Surat Basin News

NEWS

Thursday, September 27, 2018

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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

SNAP OF THE MONTH

◗ SPRING HAS SPRUNG: Susan Felix of Chinchilla took this stunning image outside the post office in Chinchilla.

From the editor

Huge month in the region, as businesses reap big recognition WELCOME to the September edition of Surat Basin News.

It has been an eventful month for the region, with the business sector starting to prepare itself for the end-of-year season.

This month’s edition of Surat Basin News highlights many businesses in the region who are making waves across the state.

Natural resources have been a focal point in the news over September, with residents in Chinchilla, Miles and Condamine concerned with their air quality.

Journalist Amani Vassilou takes a look at the local fall-out from the High Court’s decision for Linc Energy liquidators not to foot the clean up costs in Chinchilla.

The best breakfast in Brisbane and the Darling Downs can be found in Dalby, from a restaurant in just their second year of business.

Sam Flanagan highlights a Surat Basin business which supports one of their workers in the Army Reserve.

Navigator Western Downs is looking for the next big idea to launch a business, and they want to hear from you.

And have you ever wondered what it is like to be drunk behind the wheel?

I decided to try a driving simulator with “beer goggles” to see how I would fair, under the influence.

This month’s edition of Surat Basin News personifies the diversity in the region’s businesses and industry, while still being a leader on a larger level.

— Michael Doyle

PHOTO: SUSAN FELIX

Contents

IN THE NEWS More on the Linc case ................................................................3 Family business goes above and beyond..................................4 Urban Paddock boasts best breakfast.......................................5 Business happy to support Army recruit...................................6 Major horticulture plan proposed ..............................................7

New app keeps you connected..................................................8 Innovators encouraged to take part in forum...........................10 Air quality study hasn’t convinced everyone.............................11 Store sale prices a relief for drought-stricken farmers ............13 OPINION ...................................................................................18-20 PLACES AND FACES ...............................................................22-24

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 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

Michael Doyle, Dalby

Phone 4672 5520, email michael.Doyle@dalbyherald.com.au SURAT BASIN NEWS 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is printed by News Corp Australia

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

◗ IN COURT: The Linc Energy trial started in Brisbane earlier this year. Pictured: Prosecutor Ralph Devlin (second from left).

PHOTOS: JOHN WEEKES / FILE

Environmental harm case heard in High Court

Taxpayers will foot Linc bill

A NEW High Court decision has meant the State Government – and ultimately taxpayers – will have to foot the clean-up bill from the Linc Energy environmental disaster, which could run into the millions.

The decision, on September 19, rejected the government’s attempt to overturn a ruling from March that found Linc liquidators were not liable for the clean-up costs at the infamous Chinchilla site Earlier this year, the underground coal gasification company was fined $4.5 million after being found guilty of five counts of wilfully and unlawfully causing environmental harm between 2007 and 2013.

The pollution included spread of toxins underground, soil contamination, and risks to groundwater, after toxic gas leaked from Linc’s Chinchilla plant.

For Environmental Defenders Office chief executive Jo Bragg, the decision is concerning because it means “there is potentially greater pressure on the public purse to clean up after mining companies go broke”.

“This is of grave concern to Queenslanders generally and for rural people,” Mrs Bragg said.

“Rural folk may well be faced with more un-rehabilitated mine sights and mining companies trying to duck their responsibility to properly rehabilitate and clean up as they are obliged to.”

Tom Marland, the principal of Marland Law – a firm representing landholders near the former Linc Energy site in relation to a potential class action – agreed, saying the decision

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the way it ignored its regulatory responsibilities”. “(The State Government) turned a blind eye to years of reports warning them that Linc Energy’s UCG activities were contaminating the farmland in the Hopeland and Chinchilla regions.”

Lock the Gate national campaign co-ordinator Carmel Flint said the decision highlights the need for reform in mining legislation to “dramatically increase enforcement and to strengthen rehabilitation”.

“Nothing serious has changed in the overall regulatory system of Queensland, it’s still all reliant on self-regulation and it’s clear that doesn’t work and it’s never worked.”

But not all landholders agree contamination even took place.

Hopelands’ Toby Trebilco (pictured with Ted Trebilco, right) said he’s seen no evidence of environmental damage on his property.

“As a grazier next door to the site, we have perfect cattle, perfect water, perfect grass, perfect trees, and it’s never been affected by this Linc energy site,” he said.

“There is nothing wrong with our land.”

Regardless of the ongoing controversy, the decision is not a surprise for Hopeland landholder Marcia Davis.

“Legally for the State Government to win it was going to be a difficult push up a steep hill.”

— Amani Vassiliou and Brooke Duncan

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leaves the State Government short millions of dollars in penalties for environmental damage.

“It means Queensland taxpayers’ money will need to be used for the costs of cleaning up the contamination, to go with the money already spent in the unsuccessful appeal in the High Court,” Mr Marland said.

The decision, he said, also has ramifications for future cases.

“The High Court’s decision sets a dangerous precedent that a company can simply declare bankruptcy and avoid facing their obligations under Environmental Authorities,” Mr Marland said.

But for Chinchilla and Hopeland landholders the damage has already been done, regardless of whether Linc liquidators are made to pay.

Hopeland landholder of 40 years Michael Tuohy (pictured with Jenny Tuohy, left) said the saga has devalued his property to become “virtually worthless”.

“My response to the High Court is that I am happy about it,” Mr Tuohy said.

“I know from my own understanding, the Queensland government gave Linc Energy the OK, the go-ahead to experiment with all this drilling and coal firing.

“The fault of the disaster lies in the hands of the State Government.”

Mr Tuohy isn’t the only one critical of the State Government’s role, with Mr Marland saying it has “sought to wash its hands of

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

◗ TOP JOB: Col Wilkie Body Works pride themselves on a customer-focused approach to business.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

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Right mix for family business They work with all insurers on the market, just remember that it is your policy, and your choice of repairer.

Customers come from far and wide for their service, with many happy to send in cars from right across western Queensland and company estimator Bert Webster does regular quoting trips throughout southwest Queensland.

Owner Steve Wilkie said he was committed to staff training and had all the latest technology available.

