SBN December 2014 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

SURAT BASIN

NEWS

18 December 2014

$1.30 inc GST

INSIDE Pipeline sells for $5 billion

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Gas industry supports 1000 businesses

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$11b in projects lifts Toowoomba Page 8

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

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SURAT BASIN NEWS

EDITOR'S

NOTE THERE is no doubt that where information lacks, concern and resentment grows. And when the coal seam gas industry arrived in the Surat Basin, it arrived fast. Undoubtedly there was, at times, a lack of communication and information. But the proponents have become much better at making themselves available to answer questions. The forum organised by the GasFields Commission and Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at Chinchilla last week was a great example of this and the representatives from APLNG and QGC were open and honest in their answers. But when one attendee asked why the proponents had not ensured that more local content, for example locally sourced road base, had been used, the answer sent alarm bells ringing. While QGC’s Joanne Pafumi pointed out that the organisation now strived to source as much local content as possible, she said this had not been as successful in the past four years. “Things moved so fast and needed to move so fast that sometimes the best decisions were not always made,” she said. “They were made in the interest of just getting things done as quick as we could as part of a critical path.” Sorry, Ms Pafumi, but this region deserves better. An industry as precise as CSG should not be rushed and locals should be given every opportunity to contribute, should they wish. So please, learn from your mistakes - we deserve nothing less.

THE NEWSPAPER

THE VISION

The Surat Basin News publishes every month and will be delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities 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, will be a must read for anyone associated with the exciting Surat Basin.

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 that define our communities.

ONLINE Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them.

THE

DISTRIBUTION The Surast Basin News is inserted into the four dominant local newspapers for the region: the Chinchilla News and Murilla Advertiser, Western Star Roma, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle Toowoomba.

PURCHASE FROM Newsagents in - Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope

WEBSITE

TEAM ADVERTISING TEAM Bobbie Gorring Chinchilla 07 4662 7368 Bobbie.gorring@chinchillanews.com.au Erika Brayshaw Chinchilla 07 4662 7368 Erika.brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au Karin-ane King Roma 07 4662 2411 karin-ane.king@suratbasin.com.au Nicole Boyd-Taylor Dalby 07 4672 5500 nicole.boyd-taylor@dalbyherald.com.au

EDITOR

Jim Campbell

PAGE DESIGN

View our previous editions on www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews

Beth Walker

UPDATES

SURAT BASIN NEWS 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 PO Box 138 Chinchilla QLD 4413

Regular updates on www.suratbasin.com.au

THE

INDEX

PUBLISHED

IN THE NEWS

The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413

OPINIONS

The Surat Basin News is printed by APN Print 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba

Gas forum delivers answers ....................5 16-19 New pilot school set for take-off..............6 1000 businesses benefit from CSG ..........7 Overseas visitors to share our story......9

DOWN TO BUSINESS

PLACES AND FACES Chinchilla gas forum ..........................20-21 Christmas greetings ................................22 Roma lights up tree .................................24

Premier opens LNG plant.......................11 Behind the Desk ..................................12-13 New school program................................14

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

THIS WEEK

PIPING PROFITS

PIPELINE SELLS FOR $5 BILLION QCLNG PIPELINE TOOK THOUSANDS OF WORKERS MORE THAN THREE YEARS TO BUILD. NOW, IT’S SOLD

NE of the three major pipelines linking the Surat Basin to the export hub of Curtis Island has been sold for an incredible $5 billion. BG Group has announced it agreed to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary QCLNG Pipeline to APA Group. QCLNG Pipeline owns a 543km, large-diameter underground pipeline network linking BG Group’s natural gas fields in the Surat Basin to a two-train liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility at Gladstone on Australia’s east coast. The pipeline was constructed between 2011 and 2014 and has a current book value of US$1.6 billion.

Tariffs payable on the pipeline are set to provide a fixed rate of return on the asset base with the primary tariff components escalating annually with US inflation indices. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the pipeline tariff is expected to deliver to APA Group EBITDA of approximately US$390 million. The sale is conditional on the start of commercial LNG deliveries (post commissioning) from the QCLNG export facility at Gladstone and on partner consent. BG Group and its partners have firm capacity rights in the pipeline for 20 years, with options to extend. On completion, expected in the first half of

2015, the transaction is expected to result in a post-tax profit of approximately US$2.7 billion. The profit on disposal will be partly offset by a post-tax impairment of BG Group’s remaining QCLNG assets, expected to be around US$2 billion, following categorisation of QCLNG Pipeline as held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2014. Vice-president external affairs and sustainability Joanne Pafumi stressed to businesses at the GasFields Commission forum at Chinchilla last week that all existing landholder agreements and business contracts relating to the pipeline would remain in place.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

BG Group interim executive chairman Andrew Gould said the group was happy about the reputation of the bidder. “We are pleased to have entered into an agreement for the sale of this high-quality infrastructure with a bidder the calibre of APA Group,” Mr Gould said. “The sale of the QCLNG pipeline is in line with our strategy to focus on BG Group’s core areas of oil and gas exploration and production and LNG. “The timing reflects QCLNG’s advanced stage of development; we are now on the verge of delivering the world’s first large-scale project using natural gas from coal seams as a feedstock for LNG.”

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IN THE NEWS

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

IN THE NEWS

GAS FORUM: Catching up after the forum are (from left) Miles and District Chamber of Commerce president John Hoffmann, APLNG CEO Page Maxon, Joanne Pafumi from QGC, CCCI chair Rob Hart, and GasFields Commission chairman John Cotter. →Turn to pages 20-21 for more photos from the event. OPPOSITE PAGE: Page Maxon addresses the crowd.

