger guests.
QGC support has also helped fund equipment hire and other event costs.
Tickets are now on sale and are available at Chinchilla Florist.
Wandoan property owner Louise Golden has started a historic journey to preserve the stories of pioneering families through the Xstrata Coal local history project. The project will ensure the stories, experiences and memories of local residents with properties located within the boundaries of the project's mining lease application area, are documented. Mrs Golden said she was looking forward to her new challenge and meeting with landowners to learn more about the districts history and characters. "I'm really excited to be involved in this project and learning more about the history of Wandoan and particularly its soldier settlers," she said. "This research will honour and preserve the memories of this group of landowners and once published, will become a lasting legacy for them and the wider community."
Wandoan property owner Louise Golden embarks on a historic journey.
To assist with the project, landowners have been invited to submit any significant photos, maps or other material relating to their properties. In the initial phase of the project, Mrs Golden will be interviewing landowners and recording their stories.
Writing historical pieces is not a first for the freelance writer and history buff, with Mrs Golden the author of Daughter of the Dawson, another historical work on local pioneering women.
ROMA COMMUNICATIONS TOGETHER WITH NAVMAN WIRELESS ARE PROUD TO OFFER YOUR BUSINESS THE LATEST IN GPS VEHICLE TRACKING
Specialised Recruitment Agency y
mining g & indu industrial construction truc uc cttiion oil & g gas ass government ment ment commercial
• • • •
Improve Customer Service Better Communication and Reporting More Effective Job Scheduling Improved accuracy with time sheets and job cards
• Significant time and cost savings • Knowing where your vehicles are to minimize unproductive time • Reduced Private usage • Fatigue Management
WHY NAVMAN WIRELESS?
Purchasing & Supply Chain Personnel Required Supply Connections Pty Ltd is a recruitment agency specialising in the placement of Purchasing & Supply Chain personnel, for coverage in all sectors including Mining, Construction, Industrial, Government and Commercial corporations throughout Australia and Overseas. With offices in both Queensland and Western Australia, we offer you the expertise, quality service and experienced personnel from our extensive database, to support your business in operating productively and efficiently. Services provided: • Short/Long Term Contracts • Permanent Placements • Consultancy • Casual Labour • Payroll Personnel wishing to register should email their updated CV.
S CONNECTIONS upply
ABN 45 102 697 496
Ph 07 3385 7250
brisbane@supplyconnections.com.au
We would love to be involved in making your business more effective, productive and in turn giving you more time to spend in other areas.
Roma Communications Shop 1/110 Raglan Street, ROMA. QLD. 4455 07 4622 2337 :: 07 4622 4265 romacoms@hwy54.com.au
PTY LTD
www.supplyconnections.com.au
N E X T E D I T I O N S U R AT B A S I N N E W S
“Supporting your Business with Excellence” PAGE 34
abn 97 363 003 505
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
10 DECEMBER 2010
3195115aaH
Personnel provided: • Supply Officers/Storepersons • Forklift Operators • Purchasing Officers • Inventory Controllers • Cataloguers • Contracts Officers/Administrators • Logistics Coordinators • Material Expeditors • Supervisors/Managers • Construction (Materials Coordinator)
➢ Telstra approved NextG Equipment ➢ National support base and a support team second to none ➢ We manufacture and design the hardware, firmware and software ➢ Reliable product with reliable data ➢ R&D team with an ever growing budget ensuring our customers will have the software enhancements required to keep pace with an ever changing world ➢ A strong financial platform which will ensure the long term viability of our company ➢ Microsoft Gold Certified Partner – which means the software is easy to use , reliable, will be updated in line Microsoft updates and superb to integrate with. ➢ Our PC to Navigator end to end solution
places and faces
Exciting careers in resource sector recognised Spending the day at the 25th International Mineral Processing Congress has fired up students from the Surat Basin looking for a career in the resource sector. Last month,Wandoan, Miles and Chinchilla high school students were among 110 students from Queensland Mineral and Energy Academy schools to attend the event held in Brisbane. The students spent half a day at the IMPC 2010 technical exhibitions at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. At IMPC 2010, students listened to employees from Russell Mining Equipment, Gekko Systems, Metso, JKTech, Ausenco and Outotec, speak about their organisation, the highlights of working in the sector and career pathways. They then visited the University of Queensland, where students participated in hands-on activities at the UQ School of Chemical Engineering and Department of Metallurgical Engineering. They were introduced to the staff and had an opportunity to explore the campus. With a family that works in the industry, Year 10 student Virginia Williams said she was determined to follow suit. Virginia is already studying a math's extension at school in preparation for
senior math's subjects. "It was worthwhile to listen to people who work in different fields of engineering as I'm still not sure what kind of engineering I want to study," she said. Miles State High School Year 12 student Maleah Hill also has a career in the resource sector firmly in her sights. "I want to study special science majoring in surveying," she said. "Talking to the exhibiting companies about types of career opportunities available in their companies was why I wanted to come to Brisbane. "I'd like a scholarship so I can study at USQ." Chinchilla State High School Year 10 student Wylee Cook said the education day made him realise what an exciting career the resources industry can offer. "It was really cool to hear stories about people in the industry who have travelled and experienced different cultures," he
Wandoan State School students with Ben Murphy from Gekko Systems.
