Surat basin news september 2016 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

NEWS

Thursday, September 22, 2016

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SNAP OF THE MONTH

From the editor

Jobs, jobs, jobs: New projects across the Surat Basin HELLO and welcome to September’s edition of Surat Basin News. Importantly this month, there have been several key announcements which mean more jobs on the horizon. Whether they go to locals or to others is another matter, but the fact is, they are coming. As the saying goes, you’ve got to be in it to win it. The first of which is detailed in our story on Page 3, regarding an impending pipeline project from APA’s Wallumbilla hub, linking with APLNG’s pipeline at Reedy Creek. Proponents are saying this should lead to about 170 construction jobs in the short term, with 20 jobs to remain permanently. Construction is expected to begin next year. Moving on to that other energy source which is being firmly touted as the next big thing by at least one regional council, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced funding for 12 large-scale solar plants around the country, two of which sit within the Surat Basin. The first and smaller plant will be at Oakey. The second - Origin’s Darling Downs Power Station - which will be the largest in the country when built, is planned for Kogan. I’m hearing reports of there being up to 200 construction jobs on offer for this project, which could take up to two years to build. Add onto this the 90-odd jobs required for the construction of another recently approved solar plant outside Dalby, and we’ve got a bit of regional activity going on. You can find that story on Page 9. This month also saw a rather interesting development, with Broadspectrum opening a new office and warehouse in Chinchilla. “Why now? The boom has come and gone and now they’re opening a new office?” It’s a question I asked myself on the day. Broadspectrum, being the global player that it is, doesn’t make decisions based on a whim. Their investment in the Surat Basin will have been firmly based on the figures, which they reckon stack up in the long term. The gas industry has a lifespan of another 30-odd years and those wells are going to need continuous servicing right the way through that period. When you add in the consideration that new wells are being drilled every week, you can see why Broadspectrum have decided to situate themselves here in the basin. And on the topic of gas companies and drilling, if you turn to Page 17 you can read all about the State Labor Government’s amended water legislation, which it hopes will make life easier for landholders with water bores affected by CSG operations. The issue has been bubbling along for several years now, and hopefully this will go some way to addressing the imbalance of power between large companies and landowners. Enough from me. Until next month! — Matthew Newton

◗ SUNSET: Nicholas Corbett has snapped this month's photo of the week.

Contents

IN THE NEWS

PHOTO: NICHOLAS CORBETT

Mon Galvin........................................................................................ 7

$80m gas projectannounced.......................................................3 Broadspectrum opens new warehouse and office ...............4+5 Easternwell grants up for grabs .................................................8 Solar farms secure funding .........................................................9 Gate Mate launched ....................................................................16 New water laws take pressure off farmers ...............................17 MFE grabs state-wide award ....................................................24

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Pumping up innovation................................................................7 The key to success ......................................................................18

OPINION

......................................................................................................19-21

PLACES AND FACES

LIFE IN THE BASIN

22-23

The newspaper

The team

The Surat Basin News publishes every month and will be delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities 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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IN THE NEWS

Mature discussion needed on foreign investment WE need to take the emotion out of the debate on foreign investment, says the local member David Littleproud. He said the key element of a successful foreign investment regulation system was a ‘productivity test’. Basically, if the money is going to employ Australians, it’s probably okay. “Across my electorate there are many parcels of land, with absentee managers, in desperate need of investment and the creation of a productivity test would encourage community-building investment and grow an economy,” he said. The Member for Maranoa argued for a “national symposium” on regulating foreign investment to consult with farmers and other stakeholders. “We need a mature debate on this, based on fact, not emotions,” Mr Littleproud said. “The Coalition Government also changed the FIRB’s rules for examining potential foreign investments by lowering the trigger threshold on land acquisitions from $55 million to $15 million for agribusiness proposals – which is considerably lower than what Labor put forward last year. “The next step is to include a productivity test on potential investors. “That way, foreign-owned companies have to prove to the FIRB the investment will create jobs and increase the region – and Australia’s – productivity, in addition to providing the Treasurer with powers of dispossession for properties that fail to meet productivity standards.” ◗ JOBS: A new $80 million gas pipeline project will deliver 170 construction jobs from 2017.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

170 jobs to come during construction phase

Gas project announced

◗ CALM: Maranoa MP David Littleproud has called for a mature discussion on foreign investment. PHOTO: KATHERINE MORRIS

APA’s Wallumbilla Hub to be linked with the Australia Pacific LNG pipeline at Reedy Creek would give APLNG the flexibility to send gas either to Gladstone for export or directly to the domestic gas market. “My Department of Natural Resources and Mines is currently assessing APA’s application for a petroleum survey licence as the first step to investigating various alternative pipeline routes between the existing facilities,” he said. “The resources industries continues to provide jobs and business opportunities for Queensland’s regional communities, with this project coming on top of QGC’s $1.7 billion Charlie natural gas development near Wandoan,” he said. The new APA pipeline will have a capacity of up to 300 terajoules a day and mean that more Queensland gas can be transported to southern states via Wallumbilla and then to Moomba in South Australia. Construction will start in 2017 and the pipeline is forecast to be commissioned in mid-2018.

