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Queensland Symphony Orchestra energises communities with Surat Basin tour

THE Queensland Symphony Orchestra has completed another successful tour of the Western Downs and Maranoa regions, with its ‘Enrichment Through Music’ initiative proving hugely popular as leading Orchestra musicians visited Chinchilla, Miles, and Roma. FULL STORY: PAGE 4 L-R: Origin’s Stuart Masters & Antoinetta Kisiel, QSO musicians Rebecca Seymour, Gail Aitken, Graham Simpson & Kathy Close (front) with Origin General Manager Alex Kennedy-Clark & Brad Robertson

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TRANSFORMATION: Senex and Wandoan State School P&C members united to drought proofed the school football field, the same place where Darren Lockyer (right) learned to play on decades ago.

COMPANY PRESERVES LOCKYER’S FIRST FIELD

Senex creates geener pastures in Wandoan Energy company joins forces with volunteers to drought-proof Wandoan State School’s football field, the training ground for NRL legend, Brisbane Broncos hero and southwest boy Darren Lockyer

THE tough, brown oval where Darren Lockyer learnt to play rugby league has been resurrected as a green oasis for the next generation of regional Queensland sporting stars. Though they might not have to endure quite as many grazed knees and elbows. Gas company Senex teamed up with the Wandoan State School P&C to re-turf and drought-proof the school footy field. A team of almost 100 volunteers came together over four weekends throughout October to cover 7500sq m of playing fields with 150 tonnes of turf.

Senex contributed about $150,000 to the project, which included a new irrigation system to bring water from nearby bores. The P&C has raised funds for the remainder, Western Downs Regional Council supplied the water and Queensland Education paid for a wildlife fence to protect the new grass from kangaroos and rabbits. P&C president Greg Zillman played rugby league for the school in the mid-’80s with his classmate Darren Lockyer, who was a pupil for about five years. “I’ve got many great memories of playing, practising goal-kicking together on the bottom oval and watching State of Origin together,” Mr

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Zillman said. “Darren obviously went on to great things but I’ve got no doubt that these ovals are special to him as one of the places where it all began.” Mr Zillman said drought-proofing the ovals meant the school could host big regional sporting events, bringing broader economic benefits to the town. “It’s a big deal for the school and the kids,” Mr Zillman said. “They’re absolutely stoked with it and I can’t wait to see them fall all over the fresh grass and have a bit of fun. “It was a big push by the teachers and we wanted to help.

“The students will fundamentally be the beneficiaries of this project but it will have ripple benefits to the school staff, parents and wider community.” Senex chief executive Ian Davies said he hoped the ovals might serve an even broader purpose than as a cradle for the next generation of sports stars. “Wandoan has worked hard for this win and it’s been truly exciting to be part of it,” he said. “We’re doubly excited because we hope it gives the local kids an edge in the classroom after they’ve finished running around on the ovals.”

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HOME USE: Premier Annastacia Palasczcuk has signed off for large swathes of Queensland land to be open for gas exploration. Ms Palasczcuk said one third of the gas market will be for domestic use to help drive down electricity prices.

DOMESTIC MARKET TO EXPAND

Green tick of approval given to explore gas opportunities SARAH VOGLER

future renewable hydrogen industry.” Ms Palaszczuk also announced the government would invest up to $20 million to get two regional export hubs off the ground, one in Cairns and one in Toowoomba. “Our regions are a critical backbone in our export chain,” she said. “Up to $10 million will be dedicated to Air Freight Handling Services at Cairns Airport to develop an export distribution centre. “This centre will be designed to handle fresh

produce, products and packaged goods for export and the construction involves an expansion to 3200 export tonnes and 180 import tonnes each year with the capacity for even greater future expansion beyond the planned opening in June 2021. “This move increases Queensland’s opportunity to take our far north produce – including seafood and avocadoes, mangoes and melons and citrus fruits and blue berries – to the world.”

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ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk has announced more land will be opened up for gas exploration across regional Queensland as she spruiked her bush credentials in her annual State of the State address. The Premier pledged one third of the gas would be preserved for the domestic market. “Today I can announce that my government is going out for tender for another 30,000 square

kilometres of land for gas exploration mostly across the Surat, Bowen and Galilee basins – an area almost size of Belgium – with 30 per cent of gas preserved for the Australian market protecting and creating local jobs,” Ms Palaszczuk told the CEDA lunch. “Not only does unlocking this gas supply improve our competitive advantage in manufacturing and protect and create secure full-time jobs – it also supports investment in infrastructure with the potential to deliver a

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POWER BOOST: Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the struggling South Burnett economy will receive a boost with the upcoming overhaul of Tarong Power Station.

REFURBISHMENT TO EXTEND LONGEVITY

$29m Tarong Power Station overhaul to bring 500 jobs JESSICA MCGRATH

Tarong Power Station site manager Brad Perry said overhauls were major logistical exercises that involved careful planning and preparation. “Power station overhauls are large-scale engineering projects that maintain the reliability, efficiency and safety of electricity generation units and are typically carried out every four years,” Mr Perry said. This will include inspections, maintenance, refurbishment and replacement of the plant and equipment. “This will maintain the reliability, efficiency and safety of electricity generation units now

and into the future,” he said. The maintenance work will ensure the station is equipped to meet demands over the summer months. “The overhaul will ensure that Tarong Power Station maintains the required level of reliability to support Queensland’s system security requirements, particularly over the summer peak demand period,” he said. The outage will not impact electricity security with sufficient electricity capacity available to meet increased electricity demand from consumers throughout the summer months, Mr Perry said.

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TARONG Power Station will receive a $29.9 million overhaul to ensure secure, reliable electricity and jobs for the South Burnett region. This comes as 1362 South Burnett households were in the dark for up to four hours after a storm caused a power outage in late October. Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the overhaul was part of regular maintenance works with a peak workforce of 500, including contractors and the station’s permanent employees.

“Overhauls at Tarong Power Station bring a real economic boost to the South Burnett region, from the extra workers on site and the flow-on benefits to local accommodation, hospitality and transport industries,” Dr Lynham said. The overhaul will provide short-term employment opportunities for people with the skills and expertise required to undertake maintenance and upgrades to the South Burnett power station. “The extra workers include electricians, boilermakers, riggers, fitters, welders and scaffolders, many of whom are local subcontractors,” Dr Lynham said.

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ENERGY CONVERSATIONS

Driving towards a cleaner future Think tank held to discuss need for sustainable growth of green energy ENERGY leaders agree that natural gas has a critical role to play in evolving Australia’s energy mix and achieving lower carbon future, but it will not happen overnight. In Brisbane on November 14, the Energy Security Board Chair, Dr Kerry Schott and Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy The Hon. Dr Anthony Lynham MP led a frank discussion on how to ensure the sustainable growth of renewable energy and the role industry must play in helping to shape national energy policy. The event, “Evolving the conversation: Australia’s energy future,” was hosted by the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and

Brighter, an initiative of APPEA, to bring together 100 business leaders to examine the parallel development of the onshore gas and renewable energy industries. Dr Schott and Dr Lynham MP were joined by APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville, Director of UQ Centre for Natural Gas Professor Andrew Garnett and EDL Energy Head of Corporate Affairs, Lisa France. With a backdrop of debate on how to achieve a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy mix, Dr Schott said the right solution could not be one-dimensional. She believes gas has a role to play in Australia’s energy mix for the foreseeable decades, in backing up intermittent renewable energy. “Gas is quite critical and will be critical for at least the next 20-30 years,” Dr Schott said. “Coal runs as a baseload source, but it is difficult to ramp up and down. Gas plants are, and will be, absolutely critical because they can be started quickly. And using a source like batteries as a backup can help to keep the power on long enough to get the gas plants fired up.” Dr Schott praised Queensland for leading the nation in its coordination and balance of renewable, pumped hydro and baseload energy sources. “Queensland is focused on the security needs of the whole system.” Dr Lynham MP believes natural gas is aiding the drive toward a renewable energy future in Queensland. “Here in Queensland we developed an unprecedented $70 billion onshore gas industry in eight years. Queensland’s gas exports are also helping to drive our economy with export sales of $15.4 billion in the year to July 2019. Importantly, if we return to the ‘evolving the

WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING

GATHERING OF MINDS: From left, Director of UQ Centre for Natural Gas Professor Andrew Garnett, APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy The Hon. Dr Anthony Lynham MP, EDL Energy Head of Corporate Affairs, Lisa France, and Energy Security Board Chair, Dr Kerry Schott.

conversation’ theme - gas is critical to the transition to renewables.” Mr McConville said that too often the conversation on Australia’s future energy mix descends into a binary argument pitting fossil fuels and renewables against each other, rather than seeing the benefit of a holistic path forward. Mr McConville said this is leading to consumer confusion about an over-complicated energy system. “Research from Brighter shows

that there’s a disconnect amongst people - they are not making the connection between how they heat their water or cook their food, and where that energy comes from,” Mr McConville said. “The actual argument is complex, and it is not easy to explain how it gels together, so we need to do more to connect and talk to people about how they power their homes today and into the future.”

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EMPLOYER BACKFLIP ON CONTROVERSIAL TEST

Union claims energy worker victory Contractor for resource company scraps jobseeker blood tests after ETU challenges in Federal Court. PETA MCEACHERN

A MAJOR energy company contractor has backtracked on its plans to have jobseekers submit to blood tests, in what has been described as a serious breach of privacy.

STOPPED: Prospective electricians, mechanical workers and operators applying for roles at Shell’s Queensland Gas Corporation project at Chinchilla were asked by multinational engineering firm SNC-Lavalin to submit three vials of blood.

Prospective electricians, mechanical workers and operators applying for roles at Shell’s Queensland Gas Corporation project at Chinchilla were asked by multinational engineering firm SNC-Lavalin to submit three vials of blood. The company claimed the blood testing,

which started on applicants in mid-October, was to screen for cardiovascular health such as high blood pressure, diabetes and the likelihood of a heart attack. SNC agreed to scrap the tests and destroy the blood samples on November 12, a month after the Electrical Trades Union Australia filed

proceedings in the Federal Court arguing the requirement to undertake the blood tests breached the Privacy Act. The Electrical Trades Union South West Queensland organiser Dan McGaw said the practice set a dangerous precedent for all workers in Australia.

