SBN May 2013 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

Surat BasinNEWS THURSDAY 30 MAY 2013

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inside New report shows investors running scared Page 3 Protesters go into overdrive Page 6 Arrow committed to reconciliation Page 28

APPEA Chief Executive Officer David Byers addresses the crowd at the 2013 APEA Conference in Brisbane this week.

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SBNEWS

inside this edition down tobusiness

The Team David Richardson General Manager Laurell Ison Media Sales Manager Beth Walker Graphic Design Jillian Poulsen Editor The Surat Basin News will publish every month 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 20,000 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 as the development increases. 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. 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 previous editions on www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews Regular updates on

pages 4-8

Wandoan woes continue with Xstrata-Glencore merger. Details page 5. Activism threatens jobs -page 6. Have you say on the Queensland Plan. Full story page 7.

pages 14-19 Origin announces affordbale housing for Roma. Details page 14. Cotton and coal are not the perfect neighbours. Find out why on page 15. Deep seated skill war put to bed - page 16.

pages 18-23 pages 24-28 A new life for a local family as they move into their new affordably priced rental in Miles. Full story page 22. Horizon Housing shares what is happening around teh region - page 23.

Out and about with teh TSBE - social pictures on page 24. This edition’s Face to Face with Tom Draper - page 25. Origin helps preserve the Surat Basin’s prehisotic rellics. Have a look at what they found on page 26.

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Formas ..............................................................13 General Petroleum Oil Tools.........................19 M & P Services (Qld) Pty Ltd ........................1 Maguire Coaches and Travel............................8 Muddy Waters ................................................11 Murphy Pipe & Civil.........................................25 Oakey Discount Pharmacy.............................13 Onsite Rental Group......................................20 Osmac ..................................................................8 Ostwald Bros....................................................23 Pirtek...................................................................11

PS & R ................................................................22 Ray White Rural Chinchilla ..........................28 Santos ..................................................................9 SMK Consultants ............................................16 Speciality Services QLD ................................15 Stonestreets Coaches ....................................16 Surat Basin Expo..............................................17 Surat Basin Homes ............................................7 Surat Basin News ............................................21 Trades and Services ..............................26 & 27 WDRC...............................................................18

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Surat Basin NEWS Next Issue will be available

20 June 2013 Double your profile and build your exposure in the unique Surat Basin Phone Laurell or Brooke 07 4662 7368 and start building your business

Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413, Printed by APN Print Toowoomba, 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba Q4350 (2012) General Manager - David Richardson, 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413, PO Box 138 Chinchilla Q4413

Our unique position within the major centres of the Surat Basin allows this newspaper to supply relevant and required information to our local communities. This newspapers is staffed and driven by passionate locals who have an investment not only in their communities but also the people that reside in them. To gain a foothold in the Surat Basin talk to the people who will work as hard for your business as you do. Utilise our local knowledge to help you succeed in the Surat Basin Start now phone Laurell or Brooke 4662 7368

www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews PAGE 2

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

this WEEK 2013 APPEA Conference and Exhibition revelations

Fresh eyes on gas market THE future of gas in Australia will be put under the microscope by the Federal Government after Resources Minister Gary Gray told a Brisbane conference there would be a fresh look at the national gas market. Its aim would be to work out the ebb and flow of Australia's gas needs. Risks to gas supply will also be part of the brief. Mr Gray told more than 3000 industry representatives this week, at the APPEA 2013 conference, the government did not support chunks of gas supply being mandated for domestic use only. "In our view, it would create uncertainty and deter investment in new gas supply," Mr Gray said. "However, it is vital to make policy decisions on the basis of a strong understanding of what is actually occurring, and the potential implications of government interventions in the market." The Domestic Gas Market Study will strengthen the government's Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics - or BREE - which leads research into Australia's mining and energy sectors. It was not the only revelation from

GARY GRAY Resources Minister

“ I n o u r v i e w, i t w o u l d c r e a t e u n c e r t a i n t y a n d d e t e r i n v e s t m e n t i n n e w g a s s u p p l y. ” Mr Gray's morning speech. The former Woodside advisor said 31 areas across six regions - in waters off Northern Territory, Western Australia,Victoria and the Ashmore and Cartier Islands would be used for petroleum drilling. Similar to a system introduced in 2012 by the Queensland Government, companies will nominate to drill in these areas through a competitive cash bidding system. The areas are considered safer bets for the industry, with government already largely able to confirm the potential of these regions for drilling. The top bidder will be selected by the Federal Government after nominations close before the end of June. The conference was held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 26 to May 29.

INVESTORS SCARED OFF ? Australia's oil and gas industry is being suffocated in red tape, and this could be scaring off investors, a new report has found. Released this week, Ernst and Young produced the report with the University of Queensland, which takes a look at the resource sector's ailing productivity in our nation. Industry body APPEA has called for whoever wins the next federal election to deliver a stable economic climate and

predictable, competitive tax regime to encourage investors in Australia. "We don't want shocks or surprises; we don't want an ad hoc and short term approach to tax reform, but we do want to see the competitiveness of the whole tax system improved," an APPEA spokeperson said. The report cited duplicated restrictions, lengthy approval periods for projects and a diminished return on investments as reasons the resources sector in Australia

was suffering.Associate Professor John Steen, who led the UQ research team, said Australia had become a costly place to do business. "There's definitely pressures coming up," Professor Steen said. "The current projects are safe but the future ones are at risk." He tipped his hat however to the innovation being showed in the Surat Basin by CSG companies. "It's an innovative industry in the Surat

Basin," he said. "When these businesses come up against challenges they come up with some creative ways to overcome those.” Professor Steen emphasized that complacency had no room in a market with such heightened production costs. "I think there's a lot of progress being made,” he said. “I think a lot of good work's being done but it's not a time to be lazy. "Investors are looking elsewhere.”

