Surat basin news august 2016 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

NEWS

Thursday, August 25, 2016

MONTH

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

SNAP OF THE MONTH

From the editor

Dumping of vegetation bill a win for common sense WELCOME to the August edition of the Surat Basin News, and thankfully, there is some late - but good news to report. The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s vegetation management legislation has been felled by the independent Member for Cook, Billy Gordon, much to the delight of farmers across the country. You can read the story on page 4. The Government is now trying to paint its first legislative defeat on a bill it introduced to parliament as though the LNP, KAP and Cook have single-handedly put the already-tenuous health of the Great Barrier Reef in great jeopardy. The government is now arguing that the issue is crucial to the reef’s World Heritage status. But the truth is that the reef faces many threats - climate change, pollution, cyclones, sediment run-off, shipping, etc. What I’m saying is that the reef is looking at something akin to death from a thousand cuts, rather than death from Labor’s inability to pass restrictive tree clearing laws in the Queensland Parliament. The reforms would have reversed the onus of proof to require landholders to prove they had not illegally bulldozed their land. Large-scale clearing in Barrier Reef catchments is an issue that needs to be addressed, but Labor’s legislation was so heavy-handed as to impose ridiculous constraints on farmers right across the state. The next time the State Labor party comes up with legislation that they say is tied to ensuring one of our great natural wonders is not taken off the World Heritage List by UNESCO, perhaps they can word it so they don’t put the majority of Queensland’s agricultural producers offside. They might be more successful. There is of course, no shortage of other news in this month’s edition. Global oil prices continue to bite hard into gas company operations, with Santos explaining this month their slow-down in production is because they’re trying to work out a way to get the most bang for their buck out of their gas fields. Understandable, given the projects were initiated when oil was sitting at over $100 per barrel and it’s now less than half that. Also on the agenda this month is news of QGC’s drone test program. After 18 months of technical testing, the drones have taken to the skies above Wandoan for some real-word testing. (I was going to call it a pilot program but figured that could be a little confusing.) It’s an interesting development for QGC. Drones will never replace people, as gas wells need to be maintained regularly. But they will reduce the need for gas company representatives to enter people’s property to perform regular checks, which I’m sure will be welcome news for many. Hopefully the program is a success, and the roll-out continues across the wider Surat Basin at some point in the near future. Anyway, that’s enough from me. Till next time,

Matthew Newton

◗ OUTBACK EVENING: "God's Devil's Marbles" by Teena Penrose, who hails from out Charleville way. A great use of colour earns her our snap of the month. PHOTO: TEENA PENROSE

Contents IN THE NEWS

Santos gas field update.........................3 TSBE reshuffle .......................................4 Drone technology lifts off................... ..5 Locals ‘locked out’ of contracts ...........9 DDSW mayors meet up ........................17 Forging pathways ................................24

LIFE IN THE BASIN

Nixons head west ......................................6

DOWN TO BUSINESS

CMT Haulage ..............................................8

The newspaper

OPINION

...............................................................18-21

PLACES AND FACES

Roma TSBE Enterprise Evening ......22-23

The team

The Surat Basin News publishes every month and will be delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities thought the booming region. Surat Basin News is a necessity. It was born out of a passion for Australia’s fastest growing communities – a passion for a region of unbridled potential and a future of vast economic growth and opportunities. The newspaper, professionally designed and regionally topical, will be a must read for anyone associated with the exciting Surat Basin. ONLINE: Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them. Go to: www.suratbasin.com.au. PURCHASE FROM: Newsagents in Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope. VISION: Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 1200 sq km basin, providing unprecedented access to new clients and markets. It will give a revealing insight into major industry while lifting the veil on current and proposed developments. It will be there for each and every announcement shaping the region’s future while profiling the colourful characters.

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

Matthew Newton, Chinchilla

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

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

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Thursday, August 25, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS

TSBE Roma Enterprise Evening

Santos ‘slow-down’ part of gas giant’s plan THE man behind Santos’ infrastructure building and construction over the last five years has confirmed the CSG giant will keep building and drilling in the Maranoa. Development Manager for Field and Facilities Rob Dunsmuir spoke at the latest Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Evening in Roma, to update the community on Santos’ progress while international oil prices continued to struggle. Mr Dunsmuir said the company would continue to push ahead with further exploration and drilling despite the down-turn, mainly because it was imperative they did so. “The idea in this industry is you can never be complete – you have to be perpetually drilling wells to keep delivering LNG to the plant in Curtis Island; it’s a 30-year project, it’s meant to go on for decades,” he said. “We have some projects sanctioned that are in flight right now and then obviously as part of this strategic review they’re looking at where else to keep going because it has to keep going. “There’s been a slow-down, but the intent is as part of the strategic review that’s ongoing now is we need to keep developing and going forward, so those decisions are being looked at by our executive team to make sure we’re going in the

◗ INDUSTRY UPDATE: Santos' Rob Dunsmuir and Maranoa Mayor Tyson Golder at the TSBE Enterprise Evening in Roma earlier this month. PHOTO: TOM GILLESPIE

right direction.” CSG market research company EnergyQuest’s latest LNG report has revealed GLNG Train 2 only shipped one cargo in July. While Santos has promised a two-three year ramp-up, the report found it would only be able to match this if their Roma fields moved higher than 8% of field compression capacity in July.

But EnergyQuest CEO Graeme Bethune said Santos’ main fields were still performing strongly. “Fairview is doing very well, and it’s just earlier days for Roma,” he said. “Hopefully the production from Roma will kick up. “Another one they’re looking at is Arcadia, but that’s in even earlier days.”

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QGC’s latest gasfield expansion, Project Charlie, has hit the quarter-way mark. Construction of the Charlie field compression station is underway with all major foundations expected to be complete by the end of August. Construction of the two flares, the erection of structural steel, as well as earthing and cable ladder installation are all underway. Deliveries of major equipment to the main site and laydown yards near the Woleebee Creek central processing plant will continue regularly throughout the next three to four months. Major equipment deliveries have included four of five electrical buildings, a 132 kV 75 MVA transformer, weighing 95 tonnes, as well as several pre-assembled modules and vessels. Further equipment and module deliveries will continue throughout the month. The pipelines team is advancing construction of the 34km gas and water pipelines that will connect the Charlie field compression station, when completed, with existing facilities at Woleebee Creek. The stringing and bending of the gas pipeline is complete. The welding team have been progressing with approximately one kilometre per day completed. Coating of the welded field joints and trenching of the main pipeline has also commenced.