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THE Surat Basin could benefit from dozens of jobs thanks to an $80 million gas pipeline project. Australia’s largest natural gas infrastructure business recently announced it would build a new 50km bi-directional pipeline. The project will link APA’s Wallumbilla Hub to the Australia Pacific LNG Pipeline at Reedy Creek north of Wallumbilla in southern Queensland. State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham welcomed the announcement of the pipeline. “The construction of this pipeline is great news for jobs,” he said. “With construction to start in 2017, the project is estimated to create 170 jobs including 20 permanent jobs within land access, approvals, technical design and procurement teams and 100 to 150 jobs for the construction phase of the project.” Dr Lynham said this

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 22, 2016

◗ CCCI president Rob Hart, Cr Kaye Maguire, Surat Basin Property Group's Greg West, Warrego MP Ann Leahy, Cr Ray Brown, Broadspectrum's Stuart Nevison, Chinchilla State High School principal Scott Rowan, Mayor Paul McVeigh, Broadspectrum's Sam Goldsmith, Ben Hughes, and Broadspectrum's Chris O'Neill at the opening of Broadspectrum's new office and warehouse in Chinchilla in late August.

◗ COMMITMENT: Chinchilla State High School principal Scott Rowan shakes hands with Broadspectrum's general manager, industrial maintenance Sam Goldsmith after Mr Goldsmith pledged to host a busload of work experience students every quarter at the opening of Broadspectrum's new warehouse and office in the Surat Basin Industrial Park, Chinchilla. PHOTOS: MATTHEW NEWTON

◗ Broadspectrum’s chief executive, resources, Stuart Nevison shakes hands with Warrego MP Ann Leahy.

Investing in local workers and local businesses With our recently launched office and fabrication workshop at 11 Osborne Street, Chinchilla Industrial Park, Broadspectrum will be able to invest in local workers and local businesses more than ever. We’re committed to providing opportunities to local students, workers and suppliers as we continue to grow our business in the coal seam gas, mining, power, telecommunications, utilities, roads and rail industries. broadspectrum.com

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, September 22, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

◗ BIG TURNOUT: The crowd at the opening of Broadspectrum's new warehouse and office in the Surat Basin Industrial Park.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Global services provider Broadspectrum opens new office and warehouse in Chinchilla

A show of confidence in the region backed up by more than 85 per cent of our workforce being locals, and more than 80 per cent of our procurement spent locally. We look forward to building on that, and hope to expand our local Surat workforce by 25 per cent,” Mr Nevison said. On opening day, Broadspectrum also hosted a facilitated workshop for local schools to identify and create work experience opportunities with Broadspectrum and other local suppliers. Broadspectrum’s general manager, industrial maintenance, Queensland, Sam Goldsmith made a commitment to host a bus full of school kids every quarter from Chinchilla State Highschool so they can get a taste of life in the industry. “In support of this, we are also the Foundation Sponsor of www.localworkers.com.au, which is an online community asset that connects workers with local employers, training and eventually liveability information,” Mr Goldsmith said. Broadspectrum’s facility at 11 Osborne Street in Chinchilla will provide an equipment warehouse, service centre for its 70 vehicles, stores location for materials and fabrication services. From this site, Broadspectrum hopes to grow its presence in the region, expanding from coal seam gas to the other industries in which it operates.

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MORE than 150 people from State and local government, businesses and schools attended the opening day at Broadspectrum’s new office and workshop at the Surat Basin Industrial Park in August. With a long-term contract with QGC and a commitment to invest locally, Broadspectrum has established itself in the 850-square-metre facility, and is following in the footsteps of 15 other businesses who have joined the industrial area, including QGC, Origin Energy and Giovenco Industries. Speakers at the event included LNP Member for Warrego, Ann Leahy, with the venue officially opened by Mayor and Councillor for Western Downs Regional Council, Paul McVeigh. Broadspectrum’s chief executive, resources, Stuart Nevison said Broadspectrum was committed to investing in regional Australia. “We know that the Australian economy is being challenged by global commodity prices, and we are working hard to lower our costs and improve local supply chain economics. “We recognise that the Surat region has a strong supply chain and workforce with developed capability and skills. “Across Australia, our investment in the local community is

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LIFE IN THE BASIN

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 22, 2016

People Profiles: Mon Galvin

Galvanising the community to join the Rural Fire Service

◗ ON THE JOB: Rural Fire Service volunteer community educator Mon Galvin with assistant Rosie. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

