Surat Basin News

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Thursday, October 25, 2018

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Surat Basin

CAR OF THE

INSIDE: Chinchilla puts reconciliation into action: PAGE 3

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Big rig news for Easternwell FULL STORY, PAGE 3

◗ BOTTOM TO TOP: Ross Gierke (Easternwell Rig Manager), Tim Phelan (Broadspectrum’s Executive General Manager Easternwell & Operations North), Tony Nunan (Shell QGC’s Vice President) Ali Davenport (TSBE’s CEO), Cr Chris Tait (TRC Chair of the Planning and Development Committee), Dr Anthony Lynham (Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy) and Greg Burgess (Easternwell Rig Superintendent).

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WELCOME

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

SNAP OF THE MONTH

◗ This image of a flash-flooded Mayne Street, Chinchilla was taken by Brooke Duncan after the hail storm on Thursday, October 11.

Contents

From the editor

Good business at forefront of edition

WELCOME to the October edition of Surat Basin News.

This month we have a special 20-page feature called Movin’ It to cover all things trucking and transport. Take an in depth look at the logistics of how machinery and heavy industry gets moved around in the Surat Basin.

This month’s edition of Surat Basin News congratulates local businesses in Roma and Dalby who were nominated and acknowledged for their efforts at the TSBE Enterprise evening in Dalby and the Maranoa Business Excellence Awards in Roma.

Highlights of this edition include journalist Amani Vassilou looking closely at the global giant Shell and their plans to venture into the Western Downs region. Shell’s new project is expected to see around 250 new wells across the towns of Wandoan, Miles, Chinchilla and Tara.

Furthermore, Easternwell announced they secured a five-year deal to provide 11 well serving rigs and associated services to Shell QGC’s Surat Basin operations.

Easternwell is also planning to increase its local workforce by 20 percent and local procurement by nine per cent to achieve the outcomes set out in the contract with Shell QGC. In other news, Broadspectrum secures “Elevate” status with Reconciliation Australia in recognition of its efforts in advancing indigenous employment.

Broadspectrum is only one of 22 companies to secure the status and are committed to driving social change and helping reduce long-term unemployment.

This month’s edition of Surat Basin News thrives off keeping readers up to date with the latest projects in the region and going beyond to provide specialised features for you all to enjoy.

— Molly Hancock

PHOTO: BROOKE DUNCAN

IN THE NEWS Reconciliation Action Plan .........................................................3 Jones challenges injunction ......................................................4 Shell to branch out across Queensland.....................................5 Sustainability remains first priority ...........................................6 Roma Hospital to go high-tech ..................................................7

Concerned citizens band together.............................................8 Another energy proposal on the table ......................................10 Explosive operation is under way ............................................32 MOVIN’ IT...................................................................................11-30 OPINION ..................................................................................36-37 PLACES AND FACES ...............................................................38-39

The newspaper

The team

The Surat Basin News publishes every month and is 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 throughout 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, is 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 have 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 Erika.Brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au

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ADVERTISING TEAM Jodie Williams, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9900, email Jodie.Williams@chinchillanews.com.au Greg Latta, Roma Phone 4672 9927, email Greg.Latta@romawesternstarnews.com Nicole McDougall, Dalby Phone 4672 5500, email Nicole.McDougall@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL

Molly Hancock, Roma

Phone 4578 4120, email Molly.Hancock@westernstarnews.com 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 News Corp Australia

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Five-year contract boosts job potential

◗ PLANS IN ACTION: ‘Chinchilla on Charlies’ on a vehicle. INSET: Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh.

PHOTOS: JOHN FLYNN

Employment high on the agenda

Action Plan promotes indigenous culture

CHINCHILLA’S Surat Basin Industrial Park turned arts and entertainment centre on Wednesday as global service provider Broadspectrum launched its fourth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with a show of indigenous art, dance and culture.

Centre-stage at the launch were art students from Chinchilla State High School whose eye-catching artwork entitled ‘Chinchilla on Charlies’ was unveiled before an audience of 100 staff and dignitaries including Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh and representatives from Reconciliation Australia.

Created in collaboration with Barunngam Elder Uncle Reg Warner and indigenous artist Anthony Turnbull, who is also employed by Broadspectrum, ‘Chinchilla on Charlies’ is a contemporary take on Chinchilla during the Dreamtime.

The artwork has been reproduced as a full wrap-around on a company vehicle and on hard hats that will be used at operations in the Surat Basin.

Addressing the gathering, Reconciliation Australia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Andrea Kelly paid tribute to Broadspectrum’s long-term commitment to advancing indigenous employment opportunities.

Broadspectrum is one of only 22 companies to secure ‘Elevate’ status with Reconciliation Australia, in recognition of its efforts in advancing indigenous employment.

“The greatest strength of the RAP is our capacity to drive social change,” Ms Kelly said.

“The biggest contribution you are making is giving the long-term unemployed an opportunity.”

Broadspectrum Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nick Miller outlined a solid list of achievements by the company in meeting indigenous employment objectives since it undertook its first RAP in 2009.

During that time the business that provides drilling, well servicing and camp management services to the Surat Basin via subsidiary Easternwell, has increased its indigenous employment from 2.2 to 4.8 per cent and is rated in Australia’s top 30 indigenous employers.

The goals moving forward include employing an additional 450 indigenous workers by 2020 and raising the overall level of indigenous staff participation to 6.5 per cent by 2021.

“We are proud of our commitment to closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people, and our results,” Mr Miller said.

“For our fourth RAP we are pushing ourselves to do more and we are setting out to achieve more than 40 actions over the next three years.”

Mr Miller’s sentiments were echoed by the Chairman of Broadspectrum’s Indigenous Advisory Board, Eddie Fry, who noted that even during more challenging economic times such as the global financial crisis, Broadspectrum had stuck by its indigenous work force.

“It is a badge, a badge of honour that we should wear with pride and that we should celebrate with the rest of Australia,” Mr Fry said.

— John Flynn

Servicing the Surat Basin

DRILLING and well servicing specialist Easternwell is promising a local jobs boost after securing a lucrative five-year deal to provide 11 well servicing rigs and associated services to Shell QGC’s Surat Basin operations.

The new rigs will be built at Easternwell’s Toowoomba workshop where up to 40 per cent of the workshop spend will be injected into regional business.

A subsidiary of global service provider Broadspectrum, Easternwell is planning to increase its local workforce by 20 per cent and local procurement by nine per cent to achieve the outcomes set out in the contract with Shell QGC. “On behalf of Easternwell, and as part of the Broadspectrum group, we are very happy to have been awarded the five-year contract to provide 11 well servicing rigs and associated services for Shell’s QGC business in the Surat Basin,” Executive General Manager, Broadspectrum and Easternwell, Tim Phelan said.

“This new contract reinforces our ability to design, build and deliver world leading innovative technical solutions from our Toowoomba hub to the resources sector nationally, engaging local employees and businesses, to boost local economic activity.”

Easternwell will be rolling out Australia’s newest well servicing rig on the Surat Basin gas field.

The next-generation Advantage Light Rig (ALRx) is equipped with push-pull capability and a 50 tonne top-drive for increased rotary torque.

“The rig is specifically designed to expedite all CSG well service work scopes,” Mr Phelan said.

“Our workshop team, who are experienced in building and upgrading rigs, will build the ALRx rigs at this workshop.”

Purpose-built for coal seam gas (CSG) workover operations, Easternwell’s next-generation rig features a modular design that has resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in the size of the rig package.

The versatile set-up allows for rig moves 365 days a year with no transport permits needed and a 30 per cent reduction in rig move times.

“This contract supports our commitment to continue the investment we have made, alongside QGC, to build strong relationships with landowners, provide jobs and supply opportunities to those who live and work across the CSG fields, and create real avenues for Traditional Owners to supply the project,” Mr Phelan said.

Easternwell recently hosted a visit to its Toowoomba workshop by Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, who was enthusiastic about the project’s employment outcomes.

“The south-west Queensland gas industry continues to fuel Toowoomba and the Downs’s economy when it comes to jobs and business opportunities,” Dr Lynham said.

“It’s great to see this contract with Shell’s QGC business generating local employment, including more contracts for local indigenous businesses.”

In keeping with the commitments of Broadspectrum’s Reconciliation Action Plan the contract with Shell QGC will result in Easternwell increasing its indigenous employment by 50 per cent and doubling the level of indigenous procurement.

Employment opportunities won’t be limited to rig operations. Easternwell is also a leading provider of remote mobile camp management services.

— John Flynn

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Radio host wants injunction lifted

Alan Jones to appeal ordered silence ALAN Jones, his employer and a Brisbane radio station are appealing against injunctions silencing Mr Jones from repeating defamatory statements about four Toowoomba brothers.

But Mr Jones, his employer Harbour Radio and Radio 4BC Brisbane have not appealed against orders that they pay them a total of $3.7 million in defamation damages, including interest.

They filed a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal against 12 orders made by Supreme Court Justice Peter Flanagan on September 12 – all relating to injunctions.

Justice Flanagan ordered that Mr Jones, 2GB and 4BC be permanently restrained from publishing any of the matters complained of by Denis, John, Neill and Joe Wagner.

Justice Flanagan last month awarded the well-known Toowoomba brothers a record $3,754,984 – $938,746 each, including interest, with costs to be decided.

Mr Jones and his radio station employer Harbour Radio Pty Ltd were ordered to pay the Wagners $750,000 each, as well as $78,102 interest, over his broadcasts on 2GB. Mr Jones and Radio 4BC Brisbane were ordered to pay the brothers $100,000 each, plus $10,643 in interest.

The Wagner brothers had asked for permanent injunctions restraining Mr Jones and the radio stations from publishing or broadcasting the same or similar defamatory words about them.

The defendants had submitted that the injunctions were not warranted.

But Justice Flanagan said in his decision: “In light of the fact that Mr Jones, in the course of giving his evidence, chose to continue to attack the plaintiffs’ reputations and to repeat many of the defamatory imputations, I am of the view that the injunctive relief sought is appropriate.”

◗ JONES V WAGNER: Alan Jones addresses the media after appearing in Brisbane Supreme Court.

‘‘

The Wagner brothers had asked for permanent injunctions restraining Mr Jones and the radio stations from broadcasting the same or similar defamatory words about them.

In the notice of appeal, filed in the Supreme Court in Brisbane, it is alleged Justice Flanagan failed to give adequate reasons for granting the permanent injunctions.

It is claimed he exercised his discretion to grant the

PHOTO: JOHN WEEKES

injunctions when the evidence and conduct of Mr Jones, Harbour Radio and 4BC did not justify them.