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

Maranoa a hotspot for Geothermal THE Maranoa region is an “ideal location” for the rollout of a new geothermal exchange technology, according to a leading commercial provider. Managing director of GeoExchange Yale Carden said there was budding potential in the region for the implementation of heat-exchange technology, given the temperature extremes over the seasons. “It reduces the heating needs of structures by up to 70%,” he said. Unlike Geothermal energy, which relies on heat to produce electricity, Geothermal heating and cooling relies on stable thermal energy from the ground to heat and cool structures. Using an earth loop cycle and conventional duct system, the geoexchange system distributes warm and cool air throughout structures without relying on electrical systems or air-conditioning.

‘‘

The Roma area maintains a constant of 20 degrees in the top 100m in the ground, so all year round the exchange process can be used to heat and cool down different buildings in town without relying on electricity. Mr Carden maintained the project could more easily meet the needs of the regions by providing buildings with an energy-efficient solution. Having partnered with a Toowoomba-based contractor for work in the Surat Basin, Mr Carden also said there was potential for the use of local partners and contractors. “Council and government projects tend to lead the way and show the community what’s possible; installing energy efficiency technologies in buildings like hospitals and council departments help in the long run. The Roma area maintains a constant of 20 degrees in the top 100m in the ground, so all year round the exchange process can be used to heat and cool down different buildings in town without relying on electricity.” ◗ IN: Shane Charles has been appointed executive chairman of the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

Reshuffle at head of region’s major lobby group

TRC appoints Shane Charles to head of TSBE A RESHUFFLE has taken place at the region's major lobby group and Shane Charles has been appointed executive chairman. In a confidential meeting last Tuesday, Toowoomba Regional Council voted seven to three to appoint Mr Charles to the paid role at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise for a period of up to 18 months. Crs Bill Cahill, Anne Glasheen and Megan O'Hara Sullivan voted against the appointment. Mr Charles was the inaugural chief executive of TSBE, having held the position from 2012 to 2015, before becoming chairman. He worked pro-bono as chairman but will be paid an undisclosed amount in his new role as executive chairman which is similar to that of chief executive officer. Ben Lyons, who was the chief executive officer of TSBE, will now take on the same role for Food Leaders Australia, a sub-group of TSBE that is focused on agri-business and trade with China. Mr Charles said there were "phenomenal" opportunities in agri-business and that Mr Lyons was well-suited to the role. Crs Cahill and O'Hara Sullivan said they voted against the appointment because of a lack of transparency around TSBE's governance model. "I've never seen a detailed report about operational expenditures and that concerns me," Cr Cahill said. Mr Charles said he planned to focus on TSBE's core business interests including supply chains in the Surat Basin,

encouraging business in Toowoomba and promoting infrastructure projects. "We'll be working with the mayor (Cr Paul Antonio) on the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project which is our number one priority," Mr Charles said.

◗ OUT: Former TSBE CEO Ben Lyons will take over the reins of Food Leaders Australia. PHOTO: KEVIN FARMER

Veg management laws felled by Gordon WARREGO MP Ann Leahy has called the defeat of the controversial vegetation management legislation “a massive win for farmers” across south-west Queensland. The Queensland Government suffered the major legislative defeat last night, with crossbenchers voting against promised tree clearing laws. Before the vote on Thursday night, independent MP Billy Gordon announced he would not be supporting the bill. Mr Gordon said the bill had not “achieved the balance” between protecting farmers and the environment. “After months of consultation with a variety of people, groups and organisations around my electorate, and those adjacent areas to the Cook electorate, I am of the firm view that the proposed vegetation management reforms don’t strike the necessary balance between indigenous economic development, protecting the environment and supporting our farmers,” he said. Without Mr Gordon’s support the government did not have the numbers to pass the restrictions on land clearing. The LNP and Katter’s Australian Party voted against the bill. The defeat meant primary producers in the South-West could breathe easier for the moment, according to Ms Leahy. “We’ve worked very closely with AgForce and primary producers and ran a consistent campaign about the misinformation that Labor were spreading,” she told Surat Basin News. “Some of those primary producers have been working very hard to convince those people that needed to be convinced. “We may be able to breathe easy, however anything could happen. “I’m happy because of what we’ve been able to achieve for our primary producers, home-owners, landholders, small businesses and first home-buyers.” KAP MP Robbie Katter said he had been speaking to Mr Gordon “every day” in the lead-up to the vote. “We’re talking two hours before he made his announcement,” he said. Mr Katter said the KAP existed to stop bills like this. The legislative loss is the first the government has suffered on a bill it introduced.

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, August 25, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

◗ ONWARDS AND UPWARDS: QGC's Richard Eva, left, and Justin Di Cecco, of Insitu Pacific, discuss remotely piloted aircraft flights to monitor wells.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

State Government puts $1 million into QGC drone program

Eyes in the sky

Gas company hopes remotely piloted aircraft will reduce need for boots on the ground the resources and agriculture sectors. “Landowners will benefit, over time, from fewer visits to their properties while QGC and the community will benefit from fewer vehicles on the roads,” he said. It will also involve development of technology to enable a wider range of uses of data gathered. This will enable broader adoption of drones by other industries including agriculture. RPAS are operated for QGC by a world leader in this field, Insitu Pacific, which is a specialist subsidiary of Boeing and operates in line with strict privacy controls and policies. QGC does not receive imagery of people’s homes. Insitu Pacific operates the aircraft, which have a 3m wingspan and fly at 1,500-2,000ft, in compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.