These days there was so much more to the business than ironing out dings caused by car accidents and rogue roos, with a full suite of services added to the line-up.

One such service was upgrades such as the new Dominator ute tray lining that Mr Wilkie said was growing in popularity for ute owners keen to see their pride and joy last the distance.

He said ute trays were often affected by rust and wear and tear, so the perfect solution was Dominator, which resisted chipping, rust, UV exposure and solvent and chemical leaks as well as hiding minor surface imperfections.

It could be colour coded to match your vehicle or whatever colour you chose.

He said the team at Col Wilkie Body Works believed strongly in providing people with a great customer experience in a one-stop shop.

◗ Col Wilkie Body Works staff at work.

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IF YOU’VE been in business for 83 years, you know you must be getting something right.

When Steve Wilkie bought his smash repairs business from dad Col Wilkie in 2008, he was continuing a long family tradition started by his grandfather, Ben, in 1935.

Col Wilkie Body Works in Toowoomba is a true family operation, with Steve’s sister Kerri Crisp and his wife Hannah, also working there among the 16-strong team that prided itself on quality, fast, guaranteed work.

And it was that attention to detail with a real customer-focused approach that Mrs Crisp said would continue to keep the business going strong for years to come.

“We do anything from small vehicles, 4WDs to light commercial,” she said.

“It should be a given that a panel shop can fix your car, but we like to look after the person too. We try to make it as easy as we possibly can and offer a lifetime guarantee on all of our work so people have peace of mind.

“We’ve been here for a long time and we wouldn’t have been if we weren’t doing the right thing.”

She said the company supported customers through the insurance claims process, helping them to lodge and organise repair times.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

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IN THE NEWS

Urban Paddock a contender

Breakfast has award judges talking A DALBY restaurant has punched above its weight to claim the title of the region’s best breakfast.

Urban Paddock was a finalist in two categories at the Queensland and Northern Territory Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards.

The restaurant, which has operated for just 18 months, was awarded the best breakfast restaurant in Brisbane and Darling Downs at a ceremony last month.

Owner Melissa Harms said she was not aware her restaurant was nominated until she received an email inviting her to the awards ceremony in Brisbane.

The Dalby business owner said she was shocked and thrilled to beat more experienced metropolitan restaurants for the award.

“We have only been open for 18 months, so to be up against some of the restaurants in Brisbane, which have been operating for years and years, is very exciting,” Mrs Harms said.

“We were emailed to tell us that we were a finalist in two categories, cafe dining and best breakfast.

“We went down to the dinner and were very shocked and ecstatic.”

Mrs Harms was very quick to dismiss any credit herself,

◗ BEST BREAKFAST: Urban Paddock’s Caleb McKinnon and Melissa Harms were shocked, but pleased with their huge accolade.

PHOTO: MICHAEL DOYLE

saying the staff she had hired in the past 18 months were the biggest asset to the business.

She said each member had a special role, which helped her business win the regional award this week.

“Firstly, we have an amazing chef and he is behind all of the meals which come out of the kitchen,” Mrs Harms said.

“The staff we have here are great and we are something a bit unique to come to.”

Head chef Caleb McKinnon is not one to dwell on awards.

The man behind the dishes that brought Urban Paddock success was as shocked as anyone to win the award.

“It gives me a little bit of a boost, but to be honest this is just how I have always prepared food,” Mr McKinnon said.

“I just prefer to cook and don’t care too much for the accolades.”

Mrs Harms said the business was not prepared to rest on its success and the staff were constantly looking for ways to improve.

“We will have a new menu coming out soon for the spring-summer season which we are working on now,” she said.

“We have a few quirky things we want to do in the future.”

— Michael Doyle

Closures planned to shift blades continue throughout the remainder of the year.

“We aim to minimise the impacts on commuters so many of the movements are done at night time,” Mr Knill said.

“However, at times we will need to have major sections of highways, including the Toowoomba Range, closed to align with our commitment to safety. Delays can be expected and we ask for patience at these times.

“The long blades ensure more energy is captured by every wind turbine. This brings down the cost of generation, but creates a high level of complexity in managing the transportation.”

The wind farm, situated between Dalby and Kingaroy, will be the largest in Australia when construction wraps up in 2019.

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MAJOR sections of highway, including the Toowoomba Range, will be forced to close to transport enormous wind turbine blades for the Coopers Gap Wind Farm.

AGL project manager Tim Knill said the largest blades heading along the Warrego Highway were 67.2m long and weigh 22 tonnes – the largest ever transported in Australia.

“Several shipments of wind farm components, including the blades, have arrived at the Port of Brisbane and are in storage awaiting transportation,” Mr Knill said.

“The movement of such large pieces of equipment requires detailed planning and we are predicting approximately 1200 oversize movements, involving blades, hubs, tower sections and nacelles.”

Overnight transportation of the blades will

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

Employers back Army Reserve

It makes the ideal support network HAVING a workplace which supports you outside office hours is the dream. For Jonathon Willett, that dream is a reality thanks to his employers at BJ Hydraulics.

Mr Willett joined the Army Reserves nearly three years ago, and had the blessings of his bosses to be involved.

The brilliant staff-employer partnership has now been recognised, with BJ Hydraulics nominated in the upcoming Defence Reserves Employer Support Awards.

Owner David Johnson said it was humbling to be appreciated.

“We don’t go looking for recognition like that, we’re just quiet achievers,” Mr Johnson said.

“As far as the business is concerned, we just aim to provide a quality service and support staff who walk through the door with a problem.

“With Jonathon in the Army Reserves he’s obviously putting back to the public. So from a business point of view it’s a service to the community.

“I think exposure (to the Army Reserves) makes them know what it’s like to get knocked over.

“They aren’t wrapped in cotton wool so it builds character and self-esteem. It also builds responsibility and accountability.”

— Sam Flanagan

◗ HELPING OUT: Jonathon Willett and David Johnson from BJ Hydraulics.

PHOTO: SAM FLANAGAN

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

◗ HIGH YIELD: FKG will build greenhouses not too dissimilar to this.

PHOTO: FILE

High-tech proposal could provide 500 jobs

Horticulture facility in bloom A MASSIVE Queensland-first intensive greenhouse project will employ nearly 500 Toowoomba residents once approved by the council.

