SBN December 2010

Surat BasinNEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

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BG GROUP Queensland Curtis LNG project SANTOS GLNG project XSTRATA COAL Xstrata Wandoan Coal project ORIGIN ENERGY Australia Pacific LNG project SURAT BASIN RAIL ‘The Southern Missing Link’ project BG Group - FINAL DECISION Santos - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL Xstrata Coal - QLD COORDINATOR GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL Origin Energy - QLD COORDINATOR GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL Surat Basin Rail - QLD COORDINATOR GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL

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hot off the press!

SBNEWS

Basin to port link

The Team

David Richardson General Manager Teneale Luckraft Editor Laurell Ison Advertising Beth Walker Graphic Design

The Newspaper 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.

Surat Basin’s $1.2billion ‘Southern Missing Link’ was given the environmental green light by Queensland’s Coordinator General last week.

Approval was granted subject to the recommendations and conditions proposed in the Coordinator General’s report.

The report states that Surat Basin Rail needs to undertake further work on the environmental impacts of the project and to develop mitigation measures, in consultation with relevant regulatory agencies before development approvals can be granted.

SBR acts on behalf of the Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture between ATEC Dawson Valley Railway (a subsidiary of Australian Transport and Energy Corridor Limited, Xstrata Coal Surat Basin Rail (a subsidiary of Xstrata Coal Queensland) and QR Surat Basin (a subsidiary of QR National Limited).

The proposed Surat Basin Rail project will develop 210 kilometres of new rail infrastructure which would connect the Western Railway system near Wandoan with the Moura Railway system near Banana.

The rail infrastructure will provide open-access arrangements to multiple users and will include a

The Vision 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.

single narrow gauge track with up to eight passing loops.

This will be capable of accommodating trains up to 2.5 kilometres in length.

It is anticipated that most of the rail infrastructure corridor will be about 60 meters wide, with wider sections at passing loops and at significant cuttings and embankments.

It is expected to deliver a transport solution from the Surat Basin region through to the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal at the Port of Gladstone.

This will enable about four billion tonnes of thermal coal reserves to become a potentially viable economic resource.

Project construction is expected to start early next year, subject to achieving financial close later this month and obtaining the necessary approvals.

Around 1000 jobs will be created during the 33month construction period and up to 44 jobs during the 50-year operational life of the project.

SBR anticipate the project to be finished by late 2013.

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

Next edition - February 28, 2011

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 NEWS at S Nd Wt SBasinNEWS Surat Basin Out of re SNuErW Surat B ach anE S W in N en s E a re u r E G a n N u WraSt B MINING News heats up der pressureS for NO MSINuIN rom COUNTDligOhtsiW Race north G ng is Linc far f ond breaks TAX TA TO GLOBmApor t N B L finished: g X round FIRST BEG INS ORIZONS GREEN H ds plant grin -ethanol 21 grain-to - Page Dalby a’s first Australi action outside into

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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 newspat to eneral visiting nator-G of almost prosperity ent, subjec Coal economicexposing the culture “The Coordi as the Surat s Island impact statem climate and said. fastest develo inc Energy nmental $3.5 billion Wiggin Basin,” of Austra enviro he has entered “While lia’s for the fourth Central General ping region. the Energy ditions, before the there is still a commissioninweek of a 10-wee ent, the he said. manager it in Richardson region really way to go are g phase k Terminal,”project’s propon plans to build to liquids David wanted to be to on the way said with the takes off, of its gas Chinchilla will taking here ity, billion demon “The Basin Author at $1.3 we in Chinch stration soon reverbe havePort well the leadershipthere so when next major to becoming facility in the energy valued at potential to illa. rate sland achieve and co-ordi it does first, here,” markets Queen world. the The commi need for energy hub, Australia’s already in place.” . The Over hassaid. nation is It he ofthree the2012. therets.” to a third, ssioning the stages regional coming isation of The Surat was a Energy “As and leaders s by up and weeks, bilted bywill projec media r $1.8 export Basin Linc y those to lish comple covera Farme an ongoin the GTL plant final- begin to more and more hip. p coal also expand up be News will drillingone’s quarterly Railwa ge develo “We will be

BY John realise that people Gladst generate progra,m ty tocan pubmonths and of next six g process for about noSurat has capaci boost its Chinch longerBasin at and lly. its shire bounda but will for the next tonnes ce but one weeks. editorial .au all confine the highthe potential to Linc Energy25 million 2012, thethroug h be illa teneme gs annuaaroundy enhan By ries,” he It will three drillearnin or d dinto to unite by based on suppor grow more frequesix quality diesel produce very @suratbasin.com its nts,greatl said. one merge r rigs with export t. will be the “We weave parallel include comple nt in The from workin to numbe need will cohesiocounci and jet lion lsregion and March long term Innsadditio coal Island tion in g the our with numer ts. il fromdeveloone become site. six n betwee and cabling to get n, the a low CO2at a low cost point fuel “Wiggi expans Counc ous piping the “The n the commu p same a weekly ambition is for it ability continual ial marke ed ion and runs. of Gladst four years, SuratalBasin Region publica to sland’s to 33 potent design tial of such footprint, the withQueen nities. improv Linc Energy site are Dalby seas UCG field to the Port the next billion of pubNews ement the is poten- the across infrastruc- But vein as the Chinchtion in the hasofbeen a compan link of ver al effecti and Peter Bond chief executi it offers The is $10 ongoin Mr year. webthat.” Mrthree ve pieces 15.

Surat Richardson ment illa News. ways g. tonnes a tage termin will become y and whatexportLinc Energy ve all.” more than would stand upofthe of Richaropen missioning said the start e invest three-s already uing million newsp said the is oneapers, obvious “The to 84 been of to dson said doing into the tohas contin- have we can add up to lic and privat to team with two milestone marked a significcom“We realisealone. like any companies to pour its new The more ty ture needed Surat powerplays coalimpres to cope of person business, likely and 20 sive capaci expected the companfor shareholders ant essenti commissioning nel withany extra of the mines an importthe Chinchilla region are the be launch Basin program push “More on than of coal t in a serious s with dto and each ally runs in y’s team. the acquisi News resour ces ed within ed in muniti “The GTL engine al A myriapopula a health 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 comare expect Western ers and believes sioning ofbeginning of commi GTL tion ing up to of Wiggins Dalby and won’t change coal gasifica Surat y. the e.

Downs and Basin. er Anna Bligh projec He believe exportted because Basin beassocia years. Ms s- sequenplant commi demonstra- provid tionwill liquids Australia’s first fits of aries profess tone the ssioned Premi “We at Linc next fives thecouncil“But with the ,” he said. three stages “Few plant and ce. better spent amalgacoal bound ionals. thebill. areas in to do“Glads Surat Basin world’s money we wanted when all forced il over in Austra g the new of — indeed to Linc experie yearEnergy the were first in aavery will be have a lot nt, the Counc ment’s that nce said lia are set ststo ferent tone. to strike a slightlNews tonnes gasification underground the Johnso Energy chairman such creatin short te.” but indust announceme ng has an influx over are comple timethe of her govern Bligh We wanted the intere ry, newbe in frame y difmatio ns nced last year. al past 18 something to diesel facilitycoal facility n said the demon Brian have Island the region with s,” would people andy. of major onthe e and Planniprocess month built aated stration annou region ructur is cation was a credit are going al events and more focus s we econom econom Associ proud of,” we can all be plate very development gation Infrast of good issues that to shape She said ic contem he said. would very involve of capabi to the dedi- springboard Australian you contemand base altoinvesti — the Moura eing their for genera from,” nment Department “These lity of to tions to the Surat Basin, here oppord.

“When govern ment capacity cils overse those said. steps we the enviroMr rail upgrade Bond ort coal come.” that are grab the counfor thosea more said. started “One ces can d “This transp at she million to have Linc infrathat resour A Brisba deman r $500 period Project — acoming impressed cannot al. to be for “Councilsthe private sector,h with plate the ct of having to delive a very and tion to the ne woman’s is goingCoal Termin by what but acting be ldoga gRail Island in enoug the prospe contrib Government’s council interLink-Aexcitin our team Linc Energy s for time struct ure needed to tunities lion coal success of a $110 uare strong in place the resources, Wiggin regional the team of the Bligh ry which conholdersthe seam gas and ritspart miland cils thatgrunt to put be necessary strong, large in the long termhere, of .” new strategies y been shareindust mining is ith drough recognised project has will “It is anothe for the coal p.

Basin Railwa enough that live Queensland support projects. the re that regionally t condiplan s develo people in the Surat key mining proy and of power my view infrastructu opportunitie strategic the going eststions of the worsen (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 y,” for Women l Resources opportunitiet someQueen Missing tradeconom ing Awards . that thoselikely “These and (Southern the Wandoan Coal d withou sland Gas lianimmin 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 and to accelerhas QRC’s seam gas Santos’ Roma said. will need ction of uninsp news is state econom theyConda t routes ate more succes its $170 Action Wome n“(This) with freigh 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 encourage jobs, ny plans QGC-owned Alma which stronger gas-fired the coal seam a longPort electri to .

Child Safetyby the Minist was of to work means more city genera deliver month land, 8km electricity She began she leads in gas Miles. women last National expansion and Women er for logical QRC’s “Just its implem project where her career Curren the resour east of 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 force project MIM crowd of Day breakfast ational rocks ation, and after membe nt. that year. a ing so and, She Continu number not produc had Snowy further threathave further per se three station is rs’ workable to commiin the compan director generation before a almost 500 to in South Cottee. looking of publica has the figure in non-tr and Siemens s y being and research papers aditionof coal houses Shalen at Richard because of a lack ing electri next employ West Africa people. t “Australia's constructed units and would is seventonnes al roles, in the to the power source of energy drought city topics. for her to $7 billion to the proposed disliked on oil andtions of water. er Crusad intensely, e per cent.

“With WRAP in 100 years inspired under an , but it worst had Tarong Power be LNG project $5 You've because of a lack Latrobe Valley vides a new ment gas selves er Oil, was Gladstone. to study also “Shalene southe 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 workforce of a lack (CSG) is an , coal seam aditional Constructionnities.” leader for way up to being eral vice tes, Shalene is the ts women Most signifi gas 12 percen underv tion roles modity workin to presid its $110 fedway alued comcantly, the . Not only t by 2020,’ to at least on the 135 is already under station will million Petroleum Explor ent of the ing a career g in, or contemother said. is it bined-cycle Mr Roche megawatt Australia in the industr platwaste water rely entirel power ation — www gas-fired comand in two Society of QRC chief execut This year’s .sura tbasi a clean tion, which y,” said recovered y on the power sta- the gas produc year’s time Roche. overall Award for ive Micha — www as n.com is part to Resources of be located would otherw tion proces — .sura tbasi Women el Goony The award on ella Rivers went to BMA n.com — n.com — ise be evapors which s are part .sura tbasi ated. of the engineer-major ide Mine senior cont’d on — www Gordon. projects page five Melanie

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Page 16

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editorial@suratbasin.com.au

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

in theNews page 4 page 6 page 7 page 8

Cameby coal: first train leaves mine

Mining: Stanmore Coal looks at Miles

Expo: big names get on board

QRC: facts and figures on website

BG Group created a wave of excitement within the Surat Basin late October announcing the approval of the first phase of its Queensland Curtis Liquefied Natural Gas project.

L A N FI

l a v o appr The final announcement decision was following receipt of Federal and State government environmental approvals.

The $15 billion development will see BG Group build the world's first LNG plant to be supplied by coal seam gas from the Surat Basin region.

The plant will be built on Curtis Island off Gladstone.

QCLNG will be operated by BG Group's Australian subsidiary QGC and will see the first phase consist of two LNG trains with a combined capacity of 8.5 million tonnes per annum.

Construction of the liquefaction plant and related wells, field facilities and pipelines is expected to take three years from 2011.

There will also be significant potential to expand QCLNG with the construction of a third LNG train.This train already has existing Federal and State government approval.

BG Group chief executive Frank Chapman said the company announced its first investment in Australia in early 2008.

"Today, less than three years later, we are announcing our decision to develop the world's first LNG plant to be supplied by coal seam gas and the foundation project at the centre of a major new Australian export industry," he said.

First LNG exports are planned to start from 2014, underpinned by agreements in Chile, China, Japan and Singapore for the purchase of up to 9.5mtpa of LNG. Total gross discovered coal seam gas reserves and resources presently amount to an estimated 17.3 trillion cubic feet.

Final notices to proceed will be issued to the main contractors appointed for the development of the first phase of QCLNG.

•

•

•

CONTRACTORS INCLUDE Engineering, procurement and construction of the liquefaction plant - BECHTEL OIL AND GAS Gas field facilities and infrastructure development WORLEYPARSONS Transmission pipeline network - MCJV (a joint venture between McConnell Dowell Constructions (Aust) and Consolidated Contractors Company).

