Sbn February 2015 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

SURAT BASIN

NEWS

26 February 2015

INSIDE APLNG project hits major milestone Page 5

Veteran protestor to star in new film Page 7

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SURAT BASIN NEWS

THE NEWSPAPER

THE VISION

The Surat Basin News publishes every Surat Basin News will allow local month and will be delivered via the four businesses to network and dominant newspapers of the region: the communicate with everyone in the 1200 Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby sq km basin, providing unprecedented Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach access to new clients and markets. It the homes and offices of almost 50,000 will give a revealing insight into major people living, working and playing in the industry while lifting the veil on current Surat Basin, connecting the business and and proposed developments. It will be mining communities throughout the there for each and every announcement booming region. Surat Basin News is a shaping the region's future while necessity. It was born out of a passion for profiling the colourful characters that Australia's fastest growing communities define our communities. — a passion for a region of unbridled potential and a future of vast economic growth and opportunities. The newspaper, professionally designed and regionally The Surast Basin News is inserted into topical, will be a must read for anyone the four dominant local newspapers for associated with the exciting Surat Basin. the region: the Chinchilla News and Murilla Advertiser, Western Star Roma, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle Toowoomba. Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them. Newsagents in - Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope

EDITOR'S

NOTE

DISTRIBUTION

WHAT a difference a month can make. In a matter of weeks we have seen one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Australia’s political history with the toppling of the Liberal National Party State Government. It was a result that few expected, including, possibly, the Labor party themselves. Consequently Queensland has a suite of new faces in parliament and in Cabinet. As with any new job, there will be a settling-in period. But with everything that is happening in our region we can not afford for that period to be lengthy. Despite recent rain large parts of our region are still very much in drought and farmers and graziers need support and guidance from the state and federal governments. The resources sector is also undergoing a testing period of major change and dealing with a painfully low oil price. Thousands of jobs are being shed as the coal seam gas industry transitions from its peak construction phase to its operations phase. In towns like Chinchilla and Miles, housing and motel vacancy rates have skyrocketed and many accommodation houses are seriously hurting. It is time for political representatives and relevant ministers to put their feet on the ground in the Surat Basin to understand what is happening here. While there is certainly not cause for panic, we are heading into a crucial period where government leadership - at all levels - will be paramount.

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EDITOR

Jim Campbell

EDITOR

Pamela Frost Tom Gillespie Jordan Philp Emma McBryde

UPDATES Regular updates on www.suratbasin.com.au

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SURAT BASIN NEWS

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12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 PO Box 138 Chinchilla QLD 4413

INDEX

PUBLISHED

IN THE NEWS

New businesses in the Basin..................14 The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd APLNG hits big milestone........................5 World’s biggest solar farm on way .......15 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 The Maranoa’s tourism slump ................6 Local protester to star in movie ..............7 The Basin’s new political faces ...............9

DOWN TO BUSINESS

OPINIONS 17-21

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

PLACES AND FACES First Enterprise Evening for 2015 ....22-23

Entrepreneur cashes in on boots .....10-11 Melon Festival breaks records .........24-25 New app takes care of mental health ...13 Easter in the Country..............................26 Review into FIFO operations .................13 PBR on the way ........................................28

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

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THIS WEEK

SANTOS UNDER THE PUMP: Santos GLNG workers feed gas into the Santos GLNG pipeline, but in Roma this week executives were put in the hotseat over the company’s future in the Surat Basin.

Big questions

Business owners grill executives REPRESENTATIVES from State Government, Maranoa Regional Council, Santos GLNG and Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprises joined forces this week to dispel myths about the region’s economic downturn. The meeting was called by Commerce Roma to inform Maranoa business owners what they can expect in the next 12 months after oil prices have fallen by 50%. With Santos GLNG’s recent announcement of “significant” redundancies in light of the price fall, combined with the transition from

the construction to operations phase, business confidence had dimmed. The panel was asked questions, many directed towards Santos GLNG representative Andrew Snarz. When asked about the company’s forecast for the rest of 2015 and the following three years, he made it clear the boom days were over for Roma. “Last year we drilled 120 wells,” he said. “We will never need to drill as many wells as we needed to in 2014. “It will never be as busy as it was then.”

Despite the construction phase being well and truly over, Mr Snarz said there were opportunities for local contractors to thrive in the maintenance phase. Mr Snarz said there would always be a demand for coal seam gas and 300-400 jobs would be required to maintain the two Fairview and Roma hubs. “We’ll be here for 50 years,” he said. “And we’ll build a much stronger presence here.” Other concerns from business owners included the use of Fly In Fly Out workers for

both Maranoa Regional Council and Santos GLNG. Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan addressed the concern and said local contractors were always the preferred options. Mr Loughnan said in cases FIFO workers were used, it was for temporary positions or for skill sets that did not exist in the region. However, Mr Snarz said stipulations in future contracts about limiting the number of FIFO workers used for future projects was unlikely.

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PAGE 3

IN THE NEWS

PAGE 4

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

IN THE NEWS

ABOVE: An aerial view of the Australia Pacific LNG facility on Curtis Island. OPPOSTIE PAGE: This photo shows the 530km long Australia Pacific LNG export pipeline emerging on Curtis Island. Miller Liu (left) and Laura Donnelly on Curtis Island, near the APLNG loading jetty that will be used to transport LNG onto cargo ships. Photos Contributed

Milestone achieved

APLNG project delivers gas to Curtis A

USTRALIA Pacific LNG has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of first gas from its coal seam gas fields in the Surat Basin to its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility on Curtis Island, near Gladstone. The arrival of the first gas into the LNG facility also marked the completion of commissioning of the 530km high pressure

gas pipeline, another important milestone for the project. With the completion of the pipeline and the arrival of the gas, Australia Pacific LNG can initiate the commissioning of the power generation facilities on the island. The commissioning phase of the LNG facility also includes the verification and testing of each system of the first processing train and

the two LNG tanks; part of which has already commenced. “The achievement of two major milestones, first gas to Curtis Island and completion of commissioning of the pipeline, demonstrates continued strong progress by Australia Pacific LNG and paves the way for the commissioning of the power generation facilities on the island,” Australia Pacific

LNG chief executive officer Page Maxson said. “These milestones have been achieved thanks to the incredible effort by the many people committed to safely delivering the Australia Pacific LNG project. “Australia Pacific LNG looks forward to completing the final phase of construction and delivering first LNG in mid-2015.”

The world-first QCLNG project continues to export our LNG SINCE becoming the world’s first project to turn gas from coal seams into liquefied natural gas for export, the Queensland Curtis LNG project has continued to break ground. The QCLNG project achieved the historic first export of LNG late in December. Since then, it has exported five cargo shiploads of LNG from Curtis Island, off Gladstone. A QGC spokesman said only half the LNG plant on Curtis Island was currently in operation.

At plateau production, expected during 2016, QCLNG will have an output of about eight million tonnes of LNG per year. With each ship containing about 140,000 tonnes of LNG, that means between 50 and 60 ships will be departing Gladstone Harbour each year. QCLNG is one of Australia’s largest capital infastructure projects, requiring about $20 billion in investments between 2010-2014. Santos GLNG, the third major LNG project, is expected to achieve the first delivery of LNG for export mid-year.