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PAGE 3

in the page 5 page 6 page 7 Less loads on the roads

Protesters step it up

The Queensland Plan

MERGER KEEPS WANDOAN ON SHAKY GROUND RAY MORTIMER Wandoan Chamber of Commerce president

andoan contemplates an uncertain future as Xstrata's merger with fellow Swiss mining giant Glencore threatens plans for a massive coal mine near the town. Speculation has emerged in the European media that now the pair have come together, Glencore will move quickly to

axe Xstrata's managers and potentially dump projects deemed unviable. One of those could be the $7 billion open-cut coal mine near Wandoan, although Xstrata's Australian representatives say nothing has changed in regard to the ambitious development, despite announcing earlier this month it would dump the $1billion port planned for

“There are a lot of people banking the mine going ahead b u t I t h i n k i t 's u n l i k e l y. ”

Balaclava Island. The giant stressed the decision to can its Balaclava Island port understood to have been made before the merger with Glencore - has any impact on the slated mine, which is currently the subject of a Land Court battle. Balaclava Island would have been an eventual export point for the Wandoan coal project, after initially funnelling coal through Wiggins Island, it was expected to take some of Balaclava's capacity as the mine expanded. Wandoan Chamber of Commerce president Ray

They're (Xstrata) guarded in what they about it at the moment but from our dealings with them they're still on track to go ahead with it as planned. Mortimer said he belived the mine’s future was still bright. "I don't think the merger will affect it at all," Mr Mortimer said. "They're (Xstrata) guarded in what they about it at the moment but from our dealings with them they're still on track to go ahead with it as planned." Wandoan Liaison Group president Bill Blackley is more sceptical, and said the recent closure of Xstrata's Brisbane office suggests the company's

PAGE 4 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 May 2013

interests are moving elsewhere. "I believe that unless the coal price jumps up a tonne the Xstrata coal mine will never happen," Mr Blackley said. "There are a lot of people banking the mine going ahead but I think it's unlikely. "If they're not going to mine it the government should take the land back and sell it back to the original landholders, or put it up in a ballot."

NEWS page 8

Planning for our future

Less loads on our roads he State Government's has announced it would invest up to $50 million on passing loops on the Toowoomba range, providing up to 20 additional train paths per week for rural freight. QFF CEO Dan Galligan said this move followed a huge plummet in recent years in the agricultural sector's ability to get time on the tracks to move rural commodities such as grain to the port of Brisbane. "Access to rural rail freight has deteriorated to such a state in recent years that many farmers were wondering if they would ever see an improvement, and many had started to give up on the prospect," Mr Galligan said. Mr Galligan acknowledged that solving agricultural freight issues was both complex and expensive and this announcement was contributing to this end result. A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said road trains more than 4.5 tonnes were being transporting a large range of commodities on the Warrego Highway in place of freight trains. On average, there are 128 east bound freight train services contracted per week along the western rail line via the Toowoomba Range, transporting coal primarily, along with livestock and grain. The only livestock trains in southwest Queensland run from Quilpie; the rest have traditionally been transported by truck. The grain industry is the latest to feel the pinch of transport costs, the cumulative cost of transport rising noticeably as trucks take the place of booked-out freight trains. The average stream of freight on the Warrego Highway spikes noticeably between Miles and Dalby, and again between Dalby and Toowoomba as trucks are split into smaller cargo to ease the pressure on the highway.

Beginning as a trickle of 37 eastbound trucks a day in Charleville, the average daily traffic of freight vehicles weighing over 4.5 tonnes leaps from 286 to 383 in the zone between the Miles and Dalby on the Warrego Highway. Agforce Grains President attributes this in part to the pressures of the coal industry on local farmers' transporting options, which have put most of south-west Queensland's grain onto the Warrego Highway. Freight trucks are costing grain farmers up to $60 a tonne for transport to the Port of Brisbane, a figure which represents just over a third of their total profit. "It's taking a big chunk of the profit in grain-growing; despite increase in quality and market price for our grains the returns really haven't materialised because of increasing expense," he said. Mr Newton said under the previous Bligh government during the drought most of the slots were booked out permanently to the coal industry, and since the end of the period grain has exploded onto the roads. "We haven't been able to get a whole lot of our grain back onto rail and we're relying now on road transport to cart the biggest proportion of the crop to the port of Brisbane," he said.

AVERAGE DAILY NUMBER OF HEAVY FREIGHT VEHICLES BY REGION:

     

Charleville - Mitchell 37 Mitchell - Morven 104 Morven - Roma 125 Roma - Miles 286 Miles - Dalby 383 Dalby - Toowoomba 783

That's become a really significant issue that first came about during the drought years, true at that time grain production fell quite dramatically and most of what we were producing here in Queensland was being consumed by the domestic market, then there was very little grain to export, then the rail slots came on, coincided with the coal industry, and the previous government at the time saw fit to give most of those slots to the coal industry, which is 24/7, always wanting to export. QR National, now renamed Horizon is privatised from QR and is now responsible for moving a lot of that grain, a lot of bulk commodities in Queensland. Since drought broke a few years ago production started to return to normal and even better yields have been experienced by a lot of farmers.We haven't been able to get a whole lot of our grain back onto rail and we're relying now on road transport to cart the biggest proportion of the

crop to the port of Brisbane. That's why there's so many heavy truck combinations west of the range you see lots of road trains, and then once you get to Toowoomba they split it up into smaller trucks, finishing the job from Toowoomba Downs to the Port of Brisbane. "Most of those slots are taken up with coal," he said. For the eastbound freight on the Warrego Highway, we have the following Average daily number of heavy freight vehicles.