Meanwhile, BG Group's decision to approve the first phase of QCLNG completes the final condition required for implementation of the group's agreements with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Separately the decision to sanction the project also satisfies one of the conditions precedent associated with the proposed agreement with Tokyo Gas also announced in March.

Under which Tokyo Gas will:

The agreement was signed in March and under the agreement CNOOC will:

-

-

-

-

-

-

buy 3.6 mtpa of LNG for a period of 20 years from the start-up of QCLNG buy five per cent of BG Group's interests in certain tenements in the Walloons Fairway of the Surat Basin jointly participate with BG Group in a consortium to build two LNG ships in China that would be owned by the consortium become a 10% equity investor in the first LNG train in the initial phase of the liquefaction plant.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

-

buy 1.2 mtpa of LNG for 20 years from 2015 buy 1.25% of BG Group's interests in certain tenements in the Walloons Fairway of the Surat Basin become a 2.5% equity investor in the second LNG train of the liquefication plant.

The $15 billion development will see BG Group build the world's first LNG plant to be supplied by coal seam gas from the Surat Basin region.

PAGE 3

in the news

First coal train It was a historical day for Syntech Resources last month, when the first coal train left its Cameby Downs mine.

The QR national train signals the start of a new coalmining era for the area, with two trains per day now leaving the mine.

Each train will be loaded with around 1900 tonnes of coal and taken to the Port of Brisbane via the Western Railway line.

Site manager Stuart Green said so far, so good.

"Everything has been excellent so far," he said.

The trains leaving Cameby are around 673 metres long and travel through Chinchilla at a controlled speed.

During Stage 1, the open cut mine is expected to produce 1.4 million tonnes of export thermal coal

each year.

Total production is expected to increase to 11.4 million tonnes per year during Stage 2 of the project.

An environmental impact study is underway for Stage 2.

Mr Green said with Stage 2 approval, a 35 to 40 year mine life was expected.

"Syntech's holdings and exploration in the area indicate 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."

For more information on Cameby Downs Mine see page 26.

SURAT BASIN RESIDENTS URGED TO

Have your say Surat Basin residents are being urged to have their say on the Draft Surat Basin Regional Planning Framework 2010.

The draft framework is a major part of the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement released by the State Government in March.

The statement sets out an effective framework to manage growth in one of Queensland's most productive, resourcerich regions.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the Surat Basin's prosperity is driven by a strong sense of community, environmental responsiveness and the long-term sustainable management of its natural resources.

"The framework will be an important tool for councils and proponents to use in the

review and preparation of existing and future statutory regional plans and planning policy, as well as assessing Environmental Impact Statements for major projects or planning scheme developments," he said.

of Government, industry and local residents to create strategies to successfully manage growth in these regions, to make sure we retain and improve living opportunities."

"We will support these communities to preserve the lifestyle local families and residents currently enjoy."

"While the emergence of the $40 billion LNG industry in the Surat Basin will deliver thousands of jobs and wealth for Queensland, it will also put increased pressure on the surrounding communities.

"That's why we are working with all levels

The State Government, through Growth Management Queensland, is leading the way with a focused approach to growth management to help shape tomorrow's Queensland.

Mr Hinchliffe said the Government has

learned from the experience in the Bowen Basin that rapid growth associated with resource industries can put pressure on communities.

"We will support these communities to preserve the lifestyle local families and residents currently enjoy."

The framework explores the values and challenges of the communities and other localities surrounding the Surat Basin and identifies a range of strategies to ensure stability in terms of population growth, service provision, employment, infrastructure, housing and community services.The Draft Surat Basin Regional Planning Framework is now available for public feedback. Submissions close tomorrow.

The document and information on how to make a submission, can be viewed at www.dip.qld.gov.au/regional-planning

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in the news

Ongoing investment in region QGC announced in Chinchilla last week, that the $15billlion investment to build its Queensland Curtis LNG project was simply a starter fund.

QGC Senior vice president Jim Knudsen said it would be a 20-year ongoing investment within the region, State and country.

"With the LNG trains operating and LNG being sold around the world; the economic boost will be around $32billion in the first decade," he said.

Mr Knudsen was speaking at a Surat Basin Corporation breakfast held at the Chinchilla Palms recently.

The breakfast gave QGC an opportunity to discuss project plans as well as ways to ensure the region remains sustainable during and after its LNG project.

Strategies discussed included identifying local suppliers, regional investment, managing the impact on local infrastructure during construction, water management, community consultation, social mitigation and investment and training opportunities.

"We want to leave a positive impact on the area for the long term by creating local opportunities and having a lot of

economic benefit staying in the region," Mr Knudsen said.

It is expected within four years, around 2000 wells will be located within QGC's Windibri and Kenya plants with a total of 6000 wells built during the next 20 years.

Infrastructure for the projects pipeline is expected to arrive within a "few" months, with each section of the 540km pipeline being railed to Miles and Dalby.

From there the pipeline will be transported by road to its destination.

"Miles will see an impact," he said.

"We are bringing in significant loads.

"We are managing construction impacts by conducting road condition surveys pre and post construction.

"We aim to maintain the road level where it is now or even better."

The export pipeline will be a 42" diameter steel pipeline starting near Wandoan. It will transport gas underground for about 340km to the north east of Gladstone.

From there the pipeline will take the

gas to Curtis Island through a 200km collection header pipe.

QGC plan to build seven temporary camps along the pipeline route to accommodate pipeline crews.

Mr Knudsen said once a section has been built, the demountable camps will be taken away and the area rehabilitated.

There will also be remote offices scattered throughout the region.

This includes areas such as Roma, Windibri, Kenya, Jordan, Rubyjo and Wandoan.

Construction of the pipeline is expected to take 12 to 18 months creating about 500 jobs.

A second reverse osmosis water treatment plant will also be built to cater for the northern areas.

SBC chairman Greg West said the business breakfast was a huge success.

He said it was a credit to QGC to actively seek opportunities to contribute and interact with regional communities.

QGC Senior vice president Jim Knudsen with Surat Basin Corporation chair Greg West.

"It's encouraging to hear major projects wanting to be part of the community," he said.

SBC also organised helicopters flights last week, to provide its members with a bird's eye view of the CSG gas industry within the Western Downs region.

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in the news

Prestigious award for local business Dalby's Diesel Electrics recently confirmed prime exhibitor space at the upcoming Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo.

Last month, the auto electric business won the prestigious Prime Minister's Small Business of The Year Award in Sydney.

The award winning business is a highly regarded commercial and heavy equipment service centre with a trade-qualified team of auto-electricians and diesel mechanics specialising in auto electrics and diesel fleet maintenance contracts.

It is the area's biggest auto electrical business, servicing Dalby, the Darling Downs and South West Queensland and is experiencing rapid growth within the Surat Basin.

Despite the growth, owners Anthony and Kellie Wenning, maintain a high level of commitment to training, thereby ensuring their staff is operating at world's best standards.

Their commitment to the Expo comes on the back of a rush of high level businesses now confirmed with most major corporate sponsorship already taken up with Easternwell as the leading sponsor of the event.

The announcement that Easternwell will be the Platinum sponsor was welcome news for organisers particularly as Easternwell is a homegrown

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, Senator the Hon Christopher Evans Anthony and Kellie Wenning at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney.

company that is now recognised as probably the largest drilling company of its kind in Australia.

Easternwell have two key divisions.The Minerals division, which is centered mostly in Western Australia, and the Energy division, which is, and has always been, based in Toowoomba.

The Energy division of Easternwell is set to enter a major and sustained growth

'Drilling with Environmental Integrity' will be the theme to next year's

Australian Petroleum Show The event, which will be held from August 23 to 25 at the Clive Berghofer Recreation grounds at USQ in Toowoomba, is expected to attract oil and gas drilling companies from around the world.

With 70 stallholders inside and 150 stalls outside, the show will highlight some of the latest drilling technology used in the oil and gas industry today.

Information will also be on hand regarding coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas projects within the Surat Basin region.

Conference manager Richard Krause said it was a great opportunity for companies as well as the general public to learn more.

"The focus is on answers regarding investments," he said.

"We'll answer what the projects are and what companies have to do to get involved."

Mr Krause said specialist equipment

would also be on display showcasing new and advanced technology used in the industry.

The event is also a great opportunity for networking and business building between exhibitors with an evening of entertainment being planned.

"This is a new industry and we need to take advantage of opportunities," Mr Krause said."Businesses get a great chance to network during the cocktail party or formal dinner.

"The focus is on businesses getting contacts and making money."

Mr Krause said sponsorship packages were still available; starting from $3000. For more information phone Mr Krause on 0438 153 392.

phase given the fact that key energy projects have received State Government approvals recently to get under way immediately right across the Surat Basin.

Event organiser Bob Carroll said participation of Easternwell at this level, would ensure that the event became one of the most significant Energy and Mining events in the country.

"We have dozens of world class companies already booked in to exhibit at the event and some of those have been confirmed as Gold and Silver sponsors including TAFE, Hutchinson Builders and the On Site Rental Group with more to come on line in the coming weeks," he said.

"There is incredible opportunity here and this activity will bring enormous prosperity to Toowoomba and the whole region".

The Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo will be held at the Toowoomba Showgrounds on June 22 and 23 next year.

QGC NEW DRAFT CODE QGC is seeking the public’s view on a new draft code of conduct for the coal seam gas company’s operations on rural residential land in the Surat Basin.

The company’s updated Code of Conduct for Operations on Rural and Residential Land was prepared after landholder feedback and following the State Government’s recent review of land access laws.

The new laws, which became effective for the petroleum and gas sectors in October, are aimed at managing growth in resources exploration and development in Queensland, including coal seam gas.

QGC’s new draft code of conduct is designed to ensure the company operates in a socially and environmentally acceptable manner on rural residential land.

Key measures in the draft code include: • Consultation provisions for landholders and their neighbours where wells are planned not sitting wells on properties of less than 15 hectares without the agreement of the landholder.A range of measures to minimise disturbance to landholders and neighbours • Compensation for land access is provided through individual agreements.

• QGC is seeking the community’s views on

the draft code, in particular whether the document establishes acceptable working arrangements for rural residential land holders.

• Feedback will also help identify any additional changes needed to enhance cooperation between landholders and QGC. QGC is circulating the new draft code of conduct to landholders and other stakeholders in rural residential areas within its Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) Project.

The code is also available on QGC’s website at www.qgc.com.au Interested parties have until February, 15 to comment.

The code will then be revised and submitted to the State Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) for final approval.

The new code will be publicly released when made final.

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in the news COAL MINE NEAR MILES Western Downs Regional Council and Stanmore Coal are in preliminary discussions in relation to building a five million tonne a year open-cut mine near Miles.

WDRC mayor Ray Brown said the mine would need to pass rigorous environmental controls before going ahead.

He said it was crucial that Stanmore Coal was made to conduct an Environmental Impact Study before developing the mine.

briefs LNG RESPONSE UNIT A package of measures to boost landowners' rights and respond quickly to any concerns relating to the LNG industry was announced last month.

The new LNG enforcement unit will act as a one-stop-shop to respond to safety, land access and environmental concerns.

The 36-member team would include environmental and groundwater experts, petroleum and gas safety specialists and staff specialising in land access issues.

Queensland premier Anna Bligh said the LNG enforcement unit would have its team based in local communities to respond quickly to any concerns.

It is expected to be operational by early next year.

C H U R C H U R G E S L A N D P R OT E C T I O N Darling Downs church leaders have urged the State Government to maintain a strong level of protection for prime agricultural land as laid out in the strategic cropping land policy framework.

Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Bishop William Morris said the framework rightly highlights that the State's best cropping land is a finite resource that must be conserved and managed for the long term.

"In our submission to the original discussion paper, we highlighted the importance of the human community in any discussions over

competing interests in Queensland land," he said.

"We continue to do this and have an ongoing interest in the welfare of those who live on lower incomes and need affordable housing and basic support services."

Bishop Morris said calls to reduce the amount of cropping land identified in the trigger maps should be looked at with a long-term view, keeping the common good in mind.

"We recognise the global need for energy and the benefits that it might bring to our local economy, but it cannot be at the long term cost of food producing land.

"Food and water is one of the basic necessities of life and any development can only be approved if this need is not compromised."

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in the news

Community forum to address local concerns

BY Graham Osborne editorial @suratbasin.com.au

Acting Queensland opposition leader Lawrence Springborg and local MP Howard Hobbs held a community forum in Miles on Monday to address local concerns with the mining industry.

More than 100 people attended voicing various concerns about coal seam gas mining and coal mining in the region.

Mr Springborg began the forum by laying out the LNP's position and policies regarding the mining industry.