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IT HAS been 17 years since Mon Galvin started out as the only female firefighter on Thursday Island, in the state’s far north. She’s seen her fair share of fires and tragedies over that time, and since moving out to the Western Downs two years ago, has taken on a role with Rural Fire Service Queensland as a volunteer community educator (VCE). The prevention of fires, she said, is far more preferable than having to fight them. “If people are educated, if they’re aware, if they’ve got some knowledge, they can learn to prevent, manage and recover from disasters,” Mrs Galvin said. But more than anything else, she’s keen to get people involved in the local rural fire brigades dotted throughout the Western Downs. “Everybody can contribute in some way to the Rural Fire Service,” she said. “It’s not onerous, and because it’s volunteer work you’re able to choose your role.” With the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ Operation Cool Burn - the period where firies perform hazard reduction burns - finished, and despite the recent rain, Mrs Galvin said the Western Downs was now in fire season. “We want people to get involved because it’s their fuel, their lives, their property, their kids, it’s their oldies out there on the properties,” she said. As part of her role as a VCE, Mrs Galvin recently put on a kitchen fire demonstration at the Miles Historical Village Anniversary Day. As you can see from the photos below, pouring even the smallest amount of water on an oil fire is a definite no-no. Long before she became a firefighter, Mon Galvin was cooking dinner one night for her children when a pan full of oil caught fire. “I’d been on the phone. The kids are going, mum, mum!” she said. “I didn’t throw water on it. I put the lid on it and the lid was rising up. I picked it up, walked it to the door.” As she walked out the door, the higher levels of oxygen outside reached the flame and it exploded, burning all the way down her front. “I had to work that night, not knowing how bad it was,” she said. In that instance, Mrs Galvin was lucky to have escaped without more serious injury. Now older, wiser, Mrs Galvin was sure to emphasise how dangerous oil fires could be to an attentive crowd the other week. If you or someone you know is thinking about joining the Rural Fire Service, head to www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au and hit the “volunteering” link at the top of the page. The more people who are part of the service and fire-aware, the safer a community is.

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Practical Engineering snags award

Pumping innovation Practical Engineering’s solution for extracting water from low point drains in the gas network has earned them a national award The network of Coal Seam Gas pipelines that enlace the Western Downs landscape is one of the state’s great engineering marvels. But as ingenious as it is, the system isn’t quite perfect. Enter Practical Engineering, who have just won a High Commendation Award at the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards for their LPD-MAX™ automated low point drain unit. One of the issues with the current network is that low points where pipes go under a creek or gully - are affected by the build-up of condensation. Presently, the water is either trucked out or in some cases, the

DOWN TO BUSINESS

CSG companies are allowed to simply release it into the environment. Practical Engineering’s Business Development Manager, Nigel Kruger said that the company was focused on creating technology with two purposes - helping the CSG operators increase gas production and lessening impacts on landholders. So, through an extensive R&D program, they dreamed up the LPD-MAX™, which can pump water out of the low point and inject it into whatever water line is running parallel to the gas line, and deliver it to the nearest treatment plant. “This means companies are not having to send tankers up and down farmers’ roads anymore,” Mr Kruger said. “It doesn’t let gas vent, it shuts down as soon as it senses gas. It runs off solar, so now power infrastructure is required. The aim was to make the unit self-contained and lessen the footprint of the operation.”

◗ INNOVATIVE: The LPD-MAX™-2010 high pressure unit. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 22, 2016

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◗ HELPING HAND: Chinchilla Scout Group have previously received grants to purchase equipment from the Easternwell Community Grants program. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

DRILLING and well servicing company and Broadspectrum subsidiary Easternwell has opened its community grants program and is encouraging groups, clubs and associations to apply for funding up to $2,000. Established in 2011, the program provides financial and social assistance in regions where Easternwell has key operations including the Pilbara, Surat Basin and Toowoomba. Designed to support groups, clubs and associations that are making a difference in their community, Easternwell has delivered a helping hand to 139 organisations said Executive General Manager, Tim Phelan. “Last year our grass-roots program provided funding for all sorts of initiatives including purchasing tables and chairs, permanent signage promoting a community event, electrical appliances as well as a hot water system and electronic equipment to assist in emergency response,” he said. “We’re passionate about getting behind our local communities and the grants program is just one of the ways we’re creating a lasting benefit for the wider community.” Since establishing the program, Easternwell has awarded more than $90,000 to 53 organisations in the Surat Basin region including the Chinchilla Scout Group, among others. Easternwell is encouraging people who are involved with community groups to apply, particularly if they have a genuine need for additional resources which may ensure the sustainability of either the organisation or a specific program. Applications must be received before 14 October 2016. For more info visit www.easternwell.com.au/communitygrants.com.au.

EXPERTS FORUM - Tuesday, 18 October 2016 p&e Law would like to invite landowners across the region to attend the Experts Forum on Tuesday, 18 October 2016 at 2pm at the Western Downs Motor-Inn, Miles. The purpose of the Experts Forum is to provide information to landowners in the region who are affected by coal seam gas, mining and related infrastructure. The Experts Forum is an opportunity for landowners who are seeking information to assist in negotiating future agreements with resource companies that protect their land, business and lifestyle. The Forum will also be relevant to landowners who have existing agreements and wish to ensure that companies comply with those agreements and other statutory requirements, particularly on the issue of rehabilitation. p&e Law will host the Experts Forum which will include presentations by: • Adam Osborne (Senior Valuer) and Scott Kostecki (Partner) of Leichardt Group - experts in property valuation and agribusiness. The Leichardt Group will discuss the current state of the market and compensation assessments for resource activities including issues around livestock disturbance. • Steve Dudgeon, Managing Director of O2 - expert in soil and water management. Steve will discuss issues including rehabilitation, erosion and sediment control and compliance with environmental conditions. p&e Law will provide clarification on legal issues raised on the day as well as an update to landowners on recent developments, such as the new Underground Water Impact Report. We encourage all concerned or curious landowners to attend this Forum. Refreshments and nibblies will be provided at the bar following the event to allow landowners to chat to the experts and also share their experiences with each other. We look forward to your company.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, September 22, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