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THE Queensland Government has shelled out $1 million in support for a major research project that would allow some gas infrastructure to be monitored from the air. Part of the Advance Queensland project, the grant follows a partnership between Shell’s QGC project and Boeing that has developed the world’s first commercial use of beyond-line-of-sight drones. The RPAS monitor natural gas wells and associated infrastructure which, until now, have mostly been inspected on the ground by four-wheel-drive. To date, the trial program is being run in the north east of the Surat Basin, around Wandoan. As QGC progressively introduces the technology, it will reduce the need for the company to liase with landowners for routine land access requests. Shell’s Vice President QGC Tony Nunan said QGC was proud to be introducing an emerging technology that will benefit both

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LIFE IN THE BASIN

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

The Nixons, graziers from Chinchilla, celebrated their final showing at the Ekka from their long-time property this month, before selling up and moving to Dulacca.

Final Ekka showing before Nixons head west ◗ GREENER PASTURES: The Nixons, including Aleacea, Aderian, Julie and Lyall, celebrated their final time showing cattle bred on their old property near Chinchilla. PHOTO: TOM GILLESPIE

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FOR Aderian Nixon and his family, the 2016 Brisbane Ekka had a bittersweet feeling to it. The Chinchilla graziers celebrated their final show at the old property outside town, before they move to Colville Park near Dulacca on the edge of the Western Downs. Mr Nixon, who has been a steward at Queensland’s top agricultural show for more than 20 years, said the move was to be closer to his own parents. “I’m originally from Dulacca and my parents are there, so we’re moving back to give them a hand,” he said. “We’re going to Colville Park. We signed a contract about two weeks ago. We’ll have about 60 breeders on that.” The Ekka is also special for Aderian since this was where he met his wife Julie nearly 20 years ago. “I met her while I was stewarding here. I’ve been stewarding for over 20 years, and actually my brother introduced us,” he said. “We met at the Steward’s Bar and that was way back in 1997. We’ve been showing as a family since 2002.” Aderian’s 15-year-old daughter Alecea is no stranger to the rural lifestyle, having entered the Brisbane Ekka’s Young Judging Competition. The event was showcased in the main arena of the RNA Showgrounds during the Ekka for the first time, something Aderian said could only be positive to promote the industry to young people. “It’s very important – you’ve got to encourage them at an early age. It’s very hard to get them when they’re old,” he said. “If it’s in their blood, it just seems to carry through.” The Ekka’s Beef Cattle Committee chair Gary Noller said the move to the centre ring was a chance for city people to see the work of young judges, paraders and auctioneers. “We’ve not done this before – this is our inaugural day out here in the main ring instead of the horses,” he said. “We’ve put all of our youth programs on today, incorporated with Queensland Council of Agricultural Societies.”

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LIFE IN THE BASIN

Roma resident Robert Nugent reckons the future of Clay Target Shooting is bright, not just here in the Surat Basin but right across Australia.

People profiles: Robert Nugent

Roma local’s aim is true THE world has had its eyes locked on the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro for the past few weeks, but Roma’s Robert Nugent thinks other big events are slipping past, under the radar. The World Clay Target Association president just returned from the World Down The Line Championships in Ireland, a competition he said held its own against the Olympics. The Roma resident said the world championships fielded 420 clay target shooters, and some of “the best there are” in the sport world-wide. “We took 17 Australians over there, and won just about everything,” Mr Nugent said. “Australia pretty well cleaned up.” While he said two of the best competitors were selected for the Olympic Games, he said it was “a slightly different sport” played in that arena. “(The world championships) are every bit as important and possibly more relevant to most of our members,” he said. He said there were different disciplines in the two, and the discipline played in the world championships was simply “more broad spread in Australia”. Mr Nugent said he didn’t compete himself any longer, but was proud to see the sport grow in numbers and skill. The former competitor said this was just the beginning for the sport, and great things were in the works for Australian clay target shooting. With the world championships held in Australia’s Wagga Wagga in 2018, he said it was an exciting time for Australian competitors in the sport. “We’re developing more facilities on the ground,” he said. “There’ll be about 700 competitors at Wagga Wagga.” And Mr Nugent thought Australia had a good shot to dominate the score board once again. “Being in Aus, we think we do it better here,” he said. “We have a spirit to us.”

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

CMT Haulage continues to grow

Hard work pays off for the Turner family CRAIG and Mandy Turner started CMT Haulage with a five-year plan: pay off what they had and purchase another truck and tanker. But plans often fall by the wayside, and as the gas industry burgeoned, so too did their growing business. Just over five years from when they began their little business, they boast 26 employees, eight prime movers, 14 trailers, a side-tipper, step-deck, four flat tops and a brand new vac tanker; far beyond their expectations. They’ve also outgrown their home depot, setting up a new one on McNulty Street, just off the Warrego Highway as you come into Miles. It’s been a lot of hard work, and they often catch themselves wondering where the last five years went, but sometimes that’s how it goes when you’re in business. Within two years of starting, the Turners had to begin diversifying their offerings to keep pace with what the industry wanted. “It’s just been our clientele that’ve said, ‘oh can you do this? Can you offer us this service?’ And we’ve had to really think about what niche services we want to offer,” Mandy said.

◗ HOME GROWN: CMT Haulage's Sam Garnsey, Mandy Turner, Lance Chapman and Craig Turner outside their new depot on McNulty Street in Miles. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

Now CMT Haulage offers infield wash-downs, weed and seed certifications, recovery work and bulk haulage in addition to their water trucks. The most recent addition to the company’s repertoire is the Vac Tanker, which can be used to safely excavate services such as water mains, power and telecommunications infrastructure, but can also be used on rig clean-outs. As for the secret to the Turner’s success, their advice is simple.