LOADED UP: The Methane Rita Andrea LNG tanker leaves Gladstone Harbour. Photo Mike Richards

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

PAGE 5

IN THE NEWS

Revenue drops

Maranoa’s $8m tourism hole

2013. Total revenue from domestic and international tourists was $24.8 million, a drop of almost a quarter from 2013’s figure of $32.6 million. The numbers suggest a serious drop in the Maranoa’s tourism sector, with domestic tourists in 2013 bringing in more money ($25.1 million) than all tourism brought in throughout 2014. On top of that, visitor information centres saw a drop from 77,244 visitors in 2013 to 69,524 visitors in 2014. In contrast, Mitchell and its famous Great Artesian Spa enjoyed a small increase in its tourism income. Councillor Ree Price said the Maranoa Regional Council’s current $198 million budget had allocated just 1% to tourism. “In the 2014/15 budget, tourism projects was allocated the sum of $1,763,645,” Cr Price said. “This includes operational costs for two

accredited visitor information centres, maintenance and upgrades to the Roma Big Rig, maintenance for Surat Cobb and Co Changing Station and for the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell. “Additionally the budget includes developing a drive trail strategy and map, improving visitors’ access to information with billboards installed in each of the towns throughout the region, upgrading council’s tourism road signage as well as partnering with Outback Queensland Tourism Association and Southern Queensland Country tourism to develop and promote visitation to the Maranoa.” Cr Price said along with upgrading existing attractions, council would be exploring further ways to improve tourism income. “With so many businesses reliant on tourism attraction, council is focused on tourism as an important pillar of the regional economy,” she said. “Tourism visitations are set to increase on the back of retiring baby boomers. “Accordingly, council is aware that, to retain these visitors, we need to ensure they stay

longer so that more money is being spent in the region itself. “Into the future, council will be focussing on the development of new tourism products, such as the growing trend of ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping excursions).”

The Big Rig is a key attraction at Roma.

RACE DAY: Roma is renowned for its massive race days.

Plunging oil price forces gas companies to tighten their belts

HE plunging world oil price is having a flow-on effect in the Surat Basin with the area’s major gas companies looking to tighten their belts and cut staff numbers. QGC confirmed it would close two of its oldest worker accommodation camps, the Windibri and Kenya sites, south of Chinchilla. One contractor who was employed at the camp told Chinchilla News staff were told the shut downs were “because of the oil price”, but a QGC spokesman refused to confirm this, saying the move was a result of reviewing the company’s accommodation strategy during the transition from the industry’s construction phase to operations. From the shut-down, the 250 contractors and QGC staff who had been staying at the

camps will stay at camps in Chinchilla — Stayover on Zeller St and Base Camp on Windmill Rd. “We would prefer to promote local accommodation in Chinchilla with a ‘park and ride’ arrangement for the daily commute to our nearby facilities,” the spokesman said. “At the same time, we are continuing to review plans for encouraging more of our permanent employees to live in Chinchilla.” An Origin Energy spokesman also refused to confirm staff numbers would be cut, but admitted lower oil prices would have an “inevitable effect” on the company’s profits this year. “...They won’t impact our ability to fund the Australia Pacific LNG project. “Like all companies, we’re constantly

working to achieve additional efficiencies and savings from across the business.” The oil price has plunged to less than $50 a barrel, dropping by more than 50 per cent from its peak last June. Gas contracts are linked to the oil price. But share advisor Andrew Wielandt from Dornbusch Partners described it as “cyclical pain”. “It is a function of supply and demand and there are lots of things in play,” Mr Wielandt said. “At least consumers are seeing benefits at the petrol bowsers.” Mr Wielandt said oil futures forecast the oil price to climb back up to $90 a barrel in 2019. At Roma, Santos GLNG is also slashing worker numbers. The number of Santos

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workers in the Maranoa region is now about 600 — almost a sixth of its 3000-strong workforce during the peak construction period in 2013. Santos GLNG Maranoa team leader Jamie Miller said activity was expected to slump even further this year. “Santos GLNG is reducing its activity and workforce numbers in line with business operating requirements in a lower oil-price environment,” Mr Miller said. “Additionally, in the Maranoa the construction of our pipeline, gas hubs and other major facilities is largely complete, and our big capital investment spend in the region is coming to a close. “We’ve been part of the Maranoa region for more than 50 years, and will continue our operations for decades to come.”

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OURISM revenue has plunged dramatically in the Maranoa, with 2014 bringing in $8 million less than

IN THE NEWS

Positive outlook for ag industry

TORMS, bushfires and widespread dry conditions saw 2014 finish with a run of high impact weather events. However Suncorp Bank has today announced the long-term outlook for Australia’s agricultural sector was positive and farmers were encouraged to remain optimistic about the year ahead. Suncorp Bank Central and South West Queensland regional manager David Littleproud said the strength of Australia’s agricultural sector, the low Australian dollar, recent rainfall, generational low interest rates and international demand for Australian produce underpinned Suncorp Bank’s positive outlook for the industry. “The past year has delivered mixed fortunes for a number of commodities. Our heart certainly goes out to the regions and industries impacted by the recent weather conditions, but it is important for producers to maintain a long-term perspective,” Mr Littleproud said. “Currency markets have increasingly played a greater role in shaping agribusiness commodities, especially commodities where Australia competes directly with the United States for market share. “Wheat, beef and cotton industries are best placed to benefit from the depreciating Australian dollar, which is currently sitting at a four-year low against the US currency. “The low Australian dollar may also present a new opportunity for sugar production, which has come up against strong headwinds at a global level in recent years.” Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) indicate earnings from farm exports are forecast to fall by 8.6 per cent in 2014-2015 to $37.6 million. However at this forecast level, export earnings would still be 4 per cent above the average of $36.2 billion over the past decadei. “Internationally, consumers have become increasingly concerned about food provenance and traceability. Fortunately for us, this trend has reinforced Australia’s reputation as a global leader in fresh produce, production facilities and prime land,” Mr Littleproud said.

THE FRACKMAN: Veteran anti-coal seam gas activist Dayne Pratzky is the subject of a new observational documentary, Frackman, which follows his protest activity in the Western Downs over the past five years. Photos: Andrew Quilty / Oculi for Smith & Nasht

Protest story hits big screen A WESTERN Downs anti-coal seam gas activist will have his story aired across Australia and around the world with the release of a new film that challenges a multi-billion dollar industry. On observational documentary, Frackman tells the story of Dayne Pratzky and his fight against CSG companies in the Tara region. Mr Pratzky was a landowner in the Tara residential estates, which is a hotspot for CSG activity, and he has heavily protested CSG in the area for the past five years. He left the area in July last year following a round of buy-outs by CSG companies, who Mr Pratzky said “relocated” several of the more vocal protesters in the area. However, he still refused to confirm or deny his involvement in the relocations, as affected residents were bound by confidentiality agreements. “I’m not being silenced by anybody but I have definitely relocated from the area and for me that was always the plan,” he said. Mr Pratzky said he had been making the film for five years but was joined in 2013 by

a group of professional filmmakers. He said there was no question about the importance of the film. “All we hear is industry spin, but the reality is when you’ve got to live with (the industry), it’s not that good. “Then once you do a bit of research you see that what they’re saying is bulls***. “We’ve just been conned.” APPEA, Australia’s oil and gas industry body, has already come out in opposition to the film. “This movie bears little resemblance to reality; nor any of the work done by numerous scientific and government bodies,” APPEA chief operating officer Eastern Australia Paul Fennelly said. “Natural gas has been safely produced in Queensland for almost 20 years to the point where tens of thousands of jobs have been created, rural communities have been revitalised and $65 billion is being invested in world first projects.” But Mr Pratzky bit back. “They haven’t even seen the film so how can they say that?” he said.