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Snap of the month

EDITOR’S NOTE

The energy sector’s often unsung impact on our towns

it’s what the energy sector can offer in community support that can have the most profound impact .

Job prospects, business growth and economic injections are all important to our towns, but it’s what the energy sector can offer in community support that can have the most profound impact . On page 4, you will read about the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s concerts across the west thanks to Australia Pacific LNG and upstream operator Origin. Among the 6000 people who attended this tour, how many have been inspired to pick up an instrument or had a cultural experience they otherwise would not have had access to? The story of Senex and the Wandoan State School P&C uniting to drought-proof the school’s football field on page 10 is another example of the often-forgotten benefits. This was the field Broncos legend and future NRL Immortal Darren Lockyer learnt to play football on – will this create another Origin star a decade or so from now? The resource industry, whether it’s CSG or renewable, is creating livelihoods, but it’s also inspiring the next generation. - Jordan Philp

DOWN THE LINE: Dust kicked up in the air and a crowd of thousands roared during the Roma Cup race as winner Atouchmore and jockey Brooke Richardson bolted down the track on November 16. More than 7000 punters walked through the Bassett Park gates to celebrate the southwest’s largest event on the racing calendar.

Contents Orchestra tours Surat Basin .............................. 4 Windfarm nears completion ..............................5 Search on for business innovator......................6 Hopes for New Acland coalmine.......................8 Domestic market bringing in jobs.....................9 Lockyer’s training ground transformed..........10 Gas exploration opens up across state ...........12

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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

A Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, November 28, 2019

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

THE NEWSPAPER

Hairy does the Job 02

Plans for Tarong station overhaul ...................14 Renewable think tank held...............................16 Blood test requirement scrapped....................18

THE TEAM

ensure our readers in every corner of the country have the latest news sent directly to them. Go to: www.suratbasin.com.au.

Nicole McDougall, Dalby Phone: 4672 5500 Email Nicole.McDougall@dalbyherald.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

EDITORIAL Jodan Philp Phone: 4120 1017 Email: jordan.philp@ newsregionalmedia.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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Aside from the word ‘enrichment’ appearing on the front cover and in the name of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s tour of the southwest, it’s something our communities has experienced thanks to the abundant energy sector. Although it may not make as dramatic or as salacious of a headline as other issues surrounding the this industry, we should also take the time to acknowledge the enhancements and opportunities available to our communities.

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Fighting for farmers

Let’s send Palaszczuk a message

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

ANN LEAHY

MARANOA MP

THE decision last week from Charities and Not-for-profits Commission to strip Aussie Farms of its charitable status was a direct result of my request for their status to be reviewed earlier this year when I was Agriculture minister. This is a win for farming

families across the Surat Basin, for our way of life, and for common sense. Aussie Farms effectively produced an online attack map of farms locations with the fear it would be utilised for farm invasions – like the intimidating and dangerous confrontation when 100 activists invaded Lemon Tree feedlot in Millmerran. The decision last week from

Charities and Not-for-profits Commission to strip Aussie Farms of its charitable status is a win for farming families across the Surat Basin, for our way of life, and for common sense. As a result, the militant activists - Aussie Farms - will lose charity tax benefits. The tax-deductibility of anyone that wants to hand these people a quid is taken

away - great news because no charity would ever invade people’s privacy and encourage illegal behaviour. This builds on other actions we’ve taken - prescribing Aussie Farms under the Privacy Act, meaning the organisation could face fines of up to $2.1 million for breaches of the Act and up to five years in jail for passing on information that incites trespass.

Now the states need to take common-sense action themselves and increase the penalties of those who trespass. Farming families who grow our food deserve to be able to do so without fear of invasion on their property and harm to their children – they deserve respect and to go about their lives in peace.

Protection of worker privacy needed DAN MCGAW State Organiser, South West

WE HAVE seen a new low in the Surat Basin with QGC contractor SNC Lavlin trying to get potential workers to provide three vials of blood just to gain employment. Candidates also had to sign a waiver which they would forgo their rights under Australian law and see these samples sent overseas. Further to this some employees were asked to do rectal and genital examinations. When the Electrical Trades Union heard about this we engaged lawyers to defend the rights of workers. After several attempts to convince QGC and SNC to stop this unprecedented practice, the union was forced to seek an injunction with the Federal Court. It meant a worker could test positive to a life-threatening condition and miss out on employment without even being informed. Late last week, the company backed down, fully scrapping the tests and resolving the issue. This company’s invasion of workers’ privacy was horrifying and we are pleased they have backed down. No employer needs the information SNC-Lavalin was seeking. The fact they were trying to use a backdoor to avoid privacy laws was deeply concerning and led us to believe the real intention was to compile a genetic ‘black list’ which could then be used by other employers Employers across the nation ought to take note of what has happened. The privacy and dignity of workers is paramount. Our union will always defend this rigorously.

NEW FARM: The Darling Downs Solar Farm officially opened in November.

Turning barren land into a source of clean energy a ‘huge achievement’ for Kogan PAUL MCVEIGH Western Downs mayor

I WAS thrilled to attend the official opening of the Darling Downs Solar Farm along with the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, and I commend the efforts of APA and ARENA in bringing this project to life. Seeing bare land developed into a source of clean, safe and renewable energy is a huge achievement for the Western Downs and wider regions. It’s thanks to these new projects that the Western Downs has established our place as leaders in the renewable energy sector and is fast earning the title of Energy Capital of Australia. This is the second com-

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, November 28, 2019

mercial solar farm completed so far, with another 18 further applications approved. According to recent data released from the National Energy Market, renewable energy provided 50 percent of Australia’s power grid for the first time last week, with solar power leading the way, powering 32.5 percent. In the Western Downs we are doing our bit to contribute to Australia’s renewable energy targets through our solar, wind and ethanol projects, which complement our coal and gas projects. It is pleasing to see the growing amount of traineeships being offered in the resource sector for the coming year. Arrow Energy has created full-time traineeships for disadvantaged youth, Indi-

genous scholarships and are partnering with local high schools for mentoring programs. Origin Energy support local training opportunities and Shell/QGC have recruited 23 apprentices and trainees through their pathways program since 2017. Western Downs Regional Council is offering 30 apprenticeship and traineeship positions over the coming year which cover a variety of trades, administration and other roles. Our young people need these great opportunities to learn trades and find employment close to their hometowns, to encourage them to stay and become part of our future. Chinchilla made national news headlines recently with the awarding of an interna-

tional green flag award for the Botanic Parkland which opened last June. This is the first green flag award for Regional Queensland puts our beautiful open space on-par with the Roma Street Parklands and South Bank in Brisbane. The judges said they were particularly impressed with the high level of design and maintenance and what it provides to the whole community. The awards were presented at the Parks and Leisure Australia’s Awards of Excellence Gala dinner in Perth, with over 500 guests in attendance. I encourage you to take a day trip out to Chinchilla and see what has made this beautiful spot a treasure for all ages to enjoy.

WARREGO MP

THE drought in Queensland and throughout Australia is one of the greatest collective issues affecting the Warrego Electorate. That is why the Federal LNP Coalition is has invested $7 billion on drought support for farmers and their communities. This money includes immediate relief as well as a $5 billion future drought fund designed to reinvest into to water infrastructure to drought proof the country. Unfortunately Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor has budgeted a reprehensible $50 million cut to drought funding at a time when communities are at breaking point and towns are running dry. That is why the LNP has launched a petition calling on Annastacia Palaszczuk to reverse her $50 million in cuts to essential water and freight subsidies used by farmers in droughts to feed their starving livestock. The primary producers tell me they are outraged by Annastacia Palaszczuk’s cut to the freight subsidies as their freight is costing the same amount as their fodder. Instead of providing more money for Queensland farmers Annastacia Palaszczuk is trying to politicise drought by criticising Federal support while cutting state support. This is the height of hypocrisy.

ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK IS TRYING TO POLITICISE DROUGHT BY CRITICISING FEDERAL SUPPORT ANN LEAHY

Queenslanders need to come together to send Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Labor Government a message that cutting drought support to farmers and their communities is completely unacceptable. Signing and sharing this petition is the best shot Queenslanders have in getting Annastacia Palaszczuk to reverse her heartless drought support cuts to farmers. Sign the petition: https:// queensland.typeform.com/to/ yw6AO0 Annastacia Palaszczuk is anti farmer and she’s betraying the hard working Queenslanders who produce our food and fibre. The LNP will never turn our backs on farmers and the agriculture industry.

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New markets in Asia hold exciting opportunities

Expanding our reach

Rapid growth in 23 years COLIN CASSIDY GasFields Commission Acting CEO

ALI DAVENPORT Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO

AS THE Christmas break gets closer it seems to have got even busier at the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise office, especially with so many recent events. We were delighted to send a delegation of representatives to Vietnam during November on a trade mission as part of Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters program. This trade mission provides vital and

unique opportunities, exposing our local Food and Agribusinesses to one of the most promising consumer markets in Asia. It’s no secret that Vietnam is a market of rapidly changing consumer trends and is underpinned by one of the fastest growing global economies. Getting in touch with their development and growth opened up possibilities for businesses, right here in the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region. The delegation included representatives from River-

bend Pork Group, Busy Beef, Dom Distribution, Carpendale Commodities, Four Daughters Premium Black Angus, Aussie Pork Suppliers, Jim’s Jerky, Dom Distribution and Running Gully Meats. From visiting feedlots, to meeting with potential importers and attending networking events, delegates were able to begin to make their visions of international export become a reality and gain exposure to one of the most promising consumer markets in Asia. Then, the Toowoomba and

Surat Basin Enterprise team headed out to Roma for our final Enterprise Evening of 2019. The evening was held at the Big Rig in Roma, a tourist attraction that celebrates the history of Roma being the first place in Australia where natural gas was discovered so it was very fitting to have Origin Energy speak about upcoming opportunities for the region. The night heard a regional update from Cr Cameron O’Neil, Portfolio Chair for Facilities, Airports & Events Economic Development & Ad-

vocacy from the Maranoa Regional Council. Cr O’Neil outlined upcoming council works and potential opportunities these may present. It’s wonderful to hear Cr O’Neil’s passion about the future of regional Queensland and understand his insights. 2019 has been a huge year for business for the TSBE community. We are grateful for those who have supported Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and we look forward to a bigger and brighter 2020!