UP TO 10,000 WORKERS NEEDED LONG-TERM

THE NEXT BOOM SECTOR infrastructure. He said of APLNG’s workforce, about 250 people lived in the Chinchilla region where they were paid an extra 10% on their salary in an incentive not to fly-in fly-out (FIFO) to the region. Mr Maxon also said his “long term vision” was to “do away” with FIFO and accommodation camps outside towns, instead preferring workers to live with their families in towns locally. QGC vice-president external affairs and sustainability Joanne Pafumi also addressed the event, explaining that QGC’s reduced workforce would eventually be based at two major accommodation camps with one located in the Wandoan region and another near Chinchilla. Ms Pafumi also quashed a recently-circulating rumour that QGC was preparing to shift its major logistics hub from Chinchilla to Miles. “Definitely not,” she said. GasFields Commission chair John Cotter

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reflected that it had been a challenging time for the region since the arrival of the fast-paced CSG industry, but that significant progress had been made in improving the relationships between proponents and landholders, and also businesses. “It has been the greatest industrial development in regional Queensland’s history,” he said. CCCI chair Rob Hart said the industry had added to the strong agriculture, coal, and power generation industries that already existed in the region. He acknowledged that there would be further change as the industry shifted to the production phase, but that residents should not lose sight of the bigger picture. “Some businesses will have to adapt, but we are batting far above our weight compared to other towns in regional Australia,” Mr Hart said. Mr Cotter said it was likely a similar information forum would be held in the Roma QGC Vice President External Affairs and Sustainability Joanne Pafumi shares some insight. region early next year.

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THE equipment maintenance industry in the Surat Basin will be the next sector to experience huge growth, according to Australia Pacific LNG chief executive officer Page Maxon. Mr Maxon was addressing a business forum at Chinchilla organised by the GasFields Commission and Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry (CCCI) that was designed to provide some insight into the future of the coal seam gas industry in the Surat Basin. About 80 people attended the event, which was restricted to members of the CCCI and Miles and District Chamber of Commerce. Mr Moxon explained that while the industry’s workforce had reduced this year, it was still likely to total about 10,000 people across the Surat Basin in its production phase, which could last up to 30 years. It was in this coming phase that Mr Moxon said the maintenance industry would strongly benefit as the proponents worked to maintain their billions of dollars worth of

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IN THE NEWS

TOP OF THE CLASS: Student pilots (from left) Thomas McGiffin, Sotirios Spiliotopoulos, Koichi Bartlett, Nilwani Bishop, with flight instructors Rebecca Baguley, Daniel Melville, Tristram Jackson, Airport Chairman John Wagner, and flight instructors Troy Lane and Ian Morris hit the runway for the big announcement at Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport.

Wagners chairman John Wagner welcomes (left) Rex Chief Pilot Paul Fisher to Wellcamp Airport.

STUDENTS SET TO FLY HIGH

AIRLINE ACADEMY TOUCHES DOWN regional areas, it was a natural progression to open a campus at Australia’s first public airport in almost 50 years,” Mr Duncan said. The 2014 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook predicts that 533,000 new commercial airline pilots and 584,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to fly and maintain the world’s fleet over the

Celebrating the monumental agreement are (from left) Craig Duncan, Carl Rallings, John Wagner, Member for Toowoomba South John McVeigh and Mayor Paul Antonio.

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the world. “This agreement, which coincides with other lucrative opportunities we have in the pipeline due to Australia’s new free-trade agreement with China, will put Toowoomba and the Darling Downs on the map - both nationally and internationally,” Mr Wagner said. “We are extremely excited about the agreement which we see as a major coup for the region that will generate significant revenue, employment opportunities and foster exciting new careers for people from all over the world,” he said. University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas said that the opportunity to partner with the academy would bring an exciting new dimension to the range of programs that USQ offered. “While many associate aviation with pilot training, there are a number of other careers from aircraft maintenance engineering, logistics, electronics, navigation and communication systems that USQ will consider offering in line with student demand,” he said.

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next 20 years, giving the academy and the Wagners family the rare opportunity to work together to capitalise on a burgeoning industry. Wagners’ chairman John Wagner said Queensland’s unrivalled standards in training, excellent weather patterns and favourable typography would be on show to

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VIATION students from all over the world will soon be able to complete their professional pilot training on the Darling Downs after Toowoomba’s Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport signed an exclusive agreement with the Airline Academy of Australia. The agreement includes collaboration with the University of Southern Queensland which will provide aspiring international aviators with undergraduate and post-graduate training in conjunction with the academy’s practical program. The airport’s Wellcamp Aviation Education Precinct will provide professional pilot and aircraft maintenance engineering training and also permanently house light aircraft alongside a world-class team of experienced instructors. Academy director and chief commercial officer Craig Duncan said the academy had fulfilled the industry’s growing needs for more than 100 years, making it the longest-serving of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. “Given our history in providing aviation employment pathways for students in

IN THE NEWS

1000 SURAT BUSINESSES SUPPORTED BY INDUSTRY NEW RESEARCH SHOWS HOW THE ONSHORE GAS INDUSTRY SUPPORTS THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

ORE than 1000 businesses based in the Surat Basin were directly supported by Queensland’s onshore gas sector last financial year (2013-14), according to a recently-released industry report. The report – Economic Impact of Minerals and Energy Sector on the Queensland Economy 2013/14 – produced by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is drawn from resource company data. The figures outlined the contribution of regional Queensland to supply Queensland’s food and energy needs, but also many direct jobs and business opportunities. Gasfields Commissioner Shane Charles said the figures showed that in 2013-14 just over 1000 businesses and more than 820 direct full-time employees were supported by the onshore gas industry across Maranoa,

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He said the commission’s main focus moving forward was to look for long-term job and business opportunities especially for the Surat Basin as the onshore gas industry transitioned from construction to production. He also said the commission was working with the major onshore gas proponents to help provide more information to local businesses about their transition plans and future opportunities. According to the report, Queensland’s onshore gas sector contributed 141,245 full-time jobs or 6% of total employment and more than $27 billion or 9% of the State’s Gross Regional Product. The report highlighted that in 2013-14 the mineral and energy sector was responsible directly and indirectly for one in every four dollars in Queensland’s economy and one in every five jobs.

LOCALLY OWNED: Surat Basin businesses, like the Dalby-based Ostwald Bros, have benefited from the onshore gas sector.