Dayne Pratzky stars as “Frackman”. “Clearly, once again, it’s more industry spin.” Frackman will have its world premiere at the Byron Bay Film Festival on March 7 but is being shown widely around New South Wales next month leading up to the NSW state election on March 28. Following that, Mr Pratzky said the film would be screened nationally, including in the Western Downs. Frackman has been funded by a mix of agency, including Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, and Screen West, and philanthropic funding.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

PAGE 7

IN THE NEWS

A tragic end

Deaths must stop

HE head of the state’s mining body has confirmed there is likely to be an increase in the number of mining deaths this financial year, even though the industry’s safety record has been improving. Queensland Resources Council chief Michael Roche said they would likely have a spike in fatalities this financial year after a man was killed when a tyre exploded at a Dawson coal mine in the Bowen Basin early Monday. “I am sick and tired of hearing about fatalities involving tyre explosions,” Mr Roche said. “I’ve been in this job for 10 years. The first such experience was in 2006, I just can’t believe that it continues to happen.” Mr Roche said he had contacted all of the council’s top companies in the hope of bringing bosses together to talk about the industry’s safety and improve it. The mining chief also said he was not concerned about the future of the Galilee Basin or 100% FIFO mines. Throughout the election campaign, Labor said it supported the Galilee Basin projects but would not spend taxpayer money on a railway line connecting the Galilee to the sea. It also said it would not support further 100% FIFO mines. Mr Roche said QRC would speak to the new government to work out other ways it could

REAL PROBLEM: There has been another mining death linked to exploding tyres.

I am sick and tired of hearing about fatalities involving tyre explosions. Queensland Resources Council chief Michael Roche support Galilee Basin projects. “It won’t be through a government investment into the rail line but there may be other ways it can send those positive signals to the investment community globally,” Mr Roche said. He also was not concerned at Labor’s position on 100% FIFO mines, saying that the new government’s intention was to create local job opportunities. Mr Roche said he was vocal during the election campaign because he was worried about potential changes to approval conditions of mining projects. “I am confident that we can avoid retrospective changes to approval conditions,” he said. “What we have heard from the government is they want more opportunities for locals and I’m sure we can deliver that.”

Shell ditches Curtis Island plans but continues Surat Basin work

OYAL Dutch Shell has finally confirmed long-held rumours that it would ditch plans to build a $20 billion-plus liquefied natural gas plant on Curtis Island near Gladstone. Global chief executive Ben van Beurden said the proposed greenfield Arrow LNG project with PetroChina was “off the table”, while other ventures would be slowed as priority was given to Shell’s North American LNG projects. Shell said the Arrow greenfield project was formally “cancelled”, in a presentation released for its fourth-quarter results in London, which cited several ventures that

were being deferred or abandoned in the wake of the collapse in oil prices. However, the energy giant’s Australian spokesman said work was going ahead on the development of the Arrow coal seam gas reserves. It is understood the company would now look to strike a deal with either QCLNG, Australia Pacific LNG, or Santos GLNG to utilise pipeline and LNG plant infrastructure on Curtis Island. “Work continues on the development of Arrow’s substantial gas resources in the Bowen and Surat Basins,” Shell Australia’s Paul Zennaro said. The proposed Curtis Island plant’s future had

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been in doubt despite it securing state and federal approvals last year. The plunging world oil price has led to several major companies slashing staff and funding to projects across the Surat Basin. An Arrow spokesman confirmed last week’s announcement related only to the Curtis Island project. “Arrow has been commercially selling CSG from the Surat to the domestic market since 2006, owns and operates Braemar 2 Power Station and is progressing additional development options for its Surat Basin reserves,” the spokesman said. “Arrow is looking at multiple opportunities

across the value chain, including collaboration with one or more of the existing LNG projects.” Cr Brown said the sale of Arrow’s gas to rivals could be good news for the region. “Will this decision free-up the funds that were gazetted for Curtis Island to speed up the drilling program in our area?” the mayor speculated. “Perhaps this means we could see a real hive of activity,” he said. Arrow’s CSG tenement is one of the largest in Queensland, covering an area from around Millmerran that stretches north past Chinchilla and towards Wandoan.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

IN THE NEWS

A new political landscape

New faces in Basin’s key political roles THE political landscape in the Surat Basin has changed dramatically over the past month with new representatives in the electorates of Warrego and Condamine — Ann Leahy and Pat Weir — and even a new government.

The Annastacia Palaszczuk-led Labor party swept to power in a shock election result that political commentators have described as the most remarkable political turnaround in Australia’s history. Queensland’s new Labor Cabinet was sworn

Leahy makes Warrego history

portfolios in the Surat Basin — Agriculture, and Mines and Natural Resources. The two new ministers — Rockhampton’s Bill Byrne and Stafford’s Anthony Lynham — are yet to visit the region in the official capacity of their new roles.

Condamine back with the LNP

ANN Leahy cruised into power in Warrego with a comfortable win over her closest opponent, Labor candidate Mark O’Brien. Despite suffering roughly an 11% swing to the ALP, Warrego remains a safe LNP seat. Ms Leahy served as former Member for Warrego Howard Hobbs’ electorate officer for more than 20 years. The new Member for Warrego, Ann Educated by correspondence, boarding Leahy. school, then university, she lived in Charleville for eight years. Now living at Roma, Ann is involved the Zonta and Turf clubs and Show Society. fertiliser production, the development and Ms Leahy has publicly supported the value growth of the Cooper Basin and greater adding of the current CSG industry, including utilisation of CSG for domestic use.

PAT Weir was born and raised on a Central Downs grain and cotton family property. Later in life he ran a cattle breeding business on the western side of Cecil Plains. Mr Weir has been the LNP’s South West Regional Chair since 2008. He has served on committees and been involved with groups including the Cecil Plains Cricket Club, Cecil Plains Golf Club, and the Cecil Plains Rodeo Association. Mr Weir replaces the Katter Australian Party’s Ray Hopper, who contested the seat of Nanango at this election.

The new Member for Condamine, Pat Weir.

Mr Hopper was elected as an LNP candidate at the last election but later switched to KAP.

Surgeon to take on resources

Ex-soldier is new agriculture boss QUEENSLAND’S new Minister for Agriculture is a long-serving soldier in the Australian Army. Bill Byrne, who will also take on the ministerial portfolios of Fisheries and Sports and Racing, is the Member for Rockhampton. He served in the army for nearly 30 years as a regular infantry officer and Reservist prior to his selection as an ALP candidate. He also worked for Queensland Rail. This will be his second term in parliament, having been first elected in 2012. He has experience as a marine coxswain, a

in last week and Ms Palaszczuk made immediate changes, notably that the ministry was reduced from 19 to 14 people, five of whom were new to the front bench. This month, Surat Basin News has explored who will be looking after two of the key

The state’s new Agriculture Minister, Bill Byrne. rural firefighter and emergency management controller and has been a volunteer with Regional Development Australia.