Justice Flanagan “impermissibly or unreasonably restrained” them and there were no grounds to make the injunction orders, it is alleged.

The application is asking for the orders to be set aside or varied.

Justice Flanagan is still to decide on costs to be paid over the lengthy trial.

— Kay Dibben, The Courier Mail

Ostwald liquidation ‘unfunded’ as attempt made to get $5.5m back THE new liquidator of defunct Dalby construction business Ostwald Bros Pty Ltd will attempt to claw back nearly $5 million in preferential payments made in the six months prior to the company’s winding up.

FTI Consulting’s John Park and Kelly-Anne Trenfield were appointed as liquidators of the company after former liquidators Derrick Vickers and Sam Marsden of Pricewaterhouse Coopers resigned amid growing creditor dissatisfaction, and citing a conflict of interest over PPB Advisory’s August 1 merger with PwC. In FTI Consulting’s most recent report to creditors, Ms

Trenfield wrote that PwC had made a claim for the remaining $1.2 million in Ostwald Bros’ bank account for “remuneration and disbursements”, meaning there was no cash at hand to fund further recovery efforts.

Of the $5.2 million in payments made to 33 creditors in the lead-up to the company’s winding up, Ms Trenfield said she had investigated the preferential payment claims and found four potential preferences totalling nearly $400,000 were not feasible or otherwise uncommercial to pursue.

“I have referred six of these potential preference recipients valued at $1,459,617 to my solicitors and I am continually liaising

with them in this regard,” she wrote.

She said the remaining 23 potential preferential payments valued at $3.3 million were still being investigated.

Ms Trenfield said investigations into uncommercial transactions and insolvent trading claims had been put on hold until she was able to obtain funding, either from recoveries or external sources.

She also noted she had received correspondence from company directors Daniel, Brendan and Matthew Ostwald’s solicitors “disputing the preliminary conclusions of the former liquidators” with regard to allegations of insolvent trading.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

◗ GOING FURTHER: QGC expand their operations into Charlie1 field west of Wandoan.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Expansion plans for Queensland

Shell plans to tap more gas

GLOBAL giant Shell has announced a significant expansion to its QGC venture in the Western Downs region.

Project Goog-a-binge will see Shell progressively drill around 250 new wells in the next two years connecting to their existing gas processing plants near the towns of Wandoan, Miles, Chinchilla and Tara.

It is expected to bring about 930 petajoules of gas to the market over the next three decades.

Shell Australia chairman Zoe Yujnovich said Project Goog-a-binge would ensure a sustained gas supply to the market and further boost Queensland’s regional economy.

“Project Goog-a-binge will deliver more and cleaner energy for both our Australian and LNG export customers for decades,” Ms Yujnovich said.

“The project is expected to create or sustain up to 350 jobs, the majority of which will be in regional Queensland and

generate business opportunities for local suppliers – a substantial and ongoing boost for the local economy,” she said.

The Shell QGC venture has been in operation since 2006 and is one of Australia’s largest natural gas projects, employing close to 1000 people.

In the first half of 2018, they have already spent close to $140 million on goods and services supporting existing operations in Toowoomba and Surat Basin communities.

Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham welcomed the announcement of the expansion.

“Queensland is the nation’s energy powerhouse, and we continue to do the heavy lifting on gas production and policy,” Dr Lynham said.

“This latest expansion plan will... pump millions of dollars into

local household budgets, local stores and local businesses for the next 30 years.

Construction of the expansion is scheduled to start in January next year, subject to state and federal government approvals.

Dr Lynham encouraged local businesses to register online with EconomX, where the project and its contractors would seek expressions of interest for work packages.

“We expect the gas industry to continue to deliver for the south-west, and the Palaszczuk Government will continue to drive increased gas supply with innovative policy, to meet the needs of households and Australian manufacturers.”

With the majority of Project Goog-a-binge set to take place on Iman traditional territory, the venture has drawn its name from the traditional Iman word for scrub turkey, a significant totem for this group, and found across the region.

— Amani Vassiliou

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Basin Sustainability Alliance AGM

Long-term fight for the Surat Basin continues LANDHOLDERS, community members and concerned stakeholders converged on Chinchilla for the Basin Sustainability Alliance AGM on Tuesday, October 9.

Central to the meeting were a number of issues vital to the sustainable and equitable use of water extracted from the Surat Sub-Basin of the Great Artesian Basin.

Since 2010, the BSA has attempted to work with industry and government to achieve a coal seam gas industry that preserves their groundwater resources, lifestyles and ability to produce food and fibre for future generations.

About 30 attendees heard BSA chair, Lee McNicholl, provide assurance that the committee had the resolve to see these issues through for the sake of current and future generations.

“It’s fundamentally unsustainable what’s going on in the Surat Basin,” he said.

“The total take from the Surat Basin is well in excess of the recharge by 100,000 megalitres per annum, you cannot take that amount of water out on a consistent basis without running the system down, which is exactly what’s happening.”

Mr McNicholl singled out “successive irresponsible Queensland governments”, claiming “no other Australian jurisdiction supports such unlimited environmental insanity”.

◗ FUTURE FIGHT: Dr Des Owen addresses the Basin Sustainability Alliance AGM on October 9.

The AGM heard from four guest speakers, including Dr Des Owen from the UQ Centre of CSG who discussed research in understanding and measuring gas in water bores.

In addition, engineer and committee member Max Winders presented the latest version of his firm’s local hydrological

PHOTO: AMANI VASSILIOU

model around his Wambo Feedlot.

Mr Winders sought to confirm where CSG impacts are significant, the state government broad scale model is unreliable.

— Amani Vassiliou

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS

7

High tech hospital looms

Major economy boost for southwest THE new Roma Hospital is one step closer to development of the $74 million construction.

In early October, a community information session was held at the Maranoa Cultural Centre to inform residents of the latest design plans and an estimated timeline for construction.

Present at the meeting was the Roma Hospital project team as well as Watpac Construction Pty Ltd. Health Service Chief Executive Southwest Hospital and Health Service Linda Patat said the aim of the meeting was to bring the construction team and project team together to chat to the community.

“We talked about what the building itself will look like, what services will be available and a basic timeline of the construction. We have been in a long period of planning and now we have machinery on-site and things are kicking off and we thought this is the time people are really getting interested,” Ms Patat said.

“This was also a time to get to know the local community.

“We have done some letterbox drops for local residents so they know we are here and they can come and talk to us whenever they need. We will do several of these through different milestones so we can keep people informed.”

◗ FROM LEFT: Principal Design Consultant of the new Roma Hospital Chris Richardson, Queensland Health Project Director Tim Wratten, South West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat, South West Hospital and Health Service Board Chairman Jim McGowan, Senior Project Manager (Aurecon) James Bowman and Project Manager (Watpac) Brett Rosenthal. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Ms Patat said the new hospital was a “very exciting development and the biggest development for the region in 30 years”.

The purpose built hospital will boast itself on making sure people in the Maranoa and surrounding regions have access to care quickly, with the best service and technology.

“At the moment people go to three or four different places that aren’t based in the hospital to get different variety of care for their young children, rehab, allied health and mental health

services, this allows it for it to be all co-located,” Ms Patat said.

Highlights of the new multi-million dollar hospital include two dedicated maternity beds with their own ensuites and private balcony and 18 rooms having their own ensuites.

“I think the technology is a huge highlight. Our emergency room will look so modern compared to what we have now and I think this is a growth opportunity for the economy,” Ms Patat said.

— Molly Hancock

8

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Concerned citizens on front foot

Group’s last opportunity to fight

A SMALL but determined group of residents are making a last-ditch effort to stop toxic CSG waste being stored near water sources just outside Chinchilla.

We Kando, the company operating the Engine Road waste facility less than 20km from town, received the necessary approvals from the State Government and Western Downs Regional Council back in 2014 and 2016.

The approvals allow for toxic CSG waste – the salt and slurry that settles on the base of waste ponds – to be stored at the facility, which neighbours priority agricultural land and is less than 50m from Stockyard Creek, a water course that feeds into the Murray Darling catchment.

The group of residents, known as the Cameby Concerned Citizens Group (CCCG), have been fighting against the approvals for years, and now they’re down to their last chance – federal action by Member for Maranoa and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud.

CCCG, working with Lock the Gate (a national environmental protection alliance) received a report just this July, which was commissioned by the Environmental Defenders Office and completed by University of NSW Professor Stuart Khan.

Prof Khan concluded the project was high risk for water contamination – especially over the life of the facility – which would necessarily stretch into the decades.

That report, alongside one collated by Doctors for the Environment, provided what CCCG member Glen Beasley described as an objective, scientific basis to have the facility evaluated and, ideally, moved away from agriculture and water

◗ MAKING NOISE: Chinchilla landholder Glen Beasley is a member of the Cameby Concerned Citizens Group. PHOTO: BROOKE DUNCAN

resources.

Mr Beasley got involved with the CCCG about two years ago.

His property is close to the We Kando facility.

“This is his (Mr Littleproud’s) opportunity to demonstrate to the electorate that he has learnt from the strawberry contamination scandal, that he does take biosecurity seriously, because the biosecurity and human health issues if and when this goes wrong will be of a national scale,” Mr Beasley said.

He said he thought if Mr Littleproud did not act it rendered him “little better than an environmental vandal”.

Mr Beasley said the CCCG believed the approvals process for the facility was “deeply flawed” after the state department responsible for considering the project – the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection – approved its environmental authority years ago.

He said the approval was given despite the facility’s proximity to prioritised agricultural land, water resources, and the department’s own assessment of the project which found it had high risks of releasing contaminants to water, among other

Dept responds to concerns

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IN RESPONSE to questions about the approval process and safety of the We Kando waste facility, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science said in a statement:

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concerns.

“In spite of that they still approved the policy. It’s absurd,” he said.

Yet it seems the council at the time did not want the facility, initially rejecting We Kando’s application on the basis of environmental concerns. However, during the early stages of engaging with We Kando, the council took third-party advice which recommended the project be classed as a “public utility”.

After the council’s initial rejection, We Kando appealed the decision to the Planning and Environment Court.

Mr Beasley said because the project was listed as a “public utility”, the development conditions were less strict under planning schemes created before amalgamation.

Therefore the project adhered to standards, was not “impact assessable”, and the council had little ground to stand on in appealing.

A spokeswoman from David Littleproud’s office said he was looking into the issue. We Kando and WDRC each declined to comment for this story.

“The environmental authority imposes specific conditions on We Kando to address the risks of the activity and protect environmental values.

“The Queensland Government takes environmental laws very seriously.

