SBN 25 March 2010 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

Surat BasinNEWS Thursday 25 MARCH 2010

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LNG FIRST

INSIDE

BOC and QGC sign $100 million deal New transport fuel industry BY Teneale Luckraft

USA

editorial@suratbasin.com.au South-west Queensland will host the first plant in Australia to convert coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas on a commercial scale after a $100 million agreement was signed in Chinchilla last week. Gas company BOC (member of the Linde Group) and CSG exporter QGC (a BG group business) will work together to provide Queensland with a new transport fuel industry, which will see a network of LNG refuelling stations developed for the trucking industry. BOC plans to build a microLNG plant next to QGC’s Condamine Power Station with construction expected to start early next year. This will be subject to a formal development approval process. The plant will produce 50 tonnes of LNG a day, which is equivalent to 70,000 litres of diesel for heavy transport and industry. Around 40 jobs will be created during the construction phase with local suppliers being utilised where possible. Two full-time employees will work at the plant when it is completed. Starting July next year, QGC will supply gas to BOC, putting the companies on track to become the first in Australia to produce LNG from CSG, through safe and proven liquefaction technology. As part of the agreement, QGC will supply BOC with up to 30 petajoules of coal seam gas over 15 years, with an option of extending this a further 15 years.

BOC plans to complete an interstate network of LNG refuelling stations for the trucking industry, building and operating up to eight refuelling stations from Queensland to Victoria. As a starting point, BOC proposes to build a refuelling station on the Warrego Highway, subject to further discussions with customers. The eight stations will be supplied from BOC’s existing liquefaction plant in Victoria and the one to be built in the Surat Basin. Queensland premier Anna Bligh was in Chinchilla for the announcement and said the Surat Basin would be the birth place of LNG in Queensland. She said the partnership between BOC and QGC provided the Western Downs Regional Council with extensive opportunities as well as challenges that would need to be faced. “This really is cutting edge technology right here in Chinchilla,” she said. “LNG produces up to 25 per cent fewer emissions than diesel when used for transport and is a quieter, proven, safe alternative to other fossil fuels.” QGC managing director Catherine Tanna said by supplying coal seam gas to be converted into LNG to replace diesel, they would be helping to create a new industry and at the same time support local economies. “QGC is committed to supplying the domestic gas

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PAGE 6

QGC managing director Catherine Tanna, Queensland premier Anna Bligh and BOC South Pacific managing director Colin Isaac at the annoucement launch.

market from our gas fields in southern Queensland as we continue to develop our Queensland Curtis LNG project at Gladstone,” she said. BOC South Pacific managing

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director Colin Isaac said LNG was a reliable and proven technology that would offer Queensland’s trucking operators an economically and environmentally appealing alternative to diesel.

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LOCAL NEWS

INSIDE THIS EDITION: RESOURCES

LOCAL NEWS

Funding boom for Surat Basin on Holdings n awarded a ar contract to and Syntech’s l mine at Downs. AGE 7

se out looking ew CEO at Basin tion welcomed board s earlier this

Teneale Luckraft Editor

Beth Walker Graphic Design

The Newspaper The Surat Basin News will initially publish quarterly and will be delivered via the three dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star and Dalby Herald. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 12,000 living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region. Plans are to make the newspaper more frequent once support has been established.

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TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL GE 19

Air open in region Career Opportunities At Toowoomba Regional Council

ressor specialists Services ed into the th an office ted in a.

“Anyone interested in a career in the industry needs to start acquiring the right skills as soon and possible.”

Toowoomba Regional Council is servicing a regional population of 151,000 with a staff of 1,600. The rapidly growing region offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking for a rewarding career based in one of South-East Queensland’s most sought-after areas. It offers all the beneﬁts of urban and country living including some of Australia’s ﬁnest education facilities, highly regarded health services and a growing reputation for restaurants, coffee shops and wineries. Some of our vacant positions are in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Health, Administration and Plumbing.

www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/jobs Ken Gouldthorp CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Expanding fleet to support growth of Surat Basin region

rial not like hers

— ESQ CEO Glenn Porter

To ﬁnd out about all positions currently available please visit our website

Ostwald Bros has added theT358 Kenworth agitator to its concrete fleet.

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ons of interest being taken or their new park. The uine heavy estate Toowoomba

stwald Bros is expanding its concrete fleet to support regional development, as it continues to grow its position as a quality supplier of concrete and quarry materials.

PO Box 3021 Toowoomba Village Fair QLD 4350 T 07 4688 6611 www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/jobs

supplying to hometowns, builders and all industries in the region. Ostwald Bros has been a supplier of concrete, quarries and civil construction services for two decades and plans for ongoing expansion will further increase its capacity

RESOURCES:

COMPANIES:

The State Government has announced a sustainability plan for the region coupled with more than $27 million in funding. The governor of Wyoming visits Linc Energy. Syntech awards development and mining contract. Xstrata Coal to expand on mines near Wandoan.

Around 14,000 jobs are expected to become available over the next 25 years. Arrow Energy is given thumbs up for pipeline licence. QGC and Australia Pacific LNG sign joint ventures. Queensland Hunter Gas delayed for 12 months.

Air compressor servicing experts PremiAir Services opens office in Chinchilla. Ostwald Bros prepares for pending boom by expanding concrete business. Surat Basin Developments launch industrial park. Taylor Safety provides mobile service for Surat region.

at Basin News

The Vision uncil eks water utions Western Downs onal Council asked three r CSG players elp in securing a r supply for the

PAGE 22

ng wait for veloper to en estate k Miles land oper David tapple 12 months ally say his Akers e was officially

he Maranoa Regional Council moved to become part of a new resource centre housing initiative early last month. Organised by the Queensland Urban Land Development Authority, the initiative is focused on increasing the availability and diversity of housing for key community workers in towns affected by the resource boom. During a general meeting, council voted to seek the ULDA’s help after identifying six adjoining parcels of vacant State land at Hospital Hill as a key site for development and revitalisation. Mayor Robert Loughnan said the continued growth in the oil and gas industry was contributing to housing stress in Roma. “With the imminent expansion of coal seam gas across the region, council needs to ensure we’re taking action to stay ahead of the game to keep the cost of living affordable for our community long term”, he

Surat Basin

said. “The ULDA’s program provides a fantastic opportunity for us to work with experts in the field to find some real and immediate solutions.” He said the key selling points were the program’s focus on providing affordable housing for local workers, who earn lower salaries – particularly those in the retail and service industries. “Retention of these people is critical to keeping local businesses and our economy ticking over, but at the moment they’re struggling with the cost of living.” Cr Loughnan said the ULDA would assess the Hospital Hill site and seek State Government declaration if the land was suitable for development. Council expects the result to be announced by the middle of the year. If successful the project will start early 2011 and community consultation will be undertaken should the project progress.

“... a fantastic opportunity for us to work with experts ... to find some real and immedicate solutions.” Maranoa Council mayor Robert Loughnan

WILDLIFE: CSG provides funding to

ISSUES UNRESOLVED: “Their biggest concern lies with the lack of trust that has developed between the companies.”

help local charity care for animals.

“It’s a constant fight” P

Roma talks housing E 24

elcomes rongman o region

ossible chemical spills, inadequate land rehabilitation and surprise property visits are just some of the issues that have haunted local farmers, causing them grief and sleepless nights for the past two years. During a meeting held at the Cameby Hall near Miles earlier this month, a group of local graziers aired their

situation as an ongoing nightmare. Arrow Energy, Cockatoo Coal and Syntech have all been blacklisted by the farmers who are outraged that the same ongoing issues have not been resolved since exploration and mining started in 2008. Their biggest concern lies with the lack of trust that has developed between the companies, with past experiences proving entry

on into the Australian market. “We wouldn’t be able to sell our cattle.” Toxic weed ‘Mother of Millions’ is also a point of concern for graziers with the deadly weed having the potential to kill cattle. Fear that vehicles entering properties without going through the agreed wash down facilities has farmers on edge. They said these constant battles were affecting their livelihoods with vacations, property renovations and upgrades all out of

Animal care made easier with support from CSG giant QGC

the question. “It’s always in your mind. This is freehold land and we’ve lost our rights and choices. “It’s a constant fight that wears you down.” As development plans continue to move forward, road closures are next on the agenda with some property owners about to lose direct access to their homes. The real crunch will occur mid next year for many landholders; the acquisition date set down by mining company Syntech.

joins with ers med task een o advance n Downs as hub of the boom.

anger and disappointment at the lack of respect and honesty they have received from mining and gas companies operating within the region.

Energy to skill ts rgy has with Dalby ls to create hways in the oal seam gas

Hospital Hill is an area council has identified to develop.

1(,/ 0$16(// 75$163257 3W\ /WG

dates, rehabilitation and wash down agreements are not being kept. The group has said key legislation regarding drilling regulations was not abided by resulting in drill holes appearing in restricted areas. Concern regarding honesty was also discussed with chemical spills and the threat of weed infestation also weighing on the farmers’ minds. “If there was a chemical spill, there is no guarantee it would be cleaned up or we would be told about it,” one farmer said. “It could lead to possible quarantine which would flow

“It’s always in your mind. This is freehold land and we’ve lost our rights and choices” Not willing to be named due to fear of repercussion, the farmers, who reside in the Columboola, Cameby and Rywong areas, describe their

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at the lds d ual Drama in ds e was this month ng left the gy to

SPECIALITY SERVICES QLD

he Woop Woop Wildlife Rescue Inc has been able to buy extra animal feed, vet supplies and other equipment thanks to the support of QGC. The CSG company has providing funding to help the charity group care for sick and injured animals. Woop Woop president Karen Smith said the support had provided a big lift to the small Tara based group. “The cost of feeding roos is very expensive and the carers pay for feed and vet bills out of their own pockets,” she said. “We are often bottle feeding more than 20 animals at a time.” Part of the funding will be spent on materials to build and fit out a shed to house an emergency treatment centre. “We are using an old massage table as a treatment table but we now have a stainless steel examination table that we can keep sterile.” In addition to the equipment, QGC has helped Woop Woop develop new

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n ent’s manger he hub of ng region.

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SMART CHOICES: Maranoa Regional Council seeks outside help to elivi housing stress in Roma.

PAGE 21

THE TOWNS

THE PEOPLE

INFRASTRUCTURE

With the Surat Basin region receiving national attention, Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them. View our March 25 addition at www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews

“The extraction of coal seam gas is a cleaner process than coal which produces a cleaner fuel, and it’s relatively new technology,” he said. “That means we need to start finding people who want to work as process operations technicians, drilling technician, engineers and a host of other occupations in career opportunities that are about to start appearing across Queensland.” ESQ’s vocational training programs will also allow workers from other industries to develop skill sets that are suited to the industry.

THE NEWS:

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The T358 will be put to work as a back up for batch plants in Dalby, Kingaroy and pending Chinchilla plant.

n transport as from coal fields in the in to its LNG plant at ns Landing.

DALBY CONTAINERS

urat Basin News

Surat Basin News is not 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 300 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.

nergy Skills Queensland has been working closely with Arrow Energy, Origin Energy, QGC and Santos to identify and develop the skills that will be needed to support the CSG/LNG industry. Supported by the State Government, the CSG/LNG Workforce Development Plan has identified 7000 skilled positions that will need to be filled during the estimated 25-year life of the industry. This is with an additional 7000 jobs that will be created during the construction phase. According to the CSG/LNG Skills Taskforce, opportunities in the industry will start growing before the middle of the year. ESQ chief executive officer Glenn Porter said anyone interested in a career within the industry would need to start acquiring the right skills as soon as possible.

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n and oint re

Regional mayors Western Downs Regional Council Ray Brown, Banana Shire John Hooper Queensland premier Anna Bligh, Paroo Shire Council mayor Jo Shepherd, Toowoomba Shire Council Peter Taylor and Maranoa Shire Council Robert Loughnan.

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profile your company: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

Industry jobs start soon

We SPECIALISE in CATERIN for the WORKERS in the SURAT BASIN

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THE COMPANIES

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NEXT STAGE: 14,000 jobs expected to be created by the CSG industry over the next 25 years - major companies helping to skill workers.

Surat Basin towns hav welcomed the $23.65 million of State Government funding.