FKG Group’s pioneering “intensive horticulture” development, based on 64 hectares in western Toowoomba, would produce 15 times the amount of vegetables a normal crop could yield.

Plans were submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council last week, showcasing a project that has never been done before at this scale.

FKG property development group manager Dallas Hunter, who was also behind the company’s innovative Pulse Data Centre and its newly-proposed power station, said he wanted to revolutionise agriculture in Australia.

“The world has a problem –in the next 30 years there are going to be another two billion people. If we stay with our broadacre production system, we’re not going to feed them,” Mr Hunter said.

“Countries like the Netherlands and Spain have shown you

can increase the yield on the same land size through greenhouses. This will change the way we feed the world in 2050.”

According to the development assessment plans submitted through Property Projects Australia, the 42 hectares of greenhouses will consist of six structures, built over four stages.

Packing houses would be built and contain nurseries, staff rooms, storage areas and loading areas.

FKG would also build 184 car parking spaces to cater for its new workforce, and install turning areas for B-double trucks.

Mr Hunter said the proposed facility used less water than traditional methods, but its energy use was much higher.

“We can basically increase production by about 15 times through this method,” he said.

“It uses water, but it’s water use per kilogram of product is reduced compared to broadacre cropping.

“Other people won’t have the power allocation we will, and it ties in with the (150 megawatt solar-gas hybrid) power plant

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On top of its increased production, the new facility would be just down the road from the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, opening the opportunity to export food around the world.

Mr Hunter said the company was considering its options on international freight.

“Toowoomba is particularly well-located for export logistics, with the Port of Brisbane and Wellcamp Airport,” he said.

“Our climate and logistics are the key reasons people would choose to come here.”

Workers would cover roles like mechanical duties, maintenance and harvesting.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said FKG Group was among a group of pioneering businesses on the Darling Downs.

“This is innovative and it’s being born here in Toowoomba, and we’re very proud of that,” he said.

— Tom Gillespie, The Chronicle

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

◗ BRAND NEW: GasApp is available for Apple or Android devices. Visit the GasFields Commission website for more details.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Brand new app a more than handy resource

Get connected with GasApp

THE GasFields Commission has released a new phone app to help improve communications and information sharing in regional communities.

GasApp Aus is one of a kind.

It gives people in the gas fields a simple but effective tool to calculate an estimate of compensation, stay in touch with gas industry developments, find important information and contact key agencies using their phone.

It is a first for any state or territory and believed to be the first of its kind in the world. And it wasn’t easy.

Developed by the GasFields Commission and built here in Queensland, the GasApp took almost a year to create and then another six months of consultation, adjustment, fine tuning and more consultation before finally evolving into a market ready product.

The formula needed to create a standardised compensation estimator was particularly challenging.

Every property, business, family, development and negotiation is different in some way so the GasFields Commission decided to use a common valuation method to give users the most realistic experience possible.

It’s not a legislative tool and it doesn’t give a legally binding result.

What it does do is walk people through a process of assessment and information gathering that they will need to successfully negotiate a compensation agreement.

It is designed to demystify the process.

It can’t take into account commercial negotiation skills or exceptional circumstances but it does give a robust baseline based on the information a user puts in.

But that’s not all the GasApp does.

It’s also a platform for finding useful information about the

gas industry and staying in touch with new developments.

The on-boarding process allows the GasFields Commission to tailor information and notifications to specific areas and keep users up to date with activity in their area.

It has a library of information already laid out for easy access and links to other government agencies where users can leave comments or raise concerns.

It is a simple, easy to use tool to keep people up to date and if

they live in an area with poor reception, the app will automatically update when they’re back in phone range.

The GasFields Commission believes the GasApp sets a new standard for communications in the gas industry and will monitor its use closely and upgrade its functions as needed.

The best thing about it is that it’s free.

For more information and to download GasApp for Apple or Android devices, visit the GasFields Commission website.

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Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

BSA stands up for natural resources

‘Any cost’ progress is not feasible: alliance THE Basin Sustainability Alliance (BSA) represents landholder, community groups and individuals who are worried about the long term consequences of rapid and unrestrained development of the coal seam gas industry across Queensland, based on an unsustainable policy of unlimited water take from the Great Artesian Basin.

Our concerns extend to other forms of gas and resource extraction where the government also permits “unlimited water take”.

Since our inception in 2010, the BSA has attempted to work with industry and government in the hope we can achieve a CSG industry that preserves our groundwater resources, our lifestyle, and our ability to produce food and fibre for future generations.

To date, this has not been achieved and so the quest continues.

The BSA believes that informed science must precede development, and predicted impacts must be mitigated.

Where the science is problematic or lacking and the risk is too high, no development should occur.

In this scenario, we urge our decision makers not to be blinded by the lust for short term royalties and jobs.

The industry cannot proceed ‘at any cost’.

Our AGM speaker panel covers a number of issues vital to the sustainable and equitable use of water extracted from the Surat Sub-Basin of the GAB. Tom Crothers, the former GM of Water Allocation and Planning for DNRME, will address the significance of the Commonwealth Senate’s inquiry into Water Use by the Extractive Industries now due October 19.

The BSA submitted to this inquiry and also attended their Brisbane hearings.

‘‘

Our AGM speaker panel covers a number of issues vital to the sustainable and equitable use of water extracted from the Surat Sub-Basin of the GAB Tom will also cover BSA’s submission to the Federal Government’s review of their GAB Strategic Management Plan.

Prof Jim Underschultz from the UQ Centre for CSG will speak on “Understanding and measuring gas in water bores”.

As depressurisation of GAB aquifers occurs through overuse, dissolved gases come out of solution.

CSG extraction depends on dewatering (depressurisation) of the Walloon Coal Measure aquifer and its impact can extend to adjacent aquifers, thus compounding an existing problem.

Engineer and committee member Max Winders will present the latest version of his firm’s 60km x 60km local hydrological model around his Wambo Feedlot.

It confirms that where CSG impacts are significant, detailed local groundwater impact modelling is required, using locally relevant hydrogeological parameters rather than relying on the State Government’s broad-scale reporting of the OGIA’s cumulative regional model for the whole Surat Basin.