A guide to our customer support JANELLE STANFORD Maranoa councillor

LIKE most businesses, Council knows that success lies in continually striving to ensure we deliver excellent services to our customers, as well as aiming to make our customer interactions with Council as easy as possible! We have all heard the story of Chinese whispers the more times a message is passed on, the more information is lost along the way. Given that we are all human, we also hear and pick up different parts of the message. Often, by the time the message gets to the end of the line, it is actually different to the original message. The same is true for Customer Requests! This can be frustrating for the Customer and can lead to a waste of significant time and resources in trying to solve the wrong

problem. This is where Council’s Customer Request Policy and the Complaints Management Policy & Process are an important step in providing a positive, helpful and friendly process for our customers. They aim to make it as easy as possible to contact Council and have your concern or request logged into the system. Importantly this helps to ensure that the right information gets to the right person at the first contact, and enables actioning within appropriate timeframes based on the request type. Council also understands that it is sometimes difficult to know who, or how, to make a complaint and therefore, through the Complaints Management Policy & Process, we aim to achieve best practice in dealing with complaints, by making it easy for customers to raise a concern and to enable Council to take

action to assess, investigate or review any complaints in a timely manner. Quick Guide to the reporting and handling of a customer request or customer complaint! Looking Forward: Do you want to request a particular service or action now or in the future? If so, please contact Coun-

cil’s Customer Service team to log a Customer Request by one of the following methods: 1. Telephone Customer Service on 1300 007 662 and talk directly with one of our Customer Service team about what you require. 2. E-mail: customer.service@maranoa.qld.gov.au 3. Post: P.O. Box 620,

Roma QLD 4455 or P.O. Box 42, Mitchell QLD 4465. Local phone numbers and e-mail addresses are also available on Council’s website for use during business hours: www.maranoa.qld.gov.au/ contact-us/customer-servicecentres

THE Queensland coal seam gas industry is 23 years young this year. The first commercial production of CSG came from the Bowen Basin Permian Coal Measures at Dawson River near Moura in 1996. Since those early days the industry has expanded rapidly across Queensland and in particular across the Surat Basin forming the multi-billion-dollar industry it is today. Throughout this period, with its construction booms and production phase slowdowns, one thing has remained relatively low – unemployment rates in gas field communities. The GasFields Commission’s new report into the gas industry ‘Shared Landscapes’ shows that unemployment has remained below the state average for most regional centres in the gas fields. The figures show that while the construction phase was the best of times for jobs, on average the majority of regional centres in gas production areas have continued to benefit from lower rates of unemployment. Agricultural industries continue to be the main drivers and influencers of local economies with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries forecasting the total value of Queensland’s agricultural production will add up to $18.5 billion in the 2018-19 year. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association figures show that the gas industry added $8.2 billion to the Queensland economy in 2017/18 supporting 2926 businesses. If you want to know more, you can find the ‘Shared Landscapes’ report on our website as a flipbook or download a copy for future reference.

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Surat Basin News

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

Diversity is at heart of future COMING off the back end of the high of the oil and gas sector in the Maranoa region, the local council has thought long and hard about how to grow its other industries. While gas companies are expected to call the Maranoa a home base for at least 50 more years, Maranoa Regional Councillor Cameron O’Neil last week addressed Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise’s end of year gathering to talk about how his council has diversified its other industry bases. “Council, since 2014, has been looking at diversifying the industry bases aside from the oil and gas sector, because there are peaks and troughs in that industry and we are coming off the back end of a high, so what can we as a council do to help mitigate some of that,” he said. “We identified education, tourism and agricultural sectors as areas where we can help facilitate some outcomes to help diversify that.” Agriculture Cr O’Neil said agriculture was one of the main sectors the council was backing, particularly a proposed new meatworks at Pickanjinnie, near Wallumbilla. Spearheaded by Valinda Team, there have been talks with the council to build an abattoir since 2013, and was granted preliminary approval for the development of a site

on the corner of the Warrego Highway and Pickanjinnie North Rd, 7km west of Wallumbilla. “I’m happy to say that we’ve got a proposal before council that has preliminary approval,” Cr O’Neill said. “We’ve also seen some niche markets come out from the agriculture sector, and Maranoa Beef is a prime example, they have got a unique opportunity to market the Maranoa. That’s one example of what other people can do to diversify the agriculture space as well. Education Cr O’Neil said an initial idea was to work with the oil and gas sector, as well as the vocational education sector, to create an education hub in Roma to upskill new and existing workers in that space. “We were probably a little too late on the curve in terms of getting that off the ground, there was in-principle support, but it was right when the change was happening of going from constructional to operation,” Cr O’Neil said. “Fast-forward to this year, we’re talking about the country universities centre, which we’re really excited about. “The more we talk about it, the more momentum we build behind it. And I’m really proud that’s one way we’re achieving the diversification of the education base.” Tourism

A collection of Maranoaspecific tourism drawcards will soon near completion, hoping to draw more tourists than ever before to the region. “Between March and October of each year we have this influx of people, either stopping in our towns or going through our towns in the Maranoa, so what can we do to get them to stay an extra night?” Cr O’Neil said. “Whether that be in Surat, Mitchell, Roma, Injune, it doesn’t matter, it’s about get-

ting them here to stimulate the local economy, because if they’re stopping an extra night, that’s more money that will ultimately flow through the broader Maranoa.” The Roma Saleyards diversification and expanding tourism has been a major project for the Maranoa Regional Council. “Tacking on to the 50th anniversary celebrations we’ve had this year, we also have a new canteen, a new admin centre for the agents and for

our staff, the new bull selling ring, but we’ve tacked on the interpretative centre and that’s how we’re capturing people coming into our town,” Cr O’Neil said. “The saleyards are a significant asset for our region, and now we’re working on marketing that to tourists. “And of course, the Big Rig is another major tourism drawcard, and we have some major developments about to happen here which will showcase the history of the oil and gas sec-

tor. “That’s another reason why we might get the grey nomad to park up their caravan for an extra night, or stay in a motel. “Oil and gas is here for the next 50 years, granted it’s more on the operational side, but there are some exploration projects underway there too. “Senex, Santos and Origin have a lot of history in the Maranoa, they are a major contributor to our local economy, and they’re going to be a major part of our future.”

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SOLAR FARM OPEN: Dr Anthony Lynham congratulates Rob Wheals and Paul McVeigh on the opening of the Darling Downs Solar Farm.

Kogan solar farm brings renewable goal a step closer THE State Government’s goal of running 50 per cent of Queensland on renewable energy by 2030 is a step closer thanks to the opening of the Darling Downs Solar Farm in Kogan. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham officially opened the $200 million facility on November 11, telling News the region had become a “powerhouse” for renewable energy in Queensland. “It is monumental what is happening in this state,” he said. “What’s happening here is almost $5 billion worth of investment in the Western Downs, and the Western Downs is doing the right things …

The Western Downs will become a powerhouse for Queensland and indeed the nation.” The solar farm spans across 402 hectares, and features more than 423,000 solar panels. APA Group CEO and managing director Rob Wheals said the project was the first they had worked on in the Darling Downs, and were looking to continue the momentum. “This is certainly our biggest one and we’re very proud of it obviously,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of renewable projects over in Western Australia and this is the first one in this region. We’re very proud to be involved.” The 110 megawatt solar farm is the first of its kind for the region, and has created close to 300 jobs in its construction phase, adding to the

4500 created in the renewable energy sector in Queensland. While this number will dwindle down to just 12 by the time construction is complete, Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh said the impact of those 12 jobs was far-reaching for the entire region. “How important, in our small, rural towns, is one job, let alone 10 or 12 jobs that this facility will produce moving forward,” he said. Cr McVeigh said the Western Downs and their efforts in making the switch to renewable energy has played an instrumental role in reducing power prices. “Everyone talks about power prices, but in the Western Downs we’re putting action behind

those comments,” Cr McVeigh said. “We’re developing more power and more capacity.” In light of recent criticisms on the region’s power prices, Dr Lynham said the prices were in fact falling as a result of the state’s renewable energy efforts. “We made a promise when we came into power that power prices would not rise above inflation,” he said. “But, power prices are actually falling … because we are keeping downward pressure on power prices through our affordable energy plan and by bringing on more supply, and the cheapest supply that’s available, and that’s renewable energy.”

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Power of music felt in our towns

Queensland Symphony Orchestra invigorates communities across the Surat Basin with free workshops and performances thanks to Origin

THE Queensland Symphony Orchestra has completed another successful tour of the Western Downs and Maranoa regions, with its ‘Enrichment Through Music’ initiative proving hugely popular as leading orchestra musicians visited Chinchilla, Miles, and Roma. Community and student musicians participated in school workshops and free concerts last month, the fourth consecutive year that Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians have toured the region. Total audience numbers over the past four years have reached almost 6000. Participating musicians included: Maranoa Symphony Orchestra, Roma High School

TOP: Local students and musicians join QSO conductor Warwick Tyrell for the Chinchilla Community in Concert BELOW: Musicians Rebecca Seymour, Gail Aitken, Graham Simpson and Kathy Close (front) with Origin General Manager Alex Kennedy-Clark and Condabri Facilities Manager Brad Robertson

Strings, Wallumbilla State School Concert Band, Roma State College and St John’s College Roma bands, Chinchilla Concert Band, Chinchilla String Ensemble, Chinchilla Christian College Band, Chinchilla State High School and Tara Shire State College. Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Executive Craig Whitehead says the organisation is an Orchestra For Everyone; an Orchestra for all Queenslanders. “While our base is in Brisbane, it is important for us as the state’s only professional symphony orchestra to ensure everyone has access to world-class musical experiences, as well as opportunities to engage with and learn from our

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, November 28, 2019

musicians,” Craig said. Double bass player, Chloe Williamson from Roma, performed during Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s tour this year. “Not only do I love the opportunity to catch up with friends and family whilst performing in my hometown, I feel so blessed that I am able to join the Orchestra in working so closely with students and community musicians as part of this amazing initiative,” Chloe said. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra tour is sponsored by Australia Pacific LNG and upstream operator Origin. Origin General Manager, Alex KennedyClark said it was wonderful to see so many local

students having the opportunity to learn from and play with such accomplished musicians. “More than 450 students participated this year, from eleven local schools. “We’re very proud to partner with Queensland Symphony Orchestra so we can all enjoy these amazing concert experiences,” Alex said. Participating students were asked to provide feedback about their school workshops with Orchestra musicians – a common theme was the fun they had, and some of the important lessons they learned – including “Remember to breathe properly and look up at the conductor!”

