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Industry News
QUEENSLAND MOBILISES EXPERT HYDROGEN TEAM
The Palaszczuk Government has appointed a specialist hydrogen team of industry experts to unleash Queensland’s hydrogen potential and the thousands of jobs that will flow from it.
Minister for Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen, the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, announced in Parliament that Professor Peta Ashworth OAM would lead a seven-member expert taskforce to fast track the establishment of a sustainable hydrogen supply chain.
“Queensland will lead Australia’s effort to be a world leader in renewable hydrogen, and our Hydrogen Taskforce will ensure that we seize this opportunity,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The Hydrogen Taskforce brings together industry, academic, and public sector leaders with expertise in science, energy, international investment attraction and economic development, infrastructure planning, regulations, skills development, and logistics, and Queensland is lucky to have Professor Peta Ashworth at the helm.
“Professor Ashworth is currently the University of Queensland’s Chair in Sustainable Energy Futures, a globally renowned leader in climate and energy technologies and sustainable energy, and already has runs on the board when it comes to hydrogen – including playing a role in the development of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.”
The Hydrogen Taskforce’s primary job will be to work with industry across the supply chain to help accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector in Queensland.
Professor Ashworth said the Taskforce would hit the ground running, and one of its first tasks will be to assess the current state of play of Queensland’s hydrogen supply chain.
“Based on this, we will then prepare a plan that provides a clear line of sight to a sustainable hydrogen supply chain, including export, to be up and running by 2030 or earlier if possible,” Professor Ashworth said.
“We will also identify short and medium-term actions within the regulatory and planning landscape to facilitate the safe and sustainable development of Queensland’s next major energy commodity.”
Mr de Brenni said the Taskforce’s establishment dovetails the Queensland Government’s $60 million investment across multiple programs and initiatives that are growing the hydrogen industry and future hydrogen jobs in Queensland.
“This includes $32.6 million invested to support training and skills development and $25 million for the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.
Visit www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/queenslandhydrogen-taskforce to find out more about the Queensland Hydrogen Taskforce.
APPOINTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN
The Australian Government has appointed the Honorable Mr Bruce Billson as the new Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman forms a key pillar of the Australian Government’s commitment to small and family business as a strong voice for the sector.
The role of the Ombudsman, at Mr Billson’s direction, will have a pivotal role in shaping the Australian Government’s response and continuing support of small and family business as they make their way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Billson’s term will run for five years and commenced on 11 March 2021.
Visit www.asbfeo.gov.au to learn more.
Corporate Profile
Supporting MPAQ Members
Plumbers Trench Guide is an easy to use, new to the market product perfect to set the fall required in a trench to shape an even decrease across any job site. Mainly available in the regional country areas of Toowoomba, Dalby, and Burke, New South Wales, the Plumbers Trench Guide was developed and designed by Amihoss Pty Ltd owner and director Max Ingelton. With over 55 years in the building industry, Max was determined to find a solution for the persistent strain on his back and body from bending over in the process of checking the fall in a trench or drain.
The idea for the Plumbers Trench Guide was conceived during a sewer trenching job requiring a 40-metre trench with string lines and boning rods where no laser was available. Issues quickly arose as string lines began sagging and got caught up in the excavator bucket. After Max’s quick thinking and ability to overcome any obstacle, the first prototype was created and has been a much-required assistance tool on every job site since.
Made using quality fixtures and materials, the device is simple, quick, and easy to set up and pack down with a robust design to outlive the harshest of conditions.
Plumber, builder, or landscaper, get yourself a Plumbers Trench Angle Guide today. Visit www.plumberstrenchguide.com to learn more.
PLUMBING AMBASSADORS APPOINTED ON WORLD PLUMBING DAY TO INSPIRE FUTURE TRADIES
Pictured (left to right): The Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Sam Raper, Toni Hillman, Simon Townson, Sonya Hughes, Kent Vickers, MPAQ President, and Penny Cornah, MPAQ Executive Director.
On Thursday 11 March, Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) revealed the 2021 Queensland Plumbing Ambassadors. The announcement was made in front of over 300 attendees at the World Plumbing Day Industry Breakfast, which was held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
COME WORK FOR US!
Hello,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, John Salmon, and my company Salmon Plumbing.
For the more than 30 years Salmon Plumbing has consistently proved to be one of the most reliable and efficient plumbing contractions in Brisbane. It is known for its excellence in quality, service, and professionalism.
At this moment, we’re looking for fully licenced plumbers to join our team at Salmon Plumbing.
If you are interested in accelerated and meaningful career progression, we provide support, training, and opportunity alongside work first and foremost as a plumber, providing practical service, not pushy sales.
We offer a great workplace culture, a tight-knit, supportive and friendly team where you are valued as an individual. Additionally, we offer paid technical, product, customer, and team leadership training to aid you in achieving your career goals.
For more information, please use the QR Code or visit salmonplumbing.com.au/careers.
The ambassadors were chosen to represent MPAQ and promote this important trade to school students and career-seekers across the state, focusing on raising awareness to students about studying an apprenticeship and explaining where a trade can take them both professionally and personally. This year, there will also be a focus on engaging with business owners to grow the number of opportunities available to those seeking a plumbing apprenticeship.
Meet the Ambassadors
Toni Hillman, a licensed plumber and drainer of New Build Plumbing based in Morningside, has been a part of the plumbing and gas industry for over 13 years.
Toni said, “I need to show my face more and feel confident enough to step up to promote the industry and encourage others to follow in my footsteps.”
Toni started out as a school-based apprentice and continued to complete her apprenticeship mainly in the domestic area. She has attended a few different events where she has been a guest speaker and an advocate for the industry—for not only women but men as well.
“I want to participate more in events to promote the industry that I love,” she said. Sonya Hughes is the Office Manager for Hughes Plumbing Contractors and has been involved in the plumbing industry for around 10 years.
Sonya said, “I am passionate about our industry and how important it is to promote this highly skilled trade as a career for future generations.”
Prior to her appointment as a plumbing ambassador, Sonya held meetings with local schools to promote the trade, with a focus on promoting increased diversity.
“I think that plumbing has a stigma among young people as a dirty job that is suitable only for males; however, I would like to share the variety of plumbing career opportunities available,” Sonya said.
“Regardless of gender or physical strength, plumbing can be a very successful career choice for all.” Sam Raper is a fourth-year apprentice in his third year with Paul Gray Plumbing Services.
Sam said, “Even though I have only been in the industry for a short period of time, it has given me so much, and I am hoping I can give this back to others who wish to pursue a career in this industry”.
Finding his passion after 33 years, having gone through two companies to find a supportive employer, Sam is currently undergoing night school to complete his Cert 4 and has been awarded the 2020 TAFE Plumbing Apprentice of the Year and 2020 TAFE Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.
“Being an ambassador will help grow my knowledge of the industry and could also open up some doors for me in the future.” Simon Townson is a licensed plumber, drainer, and gasfitter and the Managing Director at Tri Plumbing Services. He has been in the industry for 18 years and is a big advocate for apprentices and reskilling. He also believes that there is a current struggle for education around employers taking on apprentices.
Simon’s ambassadorship role will be slightly different from that of Toni, Sonya, and Sam, with an employer focus where he will be able to connect with businesses and promote the importance of taking on apprentices and all the advantages this can bring to a company.