"What we are trying to do is to work within an environment where we are making sure there are appropriate regulations and oversights that landholder issues are being properly understood and properly protected by the

governments regulatory environment," he said.

Mr Springborg said there would be landowners who had rather harmonious and satisfactory engagements with the CSG companies and many who had not.

Mr Springborg also touched on issues relating

"It should be 500 metres unless there is absolute consent by the home owner about having it closer."

Wandoan land owner Dale Stiller raised concerns related to downgrading of land, while Phillip Hughes brought up issues relating to compensation and access to land.

Member of Warrego Howard Hobbs said it was important that people were able to come together to talk about these issues. to prime freehold land and utility corridors used by mining companies.

"Our preference is for CSG companies to use existing State road and State land corridors including easement areas," he said.

"The primacy of freehold land and individual property rights is something that leads to people having confidence."

Forum members also had major concerns about separation distances between coal seam gas infrastructure and housing.

"I don't believe 200 metres is an appropriate separation distance," Mr Springborg said.

While a number of people at the forum called for Mr Springborg to lobby for a moratorium on gas mining until adequate environmental impact studies are completed.

"I'm not a big fan of moratoriums full stop," he said.

"I didn't like the moratorium the government put on tree clearing; it adds more uncertainty and doesn't address the issue in the long run."

Mr Springborg said at the end of the day the CSG industry has a strong place in the QLD economy but not at the expense of landholders' basic rights.

Queenslandeconomy.com.au Queenslandeconomy.com.au is a new website that went live last month to provide information and data on resource company expenditure.

The website was launched by Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche in Brisbane.

"The beauty of the website is that if you want to know exactly what was spent in your Local Government area by resources companies in 2009-10,The total spend is there, along with an independent measure of subsequent economic activity generated in that community,” he said.

"All you need is a postcode or town name to get instant results."

Mr Roche said the database powering the website was the most sophisticated and accurate compiled by any Australian industry.

"In an Australian first, actual spending by QRC member companies was aggregated by postcode and then translated into a full economic picture - including the flow-on benefits of income and job generation - across all Queensland Local Government areas.

"While a large share of the annual spend on goods and services and wages and salaries occurs in resource communities, it's revealing to learn how far and wide the economic benefits spread.

"For example, 423 or 96 per cent of Queensland's 441 geographic postcodes received at least one dollar in goods and services expenditure in 2009-10."

Other facts online include: $707 a second is the amount the Queensland minerals and energy resources sector spends on goods and services from Queensland businesses; wages and salaries paid to its Queensland employees, and voluntary community contributions to Queensland communities.

"We often hear that the resources sector is the backbone of our economy, and it is equally apparent now that all Queenslanders have a stake in a healthy and prosperous resources sector. "The groundbreaking research and analysis was undertaken for the Queensland Resources Council by Australian public policy think tank, the Eidos Institute and Central Queensland University (CQU) Research.”

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Call for formation of G A S F I E L D S L A N D a n d WAT E R A U T H O R I T Y The LNP State Council has offered its support regarding the call for the immediate formation of a Gasfields Land and Water Authority.

The authority would play a key role in ensuring the land and water issues involved in coal seam gas extraction were properly addressed.

Earlier this month, Shadow ministers Jeff Seeney and Ray Hopper called for the urgent formation of the new statutory authority.

Mr Seeney said the new authority should be appointed by Parliament and includes leaders from local landholder groups and Local Governments.

This is to ensure landholders and communities across the gasfields could have confidence in the administration of the new regulations that have been introduced.

"The Gasfields Land and Water Authority should be a statutory authority with powers enshrined in legislation and a structure that ensures its independence

from government and it should be empowered to make recommendations directly to the Parliament," he said.

"Legislation currently before Parliament identifies the need for such independent oversight.

"Monitoring the impacts of CSG extraction will be critically important as the industry rapidly expands and the oversight of that monitoring needs to be done by an independent authority with the necessary powers to take action quickly if it identifies the need."

Shadow Primary Industries and Fisheries minister and member for Condamine Ray Hopper said there were many local people who had already proven they had extensive local knowledge about the range of issues involved.

"These local people and community leaders know the area better than anyone else," he said.

"They know the issues involved and they should be involved in overseeing the rapid expansion of this industry."

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"We are making sure that the regulations and environmental protections and sustainability are right and that is where the LNP is coming from," he said.

Meanwhile Member of Warrego Howard Hobbs said it was important that people were able to come together to talk about these issues.

"All we can do is help steer the government to put in place the right mechanisms," he said.

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PAGE 9

opinions LNP philosophy outlined

Economic impact website Region a hive of activity

Howard Hobbs, MP

Michael Roche, QRC

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

Bruce Scott, Federal Member Maranoa

Ray Brown, Mayor

Safeguard in LNG enforcement unit Recently I released an updated blueprint for the LNG industry and it contains important new information for residents of the Surat Basin and surrounding region.

COMMENT Anna Bligh Premier of Queensland

Editorial Tis the season to be jolly and the resource sector certainly has plenty to be merry about this Christmas.

It has been an action packed eight weeks since the October edition was released with one Final Decision announcement, one Federal Government approval decision and three State Government environmental approvals to add to Santa’s stocking.

BG Group has certainly taken the charge moving forward with its $15billion Queensland Curtis LNG project.

The impact of this decision for the Surat Basin is enormous.

With QGC’s coal seam gas supplying the LNG plant, the region is about to witness major change.

Plans to build the pipeline have already started with seven demountable camps to be developed along the pipeline route.

It is an exciting time to watch as well as report on how the project unfolds and what difference the QCLNG project has on our area.

Also only to remember, this is just one of three major CSG/LNG projects in the Surat Basin with Santos’ GLNG and Origin’s APLNG projects all moving forward.

Xstrata Coal’s Wandoan Coal project also cannot be forgotten, along with the first coal train leaving Cameby Downs Mine last month.

Then we still have the smaller players, all busy formulating or seeking approval for their Environmental Impact Studies.

It truly is the start of a new era for the Surat Basin.

While the region has seen gradual growth and some movement, it can only be anticipated that changes will now be more visual, with new infrastructure being built, increased road and rail usage and an increase of workers in the Surat Basin.

The townships of Chinchilla and Miles, along with Wandoan are already feeling some of the preliminary effects associated with, what has now become a fast-paced industry.

Residential and commercial estates are being developed to cater for growth, new business houses and CSG company offices have been opened.

More and more ‘high vis’ shirts are flapping on the clothes lines.

Schools, sporting groups, developers, real estate agents, not-for-profit organisations and local businesses, just to name a few, are all feeling the flow-on effects associated with the growth of this industry.

It was encouraging to hear that sustainability is also import to the major companies, with BG Group’s QGC, recently highlighting its sustainable growth strategy at a business breakfast organised by Surat Basin Corporation and the Chinchilla, Community Commerce and Industry.

There is a wealth of investment heading our way - let the benefits begin!

My government is determined to capture the enormous economic benefit to Queensland from LNG while at the same time safeguarding the environment and the agricultural sector.

In addition, my government will fund a new $3.5 million training program, to be delivered by Agforce, to help landholders negotiate with coal seam gas companies.

This will ensure that landholders are fully aware of their rights.

We want landholders to have the knowledge and information they need to negotiate the best agreement possible with CSG companies.

Landholders and CSG companies will be working together for years to come, so it is important that the relationship is based on a firm foundation.

Agforce will hold FarmShed workshops, as part of its AgForward training program, to inform landholders.

The training will provide them with the

million contract and says its workforce will swell from 400 to more than 500 in the next six months.

More local jobs will flow from a CSG company's decision to build a $350 million water treatment plant near Chinchilla.

In keeping with this commitment we are setting up an LNG enforcement unit.

This unit will act as a one-stop shop for any safety, land access or environmental concerns.

It will consist of 36 staff and offer a mobile, region-wide service.

Staff will be located in Roma, Dalby and Toowoomba and will include environmental experts, petroleum and gas safety specialists and land access staff.

knowledge they need to successfully negotiate Conduct and Compensation Agreements with CSG companies before any advanced exploration or gas production goes ahead.

A year ago there was still doubt about whether there would be an LNG industry in Queensland ... now it is up and running.

Already new local jobs are being created. Dalby-based construction company Ostwald Bros has won a $60

We are focussed on managing this industry well, with the right safeguards in place, so the region can prosper from this once-in-ageneration opportunity.

The updated LNG blueprint can be found at http://www.industry.qld.gov.au/key -industries/810.htm

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PAGE 10

Future must remain strong

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

opinions

It’s time to get serious COMMENT

Bruce Scott says

Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa

With gas projects being given the green light across the Surat Basin energy province, it is time to get serious about ensuring our communities and agricultural industries remain strong into the future.

For centuries, the communities throughout the Surat Basin have relied on the region’s agricultural industries to provide strong and stable futures for their families.The resources development offers new wealth and prosperity for the region, but we need to make sure it does not come at the expense of the environment and our food producing agricultural land.

I believe we can learn a number of lessons from the experience of the Moonie oil field.

When oil was first struck in 1961, it prompted a “gold rush” to the area, creating Australia’s first commercial oil field.The pipeline from Moonie to Brisbane was closed in 2007, but the residual salt from oil extraction, a result of little experience and knowledge, continues to plague the oil field site.The oil has now gone from the region, the miners have packed up and moved away, but it is the farmers who must continue

After all, it will be the agricultural land producing our food and fibre that will be needed long after the non-renewable resources are exhausted from our region. producing our nation’s food and fibre on this scarred land.We cannot let this happen again in the Surat Basin, although it seems that history could already be repeating itself.

The State and Federal governments and resources companies need to be responsive to the concerns that our communities are raising about the longterm effects the industry may have on the environment. In particular the impact the gas industry could have on the Great Artesian Basin, one of our great natural wonders. Documents tabled in the Senate from the Department of Sustainability, Environment,Water and Communities’ Water Group warn that the industry could damage water supplies and cause land subsidence. Most concerning are reports that it could take up to 1000 years for certain parts of the Great Artesian Basin aquifiers to return to their pre-CSG conditions.

The farmers of the Surat Basin learnt long ago that extracting large volumes of underground water had serious impacts

on water levels in the Great Artesian Basin’s aquifiers. Artesian water that came to the surface under natural pressure was allowed to flow uncontrolled into open drains and creeks for distribution to stock. Many of these free-flowing bores were unregulated or abandoned, resulting in serious underground water loss across the Basin.

The farmers and the government learnt from their mistakes, capping the bores in a bid to sustain and restore the Basin’s water resources.The same rule, however, does not seem to be applied to the CSG industry.

Labor government is not prepared to protect the lifeblood of our towns from the same problems the farmers encountered.

We need to be absolutely certain that the wealth coming from the gas industry will not be at the expense of the Great Artesian Basin.The Water Group within the Federal department has called for an independent expert study on the impact of mining operations on the connectivity

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of groundwater systems, surface water and groundwater flows and water quality.

I support this study, which the Water Group believes would identify issues and make recommendations in regards to what government decision makers must take into account before licences are granted to allow CSG developments to commence.

There is great wealth to be uncovered and many opportunities ahead for our region with this resources growth. I welcome these benefits from the industry, but we have to ensure, as does the industry and the government, that they are doing the right thing by the environment and ensuring the longevity of the communities this development will affect. We need to listen to our communities, work with the industry and learn from the past.

After all, it will be the agricultural land producing our food and fibre that will be needed long after the nonrenewable resources are exhausted from our region.

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PAGE 11

opinions

New website launched COMMENT Michael Roche Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council

I was delighted and proud on behalf of the Queensland Resources Council's more than 90 full member companies to officially launch www.queenslandeconomy.com.au at the QRC's 2010 lunch in front of the Premier and a record 950 guests.

Using actual 2009-10 expenditure data supplied by our members by postcode, the website collates the 'spend' on local wages and salaries, goods and services and voluntary contributions to Queensland communities.

This data has been translated into Statewide and Local Government area

IN MARANOA LGA, A $57.2 MILLION I N T O TA L V A L U E A D D C R E AT E D 2 5 9 ADDITIONAL INDIRECT FULL-TIME E Q U I VA L E N T J O B S .

contexts with 'flow-on' economic impacts measured by independent researchers the Eidos Institute and Central Queensland University Research.

The single message for all Queenslanders is that everyone has a stake in the continuing health and prosperity of their resources sector.

In the Surat, the data shows that in the Western Downs Local Government Area, resources sector companies contributed at least $259.9 million in economic stimulus in 2009-10.

The website breakdown reveals $82.5 million in income to approximately 633 residing employees and contractors and $176.8 million in local goods and services expenditure and other community contributions.

In Maranoa, the stimulus totalled $148.1 million with $36.7 million paid to approximately 282 residing employees and contractors and $111.5 million spent on local goods and services and voluntary community contributions.