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$850m green project almost finished MATT COLLINS

COMPLETION NEARS: Coopers Gap workers atop one of the turbines that make up Australia’s largest windfarm.

said. “The last turbine components are expected to be delivered next month.” At capacity, the $850 million project will generate 4137 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy a day. This is enough to power 264,000 average homes. The Powering Australian Renewables Fund

project has provided significant jobs. “The project is creating up to 250 jobs with a significant amount of money spent with local businesses and contractors,” Mr Johnson said. “There will be 20 ongoing jobs.” One of the more contentious issues is potential dangers to local wildlife. “The project conducts a monitoring program to determine the impact of the wind farm on

Celebrating the economic contribution of the Surat Basin Energy Sector As our region moves towards becoming the energy capital of Australia, TSBE will host the Surat Basin Energy Awards to celebrate the people, businesses and industries that have shaped the region.

birds and bats”. “If threatened species are found, this is reported to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.” Having the largest wind farm in the country is a feather in South Burnett’s cap. Hopefully, a project of this scale is a sign of bigger things to come.

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COOPERS Gap wind farm has generated a lot of talk throughout its development. And it is no surprise, considering once it is complete, it will be the largest wind farm in the country. Of the 123 turbines, 81 are built and 45 are providing energy to the grid. So when can we expect the wind farm to be producing energy at full capacity? What was the total cost of the project? And what does that mean for the region? What happens to the wildlife in the area? How many regular jobs will it create after construction is complete? AGL general manager for development and construction Dave Johnson answers these questions and more. “The Coopers Gap Wind Farm remains on track to be completed this financial year,” he

INNOVATION AHEAD: Shell's QGC business program and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise have launched the Business Navigator Pitch Challenge which provides local businesses the chance to win a share of over $30,000 prizemoney.L-R Nagaraj Ramaraj (Shell) David Smith (Ceres Tag guest speaker) and Ariane de Rooy (Business Navigator Western Downs).

INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO BE REWARDED

Search across Surat Basin for next best business idea Calling all entrepreneurs: Shell’s QGC and TSBE are searching across the Suirat Basin for the next innovative business idea to shape industries KATE MCCORMACK

IF YOU have the perfect business idea but don’t know what to with it, now there is a perfect opportunity to do so. The Business Navigator Pitch Challenge returns in 2020 to provide local businesses the chance to win a share of over $30,000 prizemoney. The Pitch Challenge is a friendly shark-tank style event where entrants deliver their new business or growth idea to a panel of judges, under three categories; New Business Idea and Business Growth Idea . The third category is an exciting People’s Choice allowing family, friends and community members to attend the Finals and vote for the idea they think most likely to succeed. Finalists will receive one-on-one coaching to focus their idea and deliver with confidence.

It’s the flagship competition of Business Navigator Western Downs, a business growth and innovation advisory service partnering with owners of new and developing businesses in the Western Downs to accelerate their ideas. Business Navigator is a Shell’s QGC business program delivered in partnership with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. Lead business coach Ariane de Rooy said the small team provides strategy, finance and marketing advice as well as hands-on assistance to help commercialise ideas and achieve business growth objectives. “We partner with clients to introduce new ways of thinking about their business, develop and implement business goals and plans, source funding and connect leaders with other industry experts,” she said. Shell’s QGC operations manager Nagaraj Ramaraj said the business was proud to support

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the region’s economic development through this innovative partnership. “We’re looking forward to hearing more great ideas at the Pitch Challenge in 2020 and seeing the continued growth of businesses across the Western Downs,” he said. The Pitch Challenge is open to new and existing businesses of any size within the Western Downs region. Pitch Challenge legends offer encouragement Winner of Best Growth Idea in the 2018 Pitch Challenge, David Abbott, has continued development of his unique steel picket driving concept, a system which enables safer and more efficient rural fencing installation. “Being a part of the Business Navigator Pitch Challenge gave me the confidence to move forward with my idea, and the Business Navigator team continue to be helpful with

getting it to prototype stage,” Mr Abbott said. Chinchilla’s Candice Mason, who owns Australian craft store My Felt Lady, was also part of the Pitch Challenge in 2018. She encourages innovators and businesspeople to use the challenge as a way of growing their skills. “Being part of this competition was a fantastic experience and gave me the opportunity to develop my business further. I’ve recently returned from a hugely successful stand at the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair through Intocraft and am looking forward to growing further in 2020,” she said. Applications open online from November 15, 2019. To enter, visit www.pitchchallenge.com.au. The Business Navigator Pitch Challenge Finals will be held in Chinchilla on March 19, 2020.

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End in sight for mine fight Twelve year fight for coal mine Stage 3 expansion near Oakey ongoing MATTHEW NEWTON

NEW HOPE: Owners of New Acland Coal Mine hope the Stage 3 approval from the Queensland Government will come in the near future. The approval has been held up for 12 years.

THE owners of the controversial New Acland Coal Mine are hopeful they will soon have a decision from the State Government on the expansion of the mine’s Stage 3 project. Speaking at a media conference on November 6, New Hope Group chief development officer Ben Armitage said the recent orders from the Supreme Court of Appeal were clear and that the Queensland Government “now has the ability and a clear path to award us our approvals”.

Based off discussions with State Government representatives in early November, Mr Armitage said he had been told the government’s legal people had reviewed the orders, “and they don’t believe there’s any impediment standing in the way (of the expansion) now”. “We believe cabinet is going to meet (this afternoon) and that this will be on the agenda,” he said. “We’re optimistic that we will get a result out

of them over the course of the next, if not November 8, or early next week.” The mine’s 12-year fight for approvals came to an important junction in early September, after a protracted legal fight with the Oakey Coal Action Alliance over the mine’s approvals. The Queensland Supreme Court of Appeal handed down a judgment that dismissed both grounds of the Oakey Coal Action Alliance’s appeal, and found a 2017 Land Court decision

recommending against the expansion of the mine was infected with an apprehension of bias. The court made orders last Friday that the project did not need to return to the Land Court, clearing the way for Natural Resources, Mines, and Energy Minister Anthony Lynham to make a decision on the mine’s mining lease and associated water licence. The mine is also awaiting approval for continued use of its Jondaryan rail facility. Oakey Coal Action Alliance secretary Paul King said it was “very worrying to see New Hope talking about confidential cabinet processes in the media”. “We’re calling on the Palaszczuk Government to assure us urgently there is a proper unbiased process under way and that the government will not make a decision until our appeal period to take the matter to the High Court has passed,” he said. As well as meeting with State Government representatives on Wednesday, Mr Armitage said he’d met with the Co-ordinator General’s office and that New Acland Coal Mine had applied for the Stage 3 expansion to become a prescribed project. Mr King also said the OCAA was “very concerned” at the suggestion the expansion could become a prescribed project. The Court of Appeal’s final orders came too late for 150 workers, the last of which were made redundant late October and early November. But Mr Armitage said the company would be happy to rehire them if they were granted their approvals. Oakey’s Vicki Reeves, director of local business Great Country Pies, said there had been a lot of negativity and uncertainty in the town following the announcement of the redundancies and that she had noticed a slowdown in business and in town in general. Stage 3 is yet to receive approval.

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INDUSTRY IMPACT: Overlander Motel owner Charles Weyman-Jones enjoys a cuppa with Senex’s Rick Dzivinski

FLOW ON EFFECT

Supporting our community Work on Senex’s Western Surat Gas Project has created about 250 construction jobs as well as Condamine-based business T&W Earthmoving being awarded a multi-million dollar contract GLEN NORRIS

HUNDREDS of jobs have been created in the state’s gas industry this year as supply to the energy-hungry domestic market is ramped up. Brisbane-based gas producer Senex Energy says it has created about 250 jobs in construction so far this year as it invests more than $200 million building its Surat Basin project targeting soaring gas prices on the eastern seaboard. State Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham last week announced that 30,000 square kilometres of new land across Queensland had been earmarked for gas exploration including more than 30 percent for domestic supply. Queensland supplies about quarter of the east coast gas market, with plans to boost that over the next decade. Earlier this year, the State

Government approved the $10 billion Arrow Energy Surat Basin gas project, which is expected to create up to 1000 jobs. Senex said it had given priority to local companies in developing its Surat project. Condamine-based T&W Earthmoving has won a multi-million contact from Senex to build well pads and roads for its Project Atlas and Roma North. Project Atlas is the first gas deposit in Australia designated exclusively for the domestic market. Senex said T&W, which operates out of Condamine and Roma, was awarded the contract after a competitive tender that considered price, safety and environmental performance, experience and understanding of the local area. The company, which has more than 30 employees, has previously performed civil

works for Senex’s Western Surat Gas Project, of which Roma North is part. T&W director Tim Collie, who owns the business with brother Wayne, said the contract provided security to his business, which started as a two-man operation 15 years ago. Separately, Roma business Huracan is supplying and installing gauges in natural gas wells across the Surat Basin after signing a $1 million agreement with Senex. Instruments provided by Huracan will measure indicators of well performance that help Senex to produce gas as efficiently as possible. Other ancillary businesses across the region also are seeing the benefits of increasing gas investment. Roma Overlander Homestead Motel manager Charles Weyman-Jones said he had put on two extra cleaners this year to cope

with a 40 per cent increase in occupancy due to increasing gas development in the region. “All the gas companies, both big and small, are drilling like crazy,” said Mr Weyman-Jones, who has operated the 34-room motel with his wife for the past six years. “We have seen highs and lows but the exciting part is that the sector is now moving into the maintenance phase which will be a long term economic benefit.” Senex started a 110-well drilling program on its Roma North and Project Atlas natural gas developments, near Roma and Wandoan, in June. The first 10 wells on Roma North have been drilled, with Huracan’s equipment installed at the bottom of the wells. The other main components of the Roma North development – a gas processing facility and 5km pipeline – have been completed and are in operation.