FOR THE EASTBOUND FREIGHT ON THE WARREGO HIGHWAY

     

Charleville - Mitchell 37 Mitchell - Morven 104 Morven - Roma 125 Roma - Miles 286 Miles - Dalby 383

On average, there are 128 east bound freight train services contracted per week travelled along the western rail line or part thereof via the Toowoomba Range. Key commodities transported via the western rail line are livestock, grain and coal (only livestock trains run from Quilpie). In 2012, there were 16 livestock services from Quilpie. Other commodities on the line (such as grain and coal) are loaded at various points east of Miles. We do not have detailed information on commodities transported by road. We understand road trains are used to transport a broad range of commodities including but not limited to livestock, grain, petroleum products and general freight.

Dalby - Toowoomba 783

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 25 APRIL 2013

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in the NEWS

TRENCH WARS

TRENCH WARS: (L-R) Landholders and environmentalists David McCabe, Trevor Draper, Joe Hill and Ivan Edney are worried that severe erosion could result from trench works through Columboola Creek at the property of John Williams.

Anti-development activism is threatening jobs: QGC

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G Group Australia chairman Catherine Tanna has slammed antidevelopment activism claiming it threatens thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment in Australia by the natural gas industry.

and will effectively shift the regulatory goal posts for projects already approved by a regulatory regime that already works," Ms Tanna said. Since Ms Tanna's criticism antiCSG protestors have rallied together in a series of demonstrations between Tara and Chinchilla.

Ms McMahon. In the same week tempers flared south of Chinchilla when protesters stopped a busload of workers from reaching QGC's Kenya gas field. A scuffle broke out when one of the workers attempted to slash the tyre of one of the protestors' vehicles.

The criticism has coincided with a series of protests carried out between Tara and Chinchilla by towards of antiCSG campaigners . Ms Tanna said many of the criticisms of the industry were highly questionable and propagated without challenge to the point where activism was determining public policy. "We believe the proposals are fundamentally flawed because they deal with a fabricated perception and not with reality,

On May 22 the QGC information centre in Chinchilla, beside Woolworths, was invaded by a score of Lock the Gate protestors. Chants and other antics were led by Cassie McMahon, who that morning had been issued a good behaviour bond by the Chinchilla Magistrates court after being arrested chaining herself to a work vehicle at a previous protest near Miles. "I feel that the judge was very understanding of my situation,"

A QGC spokesperson said retaliation to protests was not condoned and the worker will be counselled. "They would like us to stop employing about 11,600 workers, cease the $14 million we are spending every day over four years," the spokesperson said. "They want to deny the community all of these benefits from an industry that is well regulated and which employs 100 people to monitor its environmental compliance."

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ontroversial works are now underway with QGC and its contractors trenching for the main CSG pipeline across Columboola Creek, near Miles. QGC said in a statement there are no nationally protected plants or animals at the site and that an independent expert has certified erosion and sediment control plans. "QGC will use waterway crossing techniques in line with the Australian Pipeline Industry Association Code of Environmental Practice and comply with the relevant environmental authority," the statement said. "The landholder on whose property QGC is working on has agreed to the pipeline work." But landholder John Williams denied claims he agreed to QGC's method of installing the pipeline where it intersects Columboola Creek on his property. The livestock farmer was adamant that he repeatedly requested for QGC to drill underneath the water catchment rather than trench through it. He said he was concerned that silt caused by trenching would collect in waterholes downstream, which his neighbours rely on to water livestock. "I did everything I could to talk them (QGC) into tunnelling underneath but they told me they were going to do it (trench the creek) regardless," Mr Williams said. "I kept on writing them letters but was just getting nowhere; there comes a time where you just get sick of it and give up." Although QGC has never stated that the pipeline would be drilled underneath the creek, last October Department of Environment and Heritage Protection executive director Andrew Connor said that was the impression he had been given. "The department has issued QCG with an Environmental Authority for the construction of the pipeline which has strict conditions to protect the environment and minimise erosion," Mr Connor said. "This EA was issued based on an Environmental Management Plan prepared by QGC that indicates Columboola Creek will be crossed by drilling under the creek."

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

NEWS

Milestone met at Condabri First compressor skids installed at Condabri Central significant milestone in construction of the Australia Pacific LNG Phase One Upstream gas plants has been achieved with the recent installation of the first compressor skids at Condabri Central gas processing facility. It's the first of fifteen such sets to be placed over the next year and a half. These electric drive high speed centrifugal compressors, arranged in four stages, will compress the low pressure gas direct from the coal seam gas (CSG) wells up to pipeline pressure for onward transmission to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant.

The technology selection is a significant change from Origin's previous gas plants. It provides enormous benefits in efficiency, zero site air emissions, low noise emissions, and very high levels of reliability with low maintenance requirements. The machines were built in Germany by Siemens on a purchase order placed almost three years ago after a global tendering exercise. It's the single largest order for compressors ever processed by the company. Delivery involved high level collaboration between the Siemens and Origin teams.