“Do what you do well and don’t stress over things you can’t control,” Craig said. The Turners have been living in the Miles district for over 20 years and believe in supporting local business as well as our local community. They have been major sponsors and supporters of the Murilla Kindy annual Seafood night, the Miles State School, Miles Trail Ride and the Beef Bells and Bottle Tree festival to name but a few. For more information, contact CMT Haulage on 1300 856 815 or 0417 710 125.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, August 25, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

Row over State Government’s high bar

Locals ‘cut out’ of state government contracts ROMA builders and the LNP have slammed the State Government procurement policy for public infrastructure like the Roma Hospital, labelling it ‘a lazy process’ that cuts local contractors out. Local builder and developer Bruce Garvie made the comments on Tuesday in an informal meeting with Shadow Minister for Housing and Public Works Stephen Bennett and Warrego MP Ann Leahy. Mr Garvie, whose family finished the now-open Royal on Ninety-Nine within six months using 90% local contractors, said the decades-old policy that required a builder to be pre-qualified to be considered needed to be looked at by the State Government. “It’s fine to jump up and down about getting locals involved with the hospital and fire station, but the imposition there is the pre-qualification process,” he said. “I’ve been through this – I was the only pre-qualified builder west of Toowoomba for a long time. “It cost me an absolutely fortune to be pre-qualified and what happened is it put my overheads up so high that I was then non-competitive with the local market and there wasn’t enough work out there for that.”

◗ BUILDING ROW: LNP Shadow Minister for Housing Works Stephen Bennett with Warrego MP Ann Leahy, outside the site of the new Roma Fire Station. PHOTO: TOM GILLESPIE

Mr Garvie said the current process ensured only a handful of large contractors would get looked at for local public infrastructure projects like the new Roma Hospital and the soon-to-be-built fire station. “Government really needs to have a look at that, because there are a lot of really capable people (out here),” he said. “For the people here, the pre-qualification process does not allow them to that sort of work. It is very lazy. “We had two full-time employees in our small organisation just to handle the audits, the QAs and the pre-qualification. The average contractor simply cannot afford to do that.” Mr Bennett agreed with Mr Garvie, saying the policy was flagged for issues under the previous government. At this month’s Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise

evening in Roma, South-West Hospital Health Service CEO Glynis Schultz said the Roma Hospital project would be broken up into smaller parts to give more contractors a chance to benefit. Ms Schultz outlined the the construction timeline for the new building, with work still expected to start by the end of the year. Ms Schultz said the $70 million project, announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in January, will have opportunities for local contractors to be involved. “For local content, rather than just saying it has to be the requirement of tender, we really want to prepare the market,” she said. “So we expect to have people from the department out here by early to mid-September to talk about how we can increase that local opportunity and the local input into the build.”

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THE upgrades to rail sidings in Morven have progressed another step recently, with the multi-national corporation behind the multi-million dollar deal looking at a number of options for a new beef loading ramp in the town. Oakey Beef Exports, and the Japanese food consortium NH Foods, flew out a number of high ranking officials to view the state of play from ground level early in August. The upgrade is part of a broader rejuvenation of the Western Railway line announced earlier this year. On the back of advocacy from the South West Regional Economic Development board, Oakey Beef Exports have been included in the freight services contract for cattle on the Western Rail line. They will be shifting cattle by rail from Quilpie’s already-operational loading yards by the end of the year, after an upgrade at the SEQ abattoir. One of the major concerns with the proposed upgrade to Morven’s long disused cattle loading dock is local complaints. The existing site has not been used for over thirty years, according to local resident Mick Smith. And the rusted and overgrown site sits just across the rail line from town. Unfortunately, the current facilities would likely be inadequate without major investment to the tune of multi-millions. Oakey is likely to need much improved, 24 hour access for multi-deck cattletrains, as well as some of way to turn the prime mover around – so it doesn’t have to drive backwards all the way to Brisbane. And of course they want the capacity to simultaneously load a whole train. That’s according to Andrew McDonald, from Oakey. So they are considering building a new kilometre long rail siding through the Morven common – but are unsure whether this would be easy to organise. Upgrades to the existing loading dock would also be loud and potentially blow dust over the town. Murweh Shire Mayor Annie Liston vowed to do proper consultation with Morven townfolk to see whether this potential annoyance would be acceptable. In Morven the corporate brass also looked at a few options for a loading location out of town. The upgrade is part of a new corporate strategy designed to ensure additional supply for Oakey Beef, allowing them to increase capacity at their South East abbatoir with a large investment from Japanese-owned NH Foods. It would also increase the prices they can offer producers, as it is cheaper to move cattle by state-subsidised rail rather than road. The deal will likely also save the taxpayer money by reducing the number of heavy trucks on the road. Morven is significant because it’s the confluence of a number of highways, allowing cattle from North and South to meet up in the one place This year State Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe announced a commitment to upgrade the sidings at Morven and Mitchell as well as the abattoir in Oakey. At the moment, Morven is in a stage of wait and see, with no hard proposal yet surfacing. Murweh mayor An Liston said she will continue her vocal support of increased freight activity on the western line and any opportunity for economic development for townships in Western Queensland. “The SW RED board resolves to support Murweh’s application to secure Federal Funding to explore the opportunities of an upgrade rail hub in Morven,” she said. “This regional support is vital because it’s envisioned at this stage because a project at this stage would be in the vicinity of 4 to 5 million dollars.” She reiterated that they are in the early stages. “Obviously community consultation about the location will occur and we will be starting that conversation with the town when we have a clearer direction.”

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, August 25, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

DDSW Council of Mayors meeting

‘Terrific 10’ put their heads together ◗ ONE VOICE: Eight of the ten mayors on the Darling Downs South West Council of Mayors, which met in Roma earlier this month. PHOTO: TOM GILLESPIE

Cr Antonio also hailed tourism as a largely untapped resource for western Queensland, with some councils doing better than others. “Tourism is a sleeping giant in this area.” Deputy Chair and Paroo Mayor Lindsay Godfrey said it was important all the mayors were united on the ‘big ticket’ issues that affected our regions to get better funding outcomes. “We represent a section of Queensland where there is not a lot of people compared to south-east Queensland, but a lot of produce,” he said.

“But of course politically, produce doesn’t vote so we need to stick together and work collectively to push our various policies. “We have a range of issues we’ve identified including infrastructure, particularly rail, communications, food and fibre pathways, using the access to China as well.” Most of the mayors will attend the AccessChina trip in October – something former Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ben Lyons said would be favourable economically.