Economic analysis of the stimulus reports that in Western Downs LGA, resulting additional activity in the region accounted for a total value-add of $118.9 million, which in turn created 1192 additional indirect full-time equivalent jobs.

In Maranoa LGA, a $57.2 million in total value-add created 259 additional indirect full-time equivalent jobs.

The research concludes that directly and indirectly the resources sector generated 3500 jobs or 21.6 per cent of the entire workforce in Western Downs LGA, with every direct resources sector job creating another 4.5 indirect jobs.

In Maranoa, the resources sector generated 942 jobs or 11.5 per cent of the entire workforce directly and indirectly. For every direct resources sector job created in Maranoa

LGA, another 2.3 indirect jobs are created.

The great value of www.queenslandeconomy.com.au is its ability to localise economic contributions with the viewer's input of a postcode number or town name.

The Queensland resources sector spent around $700 a second in 2009-10 to generate total statewide spending of $22.3 billion in 2009-10.

Importantly, expenditures reached 96 per cent of Queensland's 441 geographic postcodes.

The website also introduces you to some of the people who know what the resources sector means to them - from miners and contractors to local business owners such as Robert Arnold of Roma Diesel Services.

While Robert describes his business as small compared with the oil and gas industry, he employs 68 staff, with annual wages of $3 million paid in Roma.

Another important issue covered off on the website is the myth that Queensland is being overrun by resources projects.

Our company-by-company analysis shows that in total, a tiny 0.09 per cent of the state's land mass is actually disturbed by minerals and energy resources operations in Queensland.

To put that figure into a recent context - 0.09 percent is the equivalent of 22 and a half seats at a packed Brisbane Cricket Ground.

State Government data tells us that over 86 percent of the State's land mass is available for grazing, 4.5 percent is contained in nature reserves and 2.1 percent is used for cropping. Importantly for the Surat, the website also contains what royalties are currently being generated by region for the state government, where current operations are located and where a planned $100 billion dollars worth of new investment will occur.

Factoring in current commodity prices and

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In the Surat, the data shows that in the Western Downs Local Government Area, resources sector companies contributed at least $259.9 million in economic stimulus in 2009-10. production volumes from planned resources projects, by 2020-21 annual royalties could nearly double to $6.1 billion or $1139 for every Queenslander.

I heartily recommend a visit to www.queenslandeconomy.com.au for anyone interested in getting a comprehensive view of the resources sector as it is and where it's heading.

Michael Roche says

It's universally accepted that Queensland's primary industries are the 'engine room' of the economy and through a new website, detailed insights into the contributions of the state's resources sector are now readily available.

In closing, to all Surat Basin News readers, may I - on behalf of the one in every eight Queenslanders whose job is linked directly or indirectly to the resources sector - thank you for your continuing support for this publication and wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2011.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

opinions

LNP make stance clear Howard Hobbs says

As the year draws to a close there is no doubt we have had a good wet season, however this has proved difficult for some farmers.

Recently there has been a reshuffle of the Shadow Ministerial portfolio responsibilities and I have Rural and Regional Queensland responsibility added to my existing portfolio of Local Government. The ATSI Partnerships portfolio has been transferred to Mr Andrew Cripps. Full details of the portfolio responsibilities are available from my office or at www.jplangbroek.com/meet-jp/team-jp/. Importantly Lawrence Springborg has now become the Shadow Minister for State Development, Major Projects, Infrastructure, Planning and Trade. As the CSG and LNG projects are classified as “Projects of State Significance” they now fall under Mr Springborg’s portfolio responsibilities.

Hence Mr Springborg, Ray Hopper and myself attended meetings on December 6 in Dalby and Miles to enable Mr Springborg to meet with stakeholders and hear directly their concerns with the CSG Industry.

At this meeting we outlined the LNP philosophy and policy on the CSG and LNG projects and I would like to take the opportunity to again advise you of the LNP stance in the following points.

The LNP recognises the importance of a good legislative framework that provides for a suitable co existence arrangement for both landholders and the CSG Industry.

The LNP believes that there is to be no mining on prime

agricultural land. No coal seam gas development on prime agricultural land if it will have adverse impacts and is incompatible with the usage of the area.

With the Condamine Alluvium there is to be no further extraction unless the CSG Industry proponents can prove unequivocally that there will be no adverse impact on the land or water and this will be balanced against a proper assessment process.

In all other areas of the Great Artesian Basin CSG development COMMENT must demonstrate that it has no adverse impact on the GAB. Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego The State Government is also a Shadow Minister for Local Government stakeholder and existing roadways, and ATSI easements and State owned land Partnerships should be used for infrastructure as opposed to the present situation where freehold land is bearing much of this burden.

A Gasfield Land and Water Authority to be established comprising of community leaders and representatives who monitor, assess, and report on issues of concern to the responsible Minister and Parliament.

Reinjection of CSG water and recharge into suitable aquifers to be undertaken.

Encourage directional drilling and multiple CSG wells on one pad to reduce the number of roads and pipeline impact

on the landscape.

The Gasfield Land and Water Authority is to be appropriately resourced to monitor all fraccing activities.

Regionally based compliance staff to ensure enforcement of any issues that may arise.

More appropriate separation distances between CSG commercial wells and residential/commercial dwellings.

A fairer share of revenue flowing back to the regions where the development is occurring and a continuing process of community engagement.

I reiterated to the meetings that the GAB and underground water is our Great Barrier Reef – if anyone wishes to drill our underground water supplies it is akin to allowing drilling for the oil under the Great Barrier Reef. The GAB is our Barrier Reef and we want to protect it.

On a lighter note I would like to wish all the Surat Basin readers at safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Western Downs the new economic powerhouse of Queensland

The

Ray Brown says

The Western Downs Regional Council area continues to power ahead as the energy hub of the State with the Federal Government’s recent approval of mammoth British Gas and Santos gas-toliquefied natural gas projects and the rapidly developing coal seam gas, solar power and renewable energy industries.

Western Downs has become a significant energy producing region and this hive of activity has attracted increased investment in a series of emerging energy ventures encompassing these industries, which highlights the tremendous economic potential of the region.

At present,Western Downs Regional Council is waiting with anticipation on the impending outcome of the Federal Government’s approval of environmental impact statements for Origin’s LNG project and also Xstrata’s coal project at Wandoan.These will be significant outcomes for the region as both companies have had hefty regulations imposed upon them by the State and Federal governments.

Where our rural sector is concerned, land access issues continue to be a major bone of contention for landholders. I’m very disappointed with recent land access forums held in the region because they simply failed to address landholders’ issues.Two issues of most concern to the majority of landholders are pipelines and compensation.These actually

need to be addressed for the energy industry to move forward as landholders have legitimate concerns over adequate compensation and disturbance of their land.

These can be somewhat addressed through land access policy, but there’s still a lot more work needed to be done in this area. I have been assured by the State Government that these issues will be rectified and the appropriate information will be made available in due course.

Renewable energy is a fast emerging industry in the energy sector within our region.The affects of new players to our region have seen some alarmed landholders in the Coopers Gap area rally to vent their concerns at a recent meeting about a proposed windfarm.The key issues discussed at this meeting were noise, potential risks to their health and devaluation of their properties.This has now been taken out of the Local Government’s hands and will be regulated and approved through State Government agencies with submissions being sought.

Another important development in the region’s energy sector is that the closure for submissions for the Federal Government’s Solar Flagship Programs occurred on December 15 and the outcome will be announced in February next year.The good news is that the Western Downs is very well positioned for these projects as two out of the three proposals are within the region.

This will be a significant coup considering the amount of energy our region now generates.

However, what still remains of particular concern to me, is the commitment by State and Federal governments towards infrastructure in our region particularly our towns, but of major significance is the Warrego Highway. Once more Council is preparing a submission to go to Canberra highlighting Western Downs Regional Council’s major issues about the condition and safety of this major highway. Structured agreements between companies of the resource sector and Western Downs Regional Council are being developed at present with a specific focus on the contribution by energy companies to road infrastructure in our region where their impact is.

As well housing affordability and infrastructure will obviously have a bearing on the final approval of the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement, which will be released in February.

This will obviously dictate settlement patterns, transport infrastructure, housing, social impact, regional workforce and employment development.

A key factor set to play a significant part in securing the future of our local communities and agricultural and energy sectors, will be the guidelines set out by the Federal Government in regards to the Murray Darling Basin Plan.The proposed cutbacks will no doubt have a social impact across the region, also impact in our agricultural sector, and it will cast more importance on the conservation of water across the whole region including underground water aquifers.

In a major milestone for our region Origin’s new Darling Downs Power Station at Braemar, which was recently opened by Premier Bligh, alone is

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

COMMENT Cr Ray Brown Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

earmarked to light up around 400,000 homes.This new venture highlights the importance of the energy sector to the Western Downs region and the State’s economy, particularly as this small area of the region is on the brink of being transformed into a major precinct generating over 1700 megawatts of electricity for the entire With the extent of burgeoning energy ventures taking place in our backyard, the Western Downs region is firming as the new economic powerhouse of Queensland.

PAGE 13

down tobusiness page15 page16 page19 page20

QGC: new water treatment facility

Origin: APLNG moves forward

Xstrata Coal: Wandoan project approved

Power: DDPS officially opened

The Queensland Curtis LNG Project

What is it?

Q G C , T H E W H O L LY OW N E D AU S T R A L I A N S U B S I D I A RY O F B G G RO U P, I S D E V E L O P I N G C OA L S E A M G A S I N T H E S U R AT B A S I N F O R D O M E S T I C A N D E X P O RT M A R K E T S T H RO U G H I T S Q U E E N S L A N D C U RT I S L N G P RO J E C T.

The project will also address climate change by allowing natural gas, which has the lowest carbon emission of all fossil fuels, to be transported economically around the world.

Project plans include • •

•

al seam gas C's existing co Expanding QG the Surat Basin. production in ral gas m buried natu Building a 540k s fields to k linking the ga pipeline networ Gladstone. ion plant ral gas liquefact Building a natu where ne near Gladsto for on Curtis Island G LN converted to the gas will be export.

Benefits includ e

First stage includes • •

•

Building two processing units known as LNG trains at the Curtis Island plant the trains will produce a combined 8.5 million tonnes of LNG a year.The site can accommodate the expansion of 12 million tonnes of LNG a year, subject to demand.

Construction is due to start this year, with first LNG delivery expected 2014.

"The proposed LNG plant will occupy less than 1 per cent of Curtis Island and will be separated from public areas by an environmental protection zone."

•

•

• •

40% lower carb on dioxide em issions than coal for th e same amount of an increase in the Darling Dow energy ns region's gross regional produc t of about $14.1billion More than 5000 jobs during construction 700 permanen t positions during operatio n Potential new supplies of wat er, a byproduct of coal seam gas prod uction New gas extrac tion and transp ortation infrastructure, offering greate r opportunities for gas produc ers and increased choi ce for consum ers.

"QCLNG is one of Australia's largest capital infrastructure projects. It is expect to generate a $32 billion increase in value-added activity for Queensland in the decade to 2021."

PAGE 14

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

down to business Water treatment plant at QGC Kenya gas-processing site part of a

$15 billion investment QGC will build a water treatment plant at its Kenya gas-processing site near Chinchilla as part of its $15 billion investment towards BG Group's Queensland Curtis LNG project.

The facilities will include a 33-megawatt gas-fired power plant to run the reserve osmosis process, ponds and a 20km pipeline related to the water treatment facilities.

used to supplement existing town supply.

QGC managing director Catherine Tanna said the water would be produced as a by-product of extracting natural gas from coal seams.

"This is water that is salty and would otherwise not be used," she said.

"Our investment will make it possible to put this water to good use by treating it through leading-

"Our investment will make it possible to put this water to good use by treating it through leading-edge technology for use in agriculture and industry and it may supplement existing town supplies."

The initial phase will involve plant construction, which will have capacity of 72 megalitres a day.

Eventual production capacity is expected to be up to 100 megalitres a day, which is equivalent to the current daily water use of about 20 average-size farms on the Darling Downs.

The plant will treat water from the Walloon coal seams not usually used by local communities and will be a new water source that can be used as a substitute for water from the shallower, distressed aquifers used for agriculture.

The water will be available to supply farmers along the pipeline route, to farmers and industry within the boundaries of the existing Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme and it may also be

edge technology for use in agriculture and industry and it may supplement existing town supplies."

Through the GE-Laing O'Rourke consortium, Lang O'Rourke will build the plant and GE will provide technical expertise and process equipment including advanced ultra-filtration, ion exchange, reverse osmosis and bring concentration technology - as well as services when the plant is operating.

SunWater will build the 20km underground pipeline from the water treatment plant to the Chinchilla Weir.