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HE Queensland Government has unveiled a new 30-year plan for the resources industry that will ultimately make it easier for mining projects to be developed. ResourcesQ is a joint plan where the Queensland Government and Queensland Resources Council will each contribute $1 million. Premier Campbell Newman revealed the plan at QRC’s annual State of the Sector forum. He said the plan included creating “one window” for State Government departments to provide a coordinated service for developing resource projects. There also will be a single point of contact for potential investors, an investment summit and a State of the Industry report, which will report on the industry every two years. Mr Newman also announced a new school under the plan which would be focused on science, technology and engineering and would work with the industry and alongside the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy. “Our shared vision is for Queensland to be a global resources leader,” he said. Lock the Gate Alliance president Drew Hutton was not surprised the Queensland Government created a plan to help the mining industry. “This sounds like a continuation of the Newman Government’s plan to demolish all of the protections that have previously existed against mining’s impact on the environment and the community,” he said. “Hopefully the people of Queensland will see this government has an intent on removing all rights that they have possessed over development in the state.”

A PROSPEROUS REGION

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RESOURCESQ OPENS DOORS

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

PAGE 7

IN THE NEWS

TAKING OFF: Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport drove a significant amount of development in the region.

This artist's impression shows the QIC development of Grand Central and Gardentown Shopping Centres.

$11b IN PROJECTS

PURPLE PATCH FOR GARDEN CITY S Out with the old, in with the new at the site of the Gardentown redevelopment.

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What this report ultimately highlights is progress – we are making headway. TSBE chief executive officer Shane Charles “What this report ultimately highlights is progress – we are making headway,” Mr Charles said. “A lot of what we are seeing is priority infrastructure that is leading Toowoomba be a real investment hotspot, and while major developments don’t happen overnight, Toowoomba definitely seems to be going full steam ahead.” Mr Charles said the most important attribute of the Development Status Report was the invaluable insight it gave to local businesses and those wanting to relocate to the region. “This report contains hard, undisputable facts which reveal that Toowoomba is an absolute hotspot in terms of economic activity.” “There is nowhere else in Queensland, or indeed Australia, that represents better investment value.”

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The long-awaited Toowoomba bypass project will generate thousands of jobs.

USTAINABLE development trends continue to be a winning strength for the Toowoomba region. Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) has released its latest Development Status Report outlining the total development spend for the region to be $11 billion. Although the total figure is comparable with the last Development Status Report released in May this year, the new report sees a number of major projects transitioning from the proposed and approved and awaiting commencement phases, to the projects underway and completed phases. This has put the total figure for current developments underway at $4 billion, which includes the rollout of the National Broadbrand Network, Wilsonton Shopping Centre and QIC’s redevelopment of Gardentown and Grand Central. Overall, projects approved and waiting commencement represented $2.3 billion of total development spend, with proposed projects hitting $4.1 billion. TSBE chief executive officer Shane Charles said it was great to see the Toowoomba region maintain a momentum behind major developments in the region.

IN THE NEWS

SOILS GLOBE LINKS INFO

NEW online website can now help farmers, miners and developers identify different soil types across the state at the simple touch of a button. The Soils Globe website is an interactive user-friendly tool that lets users view and explore maps and up-to-date satellite imagery of Queensland soils as well as download reports and data. Soils Globe contains data from 90,000 soil sample sites across the state as well as historical information through the Queensland Globe platform that merges open data with digital technology. Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker said on Thursday the Soils Globe would save business thousands of dollars in time and resources. He said soil knowledge had always been important because agriculture and resource sectors were central to the state’s economy. “Being more knowledgeable about soil will help us grow crops best suited to Queensland and sustain more livestock,” he said. “Science is the key to that, as well as innovative ways to make the data we have open and useful to all. “Previously, to get this information you had to get on to several websites, contact government agencies for reports, or do some of the work yourself, including collecting soil samples, all of which cost money.” Canegrowers chief Brendan Stewart said Soils Globe would be of huge benefit to the state’s sugarcane industry. “It will assist producers get a better understanding of their soil types which will help farm productivity,” he said. “The Soils Globe can be used by farmers to plan efficient irrigation management programs for their properties and to support effective and efficient fertiliser management which leads to reduced run-off and better farm efficiency.” For more information visit www.data.qld.gov.au/maps-geo spatial/qld-globe.

SHARING OUR STORY: Journalists from South Korea visited Santos operations in the Surat Basin to share the region’s story with the world.

NEW FRIENDS

OUR STORY GOES GLOBAL SOUTH KOREAN JOURNALISTS FASCINATED BY SURAT BASIN PROGRESS

OURNALISTS from South Korea braved the heat when they visited Santos operations in the Roma area this month. The tour was arranged by one Santos’ project partner and major LNG customer, Kogas, the largest LNG buyer in the world. The 14 journalists from the Korea Times, Asia Today, Korea Economic TV and several other outlets visited the Roma shopfront and toured the Roma gas processing hub and nearby natural gas wells.

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Santos GLNG Maranoa regional manager Sam Klaas said it was great to show the visitors where some of the gas that would one day fuel their towns and cities came from. “The Korean journalists were particularly interested in how our gas compression hubs process gas, as well as our underground gas storage capabilities,” Mr Klaas said. “Over the next 20 years, Santos GLNG will provide 11 per cent of Korea’s gas needs, much of it coming from the Maranoa region.”

Mr Klaas said the visitors enjoyed their time in Roma despite the big temperature change, with the weather in Seoul at the time averaging about 25 degrees cooler. Santos GLNG is led by Australian company Santos (30% and operator), in partnership with three of the world’s leading energy companies – PETRONAS from Malaysia (27.5%), Total from France (27.5%), and KOGAS from South Korea (15%). Santos GLNG is 90% complete and is on track for first LNG in the second half of 2015.

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PAGE 9

DOWN TO BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

DOWN TO BUSINESS

TRUCKING ON: Premier Campbell Newman arrives at the new $200 million micro LNG plant near Miles in a Premier Campbell Newman (right) chats with Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown and LNP candiLNG-powered truck. He is greeted by BOC South Pacific managing director Colin Isaac. date for Warrego Ann Leahy at the opening of BOC's micro LNG plant near Miles.