AGE 5

David Richardson General Manager

VOICE YOUR OPINION: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

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Surat Basin NEWS

publicity materials to help raise awareness of the work and provide advice to the community on what people should do if they encounter sick or injured wildlife. QGC general manager gas field operations Steve Carter said Woop Woop was providing a vital service to the community. “Woop Woop is a small organisation that retrieves and cares for injured animals, manages a hotline and runs information sessions for school children and the wider community,” he said. “These dedicated wildlife carers work around the clock to protect our native species and we are delighted to provide them with some practical assistance to help make that job a little easier.” Woop Woop is staffed by volunteers and cares for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, possums, sugar gliders, birds, koalas, frogs, reptiles and bats. Woop Woop operates in Tara, Chinchilla, Kogan, Dalby, Miles, Condamine and surrounding areas.

What is Roma’s capacity The Maranoa Regional Council is undertaking a survey of the business community to determine the region's capacity to supply products

work with the CSG industry to tailor a series of workshops linking business with key industry decision makers. “This project is about giv-

Origin office moving The Origin Roma office is on the move with a growing number of staff resulting in the move to a bigger office. The relocation will occur later this year, with the office moving further up on Arthur Street. The growth is a positive sign for the community with locals staying in the western Queensland town together with new families arriving. In turn it will bring students to the local schools and permanent jobs that add to the economic stability of the community. For more information on Origin projects pop into the office. Origin's portable public display is also available for events.

Rob Davidson Water Carting

INFRASTRUCTURE:

THE PEOPLE:

THE TOWNS:

Maranoa Regional Council plans to develop Roma. State Government holds firm on QR sale. Miles developer David Sweetapple opens estate. Western Downs council looks to CSG companies for water.

Cameby farmers have lost faith in industry talk. SBD business manager Jim Strongman moves to hub of booming region. Arrow Energy sign deal with Dalby State High School to skill students.

QGC’s Drama in the Gasfields postponed due to flooding. Confusion over Miles’ QGAP office. Historical museum moves with the times. Camp style accommodation opens in Chinchilla.

Next editions - June 24, September 23, December 16, 2010

Surat Basin NEWS

Print run 12,000 Inserted into the Western Star, Dalby Herald and Chinchilla News and Murilla Advertiser

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hinchilla Newspapers today leading ground breaks new with as a worldced position r enhan Surat Basinof a regional the release first — ladstone’s has been furthelight for the News. the The newsp coal port month’s green Island Coal aper and website associated with this new Wiggins said while ple and captures the project BY John communities massive s, peor Paul Lucas Farmer Basin energy editorial the Acting Premie province. of the Surat per will @suratbasin.com Terminal, state’s port city. has approved conThe the .au 12,000, reach the homes newspaeneral subject to Coal visiting nator-G exposin of almost prosperity ent, economic g the culture statem “The Coordi Island as the Surat said. climate al impact Wiggins fastest develo inc Energy Basin,” of Austra and E environmentthe $3.5 billion he “While lia’s for fourth weekhas entered the General ping region. 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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

Surat Basin News

LOCAL NEWS surat basin news

VOICE YOUR OPINION: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

Funding boom for Surat Basin

Surat Basin towns have welcomed the $23.65 million of State Government funding. We SPECIALISE in CATERING for the WORKERS in the SURAT BASIN

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Macmahon Holdings has been awarded a three year contract to develop and operate Syntech’s new coal mine at Cameby Downs. PAGE 7

Krause out SBC looking for new CEO The Surat Basin Corporation welcomed five new board members earlier this year but said goodbye to interim CEO Richard Krause.

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Acacia Motel Regional mayors Western Downs Regional Council Ray Brown, Banana Shire John Hooper Queensland premier Anna Bligh, Paroo Shire Council mayor Jo Shepherd, Toowoomba Shire Council Peter Taylor and Maranoa Shire Council Robert Loughnan.

he news continues for the Surat Basin region with a further $23.65 million in funding announcements and a clear plan forward all culminating at a regional development forum held in Roma last Thursday. The forum, which was attended by Queensland premier Anna Bligh, was organised to outline the recently announced Surat Basin Future Directions Statement. During the meeting Ms Bligh announced the multimillion dollar funding package, which includes money for regional infrastructure and education. This includes the Roma Airport with $4.7 million to help upgrade facilities including the runway, terminal, car park, security fencing and access road. Work to enable larger aircrafts to land is planned with further contributions from the Maranoa Council and industry. The Dalby Aquatic Centre will receive $4.6 million to refurbish and replace the existing pools. $4.5 million will be allocated to building a Trade Training Hub at Miles State High School, as well as the refurbishment of existing school-based

industrial workshops at Wandoan and schools. The participating schools will work closely with the CSG industry to ensure that students are equipped with high quality training that specialises in CSG production. The Queensland Ambulance Service in Taroom, Meandarra and Surat will receive $2.9 million to buy or build staff housing, while $2.7 million has been allocated to build affordable housing for lower wage workers in key service roles ranging from hospitality to food service and childcare. The Chinchilla Community Centre will be allocated $2.6 million to buy new facilities and a further $1.5 million on top of the recently announced $4.3 million to upgrade intersections and widen and seal roads to make them safer. Mitchell will receive $120,000 to build a new SES building and $30,000 will provide a new fit-out for the SES in Surat. Funding for the projects has come from the government’s $100 million Sustainable Resource Communities policy that has been designed to manage growth in Queensland’s boom areas. It was established in 2008 and more than $64

million has already been allocated to booming regions. To help assist manage the impending Surat Basin boom, the State Government earlier this month released the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement. This is a plan that has been created to retain and improve levels of livability within the Surat Basin region. A steering committee was formed during the forum in Roma last week, with Western Downs Regional mayor Ray Brown heading the group. “In the long run, this is very valuable for the region,” he said. “It’s very important that the processes are put in place correctly and a designated time frame has been established.” Premier Bligh said the statement was a major long-term commitment to the region to help prepare and plan for opportunities and to overcome the challenges associated with its growth. “The LNG industry is fantastic news in terms of jobs, economic growth and prosperity but local communities are concerned about the pressure this rapid growth may cause,” she said.

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LOCAL NEWS

Plans for growth put in place

Ostwald Bros chief executive officer Brendan Ostwald with Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown, Primary Industries minister Tim Mulherin and Ostwald Bros general manager Matthew Ostwald.

Ostwald Bros in Dalby hosted the launch of the State Government's Surat Basin Future Directions Statement earlier this month. With six key areas of action outlined and a timeline defined, the future development of the region is looking good. The key action areas include planning for growth, planning and developing infrastructure, capturing economic opportunities and building resilience, developing a skilled workforce, building and maintaining liveable communities and sustaining regional environments. Ostwald Bros chief executive officer Brendan Ostwald said he was keen to help promote regional growth. “We want families in our communities and that means providing all the amenities they require from safe roads to sporting facilities,” he said. Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland minister Tim Mulherin said the plan would manage growth within the Surat Basin and ensure families were able to move into the region. “We will work with locals to plan in areas such as affordable housing, population distribution, workforce planning and transport, sharing information and creating a shared view about what is needed,” he said. “The Basin had been prime agricultural land for more than a century, it's the bread basket of Queensland. “Now the basin's mineral wealth will drive whole new industries not only locally, but in export hubs such as Gladstone. “Our challenge is to ensure that this extraordinary economic growth over coming years leads to attractive lifestyles and secure communities, set amid thriving agricultural production.” Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown said he was glad the region's growth had

now been recognised. “It's good to be recognised for the major impact the Surat Basin in having and will have,” he said. “The beauty of this is a defined timeline where the government can be held accountable.” Timeline deadlines include: “Social Impact Management Plans to better understand social infrastructure requirements and respond to local needs by July 2010. “The Preferred Settlement Pattern for the Surat Basin Region – to guide regional planning and service delivery – by October 2010. “A Regional Planning Framework to be developed by October 2010. “A Regional Transport Investigation – covering various transport modes as well as alternative or complementary non-infrastructure solutions to transport issues by December 2010. “A Resource Town Housing Affordability Strategy – to improve availability of quality affordable land and housing by December 2010. “An Economic Strategy for the Surat Basin region by December 2010. “Develop the framework to manage strategic cropping land – to protect some of the best farming land in Australia – by December 2010. “A co-ordinated Workforce Development Plan - to address skills and labour needs for the region by December 2010. Queensland premier Anna Bligh said the statement was a major long-term commitment to the region to help prepare and plan for opportunities and to overcome the challenges associated with its growth.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

LOCAL NEWS

Production expected to start at Cameby in July

Syntech awards mining contract “This contract win allows us to further develop our expertise in this area and provide customers with a full suite of services.” - Macmahon CEO Nick Bowen Earlier this month, Macmahon Holdings Limited announced it had been awarded a three year contract by Syntech Resources to develop and operate the new Cameby Downs coal mine. Worth more than $190 million, the contract will see Macmahon undertake all mining activities for stage one of the project. This includes planning, mine development, waste

stripping, coal mining, coal preparation and train loading. Production is expected to start in July, with the first coal train load due in October. Macmahon chief executive officer Nick Bowen said the award not only builds on their expertise in coal mining, but is also the first contract where they will cooperate and maintain the coal handling and prepara-

tion plant. “This contract win allows us to further develop our expertise in this area and provide customers with a full suite of services,” he said. Syntech Resources chief executive Darian Hielscher said Syntech was excited that a major milestone in the development of Cameby Downs had be reached. At full production in stage one; the mine will pro-

duce 1.4 million tonnes each year of high quality thermal coal for export via the Port of Brisbane. Stage two is targeted at shipping in excess of 10 million tonnes via the Port of Gladstone. Around 140 people will be employed onsite and where practical, Macmahon said it would source the workforce from local communities.

Syntech office site facilities.

Power supply security Powerlink Queensland is looking to build a new substation near Brigalow. The company is not building a power station as headlined in the February edition of Surat Basin Monthly. The proposed site will be located off Banana Bridge Road near Brigalow and the Kogan Creek Power Station. The Western Downs Substation will be the first step in a major project that could ensure a reliable high voltage electricity supply

maintained in the future. Powerlink is looking at having the proposed project completed by the 2012/13 summer. Chief operating officer Simon Bartlett said the project included a future 275 kilovolt power line that would connect the new substation to the Halys Substation near Kingaroy. Environmental consultants Concis have finished the final EIS report and public submissions are being

sought. Copies are available from the Chinchilla and Dalby libraries or at www.powerlink.com.au or www.westerndowns.yolasite.com Copies have also been provided to relevant stakeholders and agencies. Preliminary construction activities for the Western Downs Substation are expected to start later this year weather permitting.

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LOCAL NEWS

Linc Energy gets overseas approval BY Teneale Luckraft editorial @suratbasin.com.au

Governor David Freudenthal of Wyoming USA was in Chinchilla last week to inspect Linc Energy’s UCG to GTL demonstration facility. Linc Energy has acquired more than 173,000 acres of coal leases in the Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota states, which is classed the heart of the US’s energy system. Linc plans to establish its first UCG pilot program in the United States as soon as possible to secure the commercial use of UCG to GTL technologies for cleaner energy solutions. Governor Freudenthal said his visit to Australia had been beneficial and provided an opportunity to speak with a number of different entities. “I have come to Queensland because a lot of the characteristics of the energy economy and coal are the same,” he said. “It was important to see Linc, as it has secured a contract with its underground coal in Wyoming. “It is a new approach and we want to see how successful it is.” Linc Energy general manag-

er – new projects Don Schofield said they were thrilled to have the Governor on site to see the facility. “We invited the Governor out so he could see firsthand our running demonstration,” he said. Mr Schofield said Linc has been working closely with Wyoming’s state regulatory body to obtain the permits needed to proceed with the project. “Because this is a first; it’s new, there is no definite timeframe for opening a commercial operation. “There is a lot to be done.” Early last month, Linc announced the construction of Chinchilla’s UCG Generator 4 was complete and producing synthesis gas. Mr Schofield said the results to date were very positive with the key technical attributes of the generator based on the learning and success of Linc’s earlier UCG generators. UCG Generator 4 was designed and built to demonstrate key productivity, scale and reliability enhancements that would provide critical data for ensuring future sustained commercial UCG success in South Australia and North America. Linc Energy has also constructed a water clean-up

plant at the Chinchilla site in combination with Veolia. It will eventually take all the water produced, clean it and re-inject it into the UCG generator to obtain better efficiencies, both in cooler operating temperatures in the wells and in the ability to produce additional hydrogen. Another key objective for Generator 4 is the production of high quality synthesis gas to feed the Fischer-Tropsch GTL facility at Chinchilla. The GTL demonstration facility has also recently undergone modifications aimed at further increasing catalyst activity and gas conversion. These improvements will allow Linc to increase production rates further, with longer campaigns to produce increased volumes of hydrocarbon liquid products that can be used for market entry and other technical assessments. It is the company’s aim to treat and refine (off-site) about 20,000 litres of Linc Energy synthetic liquids from Chinchilla into Jet A-1 fuel, for performance testing in a jet engine later this year. It is a significant milestone in the context of the recent decision by the US FAA to allow the use of a 50:50 blend of synthetic Jet A-1 fuel in the United States commercial airline industry.