I hope to see you at our AGM. — Lee McNicholl, BSA Chairman ◗ RIGHT: Basin Sustainability Alliance chairman Lee McNicholl.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

The Basin Sustainability Alliance advises that our Annual General Meeting will occur at the Chinchilla CLUB HOTEL from 2-5 on Tuesday October 9.

All interested parties are invited to attend, but only financial members may vote.

For any enquires please contact Lee McNicholl, BSA Chair ‘Arklow’, 1914 Dulacca South Road, Dulacca QLD 4425

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Members are encouraged to nominate for our Management Committee 14 days prior to the AGM After the AGM, an informative speaker panel will update on issues vital to the sustainability of the Surat Basin (see above article)

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

400m Ag and Food Innovation Forum

The search is on for agtech innovators

INNOVATORS, disrupters and entrepreneurs from across the Darling Downs will pitch their ideas to potential investors at this year’s 400m Ag and Food Innovation Forum.

Hosted by Food Leaders Australia, the event showcases new technology changing the industry’s landscape.

The event, now in its third year, is open for pitches with the conference’s previous years proving the ingenuity throughout the region.

FLA general manager Bruce McConnel said the innovation space in agriculture required strong investment to maximise large-scale as well as niche opportunities.

“We are on the cusp of an ideas boom, and the future of agriculture in the region lies in the adoption of new systems and technologies that are capable of streamlining every aspect of production and supply,” Mr McConnel said.

He said investors were vital “to accelerate the next generation of agricultural productivity, production specialisation and sustainability”.

Pitchers at the 2017 event included InFarm, Platinum Compost, Ceres Tag,Grow Logic, RapidAIM, Nxt Oil, and AccuSpray, with the event also hosting keynote speakers, panels and Q&As. Five of the 12 pitchers from last year’s event received funding

◗ WE WANT INNOVATION: FLA general manager Bruce McConnel.

from investment bodies.

With this success in mind, FLA is now seeking a new cohort of individuals or businesses to pitch their projects to a panel of industry experts and potential investors.

Broadening on the scope of last year, the pitches will range from new ideas seeking investment right through to commercialised technology now seeking clients.

Mr McConnel said agriculture was set to become Australia’s next $100 billion industry by 2030.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

“Global opportunity for AgTech from the private sector is estimated to be approximately US$189 billion between 2013 and 2022, and Australia is behind the rest of the world in investment in this space,” he said.

“Investor awareness and appetite will largely determine how quickly we can harness innovation to reach this future and seize the vast number of opportunities on offer.”

The event will be held on November 21. For more information, phone 4639 4600 or email bruce@foodleadersaus.com.au.

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FITZY’s Toowoomba general manager Brad Fitzgibbons is proud of the staff’s efforts to make the pub one of the best in Queensland.

Fitzy’s on Church had been announced as a finalist for the Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence which will be held next month.

The awards showcase the innovation of hotels in the association.

Mr Fitzgibbons said the team had put in a lot of hard work and dedication for the hotel.

“The association assessed submissions on overall hotel profitability, marketing strategies, staff training, menus and wine list and popularity,” he said.

“Once that has been assessed, the association will then send in mystery diners over six weeks to judge the day-to-day experience of the venue.

“I wish I knew when the diners were coming but after the submissions have been accepted, it’s game on.”

◗ Brad Fitzgibbons.

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11

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Air quality study stirs debate

Research fails to alleviate fears

◗ AIR UP THERE: CSIRO senior research scientist Dr Sarah Lawson pictured at one of the Surat Basin air monitoring sites.

RESEARCHERS have given air quality in the Surat Basin a tick of approval, but not all landholders are convinced.

In a national first, the CSIRO has completed a comprehensive ambient air quality study in a CSG area – the Western Downs.

But not everyone interprets the results the same way.

CSIRO senior research scientist Dr Sarah Lawson said the study began in 2015 in response to community concerns regarding the impact of CSG production on air quality in Miles, Condamine and Chinchilla.

She said it found ambient air quality in the Surat Basin was within acceptable levels for pollutants potentially emitted by CSG activities “for the majority of the time”.

“We measured in the gas fields, in and amongst the gas infrastructure and also at regional sites which were a little bit further out from the gas infrastructure,” Dr Lawson said.

It means that, according to the study, ambient air quality in the region of intensive CSG production can be categorised as ‘good’.

And while the findings may sound like a cause for relief for a concerned community, they have exasperated tensions underlying the controversial CSG debate.

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

chief executive Dr Malcolm Roberts was quick to welcome the results, saying the report “clearly dispels the claims that the gas industry is releasing toxic materials into the air”.

“This study, which provides the largest contribution of air quality data in the region, clearly provides information for the local community about good ambient air quality.”

But for Chinchilla local and landholder advocate Shay Dougall, the study raised more questions than it answered.

“The gas field residents have been requesting exposure monitoring of the air here for a long time,” Mrs Dougall said.

“But here we are three years later, thousands of dollars later, and still no closer to the question we want answered.

“Our major concern, which we voiced to CSIRO when the study began, revolves around ambient air monitoring simply not being exposure monitoring.

“I don’t want them to be testing the entire bucket of air, I want them to be testing what the people living next to the high point vents are breathing.”

Mrs Dougall’s outspoken efforts to protect the rights of landholders began years ago when gas companies started their

activities in the Hopelands area. A fire has burned beneath her ever since she saw fellow residents struggling with the impacts of CSG activity on their properties.

“The reality is the lived experience of the people living next to the gas field infrastructure and having to incorporate it into their lives is nothing compared to what the report is saying,” she said.

“The narrative emerging from this report that everything is ‘good’ is an absurdity. It’s debilitating for anyone trying to make sense of it.”

Despite the contention pervading the study, the data collected is set to go a long way towards future and current studies “There are a lot of different questions people wanted answered and, over time, air quality was prioritised and funded,” Dr Lawson said.

“There is a health study under way in the region that will access potential impacts of coal seam gas on health.”

For Mrs Dougall and her fellow concerned landholders, hopes are high the upcoming study will provide the answers they so desperately want.

Armour explores the Surat Basin

◗ EXPLORATION: Armour Energy will be prospecting north of Surat and Miles.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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BRISBANE-based gas company Armour Energy has been granted an Authority to Prospect in the Surat Basin.