SURAT BASIN HOSTS A QUEENSLAND FIRST

BASIN GAS TO STAY IN AUSTRALIA

HE Darling Downs hosted a Queensland first this month with the opening of a micro LNG plant that will convert coal seam gas from the Surat Basin into a cleaner, cheaper fuel. The $200 million plant located at Columboola - between Chinchilla and Miles - was opened by Premier Campbell Newman on behalf of BOC. BOC has entered into a long-term gas supply agreement with QGC in which QGC will supply gas collected in the Surat Basin, which BOC will then liquefy to produce liquid natural gas (LNG) for use on Australian soil in manufacturing, mining, and long-haul trucking. The LNG could also be used as a cleaner source of power generation in remote communities. However, while BOC South Pacific managing director Colin Isaac said “many” jobs were created during construction of the plant, he said “only a few” jobs would be created for locals in the operation of the plant. Surat Basin News understands that number could be as few as three jobs, with much of the plant controlled remotely from Sydney. Premier Campbell Newman said it was an example of how the resource-rich Surat Basin could be at the forefront of researching and developing more cost-effective and cleaner

fuels. “Our state has vast energy resources, but instead of just exporting those reserves I want Queenslanders to find new ways of developing cleaner and greener fuels,” Mr Newman said. “If just a fraction of our trucking firms, mines and farms switched to domestically-produced fuels, we would see more jobs for our kids and lower emissions too.” Mr Newman also announced that a re-elected LNP Government would allow businesses access to a $500 million “Strong Choices Innovation Fund” to develop next-generation fuels and energy sources. “As well as opening our Innovation Fund, we’ll review regulations so more Queensland families and businesses can choose cheaper, greener fuels in the future,” the Premier said. “We’ll invest $3.4 billion in solar power to

reduce electricity costs and we’ll focus on improving remote community power networks where it’s cost effective to do so.” Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown said the opening of the LNG plant was the “first step in an energy revolution” for the region. “This is all about value adding to a resource

that’s already below our feet,” he said. LNP candidate for Warrego Ann Leahy said residents across the region had been asking why more coal seam gas bound for the LNG export market could not be used domestically. “I hope BOC would consider putting a few more plants around the region,” she said.

This is all about value adding to a resource that’s already below our feet. Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown

Premier Campbell Newman inspects the central control room at BOC’s micro LNG plant.

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PAGE 11

DOWN TO BUSINESS Origin - ASX Code: ORG

Transfield - ASX Code: TSE

Santos - ASX Code: STO

New Hope - ASX Code: NHC

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FAMILY MAN LIVES TO COOK BEHIND THE DESK WITH JEROME NINO DUENAS FROM MORRIS CORPORATION ■ Can you tell us about your role? Working for Morris Corporation as a Head Chef. Currently assigned at Base Camp Chinchilla.

■ What do you see in store for the region in the next five years? It will be a developed and much more industrialised region that will lead to more work opportunities. Its population on the other hand will increase because a lot of people will be moving and current residents will be staying.

■ Where has your career taken you? I am now at a much higher position with a much better salary. I have also gained more knowledge, experience and met new colleagues.

■ How do you keep busy outside of work? Spending time with my family. Like going out of town and doing different family activities.

■ What do you love most about your job? For me it’s not really a job, it’s more of a passion. But what I love most about it is seeing and hearing people being satisfied and happy through my passion in cooking. ■ What opportunities do you see for young people entering your line of work in the Surat Basin? It can serve as a very good experience for young people to work in this kind of field which will be beneficial for them in the future where they will be facing much bigger opportunities.

■ What is the best advice you have ever received? Best advice that I have ever received is to put God first in everything that you do.

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■ What is your greatest accomplishment in life? Nothing beats family. Like most of the other fathers out there, my family is my greatest accomplishment in life other than my career.

DOWN TO BUSINESS Cockatoo Coal - ASX Code: COK

Blue Energy - ASX Code: BUL

BHP Billiton - ASX Code: BHP

Leighton - ASX Code: LEI

0.040

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MOUNTS GROWS WITH INDUSTRY BEHIND THE DESK WITH LYLE WALDRON FROM MOUNTS MACHINERY ■ How long have you owned Mounts Machinery? We (Myself and co-owner Mark Green) bought it in 2008 after working at Mounts for more than a decade, we are both Roma locals. ■ Tell us about the history of Mounts? Mounts Machinery was established in 1963 by Keith and Betty Mount. They started their business with the John Shearer franchise. They later obtained the New Holland, Horwood Bagshaw and Connor Shea franchises and sold the business to Alec and Baden Waldron in 1984. I’m their nephew. Mark and I have continued to grow the business, we want to provide a high quality service for local industry with an emphasis on professionalism, competitiveness and strong family values. ■ What does your business do? Traditionally we have been an agriculture business, we’ve got a work shop out the back and we service a lot of trucks, a lot of the trucks are used in CSG. We are a multi-franchise company and have been providing farm machinery, truck, trailer and oil and gas industry parts and service to Western Queensland for a quarter of a century. We service all the different machines we sell. We are authorised dealers for Case IH and

We have 20 staff working in different areas, including parts, sales, the workshop, administration and we have store persons. We are always interested in hearing from people with experience who might help to grow our business.

New Holland as well as Hardi, Miller, Trimble, Superior, Challenge, CBC, Gyral, Jetstream, Hydraulink, Flexicoil, Fleetguard, Ryco, John Shearer, Janke and Jetstream. ■ How much does your business rely on the CSG industry? We’re agriculture and we’re trucks but we are pretty heavily reliant on CSG. We are always growing and developing the business in the transport and oil and gas arenas as well as ensuring we maintain a strong agricultural focus. Agriculture was how our company started

■ Has CSG changed how your business operates? We have had an increased demand, including for staff due to CSG. We always try to employ locally and we are big supporters of the community. Outside of work both myself and Mark have interests in rugby, touch football and horse racing. We also both have our own agricultural properties locally so we have got a good working knowledge of the land. and what it was founded on. That’s While we don’t deal directly with mining something both Mark and I are very companies often, we are very lucky to work passionate about. with lots of subcontractors who support the ■ How important is CSG to your business? community they live in by doing their business with us. Like many other local CSG’s success and growth is extremely businesses we benefit from the flow important for us to operate at this level. From the moment we purchased the business on-effects of CSG. we have benefited from CSG. It was one of ■ How has CSG changed Roma? the deciding factors in us acquiring the It’s just exploded, it’s gone from a sleepy business. We’ve grown with it as Roma has little town to a town with a lot of stuff grown too. happening. It’s a town that now provides plenty of opportunity and has lots of growth. ■ How big is your business?