H AV E Y O U R VOICE HEARD NOW is your chance to have your say on the long-term future of the state through the Queensland Plan website. The State Government wants your opinion across a broad range of issues in the Queensland Plan which will cover a 30 year period. The Queensland Plan website says the Plan would go look politics and personal priorities and would be "a genuine reflection of our collective aspirations and priorities for the future." The recent Queensland Plan one-day summit in Mackay heard a CSIRO presentation on six different global "mega trends" which helped guide discussions. Later in the day, the summit came up with six general questions which are now online for all Queenslanders to answer. The questions relate to themes of living in the community, education and research, health and activity, sustainable landscapes, jobs and the economy and one wildcard question. Premier Campbell Newman said the questions reflected a consensus view of 400

community, industry and government representatives who attended the summit. "The summit was only the first step in the journey - It is now up to all Queenslanders to have their say on the state's future," Mr Newman said. "The answers to the questions will tell us where Queenslanders want their state to be in 30 years' time, detailing our priorities for the future." The public consultation period goes from May to August. Following consultation, there will be a final summit in Brisbane in October to answer the questions with the final plan due for release sometime before year's end. The process will cost $4.6 million but Mr Newman said it was a small price to pay to ensure everyone had a say. "If you ask me what is the key test of this exercise, it's that this plan will survive changes of government," he said. To provide your answers or to find out more about how you can get involved in the Queensland Plan, visit www.qld.gov.au/queenslandplan.

THE FACTS • • • • • •

In the context of living in the community, how do we move our focus from me to we? (living in the community) How do we create and foster an education culture that teaches skills and values to meet global challenges and optimise regional strengths? (education and research) How do we empower and educate individuals, communities and institutions to embrace responsibility for an active and healthy lifestyle? (health and activity) How do we structure our economy to ensure our children inherit a resilient future? (jobs and the economy) How do we strengthen our economic future and achieve sustainable landscapes? (sustainable landscapes) How do we attract and retain the brightest minds and ideas where they are most needed and capitalise on global opportunities? (wildcard question)

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

PAGE 7

in the NEWS

Plan underway for Darling Downs I t’s not just Queensland that is getting a plan, there will soon be one at a regional level too. The new statutory regional plan process is in draft process with the Darling Downs Regional Plan due for public release for comment next month. The Plan will acknowledge the region as a key driver of Queensland's economy with diverse agricultural assets and an abundance of coal, natural gas and other resource deposits and will help resolve conflicts between farmers, the resources industry and urban residents. Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the plan recognised agriculture as the region's primary

resource, but would allow mining where safe. "Our aim is to ensure that agricultural land use is protected and can continue but to also allow the co-existence of other industries where that is able to be achieved," Mr Seeney said.

The Darling Downs Regional Plan covers the six local government of Toowoomba, Warwick (Southern Downs), Dalby (Western Downs), Roma (Maranoa), Goondiwindi and St George (Balonne) The Queensland Government's

“Our aim is to ensure that agricultural land use is protected and can continue but to also allow the co-existence of other industries where that is able to be achieved.”

website said the regional plan would provide "a holistic approach" to planning, infrastructure and service delivery consistent with state policy. It would provide land use certainty "by clearly distinguishing those areas suitable for urban development and expansion and rural areas that will accommodate agricultural production, resource extraction and environmental protection." Mr Seeney said the Regional Plan would not impact existing legislation to protect prime

agricultural land. "There is work ongoing as to how we marry together the requirements of the statutory regional plan and the strategic cropping land legislation, what we don't want to do is duplicate a process," he said. "The statutory regional planning process will add to the legislative protections that are already there." The draft regional plan is expected to be made available for public comment in "mid2013" with the final regional plan expected to be released in late 2013.

THE FACTS The Darling Downs region includes the six local government areas of: • • • • • •

Toowoomba Regional Council Southern Downs Regional Council Goondiwindi Regional Council Western Downs Regional Council Maranoa Regional Council Balonne Shire Council.

Regional statistics • • •

• • • • • • •

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Surat Basin News

6,800 jobs $6 billion to Australian companies Powering Queensland’s economy

Construction of the Santos GLNG Project, to convert coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas, is powering ahead. 6,800 people have jobs across the gas fields, installing the pipeline, building the plant and in head office in Brisbane. Roma, in the heart of our gas fields, is thriving, with the permanent population having grown by over 10 per cent. And in Gladstone, where our LNG plant is being built, more than half of the 2,000 strong workforce are locals. Australian businesses are benefiting as well, with $6 billion worth of work so far driving local industry. But best of all, our impact on the environment and particularly on water is exactly what was predicted – minimal and manageable, and no threat to the viability of the Great Artesian Basin. We’re also successfully working with landholders, with 670 agreements now in place. To watch the progress of the project, find out about employment opportunities or see the results of our extensive water monitoring program, visit www.santosglng.com

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

PAGE 9

opinions

12 Mayne Street Chinchilla, QLD 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla, 4413 Phone: 4662 7368 General Manager: David Richardson Advertising: Laurell Ison Editorial: Jill Poulsen Design: Beth Walker

Editorial The decision by Xstrata to ditch the coal export terminal at Balaclava Island is another sign of a major change in the wind of Australia's resource sector.There is no doubt the decision was influenced by last month's Xstrata merger with Swiss commodity trader Glencore has put enormous focus on reining in costs rather than plot expansion.Yet there are other signals that events outside the company were responsible for the decision. The mining giant cited excess port capacity and a worsening outlook for its decision to not build another port near Gladstone capable of shipping 35 million tonnes a year. The high Aussie dollar would have also have been a factor. The decision also has local impacts combining with the stalling of the Surat Basin rail project and the Land Court compensation battle to probably spell the deathknell of Xstrata's Wandoan Coal Project. There are also long-term political and economic ramifications of this decision. In their statement, Xstrata warned the state and federal governments Australia would over the long term need to increase its coal export capacity "in an efficient and internationally competitive manner" to cope with Asian demand. This is code for Xstrata saying Australian costs are becoming prohibitive, and our standard of living may need to take a hit if we are to continue to attract international investment. No politician will want to face to up this fact, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand to the consequences if investor confidence in our ability to deliver cost effective major projects collapses.