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WARREN DANIELLS P: 07 4669 1790 | M: 0427 468 591 V1 - TSUE01Z01MA

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

Dynamic Drilling

wish all their valued clients a Merry Christmas and Safe and Happy New Year

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T team at Basee The would like to wish the Chinchilla Community a safe and happy Christmas. Happy Holidays!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL Keatings Funerals would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. We are always available to those in need of our personal service. Phone Anthony or Maria on 4662 7608. Meetings welcome by appointment. Address: 163 Oak Street, Chinchilla

Closed 20th December to 6th January 2020. The team at NBFI would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

7 Loudoun Rd, Dalby (Moonie Highway)

MORE THAN BOLTS pH: 4669 9111 • W: www.nbﬁ.com.au 12

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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Thank you to our clients, our residents and the communities of Dalby and Chinchilla for their support in 2019.

The shop will be closed from Tuesday 24th December and Re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2020

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T&W Earthmoving would like to thank our clients for all the support over the last 12 months. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2020. T&W Earthmoving ofďŹ ce will be closed over the Christmas Break from 20th December through to the 6th of January. T & W Earthmoving 14 Wambo St, Condamine, QLD 4416

Ph: (07) 4627 7115

Merry Christmas From all of the teams at The Chronicle, Dalby Herald, Chinchilla News and The Western Star Toowoomba will be closed from Friday 20th December and open Monday 6th January Dalby and Roma will be closed from Friday 20th December and open Thursday 2nd January Chinchilla will be closed from Wednesday 18th December and open Thursday 2nd January

4662 4448

Licence number 11614 QBCC 746767 Integrity - Reliability Expertise - Locally Owned

Anthony Alexander

Wishing all our customers a safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for all your support in 2019 we look forward to working closely with you all in 2020 Closed 12pm Friday 20th December and reopening 9am Monday 6th January

AnnMember LEAHY MP M for Warrego Shadow Minister for Local Government

Wishing you a Merry Christmass and a prosperous New Year 1800 814 479 or 1800 625 430

warrego@parliament.qld.gov.au

AnnLeahyLNP

Authorised by A Leahy, 74 Wyndham St, Roma Qld 4455 V1 - TSUE01Z01MA

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

NEW LEASE + LONG TERM TENANT

$450,000

20 Malduf St ChINChILLA Long term tenant has committed for another 3 years. Quality tenant has occupied since 2013. New lease to the 30th of October 2022. Current rent is $45,000 P/A + Management Fee + GST Net Approx $39,000 Owner pays council rates and insurance. The land area is 1,881m2 Bitumen sealed for low maintenance Security fenced with double gates The building is approx 360m2 being 24m x 15m Front office/reception, laboratory and a brand new 6 m x 4m staff room / training room installed at commencement of current lease, all air conditioned. Disabled shower and toilet facilities Mezzanine floor over old offices. Insul-blanket installed to roof Two roller doors Ample parking at the rear of building.

With Bank Interest rates at all-time lows this property will perform. Ideal ďŹ rst time industrial investment for even your SMSF.

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At the list priced of $450,000 and an estimated $39,000 Net = Approx 8.7% Net Return.

WARREN DANIELLS P: 07 4669 1790 | M: 0427 468 591 14

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THESE RARELY EXIST

OFFERS OVER $1.4 MIL 17-27 Cooper St CHINCHILLA Rock solid tenant with a new 3 year lease to 28 February 2023, plus options for a further 3 years. Toll Energy Logistics have committed to a new 3 year lease. The initial 3 year term is 26/1/20 to 25/1/23 with options for 3 more years to 25/1/26 Toll have leased the property since 2016. Leased at $140,000 P/A + All Outgoings including Land Tax + GST. Annual Increases of 3% P/A with a market review at the end of the initial 3 year term

Listed at Offers Over $1.4 Mil the Owners are serious about selling this quality investment property. The Tenant Toll Transport Pty Ltd are an Australian subsidiary of Japan Post Holdings, Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Logistics Company Does a 10% Net ROI tick enough boxes for you to inspect this property?

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Chinchillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only purpose built Transport Facility. Prominent 1Ha / 10,000m2 corner block with 2 street access just off the Warrego Highway Solid 869 Sqm Building with high clearance drive through access Air Conditioned offices and ample staff facilities Drive over service pit and hydraulic oil system Back to Base alarm system & security cameras Drive through road train access Drive through external industrial wash bay Predominantly bitumen hard stand lay down yard Low maintenance and currently self-managed

WARREN DANIELLS P: 07 4669 1790 | M: 0427 468 591 V1 - TSUE01Z01MA

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

RETIREMENT LIVING CONSIDER WINDMILL GARDENS! NEW OWNERS - UNOCCUPIED RETIREMENT HOMES MUST BE SOLD Start 2020 and enjoy life to the fullest in this safe and secure independent living retirement community Does a simpler life, maximising the daily pleasures and minimizing the burdens, in a safe and affordable retirement community in the heart of Chinchilla appeal? For Total Peace of Mind and Stress Free Living this opportunity needs to be considered. Whether you are looking for you or a loved one, now is the time, this opportunity will never be repeated!!

Organise a meeting with Kevin the new manager to discuss the Management Scheme.

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To arrange your own personal inspection of this friendly community Contact Warren Daniells on 0427 468 591.

WARREN DANIELLS P: 07 4669 1790 M: 0427 468 591

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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HUGE 2019: Sarah Tucknell of Origin Energy, Maranoa councillor Cameron O'Neil, TSBE CEO Ali Davenport, and Geoff Marsh from Marchnet at the TSBE end of year enterprise evening in Roma.

Origin here for long haul development reports to show the activity in the region, we’ve been running two export programs … and we’re on a trade mission in Vietnam with emerging exporters, looking at opportunities there. “We’ve also got the Southern Queensland export hub we’re setting up, which will help food and agricultural producers in the region export their products, as well as innovators in oil and gas space.” As part of the enterprise evening, Origin Land Access Manager Sarah Tucknell addressed the guests, giving an update on the company. “Predominantly what we’ve done in 2019 is around drilling wells and the commissioning of a pipeline between Reedy Creek and Spring

Gully, to move gas freely to our gas processing facility,” she said. “That’s enabled us to be more efficient with our gas production. “ Origin is also interested in sharing what our plans are for the next five years, which is mainly around drilling wells and gas development.” Ms Tucknell said Origin was also excited by a new seismic program, allowing gas companies to understand more of the subsurface geology. “That will help us optimise our well drilling and well placement,” she said. “The other thing is procurement opportunities, we’ve got a number of direct and indirect opportunities which are available to local businesses.”

Ms Tucknell said Origin would continue to throw support behind the community for as long as they were in the region. “We want the community to know how we are supporting them, whether that be grants or donations or in-kind support, it’s not just spending money with the businesses, but also us being able to spend money in the community.” “We’re now in the sustain phase of our business, what we’re doing is day-to-day consistent activity, where we’re really working towards bringing in lots of local businesses.” “Our asset likes to benefit local communities.”

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WITH just a few weeks left of 2019, resource industry heavyweights have taken the time to reflect and celebrate a massive year for the Maranoa. At the Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise end of year evening at the Big Rig in late November, CEO Ali Davenport looked back on the multitude of achievements industry in the west had achieved in the past 11 months. “We’ve had two enterprise evenings out in the Maranoa, we had Taste of the West which gave people an opportunity to sample some of the produce from our region, and we’ve run a heap of different events generating some business tourism,” she said. “We’ve published a number of status

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

EASTERNWELL GRANTS

Giving back to our regions COMMUNITY groups in the Surat Basin region have received more than $8000 through the latest round of community grants from Easternwell, a subsidiary of Broadspectrum. Much-needed funds are going to a variety of groups including Surat Aboriginal Corporation, RSL Roma Sub Branch, Roma Community Men’s Shed, Injune State School P & C, Roma Pony Club and Dalby Croquet Club. Surat Aboriginal Corporation received a community grant for supplies and ingredients for their Breakfast Club Programs. “The grant will help us purchase supplies and ingredients for our Breakfast Club Programs. The Club supports 1300 Indigenous primary and secondary students start their day at school with a healthy breakfast,” a Surat Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson said Roma Community Men’s Shed is another local recipient that received a grant to buy a new fridge and freezer.

GIVING BACK: Surat Aboriginal Corporation received a community grant for supplies and ingredients for their Breakfast Club Programs.

“The new fridge and freezer means our members can store food safely during the day and for events hosted at the shed such as Community Men’s Health Checks, Open Days, Mental Health Week and our annual Community Christmas lunch,” Secretary of Roma Community Men’s Shed, Michael Redden said. Further demonstrating Easternwell’s commitment to the Surat Basin region, Dalby Croquet Club said that their grant was used for a lawn mower. “We are grateful for our new lawn mower as it allows us to maintain the fields for our players

and enhance the appearance of the surrounding recreation area including the Bowls Club, Aquatic Centre and Anzac Park,” Dalby Croquet Club president Jocelyn Milne said. Since the launch of the grass roots initiative in 2011, Easternwell has provided more than $131,000 to 79 community groups in the Surat Basin region. Broadspectrum’s Chief of Executive Resources, Tim Phelan, said the program was developed to provide much-needed support to local organisations that did so much in our communities. “There are countless community groups,

clubs and associations in our operating areas who provide important services to their communities,” he said. “We are focused on building the regional strength of our communities and our grants program is one of the ways we are creating lasting benefits for community members who count on the vital support of these organisations in their day-to-day lives.” The next round of Easternwell Community Grants opens June 2020. Eligible groups may apply for funding of up to $2000. For more information visit www.easternwell.com.au/ communitygrants

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BUILDING FUTURES: Chinchilla State School's new STEM hub, was opened to students. The project was made possible through the support of Shell's QGC business, CS Energy and the fundraising efforts of the P&C association.