AS a maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Anthony Lynham has worked and conducted research in major Brisbane hospitals. He was elected in July, 2014, at the Stafford by-election. During his time in Opposition, Dr Lynham spoke out against mines in central Queensland that operate on a 100% fly-in fly-out basis and one of his first acts as Minister this month has been to order reviews into two mines currently operating a 100% FIFO workforce. The move followed Labor’s commitment to put an end to 100% FIFO mines being approved.

Surgeon-turned Resources Minister, Anthony Lynham.

Dr Lynham will also oversee the ministerial portfolio for State Development. (Turn to page 13 for more on the FIFO issue).

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

PAGE 9

DOWN TO BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Bright ideas

Her boots were made for workin’ Entrepreneur finds her niche merging fashion with construction

HEY might be small in numbers, but they are hard to miss. Increasing numbers of women in regional mining and construction jobs in Toowoomba, Darling Downs and Maranoa are changing the female stereotype and the scenery. The woman capitalising on the high numbers of women in traditionally male-dominated roles is Stacey Head, whose business she wear specialises in brightly-coloured steel-capped boots. The Brisbane-based entrepreneur is bringing hot pink, bright purple and other vividly coloured steel-capped boots to traditionally male-dominated workplaces. ABS Labour Force data shows women comprised 13.8% of Australia’s mining sector workforce, up from 12.9% in 2011 and 12.2% in 2008. Those figures will undoubtedly rise as employers like the Australian Mines and Metals Association aim to boost women’s employment in the sector to 25% by 2020. In Queensland’s construction industry, the number of women has risen from 21,300 in August, 2004, to 28,600 in August, 2014. Ms Head said the changing demographic of

Why should women have to wear gear that’s made for men? Stacey Head workplaces had created a niche market for work gear more suited to the fairer sex. “It’s not about turning work sites into fashion catwalks – it’s about proper work gear made for women,’’ she said. “Why should women have to wear gear that’s made for men?’’ With her internet business booming, Ms Head is now opening her first shop, in Brisbane “It’s not just women in mining looking for this gear either,’’ Ms Head said. “It’s women working on the land, in florists, factories, in trades, warehouses, engineering and architectural firms. There’s also lots of women in DIY industries looking for work gear. It’s very diverse.’’ The former home renovator came up with the idea of launching her business after

One woman capitalising on rising numbers of women in regional mining and construction jobs is Stacey Head, whose business she wear specialises in brightly-coloured steel-capped boots. shooting herself through the foot with a nail gun. “I had been working in the corporate sector for several years and then started renovating properties,’’ she said. “I renovated five houses in six years and had

a nail go through my foot. I started looking around for a pair of decent, comfortable work boots for girls and that’s where the idea for she wear started. I couldn’t find any so I decided to create my own.’’ – APN NEWSDESK

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DOWN TO BUSINESS

New technology

Workers use app for mental health

RESOURCE industry construction company has gone to new, futuristic lengths to keep check on the mental health of its workers. Murphy Pipe and Civil (MPC) is gaining a better understanding of the wellbeing of its construction crews, thanks to a new mental health awareness survey app now being used by its 850-strong workforce on the QCLNG Project. The new app, developed as part of a mental health initiative by MPC and its air charter provider AVMIN, surveys employees during their flights home or to work each swing, and provides them with useful mental health information or personal assistance if needed. Playing an integral part in bringing the App to fruition for MPC was AVMIN. AVMIN managing director Paul O’Brien said his team researched and subsequently built the app based on similar tools being used by the American Defence Force to check the mental health of soldiers returning on flights from their tours of duty. “We saw immense benefit with an app of this kind and after tailoring it to assess the issues commonly encountered by construction workers, MPC decided to use it on all of its flights in and out of Miles,” Mr O’Brien said. Mr O’Brien said the key driver for this tailored-app was basically born out of AVMIN staff seeing first-hand the emotional effects and strains that FIFO workers showed, and wanting to provide them with a means to seek help in a non-confrontational

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way. “The result is we now work closely with MPC to ensure their workers, who are leaving their families for long periods of time, have immediate support available to them,” he said. Echoing those sentiments, Murphy Pipe and Civil senior project manager Andrew Parker said the simple, but very effective app-based mental health survey only took a few minutes to complete on an iPad during flights, and was just one way the company was ensuring its crews had opportunities to

ask for help if needed. “It’s well-known that construction industry workers, especially those on FIFO rosters, can sometimes succumb to mental health stress and need some support, particularly when separated from loved ones for extended periods of time,” Mr Parker said. “Equally well-known is that often people needing this type of help either don’t want to ask for it because they feel embarrassed or overwhelmed, or simply don’t have any avenue of assistance available to them.

“This new app gauges the mental health of our employees by asking them a series of questions developed by qualified psychologists and forwards responses to MPC personnel specifically trained in providing employees with support. “This is very useful information to have and lets us provide assistance rather than potentially leaving the employee to cope alone,” he said. Mr Parker said some employees might be reluctant to ask for help and preferred their mental state remain confidential, so the app also provided employees with an option to remain anonymous but still supplies helpful information or contact details of organisations that can assist. “It’s a fairly simple idea and has been developed to complement other mental health initiatives we have implemented across our workforce, such as training crew volunteer employees to see the telltale signs of mental health issues in people and being able to assist if needed. “It might just result in one of our trained volunteers having a simple chat in camp with a person showing signs of stress and providing some one-on-one support that, for whatever reason, they are reluctant to ask for,” he said. Mr Parker said the new app had been welcomed by construction crews and was already providing MPC with useful data on mental health trends which the company SMART APP: AVMIN’s Matt Haigh (right) runs Murphy Pipe and Civil’s Garry McKenzie (far left) and Lealofi Feilo could work toward addressing. through the newly-introduced in-flight mental wellbeing survey.

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DOWN TO BUSINESS

Review launched

UEENSLAND’S new mining minister Anthony Lynham has announced a review into two mines currently operating a 100% fly-in-fly-out workforce, including BMA’s Daunia and Caval Ridge mines in Central Queensland. The Natural Resources and Mines Minister also said the new government would make sure the state would not have any more 100% FIFO mines approved. But a spokeswoman for BMA, the company that runs Daunia and Caval Ridge mines, said all residential, drive-in-drive-out and FIFO workers had roles to play in the resources industry. Mr Lynham told ABC radio this week that a review would start “as soon as possible”. This follows Labor’s election commitment to put an end to 100% FIFO mines being approved. “People don’t want this issue left up in the air,” Mr Lynham said. “Families are listening

New Natural Resources and Mines Minister launches review into 100% FIFO operations in his first days in the job to when this is going to be sorted. “We do hope that we can sit down with the mining companies and just have a sensible chat and work out solutions to this problem.” The BMA spokeswoman said of the

company’s eight mines in Central Queensland, 90% of their 9000 employees and contractors lived locally or commuted from the region’s coastal communities including Mackay, Whitsundays and Rockhampton.