Western Downs to become energy hub

Solar farms secure vital ARENA funding TWO of the nation’s largest solar energy plants will be built on the Darling Downs after the projects secured vital funding and support. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will support 12 large-scale solar plants across the country including the $216.7 million Darling Downs Solar Farm at Kogan and $47.5m Oakey Solar Farm at Oakey. With a 107 megawatt generation capacity, the Darling Downs Solar Farm, for which proponent Origin Energy received development approval from Western Downs Regional Council earlier this year, will be the largest plant in the country. Origin’s Energy Markets CEO Frank Calabria said the company was delighted the farm had been offered funding under ARENA’s large-scale Solar PV program. “The strategic location of the solar farm adjacent to Origin’s Darling Downs Power Station gives the project distinct benefits and Origin’s substantial gas-fired generation portfolio will help to balance out the intermittent nature of renewable generation,” he said. “Origin is looking to develop a portfolio of potential large-scale solar sites and the construction of the Darling Downs Solar Farm may help to unlock these future developments and

◗ SUNSHINE STATE: The Darling Downs Solar Farm at Kogan and the Oakey Solar Farm have received millions in federal funding. PHOTO: ALISTAIR BRIGHTMAN

further our progress towards being Australia’s number one renewable energy provider.” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the projects would create more than 500 direct jobs, and hundreds more indirect jobs, in regional Queensland. “I am proud that the largest solar farm in Australia will now be located on the Darling Downs, and that two of the three largest solar farms will be located in Queensland - we truly have transitioned from the Sunshine State to the Solar State,” she said. “Combined these projects will generate enough renewable energy to power 120,000 homes.” ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the company’s support for the projects accelerated the nation’s shift to “a sustainable,

affordable and reliable energy future”. Earlier last month, the Australian Conservation Foundation suggested 2700 jobs were at risk if the Federal Government went through with it’s plan to cut funding from ARENA. But Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh, who is at the forefront of a push to turn the Western Downs into a renewable energy hub for the state, said a number of solar projects currently under negotiation were not contingent upon Federal funding. “One of the reasons (solar energy companies) are excited about our region is because we’ve got all the infrastructure already existing, making the establishment of solar farms very economical,” he said. “They just plug into the network we already have.”

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

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Miles rural property

"Bushrock Pines" is being offered for auction. It has two incomes with great potential become a very profitable enterprise.As well as having a very large well appointed home with a 3 bay enclosed garage, this property has a registered gravel quarry. A 5,000 tonne test pit has been dug and material crushed and tested at CBR 96. A mixture of Brisbane tuff down 3.5M then sandstone for another 2 metres provides the ability to blend material to produce a range of products. The screening license also allows for further refining of material .

Auction David Sweetapple 0416272700 www.hubrealestate.com.au

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IN THE NEWS

◗ GOLDEN RULE: John Chaplain with one of Origin's new "Gate Mates".

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Gate Mate gets it right every time IN COUNTRY Australia, you abide by the golden rule: Always leave a gate how you found it. But how do you know if the gate is in the right position? It’s something gas companies try to get right, but feedback from landholders shows they don’t always achieve this. In Queensland, poor gate management is landholders’ number one

complaint. In response, Origin has launched “Gate Mate”, a simple tool designed with their landholders to take the guesswork out of the correct position for gates and help them get the gate right, every time. It’s also a friendly reminder that while a property might be “work” to Origin and their contractors it’s also a home – and

often a business – to landholders. For Chinchilla-based landholder relations advisor (LRA) Glen Mason, the Gate Mate campaign is about care and respect. “This is their home. If we can get this right, it will show that we value the trust they’ve given us to work on their property and we’ll have a positive relationship,” Mr Mason said.

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

Labor government tables amendments

New laws to take the pressure off farmers ◗ BUBBLING ALONG: A Hopeland bore kicking up gas and water late last year.

issues for landholders, and will assist landholders in engaging and negotiating with resource companies about managing impact on groundwater.” Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles, who tabled an amended bill in parliament on September 13, said the new laws would give the department greater power to scrutinise mining companies. “Under the new laws, the environment department will have stronger, clearer powers to assess the potential environmental impacts of groundwater extraction as part of the environmental authority (EA) process,” Dr Miles said. “That will mean a rigorous scientific assessment of the impact of mining projects on groundwater would be required before an environmental approval is issued for new mining projects.”