Editorial details Jillian Poulsen 4662 7368 editorial@suratbasin.com.au

Surat BasinNEWS Advertising details Laurell Ison 4662 7368 advertise@suratbasin.com.au PAGE 10

Locked out

Howard Hobbs Member for Warrego

Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa

From pillar to post he federal budget's $1.1 billion tax grab on minerals and energy exploration is another hit to an already groggy Queensland resources sector. While the government has tried to claim it as revenue protection, it is a large and targeted hit with a $400 million claw-back of exploration expense deductibility in 2014-15 alone. Any way you look at it, it is a disincentive to exploration and more broadly, raises more questions over Australia's attractiveness as a global investment destination with taxation regimes subject to endless change. Exploration is essential as we cannot continue to live off the proceeds of last century's easy minerals and energy discoveries. Much of Queensland is relatively under-explored but shifting the tax goalposts only reduces the chances of finding our next generation of resource projects. Also of note was the wiping of $500 million in support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology development, less than six months after global environmental organisations called on governments and industry to back CCS as a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Veneering under way The second phase of a coal corridor action plan for the western and metropolitan rail systems is under way with the veneering of coal wagons leaving the New Acland mine. The start of veneering follows two months of baseline dust monitoring at seven sites along the corridor to the Port of Brisbane, being conducted by the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Sciences Branch of the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts (DSITIA).

The baseline data collected from Oakey,Toowoomba, Ipswich, Tennyson, Fairfield, Coorparoo and Chelmer will be compared with a second round of 'post-veneering' testing to assess the impact of the newly installed technology. The results of the baseline monitoring and evaluation reports are expected to published on the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection's website soon. The results will provide detailed data that will help ensure debate in relation to an issue of community concern is fully informed and based on independent scientific evidence.

Evidence-based approach welcomed Congratulations to Cotton Australia for presenting an important review of scientific analysis to inform industry concerns over the impact of underground coal mining. An objective, evidence-based approach is the right one for good policy-making. The QRC acknowledges that underground mining causes subsidence, confirmed by the fact that much of the research referenced in Cotton Australia report was commissioned and paid for by the mining industry. Up for debate are two key questions. First, can the effects of

Michael Roche Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council

COMMENT

SBNEWS

Significant reforms

subsidence be managed; and secondly, is it clear that if there is an impact, that the coal industry will be held responsible? To both questions, the QRC contends the answer is 'yes.' Coal mining's co-existence with irrigated agriculture would see the industry held to the highest standards of rehabilitation and performance. The coal industry accepts that scrutiny on irrigated country will rightly be far more intense. While it is understandable that farmers on the most productive country want to see their investments recognised and protected, calls for total bans reflect a lack of knowledge about how the coal industry is regulated or the level of investment made in land rehabilitation. Queenslanders have made it clear that they expect the state's two great export industries to co-exist and the release of this report is a milestone in a better understanding the challenges and benefits of co-existence.

Thanks for the photo-op It is difficult to understand exactly what the activists were trying to say by boarding a stationary coal ship in the Coral Sea last month, but it is clear from vessel tracking data that Rainbow Warrior 3 laid in wait off the Great Barrier Reef for its 'photo opportunity'.

If environmental activists are genuine in wanting to protect the Great Barrier Reef, ample guidance is available from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Crown of Thorns starfish and nutrient (chemical) run-off top the list of documented reef threats, not the forced closure of Queensland's coal industry, worth around $24 billion annually. In 2011, anti-coal activists sought international funding for campaigns to shut the Australian coal industry down using a range of strategies including portraying industry and port expansions in Queensland as major threats to the reef. The still unknown funding sources appear to have come through, with highly emotional but fact-free TV commercials urging Queenslanders to shut down their biggest industry on the basis that increased shipping must lead to more shipping incidents. Applying the same logic, the Warrego Highway should be maintained as a glorified 'goat track' as more traffic must inevitably result in more accidents. The anti-coal movement's 'Stopping Australia's Export Coal Boom' strategy document is available for reading at the Queensland Resources Council website.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

opinions Welcome to the Surat Basin News for this month

COMMENT

Small Business Strategy builds on efforts Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego Shadow Minister for Local Government and ATSI Partnerships

his month marks the passing of some of the most significant reforms to legislation affecting agricultural production in almost 20 years by overhauling the Queensland Vegetation Management laws. The changes will restore a longoverdue balance to Queensland's vegetation management framework, while retaining key environmental protections and will enable • The introduction of new clearing purposes under the Act for high-value agriculture and environmental works (such as land rehabilitation); • The removal of regrowth regulations on freehold and indigenous land, but the retention of controls on regrowth control on leasehold land and in reef watercourses; • New provisions to allow for the creation of self-assessable codes for routine management activities such as weed and pest management, fodder harvesting and thinning; • The creation of simplified statewide vegetation maps to clearly define areas where regulations will apply; • The removal of unfair offence and penalty provisions in the existing laws.