We do hope that we can sit down with the mining companies and just have a sensible chat and work out solutions to this problem. Mining minister Anthony Lynham

Page15 SEE STORY

Solar breaks records

FIFO REVIEW: A review has been launched into 100% FIFO mining operations.

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Of their total workforce, she said 10% were FIFO workers, including 245 people from Cairns and 800 people from Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane areas. “BMA is committed to continuing to support our local communities, with the Daunia and Caval Ridge mines supported by over 200 Mackay and Moranbah-based contractors,” she said. Queensland Resources Council chief Michael Roche said earlier this week that 100% FIFO mines were a “furphy”. “Even at the two mines in the Bowen Basin that are supposedly 100% FIFO there are 200 locals working in those mines,” he said. “What we have heard from the government is they want to more opportunities for locals and I’m sure we can deliver that.” Meanwhile, Mr Lynham told ABC that any future approvals for FIFO workforces would be decided on a mine-by-mine basis. While he said local people should be able to access local jobs in nearby mines, some mines were more remote. “It’s all under negotiation at the moment,” he said. – APN NEWSDESK

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DOWN TO BUSINESS

New digs for Definium LWS

NEW IN TOWN: Haynes has opened a new office in Chinchilla.

New hub

Haynes’ vision expands in Basin

IELD services and labour hire company Haynes Group has strengthened its position in the Surat Basin with a new Chinchilla office. The office is one of five newly opened offices now located in one central location forming the Chinchilla Business Hub. The business hub opened in late 2014, and also encompasses Thiess Services, the Surat Basin Property Group, Surat Basin Advisory and GD Engineering and Construction. The move was particularly timely for Haynes Group, after adding work on coal seam gas, energy and mining developments in the Toowoomba and the Surat Basin region to its portfolio in 2014. Haynes Group area coordinator Stephen Fenech said as the CSG industry transitioned to the operations and maintenance phase, it was important for the company to establish a significant base where the action happened. “Companies need to be where the decision makers are for the operational phase of the coal seam gas industry and that is in Chinchilla,” Mr Fenech said. “We have been able to source over 100 people that live locally to the Surat Basin and that

have the skills to work in this next phase of these major projects. “This is reducing the cost for all of the supply chain as they no longer have to pay for people to live in camps and travel costs to and from the region.” Mr Fenech said it was the Surat Basin Property Group that realised the opportunity for Haynes, and the other businesses, after they spearheaded the idea of having a central location for those wanting an office presence in the region. Along with the new office space, Haynes will also be moving a number of its services to the area. Its field service vehicles will now be based in Chinchilla in order to keep servicing the Surat Basin, with some of their other major equipment services following to deliver support to the ongoing efforts of major projects in the gas industry. . “The steady and reliable operational phase of these major projects allows Haynes to be part of the community for the long term,” Mr Fenech said. “We are excited to be able to provide our services to the many companies involved

Stephen and baby Kasper Fenech support the Chinchilla Suns in the Chinchilla Melon Festival street parade. with the industry, which will not only provide local workers with opportunities but also give back to the community through sponsorships, schools and local businesses.” Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise chief executive office Shane Charles applauded the businesses involved with the new hub for strengthening and expanding their position in the region. “This new cluster of businesses in Chinchilla is a very welcome addition to the region and it is reassuring to see that even as the major projects in the gas industry transition into the operational and maintenance phase of their lifespan, that local businesses will still have access to vast opportunities in the Surat Basin,” Mr Charles said.

DEFINIUM LWS is continuing to play a pivotal role in supporting pipeline projects in the Surat Basin, as the company announces the opening of itsWestern Downs regional office. Located at 4 Inverai Rd, Chinchilla, the opening will be held from 5pm on February 26. Since 2011, the company has completed seven major projects for QGC, SunWater, Arrow Energy and Powerlink Queensland. Most recently, the company constructed a series of Gas Gathering Systems in the Surat Basin for QGC. It all started in 1998, in the back of a shed on the Sunshine coast. Managing director Peter Hickey and director Neil Severns still remember hosting their first “board meetings” while surfing. Today they employ more than 400 people in civil survey, field services, specialised design and drafting to the pipeline, oil and gas, telecom, and infrastructure industries in the Torres Straits, New Guinea, Norfolk Island, New Zealand and NSW. Definium LWS director Neil Severns said the office held “huge potential” for expansion over the next 20 years. “We have spent the last decade working in the Western Down region on the majority of the oil and gas projects, so it just made sense for us to set up base here.” The office will be manned by surveyor Heath Smith.

Surveyor Ian Seeto on the Golders Woleebee Creek project.

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DOWN TO BUSINESS

Inquiry hears tales of big business ruling

BRIGHT IDEA: 3D rendering of the proposed Bulli Creek Solar Farm near Millmerran by company Solar Choice.

Solar farm would be the largest in the world Company eyes Darling Downs paddocks to be hom efor the country’s largest ever solar farm

HE Darling Downs could soon be home to Australia’s largest solar farm, if an ambitious new development comes to light. The proposed farm, to be built at Bulli Creek, near Millmerran, has sparked national and international interest. A huge reaction to news of the farm’s approval suggests the billion dollar renewable energy project appeals to the global public imagination. Solar Choice managing director Angus Gemmell said separate investors from North America and Europe had completed reviews on the project. He believed the project had attracted wide-scale attention because of its long-term commitment to providing a green energy source. “I think people are genuinely quite concerned about Australia having a clean energy future,” he said.

“We all want our energy source to be Australia has the best solar resources in the reliable, bountiful and cost-competitive and world and we’re missing out on huge this is a project which can tick all those opportunities if we’re not utilising that boxes. energy,” she said. “As a nation we’ve been addicted to coal and I think it’s nice to have a project which has vision. A lot of people are a bit despairing under the current regimes.” Mr Gemmell said developers had been careful to choose a location away from prime agricultural country. “Our main concern was staying away from food bowl country and the lovely black soil of the Darling Downs to the east.” The national Climate Council, based in Sydney has applauded the project with the council’s chief executive officer Amanda McKenzie saying it was a nationally and internationally significant project. “It will be almost four times larger than what is currently the largest solar farm in the The farm would be the largest in Australia, and the world. world, Topaz Solar Farm in California.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

ENVIRONMENTAL groups voiced their concerns about the former Newman-led Queensland Government at a Senate inquiry in Toowoomba this month. Nikky Laws from the Oakey Coal Action Alliance was among those who gave evidence. Ms Laws said she raised concerns about “huge” political donations to the Liberal Party. “We don’t know what the implications of that are but we assume it gives (mining companies) permission to do what they like,” she said. “We’re concerned some of these companies have special arrangements with the Queensland Government regarding dust and noise.” Ms Laws and other environmentalists spoke about the impacts of coal mining in general on communities, water supplies, health and farmlands. She said the inquiry committee appeared to be moved by testimony given by Acland resident Glenn Beutel on the impacts of New Hope Group’s New Acland coal mine. “They asked good questions and listened intently,” she said. Ms Laws is hoping the inquiry will bring an end to the “revolving door” between governments and industry. “Communities have been forgotten about and big business rules Queensland. Things have to change because we’re all reliant on the important eco-systems of water and air” Former Acland resident Aileen Harrison attended the inquiry because she was interested to see the process. “Hopefully (the committee) may take it further and give us a chance to have our side of mining heard...and they will start to look after agricultural land,” she said.