STEM HUB OPENING

A space to learn and imagine Shell’s QGC business, CS Energy and P&C unite to make imagined STEM hub a reality for Chinchilla State School students looking to expand their minds AN UNUSED unused tuckshop at Chinchilla State School will become a central place where students create, innovate and inspire each other to chase the jobs of the future. The school’s new STEM hub, previously an old, empty tuckshop, was opened to students late last month. The project was made possible through the support of Shell’s QGC business, CS Energy and the fundraising efforts of the P&C association. Chinchilla State School principal Chris Gilbert said the desire for this project came from a recognition that new learning spaces could spark students’ imaginations and encourage

them to consider the benefits of studying STEM. “Through learning STEM, students develop their skills in critical thinking, collaboration and innovation,” Mr Gilbert said. “What had been an unused building, is now a STEM hub of activity. “It is fantastic that our school now has a dedicated space to inspire, spark imagination and prepare students for the jobs of the future. We love it!” Part of the funding for the hub came through the Shell’s QGC Communities Fund, which is available to community groups to help them deliver great projects that meet an identified

local need. “Through the work we do with communities, we know that engaging and inspiring students to pursue the jobs of the future is really important,” Shell’s QGC operations manager Justin Golding said. “We’re excited to see this project come to life and we’re looking forward to seeing the continued growth of the students as they challenge each other and utilise this new resource.” One of the central priorities for Shell’s social investment initiatives is Jobs for the Future, with programs targeted at teacher professional

development and bringing engaging science activities into the region. The aim is to inspire a locally-grown pool of students that are passionate about careers in science and maths and working in the natural gas industry. The STEM Hub will be used by all classes in the school in specialist STEM lessons and projects such as using drones, creating Lego robotics, coding and Makerspace projects. The school plans to hold two specialist STEM events each year - Forensic Science Workshop and Street Science. These events would be engaging hands-on workshops delivered to all students.

Working with local communities for a better future COMMUNITY UPDATE Business Navigator Pitch Challenge is now open. Visit pitchchallenge.com.au to find out more and learn how to enter. Register at our Shell Local Suppliers Portal to get info about upcoming work packages at shellsuppliers.com.au. Email qgccommunity@shell.com or call 1800 030 443 formore information. 7100846ak

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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REFLECTING ON 2019

Massive year for the Surat region MORE TO COME: Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport recaps a successfui year for southwest Queensland. ALI DAVENPORT TOOWOOMBA SURAT BASIN ENTERPRISE CEO

THE end of the year is a great time to reflect on the highlights of the previous 12 months – and what a big year it has been for the region! TSBE has been happy to be providing opportunities for the Surat Basin region and working with some amazing businesses in this region. We have been advocating strongly for Inland Rail and now the Intergovernmental Agreement has been signed, the region will start to see this project take form. Whilst construction is still 12-18 months away there will be activity and dollars starting to flow through our economy. TSBE will be working with the local business community to provide a list of companies that can work on Inland Rail.

TSBE is looking at any local capable company that can work on Inland Rail and putting them forward so they have the opportunity to be awarded a contract to work on Inland Rail. We were delighted to send a delegation of eleven representatives to Vietnam during November to experience first-hand this growing market. The group met with buyers, attended networking events and formed relationships with potential customers. All delegates were excited about the opportunities that have arisen from this trip. This year has seen some great events in the region including the Taste of the West in Roma, a long table dinner showcasing amazing

produce from the Maranoa and Balonne regions. We held Enterprise Evenings in Chinchilla, Roma and Miles and a corporate golf day in Dalby. We were able to host chef Adrian Richardson in the region with the filming of The Chef’s Secret, and we launched the LIVE Western Downs Magazine, celebrating what an incredible place the Western Downs is to live, work and play. The Intensive Animal Industry Conference was held in Dalby with close to 100 key agriculture and technology industry participants and decision makers came together to share ideas. We also held two Shell’s QGC Emerging

Exporters workshops in the Western Downs and launched the Business Navigator Pitch Challenge in Chinchilla this November. With more than 450 businesses on board as TSBE members, we have been able to establish successful introductions, encourage new businesses to the region and provide vital networking opportunities. We provided over 700 tender opportunities to local companies providing a pipeline of work and economic growth. TSBE has worked hard to link business with opportunity to help grow the economy and the Surat Basin region. I’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas from all of us at TSBE, and we look forward to working with you in 2020.

DROUGHT ASSISTANCE

Helping hand for farmers in difficult times DAVID LITTLEPROUD MARANOA MP

THE Surat Basin has a wealth of opportunity, whether it’s cropping, raising livestock or getting involved in mining or tourism. During these tough times I encourage farmers across the Surat Basin to consider how the two-year interest free drought loan can assist them in getting ready for better seasons. These loans can save farmers more than $250,000 in interest and repayments in the first two years, compared to bank loans. Restocking, replanting, drilling a new bore, laying polythene, or paying for freight, fodder and water – these are all businessimproving projects that farmers can harness with the drought loan. The loan is an opportunity to get better finance terms, refinance existing bank debt and pay absolutely nothing for two years. Terms enable loans of up to $2 million over 10 years, with an option to refinance at the 10-year mark. The big picture is that these loans give farmers the chance to really hit the ground running and throw some punches once the rains come. Since the election we’ve committed more than $8 billion to support drought-affected businesses and communities, and invested more than $3.5 billion into the National Water Grid program to build dams, lay pipes and construct weirs. To find out more about loans, visit www.ric.gov.au. To learn more about drought assistance measures, visit www.farmhub.org.au .

Huge progress across Western Downs in 2019 PAUL MCVEIGH WESTERN DOWNS MAYOR

AS THE year draws to a close, we reflect on the progress made across our resource sector and wider investment opportunities in the Western Downs. The Queensland Resources Council recently announced its 2018/19 economic contribution survey and it’s great to see the resources sector continuing to provide strong growth across the state, particularly our region. The survey points to a direct industry contribution of $160 million over the past financial year to goods and services purchased locally, as well as support for our community organisations. This is just one example of our region’s capacity to retain growth in the resource and renewable energy space, while showing we are open for business more broadly. We’ve had some major milestones this year in terms of investment in our resources and energy sector, including the opening of AGL Energy’s Coopers Gap Wind Farm and APA’s

Darling Downs Solar Farm. With 22 renewable energy projects approved in the Western Downs including 20 solar farms, renewable energy continues to be a focus for investment and it’s great to see other projects such as the planned RES Wind Farm at Dulacca progressing following State Government approval earlier this year. This year also saw key milestones achieved for Queensland’s first domestic-only gas supply, with the State Government giving the green light for a gas processing plant near Wandoan as part Senex Energy’s Project Atlas. This continued investment is fantastic for our region and its ability to generate and retain local jobs while energizing our economy. We look forward to exploring new and exciting investment opportunities for our region in 2020, and further solidifying our reputation as the Energy Capital of Australia. On behalf of Western Downs Regional Council, I’d also like to take the opportunity to wish everyone in our region and beyond a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

GROWING REGION: Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh, Shell QGC vice president Tony Nunan and deputy mayor Andrew Smith.

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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A BIG COUNCIL TERM

Looking back on our term JAM CHAMBERS MARANOA DEPUTY MAYOR

AS WE edge closer to the end of the 2016 – 2020 Council term and I bid farewell as a Councillor, I thought it was timely to reflect upon some of the major, unique and challenging things that have occurred at Maranoa Regional Council since amalgamation in 2008. As a newly formed council, we saw three floods in Roma in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and also floods in Mitchell in 2012 which had a massive impact upon our community. This led Council to focus on flood mitigation in Roma and we have now completed Stage 1 and Stage 2A, including levee works and a diversion channel, which would not have been possible without the support of the Australian and Queensland Governments. In Mitchell, Council has focussed on improving drainage and undertaken flood studies. Massive damage occurred to the road network right across our region during the floods and the impacts of managing flood restoration were enormous. In one year alone our budget was approximately $250 million (over $100 million more than this year’s budget).

Massive numbers for a rural regional council. We then went through the phase of coal seam gas pipeline construction in our region and the impacts were felt across the region including on our roads and at our waste and sewerage facilities. Council negotiated Road Infrastructure Agreements with the gas companies to ensure roads were upgraded where needed and maintained accordingly. These agreements will remain in place while the companies operate within our region. Finding the norm as a Council and where we need to be positioned staffing wise has been a large focus of the past few years and will no doubt continue to be going forward for the new Council. Like any business, Council needs to be constantly looking at the bottom line to continue to provide and fund the plethora of services that the community expects, while keeping rates at an affordable level. Not all councils provide all the same services. At Maranoa we also have large businesses with an airport, saleyards and quarry. As a Council, we have undertaken upgrades to the Roma Airport terminal1 and runway1 to have an Aclass facility on our region’s doorstep with a one hour flight to Brisbane. In previous terms of Council, we undertook master planning of the

Roma Saleyards. This brought about significant change to the site and allowed the following to proceed: purchase and freeholding of land, lease of land for the truckstop and construction of a three bay truck wash1, multi-purpose facility1, 2 (including Interpretative Centre) and stage one of the Roma Saleyards Improvement Plan1 with new yards. All of these projects have been possible with government funding, loan and lease payments and reserve money. With Council businesses, they must stand on their own two feet and not be propped up by the general ratepayer. Across the region some of the unique highlights have been: upgrade of the aquarium at Surat, water bores in our smaller communities of Teelba, Noonga, Eumamurrin and Begonia through the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme, Multipurpose Health Service (Booringa Wing) built at Mitchell Hospital, new pool at Mitchell, upgrades to the Wallumbilla Showgrounds, new cenotaph at Yuleba1, purchase and development of state land at Injune for residential blocks and naming of Denton Court (a very long-term project), contribution to the Fire Shed at Mungallala, purchase of a block of land for community use at

Maranoa deputy mayor Jan Chambers

Amby, first locked/key access waste facility Muckadilla and Playshed Historical Display at Jackson. Moving forward, there are still many challenges for future councils to face, including continuing to work on our ageing water and sewerage network, facilities that will need upgrading or replacement and continual upgrades and maintenance of our road network of more than 5,800 kms, the third largest in Queensland. As we enter the holiday season, I’d like to wish all of our residents across the Maranoa a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and wet New Year!