Let me remind you why this change has been needed. In 2004 the Vegetation Management and other Legislation

Amendment Bill was passed by the then Beattie Labor Government whose Labor Backbenchers made vicious emotional attacks and delivered a twisted view on vegetation management in Queensland from their south east corner glasshouses. Here is a sample of parliamentary hansard quotes from Labor Backbenchers during that debate in 2004. Pat Purcell MP (former Labor MP for Bulimba) "I am talking about the wasted land along our roads.Why do we not have tree-lined thoroughfares along our roads? The grass is taken from them; farmers let their stock out and they pinch all that grass. They think it is theirs.Why do they not do something about putting a few trees or a bit of something back in there? Then they could probably take a few more trees down off their land. If the thousands and thousands of acres or hundreds of square miles of trees that could be grown there were planted it would bring the rain back to their properties." Joanne Miller MP (Labor Member for Bundamba) "Our government was re-elected in February largely because of our green credentials. My constituents want to live in an environmentally friendly housing development.They want walking tracks.They want bicycle tracks.They want trees.They want parks where their children can play and where they can walk their dogs."

Bonny Barry MP (former Labor MP for Aspley) "We have problems with crows because we have cleared the land too much." Clearly former Labor Governments have had little understanding of Rural Queensland which is another reason why the LNP State Government is now correcting 20 years of poor and impractical legislation whilst still maintaining key environmental protections.

Queensland Small Business Strategy and Action Plan Builds on the government's efforts to date, and articulates the policy directions and actions to be delivered over the next two years. Until now, there has been no specific, clear plan for supporting small businesses and driving growth across all industries in Queensland. The strategy and action plan outlines 32 actions being delivered across 10 government agencies. These actions are focused on setting the environment for business success and getting government out of the way so businesses can get on with what they do best - running their operations. Under the action plan, the government has committed more than $1 million in funding

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opinions Labour Government prefers to watch Maranoa cattle starve than open the gates to national parks and reserves

Locked gates ederal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has condemned the Labor Government's inaction as it prefers to watch thousands of cattle starve to death in droughtravaged areas rather than opening the gates to national parks and reserves. "Graziers in my electorate are facing the worst conditions seen in decades and this Labor Government has sat by and done nothing," Mr Scott said. "Tens-of-thousands of cattle are starving and the Federal Environment Minister has locked the gates to national parks and national reserves which can be used to as a temporary measure to stop this crisis. "Many of these national parks were previously rural properties

and parts of the parks that are high-conservation zones will be fenced to ensure it remains protected. "The RSPCA last week came out in support of temporarily allowing these starving cattle into nominated national parks to feed but the Labor Government

COMMENT Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa

thing these farmers need is to be cornered into a debt deal. "This is a catastrophic animal welfare event which can be diverted by temporarily openingup national parks to these cattle which would otherwise die of starvation. "It's unthinkable that these

BRUCE SCOTT MP Federal Member for Maranoa

Graziers in my electorate are facing the worst conditions seen in decades and this Labor Government has sat by and done nothing has baulked at the notion. "The Federal Agricultural Minister has urged the Queensland Government to sign its new farm finance package for concessional loans but the last

Federal Ministers would be so out of touch and irresponsible to let thousands of cattle die when this option is available to help drought-stricken graziers in the Maranoa."

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Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott, with his federal Nationals colleagues and Shadow Minister for Agriculture John Cobb, addresses the media at Parliament House, Canberra, last week fighting for Queensland graziers as the Labor Federal Government prefers to watch tens-of-thousands of cattle starve to death than allowing them to feed in nominated national parks and national reserves.

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Growing focus on Coal Seam Gas Industry regulation n regards to the Federal Government's inroads into additional regulations for the Coal Seam Gas industry, I am in favour of the state regulations and also in support of proponents to be compliant with regulations. Regulations in Queensland are of a very high standard and I believe that by putting further regulations into place will not necessarily result in a genuine outcome for the protection of the community and environment. With strong development occurring in the state's gas industry creating in excess of 27,000 jobs,Western Downs Regional Council is waiting for more details from the Federal Government to ensure all Coal Seam Gas operations do not adversely impact on the wellbeing of our local communities. The region's coal seam gas industry is set to feature in a documentary which was filmed recently by the ABC

for an upcoming new television series.The documentary focused on the positives and negatives of the energy sector in the Western Downs region. It shone the spotlight on the impacts of energy sector growth on our local towns and agricultural sector. Meanwhile,Western Downs Regional Council is determining whether land values across the region have been affected by the energy sector. This is a difficult process knowing that we have to distinguish agriculture from other payments or devaluation of land. Council has also commenced discussions with various government

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With the proliferation of new developments in the region these have to be planned and there have been some delays occurring with the supply of electricity. Ergon Energy is currently reviewing the timeliness of its electricity supplies throughout the region and is in the process of streamlining its operations in order to reduce the delays. At the Toowoomba Infrastructure and Energy Summit in March,Western Downs Regional Council staff and Councillors were

Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

on hand to inform delegates of the many infrastructure and energy projects being generated in the Surat Basin. Council took the opportunity to highlight the potential opportunities available for local and regional companies to participate in these significant developments occurring within our rapidly growing region. Also earlier this month, I attended the Queensland Plan Summit held in Mackay where a blueprint on the State's agriculture, mining, tourism and

business sectors was tabled, focused on infrastructure. Both conferences showcased the wealth of opportunity our region has to offer to prospective residents, workers, businesses and investors. These events provided the perfect platform to promote the Western Downs as a great place to do business and that the strong growth of our regional economy is evident in the wealth of enterprises and diversity of our population and industry.

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departments and the community in relation to land values which have highlighted some important issues that need addressing across the region. Native title is also another issue high on Council's agenda after discussions with Iman representatives on their indigenous land use agreement. Native title rights for the indigenous population should not be forgotten as it is significant particularly with so many mining operations and a vast amount of crown land in the Western Downs and Surat Basin regions.