Annette 0427 580 853
said. "I found out a lot more about the industry." QMEA director Roger Atkins said the day was a success. "It is important for students to learn first hand the opportunities available to them and how others have made a lifelong career in the industry," he said. "Visiting UQ and learning about course pre-requisites is also extremely important for students selecting senior school subjects." The International Mineral Processing Congress was held from September 610 and was organised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, CSIRO and JKTech. The QMEA is a joint initiative of the Queensland Resources Council and Education Queensland to provide young people with pathways into careers in the minerals and energy sector. RIGHT: Chinchilla State High School Year 10 student Regan McNally at the University of Queensland.
sources Day. at the IMPC Re ts en ud st ol ho Sc Miles State High
SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE!
24/7 RECRUITMENT / LABOUR HIRE SPECIALIST SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND Phone: 1300 782 585 Fax: 1300 784 090 Email: annettet@rvision.com.au Web: www.rvision.com.au
IS COMING TO THE GARDEN CITY! Come and be a part of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest outdoor / indoor energy exhibition showcasing the very latest in Oil & Gas Industry innovations, with a special focus on drilling with environmental integrity. Exhibitors representing products, services and technologies from the onshore drilling sector will converge in Toowoomba, Australia for three essential days of networking and sharing expertise! For more exhibitor or show information call today: AUS Ph: 0425 427 220 | INT Ph: +61 425 427 220 www.australianpetroleumshow.com
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 35
places and faces Rob Davidson Water Carting Dalby students work with QGC
on site rehabilitation projects • 12,000 or 24,000 litre water • Can carry 20ft containers (pins)
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS - SERVICING CHINCHILLA FOR 15 YEARS
Dalby State High School students will work with QGC during the next 12 months to help the coal seam gas company rehabilitate its Windibri sight.
Phone 0427 627 084 or 0438 612 734 The project, organised through a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy partnership, will involve Year 11 and 12 biology students working on-site with QGC to identify, plant and monitor growth of native vegetation.
Safe, reliable, comfortable, friendly coach services tailored to your needs! For all your coach needs... ! Contract Bussing ! Charter ! Site Tours ! Airport Transfers 24 - 57 Seat Coaches
! Tailored Tours
@ Seat Belts @ Toilet Facilities @ Wheel Chair Access @ DVD @ Air Conditioned
Local knowledge you can count on! Operating in the Surat Basin region for over 22 years info@maguirecoaches.com.au www.maguirecoaches.com.au
Ph 4662 7634
Relax we’ll take you there
Downlands College
Years 8-12 Catholic Independent Coeducational Day and Boarding
O: D T S U M
2012 Send in ship Scholar ions t a c i l p p A 11 nd Years 8 a
Toowoomba, Toow wooomb mba, b Q Qld ld
07 4690 9500
www.downlands.qld.edu.au
QGC Social Performance Gasfields manager Tony Heidrich said the rehabilitation activities were in line with the company's environmental commitments. "We saw this as a good opportunity to work with QMEA and Dalby State High School, to give students a first hand experience of our land management practices," he said. "We hope it helps the students understand more about what a career in environmental science might entail." QMEA director Roger Atkins said the students were treated like new employees and participated in a full QGC health and safety induction prior to working on-site. "It is a privilege for these students to be immersed in the resources industry to gain a practical understanding of what could become a life-long career," he said. In August, the students visited the rehabilitation site, a former refuse area, under the supervision of QGC's Lands co-ordinator Brad Green to assess vegetation types.