It will explore 318sq km of land north of Surat and close to the Kincora Plant, which has been deemed “highly prospective”.

The Queensland Resources Council welcomed the State Government’s granting of the authority and QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the decision showed Queensland was a nation-leader in easing the gas squeeze along the east coast.

“Once again we see Queensland holding the key to sustaining a long-term energy future,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“I applaud the Palaszczuk Government and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham for their continued support of the state’s gas industry.

“Importantly, this is an investment into regional Queensland.”

Mr Macfarlane said other states should follow Queensland’s lead.

“New South Wales and Victoria can’t expect Queensland to continue to supply, and subsidise, their own gas users,” he said.

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IN THE NEWS

Calling all entrepreneurs

Business Navigator’s Pitch Challenge APPLICATIONS for the 2018 Business Navigator’s Pitch Challenge are now open.

To enter, visit www.NavigatorWesternDowns.com. This competition encourages current and aspiring business owners, innovators and those with bright ideas to apply.

Participants have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas and get the support they need to make them a reality.

All semi-finalists and finalists will be given the opportunity to take part in online pitch training and will receive exclusive resources and one-on-one coaching to make their pitch even stronger. This year’s categories are: Best New Business Idea: For entrepreneurs that have a new business idea or have been operating for less than one year Best Growth Idea: A business currently in operation and looking to expand through innovation Best Young Entrepreneur: An innovative business at any stage that is owned by an individual(s) between 18 and 24 Winners from each category will receive a $10,000, $10,000 and $5000 cash prize respectively.

Winners are determined by independent judges at the finals event to be held on November 29 at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre.

◗ YOUR NAVIGATORS: Business navigator Western Downs team Suzie Wood and Neil Daly.

Applications for the Business Navigator’s Pitch Challenge are now open and close on October 12.

Visit the website www.NavigatorWesternDowns.com.au for terms and conditions.

About Business Navigator’s Program

The innovative Business Navigators Program is part of Shell’s QGC Social Investment Program and is delivered by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), aimed at diversifying the local economy and supporting small business to grow.

Two professional business coaches have been appointed full time to live locally and support up to 45 small-medium businesses or individual entrepreneurs based in the Western Downs.

They will provide one-on-one, face-to-face coaching to help locals evolve fledgling ideas into commercial products and

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

thriving businesses.

“The program has been developed in response to feedback from communities,” Shell’s QGC Operations Manager Nagaraj Ramaraj said.

“We heard that supporting small-medium business and economic diversification is of benefit to our local communities.

“We know it benefits us too, and we want natural gas development to be just one part of a strong economy.

“Through the Business Navigators Program, we want to provide local businesses with more opportunities to connect and grow their ideas, to remain sustainable well into the future. ”This will support a thriving regional economy, making businesses more viable and creating jobs for local people.”

For more information, visit the website at www.NavigatorWesternDowns.com.au.

14

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

Acknowledging and celebrating the success of Queensland companies is an important part of encouraging more Australian companies to go global.

Premier’s award up for grabs

Two of our top exports shine bright TWO Toowoomba companies have been selected as finalists for the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.

Mort and Co and Namoi Cotton Alliance will both compete in the agribusiness and regional export category for the awards, with the winner announced next month.

Exporters across the state are in the running across 13 industry categories and three state-based awards, which celebrate excellence in international trade.

Export Council of Australia chief executive officer Alina Bain said Queensland never failed to impress with a wide range of industry sectors consistently punching above their weight.

“This year we were excited to see an increase in new entrants across Agribusiness, Business Services and the Regional categories,” Ms Bain said.

“The competition is extremely tough, and we are thrilled to see a number of new names recognised for their tremendous efforts.

“It’s fantastic to also see the diversity of the companies that entered the awards this year.

“Acknowledging and celebrating the success of Queensland companies is an important part of encouraging more Australian companies to go global.”

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 11 at the Hilton Brisbane.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will be the event’s guest of honour.

◗ NOMINEE: Mort and Co managing director Charlie Mort. The company is one of two Toowoomba businesses named as finalists in the Premier’s Export Awards.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

Yards lend helping hand

Store sale delivers big relief

THE Roma Saleyards were bustling with activity on Tuesday, as the council-led drought relief store sale was in full swing.

The store sale, which introduced a 50 per cent reduction on all live weight and open auction selling fees, delivered financial relief for many drought-stricken farmers looking to offload stock.

Roma Saleyards portfolio Councillor Peter Flynn said the store sale aimed to give graziers a helping hand, with many embattled farmers struggling with the drought gripping much of the state.

“The reasoning behind the sale was that we wanted the benefits to go back to the producers who are our supporters at the saleyards, which is why the councillors came up with this initiative,” Cr Flynn said.

‘‘

The reasoning behind the sale was that we wanted the benefits to go back to the producers...

“Hopefully it has worked. It certainly looks to have been successful.”

Cr Flynn said he was impressed with the quality of the 5860 head of cattle that passed through the gates on Tuesday.

“Maranoa Regional Council is very happy with the stock numbers [today] and the work of various groups at the Roma Saleyards in supporting the drought relief sale,” Cr Flynn said.

“I’m very surprised at the quality of the cattle given the

◗ CATTLE COUNTRY: Phillip Edwards and Dan Muller from AAMIG with Councillor Peter Flynn at the Roma Saleyards on September 4.

PHOTO: JOSHUA MACREE

extreme drought that we’re in at the moment.”

Roma Saleyards contractors AAM Investment Group helped support the store sale by reducing all scanning and movement of stock charges on the day.

Dan Muller, business transition manager at AAM, said the organisation was “keen to be involved” in the Tuesday sale.

“It will directly go back to the producers, which is why these facilities operate in the first place,” Mr Muller said.

“The producers are the ones that support the Roma Saleyards year in year out, as well as support our business – so we’re wanting to give a bit back.”

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18

OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

Drought declaration important ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

WELCOME to the latest edition of the Surat Basin News.

Western Downs Drought status update

I continue my call on the State Labor Government to place the Western Downs Regional Council back on the list of drought declared shires.