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down to page15 page16 page17 Sinking crops

Skills shortage examined

Surat Basin Expo

Origin announces ten new homes will be built to ease housing pressure

A win for Romaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renters T en new homes in Roma are expected to be ready for occupancy in September next year as part of APLNGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $10 million affordable housing package in local communities.

The Roma residential development will provide six three-bedroom townhouses and four two-bedroom townhouses with an an additional eight townhouses scheduled to be built by September 2015. Origin Energy said the $1.75

Maranoa Regional Council provided the land in South Street where it will be located and in return will receive two townhouses to attract a n d r e t a i n s t a ff

million Roma initiative, supported by Horizon Housing, would help address the growing population in the regions. Origin General Manager Approvals, Land and Stakeholder Rebecca Pickering said it was important to address the need for additional accommodation and alleviate the pressure being placed on the housing market. "This new and innovative approach was first trialled in Miles and has proved extremely successful, so we're pleased to

be able to introduce the same approach here in Roma." It's the second project in the region Horizon Housing is coordinating with the CSG industry, and Chief Executive Jason Cubit said his organisation is pleased to be playing a role in addressing housing pressures. "As a not-for-profit charity our aim is to support the community by alleviating housing stress," Mr Cubit said. "The reduced price of these dwellings will make a real

difference for people struggling with cost- of-living pressure in Roma." Maranoa Regional Council provided the land in South Street where it will be located and in return will receive two townhouses to attract and retain staff. "This project will help us to put local people into new homes without the stress that many of them have been facing, " Mayor Rob Loughnan said. "It's a win for the community, so we're happy to be involved."

ROB LOUGHNAN Mayor, Roma Regional Council

This project will help us to put local people into new homes without the stress that many of them have been facing

PAGE 14

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

BUSINESS Santos update

Sinking crops

MICHAEL ROCHE Queensland Resource Council chief executive

Cotton and coal a risky relationship he mining industry has not been swayed by a report stating that the Queensland cotton industry could sink into the ground if precautions were not taken. Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said the council agreed with findings, which stated that mining subsidence had a large impact on irrigated land.

But Mr Roche said the QRC did not accept the concept of a total mining ban. "Calls for total bans are generally made by people who don't understand the how the industry is regulated or the level of investment made in land rehabilitation," he said. "The coal industry accepts that scrutiny on irrigated country will be far more intense. Cotton Australia director Stuart

Armitage said subsidence had a "tremendous" impact on cotton farming. "You take the coal out and it (the land) collapses, and you feel the effects above ground,” he said. "When the ground collapses, it destroys your aquifer." Mr Armitage said cotton farming was particularly vulnerable to subsidence, which relies on level farmland. "A lot of land is flood irrigated,

“Calls for total bans are generally made by people who don't understand the how the industry is regulated or the level of investment made in land rehabilitation.” and is laser levelled country,” Mr Armitage said. "Even 3cm subsidence is going to have a huge impact." Mr Armitage said rehabilitation was not a suitable solution. "You can't have subsidence on good quality land, you can't take that risk," he said. "Cotton farming cannot coexist where there is risk of

subsidence." Mr Armitage said Queensland needed to follow in New South Wales' footsteps and create a subsidence board. "The government doesn't understand this land, and it's up to us to inform them, he said. "That's the message: don't take risks with this land."

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down to BUSINESS Building a bridge between mining and agriculture

Skills shortage discussed A

farmer has called for the Agrifood initiative to harmonise the deep-seated war between mining and agriculture in the Western Downs region. The Call to Action Summit brought together 100 figureheads from the agriculture and mining sector, to discuss skills shortages in both industries in Dalby on May 1. Managing director of engineering company Red Industrial and cotton farmer Ashley Geldard said both sectors needed to find a common ground. "I think this is important for people involved in agricultural business," Mr Geldard said. "There's definitely a clash between the two industries, but there's also support. "It all depends how you look at it. "I'm hoping we can form a bridge between them." Mr Geldard said he hoped the summit was a step in the right direction. Agrifood CEO Arthur Blewitt

said co-operation between the two industries was essential. "There's no point in trying to keep the two industries isolated," Mr Blewitt said. "We need workers with the diversity of skills to work in both major sectors." Mr Blewitt said the contest between agriculture and mining was a constant struggle. "There have always been war tribes between the agriculture and mining industry," he said. The Agrifood National Regional Initiative has worked with the Queensland Resources Council to ensure job stability in the region. QRC communications director Jim Devine said the Western Downs region needed to look to the future. "We have to look to the long term and find the right skills for the sector," Mr Devine said. "We need to match job demands with a permanent workforce. "An operator who can go from a harvester to a mining truck is worth a million bucks."

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Wednesday19 and Thursday 20 June 2013

outhern Queensland's largest event for the resources industry, the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, is back for its third year in 2013 and almost triple the size of the inaugural event. Toowoomba Showgrounds will again play host to the expo from June 1920, with hundreds of exhibitors and another year of record-breaking attendance expected, forcing organisers to add additional site space. Event organiser Bob Carroll attributes the escalating interest in the expo, both locally and internationally, to the frenetic activity happening in the region as well as exciting infrastructure announcements like the Surat Basin Rail project. "Companies from as far as the US, Asia and Europe are enquiring about presenting their products and techniques as they're looking to establish themselves in boom areas," Mr Carroll said. “The expo offers an invaluable networking platform for the Surat Basin area and an opportunity for key stakeholders do business face to face.”