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

PAGE 13

DOWN TO BUSINESS

WASTE WATER STORAGE BATTLE CONTINUES

RESEARCHING REMOTE MINES

‘AUTO MINES’ ON THE WAY PILBARA MINES’ AUTOMATED OPERATIONS ALREADY REMOTELY MANAGED machine learning, data fusion and systems engineering,” he said. “The centre’s work so far has resulted in a number of major research advancements targeted at improving the safety and productivity of autonomous operated mining sites. “One of our projects has created autonomous mining drill rigs that can bore holes into the ore body efficiently and reliably. This autonomous capability also allows the operator of the rig to be located in a much safer area of the mine site - or indeed anywhere on the planet. This increases the safety of the operator, and also greatly improves drilling precision in operations.” Rio Tinto innovation head John McGagh said

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the automation research could lead to remotely controlled mines being run from cities. “With mining increasingly taking place in remote parts of the world, tomorrow’s mines are likely to rely on remote monitoring and control, with employees running the mines from cities thousands of kilometres away,” he said. Mr McGagh said Rio Tinto had successfully automated some processes in its Western Australian mines. “With the input of the best academic minds we are already making this a reality. We remotely manage the automated operation of our iron ore mines in Pilbara region from our Perth based offices.”

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INES could be run from city offices hundreds of kilometres away if Rio Tinto research is successful. The miner and the University of Sydney have announced they will continue research into increasing mine automation for another five years. The Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation is working to develop fully autonomous, remotely controlled mining processes which could eventually lead to central Queensland mines being run from city offices. RTCMA director Steve Scheding said the research would look at the safety, precision and efficiency benefits of automation. “The range of programs under way at RTCMA crosses areas such as sensing,

HE We Kando development application for waste water storage ponds at Euthulla, 20km north of Roma, can now proceed to the merits stage of the appeal process. Now the Planning and Environment Court will decide if the proposed facility should be approved or refused. A preliminary hearing in the last fortnight was in favour of Maranoa Regional Council on two of three points. Despite the developments, president of Surat Basin Against Open Sewage and Salt Mark Huntley considered it a victory. The preliminary hearing found Maranoa Regional Council had carried out a thorough assessment of the development application and that public notification was correctly undertaken. On one technical aspect, the Court disagreed that ‘exact administrative process was correctly carried out’ by the council. The advice said that council should not refuse the development application on matters covered by environmental management approval issued by the Department of Environment and Heritage. To avoid a confusing double-up of responsibilities, council was following advice based on the Queensland Government’s strategy to remove the duplication of ‘green tape’ (which sees the separation of state and council roles) when undertaking assessment of the development application. Mayor Robert Loughnan said the council was pleased to see the appeal could now progress to the merits assessment stage early next year, where the matter could be finally resolved.

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HIGH SPEED LEARNING

NEW LESSONS: Arrow Energy, ATQ representatives and Brisbane Broncos players at the launch of the new indigenous program for the Western Downs.

PROGRAM BUILDS FUTURES TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE IS LEARNING TODAY ON THE WESTERN DOWNS It provides work placements at local businesses that match the student’s interest. At the end of the program they will gain a nationally recognised Certificate II or III qualification, with all costs covered by Arrow. The students also receive mentoring support from the Brisbane Broncos. Aroow has gone one step further, providing a work placement at its research farm. Dalby State High School year 12 student Ally Engle, has a keen interest in agriculture and had been learning the ropes from Arrow’s staff at Theten. “We’re delighted that Ally is working with out The ten team where we use innovations

in research to demonstrate how Arrow can coexist with the agricultural industry,” Mr Faulkner said. “Ally has just graduated from year 12 at Dalby State High School and it’s with great pleasure I can announce that Arrow will be offfering Ally a 12 month full time agricultural traineeship on our Thetan farm next year.” All Trades Queensland general manager Justin Playle said the remaining nine placement would be filled in 2015. “All Trades Queensland makes sure students are fully supported by assisting with pre-employment preparation, ongoing mentoring and off-the-job training,” Mr Playle said. The apprenticeships and trainesships are open to students across the Western Downs. To apply, students should contact their school careers officer.

Page20 SEE STORY

Ally Engle with Arrow Energy CEO Andrew Faulkner.

Faces at the gas forum

Teachers and sponsors met at the launch of the Chinchilla State High School F1 in Schools Program, including principal Scott Rowan, Wayne Rutledge, Bret Bowman, QGC's Kristelle Townsend, Leanne Hixon, Brett Sizeland from REA, and Origin’s Trudi Webster.

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IFTEEN indigenous high school students from the Western Downs will gain on-the-job skills and qualifications under a new Arrow Energy training program launched earlier this month. The program, a partnership between Arrow, All Trades Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos, offers traineeships and apprenticeships for students in years 11 and 12. Six placements have already been filled by students from Dalby State High School, Harristown State High School and Centenary High School Toowoomba. “Arrow is committed to supporting employment, training, education and business opportunites for Aboriginial and Torres Strait Islander people,” Arrow CEO Andrew Faulkner said. “We initially ran this program in Brisbane last year to support Indigenous youth at a key stage of their learning and development. “I’m thrilled that we have now extended into the Western Downs to support local students on their career journeys.” The program was launched at Dalby State High School Bunya Campus by Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown.

N INDUSTRY funded ‘F1 Hub’ classroom has been officially opened at Chinchilla State High School. The new classroom is equipped with a 3D printer, smoke tunnel, race track, and CNC router, all of it funded by Arrow Energy, Australia Pacific LNG, QGC, and Santos GLNG. The F1 in Schools program is one of the largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programs in the world. It includes tasks such as communication, leadership, industry engagement, marketing and project management. CSHS deputy principal Bret Bowman was glad to have the sponsorship on board to allow for the state of the art technology be included in the classroom. “This program will allow for our school to build relationships with local industries, while teaching students valuable lessons,” Mr Bowman said. “We aim to develop activities to help students move forward in future endeavours within the industries.” With the use of the technology in the ‘F1 Hub’, students and staff were able to create high powered, and very fast miniature Formula 1 cars.