The plant is expected to be operating from October next year.

ild the 20km u b l il w r te a SunW pipeline from d n u o r g r e d un t plant to n e tm a e tr r the wate la Weir. the Chinchil

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PAGE 15

down to business

l a v o r p p a l a t n e Environm t c e j o r p G N L P gr anted for A November was an exciting month for the Australia Pacific LNG project, with the State Government handing down environmental approval for the project.

The APLNG project is a 50:50 CSG to LNG joint venture between Origin Energy and ConocoPhillips.

The approval, which is subject to the strict conditions outlined in the Co-ordinators Generals reports, has been granted for: • the development of the gas field occurring progressively over a 30-year period. • a 450km transmission pipeline • and an LNG facility on Curtis Island (near Gladstone) Compliance with the Co-ordinators General's conditions will be independently audited, with APLNG also required to provide an annual environmental report.

The Co-ordinators General's report recognises the comprehensive nature of the APLNG EIS, which included an assessment of the cumulative impacts of all existing projects proposed for the region.

This includes other CSG to LNG projects and an undertaking to develop and implement a comprehensive biodiversity protection strategy.

To support the EIS consultation process, APLNG met with more than 6000 stakeholders including landowners and nongovernment organisations during an 18-month period.

Thirty-six formal submissions were received from government agencies and the public - all of which were considered as part of the Co-ordinator General's approval.

APLNG project director Page Maxon said gaining approval was a significant milestone.

"The stringent conditions contained in the Co-ordinators General's report, including detailed on-going monitoring and reporting requirements, should give the community confidence that the project will meet the high standards required during construction and operation," he said.

"The Australian Pacific LNG project will deliver a range of significant opportunities and benefits for many local communities and we look forward to continued, positive engagement and being an integral part of these communities for decades to come."

The Queensland Co-ordinator General's report has now being provided to the Federal Government for consideration under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).

Federal approval is a further step in gaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the project to proceed.

Compliance with the Co-ordinators General's conditions will be independently audited, with APLNG also required to provide an annual environmental report.

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APLNG is already producing almost 40 per cent of Australia's total CSG production to meet domestic market requirements.

APLNG holds the largest CSG reserves in Australia.

APLNG project stretches from the Surat and Bowen basins along a 450km pipeline.

The pipeline will finish at a site at Laird Point on Curtis Island off Gladstone.

Origin is Australia's largest integrated energy company

ConocoPhillips is a leader in the development of LNG projects internationally.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

down to business

APLNG project will create jobs QUEENSLAND PREMIER ANNA BLIGH WELCOMED C O - O R D I N AT O R GENERAL GRAEME N E W TO N ' S CONDITIONAL A P P RO VA L O F T H E A P L N G P RO J E C T LAST MONTH.

APLNG is a 50:50 joint venture between Origin Energy and ConcoPhillips.

Ms Bligh said the project could create up to $35 billion of investment if fully implemented.

"The project has a life of 30 years and is expected to create up to 5000 construction jobs at is peak and 1000 ongoing operational jobs," she said.

"The momentum of our new liquefied natural gas industry is growing and this is the latest announcement that promises thousands of jobs for our State."

Infrastructure and Planning minister

Sterling Hinchliffe said Origin would be responsible for construction and management of the CSG resource and related facilities.

"ConocoPhillips will oversee construction and management of the LNG plant and export facilities on behalf of APLNG," he said.

Mr Hinchliffe said the Co-ordinator General's report also contained a comprehensive set of conditions for the project to meet before it could proceed.

"The conditions set very clear policies recently introduced.

"The proponent must prepare a CSG water management plan and a groundwater monitoring and mitigation strategy before it gets its final environmental approvals to ensure that CSG water is effectively managed and the Great Artesian Basin groundwater resource is protected."

For more information on the project visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects/energy/gas/aust ralia-pacific-lng-project.html

APLNG will be required to provide for additional housing stock for 50 per cent of its Gladstone operational workforce (estimated to be 50) and 75% of its Western Downs operational workforce (estimated to be 266).The plan for location and provision of this housing must be submitted to the Co-ordinator General within 30 days of APLNG's final investment decision.

Other conditions include: Transport logistics plans to be drafted to ensure councils are not burdened with infrastructure costs arising from the project.

Workers to be housed in temporary quarters on Curtis Island, which are required to be removed when construction ends.

A draft Social Impact Management Plan to be finalised following extensive consultation with stakeholders.

An Integrated Housing and Accommodation Strategy to be developed to help mitigate and address effects on the local housing market.

The establishment of Regional Community Consultative Committees in Gladstone, Banana,Western Downs and Maranoa areas.

Pipes to connect the gas wells and transmit the gas to Gladstone will be located underground and located within infrastructure corridors as far as possible.

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PAGE 17

down to business

green

Xstrata Coal's Wandoan Coal project was given the green light by State Government last month in accordance with conditions in the Co-ordinator General's report.

light for Xstrata

CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED T O TA K E B E T W E E N T W O T O T H R E E Y E A R S W I T H T H E S TA R T D E T E R M I N E D O N C E T H E P R O J E C T R E C E I V E S I T S N E C E S S A RY A P P R O VA L S .

The project is a proposed 30 million tonnes per annum (run-of-mine) open-cut thermal coal mine.

The environmental approval follows the Co-ordinator General's review of the projects environmental impact statement which was released in December 2008 and supplementary environmental impact statement, released in November last year.

The State Government approval now enables the Federal Government approval process to be finalised and proceed with the final stage of the mining lease application.

Wandoan Coal project executive general manager Stephen Bridger said Xstrata Coal acknowledged the conditions contained in the Coordinator General's report.

"Many of the conditions in the report are measures proposed by Xstrata Coal to mitigate the potential impacts of the project and further Xstrata Coal's ongoing commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability within the Wandoan region," he said.

The proposed Mining Lease Application covers an area about 32,000 hectares.

The mine would include an open-cut coal mine, coal handling and preparation plant and support facilities.

The thermal coal produced would be crushed, sized and washed before being transported by rail to port facilities in Queensland.

The proposed project has the potential for new employment, infrastructure improvements, Government royalties and the flow on effects to businesses in the Wandoan,Taroom and Miles areas.

Questions remain - strategic cropping inator General has rd -o o C s d' an sl en While Que l for Xstrata Coal's va o pr ap l ta en nm ro granted envi ding , questions surroun ct je o pr al o C an do Wan nd still remain. strategic cropping la In August, the State Government released a new policy framework for strategic cropping land.

Within the document is a trigger map, which details parts of the State where strategic cropping land may be identified.

This is determined by certain land and soil criteria.

The Wandoan mining lease application is included in areas covered by the trigger map.

Infrastructure and Planning minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the defining criteria and

PAGE 18

thresholds of the policy were yet to be finalised.

"However, information on land suitability and soil condition provide by the EIS process indicated the mining area were of a class C and D under the existing Good Quality Agricultural Land Policy, and as such, were of a lower agricultural quality," he said.

Queensland Resource Council chief executive Michael Roche said the State Government needed to remove the cloud of uncertainty over this and other existing projects potentially captured by the flawed cropping land policy.

"This regulatory approval is an important

milestone towards unleashing the true potential of the Surat Basin as a major coal producing region," he said.

"Not only would it be Queensland's largest coal mine, it also provides an important trigger for development of the crucial Surat Basin Railway connection through to Gladstone.

In its submission to the government, the QRC recommended a measured transition for existing projects, including an exemption for: - all granted tenures (both mining and mineral development leases) - applications that have received their final terms of reference for their environmental impact statement

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

- projects with JORC defined resources (JORC is the officially accepted standard for reporting to the ASX the nature of a project's resources).

"Having dealt with this uncertainty for existing projects, the government should then consult widely and carefully assess how a science-driven strategic cropping land policy would apply to future projects.

"We believe the government should have faith in its existing environmental impact statement (EIS) processes, which already carefully assesses environmental, economic and social benefits and costs for resource projects."

down to business

Approval with conditions After three years of rigorous environmental assessment, Queensland's Co-ordinator General conditionally approved Xstrata Coal's $3billion Wandoan Coal project last month.

The Wandoan Joint Venture comprises of Xstrata, ICRA Wandoan Pty Ltd and Sumisho Coal Australia with Xstrata Coal managing the proposed project on behalf of the WJV consortium.

The Wandoan Coal project now moves onto the next stage of assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Key environmental and social issues included are: • the exclusion of open-cut coal mining from within a two kilometre 'high management zone' around Wandoan to mitigate potential air, noise and vibration impacts.

• Offsets requirement for cleared native vegetation, including wildlife habitats • Co-operation with State and Local governments regarding infrastructure agreements, road impact assessments and traffic management plans • Minimise and 'make good' any adverse impacts of the mining activities on groundwater quality and quantity • Social impact management strategies outlined in a draft social impact management plan.

Infrastructure and Planning minister Stirling Hinchliffe said State Government welcomed the decision.

"The growing demand for commodities globally has renewed the focus on the development potential of the thermal coal deposits of the Surat Basin," he said.

"The Wandoan Coal project and associated infrastructure and exploration initiatives, would open up the basin as the next major new export for Queensland."

Mr Hinchliffe said the proponent had indicated construction of the mine and its associated facilities could start at the end of 2011 with first exports forecast as early as 2014.

"It is proposed the coal from the project would be transported via the proposed Surat Basin railway between Wandoan and Moura line; known as the 'southern missing link', to port facilities at Gladstone.

"The Wandoan mine and the proposed rail link are critical to

If Federal Government approval is received under the EPBC, the project is then required to finalise mine lease applications under the Mineral Resources Act Queensland.

The Co-ordinator General's report contained a comprehensive set of conditions and recommendations with a total of 332 required for the construction and operation of the project.

The SIMP includes: • •

• •

a three year $750,000 partnership with Queensland Health a three year $720,000 partnership with the Department of Education and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy initiatives of the Xstrata Coal Wandoan Community Fund a series of specific accommodation and infrastructure plans covering sewerage and water supply and land availability for housing in Wandoan.

the future development of the region.

"The Co-ordinator General is currently undertaking a separate environmental assessment for the rail project."

Mr Hinchliffe said separate to this, the Western Downs Regional Council has an important future role in the assessment of additional associated infrastructure including a municipal waste facility, wastewater treatment plant and a workers' accommodation facility.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

PAGE 19

down to business

Origin Energy Origin Energy's Darling Downs Power Station was opened last month.

Queensland premier Anna Bligh officially opened the facility.

The new power station is located 40km west of Dalby and is powered by coal seam gas piped from the Australia Pacific LNG gas fields within the Surat Basin region.

The new 630MW combined cycle power station will play an important role in helping Queensland maintain a secure, efficient and reliable electricity supply as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The construction of the power station also included a 205 kilometre pipeline that stretches from the Wallumbilla gas hub near Roma to the Talinga gas production facility.

The pipeline provides up to 44 petajoules of gas to the power station each year.

Origin's managing director Grant King said the power station was part of an investment of more than $5 billion in Queensland energy infrastructure by Origin and Australia Pacific LNG during the past decade.

"Darling Downs is a part of Origin and Australia Pacific LNG's growing investment in gas infrastructure that will provide a long term benefit to regional Queensland," he said.

"Other major projects in Queensland have included the expansion and development of the Spring Gully and Talinga gas production facilities.

"Origin has almost three million retail customers nation-wide and is in the process of increasing its installed generation capacity to more than 2800 MW, making Origin the largest owner and developer of gas-fired generation in Australia.

"Darling Downs Power Station is a $1 billion investment by Origin in electricity generation technology that can help Australia start to meet its objectives of reducing carbon emissions," he said.

Premier Bligh said the power station was the start of a clean energy revolution in the State.

"What we've opened here is really part of Queensland's transition to a cleaner and greener form of energy," she said.

"This power station delivers electricity at a rate of less than half of the greenhouse gases that would be delivered by a coal fired power station.

"It's delivering that power using only three per cent of the water than more traditional methods would have used.

"And in an area like this, which is looking very green and lush as the moment, but has had more than its fair share of dry times and drought, water is a very important part of sustainable environmental management."

the

facts

• The Darling Downs Power Station is one of Australia's most efficient base load gas-fired power stations.

• It is capable of supplying enough energy to power more than 400,000 homes each day.

• The power station is Australia's largest combined cycle gas-fired power station and will emit less than half of the greenhouse gas of a typical water-cooled coal-fired power station of the same capacity.

• It has three 120 MW gas turbines and a 270 MW steam turbine - providing a total generation capacity of 630 MW. • Origin Executive General Manager Major Development Projects, Mr Andrew Stock, said not only was Darling Downs Power Station one of the cleanest base load power stations in terms of carbon emissions, but it was also extremely frugal in terms of the water it consumes as part of the electricity generation process.