Big 2019 and bigger year ahead Gasfields Commission has huge year of expansion and growth

THE Festive Season is just around the corner. At this time of the year it is appropriate to reflect on the past year and opportunities the New Year may bring. It has been a long hot, dry and dusty year. I hope that every day forward is a day closer to the end to the hot, dry and dust, we have all experienced. Throughout the year we have seen illegal activists that have caused much distress to our hard-working farmers, food processors and on the streets of Brisbane. The LNP has taken a tough stance on this illegal behaviour and we have presented legislation to the Parliament to stop this behaviour. The Government

however has not been keen to debate this legislation. The Federal Election outcome surprised many. However, it proved there are many people who simply want to get a job and get on with their daily lives, without all the hoo har of political correctness and climate change. Twelve additional schools in the Warrego Electorate will now be air conditioned this summer because of the LNP advocating for this policy. We will continue to pursue our policy to introduce retail competition in the electricity market, in an effort to drive down the cost of electricity. The LNP have developed a visionary proposal to build a New Bradfield Scheme to divert water from the tropical high flowing rivers to the west

of the great dividing ranges. I wish to thank the staff in my Electorate Offices who have diligently helped so many Warrego constituents on a daily basis throughout the year. It certainly has been a busy and productive year across the Electorate. I would like to thank everyone for their support during 2019 and pass on my best wishes for the forthcoming festive season. Here’s hoping it is filled with laughter, relaxation, and rain especially for those areas who have not received their fair share. If you are travelling over the holidays, please take care on the roads. I look forward to working with you all again in the New Year. Best Wishes for the Festive Season

COLIN CASSIDY

WHAT a year and what a decade. Since the beginning of 2010, the Queensland gas industry has grown to become the largest Coal Seam Gas industry in the world and Australia has become the world’s second biggest exporter of gas. The GasFields Commission has been working in this important space for almost seven years now and continues to evolve and develop new ways to support sustainable coexistence in the industry. This year the Commission released the Gas Guide - pulling together important information landholders need to know about gas development into one document. We also produced and published Shared Landscapes – one of the most detailed reports into the Queensland gas industry and its interaction with agriculture ever produced. We also designed a unique virtual reality experience that allows users to explore a coal

seam gas well located in a paddock complete with cattle, trees, a tractor and four-wheel drive. It proved to be a hit at the recent Young Beef Producers Forum in Roma. Our engagement team was also very active responding to queries and delivering workshops all over Queensland on property mapping, gas industry phases and activities, biosecurity and how to make maximum use of the GasApp and Gas Guide. We continued to work closely with the Land Court of Queensland and the Land Access Ombudsman to present information sessions on options for dispute resolution and we conducted industry updates where needed. In total the commission’s staff engaged with more than 2000 people this calendar year through more than 500 engagement and communications activities. From all of us at the GasFields Commission have a safe Christmas and New Year and we look forward to working closely with you all again next year.

WEIGHT & SAFETY COMPLIANCE CHECKS ON VEHICLES AND TRAILERS We come to your site

• Are your vehicles within manufacturer’s specified weight limits? • Is the trailer’s chassis safe to carry the loads imposed on it? • Full written reports.

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ANN LEAHY WARREGO MP

SAFER FOR THE OPERATOR - SAFER FOR ALL ROAD USERS!

IT’S ALL ABOUT SAFETY!! Rod Bailey 0407 240 702 rod@gvmcheck.com.au www.gvmcheck.com.au V1 - TSUE01Z01MA

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

Sabina Wunsch and Mitch Anderson.

Anton Griffiths, Gordon Kent and Leanne Sidor.

Brett Colman and Andrew Hammermeister.

Maranoa councillor Cameron Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil and Shane Charles.

Mitch Anderson, Anton Griffiths, Stephen Montgomery and Trevor Robertson.

Geoff Marsh, Shane Charles, Peter Flynn and Lance MacManus.

Sam Henry, Lorinda Otto and Stephen Montgomery.

Wishing you and your families a Safe and Happy Christmas 22

SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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Brett Fewkes and Tegan Plant.

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BIG 2019: Bruce Chapman, Craig Thorne, Duncan Rogers, Cyril Peet and Stuart Pratt at TSBE’s final Enterprise Evening of 2019 in Roma. About 100 people gathered at the Big Rig for a chance to enjoy a night of networking and to discuss upcoming opportunities for the region in 2020.

Andrew Snars and Jeremy Phillips

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Bill Drivas and Camille Johnson.

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

View the last edition online

The latest news online

Surat Basin News

Read our last issue at www.suratbasin.com.au

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

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

THE FUTURE: A new virtual reality program is helping landowners explore the Coal Seam Gas industry in new ways.

VR fills CSG ‘information gaps’ QUEENSLAND’S GasFields Commission has moved in to the world of virtual reality, developing a new VR coal seam gas well experience for landholders and those interested in the industry. The virtual reality program encourages people to interact with the gas well, teleport to key pieces of infrastructure, pick them up and inspect them in detail and travel underground to investigate how the well operates below the surface.

It was designed to fill information gaps, picked up by Commission staff at regional workshops, who found that often people seeking information about the gas industry had never seen a gas well up close. The VR experience has been designed to both educate people about how the gas well works and allow them get up close to the structure and see it for themselves. “One of the really cool parts of virtual reality is that it can also be projected up onto a wall or

large screen so that the rest of the group can see what the user is doing inside the virtual world,” GasFields Commission communications director Murray Cornish said. “If you’ve never tried virtual reality before, try to imagine an immersive video game that you can interact with. “We think it’s an exciting way to make use of emerging technology to allow people to explore a paddock with a gas well in it on their own terms”.

Once someone enters the VR experience, they are transported to a paddock complete with gas well, trees, a tractor, a four-wheel drive, and cattle – one of the cows even enjoys a scratch behind the ears. The technology is in the early stages of being rolled out at rural industry events, including the Young Beef Producers Forum in Roma, and the South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo.

Western Downs Civil is a diversified civil infrastructure company based in Chinchilla in the heart of Queensland’s Surat Basin. We provide Civil Construction, Structural Concrete, Earthworks, Rehabilitation, Roadworks, Plant Hire and Technical Project Management services to the wider Surat Basin Region and beyond. Our highly mobile and experienced team specialises in remote projects within highly controlled work environments such as Gas and Power Transmission. With our extensive fleet of internal plant and equipment and our local direct workforce, WDC has the ability to respond to our clients’ needs at short notice and provides the certainty that a safe, high quality and professional standard will be provided at all times, regardless of the time frame or challenge presented. Western Downs Civil focuses on building long-term, high-trust relationships with our clients – so your business can rely on us to successfully deliver your project. Do it Once and Do It Right and get started today with Western Downs Civil. www.wdcivil.com.au | admin@wdcivil.com.au

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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Ocean views, beach walks, sunset swims and ice-cream on the water’s edge are what holiday dreams and lifelong memories are made of… Welcome to Caloundra’s only 5 star accommodation, Rumba Beach Resort. Perched overlooking the stunning Pumicestone Passage and within walking distance of Caloundra’s burgeoning dining and boutique shopping scene, Rumba Beach Resort represents a coastal escape ticking all the holiday boxes. Here, spacious and stylishly designed apartments complement stunning views and excellent facilities, where getting active and exploring this wonderful part of the Sunshine Coast or succumbing to blissful relaxation are all achievable during your luxurious stay at Rumba Beach Resort.

Lazing around one of Rumba Beach Resort’s three pools or the giant jacuzzi couldn’t be easier for couples, friends or families at any time of the day, with barista coffee served every morning while a beverage from the fresh cocktail or drinks list served poolside will complete any relaxing Sunshine Coast holiday. Venture further

afield and explore the boardwalks showcasing Caloundra’s stunning coastline, bar and café hop along the way or stop to tire the kids out at the playground, seawater pool and water playgrounds of Kings Beach. Dine at some of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular restaurants and cafes, explore gorgeous boutiques and homeware stores, catch a wave across the road at Bulcock Beach or just read a book under an umbrella on the sand as the water floats past you out to sea, all the while within metres of Rumba Beach Resort. After a day in the sunshine, relax in your very own spa, from your balcony gaze out over the water as dusk falls and decide what’s for dinner: takeaway, out to a restaurant or your own creation in the well equipped kitchen. Rumba Beach Resort apartments exude the approachability and style of your next luxurious coastal escape.

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Walking directly into Rumba’s pool, bar and reception areas from the buzzing atmosphere of The Esplanade or Caloundra’s shopping

precinct and guests are immediately enveloped in a calming, holiday atmosphere, where the luxury of space and beautiful views over blue water allows for recharging, rejuvenating and relaxing. Having recently undergone a contemporary renovation, Rumba Beach Resort is not only situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful area, but is also a haven of style, ease and coastal chic for guests. Soft furnishings in muted greys, blues and whites are matched against stylish interior design and contemporary pieces, creating a luxe feel in comfortable surrounds.

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

2019 RECAP

Reflecting on a big year for the Surat Basin area WHAT a year it has been for the Surat Basin region. We have witnessed years of negotiations and development for some of Australia’s largest energy projects finally come to fruition in the form of the Coopers Gap wind farm. Our resource riches diversified even further with the plans for a $450 million wind farm project between Roma and Chinchilla launching as well as the Darling Downs’ first solar farm at Kogan, a mammoth $200 million facility. This year also marked a turning point for an appreciation of the resource sector that has been sadly lacking in recent years. The resounding triumph of Scott Morrison in the May federal election signaled a sign of things to come for Queensland Premier Annatascia Palaszczuk if she didn’t throw her support behind energy industries. Since then the Queensland Government has opened vast amounts of the state for resource exploration projects – plenty of exciting opportunities and possibilities in 2020. It’s important to reflect on the victories throughout the year for our section of Queensland, but we should never stop looking forward. In this final issue of Surat Basin News for 2019, we highlight the energy companies that are looking to the future by investing in our youth. Whether it’s Origin’s Maxine Thomas volunteering her time to give the kindergarten students at Injune a brighter future, or QGC, CS Energy and Chinchilla State School P&C joining forces to create a new STEM learning space, the resource sector is not only powering our 21st century lives, but the next generation. To everyone and anyone reading this, enjoy the festive season, have a Happy Holidays and remember your presence is more valuable than presents. - Jordan Philp Editor

Snap of the month

THE TEAM

inside Wagners awarded Adani contract ....................6 New Acland fight reaches High Court ...............7 Bauxite mine future to be decided....................8 A recap of the resource industry in Roma.......17

GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9921 Email Erika.Brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au

Easternwell grants deliver................................18 New learning space thanks to QGC..................19 Landowners explore industry with VR...........24 .......................................................20-21 .........................................22-23

Greg Latta, Roma Phone: 4672 9927 Email: Greg.Latta@romawesternstarnews.com

THE NEWSPAPER 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.