“In addition to the stringent environmental authority conditions and the ongoing compliance program, the department also holds Financial Assurance (FA) for the project which is reassessed

every three years.

“In Queensland we apply a ‘polluter pays’ principle when it comes to attributing responsibility for any contamination and its clean up.

“The Queensland Government can also use the Environmental Protection (Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Act 2016 in some circumstances.

“The laws aim to protect the taxpayer and the environment when a company closes without cleaning up and rehabilitating its site of operations.

“DES understands We Kando is receiving osmosis brine and associated waters for treatment, however salt disposal has not yet commenced.”

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Littleproud responds to group’s SOS A SMALL group of residents has spent years fighting against a toxic waste dump just outside Chinchilla.

The facility, run by We Kando, has been approved by the State Government and Western Downs Regional Council to take the toxic salt and slurry from CSG waste and store it less than 20 kilometres from town, and as close as 50 metres to water resources.

The Chinchilla News recently reported on the situation, stating the resident group the Cameby Concerned Citizens Group was now turning to federal Member for Maranoa and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud to weigh in on the issue.

Mr Littleproud has since commented.

He said any action on the dump would need to be taken under the EPBC Act. “While I understand the concern with this development by the locals, the reality is unless the EPBC Act is triggered, the Federal Government has no authority in which to impose any will on the state government and local government,” he said.

“It would be unreasonable for anyone to think that myself or any other politician could go outside the constitutional boundaries that are provided in the constitution.

“I’ve asked Minister Price (the Minister for the Environment) to investigate whether there is a trigger of the EPBC Act, I’m waiting for that advice to come back, but I’m cognisant of the fact that it probably will come back that there is no trigger of the EPBC Act and therefore it would sit within the remit of the state and local planning acts.”

◗ COMBO PLAN: The Dulacca Renewable Energy Project is a new hybrid proposal.

PHOTO: QUEENSLAND SOLAR FARM GUIDELINES

New energy project

ANOTHER renewable energy project could be coming to the region, after community information sessions were held for a development between Dulacca and Drillham.

The sessions in Miles and Dulacca last week were for the Dulacca Renewable Energy Project proposed by RES – a renewable energy developer formed in the UK 35 years ago.

RES Australia development project manager Llion Parry said the development was a hybrid wind, solar, and battery storage project.

After initial feasibility studies, he said the company would undertake further research and move towards submitting a development application to council.

“As part of our process we wanted to notify the community, notify the public of the proposal and to get any comments or thoughts from the community before the approvals are lodged,” Mr Parry said.

Questions and comments at the sessions largely focused on the project itself, potential job opportunities, economic benefits, planning and impacts on local traffic.

“We’ve tried to engage as early as possible to give everybody the best opportunity they can to get involved in the project and to share their comments with RES,” Mr Parry said.

“We’re still at a reasonably early stage so we haven’t lodged any applications yet and we’re hoping to finalise the studies for those applications towards the end of 2018.

“We’re foreseeing the project would probably create 200 direct jobs through construction and then 10 full-time jobs through the 30 year life of the project, so in a little community like Dulacca or Drillham I think 10 local good jobs is a good thing.”

To have your say go to www.dulacca-renewableenergy. com.au/have-your-say/ or phone 1300 524 459.

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Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

SW QUEENSLAND, EDITION 3, 2018

Into the eye of the storm PAGE 18 Fine tribute to fallen truckies PAGE 23 Taylor’s still going strong PAGE 13

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MOVIN’ IT

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Contents

Taylor’s Parts Centre invests in the community ..................................................13 Diesel Care have got your needs covered ...........................................................14 Retractable Tarps – the industry standard .........................................................15 Events truckies cannot miss.............................................................................16 Closer look at National Road Safety Strategy .....................................................17 Amazing images of bright red storm..................................................................18 Mitchell thrilled with hay delivery ....................................................................19 Second Range Crossing progressing..................................................................20

Editor: Megan Masters Designer: Dominic O’Mara

dominic.omara@thechronicle.com.au Cover: Taylors Parts Centre Roma, Store Manager Daniel Harmon: tpcroma@westnet.com.au Phone (07) 4622 1722 or 0401 022 474 Advertising Sales: Debbie Phillips debbie.phillips@chinchillanews.com.au Phone (07) 4672 9902 General Manager: Erika Brayshaw erika.brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au

Publisher’s indemnity:

Movin’ It, is published by News Corp Australia. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or Editorial submissions to Movin’ It, undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the trade practices act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.

From the editor

Change a part of life in transport industry IT’S unbelievable how much the trucking industry has changed since I first climbed into the passenger seat of my granddad’s old Atkinson.

Few industries have undergone quite so much change, regulation and technological advancement in such a short time.

Two of my granddad’s sons became truck drivers in a completely different industry to the one they saw growing up, as did my dad.

Later, my big brother climbed behind the wheel of a truck light years away from that old Atkinson and drove out into an industry completely different to the one he saw sitting in the passenger seat of his dad’s truck as a kid.

Heck, these days he probably wouldn’t even be allowed to take his own son, if he had one, on a trip like those we spent our school holidays enjoying, sleeping on top of a load of rice in the back of a tautliner with a school friend.

In just a few decades there has been plenty for truckies and transport operators to get their heads around.

Everything has changed from the road surface up.

Here in Movin’ It, we’ve pulled together some of the latest in heavy vehicles and accessories, exciting projects that will affect the transport industry and where the industry is headed down the track.

In less than 10 years, experts expect the number of freight vehicles in Australia to lift by 26 per cent.

The National Transport Commission expects a growing number of those vehicles to be automated, yet another massive change to how the industry works and another important element to get right when negotiating legislation surrounding the industry.

Whatever comes down the track, one thing is certain about the trucking industry: It gets in the blood and it’s more of a lifestyle than a job.

Here’s to an exciting future for an industry that many forget about, but couldn’t live without, and here’s hoping that new regulations will see a safer and improved industry for all.

Sales and Service of NEW and USED Motorcycles, ATVS and Mules.

Motorcycle Spare Parts, Accessories and Clothing.

4 Loudoun Rd, Dalby Phone: (07) 4662 1255 Mobile: 0408 198 991

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Contact us

QTR Bridgestone welcomes all wheels ...............................................................21 Distracted drivers deadly: police......................................................................22 A convoy to remember ....................................................................................23 Lights on the Hill unites Lockyer Valley community ............................................24 Western Downs Autoglass covers all bases........................................................25 Trucking veteran trucking on...........................................................................26 Wagners’ handiwork crosses borders ................................................................27 Brown and Hurley – experience matters ............................................................28

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

“We’re not new to the game; we know what’s happening. It’s just a matter of staying up-to-date and making sure we stay up-to-date.”

Taylor’s Parts Centre

Taylor’s remains a big part of Roma FOR more than 30 years Taylor’s Parts Centre has been a part of the Roma community.

The company was founded by Peter and Wendy Taylor, even since selling to GPC Asia Pacific in 2016, the business remained part of the fabric of life in town.

Store manager Daniel Harmon said it wasn’t just a case of selling parts, but also about being involved with local life, sponsoring and donating to local organisations.

It was also about the team really knowing about the needs of a huge range of industries from agricultural, trade and industrial, to local government, oil and gas, and transport.

Mr Harmon said there was plenty of experience getting around the business and every team member constantly developed their knowledge of the latest industry technology.

“We have two salesmen, Michael and Warren, who have 20-plus years of experience each,” he said.

“I’ve had about 15 years myself in the spare parts industry, so our team is not new to the game; we know what’s happening.

“It’s just a matter of staying up-to-date with the ever-changing industries.”

Far from making the business less relevant to locals when it sold, Mr Harmon said being owned by GPC Asia Pacific just

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◗ COMMUNITY MINDED: Alicia and Brendan Humphreys with the Variety Bash car Taylor’s Parts Centre sponsored this year. INSET: The team at Taylor’s are all about efficiency.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

made life easier.

The GPC Asia Pacific company is Australia’s largest automotive parts supplier, this means Taylor’s Parts Centre have access to distribution centres in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne as well as some overnight services, moving parts through their huge supplier network.

This means people in a community built on transport, agriculture and mining could get what they need and get back to working as quickly as possible.

Staff also have a “never say no” culture, with a team determined to find whatever part customers are after and do it quickly.

On top of parts, Taylor’s also has a wide range of tools, equipment, oils, batteries and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for transport operators as well as farmers, mining companies and the local community.

You can find Taylor’s Parts Centre at 49 Quintin Street (Warrego Highway), Roma.

STOCKIST’S OF

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tpcroma@westnet.com.au 47 Quintin St, Roma oma QLD 4455

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Diesel Care cater to the service of any diesel injection system, 4WD accessory, or diesel performance modification request...

Diesel Care

Services, accessories are both top notch DIESEL Care is the place that other mechanics send their Diesel 4WDs, trucks and agricultural machinery to diagnose and fix problems.

However, they offer even more than that.

Diesel Care cater to the service of any diesel injection system, 4WD accessory, or diesel performance modification request – everything you need to keep your diesel engine performing at its peak and delivering the best 4WD gear, no matter where your travels take you.

The company has four branches, all located in major regional centres in eastern Australia with over 70 years experience, hard earned expertise and advanced diagnostic and test equipment.

But when it comes to gear for your 4WD, their Dalby and Goondiwindi branches are authorised stockists for ARB 4x4 Accessories.

Both stores have large, up-to-date, fully equipped workshop spaces with fitting bays designed to house multiple client vehicles.

Their auto technicians are fully qualified and are on hand to service and kit out your vehicle with quality accessories for your next off-road adventure including bull bars, roof racks, canopies and canopy accessories, ute lids and liners, fridge/freezers,

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

◗ DIESEL CARE: When experience and know-how matter.

under vehicle protection, exhaust upgrades, suspension systems, snorkels, winches, lights, fuel and water tanks, side rails and steps, tow bars, rear bars, gift vouchers and more.

All Diesel Care branches are able to provide performance upgrade solutions for diesel engines, including Steinbauer Power Modules, performance exhausts and turbocharger kits.

In fact, they are the sole distributor of Steinbauer Performance products in Australasia.

Diesel Care have also developed fuel filter kits specifically designed to protect diesel injection systems from costly damage due to contaminated fuel supplies.

The kits include everything you need for an easy DIY installation.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

So while Diesel Care have built their reputation in rural areas for providing superior diesel engine service and repair, their two stores in Dalby and Goondiwindi go the extra distance to cater for the growing demand of high quality 4WD accessories for local enthusiasts or adventurers who drive within, or pass through, these rural towns.

So drop into any one of our four Diesel Care stores, Dalby 4x4 Accessories or Goondiwindi 4x4 Accessories and they’ll be ready to provide the gear and expertise to get you to your next destination.