Western Downs Regional mayor Ray Brown with Mines and Energy minister Stephen Robertson and Wyoming governor David Freudenthal.

Airport expands its wings UCG Generator 4 is operational and producing synthesis gas.

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Maranoa mayor Robert Loughnan is calling on the Federal Government to sign on the dotted line for an upgrade of Roma Airport. The State Government and energy company Santos both committed to the project last week, announcing contributions of $4.7 million and $2.5 million respectively. Cr Loughnan said the upgrade would cost around $11 million in total, and was essential to support jobs and lifestyle opportunities in the

region. “QantasLink passenger numbers have grown by around 270 per cent since 2004,” Cr Loughnan said. “The airport is currently struggling to meet demand, and there is a need to increase capacity, extend the runway and modernise facilities for the benefit of all users.” Cr Loughnan said council would work with the Airport Advisory Committee to manage the project and would be

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prepared to fund any shortfall in project costs. The project scope includes: $1.75 million upgrade of the passenger terminal. Lengthening, widening and strengthening of the existing runway to allow larger aircraft to land. Construction of a 250 space secure car park with lighting. Widening of the existing taxiway and apron to accommodate larger aircraft.

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LOCAL NEWS

SBC on look out for new CEO Exciting year of change for Surat Basin Corportion The Surat Basin Corporation is looking for a new chief executive officer after interim CEO Richard Krause left the corporation last month. Due to personal reasons, Mr Krause has now moved on to new endeavours. New board member Ben Hughes has stepped into this role until a new CEO has been found. SBC’s Greg West has assured the region the SBC is as strong as ever, with five new board members joining late, last year. These were Toowoomba

Regional Council mayor Paul Antonio, WHK Accounting chief executive John Moncrief, Michael Webber from Rabobank, BeNext director Ben Hughes and Kaye Maguire from Maguire Coaches. “The group now has the luxury of having board representation from the Roma, Chinchilla, Dalby, Toowoomba and Brisbane regions,” he said. “There will now be representation from these board members at their respective area forums.” Mr West said the SBC was excited about the year ahead with major change on the horizon. “The 2010 calendar year stands to be a memorable one for regions across the Surat Basin.

Former SBC chief executive officer Richard Krause. “Starting this month, there will be a series of major financials that are set to transform industries and communities of the Surat Basin for generations.”

SBC also has big plans of its own with a series of informative forums being organised for community members throughout the year starting next month. “Arguably the SBC is in a very unique position. “To the best of our knowledge, we are the only not for profit group operating over three distinct and different regions. “To help deliver the required, clear and concise communication, the group has decided to commence with a series of informative forums. “These will be daytime events, held on consecutive days in each of the local government areas.” Executive board member Graham Secombe said they were also looking to produce a

DVD that showcased liveability across the region, linking in with the three regional councils. “It will showcase all the communities across our area with the intent to highlight lifestyle,” he said. Plans to expand the website have also been discussed creating a portal to members and community groups. “We will link in with the major projects to source and pass on the vital information it assist business in making informed strategic decisions.” Mr Secombe said the corporation was also looking forward to this year’s conference with the 2009 conference proving a huge success.

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PAGE 7

LOCAL NEWS

Xstrata expands Wandoan plans Earlier this year, Xstrata Coal has confirmed it is planning to invest $15 billion into Queensland and create one of the country’s largest coal-producing regions. This will include a $6 billion, 100 million metric tonnes a year, four-pit mining operation near

Wandoan, as well as the development of another three nearby mines, each with a 25 million metric tonne annual output. Xstrata’s communications manager James Rickards said planning for the additional mines was still in its infancy stages.

Origin Energy ramps up

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Origin Energy has successfully synchronised to the grid the first turbine of its 630 megawatt Darling Downs combined cycle power station. This is a key milestone for the company and will be one of three 120MW gas turbines

to be synchronised as part of a commissioning phase over the coming months. A steam turbine will capture the waste heat from the gas turbines which will increase the efficiency and capacity of the plant.

The milestone follows the completion of the 205km domestic gas pipeline linking the power station to Australia Pacific LNG's coal seam gas fields in the Surat Basin.

Talinga moves forward The second stage of Australia Pacific LNG's Talinga coal seam gas development near Chinchilla started commissioning its second high pressure stage earlier this year. During this commissioning period, gas from Talinga will be supplementing existing gas supply to a number of clients. It is another milestone in the ongoing development of the project, which has followed the earlier start-up low pressure stage one in November last year. Australia Pacific LNG is a 50:50 CSG to LNG joint venture between Origin and ConocoPhillips. Origin is the developer and

operator of the Talinga gas plant on behalf of Australia Pacific LNG joint venture. Origin Upstream Oil and Gas executive general manager Paul Zealand said it was a major step forward in the continuing development of Talinga. “The development of the Talinga Gas Plant has involved a peak of more than 300 workers on site over the last 12 months and a total of 56 wells have been drilled to date,” he said. Stage One of Talinga saw the commissioning of the first stage of inlet compression utilising gas from the initial pilot wells and 11 production wells. The start-up of stage two

involves high pressure reciprocating compressors and dehydration. With an extra 12 wells online since stage one, it will bring total capacity to more than 30 terajoules per day. “The drilling, completion and connection of the remaining wells in this phase of the development will continue over the course of 2010.” Once stage two is completed, it will have a final capacity of 90TJ/day. This development will also include a reverse osmosis water treatment plant and supporting infrastructure capable of processing 20 megalitres of water per day.

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OPINIONS QUARTERLY CONDUCT The issues, identities and announcements making news over the last three months.

THE ISSUE:

HOUSING STRESS IN ROMA The Maranoa Regional Council is working with the Queensland Urban Land Development Authority to help at eliviating housing stress in Roma. Six adjoining parcels of vacan State land at Hospital Hill has been earmarked as a key site for development and revitalisation. Target groups include local workers on lower wages.

THE IDENTITY:

SBC FORMER CEO RICHARD KRAUSE Surat Basin Corporation interim CEO Richard Krause left the organisation ealier this year. New board member Ben Hughes has stepped into the role until a replacement is found.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT:

$100 million LNG industry first An agreement between BOC and CSG company QGC this month is the first for not only the region but Australia. Together they will work to provide a new transport fuel industry, which will see LNG refuelling stations developed for the trucking industry. BOC plans to build its first station along the Warrego Highway.

THE CONTROVERSY:

FARMERS LOSE FAITH - BEATEN Local farmers in the Cameby Downs, Coolumbulla and Rywng areas are outraged that the same issues are still ongoing since exploration and mining started on their properties two years ago.

Avoiding boom and bust cycle in Surat Basin communities The $40 billion development of the Surat Energy Resources Province creates great opportunities as well as significant challenges for the region.

“It is difficult not to get caught up in the excitement of the region's potential” Already, a two-speed economy is beginning to emerge: one that is centred on our traditional agricultural base and services sector; and the other based on the booming resource sector. It is difficult not to get caught up in the excitement of the region's potential but it is important that growth is managed so as to prevent a boom and bust cycle, as we have witnessed in other resource-intensive regions across Australia. We must ensure that our traditional industries do not suffer from the financial might of the global resource companies. The traditional and longstanding small businesses across southern Queensland are already beginning to feel the upward pressure on employee wages because of the resource sector's ability to pay much higher salaries.

Thankfully, 457 visa workers have been welcomed with open arms by local communities such as Roma, Chinchilla, Dalby and Miles, to name a few. Had business owners not been able to employ foreign workers, a number of small businesses would have closed or relocated their operations off shore. The threat of job losses still remain, however, as small businesses in our manufacturing sector may eventually be forced to send projects offshore to remain competitive here in Queensland. I am already beginning to hear concerns about access to affordable housing, which has long been an issue for areas experiencing a mining boom. Examples in Western Australia show that the capacity for resource companies to pay higher rents has inflated local

COMMENT Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa

markets in places such as Port Headland and Karratha. It is not uncommon for mining companies to pay rents of up to $1600 per week for a three to four bedroom house. This, of course, is simply not sustainable and should this same scenario develop in the Surat Coal Basin it will

effect on the social fabric and self-identity of a community. Perhaps in a more positive tone, I welcome the recent announcement by the Queensland Government to provide $4.5 million in funding to establish a Trade Training Hub for Miles and to upgrade school workshops in Wandoan and Taroom. Initiatives such as these are a great way for the region to ensure that we train young local people to stay and work locally. However, whilst I support the hub's main skills specialisation in Coal Seam Gas production, I hope it takes a more holistic approach to training

“I am already beginning to hear concerns about access to affordable housing, which has long been an issue for areas experiencing a mining boom.” — Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott create a false rental market. As a two-speed economy evolves, many locals particularly older Australians - may find themselves unable to afford the increasing rents and rates, and we may witness an exodus of long-term residents. This in turn can have a significantly negative

programs. Skills learned and qualifications earned in the energy industry are often also applicable to jobs in the agricultural and primary industries. By doing our best to not favour one industry over another, we can ensure that southern Queensland continues to make a vital contribution to the state and national economy.

Warrego Highway recognised as high priority by the State Government Last edition of the Surat Basin News I talked about the State Government’s $100 million Sustainable Resource Communities fund

THE STATEMENT: “Our challenge is to ensure that this extraordinary economic growth over coming years leads to attractive lifestyles and secure communities, set amid thriving agricultural production.”

And with an almost one per cent unemployment rate, it is difficult to find people to fill roles which do not offer wages as high as those in the energy industry.

COMMENT Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego

- Primary Industries minister Tim Mulherin on the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement.

to improve the economic and social infrastructure in key mining areas such as the Surat Basin. In this edition I warmly welcome the $23.65 million allocated from this fund recently by the State Government. I would like to express my thanks to the Local Mayors, Rob Loughnan, Ray Brown who have worked tirelessly with me pursuing this funding for our region. The Roma Airport will receive a much needed

upgrade and I also wish to congratulate Santos for playing their part with this project and I thank them for responding to my personal representations on this matter as Local Member. The strategic regional importance of the Roma Airport has been highlighted again during this months flood event. Training, SES facilities, QAS housing, affordable housing, intersection upgrades, road safety upgrades and a community centre will all help with the growth demands being experienced in our communities. The big ticket infrastructure issue is the Warrego Highway. I have raised the need for upgrades to this Highway with every Minister, Premier and Director General who has visited the region in the last two weeks, and can I tell you there have been a number of visits. I am pleased to say that

the Warrego Highway is now recognised as a high priority by the State Government and I will continue to pursue urgent upgrades and long term works for this Highway. Every major river system in the Warrego Electorate, which is larger than the State of Victoria, has recorded record flood events. I know that for some this has brought great hardship if a home,

that some insurance companies that just won't knuckle down and pay up. I have been working with the State Government to try to resolve the assistance issues in a bi partisan way and I am doing my best to get back to those who have made inquiries to my office. The situation with insurance will become clearer in the next few weeks. I want to make it clear

“Training, SES facilities, QAS housing, affordable housing, intersection upgrades, road safety upgrades and a community centre will all help with the growth demands being experienced in our communities.” — Member for Warrego Howard Hobbs business or machinery has been inundated or if self employed people simply haven't been able to get to work. I am finding gaps in the assistance available and

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

that I will not hesitate to name those companies who have performed well in their duties and shame those in the State Parliament who have not performed to community expectation.