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SOUTH-west Queensland’s 10 mayors have placed rail, water and tourism as top-ticket funding items to be addressed, after a recent meeting in Roma. The Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors, referred to as the ‘Terrific Ten’ by Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, came together earlier this month for the first time since local government elections in March. Representatives from Maranoa, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Murweh, Balonne, Goondiwindi,Quilpie, Paroo and Toowoomba put forward their issues, with common ground found on many fronts. While each region had its own individual issues, Cr Antonio said they would be pushing for a number of big-ticket items to do with rail and water infrastructure when lobbying to state and federal governments. “The thing that impresses me most is the power of 10 mayors coming together and the advocacy power of that for this region,” Cr Antonio said, who also chairs the Council of Mayors. “We’ve identified a range of issues around rail, water and tourism. “We’ve talked about the inefficiency of rail and how we really ought to boost that; we’ve talked about a range of issues.”

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OPINIONS

Victory for farmers

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

Improving mental health in the construction industry

Western Downs has enormous solar potential

ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

THE debate in State Parliament on the worst ever Queensland Labor Government Vegetation Management Legislation occurred this week. This legislation was a massive assault on property rights and landholders profitability and it has been all about West End rather than Western Queensland. It took the former Labor Governments 13 years to put in place, with 18 major changes and 38 legislative amendments to the Vegetation Management Act 1999. The Palaszczuk Labor Government wanted to reinstate those changes in one foul swoop. To put the debate in perspective – last year vegetation activities occurred on just 0.15 per cent of Queensland’s land surface, proving Labor’s scare campaign on the future of the Great Barrier Reef was unwarranted and misleading. It should be noted this Labor Government wanted to do that with only 19 working days of Committee consultation – the LNP successfully fought for an extended consultation period and Committee reporting date to 30th June 2016. We have fought all the way to defeat this legislation. It was the LNP Members of the Committee who argued for public committee hearings in Charleville and Roma so landholders in South West Queensland could have their say. I am very proud of the professional Committee Hearing presentations made by multi generational landholders from across the electorate especially those in Charleville and Roma and I want to thank them for their time and contributions to the Parliamentary process. It has been the LNP working with industry groups like Agforce who have taken the fight up to the State Government and championed fair laws for farmers. The defeat of the bill has upheld the rights of Queensland farmers while continuing to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The result is a huge win for farmers, small businesses and first home buyers and a vote of confidence in the strength of the LNP laws in terms of the protection of the Reef. The Agriculture Industry has had their future hanging in limbo as the State Government threatened to take away their rights and make them criminals on their own land. They can now breathe easy thanks to the hard work of many landholders, industry groups and the LNP.

Cr PAUL McVEIGH, Mayor Western Downs Regional Council

The third wave of energy development is here, with a number of large-scale solar development projects moving forward at a cracking pace across the Western Downs, placing our region in an exceptionally good position to drive, lead and contribute to the global renewable energy transition. Following the approval of the Origin Energy Darling Downs Solar Farm project at Kogan, we're excited that more and more renewable energy companies are considering investing in the Western Downs with Council recently approving a 30 megawatt solar farm development from global solar specialists FVR to the east of Dalby. These solar projects provide exciting times for our region, with the FVR solar development set to create 90 construction jobs in the region, bringing a positive boost to our economy and our communities. We're committed to not only encouraging private sector investment across the Western Downs but also ensuring that our towns and people are well-placed to benefit from these developments. With access to energy and electricity networks on broad-acre lands, the Western Downs has enormous potential for generating green, clean, renewable energy to the wider public. As solar developments power on across our region, and as the mining and coal seam gas industry start to level out in the Surat Basin, Western Downs Regional Council are committed to bolstering the economic growth of our region and this includes encouraging resource workers to live locally. It's great to see that these new developments are creating local jobs, but what we really want to see is those in the resource and energy sector become part of the fabric of our communities, supporting our towns, joining our sporting clubs and raising their families in the Western Downs. Council will continue to work alongside the private sector to ensure the economic benefits of a 'live local' workforce, which will no doubt leave a legacy that benefits our region and our future.

DAN MCGAW

ETU South West Queensland State Organiser

EVERY year 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives, this means we lose a construction worker every second day to suicide. Construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. For our young workers, the facts are that they are well over two times more likely to take their own lives than other young Australian men. For workers in the construction industry, suicide seems to be a part of the reality of working in the industry. Work within the industry is highly transient with most workers employed on a project by project basis, for periods from a few weeks, to at best a few years. To combat this alarming research the charity Mates in Construction was established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. The Mates in Construction program is based on the simple idea that "suicide is everyone’s business" and that if the building and construction industry in Australia is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of workers and to reduce suicide then it cannot be left to the mental health professionals, but rather everyone in the industry must play their part. They are independent of employers and unions and never work directly for a particular employer, but for the construction industry generally. They provide suicide prevention through community development programs on sites and support workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. So if you or one of your work mates are showing signs of depression, get them to call MIC on 1300 642 111. We all have a role to play in reducing the above statistics.

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OPINION

Thursday, August 25, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

Further investment in new coal emissions reduction projects MICHAEL ROCHE

Queensland Resources Council CEO

WORLD-FIRST technologies, in part developed in Queensland, are being harnessed to reduce carbon emissions around the globe – and, importantly, in a commercially viable sense. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies have been rapidly developed and tested - including in the Surat Basin and at Queensland’s Callide A Power Station. These global research projects followed release in 2005 of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). CCS is the capture of carbon dioxide from power stations (or other industrial facilities) and subsequent storage in deep underground reservoirs. CCS is a proven, established technology and a reality in many parts of the world. Current modelling sees CCS projects reducing emissions by approximately 90 percent. Apart from the work done in the Surat Basin and at Callide A, CCS is being used commercially at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam project in Canada. For the record, emissions from that project have been slashed by 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year through CCS. In simple terms, that’s equivalent to taking 250,000 cars off the road each year. An amazing achievement. Last week, the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matthew Canavan, announced further encouragement for more local research with $23 million in Federal Government funding for CCS projects. This will be a significant boost to CSS development. The investment by the federal government acknowledges the world-class work already done by Australia’s natural resources sector, particularly the coal industry. Carbon Transport and Storage Company (CTSCo), a wholly-owned subsidiary of resources company Glencore,