I have raised the matter in State Parliament asking the Minister to act immediately the local drought committee makes a recommendation to re-declare the area (Western Downs).

This State Government are full of rhetoric and short on action and they need to help these farmers who are dealing daily with the impacts of drought.

Some financial intuitions have announced interest rate cuts to drought affected primary producers or are not passing on rate increases to drought affected areas.

In the Western Downs Regional Council area, primary producers will struggle to access these concessions if the region is not drought declared by the State Government.

This government is penny pinching, and I will not give up the fight to have the Western Downs area drought declared because I understand the impact this drought is having on the region, unlike this Labor government.

Vegetation Management Update

The LNP have again taken up the fight again against the draconian Labor Government’s Vegetation Management in the State Parliament.

The removal of the thinning code and the tightening of the fodder harvesting code have come at the worst possible time for those in the mulga lands and other areas of the state.

Resources are doing the heavy lifting IAN MCFARLANE

CEO, Queensland Resources Council

QUEENSLANDERS should be encouraged the resources sector is doing its bit to put downward pressure on the State’s unemployment, which increased by 0.1 per cent to 6.3 per cent in August jobs data.

The resources sector has created more than 8400 jobs over the last 12 months – the equivalent of a new job every hour – and this was effectively a 0.4 per cent cut to Queensland’s unemployment rate.

Without the contribution of the resources sector, Queensland’s unemployment rate would be 6.7 per cent.

Without the contribution of the resources sector, Queensland’s unemployment rate would be the nation’s highest by 0.5 per cent at 6.7 per cent.

Our industry needs stable and predictable policy to give it the confidence to invest more, export more and ultimately employ more in the sustainable, competitive and safe development of our coal, minerals, petroleum and gas.

Without that, our sector’s confidence to invest, export and employ will be severely constrained.

If we see the Palaszczuk Government continue to back the resources sector, the resources sector would continue to back Queenslanders, with more jobs and more opportunities.

Every hour our industry is creating another job and i per cent nvesting another million dollars.

Every week our industry is exporting another billion dollars and we are returning almost $100 million to the Palaszczuk Government in royalties.

In regions like Mackay, the jobs impact has been significant.

The unemployment rate has more than halved to 3.3 per cent. Mackay is a critical services centre for the Bowen Basin.

As Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this month: “For as long as the world needs steel, it will look to the Bowen Basin as its pre-eminent supplier of metallurgical coal.”

The Queensland resources sector now provides one in every six dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State – with almost 7000 businesses in the Greater Brisbane region – all from 0.1 per cent of Queensland’s land mass.

◗ WAY OUT WEST: Drought declaration is vital for the region, and Ann Leahy says the State Government cannot continue ‘penny pinching’.

PHOTO: FILE

At a time when many are struggling to source feed and keep their stock alive the imposition of these unworkable codes is the last thing that landholders need.

The LNP have fought to stop this new regulation in State Parliament, that makes harvesting mulga for fodder unworkable and impractical and abolishes the code for thinning.

The utilisation of mulga trees to provide fodder for domestic stock, during drought, has been part of routine management on many grazing enterprises in southwest Queensland’s mulga lands for over 100 years. The landholders and farmers are angry, frustrated and disappointed by this Labor Government and they have every right to feel this way.

Mulga fodder harvesting is not tree clearing there is plenty of science to prove this and it is all being ignored by the State Government.

GasApp Aus is a first for Queensland CAROLYN COLLINS

CEO, GasFields Commission

THE GasFields Commission GasApp Aus is one of a kind.

It has taken more than a year of hard work, testing, adjusting and testing again to bring the GasApp to market. But now it’s ready.

And the best thing is that it’s free.

The GasApp was developed after the Commission identified a need to improve communications between landholders, gas companies, Queensland Government agencies and other important stakeholders.

The Commission spent months designing a modern solution to the problem and settled on the GasApp. The app is essentially three apps in one – an estimator, a comments or complaints submission system and a communications hub to collect important and helpful information and transmit it to relevant stakeholders.

By working through an on-boarding process, users of the app can tailor the sort of information they want to receive and the Commission can ensure the information sent on the app is relevant to a users postcode, local government area or subject.

At the same time, the GasApp contains an estimator where landholders in particular can calculate an estimate of the compensation they may be entitled to from gas development on a property.

The estimator gives landholders and others a compensation estimate to help replace guesswork and also makes landholders aware of the various factors they should consider when negotiating a CCA. The team at the Commission spent more than a year designing, testing, adjusting and testing the formula again and again before settling on the final estimator algorithm.

The estimator can’t take into account every circumstance because every property, business, family and development is different in some way.

What it can and does do is to prompt stakeholders to collect the information they need to effectively negotiate a CCA and then provide an estimate based on the fundamentals.

It’s available now on Google Play and the App Store or just go to the GasFields Commission website at www.gasfieldscommissionqld.org.au.

Fodder harvesting of mulga is about managing a cycle of vegetation regeneration.

To put it simply it is like mowing the lawn – like the lawn the mulga is still there after it is cut – it regrows it regenerates and in many cases regenerates more mulga than before.

At this time of drought when there are feed shortages throughout the eastern states – it is heart breaking to see a bale in every tree of mulga that landholders just can’t access – because of this hostile Labor Government.

This restrictive and unworkable regulatory regime impacts not only farmers trying to keep their stock alive during a drought but it has a massive flow on effect to stockmen and women, fencing contractors, small business in towns like the local butcher, the tool shops, the feed supplier, the general store, the tyre repair shops to name a few.

Apply now for grants to increase security DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Federal Member for Maranoa

MORE watchful eyes in our community increases public safety and give people a greater sense of security.

I encourage all local councils and not for profit community groups to apply for The Safer Communities Fund which provides grants from $1000 right up to $1 million to boost community safety.

Grant funding goes towards crime hotspots to prevent, deter and detect crime, and protect community organisations.

Eligible projects include the installation of fixed or mobile CCTV cameras, security lighting, bollards and alarm systems.

The Safer Communities Fund, a 2016 election commitment, initially received $40 million to support local communities address crime.