PAGE 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR EMAIL: editorial@suratbasin.com.au POST: 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, 4413

Surat Basin NEWS 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla, QLD 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla, 4413 Phone: 4662 7368 General Manager: David Richardson Advertising: Laurell Ison Editor: Teneale Luckraft

Editorial

Big start to year The first quarter of 2010 has already seen major change occurring. Years of speculation and talk are starting to become a reality and for the first time, Surat Basin is now recognised by the State Government as a booming region. In the past three weeks three major annoucements have been resulting in financial benefits for the region’s councils as well as a clear path forward for regional towns. We are now considered part of the State Government’s Sustainable Resource Communitys policy, which provides funding to manage growth in ‘booming’ areas. This is coupled with the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement that has been created to retain and improve levels of liveability within the Surat Basin region. The biggest news this year is the signing of a $100 million agreement between BOC and QGC, who will work together to provide Queensland with a new transport fuel industry. This will see a network of LNG refuelling stations developed for the trucking industry, with plans for the first one to be built along the Warrego Highway. This is an Australian first and is happening right here in our region. The news can only get better for the Surat Basin this year with major companies expecting to announce financial desicions within the next six months. Yes, the time is coming and quickly 2010 is shaping up to be Surat Basin’s biggest year yet!

Regional blue print and time lines welcomed It is extremely exciting times for development across the Western Downs, particularly in the Surat Basin Energy Province. The new Surat Basin Future Directions Statement launched by the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries Tim Mulherin in Dalby this month was a big coup for our region as it highlighted several policies and directions established by the State Government. Western Downs Regional Council welcomes this blueprint for our region, particularly as it outlines timeframes of when these strategies and plans will be put into action. These frameworks are extremely important because they not only provide a direction on where the region's settlement patterns are and for regional planning, but also for issues such as social impact, affordable housing, transport investigations, economic strategies, and regional workforce and employment development areas Council will need to address. In recognising the potential of our region as one of the country's fastest growing economies, the State Government quite willingly promotes it in all forums

“Along with this enormous growth in the Surat Basin, the future economic outlook of the Western Downs Regional Council area looks

LETTERS to the editor

assured...

Address to: The Editor Surat Basin News PO Box 138 Chinchilla 4413 Email to: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

”

with much of the spotlight on the Surat Basin as the growth sector in the State's Coal Seam Gas industry. The announcements imminent by the Coal Seam Gas industry in particular the LNG projects heading north

COMMENT Cr Ray Brown Mayor, Dalby Regional Council

are at present of considerable interest to Council, particularly with many of the environmental impact statements open to public comment and Council staff involved with these. Council staff continue to be extremely busy in the planning, environment and engineering services areas working toward ensuring sufficient infrastructure is put into place to cater for future development, as well to minimise the pressures faced by communities from these new developments. Along with this enormous growth in the Surat Basin, the future economic outlook of the Western Downs Regional Council area looks assured with it also home to massive developments of open-cut coal mining, underground coal gasification, new power stations, and a progressive agricultural sector. In light of the resources boom, Western Downs Regional Council has taken a leadership stance to protect our communities and prime agricultural land at all cost from the affects of mining development, and is continuing to work with all development companies to ensure there is a balance and that a win-win situation can occur across the board. Western Downs Regional Council welcomes the recent announcement by the State Government to draw up a Strategic Cropping Land Policy to secure the future of the region's prime farmland. Council embraces and encourages the responsible development of the region's rich reserves, but seeks to

Energy developments continue to surge ahead across the Western Downs. ensure that the development of the finite resources under the land do not compromise the long-term sustainability of good quality agricultural land. A recent contribution from the State Government of $4.3 million towards our local road network in the Chinchilla, Kogan and Tara areas is a further step forward in addressing the region's infrastructure issues. Transport infrastructure however continues to be of major concern across the whole region, and Council remains committed to making its concerns about the condition of the Warrego Highway as well as the need for greater funding for upgrades to deteriorating state and local controlled roads known to the State Government. Also of considerable concern to Council are the ongoing issues associated with the region's rail and air transportation network because these affect every town across the region. Council will continue being a voice to the State Government in a bid to find positive transportation outcomes for our communities. Across the region over the past six months residents have been engaged in the Western Downs 2050 community planning process to 2921895aa provide Council with a direc-

tion of what the community's needs and requirements will be in the next 40 years. The 2050 Community Plan will become a vital blueprint for our region to start creating a direction for the future. I would like to thank those members of the community who have keenly participated and contributed to these forums and for their commitment to planning our region's future. Western Downs Regional Council last year undertook a Business Capability Study throughout the region and had an overwhelming 90% response rate from local business. This study paints a positive picture of the region's business landscape as it highlights the abundant opportunities available to local businesses and what businesses our region needs to attract. The study also provides Council with a comprehensive regional profile of the local industry which will be an effective long-term economic development tool for businesses and is a resource the energy sector is very keen to tap into. Western Downs Regional Council remains focused on managing growth in the Surat Basin region with its foremost priority to ensure that local communities are well equipped to manage the imminent resources boom.

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2010 the year ahead

Economic future assured

Roma Airport Upgrade

Managing one of the largest socio-economic growth periods in its history. Michael Roche, QRC

Council taking leadership role to ensure communities and prime agricultural land is protected.

Regional importance of the Roma Airport has been highlighted again during this months flood event. Howard Hobbs, MP

Ray Brown, Mayor

Building blocks for the future Surat Basin Strategies for the year ahead, working with our stakeholders with Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Michael Roche Any misplaced doubts over the commitment of the resources sector to the Surat region have been dispelled by a string of new investment announcements. The $100 million longterm gas supply agreement between QGC and BOC gases to extend a new transport fuel industry to Queensland is big news in its own right, with the bonus of new liquid fuel from coal seam gas with lower emissions than diesel. The significance of the project is driven home knowing that within five years, Australia's liquid fuel import bill will be around $25 billion a year – almost the entire value of our rural exports last year. In welcoming the Premier's announcement of $23.65 million for infrastructure and services projects for the Surat under the Sustainable Resource Communities Partnership Program, the QRC was also pleased to note an additional commitment by coal seam gas developer Santos of up to $2.5 million for the upgrading of Roma Airport. The government investment in the Surat underlines the importance of a long-term commitment to the Sustainable Resource Communities Partnership and the continuing participation of its partners – the Queensland Resources Council, the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Queensland Government.

What began as a $100 million fund in 2008 now has less than $13 million available to put towards improving the livability of rapidly developing resources-based communities. What Surat residents deserve to see in the next state budget is a clear commitment from government that it will continue to address shortcomings in key service areas including health, housing, education and childcare. This is a particularly important issue for the Surat as it seeks to manage one of the largest socio-economic growth periods in its history. With economic forecasts pointing to resources sector growth far exceeding all other sectors of the Queensland economy over the next decade, increased government revenues need to be balanced by significant new government spending in the communities creating this new wealth. Resourcing the future Consolidating the Surat Basin's future as a world class energy producer, expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) has been secured thanks to the support of resource sector companies, training and education providers and the state government. Ten Surat Basin high schools have signed on to the ‘virtual' academy concept launched by the Queensland Resources Council and the state

government in 2005. The QMEA is now the largest partnership of its type in Australia with 28 schools around the state offering education and training pathway options for students interested in resource sector careers. With the support of

seam gas industry. As QMEA chairman, I am also pleased to acknowledge Xstrata Coal's commitment to support career opportunities for students at Miles, Taroom and Wandoan. The Premier's announcement last week of $4.5 million to establish a Trade Training Hub involving these schools is a prime example of the value of forward looking education and training partnerships. The resources sector offers a wide range of well-

government's strategic cropping land policy and framework discussion paper, welcoming efforts to bring focus and direction to community concerns through a consultative process. Much of Queensland's historical experience with resource activity has been on land used for broadacre grazing, for which there is legal responsibility to rehabilitate land to an agreed standard. However, with the expansion of exploration tenures into more intensively farmed land,

Energy Skills Queensland and coal seam gas companies Origin Energy, QGC and Santos, QMEA will provide state high school students at Roma, Chinchilla, Dalby, Toowoomba, Oakey and Pittsworth and the independent Downlands College at Toowoomba with an opportunity to focus their education on the rapidly expanding coal

paid jobs and it is only right that the Surat region's young people should be given every opportunity to consider the operator, trade, paraprofessional and professional career streams available. Strategic cropping land The Queensland Resources Council had made its submission to the

there have been calls from landholders for the State Government – the owners of mineral and energy resources on behalf of all citizens – to exclude resource sector operations from certain highly productive agricultural areas. The QRC supports a well resourced, public and transparent evaluation process to provide

COMMENT Michael Roche Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council

information about resource operations, and other possible land use changes. It should openly gather all relevant information, identify land qualities and make a case-by-case assessment of a project's prospects. Queensland already has in place a thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) process, through which many of the protections and balances that communities are calling for exist. The QRC Board has endorsed a formal position supporting government land use planning decisions using transparent and scientifically-based criteria. Planning certainty is particularly important in the development of environmental licence conditions for land rehabilitation and release of the government discussion paper is a first step towards defining highly productive cropping land. All that is needed is some clarity of definition around strategic cropping land and this policy can be given immediate effect for all applications without the need for cumbersome legislative changes. A second matter of keen interest is the notion of another public interest test. I say ‘another' because one already exists under ministerial discretion. With an estimated 2.2 per cent of Queensland's land mass dedicated to cropping and less than 0.1 per cent under mining lease, there is no reason why the state's two premier export industries cannot continue to operate side by side. The QRC submission is available at www.qrc.org.au under Publications.

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PAGE 11

Surat Basin News

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NEXT STAGE: 14,000 jobs expected to be created by the CSG industry over the next 25 years - major companies helping to skill workers.

Industry jobs start soon PAGE 14

Origin and QGC joint venture Australia Pacific LNG and QGC (BG Group) have agreed on a framework for the development of jointly owned coal seam gas tenements. PAGE 20

Arrow Energy gets pipeline licence

“Anyone interested in a career in the industry needs to start acquiring the right skills as soon and possible.” — ESQ CEO Glenn Porter

Arrow can transport natural gas from coal seam gas fields in the Surat Basin to its proposed LNG plant at Fishermans Landing.

Energex looks to the future to secure skilled employees.

Arrow Energy leading the way in skilling the workforce.

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Agreements signed but still waiting on final investment decisions to be announced Australia Pacific LNG and QGC (BG Group) last month agreed on a framework for the development of jointly owned coal seam gas tenements. These are ATP 648P and ATP 620P. The parties have also entered into conditional gas sales agreements to support the development of both their LNG projects. Origin Energy managing director Grant King said the gas sales agreements would deliver significant value to Australia Pacific LNG and Origin. “They will open an export channel to market for part of Australia Pacific’s LNG’s gas resource and bring forward it monetisation,” he said. Under these agreements, Australia Pacific LNG expects to sell about 190PJ of gas over an initial ramp up period of about two years. “Annual volumes sold to QGC are expected to reduce to average 25 PJ over the balance of the initial 20 year contract period.” Mr King said Australia Pacific LNG would separately market the balance of its gas from these tenements for the long term. This field development framework provides a mechanism for the parties to progress the technical design and conditions for the ultimate development of these jointly owned resources. The start of gas sales to QGC is

ANE BRISB ING AD THRE W ITY NO L I C A F ATING OPER

China wins QGC pipeline contract QGC (BG Group) awarded the contract for the manufacture of 550km of pipeline for its Queensland Curtis LNG Project earlier this month. Howa Trading Co Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baoshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd (known as Baosteel) of the People’s Republic of China won the tender for the 42inch AP15L X70 steel pipe. The coated pipe will be made by Baosteel in Shanghai, and delivered to Brisbane and Gladstone starting October this year. This will continue for up to 12 months. The pipe represents the collection header pipeline and 340km main export line that will transport gas to Gladstone from QGC’s coal seam gas fields in the Surat Basin. The pipeline will be the largest-diameter gas pipe laid onshore in Australia and cannot be manufactured by Australian steel mills because of its size. A decision on who will install the pipeline will be made later this year.

Baosteel from the People’s Republic of China will build QGC’s main export pipeline. Construction of the Project later this year. It required Queensland pipeline will start after BG and Federal Government Group has made a final environmental and regulatoinvestment decision on the ry approvals. Queensland Curtis LNG

Hunter Gas expect delays of 12 months An Origin Energy’s well being built. aligned with the start of commercial operations at QGC’s Queensland Curtis LNG project, which is expected to start in 2014. The field development plans and gas sales agreements are conditional on QGC making a final investment decision on QGLNG.

The proponents of a major gas pipeline through Queensland and New South Wales say the project has been delayed by at least 12 months after QGC pulled out of the project last year. The Queensland-Hunter Gas (QHG) pipeline company is looking to build a pipeline from coal seam gas fields in the Surat Basin to Newcastle. It is now looking for companies to supply the gas in Queensland and buy it in NSW.