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Dr Miles said the new laws would also strengthen protection for farmers and other rural landholders by improving the existing make good obligations under the Water Act 2000. “The new laws will help landholders who are affected by gassy bores. Gassy bores can damage farm equipment, can interrupt the flow of water from a bore or can leave water in a condition where it is not fit for use on the farm,” Dr. Miles said. “Companies would also be required to cover the costs of any alternative dispute resolution process and allow a cooling-off period for make good agreements. The laws will also require resource companies to pay a landholder’s costs in engaging a hydrogeologist for the purposes of negotiating a make good agreement.”

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AGFORCE has welcomed the introduction of new laws introduced into Queensland parliament last week, which the peak agricultural body said will take the pressure off farmers and landholders dealing with resources companies on underground water issues. Key amongst the raft of changes introduced is the fact that the resource sector’s make good obligations will apply where there is a likelihood, rather than a certainty, that their activities are contributing to water supply problems. AgForce CEO Charles Burke said the impact on vital agricultural water supplies by resource projects remained a key concern for primary producers, and proposed new environmental laws were a positive step towards improved groundwater management. “Primary producers want up-front certainty that their access to water will be secure and will not be interrupted or impaired by mining or gas sector activities,” he said. “This means having confidence that the risk to water assets are understood, that impacts are avoided in the first instance and that any residual impacts can be managed and ‘made good’. “AgForce acknowledges that the Queensland Government’s proposed new laws will address a number of

DOWN TO BUSINESS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 22, 2016

Jeff Hannaford Chartered Accountant

Hard work and honesty key to success

◗ STRAIGHT UP: Jeff Hannaford believes hard work and honesty are the key to success.

PHOTO: JOHN SKINNER

CLIVE Berghofer was quoted in The Courier-Mail recently as saying the key to success is to work hard and be honest. Jeff Hannaford, owner of the Chartered Accountant business under the same name, finds these words ring very true in his professional practice. "I’m coming up to 40 years as a chartered accountant in September," Mr Hannaford said. "Over the years I’ve gained experience in most fields and hence am able to help people in most fields." Mr Hannaford enjoys being able to give back to the community through his business. "I was lucky enough to get a university education, and you should put that back into the community," he said. "I started my business to help people and be part of the community. "I like that the community can judge you and say you have certain standards so you have to grow." Mr Hannaford plans to continue to give good service as government departments become less personal and harder to get in contact with in coming years. "Part of the job as well is to get as much of the tax paid to Canberra back into the area so our community benefits," Mr Hannaford said. "There have been changes since I started, in that you can now make more money before paying tax than in previous years," he said. "So I urge people to go out and make money, and let me worry about the tax side of things."

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

Livestock effluent dumps will save lives

OPINION

Investment a sign of regional confidence

Research sheds light on business resilience in Surat Basin PROFESSOR STEVEN RAINE

scientist and GasFields Commissioner

PAT WEIR

Member for Condamine

THE Surat Basin has a huge amount of livestock transport vehicles travelling on its roads each and every day, with the electorate of Condamine having the largest number of feedlots in Queensland within its boundary. The movement of stock to abattoirs, to and from feedlots and to local saleyards on all the roadways in Queensland is massive, in particular the major highways to Brisbane, and along with this comes the problem of effluent. Members of the livestock transport industry have become increasingly under pressure from abattoirs and feedlots to install effluent tanks on their livestock crates to contain the effluent. Whilst this is a move in the right direction as it keeps the effluent off the roads, it is becoming problematic for the livestock industry as they need to be emptied. Unfortunately at this point in time there are no designated areas where the livestock transporters can dump this effluent. This becomes a greater problem for the livestock industry when they enter the built up areas of Brisbane on the three main arterial roadways. Drivers are forced to dump the effluent on the side of the road prior to entering Brisbane so as not to have spillage of effluent on to the road. The number one priority of the livestock transport industry is safety. Safety for the livestock they are transporting, safety for other road users and safety for themselves. The members of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland are calling on the state government to install designated dumping facilities on the three major highways into Brisbane in the vicinity of Blacksoil, Amberley and Burpengary. This would alleviate the need for transport operators to dump their effluent on the side of the road prior to entering the built up areas of Brisbane. The Queensland government need to fund these dumping facilities as soon as possible to ensure the safety of all road users. A small outlay of money for the prevention of fatalities on our roads is surely not much to ask.