Diesel Care are located in Dalby, Goondiwindi, Tamworth and Toowoomba. Visit their website www.dieselcare.com.au for more details.

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Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

The Retractable team have worked with our international supplier to fully update our tarp automation systems, to better support this industry trend.

Retractable Tarps

Meeting the needs of the industry TRUCK drivers today face plenty of hurdles just to get their job done, but tarping a load of gravel or grain shouldn’t be one of them.

Back in the day, many were able to just load up and drive off, but eventually concerns about dust, mess and load safety meant tippers needed tarps.

Drivers adapted, as they always do, and soon beautifully tarped loads were making their way around the country.

That wasn’t the end of the hurdles for drivers though.

These days more and more sites demand drivers remain within their trucks during loading and unloading for workplace health and safety reasons, making staying within regulations harder than ever.

For more than 20 years, Retractable Tarps has slowly infiltrated the industry with automated systems and the rise in these workplace health and safety conditions shows the company was well ahead of its time.

Retractable Tarps designer Sam Jones said the team was keen to stay ahead of the curve and had recently overhauled its technology in response to industry demand for automated systems.

“Retractable Tarps has been at the forefront of truck and

◗ INDUSTRY PROS: Retractable Tarps have a solution for every application.

trailer coverage for over two decades, offering automated tarps and conversion kits for a range of manual systems,” Mr Jones said.

“The need for fully electric tarping is rapidly becoming an industry standard, with many sites requiring drivers to remain in their vehicles during loading and unloading procedures.

“In response to this emerging market, the Retractable team have worked with our international supplier to fully update our tarp automation systems, to better support this industry trend.”

He said Australian conditions were as tough as they came for equipment suppliers in the trucking industry and the company had worked hard to collaborate with suppliers and redesign tarp drive motors to make sure they could withstand the punishment of working in Australian conditions.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

“High operating temperatures and harsh conditions are all part of the job for the Aussie transport industry,” Mr Jones said.

“Therefore, this new generation of gearboxes sport a brand-new high strength composite casing, in a sleek matte black finish. A tougher housing results in higher drivetrain efficiency and smoother operation.”

He said the new gearboxes could be used as part of a conversion kit for manual systems or as a direct upgrade for existing set-ups.

“Tough just got tougher with the new Black Edition Hollowshaft gearboxes.”

To find out more about Retractable Tarps or find your nearest distributor, visit www.retractabletarps.com.au or phone (07) 3889 9611.

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Just trucking around

Five events truckies, car lovers can’t miss November 3: Brisbane Convoy for Kids

Where: From Forest Lake to the Redcliffe Showgrounds

THERE is a whole day of family fun and entertainment planned to raise funds for a very worthy cause.

Go to www.brisbaneconvoyforkids.com.au for all the details. ◗ FUN FOR ALL: The 2018 Brisbane Convoy for Kids is coming soon.

stands, grand parades and great catering.

Go to www.hcvaq.com.au or check out the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association of Queensland’s Facebook page.

carpark THE convoy is scheduled to set off from the Civic Theatre Precinct at 11.30am but for all the details go to www.riverinatruckshowandkidsconvoy.com.

November 10: Mullumbimby Truck Show Where: Mullumbimby Showgrounds

November 3-4: Historic Truck and Tractor Show 2018

THE show is being held in conjunction with the Mullumbimby Agricultural Show.

The participants will need to register at Mann’s Road, Mullumbimby by 10am and the parade will commence at 11am travelling through Mullumbimby to the showgrounds.

The trucks will then be judged and trophies awarded.

Where: Gatton Showgrounds

HOSTED by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association of Queensland, the two-day event will feature vintage and classic trucks, show trucks, buses, tractors, stationary engines, trade

TRANSPORT WELDING ENGINEERING

There will also be an auction being held at with proceeds going to local charities.

There will also be all the usual events associated with a country show including trotting, cattle judging, show jumping events, pavilions and of course, sideshow alley.

More details at wardysmachinerycentre@gmail.com or phone Mark Ward on (02) 6684 3903 or 0427 634 903.

November 24-25: Maffra Truck Show Where: Maffra Recreation Reserve

IT’S open from 10am on both days and will feature heritage and working trucks, steam and stationary engines and loads more. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

LACHJACK

Transport Welding Engineering or TWE is a division within the Neil Mansell Group. They are the transport body building specialists, manufacturing a diverse range of custom built products from their steel fabrication business based in Toowoomba since 1987.

TWE is a quality assured manufacturer of Truck Bodies from the smallest of bodies to 20 Tonne.

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JACKSON’S PARTS N INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES “If we haven’t got it – We’ll get it” Come in and see our range of spare parts and industrial products

Products & Services

• Bullbars - Alloy & Steel • Towbars & Hitches • Tool Boxes – All sizes • Canopies • Ladder Racks • Folding & Bending • Skid Plates • Guillotining & Pressing • Aluminium Trays • Parts & Accessories • Cranes • Tail Gate Loaders • Turn Tables • Flex Guards

PHONE: (07) 4633 3822

483 Greenwattle St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 http://www.mansell.com.au/companies/transport-welding-engineering.html

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Hydraulink Hydraulics Hoses & Fittings up to 2” 4 wire – larger sizes over night • Fleetguard & F.S.A. Filters • Elect Cable • Pumps & Compressors • Exhaust Pipe • Hand Cleaners • Hoses • Lights • Radiator Caps • Safety Gear • Seatcovers • Metabo Power Tools • Federal Batteries • Bearings • Belts • Bolts & Nuts • Bulbs • MacNaught • Hoses • Fuchs Oil • Prixmax • Beaver Transport Equipment • Shockies • Stereos • Switches • Terminals • Tools • Toolboxes • Trailer Gear • Truck Parts • WIA Welding Equipment

Plus lots more well known and respected products

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Where: Wagga Wagga’s Civic Theatre Precinct and Playhouse

PHOTO: FILE

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November 3: Riverina Truck Show and Kids Convoy

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

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Notice offers help to A-double drivers

◗ SAFETY FIRST: Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack talks safety with advocate for tech tools Ron Finemore.

PHOTO: SIMON WOODCOCK

12 key findings of strategy FINDING a way to fast-track deployment and uptake of proven vehicle safety technology and innovation was one of 12 key recommendations in a new independent report of the National Road Safety Strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack accepted the findings during an event at Parliament House in Canberra involving key industry stakeholders and officials.

This was the first inquiry into progress of the NRSS and Mr McCormack said the report – the most comprehensive of its kind undertaken in Australia – would be considered by the Federal Government, with a formal response provided in due course.

“One road death or accident is one too many, which is why the Liberal and Nationals’ Government supports any initiative to improve safety standards and reduce accidents and trauma,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is a great contribution to the national road safety conversation from an inquiry initiated due to concerns the National Road Safety Strategy, which was jointly agreed by the federal, state and territory governments, was not on track to reach its 2020 targets.

“Although we have seen modest reductions in the annual road toll in recent years, the government acknowledges we can and must do more to reduce crash deaths and serious injuries.”

National Road Transport Association chief executive Warren Clark said the report would go a long way to reinforcing NatRoad’scommitment to road safety.

“The report sets out that fragmented governance and resourcing has resulted in a lack of a strategic approach that properly manages all options to reduce death and injury,” he said.

“The report, therefore, focuses on the creation of a change in accountability and resourcing.”

YOU NAME IT, WE CAN LIFT IT

THE Queensland Government, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Queensland Trucking Association have collaborated to develop a notice for Performance Based Standard A-doubles between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the notice would eliminate the need for permits for PBS A-doubles operating at masses up to 79.5 tonnes (General Mass Limits) or up to 81.5 tonnes (Concessional Mass Limits).

An operator of a PBS A-double seeking to operate up to 85 tonnes (Higher Mass Limits) will still require access approval from Transport and Main Roads before operating under the Notice. This can be obtained through the NHVR Portal.

“Safety is always our priority, but where we can provide improved access and reduce the need for permits, industry benefits, as does the environment and other road users, by halving truck trips for some freight tasks,” Mr Bailey said.

“This notice will apply to conforming PBS A-Double combinations and remove the need for operators to periodically apply for extensions of their permits.

“It will also provide long-term certainty for industry to invest in these vehicles, which are more productive and safer. To be eligible, the vehicle must be manufactured in compliance with, and certified under, a PBS vehicle approval and it must to comply with specific axle spacing and mass requirements.

“Operators must also comply with all conditions under the notice, which includes GPS tracking, on-board mass monitoring and vehicle signage.

“All eligible A-double vehicles will also now be able to operate at higher mass limits up to 85 tonnes.

“Operators seeking access beyond concessional mass limits will need to have their combinations assessed and approved by Transport and Main Roads.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the new notice would continue to reduce the need for permits and boost heavy vehicle productivity along one of Queensland’s busiest freight corridors.

For more details, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/national-notices.

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Heading down the barrel into the eye of storm AN INCREDIBLE dust storm image taken by a bloke named Stacy has gone viral.

Stacy Henman, of Wongalilli Station in outback NSW, was carting a silo when he spotted the phenomenal scene.

He was driving the truck with his nephew, who was playing on his iPad, when the system approached.

“I said ‘Jim, take a look at this’,” he said.

“I have been out this way for about eight years, but that’s the first time I have seen one like that.”

The pair got out and snapped some pictures before driving straight up the guts of the storm.

“It wasn’t that rough going through it actually, it was just a lot of wind,” he said.

Although the dust storm was followed with rain, Mr Henman said they only received 6-7mm on their sheep property, about 30km outside of White Cliffs.

He used the panorama application on his smartphone and his photo has since been viewed thousands of times on Facebook. He captured the shot with: “Good day to be carting a silo”.

— Andrea Davy

◗ TOP SHOTS: Stacy Henman, of Wongalilli Station in outback New South Wales, snapped this incredible image.

PHOTOS: STACY HENMAN

QTA encourages more people to join the trucking industry THE trucking industry faces a shortage of skilled heavy vehicle drivers due to the industry’s ageing workforce, the increasing freight task and competition from other industries.

Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), together with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and its member organisations, are working on a strategic plan to encourage more people to enter the industry, through truck driving, operational and management roles.

The Australian trucking industry employs 246,100 people, with the average age of drivers being 43 years and 97.5 per cent of people in the industry are men.

The planned action, objective and strategies of the QTA, through the ATA Skills & Workforce Policy Group will be to: ■ Encourage more people to enter the industry by promoting the diversity of employment options in the industry (such as driving, operations and management jobs) and will continue to

refine its Enhanced Licensing Standard Proposal, work with the Australian Government to have truck driving included in subsidised government training programs and work closely with the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) as it develops training packages for the trucking industry.