QHG general manager Bob Otjen said they were hoping to start pumping next year. “Now at this point we are probably looking for later 2010 in service,” he said “But until such time as we sign that large customer on the dotted line, we can only go so far with the process. “On the plus side, we are moving forward and talking to engineering procurement companies about the construction of this pipeline.”

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Arrow Energy receives one of the first region. Arrow Energy can transport natural gas from coal seam gas fields in the Surat Basin to the proposed 1.5 mega tonne a year LNG plant at Fishermans Landing after it was issued, by the State Government, a pipeline licence last month. Mines and Energy minister Stephen Robertson said the Surat to Gladstone pipeline licence was the first of several proposed licences issued to transport gas to proposed LNG facilities in Gladstone. The pipeline is estimated to cost

pipeline licences for the Surat Basin more than $550 million and will be 470km long. It is expected to transport around 90 PJ of CSG a year. “The pipeline will deliver gas from a processing facility near Dalby to Gladstone,” Mr Robertson said. Arrow Energy will now need to consult with landholders to obtain the appropriate permission to enter the land, acquire the necessary easements and negotiate appropriate compensation and access agreements.

QGC make enviornmental changes for Curtis Island The QCLNG project will include transporting gas from Surat Basin through a 540km underground pipeline network. QGC has made several changes that will reduce the environmental impact of its Queensland Curtis LNG project using information received from public submissions. Changes include reducing the impact of plant noise on neighbouring residents with clearly defined site selection processes and the use of electric drive machines and enclosures around engines and compressors. Gas field development plans have been refined to provide greater certainty for landholders on QGC's intentions for the next five years and beyond. Plans for beneficial use of water produced in the extraction of coal seam gas are also progressing. Together with the State Government and other companies, QGC is working on options for water use and will build reverse osmosis plants to ensure the water is treated to acceptable standards - this includes agricultural use. The QCLNG project will include transporting gas from Surat Basin through a 540km underground pipeline network.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

This will include a 340km export trunk line to a processing plant on Curtis Island near Gladstone. Queensland and Commonwealth agencies will review the EIS and determine whether the project will proceed. QGC will make a final decision of the project later this year. A copy of the EIS is available at www.qclng.com.au

Changes include reducing the impact of plant noise on neighbouring residents with clearly defined site selection processes and the use of electric drive machines and enclosures around engines and compressors.

“Wheels are turning.” “It’s good for the town. It’s getting busier.” Grant Bignell, Miles Beaurepaires.

Register now. For Australians at home and at work, coal seam gas is a new natural energy source. For local business it’s also a fresh source of income and new opportunities. In the not too distant future we’ll be opening for tender a wide range of product and service contracts. We have a supplier database to register all people and companies interested in providing their products or services to Origin. To make the most of this opportunity, we recommend you register as soon as possible. For a copy of our Supplier Registration Form call 1800 526 369 or email us at suppliers@originenergy.com.au or check out origintogether.com

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

PAGE 15

Surat Basin News

THE COMPANIES surat basin news

profile your company: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

The T358 will be put to work as a back up for batch plants in Dalby, Kingaroy and pending Chinchilla plant. TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL PAGE 19

PremiAir open doors in region

PAGE 19

Industrial park not like any others Expressions of interest are now being taken by SBD for their new Industrial park. The only genuine heavy industry estate between Toowoomba and Roma.

PAGE 16

Career Opportunities At Toowoomba Regional Council Toowoomba Regional Council is servicing a regional population of 151,000 with a staff of 1,600. The rapidly growing region offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking for a rewarding career based in one of South-East Queensland’s most sought-after areas. It offers all the beneﬁts of urban and country living including some of Australia’s ﬁnest education facilities, highly regarded health services and a growing reputation for restaurants, coffee shops and wineries.

Ostwald Bros has added theT358 Kenworth agitator to its concrete fleet.

Expanding fleet to support growth of Surat Basin region stwald Bros is expanding its concrete fleet to support regional development, as it continues to grow its position as a quality supplier of concrete and quarry materials. The new addition, a T358 Kenworth agitator, will support the increased construction demands created by regional infrastructure and resource projects. The T358, will be put to work as a back up for the company's batch plants in Dalby, Kingaroy as well as the pending Chinchilla plant. As major projects ramp up in the years ahead and more workers move into the region, housing demand is set to rise. Already new subdivisions are mushrooming with predictions that the Surat Basin housing boom will continue. In response, Ostwald Bros, is expanding it concrete and quarries division. Its batching plants now operate throughout the Surat Basin and the company aims to further grow its position

To ﬁnd out about all positions currently available please visit our website

www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/jobs Ken Gouldthorp CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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PO Box 3021 Toowoomba Village Fair QLD 4350 T 07 4688 6611 www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/jobs

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

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Air compressor servicing specialists PremiAir Services has moved into the region with an office now located in Chinchilla.

PremiAir Services We specialise in the Hire, Sales and Service of Air Compressors - 100% oil free diesel and electric - Standard pressure diesel, 7 bar 100 to 1500 cfm - High pressure diesel, 34 bar 370 to 1150 cfm - Standard eletric, 7 bar 40 to 1000 cfm

Generators Traffic Management Variable Message Boards Lighting Towers Tilt Trays Crane Trucks Onsite Diesel Refuelling Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

NEW CHINCHILLA OFFICE 249 Zeller Street Phone 4668 9188 Mobile Lindsay Ashby 0434 391 484 www.premiairhire.com.au Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

PAGE 17

COMPANIES

WORKPLACE TRAINING

SBD leads way with industrial estate BY Teneale Luckraft editorial @suratbasin.com.au

Surat Basin Developments is building the only genuine heavy industry estate located between Toowoomba and Roma and with 11 expressions of interest; companies are being urged to secure their lot now. Located on the outskirts of Chinchilla, stage one of Surat Basin Industrial Estate is designed for medium to heavy industry with a total of 27 lots ranging from 4000sqm to 1.16 hectares. The estate will be covered with 300mm compacted hardstand, which means heavy vehicles can be brought into the park, on completion of road works. The road base, worth up

to $60,000 on a 4000m2 lot, will be free for buyers who register an expression of interest for a block in the estate. Surat Basin Developments business development manager Jim Strongman said the blocks were suitable for all players from the smaller workshops that support the industries, right up to the bigger manufacturing and transport companies. They also provide great investment opportunities, with the potential to provide the completed building requirements for tier one and two suppliers. “Our alliances with some of Australia’s leading industrial design and construction companies allow us to tailor packages to suit your specific business needs, from the design and construction of a

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Clearing the way for region’s only genuine heavy industry estate. development of 17 largeproject, to investment opporscale lots ranging in size tunities,” he said. from 0.4 to 4.04 hectares. SBD is expecting final Surat Basin engineering approval from the Western Downs Regional Developments is also undertaking the commercial redeCouncil within three to four velopment of a BP site along weeks. From there they can the Warrego Highway in move forward and turn Chinchilla. This will include expressions of interest into a truck stop and fast food binding contracts. restaurants. Stage two of the estate is The redevelopment of the due to start later this Tattersall’s Hotel is also in depending on council the infant planning stages. approval. This will see the

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Air compressor service specialist Experts in matching the right equipment for any job fast PremiAir Services has opened its doors in Chinchilla, bringing to the Surat Basin region a quality hire, sales and service company. With operations across two states, the PremiAir Chinchilla office is one of six sites, that employs around 45 staff. It is the only company within the Surat Basin that services all makes and models of air compressors and generators, a service not available before now in the Surat Basin and surrounding areas. PremiAir has more than 22 years of experience with rotary screw air compressors, generators, traffic management solutions and their associated equipment. Regional manager Lindsay Ashby said they were experts in matching the right equipment for any job and fast. “PremiAir is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can supply and deliver air compressors, generators and lighting towers as well as traffic management solutions for the drilling, construction, indoor/outdoor events, industrial or any emer-

gency situation,” he said. “Any time of the day or night we can work with you and arrange the equipment you need. “We have an extensive range at our disposal backed up by the most experienced personnel in the industry.” PremiAir is considered by many to be the preeminent supplier of high pressure air compressors to Australia’s drilling industry and would have one of the most extensive fleets in the country. Premiair also boast one of the largest fleets of the flag ship 100 per cent oil free range of diesel compressors in Australia. New and used electric and diesel air compressors, generators, inline filtration and refrigerated air dryers are also available for hire or purchase and PremiAir can supply and install compressed air pipe work. The efficient and customer focused company also has its vehicles fitted to full BMA specification, which are ready to go onto any work site at any time. Since 2003, PremiAir has been playing its part in the planet’s future by switching its entire hire

PremiAir Services moves into the Surat region. fleet, including its tilt tray trucks and service vehicles to biodiesel fuel. As a result, PremiAir has directly contributed towards lowering emissions in the environment and will continue to promote the effectiveness to other businesses. This extends to many of PremiAir’s external customers, who are also run-

ning on biodiesel and an ever growing number of government departments and local councils as well. “Since becoming a green company in 2003, we have exceeded mandated environmental compliance and have made conservation and sustainability central in our daily operations. “We recognise that we have environmental

responsibilities and our constant aim is for all our equipment to be well maintained to ensure reliability, efficiency and above all environmentally sound.” Over the years PremiAir Services has also made massive inroads into the event market and have secured some of the largest events on the festi-

val calendar. “We are committed to the event industry and will not rest until we are the standard by which all other suppliers to the event market are judged.” For more information on any of PremiAir’s services contact Lindsay on 0434 391 484 or call the national hot line on 1300 661 878 24/7.

Taylor’s keeps region in latest safety gear

WDS has re-positioned its existing businesses of:

Safety in the workplace is paramount in any industry and Taylor Safety Equipment can ensure all employees are kitted from head to toe. Based in Toowoomba and servicing the Surat Basin, Taylor Safety visits Dalby, Chinchilla, Tara and Miles every fortnight and Roma in the first week of each month, with an equipped van, so stock is available on the spot. Free delivery can also be arranged for regional customers. This mobile service brings safety products straight to your door with PPE, boots, helmets, specs, masks, vests, gloves just some of the examples. Taylor Safety can also organise height safety, confined space training and fire extinguisher services on site, or in their Toowoomba store. Manager Allan Mullins said great service was the key to their 10-year success, with friendly experienced staff always on hand to help. "We pride ourselves on our

service and delivery" he said. Uniforms and embroidery are also services provided by Taylor Safety Equipment, and their extensive range of products can be viewed at the Toowoomba store at 207 McDougall Street, just below the airport. "You can buy just about anything, and as we are an independent company, we're not restricted to certain suppliers or brands. “We are the one-stop-shop!"

“You can buy just about anything ... we are an independent company, we’re not restricted to certain suppliers or brands.

• Ackroyd Engineering Services • Advent Asia • Delco Energy Australia • • Diversified Engineering Corporation • MacCormick Civil & Tunnelling • Walter Engineering • Walter Mining Diversified Construction Corporation

WDS offer an enhanced range of services through three divisions:

Water & Civil Mining Oil & Gas Covering expertise previously provided by: acCormick Civil & Tunnelling Pty Ltd

- Taylor Safety manager Allan Mullins

www.wdslimited.com.au Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

PAGE 19

Surat Basin News

INFRASTRUCTURE surat basin news

VOICE YOUR OPINION: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

SMART CHOICES: Maranoa Regional Council seeks outside help to eliviate housing stress in Roma.

Roma talks housing PAGE 21

Council seeks water solutions The Western Downs Regional Council has asked three major CSG players for help in securing a water supply for the area.