ADVERTISING TEAM Jodie Williams, Chinchilla Phone: 4672 9900 Email: Jodie.Williams@chinchillanews.com.au

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

Nicole McDougall, Dalby Phone: 4672 5500 Email Nicole.McDougall@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL Jodan Philp Phone: 4120 1017 Email: jordan.philp@ newsregionalmedia.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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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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FOR THE KIDS: Maxine Thomas has returned to the Injune Children’s Centre, volunteering as the kindergarten’s qualified teacher. Without Maxine, the centre would not be able to deliver quality early education to local kids.

MEET THE TEACHER WHO SAVED CHILDREN’S CENTRE prepare for school,” Ms Thomas said. “I have lived in the area all my life and I know these people in the community – I just couldn’t see a remote service as important as this face such a struggle.” While returning to work at the kindy, Ms Thomas won’t be leaving her current job at Origin entirely. Instead she is contributing to the centre through her employer’s charity, the Origin Foundation. Ms Thomas is volunteering as the qualified teacher and essentially teaching by distance education – remotely developing a program that is then delivered by her colleagues at the Injune

kindy. “When Injune Children’s Centre reached out to me, I wanted to find a way to contribute through the Origin Foundation, Origin’s philanthropic foundation, which is primarily focused on changing lives through education,” she said. Having Ms Thomas heading up the kindy program has made a huge difference at Injune Children’s Centre. Enrolment has already gone up significantly and the kindy itself is secure for the future. “The Origin Foundation has been extremely supportive of my work to help Injune Children’s Centre and the children of Injune,” Ms Thomas

said. “In fact, the Children’s Centre has now seen enrolments go back up from seven to 11 students after parents who had fallen away brought their children back to the centre. “We are supporting rural communities and this is a really tangible way to do it. “No glitz and glamour, we’re just delivering a formal education program to little Australians who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access formal early years education. “And we’re making sure it’s a really excellent program for them.”

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FINDING a qualified kindergarten teacher for Injune Children’s Centre was almost impossible. And with numbers dwindling, there were worries that local kids would miss out on a quality early education. But the return of one of the centre’s former teachers this week has saved the class. Maxine Thomas left early childhood for a career with Origin Energy three years ago but when her former employer recently put out the call, the teacher with 20 years’ experience jumped at the chance to return to the classroom. “They were desperate – without a qualified teacher, there would be no access to kindergarten, no formal early learning to

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

CONTRACT TIME: More than $500 million in contracts have been awarded to Australian businesses for the Adani coal mine.

Adani contracts start roll-out TONY RAGGATT

ADANI’s $2 billion Carmichael coal and rail project is ramping up with more than $500 million in contracts awarded and more announcements expected in coming days. The resources group announcedin late November that Toowoomba-based company

Wagners would be a lead contractor to deliver a $35 million-plus quarry operations package. In other announcements, Perth-based construction contractor Decmil was awarded a $40 million-plus contract to design and build three 400-bed temporary accommodation camps and New South Wales railway specialist Martinus Rail was awarded a $100 million rail laying contract.

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Martinus will be based at Adani’s new Rockhampton Business Centre and Decmil will also use the centre and base operations for the rail camps in Collinsville. Wagners will build and operate a quarry about 160km from Clermont and deliver quarry materials to mine and rail projects, for roads, camps, pads, dams and mine civil works. Carmichael Project Director David Boshoff said Adani was delivering on its promise of jobs and work packages for regional Queensland. “It’s great to see our commitments on jobs and contracts for regional Queensland now coming to life, and we are so pleased that the benefits are being spread far and wide across regional Queensland, now to Toowoomba,” Mr Boshoff said. He said operations for the rail camps would be based in Collinsville, earthworks and civil works were coming from Townsville and Rockhampton, fuel supply was from Townsville, telecommunications was from Mackay, rail track laying and rail camp construction was from Rockhampton and many other regional businesses and locations across regional Queensland were also getting involved. About 40 jobs are advertised on Adani’s website at present. “We still have plenty of other contracts yet to award, and we strongly encourage jobseekers and suppliers to register their details,” Mr Boshoff said. The thermal coal project was originally

planned as a 60 million tonne a year mega-mine but was redesigned last year as a 10 million tonne per annum operation. A 200km rail line with a 40 million tonne per annum capacity will connect to Aurizon’s Bowen Basin rail network, allowing coal to be shipped to Asian countries from the Abbot Point coal terminal. The company says about 200 people are working on the mine site and more than 50 pieces of plant and equipment have been taken to the area. The construction of a 5km-long “Mine Affected Water” dam wall is well under way. Other work includes clearing for the mine site, the construction of access roads and fencing and geotechnical surveys. The company says recruitment processes are structured to ensure preference is given to regional Queensland workers. “We remain committed to Townsville and Rockhampton as the primary hubs of employment for the Carmichael Project, however, everyone is welcome to apply for roles on the Carmichael Project particularly those people residing locally to the mine (eg Clermont),” the company says in a handout. “Accordingly regions such as the Whitsunday, Isaac, Central Highlands, Mackay, Charters Towers and Gladstone regions will also be benefiting from work packages and employment opportunities for our project.”

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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The Oakey Coal Action Alliance has taken its fight against the expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine to the highest court in the land. Pictured, wash plant manager at New Acland Coal Mine Andy Scouller.

Acland row in High Court Matthew Newton THE Oakey Coal Action Alliance has taken its fight against the expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine to the highest court in the land. Represented by the Environmental Defenders Office, the OCAA has sought special leave to appeal to the High Court over the controversial Stage 3 expansion of the New Acland Coal mine. The appeal relates to the September Queensland Court of Appeal decision, which dismissed both grounds of the alliance’s appeal and found an historic Land Court decision over the mine was affected by apprehended bias. The application to the High Court is the latest development in a long-running legal battle

between the OCAA and New Acland Coal Mine. The OCAA says it is fighting to protect “some of the best agricultural land in Australia”, as well as groundwater resources. Mine owner New Hope Group has been seeking approvals for its Stage 3 expansion for 12 years. Recent orders from the Queensland Court of Appeal had cleared the way for the State Government to make a decision on the mine’s outstanding mining lease and associated water licence. New Hope Group chief operating officer Andrew Boyd said the move by the OCAA was simply “lawfare” designed to delay the Stage 3 project. “In the latest fight, the highest court in Queensland ruled definitively in our favour, a

fact OCAA has acknowledged by not challenging the Court of Appeal’s findings on the substantive issues,” he said. “This latest stunt by OCAA has nothing to do with groundwater or any other environmental issue. “It is clear that this action is nothing more than an attempt to delay final decisions on Stage 3.” Speaking about the decision to seek special leave to appeal to the High Court, Environmental Defenders Office CEO David Morris said the people of Acland deserved clarity. “The Court of Appeal’s latest decision has left a big question mark over Acland Stage 3 and it’s in everyone’s interest to see that resolved,” he said.

“It found the original Land Court decision was affected by apprehended bias, but at the same time found a subsequent decision that was in part bound by the original decision was valid. “Usually a finding of apprehended bias would invalidate the whole judgement – in this case that did not occur. Our client’s case is that that decision was not made in accordance with law. “As a matter of principle, parties to litigation should be affected equally by a conclusion that a decision was affected by an apprehension of bias. “The Court of Appeal’s decision casts doubt on that proposition and, consequently, today we’re asking the High Court to remove the doubt and uncertainty which accompanies the Court of Appeal’s decision.”

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

CEO reveals date to decide mine’s future DECISION TIME: The Binjour bauxite mine board of directors will decide on December 16 whether the mine will proceed.

gibbsite-trihydrate bauxite in eastern Australia as “quite stunning”, but warned the mine getting the go-ahead was not a fait accompli. “If there’s any sense that this mine will become an Adani situation, a political hot potato, my sense is the board will walk away,” he said. Another variable for the company is whether its bauxite customer, Tianshan, which is building an aluminium smelter in southern China, will be willing to pay extra for the high-

grade mineral. A Monday announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange said the highest grade bauxite is covered by an overlaying layer of red mudstone that is between 6–10m deep. “This deeper mining will require confidence in strong market support from a customer that is prepared to pay extra for high-grade bauxite,” the announcement said. Mr Levy said the company wanted to get its customer “hooked” on this high-grade bauxite,

describing it as the “drug pusher’s strategy”. If the mine is approved, it will initially aim to supply 0.5 million tonnes of bauxite per annum to Tianshan via its marketing partner Rawmin Mining of India. Mr Levy said the company believed at this initial level of supply, 45–50 jobs could be created, but as the mine scales up to its full production of 1.5 million tonnes per annum, this could rise to as many as 75.

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019

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THE chief executive of a proposed bauxite mine at Binjour has revealed a decision on whether the mine will proceed will be made by the board of directors on Monday, December 16. “We didn’t want the meeting on Black Friday, so we changed it to Monday,” Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) CEO Ian Levy joked. The board will visit stakeholders in Binjour, Gayndah and Bundaberg before a decision is made. If the board ticks off on the project, a Mining Lease Application will be lodged early next year. Mr Levy described tests results which found the Binjour deposit was the highest quality

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SURAT BASIN NEWS, Thursday, December 12, 2019