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PAGE 15

OPINIONS

END OF AN ERA

HOBBS’ LAST XMAS MESSAGE MEMBER FOR WARREGO HOWARD HOBBS PREPARES TO HANG UP HIS HAT

COMMENT HOWARD HOBBS Member for Warrego

ELCOME to what will be my last Christmas Message in the Surat Basin News. It is timely that I reflect on a few of the highlights of the last 29 years and the last 40 in total including my service to Local Government. It is not often an MP can leave at a time of their choosing, and I believe that time has come for me. We have had many great challenges over the years. There have been a lot of changes made in this term of government. I think that has been one of the reasons why I have decided that it is time, because we have really been able to make some changes, particularly in areas that affect my electorate such as the issue of Freeholding. They are fantastic changes for people when it comes to security of tenure. There have been changes to vegetation management as well—practical changes, sensible changes, that needed to be made and that have made life a lot easier for many people. The Royalties for the Regions program—what a fantastic program and one I helped develop originally. It is now rolling out and helping a lot of

areas. The changes we have made to the guidelines for the coal seam gas industry have been spectacular and have really helped that industry make better rules so that both sides can work better in collaboration. The road works that have been done have been fantastic. Speed limits have been increased. I have always wanted 120-kilometre speed signs however I was successful with 110-kilometre over most of my electorate. Passing lanes on the busy Warrego Highway are starting to happen which will be great. The changes in health have been spectacular over the time, and there is more to come. Levee banks have been built in my electorate to protect the towns, so people can rest easy at night when it rains. I was elected to Parliament in 1986. That is before mobile phones. Imagine doing your work today without a mobile phone now. I was elected when Joh Bjelke-Petersen was Premier. He was Premier for 19 years. In the Borbidge Government I had the pleasure of setting up the Department of Natural Resources. In fact, I named the Department of Natural Resources. I pulled it together from the water

resources and the lands departments. I established the Water Infrastructure Task Force to look at all the dam sites in Queensland. The State Government committed $1 billion to build dams, unfortunately on changing Government the report gathered dust. It has been a privilege to represent Warrego in the State Parliament. It was a marginal seat. In 1986 I won by 579 votes and in 2001, by 96. At the last election I had a healthy 75 per cent margin, achieved by never taking the seat for granted, always looking at it as a marginal seat, responding to constituents’ needs and always having the philosophy of the harder you work, the better the result you will have. I want to thank my family: my children, their families and my grandchildren. I also take the opportunity to thank the Premier, the Ministers and the Opposition Leader for your kind words, I really appreciate that. I say thank you to the ministers, the departmental staff, the parliamentary staff, the committee staff over the years—and I have been on numerous committees—and certainly my electorate staff as well.

BUDGET NOT POPULAR, BUT NECESSARY

UCH has been written in recent weeks about the performance of the Federal Government since delivering its May budget. And while there will always be critics, the latest available data illustrates that whilst our economy is undergoing a significant transformation as the once dependable earnings from coal and iron ore decline, government is readjusting to this changing economy by investing in infrastructure and removing unnecessary regulatory burdens to fuel future business investment and jobs creation. Australia has been fortunate to have experienced 23 years of unprecedented economic growth. But we must accept that commodity prices have fallen from their peak in 2011, government finances have deteriorated significantly since 2008, our population is ageing and multifactor productivity growth

has been flat for a decade. As the recent Federal budget papers indicated, government does not have the same options for discretionary spending available and we are all being forced to tighten our belts. But, at the same time, it is against this tough fiscal backdrop that the Federal Government is acting to strengthen the Australian economy. This involves getting the Budget under control, removing taxes, removing red tape, building infrastructure and growing trade. It is our firm belief that strengthening Australia’s international competitiveness will be the key to our future prosperity. This year we’ve already scrapped the carbon and mining taxes; cut over 10,000 pieces of unnecessary legislation and regulations; commenced the largest infrastructure construction programme in Australian history and signed free trade agreements

with China, Japan and Korea. And these tough but necessary measures are already showing benefits. The National Accounts released last week showed the economy grew at 0.3 per cent in the September quarter and 2.7 per cent over the year. These figures represent the first twelve months of the Coalition in Government. During the corresponding twelve months of the previous Labor government annual growth was just 1.9 per cent. These National Accounts reflect quite starkly the resources sector switching from significant investment to significant production, as we are on the verge of experiencing across the Surat Basin. Over the last twelve months, we have accelerated approval for over $1 trillion of investment outcomes through 300 newly approved projects across the country. Long before I entered politics I had detected

COMMENT BARRY O’SULLIVAN Senator

that whenever there was a litany of complaints about government, it was instability that was driving these concerns. All business owners need a stable environment in order to have the confidence to invest and expand. The budget measures undertaken by the Treasurer Joe Hockey and the Federal Government have not always been popular, but I believe history will prove the Abbot Government took necessary action to ensure the nation’s finances were sustainable and provide business with this confidence. If we are to invest in upgrades to the Warrego and Bruce highways or build an inland rail or second Toowoomba range crossing, we must also bring spending under control.

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OPINIONS

KEY TO GAS EXPORT MILESTONE

COMMENT JOHN COTTER Chairman of the Gasfields Commission Queensland

HE much anticipated first export shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Gladstone produced from coal seam gas (CSG) from the Surat Basin is a significant milestone. It represents the start of a brand new export industry that has developed in just a few short years and will soon be generating royalties for Queensland to help pay for our roads, hospitals, schools and other public utilities. It represents a new resource industry that will provide jobs and business opportunities to Queenslanders over the

BILLIONS POUR INTO BASIN .