QGC’s Lands co-ordinator Brad Green and Dalby State High School student Fiona Cook discuss rehabilitation of a former area at Windibri.
There the students did soil testing and established a number of photo monitoring points.
Windibri early next year to check progress and identify land management issues such as weed management and water frequency.
"The QGC employees working the students were very impressed with their enthusiasm and commitment to the project."
They will return again later in 2011 to do a vegetation assessment and evaluate the project.
Over two days this month, the students will return and plant 200 native trees, establish irrigation systems and photograph the rehabilitated area from the monitoring sites. The current Year 11 students will return to
The QMEA is a joint initiative of the Queensland Resources Council and Education Queensland. It is focusing on providing young people with pathways into careers in the minerals and energy sector.
DELIVERING A BETTER DEAL TO COMMERCIAL FUEL CUSTOMERS IN REGIONAL AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA: IOR Petroleum Pty Ltd
Adding value through Innovation
We are an Owner-Operated Australian Company specialising in the fabrication of drilling rig equipment and pressure welding projects. Products ✔ Drilling Rig Equipment ✔ High Pressure Pipelines ✔ In-house Spool Fabrication
Services ✔ Mobile Welding Units ✔ Spray Booth ✔ Fully Equipped Workshops
107 Duke Street · Roma QLD 4455 · P: 4622 5254 · F: 4622 3149
PAGE 36
• Transport contractors • Civil contractors • Mining and oil industry contractors • Farmers and graziers • Shire Councils etc With • National 24/7 refuelling network • Competitive price and delivery • On call service
Refuelling Depots BRISBANE INJUNE 07 3895 4444 07 4626 1244 HEAD OFFICE DEPOT
KATHERINE 08 8972 2555 DEPOT
NEVERTIRE 0457847622 DEPOT
ROMA 07 4622 8333 DEPOT
CLONCURRY 07 4742 0179 DEPOT
Your Contact: Jamie Andrews PO Box 565 Roma Qld 4455
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
Mobile: 0429 345 354 Email: roma@ior.com.au Phone: 07 4622 8333 Fax: 07 4622 8300
3222839aaH
• Member of the IOR Energy Group of Companies • Integrated Australian Owned Oil Company
Supplying regional customers:
places and faces
Partnership to skill region’s students The Xstrata Coal Wandoan Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Partnership was launched in Brisbane earlier this month.
"It will be these young people who will show us that resources and agricultural industries can coexist and thrive," he said.
Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson officially introduced the project.
Queensland Resources Council chief executive and QMEA board chair Michael Roche said the industry partnership was another important step to ensure young people were aware of the career opportunities available to them in the resources sector.
The new partnership will see Miles State High School together with Taroom and Wandoan State schools receive a share of $720,000 over three years. The Xstrata Coal funding will provide the schools with extra equipment as well as curriculum enrichment, while cementing a strong school-industry partnership. This will include a new and exciting curriculum and support for literacy and numeracy programs. Xstrata Coal Wandoan Project executive general manager Steve Bridger said they were hoping to give young people in the Surat Basin the skills they need to build strong, thriving communities and make the most of the resources industries that are entering their region.
"The resources sector in Queensland is a $50 billion-a-year industry and with a looming skills shortage, it is paramount that we have programs in place to ensure resource sector career options are made known," he said. QMEA director Roger Atkins said the three new QMEA schools would benefit immensely from Xstrata Coal's donation and involvement. "The expansion of the QMEA to Surat Basin schools means students will be able to have access to close industry relationships to ensure resources sector careers and pathways are made obvious for students making career decisions," he said.
Xstrata Coal's $720,000 contribution to the Wandoan QMEA Partnership is part of the company's Corporate Social Involvement program, which is making a real difference to communities in Queensland.