Due to the success of previous rounds, we’ve put up an extra $30 million to run an extra grant round in the These types of 2018-19 and 2019-20 projects bring our financial years. communities together Round three also provides early intervention and encourage funding for community organisations to organisations. implement changes that This will help Police benefit everyone Citizens Youth Clubs, Blue Light organisations and Youth off the Streets with their early intervention and youth activities around Australia.

These types of projects bring our communities together and encourage organisations to implement changes that benefit everyone.

Applications for the infrastructure stream close on September 25.

For more information about the Communities fund – Infrastructure Stream, please visit the website www.business.gov.au/Assistance/Safer-Communities-Fund or phone 13 28 46.

Applications under the early intervention stream also close on September 25.

For more information about the Early Intervention Stream, please visit www.business.gov.au/Assistance/safercommunities-fund-early-intervention or phone 13 28 46.

‘‘

Taking money from pockets of workers

19

OPINION

Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Keen to sell? Get into the spring of things ANDREW MCCALLUM

DAN MCGAW

ETU South West Queensland State Organiser

STEALING is wrong, and yet every year thousands of Australian workers are robbed.

They are the victims of wage theft.

Wage theft, through employers deliberately underpaying workers and refusing to pay mandatory superannuation, is affecting thousands of workers every year.

It is employers stealing money from workers pockets.

The current laws make wage theft too easy and the punishment too light.

Wage theft is now so common that in some places, it’s the business model.

There are business owners all over Australia getting rich by stealing from their staff and the current industrial laws make it far too easy.

To be clear, most businesses are doing the right thing, but there are certain employers who put profit over workers entitlements first.

According to Industry Super Australia, a staggering one-third of eligible Australian workers are being underpaid super.

This is 2.4 million workers collectively having $3.6 billion a year stolen from them each year.

This is another case of wage theft that will impact workers for decades to come, decimating the right to dignity in retirement to which all working Australians are entitled.

Recently the Queensland Labor Government held their Parliamentary inquiry into Wage Theft in Toowoomba.

At this inquiry I gave evidence of examples locally where employers are blatantly ripping off their worker and exploiting them.

This is highlighted on some of the renewable projects in our region.

Employers who deliberately rip off their workers should face criminal charges.

They should be tried as a thief.

There needs to be more of a deterrent, because quite frankly the currently penalties are too soft.

This is just more evidence that the system is broken.

We need to change Australia’s workplace laws.

The best way to fight wage theft is to join your union.

Special guest joins windfarm project ALI DAVENPORT

Real Estate Manager/Director, Ruralco Property GDL

CEO, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise

WELCOME to spring, generally the most popular time across Australia for residential property to be placed on the market.

Here’s a few simple tips to consider when competing to attract buyers to consider your property this spring.

One of the big dangers is setting the wrong price when selling your home.

It sounds a little dramatic I know.

After all, you can always set the price a bit high and come down, right?

Setting the price just five per cent above what the market will accept may result in no inquiry at all.

But a property well priced in the market creates more competition and attracts potential buyers currently searching for a new home, giving sellers the best opportunity to receive the best possible price in the shortest possible timeframe.

First impressions count, buyers tend to form an opinion from the kerbside before deciding on inspecting.

It’s important through the marketing campaign to keep up presentation from the outside to attract competition to your home.

Buyers are impressed if every room and area of the property is clean and tidy.

Your property will appear more spacious if you remove all the clutter and unneeded furniture.

Make rooms as light as possible, keep shades and curtains open through the day and have sufficient lighting at night.

If you are thinking of selling this spring, give us a call for a more comprehensive checklist on how to maximise your sale price.

Price and presentation are the non-negotiable principles in attracting buyers and competition to achieve best possible sale price in the market for your property.

SPRING has sprung, but it’s not only the weather that’s heating up.

Many of our region’s major projects are ramping up their activity and keeping our supply chain team busy assisting with their supplier needs.

One project achieving great milestones this week is AGL’s Coopers Gap wind farm, located between Dalby and Kingaroy, which just received its first wind turbine blades onto site.

These blades are the largest ever transported in Australia’s history, measuring up to 67.2 metres long and weighing in at up to 22 tonnes.

This success signals the beginning of approximately 1200 nightly movements bringing the rest of the components for the 123 towers onto site from the Port of Brisbane.

Perhaps less eye-catching, but no less significant to our regional economy, has been the commitment AGL have shown to our regional community with their use of local businesses.

AGL Project Manager Tim Knill informs us that around $56 million will be spent by the project on services provided by local businesses during the construction phase, along with 250 jobs.

There will be 20 ongoing jobs on-site to maintain and operate the turbines once the windfarm is operational.

Safety remains paramount in this project and as construction ramps up it was pleasing for TSBE to see former Queensland and Australia rugby league captain and construction safety ambassador Darren Lockyer brought onto site last week for a special safety briefing.

The consortium in charge of building the region’s first windfarm, GE/CATON, TSBE and all associated local sub-contractors had the opportunity to hear from Darren on some important take home messages on safety, and how change in the work place effects everyone on site at AGL Cooper’s Gap Wind Farm.

Lockyer talked about his own at times uncomfortable experiences adapting to change in his career, such as the necessary evil of ice baths which he believes prolonged his career.

His words of advice to the group were to remind yourself every day, no shortcuts, no complacency and to leave a legacy.

AGL have ambitious plans for legacy infrastructure after the project, including the establishment and agreement of solar power generation for houses in the local region of the project footprint and increased telecommunication coverage for mobile and NBN within the region after construction has been completed.

For a remote area that struggles daily to get clear coverage it is a great example of engaging with the community to deliver a win/win for the region, project and local residents.

The Coopers Gap wind farm is a legacy project for the region.

When the 453 MW windfarm is completed in mid-2019 it will be Australia’s largest windfarm by MW capacity, able to power over 264,000 average Australian homes.

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OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

Volunteers contribute billions to economy ROBYN HAIG

Manager, Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry Inc

◗ MAKING A MOVE: The McNicholl family’s Mooga bore, declining at .6M/year, west of Condamine.

Queensland, stop treating the GAB as a ‘magic pudding’

THE current Commonwealth Government’s review of their Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan states “average water levels continue to decline in the Queensland section of the Surat Basin as a whole with significant declines in some deeper aquifers such as the Hutton Sandstone”.