■ Retain existing industry employees by encouraging them to stay in the industry by promoting training, professional development and excellence.

SERVICING & REPAIRS ON: • TRUCKS • TRAILERS • 4WD’S • FARM & HEAVY MACHINERY MOBILE & BREAKDOWN SERVICE AVAILABLE

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Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

◗ HAY DELIVERY: Sam Hockey, Greg Henwidd, Dean Spinks, Roger Vickery, Shaneen Sweeney and Glen Sweeney.

PHOTO: JORJA MCDONNELL

TV crew not the only special delivery for Mitchell

Hay there! Nice to see you!

“So we left it with a farm that had some hungry looking animals, but no one was home at the time, so it was a surprise when the owner came back to see the bales with a note.

“He called us back this morning and said ‘I’ve got a bobcat here, I can load it back on your trucks when you come back through’.

“We said, ‘absolutely not, those are yours’, and he was really thankful for them.”

The donation had been organised by ARB 4x4 accessories, with store owners from across Queensland putting in money to buy the bales.

As bales were hastily being unloaded at the showgrounds, Shaneen Sweeney, owner of ARB Burleigh Heads and Biggera Waters, said they came together because the business owners wanted to do their bit.

“We felt that we wanted to do something to help the farmers,

Tillage, Seeding, Harvesting, Hay Making Equipment, Service, Repair of Trucks, Tractors & Farm Equipment • New • Used • Service • Spare Parts

and being that ARB is synonymous with rural Australia, we thought that we could do something,” Shaneen said.

“So we got in touch with Buy a Bale, then all the store owners donated money, and now we have a whole lot of hay that we are ready to deliver to farmers.”

Sam Hockey, ARB stockist representative, said the Mitchell hay run was borne from a recent company trip which had taken them even further west.

“We recently did a trip out to Birdsville and a lot of the store owners saw for the first time how dry it is out here,” he said.

“I think it hit close to home with all of us, and Shaneen then brought it up in one of our meetings to do something as a group and it has been fantastic.

“We’ve had a great result from all over Queensland, and from across Australia as well. People here are our customers and helping them out is what we love to do.”

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DECLARING that a recent hay run brought the rain with it may be presumptuous, but both events were welcome relief in Mitchell.

Four road trains stacked with as much hay as each trailer could carry had journeyed from Brisbane to make the delivery.

The convoy of trucks and utes also caught the attention of a TV crew from Channel 7, who were filming a segment for the Creek to Coast program.

One of the show’s presenters, Roger Vickery, said they had travelled with the hay run from Brisbane and overcame some difficulty to be there.

“Hay is what brought us to Mitchell, and we brought some rain, because we decided they needed that too,” he said.

“About halfway between Dalby and our pit stop at Muckadilla, one of our trucks had a mechanical failure.

“We had to take the hay off the trailer, put the vehicle on it, and leave the hay somewhere.

Cnr Raglan & Linton Sts, Roma

Ph: 07 4578 8000

www.mountsmachinery.com.au Email: info@mountsmachinery.com.au

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Last of Super T girders delivered

Second Range Crossing milestone THE Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project has reached a new milestone, with the final Super T girder being delivered.

The monster Super T girders are needed for different structures on the project, including the Boundary Street interchange bridge, Goombungee Road bridge, New England Highway arch bridges, and the 800m long viaduct.

The first girder was delivered in early 2017 and since then more than 500 have been delivered to various sites across the project.

It took two prime movers to haul just one Super T girder up the current Toowoomba Range crossing, which was used as an essential haulage route for deliveries.

It was last July that Nexus announced the first major engineering challenge had been accomplished using the monster Super T girders, with the installation of the first span on the viaduct.

Nexus has also announced four more community projects within the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions have received funding through the fourth and final round of the Nexus Together community giving program.

The community programs selected for funding for the final round are the Lions Club Withcott-Helidon, the Gowrie State

◗ DELIVERY MADE: The last Super T girder has been delivered on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

School P&C Association, Wilsonton Agricultural and Field Studies Centre and Darling Downs Swimming Association.

Nexus Delivery project director Mike Millar said the grants, worth up to $4000 each, would help support positive community outcomes in health, safety, education and the environment.

— Meghan Harris, The Chronicle ◗ RIGHT: The last Super T girder being delivered, passing through Toowoomba.

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Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

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◗ HIGH QUALITY: QTR Bridgestone in Toowoomba.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

QTR Bridgestone Toowoomba

Trucks, cars of all sizes welcome QTR Bridgestone Toowoomba welcomes cars and trucks of all sizes.

Being a Bridgestone Service Centre licensed store means that while being independent, they can still provide all the premium products Bridgestone are known for.

They also have access to a number of other quality tyre brands.

Whether it be tyres for cars, trucks and both small and medium earthmoving machinery, QTR Bridgestone Toowoomba

are able to cater for all budgets.

A big drawcard is the specifically designed workshop which allows a combination of vehicles on site, ranging from B-doubles through to AB-triples.

QTR Bridgestone Toowoomba provides service to local trucks, as well as a number of interstate vehicles and western traffic from areas as far as Darwin in the Northern Territory.

QTR Bridgestone Toowoomba also offers car wheel alignments to help ensure everyone’s safety, and they use

nitrogen to inflate tyres.

Nitrogen inflation is very beneficial for steer tyres as it allows the tyre to run cooler and maintain pressure for a lot longer.

It’s a very good product, and is extremely beneficial for both truck and passenger vehicles.

The QTR Bridgestone Service Centre is located at 35 Carrington Road, Torrington, and is open from 7am-5pm on weekdays, and from 8-11am on Saturdays. Phone (07) 4633 0099 to book an appointment.

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

◗ STAY SAFE: Police urge road users to take care on the road at all times of the year.

PHOTO: ROB WILLIAMS

Police caution drivers to plan ahead

Distracted drivers are deadly

DRIVERS travelling long distances have been urged to plan their trips, take regular breaks and to avoid “micro sleeps” and mobile phone usage.

Roma Police Senior Sergeant Scott Jackson said “the distracted driver” was one of the biggest dangers on the road at this time of year however simple steps could reduce crashes and fatalities.

Sen Sgt Jackson said while the region had experienced one extra fatality than at this time last year, there had been fewer traffic crashes.

“We’ve increased our awareness and increased our traffic controls. There’s been a police effort and a community effort,” he said.

He said it was vital that people returning from holidays planned their trips “so they’re not just jumping in the car and going”.

If travelling for more than eight hours, drivers should plan a 5-10 minute break or swap drivers every two to three hours.

“Most traffic collisions occurs where fatigue is a factor and people have tried to drive too far.”

He said fatigue affected people in different ways and signs to notice included yawning and blinking or rubbing the eyes.

Micro sleeps posed especially high risks, he said.

“If you’re travelling at 100km/h and close your eyes for two seconds, you cover half a football field,” Sen Sgt Jackson said.

“And if you get a text message and you look down for two seconds, take two seconds to read your message and two seconds to look back up, that’s six seconds... and a lot can go wrong in that distance.

“We find most of our accidents are occurring where a distracted driver has put the passenger tyres off the bitumen and has over-corrected, then – while trying to get the vehicle back on the road – has gone down a causeway or caused the vehicle to skid off the road.

“You can also veer onto the wrong side of the road and then it’s too late.”

Sen Sgt Jackson said drivers should avoid staying up late the night before a long trip and younger drivers particularly should be strict about two-hourly breaks.

“Even if they pull up in a parking bay and stretch their legs and have a drink of water, or have a snooze for 15 minutes to break up the monotony,” he said.

“Don’t drive distracted –many families are putting mobile phones in handbags and boots so they’re not distracted.

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“Or, have someone else answer the phone and get them to ring you back.”

In the state’s western regions, Sen Sgt Jackson said the mobile phone message was being conveyed however visitors travelling through rural areas were often checking their phones constantly for reception signals and messages coming through.

“Drink driving is slowly, slowly reducing – everyone’s got the picture – and that’s taken a long time.”

He said holiday-makers should also be aware the extra weight in their cars of with camping gear could change “how the car handles”.

Speeding in the area has been reduced with 0-60 per cent of notices written for speeds of between 0-3km above the limit but there’s “a small band” of 1 in 20 drivers who may reach 0-30km/h above the speed limit.

Drivers also needed to take into account wet weather and locals should be aware that conditions for the same stretch of road or a certain bend could be different in varying weather.

“Pay attention before you leave and during the trip. Stay focussed on the roads,” Sen Sgt Jackson said.

“And change your driving to suit the circumstances.”

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Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Lights on the Hill

Convoy a fine memorial MISSING Christmases, birthdays and other special occasions is all part and parcel of being a truck driver.

But without the work they do, Australia would grind to a halt.

Truck driver Steven Manuel followed his father’s footsteps into the transport industry and drives up to 6000km in an average week on the roads, often through the wee hours of the morning.

He carried with him memories of his father, who has since passed away, as he rolled into Gatton on September 29-30 with more than 500 other vehicles for the fifteenth Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy Weekend.

Drivers, as well as their families and friends, converged on the town for a day of festivities before reflecting on those who had paved the path and those sadly lost while doing their duty behind the wheel.

Another 14 names were added to the Lights on the Hill Truck and Coach Drivers Memorial at Lake Apex as a part of a memorial service on Sunday.

It was Mr Manuel’s first time driving in the convoy and he

‘‘

There are a lot of people that are here who are driving trucks that sacrifice time with their families. enjoyed the show of pride shared with other road warriors.

“When I was a kid dad wasn’t at home when I was growing up and I think about the same thing with me not being home,” Mr Manuel said.

“There are a lot of people that are here who are driving trucks that sacrifice time with their families. I drive interstate and some of the conditions are pretty poor. Showers and toilets, they’re few and far between. We don’t get looked after.”

A recent study released by Monash University in Melbourne revealed truck drivers are 13 times more likely to die at work than other Australians.

Mr Manuel believed that more education was needed for regular road users when it comes to dealing with heavy vehicles.

◗ A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT: The convoy leaves from Withcott for the annual Lights on the Hill memorial service in Gatton.

◗ Crystal, Lauchlan, Steven and Declan Manuel.

PHOTO: LACHLAN MCIVOR

PHOTO: BEV LACEY

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Lights on the Hill

Special occasion attracts big crowd ON SATURDAY, September 29, the community of Gatton once again came alive with the rumble of diesel engines and the bellowing tunes of horns as one of Australia’s most iconic truck convoys came to town once again for the annual Lights on the Hill (LOTH) Memorial Convoy.