SHANE CHARLES

Executive Chairman TSBE

ON AUGUST 23 Broadspectrum officially launched its new warehouse and office at the Surat Basin Industrial Park in Osborne Street Chinchilla, with more than 170 people attending the celebrations and presentations. TSBE identifies this not only as a sign of confidence for the sector within our region, but an excellent example of a company’s charter of supporting regional growth through a focus on local demand, growth areas and greater accessibility to client’s operations. This follows the July APPEA 2016 conference in Brisbane, where Broadspectrum Chief Executive, Resources and Industrial, Joe Sofra spoke on the role his company, as a supplier, must play in forging a more sustainable sector and showing how suppliers can drive improvements in supply chain. Globally, Broadspectrum employ more than 25,000 people across 20 industries and ten countries and in Australia and New Zealand their workforce is over 16,000 across key industries which include resources, energy, industrial and infrastructure. Their activity across the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region includes, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Easternwell Camp Management, Queensland Urban Utilities, Millmerran Power Station and QGC Brownfield Projects. There were representatives from these divisions present for the opening day. Broadspectrum has adopted a localisation strategy because it’s cost effective but they must be congratulated for promoting the method to the greater business community in an effort to best future-proof Industry and the associated regional communities. The Chinchilla operations have now set themselves a target of increasing its 64-strong local workforce by 25%, and growing their local supplier base. Multi-national companies like Broadspectrum investing in regional communities is such a wonderful show of support. We need more contractors and proponents to show a real commitment to supporting regional communities and encouraging their employees to live locally.

TWO major research projects recently published by the University of Queensland provide some helpful insights into the socio-economic impacts of the coal seam gas (CSG) industry on local businesses and communities in the Surat Basin. The first research project by UQ’s Centre for Coal Seam Gas (CCSG) looked at comparative statistics for ten towns across the Surat Basin including population, employment, income, housing costs, and crime rates over the period 2001 to 2015. The impacts both positive and negative of the CSG boom and subsequent slowdown post boom are evident across a range of these statistics. It also provides some valuable benchmarks to continue to monitor and track longer term trends for these communities. The project’s interactive website - boomtownindicators.org – enables you to select and chart these different statistics for each town and compare them to Brisbane and Queensland. One of the outcomes of this research is that it can help inform other communities around Australia to better understand, plan and manage the potential impacts of future boom cycles. The second research project, undertaken by the UQ Business School examined the factors that influence the performance of small businesses in the Surat Basin. They surveyed 400 firms about their performance, and gauged their perceived strength across eight resilience factors. It found those firms that were pro-active, connected and adaptive were more likely to have maintained growth during the transition from construction to operations in the CSG industry and those firms are also more positive about their long term growth prospects. The research suggests firms that develop strategic planning capability will assist them in reshaping product and service offerings to capture more business, while longer term building up reserves and enhancing business networks is important. Many of these same business resilience factors have been highlighted by stories published on our website at www.gasfieldscommission qld.org.au.

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OPINION

We should all strive to buy locally CR PAUL MCVEIGH, MAYOR, Western Downs Regional Council

OUR businesses across the Western Downs and Surat Basin are leading the charge both locally and globally in producing quality goods and services, and at Council we want to see our local guys continue to prosper and grow. That's why we're committed to buying locally and providing local businesses every opportunity to supply their products and services across our region. We are doing business better and smarter by leading the drive to spend locally in our region, and this means looking for greater opportunities to engage with our local suppliers. In what was an outstanding success, this month Council staff travelled to Chinchilla, Miles and Dalby as part of our first Regional Procurement Roadshow which saw over 160 local business representatives attend. The information sessions were a great opportunity for our businesses and industries to find out more information on how they can do business with us, and I strongly encourage local suppliers interested in working with us to register their details on our Local Supplier Database and check out our 'Doing Business with Council' page on our website. By bringing our procurement options to the front of mind for many of our local businesses we're providing them with further opportunities to grow and value add not only to other service industries in our communities, but the long-term economic sustainability of our region. On a final note, I'd like to extend my congratulations to the Miles Beef, Bells and Bottle Trees Festival Committee and the Miles community on hosting such a remarkable event this year. A tremendous amount of work and planning goes into organising such a large Festival and I commend the hardworking event organisers and volunteers for coming together to bring the Festival to life.

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 22, 2016

Natural gas – a brief history

Telcos need to come to the table DAVID LITTLEPROUD Member for Maranoa

I HAVE made it no secret that one of my key priorities in advancing Maranoa’s interests is ensuring that we are the beneficiaries of key telecommunications infrastructure and in my previous columns I have outlined the steps that the Federal Government is taking to address connectivity issues with the NBN roll out and the $220 million Mobile Phone Blackspot Program. In fact I spent a great deal of time discussing the importance of telecommunications and connectivity to Maranoa in my very first speech in parliament earlier this month. Even with the great work being done in this space, ensuring that every person in our electorate has mobile phone coverage and internet access won’t not happen overnight. It is something that we as a Government have committed to and will ultimately deliver, but the reality is that infrastructure builds take time. That is why I was extremely pleased to see Rod Simms, Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) announce an ACCC Inquiry into the concept of national roaming this month. National Roaming would mean that carriers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone could provide better coverage to customers through access to other carrier networks for a fee. This is an initiative that could take place right now – even before the newly announced construction of the Moonie tower is completed in 2018 and enhances your coverage. The ACCC is right to look at this because it will increase competition. Although the ACCC has announced this Inquiry, I am encouraging the telcos to come to the table and work towards negotiating a commercially viable option to provide better coverage to their customers. I am asking them to consider how they could quantify a reasonable fee for service, which takes into account the cost of use and maintenance. It is my belief that connectivity is a key ingredient to our success in Maranoa and that if the telcos aren’t able to be good corporate citizens and build a solution, then the Government will need to regulate.