PAGE 15

DOWN TO BUSINESS

SANTOS POSTS BIG LOSS

GAS producer Santos has posted a harrowing $935 million loss, a massive fall for the company after posting a $516 million profit last year. The oil and gas company behind the Gladstone LNG project and associated coal seam gas fields across the Surat Basin reported its full-year position on Friday. Santos was expected to post a large loss, after a market update earlier this month reported a $1.6 billion impairment from operations in the Cooper Basin and Gunnedah, New South Wales. But the Queensland project, one of the biggest gas projects in the Sunshine State, did not suffer any losses, while underlying profit across the company was up 6% to about $530 million. In its report, the company also forecast a $2 billion capital expenditure program this year, around half the value of last year’s cap-ex program. The Santos GLNG project is expected to deliver its first LNG for export in mid-2015.

BIG DONATION: Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland Western Downs branch representative Joanne Embry (far right) accepts a $15,000 donation from (from left) MPC’s Rick Keane and Lisa Wilkinson, QGC’s Paul Holliday and MPC’s Doug Blade.

Blue shirts and big hearts

NCREASED nursing services for Western Downs people coping with cancer will now be possible thanks to a $15,000 donation to the local branch of the Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland. Hundreds of employees from Murphy Pipe and Civil, air charter provider AVMIN and QGC, wore bright blue hi-vis shirts to work during last year’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, in an effort to raise money and fund increased assistance for local cancer patients. Murphy Pipe and Civil communications manager Glenn Pfluger said in past years crew members from all three companies had raised more than $40,000 for cancer research by wearing pink shirts to work. “However, this time around, crews decided to wear bright blue shirts to create increased awareness of prostate cancer, which sadly affected nearly one in four Australian males,” Mr Pfluger said.

PAGE 16

I can assure all those people who helped raise this money, that it will be put to good use right across the Western Downs region and make a big difference. Joanne Embry “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a fantastic initiative, but with such a large contingent of our crews being male, we thought creating awareness of a cancer that could affect them was a very good fit. “Crews from QGC, AVMIN and MPC got right behind the cause during Prostate Awareness Month, but from the outset made it very clear they wanted all money raised to go directly toward assisting local people dealing

with the effects of cancer. “The team at the Western Downs branch of the Breast and Prostate Cancer Association do a tremendous job helping local people right across the region, so our crews were very happy their fundraising efforts went toward ensuring their great work in the community continued,” he said. Accepting the donation in Miles this month, Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland representative Joanne Embry said it was great that companies like MPC, AVMIN and QGC supported the ongoing care and support for people with cancer. “We really appreciate this great fundraising initiative by crew members from all three companies, and on behalf of the Association, thank everyone who took part,” Mrs Embry said. “I can assure all those people who helped raise this money, that it will be put to good use right across the Western Downs region and make a big difference,” she said.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

REGIONAL JOBS WIN OUT

UNEMPLOYMENT across regional Queensland and NSW was more than 2% higher than in capital cities in January. Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force figures showed NSW regional unemployment in January was 8.5%, compared to 5.8% in the NSW capital. Brisbane’s unemployment rate for January was 6.5%, compared to 7.3% unemployment in the rest of the state. The figures showed the metropolitan and regional unemployment rate rose in January. Nationally the ABS figures showed the unemployment rate sat at 6.8% in January. In Queensland as a whole the unemployment rate rose from 6% to 6.9%, while in NSW the figures rose from 5.7% to 6.7% – just below the national average. In contrast the unemployment rate across Victoria remained at 7.1% in the state’s regional areas as well as in Melbourne.

OPINIONS

Spending to continue despite plunging world oil price .

COMMENT JOHN COTTER Chairman of the Gasfields Commission Queensland

rom heady days to steady days has been a common experience for many Surat Basin businesses servicing the onshore gas industry over the past 12 months or more. While the transition from construction to longer term operations was always expected, the timing and nature of that transition for each of the major CSG-LNG proponents in the Surat Basin has been slightly different and somewhat clouded by the current low oil price impacts on the energy sector. However when I recently met with the CEOs of Queensland’s major CSG-LNG proponents they have all indicated that despite the current challenges there will be significant ongoing capital expenditure and workforce requirements over the years and decades to come. These will include a range of activities such as the ongoing gas well drilling programs, operations and maintenance of field facilities and all the local support services associated with those activities. Improving the flow of information about those long term opportunities for local business from Queensland’s onshore gas industry remains a key focus of the GasFields Commission. We had a very strong response from local businesses at a forum we hosted in Chinchilla last December where senior executives from two of the major onshore gas proponents provided information and fielded questions on upcoming work packages and future workforce numbers. The Commission held a similar business forum in Roma this month (February) for local businesses supplying the onshore gas industry in the Maranoa region. Feedback from local businesses highlight the need for better communication, networking and sharing of information by Queensland’s onshore gas industry about its current and longer term workforce and supply chain opportunities. There is also a need for better communication of those work packages and opportunities for local businesses and

subcontractors with the onshore gas supply chain itself so the Commission is also looking to host supplier days to facilitate information sharing, networking and engagement. Importantly, local businesses often tell us that they don’t expect a hand out or a free

ride when it comes to supplying the onshore gas industry. Rather they just want relevant and timely information about upcoming work packages and future workforce numbers so they can better plan their business for 2015 and

beyond, and, position themselves to compete for these longer term supply chain opportunities. We need to make sure there is a fair go for local businesses and our regional communities.

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OPINIONS

A new face

Leahy pays tribute to former member Ann Leahy, the first woman to be elected to represent Warrego, pays tribute to her former boss and mentor, Howard Hobbs .

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it was. Congratulations to the organisers of this event and the sponsors, many of whom are in the resources industry or contractors to the industry. Later this month I will be joining the Gasfields Commission Business Forum in Roma regarding CSG company operations and maintenance programs and local content. The presentations will focus on the operations activities and supply chain opportunities in our region. I will be looking forward to how this information can be of benefit across the region to local businesses. Until next month.

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elcome to my first Edition of the Surat Basin News as Member for Warrego. I would like to thank the voters of the Warrego Electorate, the LNP volunteers and supporters and I am truly honoured to be chosen to represent them in State Parliament. It is appropriate on this occasion that I pay tribute to retiring MP, Howard Hobbs who has served the Electorate for the last 29 years.

been a keen interest in community service and have been a member of a number of community groups and most recently the Roma Zonta and Turf Clubs and the Queensland Sheepdog Association. I have played a significant role in the progression and development of Government policy governing the CSG industry. I take the view that we should have a sustainable CSG industry in our region and utilisation of water resources are paramount to the continuation of our communities. I am keen to try to resolve issues that arise within the industry and will always listen to both sides of the story. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Chinchilla Melon Festival and what a festival

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COMMENT ANN LEAHY MP Member for Warrego

I wish Mr Hobbs all the best for his retirement and I thank him for his service to the communities of the Warrego Electorate. Many of the Surat Basin News readers may already know me through my former role as Electorate Officer for Howard Hobbs which I undertook for 21 years. For those who are interested in my background I am a sheep and wool producers daughter who grew up on the land west of Stanthorpe. I have been involved in the family primary production business for the last 20 years. Following my education at boarding school and University at Toowoomba I moved west to Charleville where I worked in a number of different roles in research and education. I have always