In its 15th year, the event has built a reputation for bringing the Lockyer Valley region together to celebrate the transport industry and the local businesses the industry supports.

Spectators lined the streets and highways into Gatton to watch and wave to the dual convoy when they departed from Roche’s Road, Withcott and VCV’s new dealership in Bivouac Pl, Wacol.

The weekend showcased some of the region’s best local and national music talents, including Kerry Kennedy and Double Barrel, Jayne Denham, Viper Creek Band, Matt Cornell, Smokie Pete Dawson, Rockin Bobkats and lots more.

The kids were entertained with kids rides, face painting and a special visit from Batman in his Batmobile.

There was plenty to look at and do for the whole family with a large variety of food, market and trade stalls, truck show, raffles, free activities for young and old and charity auction.

The event is always looking for new and exciting stalls so

◗ ROLL ON: The annual Lights on the Hill memorial convoy was well attended.

please head to their website if you are interested in taking part in the 2019 event.

The annual memorial service was held on Sunday morning, September 30 at the Lights on the Hill Truck & Coach Drivers’ Memorial in Lake Apex.

Fourteen new names of drivers who have died on the road, or by other means, were added to the wall during the service and the memorial itself is a testament to the sacrifices and triumphs those members of the transport industry achieved throughout

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

their lives.

Family members came from all over Australia to pay tribute to those being placed on the wall and those already immortalised there.

Next year’s event will be once again held at the Gatton Showgrounds over the Queensland Queen’s Birthday long weekend (October 5-6, 2019).

Head to the website or like Lights on the Hill’s Facebook page for updates.

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MOVIN’ IT

Western Downs Autoglass

True class shines in the glass industry YOU might be amazed at the kinds of things across the Western Downs that require specialised glass.

When Western Downs Autoglass first arrived in the region, it was hard to find any glass replacement services for large or unusual machinery.

Company director Mick Thompson said it was the main reason he brought his 25 years of experience to the area.

For the past seven years, he has worked on a huge range of projects, from your basic car windscreens through to trucks, heavy machinery, earthmoving equipment and excavators.

Even hot rods and classic cars were catered to without having to head to the city.

“We started the business out there seven years ago because there was a need for it,” Mr Thompson said.

“There was no one that could provide the service we do. They could put a windscreen in your car, but couldn’t do trucks or earthmoving machinery.”

He said the company could pretty much put glass in anything that moved, so the workshop was always busy.

A major asset to both the business and its clients was having plenty of stock on hand, meaning people could get straight back on the road, farm or work site as quickly as possible.

◗ HERE TO HELP: Western Downs Autoglass services an expansive region. INSET: Travis Kerr ready to work.

Flat glass for heavy machinery was kept on-site and cut to order.

He said most jobs took no more than a day or two and they had glass on hand for most of them.

Quality service and geographical reach were two of the things he believed really set the business apart from competitors.

“The area that we cover includes Dalby, Chinchilla and Roma.

We do all the way from Toowoomba through to Mitchell, Injune and even further,” Mr Thompson said.

The company has workshops in Dalby and Chinchilla, in addition to a mobile service.

The team also carried out chip repairs and window tinting, a service soon to be in high demand once the mercury started to

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

rise for summer.

Mr Thompson said the company prided itself on quality, both in workmanship as well as products.

Western Downs Autoglass employees were trained to the highest industry standard and prepared to back the claim with a lifetime workmanship guarantee.

Working on the basis that shoddy product and shoddy workmanship could pose a serious safety risk when it came to cars and trucks, the company uses only the highest quality glass as well as adhesives in line with manufacturing standards.

To find out more about Western Downs Autoglass, visit www.westerndownsautoglass.com.au or phone 4668 9914 (Chinchilla) or 4662 4938 (Dalby).

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

No need for retirement

Truck legend Neil won’t slow down

EVEN after nearly 60 years in the trucking business, Neil Mansell has no plans to take a back seat in the business he and his wife Fay built.

The Toowoomba business owner and long-time driver was surprised by friends, family and employees recently with a celebration of the company buying its 600th truck.

Mr Mansell, who has hundreds of staff based across Australia, said his enthusiasm for the industry was the same as when he founded the business in the early 1970s. “(Retirement) is not on the agenda – I love work as much now and getting out of bed now as I did 40 years ago,” he said.

The latest Kenworth truck sporting Mr Mansell’s emblems was on display, right next to the first vehicle he bought for the company in 1974.

“They called it the Desert Queen when I got it in 1974 and I drove that myself for years,” he said.

In that time, the trucking industry has continued to evolve, with Neil Mansell Transport making sure it was ahead of the

‘‘

I love work as much now and getting out of bed now as I did 40 years ago.

◗ KEEP ON KEEPING ON: Neil Mansell Transport recently celebrated purchasing its 600th truck. Pictured: Neil and Fay Mansell with their son Robert Mansell.

PHOTO: BEV LACEY

curve.

“There have been rapid changes, just on the road conditions themselves, the style of trucks compared to what we had back then,” Mr Mansell said.

“One of the big changes have been the safety around drivers

– we have done a lot in safety and I pride myself and our team with safety.”

Foundation employee Darrell Brown, who joined Mr Mansell to celebrate the achievement, described his mate and former boss as a “fair man who looks after his employees”.

National Transport Commission takes a look at industry future THE National Transport Commission (NTC) annual report released on October 16 has pointed to two important areas of land transport reform, the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review and automated vehicle regulation.

NTC noted the increase in road freight vehicles in Australia, from 2.44m in 2007, to 3.26m in 2017, with another increase of 26 per cent expected by 2027.

A reflection on a year for the NTC, from outgoing chief executive Paul Retter, included: improvements in take-up of high-productivity and safer heavy vehicles; changes to light and heavy vehicle standards; updated load restraint guidance material; and a comparison between a forward-looking cost base and the current pay-as-you-go heavy vehicle charge model.

“In more recent times our land transport systems have increasingly focused on meeting the needs of our national and international markets,” Mr Retter said.

“We have been examining the impact of new technologies

across the transport and logistics sectors and what this might mean for the way governments regulate in the future.

“In particular, we have been identifying and removing regulatory barriers to technological innovation.

“NTC has developed a road map of automated vehicle-related reforms designed to address challenging concepts such as who is legally responsible for automated vehicles, what safety assurance measures should be in place for automated vehicle systems, dealing with data protection and what should happen to insurance laws.”

The NTC is expected to draft an entire new HVNL after it finalises its review of the existing law.

According to the report, updates or developments in the pipeline are based around the following topics: Heavy vehicle driver fatigue: an analyse team comprising of the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity (Alertness CRC) and the NTC are currently

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Safety assurance system for automated vehicles: the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for automated vehicle safety self-certification decision is due at the end of November 2018.

Driver reforms to support automated vehicles:

currently working with road agencies and transport departments to develop the detailed policy recommendations and legislative analysis necessary to establish the purpose-built national law.

Measuring land transport productivity: Australian Bureau of Statistics has an experimental transport satellite account to measure the contribution of the transport sector to Australia’s gross domestic product is currently being developed and is expected to be released late 2018.

The HVNL and automated vehicle program review is expected to result in significant changes to the approaches of Australian land transport regulation.

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MOVIN’ IT

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Trucks to boost incident response

◗ FIRST SHIPMENT: Wagners CEO Cameron Coleman, CFT general manager Michael Kemp, Transport Minister Mark Bailey, Department of Transport and Main Roads Regional Director for Downs South West Kym Murphy, acting director of Department of Transport and Main Roads Matt Longland and Wagners chairman Denis Wagner at the first shipment of composite fibre technology to the United Kingdom.

PHOTO: WAGNERS

CFT products off to the UK, US

Wagners work is spanning the globe

INFRASTRUCTURE projects made with advanced materials by Toowoomba company Wagners will be in three countries within weeks.

The massive publicly-listed business sent its first shipment to the United Kingdom last month of a bridge made of composite fibre technology (CFT), a material that is lightweight and durable.

CEO Cameron Coleman said the 16m truss bridge, which was designed to cater for foot and horse traffic, was spliced to fit into a single container.

“The final installation of the bridge will be in Essex and our client will be looking to install it at the end of November,” he said.

“We are planning on sending one of our manufacturing staff over to the UK to help assemble the bridge with our client to give them the confidence that our products are easy and stress free to work with.”

The company is also preparing to send the first of two shipments to Florida for a boardwalk and jetties project in the city of Ocala by the end of the month.

Once finished, the company expected the boardwalks wouldn’t need maintenance for another 30 years.

CFT products made by Wagners were already in two projects in New Zealand, including multi-span bridges at the Royal Auckland Golf Club and a 145m walkway at Tauranga Wharf.

The company also has five internationally-based business development employees and has 15 vacancies in its CFT manufacturing facility in Toowoomba.

— Tom Gillespie, The Chronicle

‘‘

The final installation of the bridge will be in Essex...

TWO state-of-the-art fire trucks have been officially handed over to Toowoomba firefighters, boosting emergency response times and capabilities in the region.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford has handed over the keys to the units worth more than $1.8 million.

The Operational Support Unit and Heavy Rescue vehicle will be based at the Kitchener St Queensland Fire and Emergency Services station.

“You’ve only got to have a look at the back of this rescue appliance and see it is ready to go,” Mr Crawford said.

“It’s all about that fast intervention for crews to be in, to be able to support paramedics and rescue agencies out there as well to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

“If the gear on this truck behind us can’t do the job, no one can do the job.”

The appliances are part of the State Government’s staggered roll-out of 61 new trucks to stations around Queensland.

Each has been fitted with the latest in modern emergency services technology and equipment, with the Operational Support Unit able to act as a major command centre at critical incidents.

The heavy rescue unit will allow firefighters to respond to a range of incidents including swift water rescue, confined space rescues, and urban search and rescue incidents.

QFES Inspector Peter Bradow said crews had previously used similar trucks, but the new appliances included the latest developments and systems for emergency services.

“The enhancements in hydraulic equipment for road crash rescues is forever being improved and with the utilisation of this equipment it will make a big difference to the community,” he said.

Download the update IF YOU’RE involved in packing, loading, moving or unloading a vehicle, you are responsible for complying with load restraint laws.

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The changes ensure it: ■ Is easy to access and understand ■ Meets the needs of the target audience ■ Is accurate, up to date and reflects current load restraint practices and heavy vehicle technology ■ Provides information based on the key steps involved in transporting loads to assist heavy vehicle drivers, operators and other parties to develop load restraint systems to suit their individual requirements ■ Includes computer-generated diagrams and graphics to provide greater detail ■ Provides detailed worked examples demonstrating how to apply the load restraint principles provided in the Guide to the common freight commodities

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Brown and Hurley Group

Two names a big name in transport industry ESTABLISHED in 1946, the Brown and Hurley Group commitment to the Australian road transport industry spans over 70 years.