next 40 to 50 years. However, amidst the fanfare of this milestone it’s important to remember that this first onshore gas project and the others to follow would not have been possible without the contribution of two key groups. Firstly, there are the hundreds of rural landholders who through no choice of their own have had to accommodate and deal with the development of this new industry. They have to live and operate their rural businesses alongside these gas fields and pipelines. Rural landholders have spent much time and effort over the past few years trying to understand and negotiate with the onshore gas industry. While the industry quotes some 4000 land access agreements reached to date, the Commission’s focus remains on the quality and conduct of these negotiations and subsequent activity. In the early days it was the onshore gas industry’s lack of understanding and often ignorance of rural landholders and their businesses that was the cause of much of the angst and division. While the onshore gas industry has come a long way in improving their conduct and developing greater trust with rural landholders, more needs to be done and these relationships will require ongoing attention. Secondly, the regional towns and communities like Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and Roma have over recent years seen an invasion of gas workers and contractors. For the locals this ‘Hi Vis’ influx saw the

basic cost of living skyrocket in these regional communities for several years and those not on gas industry incomes had to struggle to keep pace and indeed some moved out. At the same time the onshore gas industry has directly supported many local businesses and jobs in the Surat Basin. According to industry figures, in 2013-14 there were over 1,000 businesses and 820 full-time local employees directly supported by the onshore gas proponents across Maranoa, Western Downs and Toowoomba regions. These locally-based company employees received salaries averaging over $110,000 and totalling some $92 million would have in large part been spent in these Surat Basin communities providing a further boost to other local businesses. The figures also showed the significant contribution of the onshore gas industry to the businesses and employees living outside the Surat Basin especially in Brisbane and South East Queensland. It’s another reminder of the contribution made by regional Queensland to the State’s food and energy needs, but also the many direct jobs and business opportunities it generates. Now as the onshore gas industry in the Surat Basin transitions from construction to production we need to ensure the proponents communicate clearly with regional communities about how this next phase will roll out and where the long term jobs and business opportunities will exist.

COMMENT SHANE CHARLES CEO Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise

REMINDER this monthabout how important the resources sector is to the regional economy. I am very conscious that things have slowed up in recent times – however, there is no denying the fact that the resource sector has played a large part in the economic vitality of the region. To put that into context the resources sector contributed (indirectly) $464 million to Maranoa, $2.1 billion to Western Downs, and $2.5 billion to Toowoomba. In terms of our Gross Regional Product this equates to 30, 70 and 27 per cent of the total economy. Particularly in Western Downs, this is a huge part of the economy. We should all try to ensure as much as possible that there are ongoing benefits for regional communities as we start to transit to the operations and maintenance phase of the onshore gas industry. This is a new industry and whilst there have been a number (or thousands) of challenges to get us to this point in time, I am particularly proud of the collegiate nature that has developed between the onshore gas industry and regional communities.

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OPINIONS

SOLUTION SOUGHT ON DALBY PARKING .

COMMENT

Cr RAY BROWN Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

HE Warrego Highway provides a vital link to our local communities and plays a key role in supporting industry and resource sector growth throughout our region. As a valuable national highway and significant piece of road infrastructure for the Western Downs and Surat Basin, Council has welcomed the recent announcement by the State Government to upgrade the section of the Warrego Highway that runs through Dalby. The proposed changes are designed to improve the ability of traffic to move more safely through the town. The much-needed upgrades will help address notorious safety issues along this section of the highway; safety issues which have intensified due to increased heavy traffic associated with the energy sector, along with the ever-steady flow of livestock vehicles throughout our region. If handled appropriately, the plans by Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to upgrade the highway from east of Dalby-Cecil Plains Road to the Moonie Highway will help ensure safer travel through Dalby, whilst also helping to

facilitate greater economic benefits for our local businesses who are situated along the Warrego Highway. The proposal to remove existing verge parking, as it does not currently meet with safety standards, has raised some concerns with local businesses. The community have been able to give their input into proposed changes aimed at helping to improve pedestrian safety along the highway. Local businesses and the community can be confident that Council will continue to work with the State Government to ensure that any upgrades will not only meet legislative and safety standards, but allow heavy and larger transport vehicles to safely pull-off the highway so as to frequent our local businesses, whilst also ensuring our residents can safely walk along the highway. This consultation has been important to ensure that both the community and businesses, in conjunction with Council, are a part of the planning processes which will help ensure that any changes made by the State Government will ensure the best outcome for our future. Meanwhile, with the holiday season upon us, I strongly encourage residents, visitors, and resource sector personnel to stay safe on our roads by being mindful of the road conditions and obeying any relevant signage at the numerous roadworks sites across our region.

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SPENDING A XMAS GIFT and South West were part of a $77.6 billion statewide contribution in 2013-14, confirming the minerals and energy sector’s COMMENT responsibility directly and indirectly for one MICHAEL ROCHE in every four dollars in the state’s economy CEO Queensland Resources and almost one in every five jobs. Council The Queensland story for the next few years is about translating a golden period of ITH Christmas almost upon us, the investment into sales of minerals and energy resources. timing couldn’t be better for the But as APLNG chief executive Page Maxson QRC’s annual analysis of told the QRC’s State of the Sector Forum in resources sector spending in Queensland. Brisbane, the coal seam gas industry would Covering the 2013-14 financial year, the continue to spend between $4 billion and $6 analysis by postcode of wages and salaries billion a year for the foreseeable future in the paid, goods and services purchased and Surat Basin. community contributions made by minerals If you would like to learn more about the and energy companies provides a valuable sector’s economic contributions, all the data insight into the economic relationships is available at www.qrc.org.au. between the sector and communities across On the issue of water reforms introduced by the state. the state government, there have been some The raw data collected from companies has politically motivated comments about the been analysed by economists Lawrence outcomes that are simply off the mark. Consulting to calculate the flow-on benefits Anyone with a basic understanding would to Queenslanders by geographical and know miners have no interest in taking on political regions. water excess to their operational For example, resource company spending requirements. resulted in a $4.7 billion contribution to the The memories of central Queensland mines Darling Downs statistical division – equivalent to 30 percent of the region’s gross holding around 500 gigalitres of floodwater in 2011 are still fresh. regional product. The water reforms mean that a mine will not In the South West, a more modest $498 have to apply for a licence for water it does million injection nonetheless represented 19 not want. percent of the region’s gross regional However, it must have in place a negotiated product. agreement with neighbouring landholders to A total of $165 million was paid in wages to compensate them if ‘associated water’ 1,520 direct full-time employees on the accumulates from aquifers that also help Downs. supply their needs. In turn, this generated another 23,000 jobs, This is a win for landholders – as sought by with $2.3 billion spent on goods and services peak rural group Agforce – but an additional supporting at least 1,032 local businesses. regulatory burden for miners. Resources companies operating on the In signing off for the year, on behalf of QRC Darling Downs contributed $117 million in members I extend to all Surat Basin News royalties to the state government from a readers the compliments of the season and a Queensland total of $2.5 billion. safe and prosperous 2015. The sector’s activities in the Darling Downs .