"By using the latest air-cooled technology, Darling Downs will use

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less than three per cent of the water of a conventional water-cooled, coalfired power station," Mr Stock said.

"The technology employed in the power station's design and construction will cut annual water use to around 200 megalitres compared to more than 8500 megalitres for a conventional water cooled coal-fired power stations.

"The technology employed has been designed to optimise the inputs to electricity generation, including gas and water," he said.

• Origin acquired the development and regulatory approvals for a gas-fired power station in the Darling Downs region in February 2007, as a result of the acquisition of Sun Retail from the State government.

• Darling Downs started construction in August 2007 and created around 1000 jobs during construction.

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down to business

n o i l l i b Boost $a3ndoan project W

in funding

MetroCoal Limited has announced it is pleased that conditional approval was given to Xstrata Coal's $3billion Wandoan project.

"The conditional approval by the Queensland Coordinator General of the Xstrata managed Wandoan Coal project greatly enhanced the region's standing as world-class cola province," they said.

MetroCoal has two major exploration tenements located within the Surat Basin: one near Wandoan, the other near Columboola.

EPC 1164 is adjacent to Xstrata's Wandoan Coal project and EPC 1165 is about 80km from Wandoan.

The development of the Bundi Project area within its EPC 1164 and the Columboola Joint Venture project area with SinCoal Resources, are both dependant upon the proposed Surat Basin Railway.

The railway will be between Wandoan and the Moura rail line to the port expansion at Wiggins Island off Gladstone.

The Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture consists of Xstrata, QR National and the Australian Transport and Energy Corridor.

The SBRJV and WICET consortium responsible for construction of the Wiggins Island terminal at Gladstone, both aim to have rail and port capacity available for Surat Basin coal producers late 2014, early 2015.

MetroCoal has lodges an expression of interest for capacity with WICET in 2015.

MetroCoal's strategy is to develop both the Columboola and Bundi Project areas and begin operations in 2014/2015.

AgForce's 'Agforward' program received a boost in funding recently with a $3.5 million injection over three years provided by the State Government.

Agforward is a program that helps landowners negotiate agreements with coal seam gas companies including Conduct and Compensation agreements.

The announcement came as the premier released the government's updated blueprint for the LNG industry; Queensland's LNG industry - a once in a generation opportunity for a generation of employment.

The blue print charts a course for the industry over the next three years focusing on three key priorities: developing the industry - building a competitive, world-class industry that generates jobs for Queenslanders protecting our natural resources - having a strong regulatory system based on science and rigorously enforced making sure regional communities and local industries are prepared for growth and the opportunities it brings

1 2 3

Queensland treasurer Andrew Fraser said major development was projected over the coming years including the construction of pipelines from the Surat and Bowen basins to Curtis Island near Gladstone.

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T H E P RO S P E C T S F O R T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F N O RT H E R N E N E R G Y ' S C O R P O R AT I O N ' S E L I M AT TA C O A L P RO J E C T N E A R WA N D O A N R E C E I V E D I N D I R E C T S U P P O RT L A S T M O N T H .

The company, which is expected to see its project in the Surat Basin by 2015, has welcomed the Queensland Co-ordinator General's conditional approval of Xstrata Coal's proposed $3billion Wandoan Coal project.

Elimatta is located about 30km west of Wandoan, adjacent to Xstrata's project.

A project of 5Mtpa of product coal is planned with a mine life of more than 25 years. It is anticipated to begin operations by 2014/15, subject to the completion of regional port and rail infrastructure and mine approval.

The development timetables for both Wandoan and NEC's Elimatta Coal

Surat Basin Railway.

Once declared, the SDA would give SBRJV a legal entitlement to build a 210km railway line within a defined corridor between Banana and Wandoan, which is adjacent to NEC's site for future thermal coal production at Elimatta.

NEC Managing Director Keith Barker said the Co-ordinator General's announcement was a positive signal for Surat Basin development.

"It reinforces the concept of the Surat Basin becoming the next major coal producing region," he said.

"The fact that Wandoan is forecasting production for export in 2014 is extremely positive in terms of the

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"It reinforces the concept of the Surat Basin becoming the next major coal producing region"

Project are dependent upon the pending construction of the proposed Surat Basin Railway (SBR), between Wandoan and the Moura line.

This is known as the "Southern Missing Link", to port facilities at Gladstone.

The Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture comprising Xstrata, QR National and The Australian Transport and Energy Corridor has been investigating the feasibility and bankability of developing the railway since 2007.

NEC, which has been included in the SBR planning and business case, announced in October, that it had been advised by the joint venture, that it had provided to the Government all the information necessary for it to declare a State Development Area for the

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

underlying confidence implied for the development and completion of the Surat Basin Railway.

"This provides NEC with greater certainty in its Elimatta planning and approval process which is ongoing.

"The conditional approval of Wandoan combined with the pending declaration of the State Development Area for the SBR, help to reduce the perceived level of uncertainty attached to the project by potential investors and development partners."

Elimatta is scheduled to be the company's second mine development after the Colton mine hard coking coal development at Maryborough which will transform the company from explorer to producer and provide cash flow to support the funding of Elimatta, the majority of which will not be required before 2013.

Social pics

Surat Basin Corporation together with QGC held a business breakfast in Chinchilla earlier this month with guests travelling from throughout Queensland to attend.The breakfast was also assisted by the Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry.

Mark Pomerenke, John McQuaid and Scott Pomerenke from Brandon & Associates.

Pam Moloney and Vicki Kern from Surat Basin Real Estate.

ABOVE WDRC CEO Phil Berting with Stephen Seymour Qld TAFE, QGC Social Performance manager Tony Heidrich and WDRC councillor Mick Cosgrove.

ABOVE:Amanda Pacholk from The Apprenticepship Company and WDRC councillor Ray Jamieson.

RIGHT: Tania Matthews from Energy Resourcing with Wade Elser from Aspect Design Studio.

CS Energy Kogan Creek Power Station manager Ivan Mapp with Surat Basin Corporation member Ray Hicks.

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PAGE 23

Powerlink For more than a decade, Powerlink Queensland has been establishing community infrastructure within the Western Downs region of South West Queensland to ensure a secure and reliable supply of high voltage electricity is maintained to Southern Queensland.

ABOUT POWERLINK

"The "The transmission transmission network network is is the the backbone backbone of of the the electricity electricity supply supply chain chain and and plays plays aa crucial crucial role role in in supporting supporting Queensland's Queensland's economy," economy,"

Powerlink Chief Operating officer Simon Bartlett said the government-owned corporation is responsible for developing and operating Queensland's high voltage electricity transmission network and regularly undertakes joint planning with Ergon Energy to develop the transmission network in a timely and cost effective way.

"The transmission network is the backbone of the electricity supply chain and plays a crucial role in supporting Queensland's economy," he said.

"As Queensland grows, our robust planning and analysis process identifies where development of the network needs to happen to meet increasing electricity demand."

Mr Bartlett said the network is made up of more than 100 high voltage substations and about 13,000 kilometres of high voltage transmission lines, which extend 1700 kilometres from north of Cairns to the New South Wales border.

"This network includes the Braemar Substation and the transmission line known as the Queensland New South Wales Interconnector (QNI) which has been in operation for 10 years.

"The line runs between Tarong (near Kingaroy) and Armidale in New South Wales via Bulli Creek (west of Millmerran), and passes near Warra where it crosses the Warrego Highway.

"Our work in the Western Downs stems from the key role the region plays in the energy generation sector and our commitment to long-term planning to meet our State's future electricity needs."

Powerlink continues to extend its transmission network to cater for Queensland's residential and industrial electricity needs, and long-term electricity growth forecasts.

What is a transmission line

?

A transmission line is powerline which is capable of carrying large amounts of electricity at high voltages.

Transmission lines are larger and taller than the everyday distribution powerlines which deliver electricity to homes and businesses.Transmission lines are normally built on poles or towers, depending on the local landscape and the voltage required.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

Powerlink

Communities Powerlink is committed to building positive relationships with communities near its infrastructure.

"Through our community and environment programs, we aim to deliver important facilities and services, enhance visual amenity near our infrastructure and generate lasting, positive benefits to local communities.

"We have been working with communities in the Western Downs region for more than 10 years and have helped deliver a number of important outcomes."

These include: > > > > >

numerous tree planting programs the purchase and construction of shade structures for local playgroups and kindergartens construction of wheelchair access ramps for community halls purchasing equipment for P&C Associations and Rural Fire Brigades and helping redevelop local parks and other green spaces.

"We recently announced the third round of our Community Environmental Program in partnership with the Western Downs Regional Council.

Applications are invited from community and environment groups in and around Miles, Wandoan, Chinchilla, Brigalow and Warra before Friday, 25 February 2011.

The funding is available for projects that demonstrate real environmental benefits and address local matters of environmental importance.

"I encourage groups with suitable projects to make a submission before the due date."

For further information about Powerlink, visit www.powerlink.com.au

Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown, Jandowae & District Progress & Heritage Association member Rossalyn Balston and Powerlink Manager Network Development Terry Miller at the Community Environmental Program celebratory event held at Warra Public Memorial Hall.

What is a substation The role of a substation is to manage the flow, direction, stability, quality and voltage of electricity entering and exiting the substation facility. Equipment located within the substation is used to transform the electricity entering the facility to lower voltages (if necessary), manage the current (flow) of the electricity, and switch electricity between the different transmission lines exiting the facility.

A substation is not a power station (i.e. it does not generate electricity).

One of the projects completed as part of Powerlink’s Community Environmental Program – the establishment of a garden and green cultural arts space for the community of Bell.

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LAND ACCESS AGREEMENTS AND NEGOTIATIONS A C T N O W - K N O W W H AT M I N I N G O R G A S INTERESTS AFFECT YOUR LAND B E F O R E Y O U N E G O T I AT E

A new Land Access Code is now to be used for all entry onto private land by resource authority holders.

Different entry requirements apply for companies proposing to carry out 'preliminary' or 'advanced' activities.

You cannot 'opt out' of making an agreement with the resource authority holder: either a Conduct and Compensation Agreement or a Deferral Agreement is to be negotiated.

Prescribed timeframes and processes apply to negotiate an agreement.

Note that site-specific and other special conditions are omitted from the standard agreements. You must ensure you carefully consider all matters for which you should be compensated before entering into negotiations.

If you are concerned about the impacts the mining and gas industry will have on your land, p&e Law, planning and environment law specialists, are available to explain terms used in the code and other material, discuss your rights with you, and to assist in negotiating appropriate compensation and terms of agreement.

Please feel free to contact Madonna Griffin or Mark Baker-Jones on 1300 303 866, or via email at madonna@paelaw.com or mark@paelaw.com.

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PAGE 25

Cameby Downs Mine CAMEBY DOWNS AND THE ADJACENT SEFTON PARK, RYWUNG CHINCHILLA COAL DEPOSITS ARE 100% OWNED BY THE SYNTECH GROUP OF COMPANIES.

AND

SYNTECH

HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPLORATION,

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE MINE INFRASTRUCTURE.

STAGE 1

OF THE

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.

Cameby Downs is an open cut thermal coal mine and coal handling and preparation plant.

Cameby coal leaving the production belt.

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.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

Cameby Downs Mine

the mining process Border T Border

The in situ coal resource is most suited to open cut mining, which is conducted using large excavators and haul trucks.

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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.

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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.

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Cameby Downs Mine

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IS COMMITTED TO OBSERVING ALL THE ENVIRONMENTAL

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SPECIALITY SERVICES QLD

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

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building theBasin page30 page 31 page32 page32 New: MI Helicopter’s new chopper

Contract: QGC signs Ostwald Bros

Boobook: Tree of knowledge

School: Downlands’ celebrates

Dalby business best in the country DIESEL ELECTRICS WINS PRIME MINISTER’S SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Dalby auto electrical business Diesel “Not only does this help them Electrics has won the prestigious Prime as individuals, it helps our Minster's Small Business of the Year Award. business and it makes a The announcement was made at the contribution to our community Australian Training Awards in Sydney last and our region's future." month.

Mrs Wenning said the awards Diesel Electrics, a commercial and heavy involved a rigorous judging equipment service process including centre owned by site evaluations "WE ARE VERY COMMITTED ...”

Anthony and Kellie and a presentation and Wenning, was described interview session in front of a at the awards as a "small business with a panel of experts in Canberra. big commitment to training".

Diesel Electrics was commended for Mrs Wenning said it was a huge honour to spending eight per cent of work time on be recognised for something they are so training. Recruits are welcomed with a passionate about. comprehensive induction program that "We are very committed to dedicating the emphasises workplace safety and time and resources needed to help our effectiveness. employees achieve their own career goals," Mrs Wenning said the judge's highlighted Mrs Wenning said.