was granted $8.775 million of Federal Government funding for its carbon capture and storage project in the Surat Basin. This funding will enable CTSCo to conduct a Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study, the next step in moving the project toward a final investment decision to undertake carbon dioxide storage at depths greater than a kilometre. Mr Mick Buffier, a Group Executive for Glencore’s global coal business, noted the grant was an important development for the company’s project and demonstrated the continuing contribution by Glencore and the coal industry to the research and development of low emission technology solutions for fossil fuels that can be scaled up safely and commercially around the world. Mr Buffier, who is also currently Chairman of the World Coal Association, said the Project also highlighted the important role Australia was playing in developing innovative, practicable and scientifically sound solutions that can significantly reduce emissions from fossil fuels. It’s important to note that sector has made substantial investments itself in CCS projects through the coal industry’s ACALET Coal 21 Fund. Apart from the obvious benefits of lower carbon dioxide emissions, CCS research is ensuring that Australia’s coal industry continues as a substantial employer and contributor to the nation’s economic wealth through exports and domestic manufacturing. Coal accounts for more than 40 percent of the world’s electricity generation and 70 percent of Australia’s grid electricity. It also accounts for 70 percent of the manufacturing of steel, which is a key element in the nation’s lifestyle requirements – everything from bridges and hospitals to solar panels and wind turbines. But with global energy demand continuing to increase, coal will continue to be a major player in electricity generation for many years to come. CCS research and development means the coal industry will be able to play that role in a more sustainable manner.

Technology on the rise RICK WILKINSON

APPEA Chief Technical Officer

THE oil and gas industry is taking to the air with cutting edge technology that continues to define the sector’s commitment to safety. Shell’s QGC project and Boeing have developed the world’s first commercial use of beyond-the-line-of-sight Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones. Operating in compliance with strict air safety and privacy regulations, the RPAS monitor natural gas wells and associated infrastructure which have traditionally been inspected on the ground by workers in a four-wheel drive. Over time landowners will benefit from fewer visits to their properties while communities will benefit with fewer vehicles on their roads. Insitu Pacific operates the aircraft, which have a three metre wingspan, can fly up to eight hours a day at a height of between 450-600 metres. Never before used on a commercial scale, the technology has enormous potential for critical industries such as LNG, agriculture and telecommunications. As a search and rescue tool it could save lives. The drones build on the world class efforts of Brisbane based gas companies at the forefront of revolutionary technology to monitor gas infrastructure. If a pipe in a compressor station situated in the Surat Basin’s expansive natural gas fields shows subtle signs of stress a person sitting in an office 1000 kilometres away in Brisbane will know immediately and act immediately in conjunction with field staff. If gas in one pipeline needs to be redirected to another pipeline it can be done with the click of a mouse. Santos GLNG were the first to commission an operations centre that showcases technology under the watchful eye of staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its control room covers about 750 kilometres of high pressure gas transmission pipelines, more than 700 kms of low pressure gas gathering flowlines, about 580 kms of water gathering lines, more than 600 wells, five sales gas compressor stations, two pipeline compressor stations, 15 injection wells and a reverse osmosis and water treatment plant. It has attracted global interest as more and more organisations seek to emulate the monitoring and safety measures established by Queensland’s gas industry.

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OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

Digital disruption will benefit regions DAVID LITTLEPROUD Member for Maranoa

LAST month I outlined telecommunications as one of my key priorities for Maranoa. For many reasons, it is just as important for rural Australia to receive first class connectivity as it is for metropolitan Australia – we have a growing number of people participating in the global economy through remote working arrangements or in trading their product in the world market. The education system

requires students at all levels to have exceptional internet access so that our kids aren’t left behind at the national and international level. The age of digital disruption is actually a benefit for us here in rural Queensland providing we get the infrastructure right – that is why I will continue working with the Coalition Government on the following: Ensuring every premises is connected to the NBN by Sky Muster satellite, fixed wireless or fibre to the node over the next 18 months; Identifying key locations in the electorate to benefit from the Coalition’s $220 million Mobile Phone Blackspot Program – I

note that Jackson and Moonie will receive new towers due to be completed in 2018; Rolling out designated data plans for children living remotely and studying through distance education. Great connectivity is not just an economic necessity, it is a social necessity in rural communities as it keeps families in the area and also encourages people to relocate to the country. With the rate of technological advancement I have no doubt that we will all have first class connectivity at some point in the next few years – it is my job to make sure regional Australia doesn’t get left behind in that process. I will keep you updated as things progress in the area.

Science leads groundwater solutions in Surat Basin AGRICULTURE, industry and community are all dependent on and have a shared responsibility to sustainably manage the vital groundwater supplies of the Surat Basin region. Over the past decade, the development of the coal seam gas (CSG) industry in our region and its requirement to extract groundwater in order to lower water pressures and produce gas brought with it both challenges and opportunities. As one of many farmers who were very concerned about the impact of this new industry on groundwater supplies, I am pleased that Queensland is using world-class scientific modelling and an evidence based approach to finding practical solutions to these key coexistence challenges. This scientific effort has largely been led by the independent Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment (OGIA) which since its first Surat Underground Water Impact Report (UWIR) in 2012 has forecast and monitored impacts from CSG activity on groundwater pressures throughout the region. Earlier this year, OGIA held a series of community meetings to explain and get feedback on its latest draft groundwater flow model for the Surat Basin based on extensive geophysical, groundwater and other data that is now providing an even better