PAGE 22

Long wait for developer to open estate It took Miles land developer David Sweetapple 12 months to finally say his Akers Estate was officially open.

he Maranoa Regional Council moved to become part of a new resource centre housing initiative early last month. Organised by the Queensland Urban Land Development Authority, the initiative is focused on increasing the availability and diversity of housing for key community workers in towns affected by the resource boom. During a general meeting, council voted to seek the ULDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help after identifying six adjoining parcels of vacant State land at Hospital Hill as a key site for development and revitalisation. Mayor Robert Loughnan said the continued growth in the oil and gas industry was contributing to housing stress in Roma. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the imminent expansion of coal seam gas across the region, council needs to ensure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking action to stay ahead of the game to keep the cost of living affordable for our community long termâ&#x20AC;?, he

Surat Basin

NEWS Advertising Laurell Ison Phone 4662 7368 Editorial Teneale Luckraft Phone 4662 7368 Subscriptions Ashleigh Stark Phone 4662 7368 View Surat Basin News Online www.issuu.com/ suratbasinnews

PAGE 20

said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ULDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program provides a fantastic opportunity for us to work with experts in the field to find some real and immediate solutions.â&#x20AC;? He said the key selling points were the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on providing affordable housing for local workers, who earn lower salaries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly those in the retail and service industries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retention of these people is critical to keeping local businesses and our economy ticking over, but at the moment theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re struggling with the cost of living.â&#x20AC;? Cr Loughnan said the ULDA would assess the Hospital Hill site and seek State Government declaration if the land was suitable for development. Council expects the result to be announced by the middle of the year. If successful the project will start early 2011 and community consultation will be undertaken should the project progress.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... a fantastic opportunity for us to work with experts ... to find some real and immedicate solutions.â&#x20AC;? Maranoa Council mayor Robert Loughnan

Hospital Hill is an area council has identified to develop.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

INFRASTRUCTURE

Project details please Additional feedback from key advisory agencies about the environmental investigations into a proposed $82.5 million expansion at Port Curtis is being sought by the State Government. A Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement for the Fisherman's Landing Port Expansion has been forwarded by Coordinator-General Colin Jensen to advisory agencies for comment earlier this month. Infrastructure and Planning minister Stirling Hinchliffe said expanding the port facilities; Gladstone could attract more national and internation-

al industries. "This project is designed to better serve the import-export orientated industries located within the Gladstone State Development Area. "The new facilities may also be used by one or more of the LNG projects proposed for the region." The project, which has been proposed by the Gladstone Ports Corporation, would expand Fisherman's Landing by 153 hectares through he reclamation of seabed adjacent to the existing port facility. "It could deliver additional land for the construction of six wharves and provide for the

development of transport, storage, loading and unloading facilities." It is anticipated one third of the bund wall would be constructed in a single program to receive dredged material from the proposed expansion of the Targinie Channel and Fisherman's Landing swing basin. As well as key State and Local government agencies, the SEIS has also been forwarded to private submitters to the EIS for their information. The Coordinator-General is expected to finalise his evaluation report later this year.

Water solutions for Farmers sell water western downs Arrow Energy, Origin Energy and QGC are all looking at working with the Western Downs Regional Council to help secure a sustainable water supply for the region. The companies held a meeting with council in Dalby earlier this month to discuss planning options. A report is expected to be released at the end of the month which outlines the major aspects of the plan. These include associated costs, information about water quality and quantity, pipeline availability, construction timeframes and the lifespan of the proposed projects. While council hopes to create a daily supply base from the companies, it has no intention of abandoning its other water services.

The Federal Government announced earlier this month it would buy $100 million worth of water entitlements from farmers in the Lower Balonne catchment area. Natural Resources minister Stephen Robertson said finalising the Resource Operations Plan would allow the Commonwealth to start purchasing water allocations to support its $3.1 billion ‘Restoring the Balance in the Murray Darling Basin’ initiative, that seeks to return water to the basin’s rivers and wetlands. “I understand there is keen interest from many Lower Balonne farmers to sell some of their water assets to the Commonwealth for a variety of reason including further farm investments,” he said. The Federal Government’s tender will close on April 16, or ten days after the ROP is finalised, whichever is later.

QR sale stands The original plan to sell Queensland Rail will continue to move forward according to Queensland Transport minister Rachel Nolan. Last week, coal producers meet with the Queensland Resource Council to discuss QR ownership. QRC CEO Michael Roche said it was clear from the meeting coal producers were unanimous in their view that the QR coal business privatisation model being pursued by the State Government was in the interests of neither the coal industry nor Queensland taxpayers. “Strong rail infrastructure performance is critical to the coal industry’s ability to stay Queensland’s and Australia’s largest export industry,” he said. Queensland coal producers are concerned about the performance of this crucial coal industry infrastructure under the structure proposed by the Queensland Government whereby a privatised QR National will both control the coal track net-

work as well as operate a rail haulage business in competition with other haulage operators using that track. “Of particular concern is that the government’s existing proposal to float a vertically integrated coal business will severely limit investment in the new rail capacity needed for industry growth and new job creation. “By contrast, coal producers – as owners of the coal track network – have a very strong incentive to ensure a high performing network and to make timely investment in new rail capacity to avoid export bottlenecks.” Minister Nolan reaffirmed the government’s stance saying there would be no change to the original sale plan. “The government’s view and the government's previous announcements have been that QR will be publicly floated at the end of this year with a maximum shareholding to any party of 15 per cent and there is no variant from that position,” she said.

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PAGE 21

INFRASTRUCTURE

Green Akers heart ache Approval no easy feat "This project ... could create about 5000 direct jobs during the construction phase and could contribute to further growth of the Queensland economy." - Infrastructure and Planning minister Stirling Hinchliffe

approval processes could be streamlined for future developments in the town. “Local businesses had expected and planned for growth sooner than this but the lack of land for house blocks has meant that people have been turned away from moving here.” Meanwhile, the Miles Chamber of Commerce has been pushing for development to start in Miles for some time. Chamber president Rachel Kerwick said while the delays were frustrating, the development was very exciting for the town. “It’s a real win for the town,” she said. “Things are finally starting to happen.”

INDUSTRIAL LAND SELLING FAST “I am buying 2 Industrial lots in Surat Basin Industrial Park because it is ideally located to take advantage of the energy boom. Now is the right time to buy before prices escalate and to save with off the plan price offers!” Tommy Duggan

Call 4669 1066 PAGE 22

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

om.au

would be the start of a period of growth for Miles. Miles developers pay $13,000 per lot in voluntary infrastructure agreements compared to $2000 in Chinchilla and $2500 in Dalby. “The VIAs were made on the basis that the money be spent in Miles so that the ratepayers will not be burdened by the developers,” Mr Sweetapple said. Cr Jamieson said the VIA’s were essential to building future infrastructure in the developments without burdening residents. “Why should the majority of ratepayers pay for the profits of only a few,” he said. Mr Sweetapple said he hoped these evaluation and

developments.c

After years of delays, the first of Miles’ planned housing developments is going ahead. Green Akers Estate will consist of around 100 half-acre and bigger blocks and the three-acre Windsor Cottage. Developer David Sweetapple said he was happy for work to begin, after more than a year of hold ups. “I bought the land in November of 2008,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for approval ever since then.” Local developers are concerned that Miles has not felt the benefits of regional growth due to costing and approval delays from State and Local governments. Councillor Ray Jamieson said he hoped the development

economy." Mr Hinchliffe said there were three key components of the project that were subject to the IFS application. These are the gas field component - a network of underground and water transmission pipelines, compression and processing facilities and supporting infrastructure in the Surat Basin. Secondly the pipeline component - a 340km underground gas transmission pipeline to transport the coal seam gas from QGC's gas fields to its proposed gas liquefaction facility on Curtis Island near Gladstone, together with related gas and water collection headers. And thirdly the LNG facility component - a gas liquefaction facility, export jetty and associated infrastructure where the coal seam gas will be converted to LNG and exported. "The consideration of an infrastructure facility of significance declaration does not in any way constitute approval, or endorsement of the project, which is also being assessed separately through an Environmental Impact Statement process." Anyone who may be affected by the proposed facility is urged to lodge a submission. Written submission close Wednesday, March 31 at 5pm.

www.suratba sin

Western Downs Regional councillor Ray Jamieson and Miles developer David Sweetapple.

QGC (BG Group business) has been working with State Government to obtain access to land for the gas field and pipeline components of its Queensland Curtis LNG Project. Infrastructure and Planning minister Stirling Hinchliffe said QGC had applied to have the project approved as an Infrastructure Facility of Significance (IFS) by the Governor-in-Council. "An IFS approval is sought by projects which have the potential to contribute to the State through economic growth or new jobs," he said. Such an approval is not given lightly as it could ultimately give the Coordinator-General the power to acquire land for QGC for infrastructure for the project." Before this can happen, QGC must take all reasonable steps to negotiate an agreement with landholders, including those who hold or claim to hold native title. "This is a critical LNG project in a critical industry and QGC is one of the five major LNG consortia vying to develop in and around the south-west Queensland and Gladstone regions. "This project, if it proceeds, could create about 5000 direct jobs during the construction phase and could contribute to further growth of the Queensland

Surat Basin News

THE PEOPLE www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews

VOICE YOUR OPINION: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

ISSUES UNRESOLVED: “Their biggest concern lies with the lack of trust that has developed between the companies.”

“It’s a constant fight” P PAGE 24

SBD welcomes Jim Strongman back to region

anger and disappointment at the lack of respect and honesty they have received from mining and gas companies operating within the region.

Surat Basin Development’s business manger moves to the hub of our booming region.

PAGE 26

Arrow Energy works to skill students Arrow Energy has partnered with Dalby high schools to create career pathways in the booming coal seam gas industry.

Submission prepared now waiting game The Haystack Road Coal Committee has submitted its paper on the State Government’s proposal to conserve prime food-producing land against incompatible development including mining. Committee chair Jeff Bidstrup said the group was generally happy with the government’s proposed policy but there were concerns regarding loopholes. “What we want to see is good legislation without the loopholes,” Mr Bidstrup said. Rehabilitation issues were the main focus of the group’s

submission and how much strategic land would be protected. Townships were also emphasised in Haystack’s paper with concern not just for the land but also the flow on effect mining will have on the town and businesses once it is finished. “Mining is so temporary; we want to be left with something that is worth having a town for.” Submissions closed earlier this month and farmers are now waiting to hear the State Government's considerations.

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PAGE 23

PEOPLE

Biodiversity understood Traineeship program at Tara Boobook, an environmental consultancy service based in Roma has a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity issues in the Surat and Bowen Basins. Business manager, Meryl Eddie said their staff had years of ecological and natural resource management experience and could assist with flora and fauna surveys, ecological impact assessments, rare and threatened species searches, weed monitoring and biodiversity management plans. "We work with large companies and government bodies to help minimise their impacts upon key ecological features and values,” she said. "We also assist private landholders, non-government organisation, Landcare groups and traditional owners with natural resource monitoring, staff training, educational

talks and interpretive materials". Principal ecologist, Craig Eddie, is the author of the popular book "Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs of Eastern Queensland Oil and Gas Fields". Boobook has included some of the images from this book on its recently launched website along with other images of species rarely photographed in the wild, such as the Yakka Skink. "As we add more images to this site, we hope people find it a valuable tool to identify species, particularly those of southern inland Queensland, the Brigalow Belt and Mulga Lands," said Mr Eddie. Boobook takes its names from the Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae which is Australia's smallest and most widespread owl.

Now owne oper d & a Stayo ted by ver Ausc by o

Arrow Energy's Brett Leavy, QGC's Jade Jackson, Tara Shire State College Joan Ford, Community Insights Dr Ana Maria Esteves, Origin Energy's Alison John, Golden West Employment Solutions' Keith Chegwidden and Renee Williams from Tara Shire State College. Last month, Tara Shire State College hosted an information session and morning tea for members of the oil and gas industries and its indigenous parents and students. The gathering was held to inform community members on the school's indigenous schoolbased traineeship program and selection process. Last year the Tara high school, had two indigenous students sign on with QGC, to help develop skills and knowledge relevant in the industry.

The traineeship program was designed to improve employment and training opportunities for students by completing a vocational qualification during their senior years at school. Students applying who apply for the program receive a tour of the local gasfields as well as attend a two-day camp at Columboola Education Environment Centre. The camp is part of an interview process with students having an opportunity to display workplace health and safety skills, team work and initiative.

Surat Basin Developments manager moves to Chinchilla close to receiving the go-ahead. Jim Strongman and his wife Kathryn moved from Brisbane earlier this year. “There's so much happening in Chinchilla, I had to move out here to be more ‘hands on' with the various projects we have,” Jim said. “With a variety of gas and coal supply chain contracts getting closer to being let, enquiry levels have shot through the roof in the last couple of months.” Jim's focus is on Surat Basin Developments director Warren Daniells with business development manager industrial and commercial projects Jim Strongman. and is also closely Surat Basin Developments involved in the company's has moved its business expansion in the Surat Basin. He also works for Surat development manager to Basin Homes and is charged Chinchilla with major energy with the responsibility of and mining sector companies

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promoting the company's total property solution to firms wanting to set up in the Surat Basin. Jim joined SBD in August last year and brings close to two decades of experience in property sector and established industry network. This is underpinned by an excellent understanding of the residential and commercial property sectors. He is also no stranger to the Chinchilla area. Jim was joint venture partner in the development of Chinchilla Central, as well as Glasson Villas. Before joining SBD, he worked as a buyer's advocate, syndicate manager and investment analyst in Queensland and spent eight years as a director of Mann Judd Properties Ltd, an unlisted public company and licensed securities dealer associated with an international accountancy group.