RICK WILKINSON APPEA Chief Technical Officer

NATURAL gas was formed in the earliest prehistory of our planet, during the Jurassic period and earlier eras. Natural gas has been recorded as a part of human history as early as 1000 BC when a goat herdsman noted a ‘burning spring’ on Mount Parnassus in ancient Greece. I have seen similar burning seeps around Kirkuk, Iraq which locals assured me had been around as long as anyone could remember. Around 500 BC, the Chinese formed crude pipelines out of bamboo shoots to transport natural gas from natural seeps to boil sea water, separating the salt and making it palatable. The first well drilled for producing natural gas was completed in Fredonia, New York in 1821, 193 years ago. Back then, whale oil was an important fuel and Australia was a continent of British colonies. In April 1961, 140 years after the Fredonia well, natural gas supply to the Roma, Queensland powerhouse commenced. This was the first time in Australia that natural gas had been used to fuel electricity generation. Shortly after that, Australia started a major investment in bringing gas to city homes and industry. This has built more than 45 years of experience in commercial large-scale natural gas production. Key milestones include: ■ Brisbane becoming the first capital city with natural gas in March, 1969 from the onshore Cooper Basin ■ First large-scale offshore natural gas production from Bass Strait in April 1969 ■ Sydney first gas in 1976 ■ Natural gas to Perth through the Dampier to Bunbury pipeline in 1984. Australia now has an extensive pipeline system of many thousands of kilometres. Exploration and development to keep these pipelines full and meet the demand for natural gas continues, building on the decades of industry experience. The Surat Basin is central to this evolving history. So, after 3000 years of natural gas, people continue to use ingenuity and experience to tap this valuable resource to warm homes, cook meals and drive industry.

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OPINION

Thursday, September 22, 2016 suratbasin.com.au

Resources vital to our daily lives MICHAEL ROCHE

Queensland Resources Council CEO

EVERYTHING you do today will be possible thanks to the natural resources sector. The alarm clock that you abused as it reminded you for the fifth time that it was time to get out of bed – made from metals, glass, plastics, all of which come from our resources sector. The first cuppa of the day – you boiled the water using gas or electricity. Even the water came from a dam and water treatment plant made from steel reinforced concrete. The milk on your cereal was chilled by a refrigerator made from metals found, mined, refined and forged by the resources sector. The same water system gave you a hot, steamy shower and also used gas or electricity to reach the desired temperature. Possibly you used a solar hot water system instead – every solar panel contains 16 minerals and metals from the resources sector. The bus or train that carried you to work or school or the shops – made from metals, powered by electricity, gas or petroleum…all from resources. Now imagine life without our sector. No alarm, you rely on sunrise and the birds to wake you. That’s fine if it’s a sunny day rather than bleak and raining. The first cuppa of the day? Well, go find the nearest stream, rub a couple of sticks together and get the billy on the boil…oh, that’s right, no metals equals no billy. Sip the stream water if you dare. That also means no hot shower. Extra deodorant? No, that comes from the resource sector as well, so off you go to work au natural. Perhaps a quick rub with a couple of squashed flowers

will do the trick. Ah, work…now that might be a bit of a problem too. How do you get there without a train, bus, car or even a push bike? How good are your shoes? If you have rubber soles, you will be walking barefoot. And you should call work and say you will late. No can do – your home phone relies on metals and plastics, and your mobile smartphone is the creation of 40 minerals and metals. What work do you do? Does it involve using a computer or telephone? They are courtesy of the resources industry, so back to pencil and paper? No, the resources sector contributes to those as well. And the list goes on. The Queensland Resources Council this week launched an education campaign to highlight just how important the resources sector is to our everyday lives – now and, particularly, into the future. From alarm clocks to solar panels, from toasters to microscopes and optical lenses, from bicycles to buses and trains, from HB pencils to desktop computers. The resources sector touches you every day. But what of the future as we all look to sustainable options for everything we do? The key to a sustainable future is to harness the knowledge and skills of the natural resources sector to deliver innovative solutions. Indeed, there is no alternative to using our natural resources, there is no Uber on the horizon. Let’s look at the sustainable energy innovations. Solar panels immediately come to mind. Queensland has one of the highest rates in the world of penetration of domestic solar panels. But we will soon see large scale solar farms also injecting electricity into the power grid.