Diesel Electrics' positive working

Diesel Electrics owners Anthony and Kellie Wenning with staff members.

relationship with training providers and its Mrs Wenning has been invited by Skills success in providing well-rounded learning Tasmania to speak at a training conference opportunities. and is looking forward to the opportunity "We offer a balance of technical training, to encourage other businesses to think professional innovatively in their approach to training. development and “AMAZING AND REWARDING” leadership "Participating in the Training Awards development." has been an amazing and rewarding Apprentices are provided four hours a experience that has opened doors for us week for study in a fully equipped training to grow as a business and to grow as room, which has helped them to achieve individuals." consistently high results.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

PAGE 29

building the basin

MI Helicopters

3+ Squirrel. ith the new B w an em gg ru red B rk and pilot Ja pilot Kevin Cla ef hi /c or ct re di

Squirrel rises above rest A new Eurocopter AS350 B3+ 'Squirrel' has been added to the fleet at MI Helicopters.

The high performance variant of the AS 350 Squirrel series, gives MI Helicopter's extra capacity and capability with an aircraft that outclasses all other six seat helicopters for power, flexibility, passenger comfort and safety.

The powerful, high-performance AS350 B3+ is

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Its exceptional lifting power, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make virtually any job look easy.

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minutes 21 seconds and has more than proved its power with a record breaking landing on Mount Everest in 2005.

More than 530 AS350 B3+s are presently in operational service worldwide, mainly performing missions requiring high performance, including "hot and high" missions and sling work.

The B3+ has the ability to carry up to 1400kg on an external hook underneath the helicopter.

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This permits an increase in load carrying capacity and provides redundancy should one system fail.

The helicopter is also air-conditioned which both pilots and passengers will appreciate over the summer months!

The 'B3+' will be used by MI Helicopters in addition to their existing fleet of Bell Jetranger and Robinson R44 helicopters and firmly cements MI's position as a leading helicopter operator in Eastern Queensland.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

building the basin

QGC sign up Ostwald Bros Dalby-based national civil construction company Ostwald Bros has been awarded a $60million contract by QGC. The 400 strong rural-based Ostwald Bros, whose workforce is now set to expand to accommodate the massive gas projects, welcomed the decision.

Company CEO Brendan Ostwald said the family owned Ostwald Bros ranks would swell to more than 500 within the next six months.

He said the company was confident it would continue to win more work over the next 12 months.

"Our appointment proves QGC (BG Group business), is committed to sourcing and spending locally," he said.

Ostwald Bros has the largest privately owned scraper fleet in the country and it now intends to inject an extra $7million in additional plant and equipment to meet new project requirements.

The fleet expansion has also resulted in an increase in the ranks at their Dalby servicing centre.

WESTERN AUGER DRILLING

"The LNG project and the expansion of a local company like Ostwald Bros will have a ripple effect on the Surat Basin community.

"Ostwald Bros growth brings new employment opportunities, which means more people moving into towns in the region and in turn will boost bush businesses and services.

"We employ diesel fitters, plant operators, engineers through to administration.

"We will be putting on additional apprentices and giving greater opportunities for local training which is vital for rural Queensland.

"Money spent with Ostwald Bros will stay in rural Queensland which is good news for locals.

"Big business is finally moving back to the bush."

"Money spent with Ostwald Bros will stay in rural Queensland which is good news for locals.”

Ostwald Bros CEO Brendan Ostwald

Phone: 07 4669 1949 0458 516 241

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

PAGE 31

building the basin 9000 workers needed

What a tree What tree is that? - The Ooline Ooline is one of a number of significant plant species that Boobook's ecologists are on the lookout for during scouting for infrastructure associated with coal seam gas projects in the Surat Basin.

If you ever get a chance to stop and look at an Ooline tree take it, as there are not that many spots where they still grow.

According to Boobook’s botanist Rosamund Aisthorpe, Ooline is a relic from the prehistoric times when Australia was wetter and rainforests covered large inland areas of the continent. They are slow growing and live for hundreds of years if left undisturbed.

Growing up to 25 metres tall they can be found in bottle tree/softwood scrub and brigalow, belah woodlands.They also grow in dense stands on their own.

"Small pockets of Ooline trees can be found from central Queensland down to inland northern New South Wales. Most of what remains are on steep ridge slopes", Ms Aisthorpe said "Many people know it as Beechwood and its scientific name is Cadellia pentastylis.

"It is a significant tree species for this area and is listed as vulnerable under State and Federal legislation.

"It is believed clearing has nearly halved the original Ooline population and it is also sensitive to grazing and fire."

Ms Aisthorpe said their oval, glossy leaves and dark, grey, mosaic-like bark makes them stand out from other trees.

Flowering occurs from October to December.

"In a wet year such as this expect the flowering to be extremely heavy causing the whole tree to turn red and look ablaze."

The best place to get up close with an Ooline tree is at the Ooline Park on the southern side of the Warrego Highway between Morven and Mungallala.

Boobook staff wishes Surat Basin News readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Construction Skills Queensland recently launched its CSG/LNG Workforce Plan.

The plan forecasts the burgeoning industry may need more than 9000 workers during the next four years.

As the CSG/LNG industry prepares to enter the construction phase, the plan projects the workforce requirements needed to build four LNG trains over the next four years.

In addition, CSQ has announced a dedicated $5million industry fund to support skilling in the industry and the establishment of a dedicated CSG/LNG Workforce Development Program office in Brisbane.

CSQ CEO Brett Shimming said the plan outlined the opportunities the imminent CSG/LNG projects represent for the industry and also the training challenges it will face.

"The CSG/LNG projects set to commence in the next 12 months represent a rare opportunity for our industry and will bring enormous economic benefits for our State," he said.

"However, the plan has determined that the industry will require a large number of skilled workers in order to meet the needs of these ambitious projects.

"Only by undertaking extensive planning and investing adequately in training, will our industry be able to develop the skills workforce to keep pace with demand.

"The undertaken on CSG/LNG projects will not only assist the mining sector but is an investment in future skills of the entire construction industry."

The study found the CSG/LNG industry will face significant competition for skilled labour from other mining projects with Australia and internationally, with more than 40 relevant occupations already identified as being in high demand by industry.

The Workforce Plan also identified low apprentice retention rates and the ageing workforce as major concerns for the industry.

In response to these challenges, the plan recommends 10 key strategies to help the industry meet its skills requirements.

Amongst these strategies is a recommendation the CSG/LNG industry takes an integrated approach towards attracting and retaining apprentices, by identifying the unique needs of the CSG/LNG workers.

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PAGE 32

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

FREEHOLD ROADHOUSE (Condamine) with 3 bedroom house GENUINE ENQUIRIES ONLY Phone: 07 4627 7106

Placesandfaces page34 page35page 38 page 40 Origin Energy: Pet program

Santos: Christmas hamper donation

Ostwald Bros: New apprentice

Originâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helping hand Origin Energy's Community Skills Scholarship Program has provided an opportunity for around 50 local apprentices and trainees to further their skills whilst staying in the Surat Basin region.

These include positions from hairdressing and childcare to bakery and butchery.

Chloe Read is one of Origin's scholarship recipients. Ms Read is studying a Diploma in Children Services in Chinchilla.

"The Origin Community Skills Scholarship program has given me so much of an opportunity to further my career in my chosen field," she said.

"I feel driven to do my best and put everything into it because of the faith that has been put in me."

Ms Read said the funding she received through the program would go towards her university studies during the next three years.

"I will be completing my diploma and continuing my degree at university by doing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

"This money will support me through my years studying and it has taken so much pressure off by having this scholarship to invest in my education."

Meanwhile Sandra Wendt has also benefited from

QRC: High school students excel

Chloe Read is studying a Diploma in Children Services.

the scholarship program. Mrs Wendt is completing a butcher apprenticeship in Roma.

"It's given me a shot at doing something I have wanted to do since I was 14," Mrs Wendt said.

"After I finished Year 12, I tried to get a butcher apprenticeship but it was hard.Then I got married, had three children and never got the chance to pursue the career I had wanted for so long.

"I never gave up on the dream of being a butcher but in my case the practical issues of raising a family and the cost of completing an apprenticeship meant it was unlikely to happen.

"When I heard about the Origin Community Skills Scholarship program I thought I would give it a go.

Mrs Wendt said money from the scholarship would go towards knives and (sharpening) stones and everyday items such as new aprons.

She said her ultimate goal was to run her own butcher shop, so scholarship money will also be used to study a small business management course.

Sandra Wendt is studying a butcher apprenticeship.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

PAGE 33

places and faces

Origin extends charity to pets ORIGIN ENERGY HAS LAUNCHED A HOLIDAY PET FOOD DRIVE FOR REGIONAL ANIMAL CARE CENTRES WHICH HOUSE LOST OR SURRENDERED PETS OVER THE

CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAY PERIOD.

QGC General Manager Land Access Tony Nunan talks to community members Bill Nicholas and Denis Sommerfeld during the Community Committees’ recent visit to QGC facilities at Windibri.

Committee tours Windibri Members of QGC's gas field community committees were given a first hand account of how a coal seam gas plant operates last month.

QGC hosted a tour of its Windibri facility and showed committee members how coal seam gas wells were built and operated and how water use is managed.

During the tour, 24 representatives from the Southern, Central, Northern and Regional Gas Field committees, were shown a drill pad, an operational well, a water storage pond and a well site after rehabilitation.

Water Strategy and Sustainability manager Paul Wright also helped to explain QGC's commitment to a proactive water management strategy with an interactive presentation held on the bank of one of our storage ponds.

Tara Shire College P&C representative Ric Whiting said the tour helped him to understand the coal seam gas extraction process.

"I didn't know much about

gas before," he said.

"Now I'll be able to recognise the different equipment I see along the road and explain to whoever is with me what it does."

Murilla Landcare representative Joe Abbott said the tour greatly eased his mind about water management issues.

"Water is landholders' biggest concern," Mr Abbott said.

"I feel a lot more relieved now I've seen what infrastructure QGC has in place to control contamination.

"There is a lot of misinformation in the community, but I was very impressed with the process QGC has in place.

"I will be able to tell landholders that QGC is trying to leave as light a footprint as possible," he said.

FROM DECEMBER 13 AND 20, ORIGIN WILL MATCH EVERY DONATION MADE AT COUNCIL POUNDS IN DALBY, CHINCHILLA, MILES AND TARA TO THE HOLIDAY PET FOOD DRIVE.

EACH YEAR DURING DECEMBER AND JANUARY, UP TO 50 DOGS AND CATS ARE IMPOUNDED BY WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL AWAITING COLLECTION, IDENTIFICATION OR REHOMING. ORIGIN COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER BRUCE CHALMERS SAID IT WAS THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN RESIDENTS SHOULD BE THINKING OF HOW THEY CAN GIVE AND SHARE GOOD FORTUNE.

“WHILE WE RELAX, EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY, THERE WILL BE POUNDS AT TARA, CHINCHILLA, MILES AND DALBY WHERE ANIMALS NEED CARE AND FOOD,” HE SAID. “I WILL

BE ENCOURAGING EVERY

ORIGIN

STAFFER TO DONATE TO THE PET FOOD DRIVE AND WE WILL MATCH THE COMMUNITY’S EFFORTS.”

WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL CAN ONLY ACCEPT DRY FOOD DONATIONS.

POUND

DROP OFF LOCATIONS ARE:

DALBY – IRVINGDALE ROAD MILES – LYNAGH STREET CHINCHILLA – SLESSAR STREET TARA – BEARDMORE STREET

FOR

MORE INFORMATION CALL

ORIGIN 1800 526 369 OR WDRC 1300 728 500

PAGE 34

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

places and faces

Santos helps bring Christmas joy Local Maranoa residents in need will receive an extra special gift this Christmas thanks to leading energy company Santos.

Santos Senior Community Relations advisor Jamie Miller kick-started Maranoa Regional Council's annual Christmas Hamper Appeal with a generous $2000 donation last month.

The donation will be used to purchase hampers of food and other essential items for distribution to those in need.

Mr Miller said the donation was Santos' way of giving back to the community which had supported its operations for many years.

"Santos is pleased that this donation will help provide an additional 40 hampers of food and accessories required for those families in need,” he said.

Mayor Robert Loughnan said he was impressed with the generosity of local business in supporting this year's hamper appeal.

The program is run annually in conjunction with Christian Outreach Centre, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISION OF FOOD HAMPERS, THE GROUP WILL ALSO BE HOSTING A

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FOR DISADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND ARE HOPING TO EXTEND THEIR HAMPER APPEAL TO INCLUDE RESIDENTS OF THE REGION WHO WERE AFFECTED BY FLOODING EARLIER IN THE YEAR.