WORK Stuff… SAFETY
Surat Basin News P 4662 7368 F 4662 8474
• All PPE equipment • Hi Vis Gear/Jackets • Steel Blue Boots • Safety & Road Signage • Fall Protection & Training • Gas Detection • Lockout Kits & Tags
• Work Clothes • Height Safety • Spill Stations
YOU WANT IT? WE’LL FIND IT! W E W I L L CO M E T O Y O U BY A R R A N G E M E N T
46 Knight St Kingaroy Q 4610
Phone: 07 4162 8432 Fax: 07 4162 7087 Email: sales@workstuff.com.au ABN: 90 096 171 470
WESTERN AUGER DRILLING
12 Mayne St Chinchilla Q4413
Phone: 07 4669 1949 0458 516 241
Auger Rigs able to drill a depth of 6 metres and 1 Auger Rig able to drill to 10 metres. Drilling and installing conductor casing, cellars and piers
manager@ suratbasin.com.au advertise@ suratbasin.com.au editorial@ suratbasin.com.au
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
PAGE 37
places and faces
Groups share in community funds
Recipients are Taroom Kindergarten Association Charleville School of Distance Education Miles Bowls Club Miles Primary School P&C Noonga Community Association Taroom State School P&C Wandoan Polocrosse Club Jazz for Juandah Day Juandah Rodeo Association Wandoan Progress Association Wandoan Chamber of Commerce Wandoan Primary Health Centre Juandah Heritage Society Miles State School, Miles High School and Wandoan State School Music Bands Murilla Kindergarten Wandoan Apex Club - fundraising event for local house fire victim
Sixteen local community groups and organisations received funding through the latest round of Xstrata Coal's Wandoan Community Fund. The groups will share in $30,000 to help contribute to the wellbeing and development of the community.
The key focus areas are
The Xstrata Coal Wandoan Community Fund is a community donations and sponsorship program that supports community groups.
- education,
These include areas in and around Wandoan, Taroom and Miles. More information regarding the fund is available at the Wandoan Shopfront. The next round of applications will be invited later this year.
- health,
- social and community development - enterprise and job creation - environment - arts and culture
TRADES and SERVICES ag, industrial, engineering
earthworks
civil construction
Miles Engineering
electrician
IsonContracting Ison ATF ISON FAMILY TRUST
Pty Ltd
PERSONAL SERVICE FROM LOCALLY BASED BUSINESS
FK Gardner & Sons specialising in: Ryco Hydraulics Pty Ltd
Gas Agent
. Jobbing . Fabrication . Hydraulic Crimping .Safety . Steel Supplies .Welding Servces
• Civil • Developments • Plumbing
• Construction • Plant Hire
www.fkg.com.au Toowoomba – Roma – Mackay – Brisbane
crane hire
CHINCHILLA CRANE HIRE from 20 Tonne Frannas to 300 Tonne Slew Cranes Dry Hire Wet Hire Man Cages Kibbles Dogman & Rigger Labour Hire
Phone 4668 9755 Mobile 0428 689 755
28-46 Murilla St Miles - Phone 4727 1488 air conditioning automotive
chincranehire@bigpond.com “We Give Everyone A Lift”
• Tipper Trucks & Trailers • Water Trucks • Excavators • Bobcats • Loader • Rocksaw • Trencher
Phone Noel on 0427 628 107
• • • • • • •
Domestic Air Conditioning Rural Industrial Commercial Hazardous Areas Instrumentation & Project Management
MILES 0400 004 123 enquiries@emergyservicesgroup.com.au
www.emergyservicesgroup.com.au ABN 48 144 821 938 • Licence 72219
electrical services ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
FOR ALL YOUR CRANE HIRE NEEDS NEW FLEET DRY HIRE FRANNAS AVAILABLE
• Travel anywhere – anytime • Earthmoving, trucks & agricultural equipment • Dedicated mobile service • A/c licensed AU00398 • Reduce downtime - most problems fixed in 1 callout
All Western Districts
0427 477 740 or 4626 8109
• • • •
All Terrains 35 to 220 tonne Frannas 15 to 25 tonne Heavy haulage Specialised transport
07 4634 8777 Travis: 0408 018 509 FAX 07 4634 8677
24 Hour 7 Days Office & Depot: 29 Carrington Rd Toowoomba Postal Address: PO Box 9127 Wilsonton 4350 Email: loughlincranehire@bigpond.com
Specialising in Electrical, Refrigeration, Airconditioning & Instrumentation
Ph 4627 7009 Chinchilla’s Largest Builder
Fax 4627 7011
TOTAL HOUSING SOLUTIONS
Email crcelectrical@bordernet.com.au
1800 041 411 Call Di for your FREE info pack on the Surat Basin – 0400 873 068 www.suratbasinhomes.com.au
Warrego Highway Chinchilla