Indeed, the largest generator of solar energy in India, the Adani Group, is seeking to replicate that ranking in Australia. Their Australian solar generation projects would be in addition to Adani’s $16.5 billion investment in the planned Carmichael coal mine in Queensland’s Galilee Basin and associated rail and port facilities. Adani has identified two solar projects in Queensland totalling 250MW, which is similar in capacity to the gas-fired power station at Oakey in southern Queensland. One of the two solar projects – a proposed 100MW plant – could be located near Emerald in central western Queensland. Adani is also looking at solar projects in South Australia with total capacity of 400MW. The important thing to remember here is that the manufacture of each solar panel requires 16 metals and minerals, including coal, bauxite and alumina, copper, silica and titanium (both sourced from mineral sands), lead, lithium, tellurium, cadmium and iron ore. Each plays a vital role in the construction and operation of every solar panel on every roof. And Queensland is a leading producer of coal, bauxite, copper and alumina, mineral sands and lead. Queensland also has some exciting lithium and graphite prospects. There are some who believe that they can leave the electricity grid. But what happens to the lights – and the TV and drinks fridge – when the sun sets and the wind generators stop turning because the breeze has run-out of puff just as Friday night football is about to start? Two solutions – tap into large and still relatively expensive banks of batteries, or stay connected to the largest battery of all, the existing electricity grid. Whichever you chose, both require massive contributions from the natural resources sector. And that situation will not change for some time.

Green shoots popping up around the region ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

WELCOME to the September Edition of the Surat Basin News. As we welcome the Spring season, it is particularly heartening to see some good crops and green grass around the region.

Beef, Bells and Bottle Tree Festival

Congratulations to the organisers of the Miles Beef, Bells and Bottle Tree Festival for a smorgasbord of activities and events. I was privileged to attend the Ladies High Tea with guest speaker and my parliamentary colleague, Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, State Development, Trade and Investment, Deb Frecklington MP. Mrs Frecklington spoke about her journey from growing up in Guluguba, 50 kilometres north of Miles, to representing the seat of Nanango in the Queensland State Parliament. I joined Mrs Frecklington in presenting Creative and Nurturing

Woman Awards to ladies of the Miles community and I congratulate all the award winners and the organisers of the high tea.

50 Year of Distance Education

Following celebrations to mark 50 years since the Charleville School of Distance Education’s first radio transmission, which hit the airwaves on January 24, 1966, I presented the school’s history book to the Parliamentary Library. I hope this book will allow all Members of Parliament and visitors to the Parliamentary Library to learn more about distance education and the heart-warming stories that have shaped half a century of distance education in South-West Queensland.

Ministerial Visits

I am delighted to welcome Shadow Minister for the Environment, Heritage Protection, National Parks and the Great

Barrier Reef, Dr Christian Rowan MP, along with the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon James McGrath, to Roma. Dr Rowan will hold discussions with landholders about the implications of feral pests during his visit, as well as undertake inspections and briefings relevant to his portfolio responsibilities.

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◗ Glenn Edwards, Anne Mickelbourgh, Andrew Fendley and Warren Daniels at the opening of Broadspectrum's new warehouse and office in the Surat Basin Industrial Park late last month.

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◗ John Hoffmann, Barry Dolan, Ryan Hicks and Karl Bannerman at the opening of Broadspectrum's new warehouse and office in the Surat Basin Industrial Park late last month.

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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, September 22, 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

Maintenance Fabrication & Engineering at the top of the pack

MFE takes out Queensland award CHINCHILLA’S very own MFE has been named the ‘Medium Employer of the Year’ at the 2016 Queensland Training Awards. The announcement was made at a presentation night on September 9 at the Royal International Convention Centre, where 840 guests were in attendance. Each year the Queensland Training Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding vocational training and education throughout the state. MFE principal Louise McMahon said winning the award was “unbelievable”. “We were up against organisations that employ up to 200 people, from all areas of Queensland,” Mrs McMahon said. “The group of nominations was so diverse, so to be named the best medium employer of the year is quite an honour.” The application process first began in March this year when Mrs McMahon was approached by a representative from Queensland Training. “Someone said to us that MFE would be a good candidate for these awards, after they had seen our apprenticeship program. We were encouraged to nominate and we were well supported throughout the process,” Mrs McMahon said. “Some of the feedback I’ve received since winning the award has been that MFE stood out because of the broad range of training we provide. We’re not just about apprenticeships- it’s about other qualifications we offer, our quality in training for young people through to mature people, and our diverse skill set. “While all this is beneficial to the employer, it’s also helping to create professional and competent employees. Our staff members give us the confidence to invest in their upskilling and reward us with loyalty, commitment and a professionalism which gives our customers service that is second to none.” Established in 2011, MFE has become a market leader in plant maintenance, fabrication and project services throughout Southern Queensland. As a proud member of the Chinchilla community, MFE provides professional development and employment to local residents. “A commitment to training has had a number of benefits to the business, including new business opportunities, increased

◗ TOP GONG: Yvette DAth Attorney General of Queensland and Minister for Justice and Minister for Training and Skills awarding Louise McMahon of MFE Pty Ltd the Medium Employer of the Year award with representative of category sponsor Apprenticeship Support Australia. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

project efficiency, a reduced need for contractors and low staff turnover,” Mrs McMahon said. “We believe in equal employment opportunities embracing all cultures, race, gender, religion and age. We also support a lot of local clubs and organisations, and we purchase supplies and

consumable where possible from other local businesses.” After their win at the Queensland Awards night, MFE will now represent Queensland at the Australian Training Awards which will be announced in Darwin in November.

LCR GROUP

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www.lcrgroup.com.au

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