IAN HAYLLOR Dalby irrigator and GasFields Commissioner

picture of how these groundwater systems work. The OGIA model also provides the scientific basis for identifying and triggering statutory make good provisions for the approximately one hundred (100) immediately affected area bores which are predicted to experience water level declines of more than five metres within the next three years. Importantly, all of this research and information on affected bores is fully transparent and readily available to all interested landholders via the OGIA website. In addition, the Commission has recently published on its website a range of background information and links to assist landholders on understanding the statutory make good process. It includes information about the steps involved in the make good process; various compensation options to consider; and links to key government and industry groundwater experts. In addition, one should also talk with other landholders who have

◗ NEW RESOURCES: The Gasfields Commission website has recently published information to help landholders understand the statutory make good process. PHOTO: DEREK BARRY

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OPINION

Resource, energy and manufacturing China opportunity to be explored

IT IS not every day that one gets the opportunity for a guided tour of the world’s busiest trading port or the world’s fourth largest steel producer but, for delegates who book their place on the highly anticipated AccessChina’16 Business Delegation, this is just a sampling of what our jam-packed program has in-store. AccessChina’16 departs from Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport bound for Shanghai, China on October 23, and will see over 200 businesses head to China to investigate and activate opportunities for their business in the

out to see Yangshan Deepwater Port, the world’s busiest trading port which handles a staggering 32 million containers a year, Lonking’s headquarters in Shanghai, and the Shanghai Baosteel Group Corporation’s headquarters. Boasteel is the fourth largest steel producer in the world measured by crude steel output. It won’t just be about the traditional resources either, renewables are playing an increasing role in China’s development and we will be visiting Siemens Wind turbine manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Shanghai. This is a fantastic opportunity for manufacturing, energy and resources businesses to investigate and activate new market opportunities. Bookings close 30 September. Visit www.accesschina16.com.au.

Small businesses agile and adaptable PAT WEIR

Member for Condamine

I WOULD like to take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate David Janetzki as the newly elected member for Toowoomba South. Since becoming the Member for Condamine I have had the opportunity to visit many small businesses within my electorate. It continues to amaze me how resourceful and innovative small business people are. Small businesses are responsible for keeping our economy stimulated and employing a significant number of people. The community of Dalby went through a rapid and unsustainable development period which saw unprecedented growth, followed by a massive downturn with the end of the construction phase for several CSG projects.

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Many companies changed their core business to service the CSG industry and their demands, however once the rush was over they had to re-adjust. There are many businesses in Dalby that have been operating successfully for more than 20 years with several closer to 30 years and one, White Industries, that commenced operation in 1960 and is still one of the leading businesses in Dalby employing local people. Simplicity is an agricultural machinery business that has gone from strength to strength, employing almost 100 people and continuing to develop state of the art planting and tillage equipment to service farmers in Australia and worldwide. All of these businesses have made their home in Dalby. The small business community in the Surat Basin is alive and well and continues to create enthusiasm and confidence in our economy and for all our futures.

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Change of Name Specials

W: www.chinchilla.laserplumbing.com.au

Pitt’s Plumbing Service has changed its name to LASER PLUMBING CHINCHILLA and we want to celebrate with YOU! As part of the LASER GROUP we are now able to provide greater products and service at value for money prices

E: chinchilla@laserplumbing.com.au

Same Great Locals Same Great Service New Name only!

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TSBE CEO

moves from an industrial based growth and export led economy, to a consumption led economy where there is less focus on energy intensive industries and more interest in improving production efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability. In fact, when it comes to sustainable design, China is experiencing the fastest growth in demand for environmental products and services in the world. Day one of AccessChina’16 brings together an itinerary loaded with world class speakers and industry leaders working within Asian markets. Speakers will come from a wide range of interesting resources-focussed players in the world market including Paul Glasson from Satori Investments, Peter Arkell from Carrington Day and the Oriental Mining Club. The following days will see delegates head

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Family owned & operated business since 1969 starting in Wandoan.

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Distributors of Global Leading Brands such as Mobil fuels & lubricants, Phillips 66/Conoco Lubricants & Shell Lubricants

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Depot in Heinemann Rd Charlton which services the greater Darling Downs

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Bulk Diesel/Petrol’s delivered at a competitive price fast & efficiently.

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A growing regional 24hr card network with sites in Blacksoil, Fisher Park, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Gurley and Inverell with more to come Credit/Debit Cards

Jeff Bidgood

0418 135498

Cameron Politch

0458 338062

Toowoomba Depot

07 46148100

Jeff and Cameron have over 60 years of Industry Experience

• Lubes • Bulk Fuel Deliveries • Oil & Grease Pumps • Bulk fuel tanks

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BEN LYONS

Chinese market. ‘Energy and Resources’ and ‘Manufacturing and Sustainable Design’ are two of six key streams we are exploring over the five-day program. China is Australia’s largest energy and resources market, with exports totalling more than $67 billion in 2014-2015. This trend is set to continue with the recent China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) providing greater certainty for exporters. Exports to China for Australian manufacturing companies, currently worth $4 billion in 2014-15, are also continuing to grow, especially for those seeking to supply goods to China’s rapidly expanding middle class. It is great to see the new opportunities for Australia’s mining, equipment, technology and services sector that are emerging as China

PLACES AND FACES

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

TRADES AND SERVICES SURAT BASIN NEWS - SURAT BASIN NEWS

ag, industrial engineering

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◗ Theo Hennen (LCR Group), Kate Elvery (BOC) and Chris Garland (BOC) at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening at Diamantina Village this month. PHOTOS: TOM GILLESPIE

◗ Max Hopper (Armstrong Auto Group) and Pete Falknau (Bullivants Toowoomba) at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening.

W: www.milesengineering.com.au E: sales@milesengineering.com.au P: 07 4627 1488 John Hoffmann M 041 777 3748

earthworks

W E S P EC I A L I S E I N T H E FOL LOW I N G:

Servicing the Surat Basin | Safety & Environmental Compliant Specialising in the Management and Completion of Projects in Oil and Gas, Road Maintenance & General Earthworks

C U R R E N T M AC H I N E R Y AVA I L A B L E

• Excavators • Dozers • Graders • Scrapers • Rollers • Float Hire • 4 in 1 Skid Steer • Prime Movers • Body Tippers • Water Trucks Communication is the Essence of Production

P (07) 4627 7115 | F (07) 4627 7018

14 Wambo St Condamine Q 4416 | www.twearthmoving.com.au

◗ Damian Stubbs (Johnstaff), Nigel De Veth (Geothermal Industries), Yale Carden and Darren Morgan at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening at Diamantina Village this month.

• PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1979 • OVER 1000 LATE MODEL MACHINES FOR HIRE AUSTRALIA WIDE • THE CAPACITY & FLEXIBILITY TO GET ANY PROJECT DONE

PH 1300 BROOKS

WWW.BROOKSHIRE.COM.AU

PLACES AND FACES

Thursday, August 25, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

POSiTiOnS VACAnT

◗ Gavin Walton (TSBE), Michael Duff (BMD) and Rhys Cochrane (ARC Transport) at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening at Diamantina Village this month. PHOTOS: TOM GILLESPIE

iPipe Services Pty Ltd (iPipe) is a major pipeline contractor specialising in testing and construction of high-pressure gas, oil and service pipelines. iPipe has worked on a number of major pipeline projects in the Surat Basin in Western Queensland. iPipe is proud of our position within the pipeline industry as leaders of innovation and performance, and in our ability to maintain a very high standard while constantly striving for excellence in safety, environmental and cultural heritage management. We are seeking experienced and highly skilled Mechanical Trade and Testing Specialists, Operators and Truck Drivers with at least 3 years CSG industry experience, to join our professional team. With our Head Office based in Brisbane, you will work on regional projects near the Dalby/Chinchilla/Roma area located in the Southern Central Queensland region and Moranbah located in Northern Queensland. These role exists on multiple projects in the Surat Basin and Isaac Region. Experience • Oil & Gas commissioning and Testing essential for Trade roles • Documented evidence of previous experience (3 years minimum) for all roles

◗ Don Shaw (TAFE South-West) and Carlie Miller (Santos) at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening.

◗ Phil Somers (A&J Construction) and Derek Haas (Welcon Technologies) at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening.

Qualifications required for the each Role: • Relevant Trade Certificate in on or more of the following: • Engineering Fabrication • Mechanical Fitter • Plumber • Boilermaker or Machinist; or UEG301147 - Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations; or Certificate in Testing, Hot Tap & Squeeze Off Competencies; or

Current Operator Tickets in two or more of the following: • Excavator • Side Boom • Grader Front End Loader • Backhoe Operator • Non Slewing Mobile Crane • Live Dig Operator; or

◗ Ciaran Walsh, Lance MacManus, Damian Camiffe and Bruce Adams at Roma's TSBE Enterprise Evening at Diamantina Village this month.

Two or more current Tickets in the following: • Dogman • Scaffolder • Rigger • Polywelder • Truck Driver Licence: • Vacuum Excavator Ticket; PLUS • HR & HC for Truck Driver Role

1300 415 667 Experience the new standard of workforce accommodation in our friendly village.

16m2 and 12m2 Residences Ensuite, TV, Desk Nutritious Fresh Meals Foxtel / DVD Free Wifi Split System Air Conditioning

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Awesome Recreational Facilities

Phone: 1300 415 667 | Email: info@basecampchinchilla.com.au 105 Windmill Rd, Chinchilla QLD 4413 | www.basecampchinchilla.com.au

Skills required for all Roles: • Work within an effective team • Problem solving • Understand and interpret isometric drawings • Good communication - written and oral • Basic computer skills including word and excel • Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise work Should you meet one or more of these requirements, we welcome you to apply for one of our roles. All Resumes must be sent to hr@ipipe.com.au and include: • Full Name and Contract Details (residential address + phone number + email address); and • Experience relevant to the role only; and • Clearly listed Tickets relevant to the role only (must include validity dates); and • Trade Qualification or Certificate relevant to the role only.

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Core Qualifications required for all Roles: • Construction Induction White Card • Australian Driver Licence

IN THE NEWS

View the last edition The latest news online online Read our last issue at www.suratbasin.com.au

Keep in touch with the latest news with just a mouse click. www.suratbasin.com.au

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 25, 2016

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

APLNG Condabri tour

Forging industry pathways for students A PARTNERSHIP forged over months between Miles State High School and Origin is beginning to bear fruit. For Condabri Production Manager Brad Robertson, it was attending a local art exhibition that put him in touch with MSHS principal Josette Moffatt. “I was attending an art exhibition by prominent local artists Kylie Bourne and Kylie Drury earlier this year when I was approached by the Principal of Miles Senior High School, Josette Moffatt,” Mr Robertson said. “Josette was keen to learn more about our industry so she could answer questions from students about how to get a job with Origin.” Since then, the two organisations have been working together on how to develop and identify pathways for local kids into the industry, and how to get real-world examples of science, engineering and mathematics from Origin’s workplace into the school’s curriculum. Brad immediately arranged for Josette and the High School’s Head of Curriculum to visit Origin’s Condabri Central Gas Processing Facility and followed up with another visit recently which also included Miles Primary School Principal, Steven Bennett. “We hosted about 20 people at Condabri the other week and the feedback was really positive,” Brad said. “Visitors were shown a CSG well, the Gas Processing Facility and the Water Treatment Facility and we were able to explain the many aspects of running a business such as Origin, and the variety of career pathways that are available – from cooks, security staff, truck drivers, operators, engineers, business and finance officers, logistics and administration. “The next step is to get the students out here so they too can get a first-hand look at our operation and find out more about how to obtain work in the CSG industry.” ◗ PATHWAYS: Miles Primary School Principal Steven Bennett, Miles Senior High School Principal Josette Moffatt and Origins Condabri Production Manager Brad Robertson. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

LCR GROUP

INDUSTRIAL & MINING SERVICES

• Mobile Cranes • Bulk Material Handling • Heavy Haulage & Transport • Mining Services • Maintenance Services • Labour Hire

www.lcrgroup.com.au

BRISBANE - CHINCHILLA - ROMA - BLACKWATER - MIDDLEMOUNT - MORANBAH - TOOWOOMBA - PNG

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