GILBERT LOCKREY
Situated in the heart of the Surat Basin
Gas, Mining, Industrial, Commercial, Rural
building
PAGE 40
Specialising in Electrical Services
GILCOLM ENTERPRISES PTY LTD
Looking after the Farmer and Contractor
• Air conditioning repairs • Custom a/c systems & cab pressurizers • Electronic diagnostics • Large range a/c parts on hand • Gas field inducted
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE:
electrician
crane hire
Scott Holmes MOBILE Mechanical
Experienced plant operators and labourers
ABN 85 133 913 818 Elect Licence 70211 Arctick AU22222
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
36 North Street PO Box 174 Wandoan Qld 4419
Mobile: 0427 063 043 Licence Nos: 51884,L045842, 157873C, 39992S
Phone: 07 4627 5341 Fax: 07 4627 5342 E: gilcolm@bigpond.com.au ACN 096 501 950
ABN 90 096 501 950
engineering
McCormack Engineering OAKEY Contract Fabrication & Fitting Maintenance • Trade qualified – with fabrication, construction, power station and washplant maintenance experience • Tickets – generic mine induction, first aid, blue card, confined space, work at heights, basic rigger, EWP, CN mobile crane, fork lift, DG dogger, front end loader, LBG gantry crane • Licences – HC, R, UD classes
For On-Site Maintenance, Repairs & Fabrication in our Workshop or Plant Operator Requirements
Phone Pat McCormack 4691 5216 or 0408 700 745
places and faces
Extra helping hands New Wandoan State School teacher aides Julie Baker and Daisy Kiass have provided a welcome helping hand to both teachers and students in the classroom. The new recruits were employed after Xstrata Coal Queensland committed $30,000 each year for the next three years for teacher aide time at the school. Both Julie and Daisy have focused on supporting the development of students' literacy and numeracy skills
and have been working with students across all facets of school life. The funding is part of its $720,000 contribution to its partnership with Education Queensland and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy. The partnership provides funding, equipment curricula enrichment and schoolindustry liaison for schools in Wandoan, Miles and Taroom.
New Wandoan State School teacher aide Daisy Klass with students in the scince lab.
TRADES and SERVICES equipment hire
for rent
real estate
5 Acres to Rent
elderschinchilla.com.au
Roma Area
Elders Real Estate Chinchilla
Would suit – • Drill pipe casing storage • Rig Camps
Access Portables Fencing Power & Air Pumps More on the horizon…
CHINCHILLA ROMA WEB SCOTT BURKE for hire
10-12 Cooper St 160 Raglan St www.onsite.com.au
0459 200 170
well servicing
Well Servicing Completions Workovers Frac stimulation setups Live completions
•Property Management •Sales
Phone Terry – 0427 225 404 or Damo – 0488 778 139 general contracting
STAR CONTRACTING SERVICES General Contracting and Welding Services OnSite Service Available Weed Hygiene, Wash Down & Inspections
0488 691 222
•Livestock Ph 4662 8555
Tess Owner/Principal
0409 466 233
114 Heeney St
Kev 0409 033 988
shipping containers
water cartage
SALES & RENTAL Storage - Office - Accommodation - Archive Workshop - Coldroom - Dangerous Goods Furniture shifts Australia wide Modifications to your specifications Excellent freight rates 20ft/40ft swinglift trailer available for container shifts - All areas
4663 5544
Dan Cross 0429 691 309 PO Box 322 Chinchilla • dncross@bigpond.net.au
water cartage
McInnis Water Cartage
•Investment opportunities
ABN 13 251 942 807
•Business opportunities Jim Strongman – 0418 734 256 Warren Daniells – 0427 468 591 www.suratbasindevelopments.com.au promotional opportunities Promote your business in the Trades & Services section of the
Surat BasinNEWS An easy reference for any business searching for local contractors who can help with their business development
Call Laurell on
4662 7368 for an information pack
• 9, 12 and 24,000 Litre Tanks available • Body Truck to Semi Loads • Using Chinchilla Town Water
DALBY CONTAINERS wash down
land sales
www.wilddesert.com.au
Livestock
DOWNS WASH DOWNS & VEHICLE INSPECTIONS • Vehicle Inspections (Weed Hygiene) • Heavy Vehicles & All types of Machinery • 24hr Service 7 Days Week • Vehicle Wash Downs • Mobile Pressure Cleaning Unit.