This is in stark contrast to everywhere else in the GAB where water levels have stabilised or increased.

Understandably the Basin Sustainability Alliance (BSA) is submitting to the SMP review highlighting their glaring omission to date of any meaningful discussion of the Queensland Government’s uniquely unsustainable policy of granting “unlimited take” from the GAB to the mining sector.

Such insanity rules nowhere else in Australia.

The BSA will also be requesting comment on the long-term damage from the CSG industry’s intention to draw down the

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Standing Water Level in the Walloon Coal Measure aquifer by up to 600m and the consequential impacts on adjacent aquifers including the Huttons.

Capping and piping the remaining 278 free flowing GAB bores in Queensland for $84m would save an estimated 70-80,000 million litres/year largely outside the Surat Basin.

The BSA fears that the new “unlimited take” of 60,000Megs/year by the CSG sector within the Surat Basin will negate the above savings overall, and contribute to permanently depressurising Surat Basin aquifers because this vital resource is not being managed sustainably by all users.

The BSA will be presenting our submissions to the SMP review and the Senate Inquiry into Water Use by the Extractive Industries, plus other important related topics at our AGM in Chinchilla on October 9.

Your attendance might help us convince irresponsible State Governments that the GAB is not a “magic pudding”.

— Lee McNicholl, BSA Chairman

MEASURING the value volunteers bring to a community is a near impossible task.

However, with statistics showing that volunteerism in Australia extends to one in every four people, it would be safe to say the monetary value of volunteer’s contribution to the economy reaches into the billions of dollars annually.

Coming into spring brings a wave of events across regional communities of which most thrive or die based on the support of volunteers.

Recently in Chinchilla we were impressed with the huge support for local events from our community, at the recent One Long Table a large group of volunteers worked throughout the day and night to ensure the event was a success.

For those looking for a deeper satisfaction in their day-to-day lives perhaps, it’s time to look at volunteering a little of your time.

There are many local groups and community organisations that happily accept volunteers.

Here at the CCCI many of these groups are our members and we are happy to connect potential volunteers as is your local council, charities, museums... the options are endless.

Social and business connections made through volunteer associations can add great value to personal well-being, social interaction and local business support.

It also promotes a strong connection within our diverse cultures.

Volunteering is a rewarding and uplifting role.

It is with honour to have so many valued and generous members in our community, giving up their valued time to support their community.

It is a timely reminder for us all to give thanks to these people and encourage others to join such a vibrant community through volunteering.

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Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

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22

PLACES AND FACES

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, September 27, 2018

◗ Kimberley Nolan and Michelle Yost.

◗ ENTERPRISING NIGHT: A sizeable crowd gathered for the TSBE September Enterprise Evening at the Burke & Wills Toowoomba on Thursday, September 13.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Dallas Hunter.

◗ Lance MacManus and Liam O’Sullivan.

◗ TSBE CEO Ali Davenport.

◗ Kate Elvery, Steve Baker and Mian Saleem.

◗ Jodie Cottier, Adrian Vowles and Tara Dunne.

◗ Michael Jones, Steve Sullivan and James Joyce.

WE ARE NOW TAKING ADVERTISING BOOKINGS FOR EDITION 5 OF OUR INDUSTRIAL DIRECTORY 2018/19 The publication is Australia wide and editoiral content will highlight snippets of local information from each region, including emphasis on economic changes and growth and networking prospects.

Contact Debbie Phillips for more details on 07 4672 9915 or email debbie.phillips@chinchillanews.com.au 6872827ae

View our previous editions online by going to : www.chinchillanews.com.au/industrialdirectory

◗ Jen Little, Moya Blower and Penny Kingston.

◗ Maribel McNally, Belinda Bail and Lita Crane.

◗ Sigi and Philip Arthur.

◗ Neo and Rudo Mutandwa.

◗ Betty Jeyes and Cristy Merrill.

◗ TASTY TREATS: PJ Nemeth at Chinchilla’s One Long Table event held on September 15.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

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◗ Tom and Emily Simms with Breana and Jorja Cookson.

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◗ Tilly Hart, Ebony Bateman and Rakisha Roma.

23

PLACES AND FACES

Thursday, September 27, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

24

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, September 27, 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

Drink-driving simulator helps you realise dangers

This is one eye-opening exercise COMMON sense tells us we shouldn’t drink alcohol and drive, but how much harder it is to drive after a few beers?

I decided to test how difficult it was – not on our roads, but on a simulator.

Dalby PCYC and Dalby Police set up a driving simulator at Dalby Shoppingworld during Road Safety Week.

For those brave enough to test their abilities, there were “beer goggles” available.

First up, these goggles mimic the vision a driver would experience with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08-0.15, and will make you sick.

My vision was so bad when I put on the beer goggles, I could not start the simulator.

It took me three attempts to push the button.

Through the goggles, I could see three roads and had no clue which one I was supposed to look at.

Next to me was Jenny Thomas, liaison officer at Dalby Police, and my guide for this experience.

As I talked to her about my struggles with the simulator, I asked what speed I was doing.

It felt like I was travelling at 40km/h.

I received a fright when Jenny replied: “85 Michael, and rising”.

In the next 45 seconds, I nearly had a head-on collision with four cars and almost rear-ended another.

And then the whole scenario took a turn for the worse.

I attempted a right turn across traffic.

I took the corner at 60km/h, even though it felt like I was crawling.

I had to swerve to miss a stationary car.

I completely missed the “give way” sign, then hit a light pole at speed.

If this scenario was real, I am willing to bet I would have been at the very least severely hurt, possibly dead.

For a moment I got lost in the imaginary driving and was terrified. I felt sick in the stomach and my heart was racing.

I felt uneasy because in the simulator, I had just taken a corner at 60km/h, gone off the road, crashed into a pole – and I never saw it.

◗ SHAKY TRIP: Dalby Herald journalist Michael Doyle attempted a driving simulator while wearing beer goggles. PHOTO: SAM FLANAGAN

At no point did I see the pole. And I have no idea how long I was off the road.

I think every driver should have a go at the simulator.

The simulator is programmed to help learner drivers and is a great way of seeing just how easily things can get out of control.

— Michael Doyle

Rural Property and Livestock Marketing Specialists.

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