Santos Senio r annual Christm Community Relations A dvis as Hamper A ppeal with a ge or Jamie Miller kick-starte nerous $2000 d Maranoa R egional Counc donation. il’s

Ostwald Bros on board with work placement project THREE WORK

EXPERIENCE STUDENTS

OSTWALD BROS IN DALBY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURAT BASIN WORK PLACEMENT PROJECT. THE STUDENTS WILL WORK IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, TRANSPORT AND ENGINEERING FIELDS. THE WORK PLACEMENT PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO OFFER TAFE AND RECENTLY JOINED

LIFESTYLE AND WOULD BE READY TO MOVE BACK TO A REGIONAL AREA

SIDE IS INTERESTING BECAUSE

IT IS VERY VARIED. GEOGRAPHICALLY

ONCE HE HAD COMPLETED HIS

EVERYTHING WORKS ON A LARGE

STUDIES AT

SCALE.

YOU'RE

PHONE ALL DAY AT A HELP DESK; THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE CONTACT AND

I

REALLY LIKE THAT. IT'S NICE

BE VERY HAPPY TO COME BACK

HERE," TODD SAID.

NATIONAL DISABILITY COORDINATION OFFICER PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE NANCY NIXON SAID

EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE RESOURCE

WITH STAFF THEIR INFORMATION

SECTOR THAT WILL HELP THEM OBTAIN

TECHNOLOGY NEEDS.

COMPANIES IN SOME OF THE

FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AT THE END

BASIN'S

THIS THE FIRST TIME MOOLOOLABA TAFE IT STUDENT TODD WILLCOCK

NICKY WEBSTER SAID IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE TODD ON THE TEAM. "IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR HIM

HAS CONDUCTED WORK EXPERIENCE

TO APPLY SOME OF HIS KNOWLEDGE

IN HIS CHOSEN FIELD.

AND GAIN INSIGHT INTO CORPORATE

HE

SAID

OSTWALD BROS WAS

ONE

IT

SUPERVISOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT

OF THE BEST ENVIRONMENTS HE HAD

SERVICES IN REGIONAL

EVER WORKED IN.

SHE SAID.

"IT

HAS A REAL FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

AND THE PEOPLE ARE REALLY

WORK Stuff…

SAFETY

ORIGINALLY

QUEENSLAND,"

THE STUDENTS APPRECIATED WORKING WITH ESTABLISHED

SURAT

FASTEST GROWING

INDUSTRIES.

"ALL

OF THE STUDENTS ARE REALLY

APPRECIATIVE OF SUCH A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY,"

NANCY

OSTWALD BROS WORKS

SAID. IN CLOSE

PARTNERSHIPS WITH EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTES TO SUPPORT

FROM

DUBBO,TODD

SAYS HE ENJOYS THE REGIONAL

YOUNG

AUSTRALIANS

IN THEIR

CHOSEN CAREERS.

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Todd Willock is one of three students participating in work experience at Ostwald Bros in Dalby.

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PAGE 35

places and faces

BLENDING

Christmas cheer

SIX

TOWN PLANS

Origin Energy and the Cecil Plains Lions Club joined forces again this year to ensure the Cecil Plains Christmas Carnival was the biggest social event on the 2010 calendar.

The seventh annual event was held earlier this month at the Cecil Plains Rodeo grounds.

INTO

The Christmas Carnival gave the local farming and mining communities the chance to get together and indulge in some country Christmas spirit.

ONE

Events during the day included an assortment of rides, gifts for the children, Santa arriving on a Harley Davidson, fireworks and live music.

Cecil Plains Lions Club secretary Ann Hesbrook said the carnival was a highlight of the social calendar for the small town.

WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL HELD SIX

"During the carnival we see the population swell from 300 residents to several thousand, many travelling from larger regional towns and Brisbane to attend a uniquely rural Christmas event," she said.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS LAST MONTH TO DISCUSS ITS NEW COMBINED REGIONAL

"The aim of the carnival is to enable all families in this hardworking community to come together at minimal cost and enjoy the Christmas festivities."

The Lions Club, Bongeen Church and the local kindergarten and tennis clubs also joined forces to provide food and drinks.

PLANNING SCHEME

Last month, the Western Downs Regional Council took the first steps towards achieving a consistent regionally based planning scheme for the Western Downs region.

Council held a series of six information sessions throughout the region to allow community member to have their say regarding strategic framework for the new combined regional planning scheme.

During the next 18 months, the council will undertake the significant task of blending six different town planning schemes into one.

Mayor Ray Brown said it was a great opportunity for interested community members to find out more about the review and proposed changes.

“We wanted to give the general public and industry the opportunity to review and discuss the former council

planning schemes,” he said.

“It was important they got the chance to have their say on the future direction of land use and development within their community and on where development should be occurring across our region.”

Cr Brown said throughout the process, council would also engage the agricultural industry to ensure the State Government’s recently released strategic cropping land policy would be addressed and incorporated into an adopted regional scheme.

“We are particularly interested in hearing the community’s thoughts on the issues and opportunities facing the Western Downs and its rural areas.”

WDRC Planning spokesperson councillor Ray Jamieson said the community’s input and participation was vital to the

success and relevance of the Planning Review Scheme.

He said a comprehensive Western Downs Planning Scheme would formally replace the former Chinchilla, Dalby Town, Murilla,Tara,Wambo and part of Taroom Shire Councils planning schemes.

“The regional planning scheme will show how the council will manage the region’s growth and development over the coming decades,” he said.

“Council’s main aim is to introduce uniformity into structuring planning matters as part of the new scheme.

“These sessions were about encouraging our communities to think strategically about future development, so that when it does come time to look at changes in their land use practices, they would have addressed those issues well in advance.

Apprentice

rewarded Josephine Shannon from Dalby was recently awarded runner-up Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year.

Josephine received her award at the 2010 Australian Training Awards held In Sydney last month.

Employed by Downs Group Training, Josephine works with host employer Western Downs Regional Council and is studying

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Group Training Australia chief executive Jim Barron said the depth of talent across the group training network was evident from the outstanding results achieved on the national stage.

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The Surat Basin is known throughout Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy and resources sector as one of the richest regions in the country.

Alongside the likes the neighbouring Bowen Basin and Western Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pilbara, the Surat Basin is set to make massive contributions towards meeting the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing demand for energy.

Until last month, the Surat Basin was predominantly the domain of the natural gas explorers and extractors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; companies like Origin, QGC, Santos and Arrow Energy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however the November environmental approval by the Queensland Government of Xstrata Coalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wandoan project is set to greatly expand the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coal mining capacity.

ject al Pro trata o C n oa Xs Wand gy art of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The portant p wth strate im ro is an organic g ential to t s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; o l p a tional he Co with t ransforma â&#x20AC;? rt th delive lume grow vo ive Execut f ie h C a -Xstrat er Freyburg Pet

The mine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; expected to produce some 30 million tonnes of thermal coal annually â&#x20AC;&#x201C; gained approval in accordance with the Coordinator Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report for the project, a leap forward that Xstrata Chief Executive Peter Freyburg said brought the project closer to fruition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Together with proposed rail and port developments, the project would open up the Surat Basin as an internationally competitive coal export region, creating jobs and opportunities for Queensland.â&#x20AC;? he said.

The mine will encompass approximately 32,000 hectares of exploration tenure to the west of Wandoan and is expected to include an open-cut coal mine, a coal handling and preparation plant and support facilities.

Over the expected mine life of over 30 years, the mine would produce thermal coal for export markets and potentially domestic markets.

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It is the latest of several mammoth projects announced for the Basin; with the Queensland Gas Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement last month of its $15 billion partnership with British gas giant BG Group.

That project will see QGCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing coal seam gas production in the Surat Basin linked to Gladstone via a 540km buried natural gas pipeline network, where a natural gas liquefaction plant on Curtis Island will convert the gas to LNG for export.

The project will involve dozens of communities, hundreds of businesses and thousands of people (some 5000 during construction).

Xstrata expects the Wandoan project to create employment opportunities in Wandoan, on the railway line, at the port in Gladstone, throughout the Surat Basin and in other areas of south-east Queensland.

Positions would be offered as direct employment with Xstrata Coal Queensland, or through the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contractors or suppliers.

The company also expects to offer locally-based apprenticeships, traineeships and opportunities for tertiary scholarships and graduate employment, coordinated through Xstrataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing training programs.

For more information about the Wandoan project, visit www.wandoancoal.com.au

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

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PAGE 37

places and faces

Ostwald nabs Todd Todd Barden, 18 is in the first year of his diesel-fitting apprenticeship with Ostwald Bros a Dalby-based engineering and construction business.

Young Dalby apprentice Todd Barden (left) is among the first to benefit from the region's burgeoning coal seam gas industry.

Ostwald Bros scooped him up from Brisbane's Nudgee College as part of its bursary program at the beginning of the year.

"Brendan Ostwald came to Nudgee, and he was offering scholarships for diesel-fitting and earthmoving. I've had an interest in big machinery ever since I was a kid.They pay for our TAFE and we get a trade out of

it," Todd said.

Originally from Cunnamulla,Todd had planned to search for jobs in Brisbane after finishing school, but found the Ostwald Bros' offer in Dalby too good to refuse.

"There's such a wide range of equipment on offer here.You've got light vehicles, trucks, heavy earthmoving equipment. And the money's good," he said.

"Once I've finished my trade I'd like to go into more advanced hydraulics."

Todd's boss, Brendan Ostwald, has grown his company from one employee, 20 years ago, to a 400strong team today.

Mr Ostwald is proud to have nurtured and grown his team by providing a number of bursaries annually to students from Brisbane's Nudgee College and Dalby's Our Lady of the Southern Cross school.

Every three years, he rewards top trainees with a trip to an international construction expo in Las Vegas.

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PAGE 38

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010

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places and faces

Wohoooo ....

Three community centres will share in more than $16,000 from the sale of equipment by coal seam gas company QGC. Televisions, air-conditioner, mattresses and gym equipment from QGC's camps at Windibri and Kenya plants were among the items auctioned recently by PS&R in Chinchilla.

The Chinchilla Family Support Centre, the Tara Neighbourhood Centre and the Murilla Community Centre in Miles (including Wandoan) will share equally in the funds raised.

Chinchilla Family Support Centre co-ordinator Doreen Goldsmid said the donation would go towards a range of initiatives.

"It is an enormous amount of money for our centres and we can really do a lot with it," she said.

"It gives us the freedom to advance programs already in place, and help address the many complex demands on our services."

Meanwhile, some televisions and air-conditioners not sold through the auctions will be donated to the Chinchilla Hospital, Illoura Village - Aged Care Accommodation, Leichhardt House, Meals on Wheels and Chinchilla Disability Services.

PS&R's Margaret Whip with QGC's Tony Heidrich and Paula Townsend (right) present Chinchilla Family Support Centre's Doreen Goldsmid with funds raised from the sale of equipment donated by QGC.

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PAGE 39

places and faces

Enthusiasm rewarded HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM MILES AND CHINCHILLA WERE RECENTLY AWARDED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM, INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN MINERALS AND ENERGY ACTIVITIES.

Chinchilla State High School students Nicholas Corbett, Jason Baldock and Virginia Williams with Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown.

"THESE STUDENTS HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND AND COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO THEIR STUDIES." QMEA director Roger Atkins Miles State High School students Teegan Colley and Shanice Van Ryn-Sale.

The 2010 Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy The Right Direction Student Awards were presented during the schools' recent presentation nights.

Year 10 student Teegan Colley and Year 11 student Shanice Van Ryn-Sale from Miles State High School received an award along with Chinchilla State High School students Year 10 Virginia Williams,Year 11 Nicholas Corbett and Year 12 Jason Baldock.

The cash prize awards ranged from $200 to $500.

QMEA director Roger Atkins said the awards rewarded students for their exceptional performance in resource sector-related education and extracurricular activities.

"Students at QMEA schools have access to programs and initiatives that provide them first-hand experience and information in order to prepare for careers in the resources sector," he said.

"These students have gone above and beyond and committed themselves to their studies."

Chinchilla's Jason Baldock not only won $500 from the award but also a $5000 scholarship from the University of Southern Queensland Faculty of Engineering and Surveying for his exceptional performance at a QMEA coal seam gas engineering camp.

Queensland Resource Council CEO Michael Roche said that with a sectorwide skills shortage, the award winners were positioning themselves to take advantage of rewarding, long-term careers in resources.

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Surat BasinNEWS T H E P O W E R F U L L E A D E R F O R T H E S U R AT B A S I N

To our valued clients best wishes for a Safe and Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your support in 2010, we look forward to working with you in 2011.

From the team at Surat Basin News - David, Laurell, Teneale and Beth.

PAGE 40

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 16 December 2010