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

OPINIONS

Changing times

Exploration must continue in region New scheme will encourage exploration for natural resources in the Surat Basin

COMMENT BRUCE SCOTT MP Federal Member for Maranoa

he resource-rich Queensland power house that is the Surat Basin has brought new job opportunities and new wealth as the energy and resource sector is a significant contributor to Australia’s economy. However the economic performance of resource explorers has been falling as a result of higher costs and lower rates of discoveries. Part of the challenge faced is getting more exploration underway, particularly by smaller local mining companies that often lack the capital and cash-flow to undertake exploration in the first instance. The Productivity Commission recently noted that exploration expenditures have not led to as many discoveries over the past 10 years, particularly in the case of ‘giant’ deposits. If the downward trend in significant discoveries continues, resource extraction will increasingly reply on deposits of a lower grade, deeper in the ground and require costly infrastructure to extract. If this isn’t addressed, this economic landscape will

adversely impact on Australia’s competitiveness in resource extraction. The Liberal National Coalition Government has a plan to address this challenge with the Exploration Development Incentive (EDI) set to be introduced to the Federal Parliament during the next sittings fortnight (from February 23-26 to March 2-5). This legislation is designed to stimulate growth of ‘junior’ exploration companies – set to include budding local Surat Basin companies, with local knowledge and, most importantly, keeping locals employed in in the region. This Federal Coalition Government has long-recognised that additional investment in junior exploration companies was required to discover quality resources. This investment ensures the resource sector’s continued contribution to our economy over the medium to long term. The EDI will be introduced because we recognise the potential impact on the resources sector’s overall sustainability as capital becomes more difficult to raise. The EDI boosts exploration for new mineral deposits by encouraging investment in small companies undertaking greenfields mineral exploration. The EDI was developed in consultation with industry to address the challenges juniors

face by offering a refundable tax offset to facilitate their access to private sector capital. The Australian Taxation Office will administer the scheme, which is capped at $100 million over the forward estimates. The ATO will ensure the cap is not breached by determining the proportion of expenses

that can be claimed as tax credits by shareholders. The Coalition Government is serious about job creation and economic growth with the abolition of the carbon and mining taxes. The EDI is another step this government has taken to keep our local resource industry moving.

Food is the key in strengthening ties with China

COMMENT DR BEN LYONS TSBE Shanghaibased General Manager

oday’s column has been written by Dr Ben Lyons, TSBE’s Shanghai-based general manager. A former Glenmorgan boy (and prior to that Augathella), Ben is a great resource for the region and developing our links to the Asian market. 2015 is the Chinese year of the Goat (or Sheep depending on how you translate the Chinese character). I have spent the best part of the last 18

years in China and have seen massive changes in that time but one constant is the New Year holiday and its core values of family time, reunion and food. Lots of food. For TSBE and the region we are looking to a big year in 2015 and a lot of our work in China will be based around exploring our regional offering to this booming premium food market. TSBE ran a very successful Ag in the Asian Century conference in early October last year and on the back of that conference 2015 will see a lot of activity in market development and feasibility studies. Half of the Chinese word for opportunity is also part of the term for risk and while the big numbers get thrown about for China, TSBE is not only committed to finding

sustainable opportunities, and by that we also mean sustainable prices, but also about positioning ourselves and our product. As a former cattle grower’s son I remember well the pain of implementing new traceability systems and meeting the compliance requirements for Australia’s food industry and with the recent contamination case on frozen berries front of mind, our systems and procedures are more relevant than ever. We can easily tell a provenance or origin story now. Food contamination stories are an almost daily occurrence in China and Australia has the brand name for high quality and safe products. But we have a lot of work to do in

developing the logistics and the business case to build on. Even companies with a great consumer product like Apple can have a difficult time in this complex market – most recently with trying to introduce its Apple Pay system. Beef producers such as Australia’s own Blackmore’s Wagyu, Penfold’s wine, and Diary co-operative Norco have all had issues with counterfeit product once they have entered the market. China became the biggest consumer of food in 2011 and according to some statistical benchmarks it has already overtaken the US as the world’s biggest economy. The China story will not be easy but we cannot ignore it and like the canny goat we have to be smart about it.

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PAGE 19

OPINIONS

Welcome aboard

With change comes opportunity Western Downs must be on the list for new Royalties fund .

COMMENT Cr RAY BROWN Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

would like to welcome the new Queensland ministry and reconfirm Western Downs Regional Council's commitment to working in partnership with the State Government to continue improving and growing infrastructure and development

in our Western Downs and Surat Basin regions. Given the scope of services and projects that Council manages, we're sure to be working with a range of the new ministers at various times. However, we especially look forward to working with the following ministers in relation to resource sector activity, development and growth in our region: the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Jackie Trad; the Minister for State Development, and Natural Resources and

Mines, Anthony Lynham; the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Bill Byrne; and the Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, and Energy and Water Supply, Mark Bailey. As a starting point, we'll be actively working to ensure that the Western Downs will be one of thirteen (13) councils to receive funding through the new $27.5 million per annum, 'Royalties for Resource Producing Communities Fund'. We're confident this Fund will continue to enhance the ongoing development of infrastructure which

supports both the needs of our growing population and the ongoing operational needs of resource sector projects in our region. With change comes opportunity, and the Western Downs is well-positioned to ensure that the opportunities for the energy and resource sector in the Surat Basin continue to be seized, as they will help ensure our communities are great places to live, work and play, now and well into the future. Cr Ray Brown, Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

LAY OF THE LAND: Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown with then State Opposition Leader, now Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk at Myall Creek in Dalby.

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OPINIONS

New government

QRC: Royalties should not be increased .

COMMENT MICHAEL ROCHE CEO Queensland Resources Council

compete in a fierce global market for projects and capital, with many overseas competitors and operations enjoying significant cost advantages. To deliver Queensland the next wave of resources growth projects and to shore up the global competiveness of current operations, the overriding challenge of the next government should be to assist in addressing high input costs; reducing project delays; building greater certainty into regulatory processes; and helping to unlock the next wave of productivity and efficiency benefits. Of note, this is just the seventh change of government in Queensland since 1915 and only the second time since 1932 that Queenslanders have rejected a sitting government after one term. Another interesting snippet is that since formation of the QRC’s predecessor (Queensland Mining Council) in 1991, the organisation has worked with Labor Governments for 19 of the intervening 24 years.