Clients who choose Hyder enjoy access to advisory services and management solutions that help them to promote responsible environmental management and use of water via the application of industry best knowledge, innovative engineering design and effective project management. Hyder is a valued adviser to some of the world’s largest utilities and also has a trusted local reputation forged through collaboration with government, policy makers, remote communities, urban developers, financiers, and major infrastructure constructors. Our specialist offerings include engineering design and project management specific to: environmental management and its applications, resourcing, coal seam gas water; on-site water; treatment options (e.g. in conjunction with urban and infrastructure developments); water infrastructure and sewerage design, as well as high level government policy and modernisation projects. Showcasing the breadth of our capabilities are these recent projects: • Adelaide Desalination Plant - Assisted with independent verification of the $4 billion, 410ML/d desalination plant • AGL, AUS-PNG Gas Pipeline - Environmental management and advisory service • North Camden, Coal Seam Gas - Water management and advisory services • BHP Minerva Gas Plant - Contaminated lands management and advisory services • Brisbane Hale Street Bridge - Design for the major trunk water and sewer mains • Cronulla to Sutherland Rail NSW - Environmental impact assessment • Melbourne Desalination Plant - Financers Engineer for a 420ML/d desalination Plant • Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - Comprehensive Mornington East drainage study • Ranger Heap Leach Facility NT - Environmental relevant activity management • Rio Tinto at Weipa - Design of 5000 EP ‘membrane bio-reactor’ wastewater treatment plant

www.hyderconsulting.com PAGE 24

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

Contacts: Water Abel Immaraj 0411 161 526 abel.immaraj@ hyderconsulting.com

Environment Amanda Robertson 0438 445 583 amanda.robertson@ hyderconsulting.com

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Careers at Wagners Wagners is an Australian owned company that commenced operations in 1989. Initially comprised of three divisions Concrete, Quarries and Transport and operating from one site in Toowoomba, the company has now expanded to incorporate Concrete Pumping, Composite Fibre Technologies, Global Services and Projects. Wagners currently operates a number of major plants in Brisbane, Townsville and Toowoomba as well as some 20 smaller concrete plants in regional South East Queensland, multiple quarries and a Global Headquarters in Malaysia. Products and services offered by Wagners include premixed concrete, onsite concrete batching plants, pre-cast concrete, contract crushing, quarry materials, bulk haulage transport, concrete pumping, steel reinforcing, composite products, civil works and project consulting services. Wagners currently employs more than 700 staff globally, these include highly trained and experienced Operations and Project staff who are supported by a wide range of Management, Financial, Administration, Legal and Human Resources staff.

The Apprenticeship Company, a division of Downs Group Training, has been servicing the Surat Basin community since its inception in 1987. With offices located in Toowoomba, Chinchilla and Goondiwindi, The Apprenticeship Company focuses on the core business of recruitment, employment and pastoral care of apprentices and trainees. They offer an array of services including recruitment, administration, industrial relations and management of apprentices and trainees. Full-time, Part-time and school based apprentices and trainees are currently being placed in many industries such as engineering, construction, hospitality, agriculture, horticulture, information and administration. As Rachel eagerly explains: The Apprenticeship Company is committed to cultivating and supporting the local community to develop sustainable and exciting career paths. “I am delighted to now be a part of The Apprenticeship Company team,’’ she said. “I am looking forward to working within the Surat Basin community.’’ Spanning 300,000 km2 of central southern Queensland and central northern New South Wales, the Surat Basin is known for its oil and gas which is set to bring continual growth and income with it.

The Apprenticeship Company has also reported growth with the Chinchilla office doubling its numbers. Also forging ahead is Downs Group Training. The organisation offers the Surat Basin a professional, flexible, affordable and reliable training division.

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During this time the organisation has been able to provide training and certification to more than 120 people. They offer a wide array of training options in subjects such as CPR, first aid, forklift, low voltage rescue and certificates in infrastructure, construction and civil construction. Offering a wide variety of courses, Downs Group Training’s professional approach to training requirements make them leaders in their field.

For further information on The Apprenticeship Company or Downs Group Training contact the Toowoomba Ofﬁce on (07) 4639 2099 or the Chinchilla Ofﬁce on (07) 4669 1533 or visit www.dgt.org.au

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

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PAGE 25

PEOPLE

Apprentice finishes scholarship

Arrow Energy partners with Dalby High School Arrow Energy has partnered with Dalby high schools to create career pathways in the booming coal seam gas industry. Last month, 12 year 11 students signed an agreement which will see them complete a Certificate II in Plant Process Operations and provide them with the qualifications needed to gain entry into the CSG industry. When completed, the students will be competent in gas processing and the operation of associated equipment and instrumentation. The two-year program will be a first of several school-based traineeships offered by the Surat Basin Trade Training Centre. During their traineeship, students will spend one day a week working towards finishing their certificate. They will also complete 20 days of paid work during the two-year period at Arrow’s CSG facilities. Arrow Energy training manager Andrew Gray said the program would provide students with an overview of the limitless opportunities offered by the oil and gas industry. “You don’t have to look any

further than Dalby State High student Michael Oberhardt, who now leads Arrow’s exploration team in India to see what can be achieved if you put your mind to it,” he said. To help facilitate the training program, Dalby State High School has provided Arrow with two teachers and a classroom. “The two teachers will complete the Arrow induction process, visit our facilities and work with our senior training staff to familiarise themselves with the training material,” Mr Gray said. Arrow’s training team is also working closely with the Southern Queensland Institute of Technology, which will issue the students with their certificates on completion of their course. The plant process operations course is the second major training initiative for Arrow with Dalby State High School year 12 students Jamie Lawton and Dylan Green currently finishing a Certificate II in Engineering studies as part of a gas industry indigenous traineeship scheme supported by the company.

For father of three Robert Webb, taking on his apprenticeship with Origin Energy was the best thing he had ever done. The 26-year-old, who lives in Roma, has become the first apprentice to obtain his autoelectrician certificate under the Origin Community Skills Scholarship program. He completed his apprenticeship with Dore's Elect-Air in Roma, while also donating his time to Spiritus as a volunteer with the car club. Robert put his skills to the test by participating in a Spiritus project for disadvantaged youth and helped them rebuild a Falcon utility. He guided the group through the auto-electrical components of the project. As Robert looks to the future he is now keen to learn how to run a business. “I would like to start my

Robert Webb finishes his auto electrical apprenticeship through Origin Energy. own business in Roma in the affordable for people to get future, so I will now started in a trade. consolidate my training and “It's one thing to take up an build my knowledge while also apprenticeship as a young looking at how to run a single teenager, but entirely business of my own,” he said. different when you have a “My wife Wendy and I now partner and children at home,” can provide a secure future for he said. our children and I would “From an employer's point recommend Origin's program of view, if an apprentice is to any apprentice.” financially better off, they are Dore's Elect-Air owner more likely to be a long-term Stephen Dore said it was a great way to make it more employee.”

Scholarships on offer for students To help address local skill shortages, Origin Energy is offering scholarships to local high school students. Student involved in apprenticeship programs can now apply and for the first time, trainees can participate.Origin's Queensland CSG general manager Martin Riley said

the scholarships were worth up to $13,500. “It's important to emphasise that Origin's scholarships support apprenticeships and traineeships outside of the oil and gas industry to ensure local towns keep the skilled workforce they need,” he said. Scholarship recipients will

also have access to the scholarship network to help meet and learn from local business people. Anyone aged 15 years and older can apply. Applications close Tuesday, April 6. They are available in Roma, Surat, Wallumbilla, Wandoan, Miles, Condamine, Chinchilla, Tara and Dalby areas.

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Western Auger Drilling has been operating in and around the Surat Basin since 2004. Jamie and his team of qualified employees ensure a prompt efficient service. With 2 Auger Rigs able to drill a depth of 6 metres and 1 Auger Rig able to drill to 10 metres. We have been drilling and installing conductor casing, cellars and septic tanks for companies throughout Queensland and NSW. There are many more services we are able to provide to the community.

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Surat Basin News Phone 07 4662 7368 PAGE 26

Only for those people that demand information Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

Surat Basin News

THE TOWNS

www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews

VOICE YOUR OPINION: editorial@suratbasin.com.au

WILDLIFE: CSG provides funding to help local charity care for animals.

Animal care made easier with support from CSG giant QGC PAGE 30

Council joins forces with chambers A newly formed task force has been developed to advance the Western Downs as the central hub of the resources boom. PAGE 28

Drama at the Gasfields flooded QGC’s annual Drama in the Gasfields performance was postponed this month after flooding left the site too soggy to proceed.

What is Roma’s capacity The Maranoa Regional Council is undertaking a survey of the business community to determine the region's capacity to supply products and services to companies operating in the Maranoa and Surat Basin. The council is looking at capitalising on economic opportunities associated with growth in Queensland's coal seam gas industry by teaming up with local business. Mayor Robert Loughnan said the survey, which has been tailored to the industry's major players, addressed a number of key commodities and services. These include drilling, pipes, construction, power, transportation and chemicals and substances. The information collected from the survey will be used to populate a Regional Business Capability Database. Once collated, council will

work with the CSG industry to tailor a series of workshops linking business with key industry decision makers. “This project is about giving local business the opportunity to capitalise on developments happening in our patch,” Cr Loughnan said. “We don't want to see major industry players purchasing goods and services from outside our region when we have the capability of supplying them locally. “As such, we're looking at the community's capacity for supply both now and into the future.” Business owners are encouraged to complete the survey and return it to council as soon as possible. To obtain a copy phone council's community services director Tony Klien on 0427 235 155. Copies are also available at www.maranoa.qld.go.au

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

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Healthy communities network forum A wish list of community initiatives to improve the health and well being of the Western Downs has been discussed at the first public forum held by the Western Downs Healthy Communities Network. Community members met at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre earlier this month to share their personal stories in an effort to help communities and individuals take responsibility for their own health and well being. The forum took a unique approach to community health, steering away from traditional clinical health care and considering well being from a number of different perspectives such as physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. Committee co-ordinator Trish Leddington-Hill said the participants were asked to think about health in relation to what they can do as individuals and as a community to improve their

health. “There are social groups, community groups and sports clubs all working to improve community health and this has been an opportunity for the community to feel empowered by what they’re doing,” she said. Keynote speaker Annabelle Brayley, who was stranded in Roma due to flooding, delivered her presentation to the forum via Skype. She offered a call to arms on how simple things can result in significant positive effects on people’s health and well being. The outcomes of the discussions at the forum will be collated into an action plan to help allocate funding from bodies such as RHealth, Western Downs Healthy

Communities Network and Western Downs Regional Council to specific community

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Drama postponed - new date soon QGC has announced it would contribute $100,000 for flood relief within the local region; with the flooding affecting many families throughout southwest Queensland. Extensive rainfall saw QGC's annual Drama At The Gasfields production postponed with safety their major concern. The show site was badly affected by rain after the region experienced flash flooding at the start of the month. QGC managing director Catherine Tanna said the event would be rescheduled for later this year. “QGC considers safety to be paramount in all of our activities in the gasfields and in the community, so we had no choice but to postpone Drama At The Gasfields,” she said. She said community organisations, students from Chinchilla State High School and local suppliers would again be invited to participate. QGC announced it would contribute $100,000 for flood relief within the local region with the flooding affecting many families throughout south-west Queensland. The new date is expected to be announced soon.

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Phone 4669 1911 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

Fax 4669 1912

TOWNS

Stayover at Zeller reopens

Nic, Margaret and Drew Wessling at the park.

New residents meet community

Ausco’s Stayover at Zeller Street opened its doors in Chinchilla last month providing the town with its first commercial purpose built accommodation facility. Built on the old Zeller Street camp site, the village targets the mining and construction industries and can provide accommodation for up to 148 people. Chinchilla Village liaison officer Scott Paterson said while booking numbers had been low, he was confident they would build slowly over time. “There is so much business in town,” he said.