Brown and Hurley is a wholly family owned Australian company, employing over 400 people, with nine branches strategically located throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales – from Tamworth to Townsville.

Brown and Hurley Toowoomba are the local premium heavy transport suppliers of Kenworth and DAF trucks as well as a number of other used truck brands and models.

They are also the local dealers for Barker, Hercules and Roadwest trailers.

Brown and Hurley understand that you need to keep your valuable asset on the road.

They’ve set up the business to allow access to an extensive range of parts to suit all your truck and trailer needs.

They also have state-of-the-art diagnostic and repair equipment in their workshops, and provide customers with a 24 hour, seven day a week breakdown service.

Brown and Hurley also has its own finance division, Brown and Hurley Finance, combining over 70 years of transport industry support of the Brown and Hurley Group, and the finance experience of trained industry specialists to deliver a

◗ HERE TO HELP: Brown and Hurley Toowoomba, servicing all your truck and trailer needs.

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Offering finance not only for the new and used trucks and trailers they sell, but for all commercial equipment purchases.

Brown and Hurley Finance is a member of FBAA & FOS, and has established arrangements with a number of major financial institutions, offering competitive interest rates.

Brown and Hurley always endeavour to forge a strong relationship with customers, extending this beyond the point of purchase by offering an unparalleled level of after sales service that is fully backed by the manufacturers, suppliers and the

PHOTO: LUCYRC PHOTOGRAPHY

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With an unrivalled reputation for exceptional customer support, a dedicated workforce and management team, and an enduring passion for the road transport industry, to which they have donated countless hours and dollars for a variety of community and charity activities, the Brown and Hurley Group set the benchmark for truck dealerships in Australia.

Brown and Hurley Toowoomba is located at 28-30 Carrington Road, Torrington. Phone (07) 4690 7300 or visit www. brownandhurley.com.au for more information.

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Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

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31

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Arrow’s gas deal boost for region

TOOWOOMBA and Surat Basin Enterprise recently hosted another successful Enterprise Evening in Dalby.

The event was an opportunity for Arrow Energy chief operating officer Ivan Tan, to provide the community with an update on its 27-year gas deal with Shell’s QGC. TSBE supply chain general manager Lance MacManus said the deal was a great development for the region, and when phased development started would provide long-term opportunity for local business to get involved.

◗ ENTERPRISING: Talking shop at the recent TSBE Enterprise Evening are (from left) Ben Sawtell (Bellweather), Jason King (Arrow Energy), Mike Jericevich (Aspire) and Jane Walker (GasFields Commission).

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Enjoying the Enterprise Evening are (from left) Dan Ford (Go2 People), with Josh Ragh and Phoebe Woods (Harvey Norman).

◗ Catching up at the recent TSBE Enterprise Evening in Dalby are (from left) Meaghan Wilce and Wayne Evans (Haynes Group), with Robyn Haig (Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry).

◗ Bruce Chapman (RiE Group) at the TSBE Enterprise Evening.

◗ Western Downs Regional Council Cr Kaye McGuire and Kimberley Nolan (Go2 People).

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise injects fresh blood with new board members A FORMER politician, two bankers and a lawyer have been appointed to the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise board of directors.

Queensland Resources Council CEO and former Groom MP Ian Macfarlane and Heritage Bank CEO Peter Lock, along with Suncorp Bank state manager – agribusiness April Cavanagh and Murdoch Lawyers owner Tom McVeigh, were appointed at the TSBE AGM on Thursday.

The appointments follow the resignation of community stalwarts and business leaders Joe Wagner and John Moncrieff.

“The calibre of new board members joining our existing board already populated with qualified and passionate community

advocates instils me with great confidence,” TSBE chairman Shane Charles said.

“The best is yet to come for TSBE and this region.”

Mr Macfarlane has more than 14 years’ experience in both Cabinet and ministerial positions as a former resources and energy, and industry and innovation minister with the Coalition.

He joined the QRC after retiring from politics in 2016.

Mr Macfarlane, a director of Woodside Petroleum, has continued lobbying for the resources industry and is regarded as a vocal supporter of the sector.

Mr Lock was appointed Heritage Bank CEO in 2015.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial

services industry, including running his own advisory business.

Ms Cavanagh, the state manager of agribusiness with Suncorp Bank, has also joined the board and will work with TSBE’s sister entity, Food Leaders Australia.

Tom McVeigh is the fourth new appointee to the TSBE board and, as Murdoch Lawyers owner, has extensive business acumen.

The board members were appointed at the TSBE AGM, held recently in Dalby.

The current board is made up of chairman Shane Charles, deputy chairman Rob Hart and directors Andrew Kibble, Lisa France, Stewart Morland, Rohan Gosstray and Kathryn McKeefry.

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IN THE NEWS

Advanced detonator built here

Exports are set to blow up in Qld

THE world’s most advanced electronic explosives system will be produced just 30km from Toowoomba, after a $6 million partially-public funded assembly line was launched this week.

Innovation Minister Kate Jones pushed the button to kick-start the operation by international commercial explosives provider Orica Group at its Helidon site yesterday.

Along with creating an extra 18 jobs at the work site, the assembly line would produce two million units every year to cater for the growing Australian and Asian markets.

The Department of State Development contributed $1 million of the funds through its Advance Queensland fund.

Orica Group Australia and Asia-Pacific president Darryl Cuzzubbo said the company was trying to cater for a 30 per cent increase in demand for the product, particularly from countries like China and India.

“We are making the most advanced detonator available today in the world here in Helidon,” he said.

“It’s also a big day for our customers because by having manufacturing here in Australia, we can better meet their demands.

“At the moment, these detonators have been coming from Canada, whereas now they will be built here in Helidon and sent over to Asia as well as Australia.”

Mining, quarries and civil construction are the main industries for the new detonator, which allows the customer to time the explosion down to the millisecond.

Orica will also spend an extra $10 million a year on

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

It’s also a big day for our customers because by having manufacturing here in Australia, we can better meet their demands.

– Darryl Cuzzubbo

◗ PUSH START: Industry Minister Kate Jones has launched the new electronic blasting system assembly line by Orica’s factory in Helidon, represented by Australia and Asia-Pacific president Darryl Cuzzubbo.

PHOTO: TOM GILLESPIE

Queensland suppliers, including contractors and companies based in Toowoomba.

Ms Jones said she was excited to see jobs remain in the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba region.

“What this means is an explosion in jobs for this local part of Queensland, with 130 staff working here,” she said.

“It’s a real boom for this advanced manufacturing industry.”

— Tom Gillespie, The Chronicle

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OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

MPs take close look at CSG ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

WELCOME to the latest edition of the Surat Basin News.

It has been heartening to see some of the good falls of rain around the region, with Dalby and Chinchilla recording over the 70mm and Roma receiving a welcome 39mm.

Many other places in the southwest have not fared as well and I sincerely hope that they soon receive their fair share.

Visitors take in Agriculture and Mining Industries Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Stephen Bennett Member for Burnett and Rob Molhoek Member for Southport last month travelled to Roma to see the impact of the drought and the CSG Operations of Santos and Senex.

Members of Parliament were able to see first hand how the CSG industry had changed its practices over time and continually strived to lessen the footprint on the environment and associated farming enterprises.

Dalby roadworks I have been disappointed with the Dalby roadworks,

Building Better Regions Fund open DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Federal Member for Maranoa

DO YOU have a project for your local community that would improve and increase liveability?

I’m looking for applications from the entire Maranoa electorate to benefit from a new round of Federal Government funding worth $200 million, specifically targeted at our bush communities.

Maranoa covers about 42 per cent of rural and remote Queensland and the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) will provide a huge boost for our region.

Round three of the BBRF is now open, until November 15, to help address the challenges faced by bush communities with this round also focusing on tourism.

We know we live in the best corner of the nation and I want Maranoa to secure our fair share of the $45 million of this funding earmarked to invest in tourism-related infrastructure projects, to draw in more visitors to our communities and grow the local economy.

During the previous two BBRF rounds, I’ve secured more than $18.9 million for exciting infrastructure and community building projects across Maranoa.

The BBRF is divided into two streams.

The Infrastructure Projects Stream will invest in new construction or existing project upgrades; and the Community Investments Stream is about strengthening liveability.

What’s great about this funding is that projects are driven by the community and our rural regions are represented in the Coalition Federal Government’s BBRF as major capital cities are excluded in the funding’s guidelines.

With three regional councils in Maranoa contributing more per capita than Brisbane City Council, it makes sense our regions should be supported and that’s why this Coalition Government introduced this funding.

For more information, check out www.business.gov. au/bbrf.

‘‘

I’ve secured more than $18.9 million for exciting infrastructure and community building projects across Maranoa

◗ SPECIAL GUESTS: Deb Frecklington, Jeremy Bazley and Ann Leahy.

especially the impact that these works have had on the passer-by traffic into local businesses.

I have been fighting for these local businesses and jobs and the project completion date has been brought forward to November.

I like many others want to see this project completed and encourage travellers and locals to support Dalby businesses who have been doing it tough during the roadworks.

Casual workers are entitled to annual leave DAN MCGAW

ETU South West Queensland State Organiser

A RECENT decision by the full bench of the Federal Court have ruled that a casual worker is entitled to the same employee benefits as a full-time employee if the working hours are regular and predictable.

This is a major blow for employers who want to use casualisation to avoid their responsibility to their employees.

This will come as a massive relief to workers in Australia who, for the last five years, have been forced into insecure work either as direct hire casuals or labour hire.

Some businesses engage labour hire workers simply to avoid paying employee entitlements.

This practice is being used in our region, particularly on CSG and renewable projects in the Surat Basin.

This decision makes clear that employers seeking to avoid paying people’s entitlements can’t simply rely on classifying workers as casuals.

Forty per cent of Australian workers are in insecure work, and the numbers are growing.

One in four workers in Australia are employed on a casual basis, and many more are in other forms of non-standard employment, leaving them without basic workplace rights.

Insecure work is the biggest issue facing workers throughout Australia.

It runs through everything.

When you are not secure in your job, you have fewer rights as an employee.

And it’s harder to argue for that much-needed pay rise.

This has to change.

We have a simple decision to make... Do we want the next generation to never know what it is like to have a paid holiday?

Or do we think they deserve the same or better rights their parents and grandparents enjoyed?

It’s this short-sighted approach which has led us to this point, on the path to the Americanisation of our workplaces.