■ 9m3 Tipper
■ Road works
■ 5T Excavator
■ Dust control
■ Bobcat
■ Domestic water
■ All 300/450/600 attachments
* Reasonable Rates * Will travel * Free Quotes
Mal McInnis 0419 825 419 E: mcinniswater@hotmail.com
wanted
advertising in the surat basin news is the only way to gain the maximium benefit in this resource rich region
Preventing the spread of weeds is difficult, but there are many ways you can help protect our region
Have you checked your vehicle? Call Your Local Vehicle Machinery Hygiene Inspectors
0417 511 455 I 0407 148 803
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
■ Civil construction
Call Laurell at
Surat Basin NEWS 4662 7368 or email advertise@suratbasinnews.com.au for information on how to grow your business
3248663aaH
PAGE 39
places and faces
QGC sets up shop in Chinchilla QGC opened a new community office in Chinchilla last month to boost its presence in the Surat Basin region. Located in Heeney Street, the office aims to provide the community with an information centre about QGC's coal seam gas operations.
"As we grow, there will be substantial number of longterm career opportunities with QGC in Chinchilla. "In fact one of our greatest challenges is recruitment.
It also serves as a place where job seekers can discuss career opportunities with the company.
"As our operations expand, we will be looking to the community to get involved with our recruitment efforts," Mr Heidrich said.
It will also be the administrative base for QGC's operations around Chinchilla with an upstairs office complex for QGC employees.
Meanwhile a number of local businesses were used to fit out the office.
QGC Gas Fields Social Performance manager Tony Heidrich (pictured) said he expected the office to be busy.
These include:
"QGC will employ around 5000 people in the gas fields at the height of construction on its Queensland Curtis LNG Project to develop coal seam gas for export as liquefied natural gas," he said.
- Chinchilla Kitchens - Browns Floor Zone - Gary Kurtz Electrical Services - Chinchilla Refrigeration - Tim Pitt Plumbing Services - Dave Trevor Painting and Decorating
Mr Heidrich said he hoped that a prominent presence in Chinchilla would help strengthen relations with the community.
Chinchilla Kitchen's Carl Hoffman said the recruitment of local businesses was a very positive sign for the community.
"QGC is committed to working with the local community as we grow our existing domestic gas operations and develop QCLNG.
"QGC have shown a lot of confidence in local trades people and have been very receptive to the contribution we can make to its ongoing work in Chinchilla," he said.
"Consultation is vital to finding out what the community expects from us in the gas fields and we hope this office will become a key point of contact for the community."
Mr Heidrich said he was confident QGC's operations would give the local economy and employment markets a significant boost. "Local people have often had to move to capital cities to take the next step in their careers, which makes it difficult for regional centres to sustain a high level of skilled worker.
He said the consultation conducted throughout the Surat Basin told QGC that people wanted to know how their activities would affect them and what they are doing to manage or avoid impacts in various areas.
"We're hoping QGC can help reverse this trend - the opening of this office is one step towards giving people the opportunity to learn new skills and remain in the area."
These include groundwater, transport and noise.
"QGC will employ around 5000 people in the gas fields at the height of construction on its Queensland Cur tis LNG Project to develop coal seam gas fo r expor t as liquefied natural gas"
"It's not always possible to have in-depth conversations at a work site so we're trying to provide an environment where people can feel comfortable about talking with us." The office will also act as a careers centre for local people and contractors interested in working for QGC.
“Rosebank Estate” Stage 1: 738m2 to 841m2 For all your Real Estate Requirements
Sales Residential, Rural, Commercial & Industrial
Rentals Houses, Townhouses, Units, Commercial & Industrial
Auctions
Miles
Market appraisals
49 Murilla St Miles Q 4415 Ph 4627 1433 Fax 4627 1810
www.milesfn.com.au office@milesfn.com.au
Chinchilla 106 Glasson St Chinchilla Q 4413 Ph 4669 1966 Fax 4669 1944 www.chinchillafn.com.au office@chinchillafn.com.au PAGE 40
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 October 2010
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
“Rosebank Estate” Stage 2; 800m2 to 1085m2 This estate is an ideal location for you and your family. A tranquil place that offers a safe family environment with a strong sense of community. Here you will find the perfect location for your brand new home. Situated in Mackie Street, just over one walking kilometre from the town centre of Chinchilla, “Rosebank Estate” is a master planned community of sixty-six large home sites.
Phone Peter Etheridge on 0427 640 423