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PAGE 18

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

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OPINIONS

END OF A BIG YEAR

FLOOD LEVEE NEARS COMPLETION

Progress on Stage 4B of the Roma Sewerage Augmentation Project – new pumping station at Tiffin Street.

by developing a Regional Waste Management Strategy (which will review and plan future waste disposal practices for the region). Like many other communities across Australia, Council is looking at how the challenges of disposing waste can be overcome, as well as how recycling can become a focus in helping to limit the amount of waste ending up in landfill. With the strategy to soon be reviewed by Council, I look forward to seeing the next steps in Maranoa’s waste management. The year 2014 has been trying for a great number of our residents, with dry conditions reaching critical levels. I have spent time giving my support for our drought affected landholders as well as advocating for further short and long-term action from the State and Federal Governments. As I write this, I can only hope as the clouds build up, that there will soon be some relief for our residents. As the year quickly draws to a close, I’d like to wish our neighbouring Councils, State and Federal Representatives, media partners and of course our residents and the Surat Basin News readers, a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year – may we get some much needed rain over the holidays.

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ERE we are at the end of another year, and what a busy and productive year it has been! As I think back to all that has been achieved, I sincerely appreciate the effort that my Councillors and staff has and will continue to put in to ensure projects, events and programs are available for our Maranoa residents. It has certainly been a year of hard infrastructure improvements, with upgrades to sewerage infrastructure taking centre stage of some extensive works. The $5 million Roma Sewerage Augmentation Project is still currently underway and incorporates several elements including new sewerage pump stations and sewer main enlargements – all to improve the service for our residents now and into the future. This project is still underway and I look forward to its completion in early 2015. Another large project which has caught the attention of our residents has been Stage 1 of

Flood Mitigation Project is still being sought; however my Councillors and I are continually searching for funding opportunities to see this stage progress to construction. Moving into the future was a theme for Council’s waste management with Council looking to overhaul our waste management

Cr ROBERT LOUGHNAN Mayor, Maranoa Regional Council

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COMMENT

the Roma Flood Levee. A site to behold, this 5.2km earthen levee is currently at its final stages before commissioning and will dramatically reduce flood risk to a great number of previously flood effected residents in Roma. Funding for elements of Stage 2 of the Roma

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

PAGE 19

PLACES & FACES

PLACES AND FACES GAS FORUM BRINGS TOGETHER TOP INDUSTRY FIGURES

THE gas forum held at Chinchilla last week delivered information directly to the businesses in the region affected by the coal seam gas industry. For more on the forum outcomes turn to page 5. CAPTIONS 1. Shannon McDermott from Enzed and Chris Geater from Thomas & Coffey 2. Bernie McGovern from Chinchilla Motor Inn (left) and Wade Broom from Acacia Motel. 3. CCCI chairman Rob Hart. 4. Peter Mifsud, Dominic Murray, and Judy Green. 5.John Abraham, Yvette Waterfall, and Ben Hughes. 6. Bill McCutcheon (left) and Cr Greg Olm. 7. Tim Pitt, Michael Ashurst, Dom Kerwick and John Hoffmann.

6 PAGE 20

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014

PLACES & FACES

LEADING PLAYERS 8. Don Stiller, Ray Hicks, and Ed Mosley. 9. GasFields Commission chairman John Cotter. 10. Lynne Mason, Jade Fraser, Di Ewen, and Vicki Abraham. 11.Bill Blake, guest speaker Joanne Pafumi from QGC, and Mayor Ray Brown. 12. Rolly Heath (left) and Brendan McAndrew 13. Melanie Pickett and Emma Dolbel.

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PAGE 23

PLACES & FACES

SHOP LOCAL AT XMAS SURAT BASIN BUSINESSES ARE RELYING ON RESIDENTS TO SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

HE lights are twinkling, the baubles are shining and the golden star is in place. With only days to go until Christmas, Surat Basin locals are being encouraged to shop locally. Santos GLNG and Commerce Roma have joined forces to deliver this year’s final Shop Local Invest Local campaign message at a time when we’re all making our list and checking it twice. Santos GLNG Social Performance Advisor Camille Johnson said if people wanted to be on Santa’s good side this Christmas, they should get behind local businesses by shopping in town rather than online. “The Maranoa has some fantastic shops that we’ve been proud to support through this year’s shop local campaign,” Ms Johnson said. “No matter what sort of gifts you’re searching for this Christmas get out and about, check out the big tree and see what our shops have to offer!” Commerce Roma president Carmen Roberts said it was all too easy to fall out of the habit of shopping local. “We would like to encourage you to look local first for your Christmas shopping needs this year,” Ms Roberts said. “Our local businesses offer a unique range of products and services at competitive prices, they support our local community groups and events, and they assist with economic strength of our community by putting local dollars back into the community (through wages, purchases and business services). “Ultimately, the decision to buy more products locally is a very personal one, but it’s an easy decision for those who feel strongly about supporting their local community.” The message comes after Commerce Roma, Maranoa Regional Council and Santos GLNG put up Roma’s shining town Christmas tree on McDowall Street this month, officially kicking off the festive season. Mayor Robert Loughnan said it was

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SURAT BASIN NEWS Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 Printed by APN Print Toowoomba 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba Q4350 Erika Brayshaw 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 PO Box 138 Chinchilla Q4413 Phone 07 4662 7368

BUY LOCAL: Deputy Mayor Scott Wason, Camille Johnson from Santos, and Commerce Roma President Carmen Roberts have backed the campaign. fantastic to see the return of the community Christmas tree for 2014. “Congratulations to both Council and Commerce Roma; it is great to see the Christmas tree helping to spread the festive spirit throughout Roma’s CBD,” Cr Loughnan said. “The Christmas tree enhances the shopping experience for our residents

at our great local shops and stores.” The tree is located next to the Post Office and will be lit each night in December. Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is also pushing a “Buy Local” campaign, with Heeney St retail stores even opening their doors for late night shopping on December 18 and 23.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 18 December 2014