If we want to stop the growth in inequality and make Australia a fairer and more prosperous country, we can start by making work more secure.

Working people in Australia need employment they can depend on, a job that provides them with a decent living for their families.

If you are a causal and work consistent hours, chances are you are being ripped off.

If so, join a union and help us Change the Rules.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Deb Frecklington, Leader of the Opposition, was guest speaker at the Beck St Kindy’s Ladies Spring Soiree and we both wish to thank the organisers and sponsors for their outstanding efforts at the Soiree.

The day rounded up with Politics in the Pub at the Windsor Hotel.

It was a fantastic opportunity for locals to meet Deb and to talk about the future of Queensland.

New gas project a winner for the region IAN MCFARLANE

CEO, Queensland Resources Council

THE Queensland Resources Council welcomed the announcement of Project Goog-a-binge, the Shell QGC joint venture, that will employ up to 350 people, and inject new gas supply into the East Coast gas market.

The project would see 250 new wells on the Western Downs and deliver a much needed economic boost to the regions.

In Queensland we back our resources industry and that means we’re in the box seat to supply local gas users and support local jobs.

I applaud Shell QGC and the Queensland Government for their continued support of the state’s gas industry.

More gas being produced is good news for all gas customers, both domestic and export.

With a go-slow on gas development in New South Wales, and a blanket ban on some types of gas projects in Victoria, what the southern states are really saying is they’re not prepared to support local jobs and local industry.

Queensland is putting up its hand for more investment made possible by a strong resources industry that creates jobs, supports regional communities and has paid $387 million in agreements with landholders.

The project, near Wandoan, Miles, Chinchilla and Tara would deliver about 930 petajoules of gas to market over the next three decades.

Goog-a-binge was chosen by the local Iman traditional owners and is the Iman name for a scrub turkey.

Local businesses are encouraged to register online with EconomX for work opportunities.

QRC’s data shows Queensland’s gas industry contributed $8.9 billion to the state’s economy and supported almost 43,000 full-time Queensland jobs.

Commission aims to simplify process CAROLYN COLLINS

CEO, GasFields Commission

WATER is one of the most important substances on Earth.

It’s a limited resource that’s critical for both agriculture and the gas industry.

That’s why groundwater is so extensively researched and monitored in Queensland and why groundwater take is so carefully regulated.

The downside of all that regulation is that the process can often be confusing, convoluted and mysterious to anyone trying to navigate it.

One of the key functions of the GasFields Commission is to identify and address any misunderstandings among our stakeholders.

That’s why we tailor complex information in a way that’s better suited to the needs of everyone involved in the process.

There’s nothing more time consuming than trolling through legislation trying to find the one sentence that relates to you.

The Commission’s most recent challenge has been clarifying the government’s groundwater regulatory framework.

And what a complex process it can be.

Before any gas development occurs, gas companies are required to work closely with surrounding bore owners and conduct a baseline assessment of bore capacity.

Groundwater modelling then identifies which water bores are likely to be impacted by gas development and what those impacts are likely to be.

That starts another process of assessment, reporting and negotiation to determine what make good measures are required, if any at all.

To help people navigate that process the Commission has developed a collection of flow charts, checklists, decision tools and best practice recommendations.

These tools were developed with wide stakeholder consultation to clearly identify the main misunderstandings and current practices. The end result was then fact checked with government policy makers.

Our next step is to make these practical tools more widely available through face-to-face engagement and online.

37

OPINION

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Regional market shows good signs ANDREW MCCALLUM

Real Estate Manager/Director, Ruralco Property GDL

THE market continues to coast along across our region, with most of the demand for homes still in the lower to mid-range bracket of $150,000 to $300,000 price range.

Most people would have heard reports through the media about a substantial correction in price due to occur in the residential real estate market.

In my opinion, this does not relate to our market here and is focused on metropolitan and coastal areas and is not a reflection on the regional markets.

Median house prices from October 2017 to September 2018 are as follows across our region:

Dalby (house)

Number of sales: 140 Median price: $251,000

Chinchilla (house)

Number of sales: 85 Median price: $215,000

Miles (house)

Number of sales: 19 Median price: $175,000

As in any market, there are always challenges however the market outlook across our region is showing some positive signs with good rentals being in short supply as well as the region still attracting developments and future investments into the area. The statistics above may not show a lot of movement in price, but does indicate an increase in sales across the region.

Membership drives success at CCCI MATTHEW BURKE

Vice-President, Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry Inc

MY ROLE as VP has been predominately focused on memberships and the communication of what value the CCCI can deliver for its members.

Our membership has grown from 126 members in 2017 to 140 for the 2018 year.

This is a great result as the CCCI relies on this support for its existence.

My previous experience is that non-members – and even our members – do not realise what value the CCCI can and is delivering on their behalf.

This would understandably result in a lack of commitment to the CCCI. Before I became a board member, even I did not realise how hard the CCCI has been working for our town and community.

The work as evidenced in Amanda’s report clearly shows the value the CCCI is delivering to the community as a whole, especially for local business and clubs.

I would encourage all you as members to be advocates for the CCCI so we can grow our membership and support.

If you are aware of any businesses who would benefit from being a member, please encourage them to contact the CCCI. One new initiative the CCCI has been trailing is a Business Advisory Group which meets once a month.

This group comes together as an opportunity for businesses owners and manager to seek guidance on any issue they have in their business.

Whatever challenge they have, there is always a good chance that someone has already experienced the same challenge and might have some great experiences to share.

This shared knowledge and experience might be exactly what you are after or maybe you have some knowledge that you can share.

So in summary, what I really want to communicate to you all is that if you are unsure on how the CCCI can help you or someone you may know, please feel free to contact myself or any other board member so we can start the conversation.

A strong advocacy for the CCCI will only help us to deliver an even better result for all businesses and clubs in this community.

Plenty of activities around the region keeps the region’s spirits high Western Downs Regional Council Mayor

THERE is plenty to be confident about in the Western Downs following good rain and business prosperity.

It was fantastic to welcome Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) for their monthly enterprise evening at the Dalby Leagues Club.

Our relationship with TSBE continues to provide our industries with greater connectivity to the wider regions and an international market.

I was pleased to hear both Arrow and Shell QGC have

fantastic duo of Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont were great and Mary O’Brien’s speech was a highlight.

Mary is committed to improving the mental health of men in our communities through her campaign Are You Bogged Mate? which offers men the opportunity to speak in a comfortable environment.

Across the region our farmers enjoyed much needed rainfall.

Dalby benefited greatly from the rain with nearly 140mm falling in the first two weeks of this month. It was not just Dalby who had good rainfall, with Miles receiving around 50mm.

The weather was damaging for part of Chinchilla with many melon farmers suffering from the intense hail storms.

We are all beginning to enjoy the warmer weather, but let’s hope there is more rain to come across the region.

ALLOW US TO OFFER COMFORT AND SUPPORT TO YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. FEEL FREE TO CALL ANYTIME OF THE DAY OR NIGHT.

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continued their commitment to the Western Downs, with the construction of hundreds of new wells in the coming years.

A real highlight this month was our fourth year of the Not Just For Laughs series.

We held shows in Drillham, Glenmorgan and Jandowae with big crowds at all three events.

The purpose of the events is to not only provide an enjoyable night in some of our small towns but to provide community groups the opportunity for some much-needed fundraising. It was great to see so many people supporting our community groups at the bar and the canteen.

I was thrilled to hear the Drillham State School P&C raised nearly $600 which all goes straight back into the community.

The performances of Merrick Watts, Mel Buttle and the

38

PLACES AND FACES

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

◗ Fred Burke, Ivan Skobe and Cathie Joseph.

◗ Rita Hassan, Louise Judge and Trudi Bartlett.

◗ SPECIAL EVENT: Nick Podmore and David Stevens at TSBE’s October Enterprise Evening at the Dalby Leagues Club on October 11.

PHOTOS: DOMINIC ELSOME

◗ Hanah Johnson, Mark Arnold, Emma Berridge and Vickie and David Rose.

◗ Michael Clerke and Brooke Clowes.

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◗ Bryan Bates, Martin Guan and Ashley Walker.

◗ Brydie Hedges, Liz Edwards, Stephen Denner and Ewan Meldrum.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

39

PLACES AND FACES

The Black Toyota group.

Alice and Nyree Hansen, with Hannah and Sharelle Boyd.

GLITZ AND GLAM: Laney and Cam O’Neil, Richard and Camille Johnson, Andrew and Christy Snars at the Maranoa Business Awards on Saturday.

PHOTOS: MOLLY HANCOCK

Jasmin Robertson, Carmen Roberts and Amy Colyer.

Greg Wallace, Tyson Golder and Peter Stanford.

Sonya Maskill, Hineata Cash and Stephanie Stonehouse.

Olivia Lynch, Tabatha Lippert, Rachel Nixon, Sam Crouchley, Jo Harvey and Bree Franz.

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PLACES AND FACES

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

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

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, October 25, 2018

Surat Basin News Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, Q 4413 Printed by News Corp Australia, Murarrie General manager: Erika Brayshaw

Construction Skills Queensland hands down skills

Students turn tradies in Roma ROMA students considering a career in construction sampled a range of industry options at a special Construction Skills Queensland Try’a Trade event on October 10.

Around 35 high school students from Roma State College and St John’s Catholic School visited TAFE Queensland’s Roma campus to get a taste of bricklaying, carpentry, construction steelwork and electrical work.

From learning to lay a brick wall and building an electrical circuit, to constructing timber frames and welding piping, the students got hands-on experience to help them decide if the construction path is right for them.

CSQ chief executive officer Brett Schimming said the Try’a Trade Program aimed to encourage Year 10 students to try a career in the building and construction industry.

‘‘

Try’a Trade gives students opportunities to consider a pathway into construction...

◗ SKILLS FOR LIFE: Roma State State College student Aden McGuane with ABBTF senior field office bricklayer Brian Munns.

PHOTO: JOSHUA MACREE

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“There is a lot to think about when choosing a career path and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by pressure to make the right choice,” Mr Schimming said.

“Try’a Trade gives students opportunities to consider a pathway into construction by trying various trades and possibly finding one what’s just the right fit for them.

“The construction industry is a great place to build your career, with so many options to earn while you learn and develop your skills.

“Anyone can have a go and you never know where you may end up – some of our major construction companies are run by past apprentices.

“Many students are told by teachers and their families that going to university is the best possible move for their career, but this may not be the best choice for all individuals.

“We like to surprise people with the fact that employment rates from VET students who train as part of an apprenticeship are as high as 97 per cent, compared to 69 per cent from uni.”