“We’ll see the numbers rise in the next few months; it won’t be overnight.” He said Ausco had been built using local hands, utilising suppliers, workers and businesses to get the village operational. Native trees bought from Chinchilla nurseries were also planted throughout the village. “Everything is aimed at the local community. “We even lease the land.” He said community involvement did not stop there with maintenance, food production and janitor positions all sourced from the region. Meanwhile, Ausco Modular managing director Paul Bailey said they knew there was a

demand for accommodation in the region. “We decided to invest in the area as we could see a lot of activity already taking place in the Darling Downs region but also a lot of future projects that would bring employees to the region,” he said. “This accommodation is readily available to companies and provides employees with a convenient location.” All rooms are ensuited and include a television. Three meals a day are also included in the rate. The recreational facilities will include a full size snooker and pool table and flat screen television.

The Chinchilla Community Unity group held a meet and greet afternoon in Chinchilla last month. The event encouraged newcomers to town to get out and see what community and sporting groups available locally and what businesses have on offer. Community Unity spokesperson Leanne Evans said the event was a family affair. “The main focus was for new people to come and see what is on offer in the community,” she said. Community Unity was established in order to make Chinchilla a more open, welcoming town and demonstrate the many facilties available. “A lot of people don’t come into town despite all the things we have going on. “It’s hard to know how to access these things whether it’s sports for the kids or a service group.”

OTTOWAY ENGINEERING PTY LTD “ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS IN DALBY” Ottoway Engineering Pty Ltd is a leading provider of process pipe fabrication and installation involving all aspects of project delivery from project management, design, engineering, procurement, pipe spooling, specialist steel fabrication, mechanical installation, commissioning and maintenance.

Tyrone and Tahlia Evans enjoy a morning out at the Chinchilla meet and greet.

Ottoway Engineering Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the EAL group which has annual turnover in excess of $100 million, assets of $100 million and more than 450 employees. The strengths and capabilities of the companies within the EAL group enable it to position itself as a low cost, low risk total solution provider for large multi discipline projects in the oil and gas, mining, power, defence and process industries.

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The management of Ottoway Engineering looks forward to demonstrating their commitment to local suppliers, local industry and participating within the local community. Effective from 1st March 2010 Ottoway Engineering will operate from premises located at: Lot 9 Cooper Street Dalby. Enquiries should be directed to: Jeff Snedden Phone 0409 440 285 Email jeff.snedden@ottowayengineering.com.au

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

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Local developers continue to provide solutions With the Surat Basin being recognised as having the potential to become Australia’s main energy hub, property investors are starting to realise the prospects associated with the region. Surat Basin Homes has also recognised the area’s potential and has secured land to package investment properties in Chinchilla and Miles. The estates include Sovereign Park, Bottle Tree and Layne Crescent. They are now selling house and land packages in Miles in The Pines Estate stage one being 56 lots. Surat Basin Homes sales director Colin West said a majority of their clients are investors wanting a hassle free investment proper-

ty that will deliver capital gain and strong income growth moving forward. “We have now introduced a 6 Star Investment Rating for our houses,” he said. “The reason being that for owners, landlords and for tenants alike it’s nearly impossible to compare houses in the market.” He said available land was becoming scarce in Chinchilla and Miles and buyers were not taking any chances. “Most blocks are being pre-sold straight off the plan, even before the estate is completed.” Chinchilla’s premier estate Sovereign Park, is now fully sold out and Surat Basin Homes is looking forward to the release of stage one early next year. Bottle Tree Estate has also been popular with the investor market with the majority of the 37 lots in

stage one sold. Meanwhile stage two of this estate will be released in April with more than half the estate already sold. The Pines estate in Miles is selling fast with 36 out of the 56 lots already having expressions of interest on them, this has happened in the last four weeks alone. Surat Basin Homes is also marketing packages in Layne Crescent, a 15-lot development off Price Street in Chinchilla. Unique to Chinchilla, the estate will focus on the high density market offering duplex accommodation as well as large four bedroom/four bathroom homes. Ideally these could be furnished to suit the demand from energy companies. Future plans to offer tenants a full service of cleaning and property maintenance is also being considered.

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The newly established Western Downs Economic Development Task Group is set to help advance the Western Downs as the central hub of the resources boom. The task group is a partnership between the Western Downs Regional Council, the local Chambers of Commerce and engaged community and business representatives. Council spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism councillor Andrew Smith said the council was supportive of the venture. “Council is pleased to endorse this new strategic leadership group in implementing key economic development initiatives and projects for the region,” he said. The Western Downs Economic Development Task Group structure will incorporate four task groups focussing on Business Growth; Infrastructure, Transport and Sustainable Environment; IT, Training and Education and a Social and Community task group. A number of initial projects have been indentified including a telecommunications strategy, affordable housing and liveability strategy, infrastructure and transport audit and a water futures plan. Council's Major Projects and Economic

Development manager Jane Holdsworth said the group was seeking to engage local representatives in group planning sessions. “The task group is extending an invitation to all business and community members with an interest or technical expertise in any of the identified priorities,” Ms Holdsworth said. “The engagement of strategic, passionate and proactive drivers from our communities is vital to the success of the project based task groups.” A planning day will be held in Chinchilla on March 31 at the Wattle Room at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre in Heeney St. The session starts at 9.00am with the IT, Training and Education discussion followed by the Infrastructure, Transport and Sustainable Environment discussion at 1.00pm. For more information on the Western Downs Economic Development Task Group planning sessions please contact Council's Economic Development Unit on 4672 1103.

Plane not for fly-in fly-out employees Queensland Gas Company has been chartering daily week day flights between Chinchilla and Brisbane since October to improve the safety of its staff. The flights are used to transport Brisbane corporate employees who visit the gas fields near Chinchilla. Site personnel, who visit Brisbane, also use the flights and are bussed by Maguire Coaches to QGC’s Windibri and Kenya sites.

A QGC spokesperson said the flights were not used to fly-in, fly-out employees and did not transport operational staff. “The overwhelming majority of employees in our gas fields live in the western downs,” he said. He said the flight was introduced to improve safety, with driving being identified as the biggest safety risk for employees.

“These flights replace the use of cars as the primary means of transport between Brisbane and Chinchilla — a nine hour round trip.” He said QGC employed and intended to continue to employ, as much of its workforce from the local community as possible. “QGC works to ensure that neighbouring communities benefit from our presence on an enduring basis.”

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Please contact Les Boodle 0429 969 197 or Ben Boodle 0409 969 197 for further queries or via email: boodlesconcrete@hotmail.com PAGE 30

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

TOWNS

Museum looks to modern times Chinchilla's Historical Museum is taking a fresh look at our local history. With a collection of vintage machinery, household items and a steam sawmill from 1910, the museum has offered an insight into the district's cattle, grain, timber and melon industries since the 1970s. However, with the current resources boom in the area, the museum is now looking to cement its future by incorporating the history of the Surat Basin into its exhibits. Museum president Cath Brandon said the shift in focus would take advantage of the growing number of visitors in the area. “This is really all about fulfilling a need from visitors,” she said. “They want to know what's going on around here now and the history behind it.” The shift in focus is expected to be a longterm project for the museum and will also

Miles awaits QGAP closure decision The Chinchilla Historical Museum. differentiate Chinchilla's museum from others in the surrounding areas. Mrs Brandon said she hoped the project would help modernise the museum. “The project is a great chance for energy companies to get on board and share the history of the region,” she said. “It's also an opportunity to bring in some different, interactive activities and bring the museum back to life.”

What’s my trade coming to Chinchilla A unique hands on event being held in Chinchilla may prove the guiding light for future bricklayers, painters and hospitality workers. What's My Trade? will be held at the Chinchilla Showgrounds today from 9am-3pm. Organised by Gladstone Area Group Apprentices Ltd, in partnership with Downes training group, the event is supported by QGC. Regional schools will be invited to attend as well as

members of the wider community. It allows young people to experience a variety of trades with the guidance of qualified tradespeople and knowledgeable volunteers. Carpentry, painting, tiling, boilermaking, flooring, hospitality, plumbing, horticulture and electrical trades will be showcased during the day. GAGAL general manager Kerry Whitaker said each stall would display a

separate trade. “The students can participate in building and creating an item using specific trade skills while supervised in a safe environment,” she said. “These trades have been selected to reflect the skill shortages identified for the region.” QGC Gasfield Operations general manager Steve Carter said it was a great chance for students to learn about future career options.

While the State Government is planning on increasing services to the rest of the Surat region, the future of the government office in Miles is still up in the air. Last week Rural and Regional minister Tim Mulherin released the Surat Basin Future Directons Statement, which indicated two new QGAP offices would be opened in the region – one each in Taroom and Pittsworth. The Pittsworth office is scheduled to open on June 30. Despite this, the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, who funds the Miles office, still intends to withdraw their sponsorship. A spokesperson for Rural and Regional minister Tim Mulherin said they believed the office would remain in Miles. “Management of this centre will transition to another organisation, although which organisation has not yet been determined,” he said. “For that reason we do not know the location yet but it will be in Miles, allowing for continued delivery of government service.” At this stage no other department has opted to pick up support for the office. Miles Chamber of Commerce chair Rachel Kerwick said the future direction statement ignored Miles' role in the growth of

Queensland Government Agency office in Miles. the region. “DEEDI is going out there and saying they're doing this great thing for the area, but then they're the same department that is taking our QGAP away,” she said. Miles QGAP serves as a onestop-shop for State Government services including facilities for liquor licensing, vehicle registration, as an outlet for the tax office and electoral commission. A petition objecting to the office's closure is available throughout Miles businesses or online at www.parliament.qld.gov.au.

DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY Providing a FREE CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE Rural Family Support Community Development Rural financial Counsellor Murilla Respite Service

VISITS FROM... Employment Agencies Optometrist & Hearing Services Dietician Legal Service - Video Conference

Child Care Services Youth Worker - The Den Emergency Relief Centrelink Agency Murilla Community Centre Inc Community 73a Murilla Bus Street, Miles Qld 4415 Phone: (07)4627 2027 Fax: (07)4627 2021 E-mail: mccm@bigpond.com

Murilla Community Centre Inc 73a Murilla Street, Miles Qld 4415 Phone: (07)4627 2027 Fax: (07)4627 2021 E-mail: mccm@bigpond.com

Residential Sales & Property Management Specialists

www.dalbyrealestate.com.au

07 4662 3344 dalbyrealestate@netxp.com.au 126 Cunningham Street, Dalby QLD 4405

12 Mayne St Chinchilla Qld 4413

Surat Basin NEWS

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

Phone 07 4662 7368 www.issuu.com/ suratbasinnews

PAGE 31

TOWNS Since the recent announcement of the merger between Easternwell Group and Australia Drilling Solutions, which creates a national operation servicing the high growth energy, minerals and infrastructure sectors, Easternwell continues to grow from

across the country as a leading well servicing, drilling and remote site camp management business. The contract will start operations on site in June/July this year and will leverage the synergies provided by the Easternwell/ADS merger by utilising existing infrastructure provided by the ADS Western Australian operations. This includes the group's purpose built Perth rig maintenance facilities and offices.

operational and safety personnel out of the ADS WA facilities and we expect that this will provide seamless service delivery, enhanced responsiveness as well as significant development opportunities for our team”, he said. “Establishing a greater presence in WA is consistent with the overall growth strategy of the energy division of the newly merged group.” Founded in Toowoomba in 1976, Easternwell is an iconic Toowoomba business supporting the local

Easternwell Group’s growth spurt strength to strength. Easternwell is currently building on its existing operations within the Surat Basin and is set to establish a presence in Western Australia, after being awarded a significant well servicing contract by Chevron Australia in support of its Barrow Island oil operations. The merger and particularly the WA contract, allows Easternwell to gain recognition within the energy sector

PAGE 32

The merger and particularly the WA contract, allows Easternwell to gain recognition within the energy sector across the country as a leading well servicing, drilling and remote site camp management business.

Mr Campbell said the Chevron contract provided the first tangible opportunity to show how they could enhance their service offering as part of a larger organisation. “We will be deploying key

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 March 2010

community and providing local employment for nearly 35 years. Easternwell's head office will remain in Toowoomba with the company's current operations in the Surat Basin set to expand significantly in the near future.