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he new state government delivered by Queensland voters has not altered the fact that economic growth and job creation remain central to the state’s agenda this year and beyond. Representing Queensland Resources Council members at an industry briefing hosted by Premier Palaszczuk and her economic portfolio Ministers, it was clear to me that the new government is strongly focused on job creation and wants to partner with industry to achieve that objective. The good news for the resources sector is that the Premier also made repeated commitments not to increase royalties for coal, minerals, petroleum and gas in this term of government. As QRC submitted in its election policy agenda, the continuing economic contribution to Queensland from the resources sector hinges on offsetting the financial risks associated with inevitable price downturns in global commodity markets. For example, opening up of the Surat and Galilee Basins and the opportunity to build coal mines that achieve globally competitive economies of scale and scope is critical to ensuring Queensland a role in meeting the developing world’s growing demand for high quality thermal coal. Similarly, development of the Cooper gas basin will ensure that we have sufficient resources to meet our export and domestic gas needs in the medium to long term. All the while, we will need to nurture our exploration sector and to ensure that companies can raise the capital, access the land, and implement the latest innovative technologies. Sadly, a world-class endowment of resources alone is no guarantee of success in attracting investment capital and delivering growth projects. Australia’s reputation as a low-risk investment destination has been tested in recent years by indiscriminate policy and legislative changes, high structural costs and significant cost overruns on new projects. Queensland minerals and energy exporters

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PAGE 21

PLACES & FACES

PLACES AND FACES

First Enterprise Evening a success

MORE than 300 people turned out for Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s first Enterprise Evening of the year. The event was held in Toowoomba at USQ’s Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, where TSBE chief executive officer Shane Charles gave insights into where economic development will take the region in 2015. The next Enterprise Evening will be held in Roma on March 16. 1. Anthea Middleton from Energy Skills Queensland, Catherine Baudet from Ferrier Baudet Architects and Deb Archbold from Deborah Wilson Consulting Services 2. Laura Smith from Toowoomba Regional Council, Patrice Lund and Scott Lewin from RACQ Group.

3. Sharna Yarrow from Focus HR and Angela Thornton from EDC Consulting. 4. Helen McCraw and Jason Harm from Lockyer Valley Regional Council with Sharon Mitchell from TAFE QLD South West. 5 Sponsors of the event, David O’Sullivan and Troy Wolter from BUSSQ. 6. Jaden Frame from Wise Therapy and Justin Still from Power Tynan 7. Tony Vella from Downes Group, Adrian Vowles from Auscoal Super and Dave Campbell from Downes Group.

6 5 PAGE 22

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015

PLACES & FACES

8. Tony Vella from Downes Group, Adrian Vowles from Auscoal Super and Dave Campbell from Downes Group.

9. Gary Davis and Neil Hoskin from Dust-A-Side Australia with Andrew Willett from Fire & Safety Australia 10. Sherry Heath from Outsource Institute of Technology, Kyle Roggenkamp from Thiess and Neil Bennett from Outsource Institute of Technology. 11. Fraser Power and Bradley Cameron from Origin Energy with Martin McVicar from McVicar and Associates. 12. TSBE board member Gavin Walton, Michael Matthewson from Wiley and Co and Mark Steinhardt from InterFinancial Corporate Finance

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PAGE 23

PLACES & FACES

Record Melon Festival ONE of the Surat Basinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most popular events was held this month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival. More than 15,000 people poured into the town, tripling its population and injecting $2.5 million into the local economy. 1. Among the Melon Fun Run competitors were friends Lauren McCaffrey and Sophie Abbott from Rockhampton. 2. The winning melon is paraded through the streets. 3. Dressed up for the Street Parade is Lesley Casey.

4. Geoff Pope finishes off a perfect ski with a neat tuck and roll. 5. Hugh Tait from Toowoomba (left) chases down a competitor on the home straight before eventually winning the Men's Melon Dash for Cash. 6. Mike O'Connell and Ray Stecca pull Kerri Stecca to victory in the Chinchilla Melon Festival Chariot Race, which saw teams construct and haul their melon-laden vehicles over the line for cash prizes. 7.Joe Comben and Luke Nottingham, winners of the Melon Ironman competition.

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Melon madness 8. St Joseph's chefs Maggie Maclean, Andee Moore and Sophie Bender. 9.Sporting some makeshift melon fashion are Sam Hopkins from Taroom (left) and Dugald Frith from Dalby.

10. Rising star Dean Ray gave an electric performance on Saturday evening.

11. Chris and Matt Davies hoist their winning melon onto the scales. 12. Ruben Fernandez from Peru enjoys his first ever Chinchilla Melon Festival. 13. Sam Asorus, Krissy Renwick, Jake Sams and Adele Renwick.

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PAGE 25

PLACES & FACES

INTERESTED? You can nominate by emailing info@easterinthecountryroma.com.au.

COMPETITIVE: Reigning Easter In The Country wife carrying champions Michael Esdele and fiance Rikki Duff (left) are not ready to let the title go to someone else in 2015.

Event revving up

Wife carrying? Must be Easter time

IFE-carrying champion couple Rikki Duff and Michael Esdale will fight to hold the title this April. Mr Esdale successfully carried his fiancé across the finish like last year at the Easter in the Country race and he intends on doing it again.

“He is so competitive,” Ms Duff said. “He now wants to go back every year to compete in it, and it’s a good excuse to visit the family,” the former Injune girl said. The wife-carrying event is relatively new to the Easter in the Country weekend and will return on Sunday, April 5. Ms Duff attributes

last year’s first place to research. “We just Googled wife carry and apparently it’s an actual thing,” she said. “We heard there was a fireman carry but there is a professional way where the lady’s legs go over the man’s shoulders and she hugs his tummy.

“I was laughing the whole time.” The wife carry will be held on the Sunday between 10am-noon. The winning couple takes home the lady’s weight in alcohol. “It was a pretty awesome prize, we still have some of the beer left over,” Ms Duff said.

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PAGE 27

PLACES & FACES

Bull riding action coming Leading bull riders will head to the Surat Basin next month for the Rural Weekly Live Series PBR

OUND four of the Rural Weekly Live Series PBR Bull Ride is set to kick off at the Dalby Showgrounds on March 21. The event will pit Australia’s leading bull riders against some of the highest ranked bulls in the country. The top 10 riders will move to the championship round, with the winner the rider with the highest aggregate score from two bulls. Currently leading the standings is popular New Zealand champion Fraser Babbington.

Born and bred in Gisborne, New Zealand, Babbington started bull riding later than many of his competitors. After a family history in show jumping, at 17 he was dared to jump on a bull while doing work experience in the Northern Territory. He competed in his first rodeo in Katherine, before returning to New Zealand to compete. In 2005 he took out the New Zealand titles for Rookie Bull Rider of the Year, Saddle Bronc Rider of the Year and All Round Champion.

ROUGH RIDE: Some of the country’s best bull riders will be in Dalby next month for the Rural Weekly Live Series PBR.

Tickets ■ The series finals will be held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on July 18. ■ Grab tickets online at www.eventopia.co or from the Dalby Herald or Chinchilla News offices. Babbington is leading on 790 points – 415 points from his nearest competitors Lachlan Richardson and Sam O’Connor. Richardson, who is from Gresford in New South Wales, started competing in PBR at the start of the 2012 season. That year, he was crowned the PBR Australia Rookie Champion. As a junior rider Richardson competed with the ABCRA and was named the 2009 and 2010 Steer Riding Champion. Richardson and O’Connor are currently tied on 375 points. The top 10 riders will move to the championship round, with the winner the rider with the highest aggregate score from two bulls. The series finals will be held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on July 18. Grab tickets online at www.eventopia.co or from the Dalby Herald or Chinchilla News offices.

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SURAT BASIN NEWS Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 Printed by APN Print Toowoomba 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba Q4350 2013 General Manager – Erika Brayshaw 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413, PO Box 138 Chinchilla Q4413, Phone 07 4662 7368

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 26 February 2015