Encompassing all facets of energy and mining in the district, the expo provides an opportunity for both global and local visitors to seek employment within the mining sector, to develop new business relationships and source services and equipment. The 2013 event will exceed last years' record which saw the expo attract the participation of 438 companies occupying 520 exhibitor sites, 7000 visitors over 2 days, and sales of an estimated $54 million. This years' 400-plus exhibitors includes Gold Sponsors Easternwell, Australia's leading integrated energy and mining services provider, and Hutchinson Builders, one of Australia's largest privately-owned building and construction companies. Itac Services and Onsite Rental Group are also Gold Sponsors, and the University of Southern Queensland is a Silver Sponsor. The Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo runs over both Wednesday the 19th of June from 9am-5pm and Thursday the 20th from 9am-4pm. Pre-registration is free and is available now at www.suratbasinexpo.com.au or registration on the day is $10.

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PAGE 17

Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June 2013

Western Downs Region is the Energy Capital of Queensland he Western Downs' unique store of fossil and renewable energy has led to a massive $180 billion investment into the region now known as the Energy Capital of Queensland. Current and planned resource sector activity in the Western Downs over the course of the next ten years includes a total of 346 major projects and sub projects covering everything from coal seam gas and LNG to coal mining, power stations and other projects such as coal gasification, rail transport and electricity substations. In the 2011/12 financial year alone, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) identified Gross Regional Product for the region at $2.2 the resource sector spend in the region as $522 billion in 2011/12, representing an increase in real million - an increase of almost 70% on the terms of 5.3% - considerably higher than the 4.0% previous financial year. growth rate for Queensland as a whole. Figures released by the QRC also reveal that: The estimated number of employed persons in • The resource sector employed some 1,873 full-time equivalent persons that resided within the region was 17,216 in the December Quarter 2012, growing by 724 persons, or 4.4% over the the WDRC in 2011/12. past twelve months.The unemployment rate was • This direct expenditure generated additional 4.6%, which was significantly lower than the economic activity because: averages for Queensland (5.8%) and Australia > local business along the supply chain (5.4%). responded accordingly; and > direct workers and workers along the Before you expand your business to the Energy supply chain spent their wages on locally Capital of Queensland,TM visit www.advancewesterndowns.com.au or speak with produced goods and services. Council's Economic Development staff to • The total economic contribution (both direct understand regional trends and business growth and indirect impacts) from the resources opportunities, connect with local business events, sector amounted to approximately $958 inform your investment decision making process million in Gross Regional Product, as well as a and raise your business profile in the region. total of 6,898 full-time equivalent jobs in and around the Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC). The estimated number of The flurry of resource activity employed persons in the region coupled with major strategic initiatives by the Western Downs was 17,216 in the December Regional Council - has led to the region batting well above the Quarter 2012, growing by 724 average when it comes to key persons, or 4.4% over the past economic indicators. The Western Downs Regional twelve months. Economic Brief 2013 shows total

PAGE 18

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June 2013

An event not to be missed W ith under a month until the gates open, talk of the 2013 Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo is heating up as exhibitor enquiry and delegate registrations soar. The event is the largest of its kind planned for Queensland in 2013 and is expected to exceed the 2012 event records which saw the expo attract the participation of 438 companies occupying 520 exhibitor sites, 7000 visitors over two days, and sales of an estimated $54 million. PAUL GOODRICK GP Oil Tools

We ' r e l o o k i n g f o r a platform to showcase our leading edge equipment to the decision makers of the oil and gas industry and this event will provide this opportunity The success of the event has gained the attention of a number of first time exhibitors including General Petroleum Oil Tools (GP Oil Tools) who recently confirmed their Gold Sponsorship of the exciting event. Paul Goodrick of GP Oil Tools said the event should not be missed. "We're looking for a platform to showcase our leading edge equipment to the decision makers of the oil and gas industry and this event will provide this opportunity," he said. Based in Dalby, Queensland, GP Oil Tools are Australia's leading provider of drilling supplies to the oil and gas industry. Specialising in drilling and completions equipment, GP Oil Tools provide the latest API approved stock from international suppliers, and graded to meet your exact requirements. Event organiser Bob Carroll said online delegate registrations opened a few weeks ago and have been skyrocketing since. "We have far exceeded our online registration figure from April 2012 with just over 2,600 already registered to attend," he said. "We are anticipating another huge event as the expo and the industry gains pace."

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PAGE 19

Wednesday19 and Thursday 20 June 2013

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

Onsite have confirmed they will return to the Surat Basin Expo as a Gold Sponsor for the third year running looking to capitalise on the growing success of the event and the delegates it attracts. Onsite Surat Basin area manager Scott Burke said the company was proud to support the event again. "We are confident that the Expo will assist in increasing our presence throughout the Surat Basin region," Mr Burke said. "The event has grown significantly since its inception in 2011 and we are excited to see the quality of clientele the event will attract this year". Event organiser Bob Carroll estimates the event will beat attendances in 2011 and 2012 by attracting around 7,000 quality delegates to the event over the two days. "Our Marketing Department has invested even more time into researching our target audience and finding the best possible means of reaching them," Mr Carroll said. "We have invested heavily into promoting the event through all key industry publications as well as a whole range of innovative marketing strategies to target the decision makers in the mining and energy industries. "The Surat Basin Energy and Mining expo is largest events of its kind in Southern Queensland and we are confident in the growth of the event and believe it will continue to grow for many years to come".

Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June 2013

Live well with Easternwell asternwell, Platinum sponsors of the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, has significantly overhauled its camp menus to increase vegetable consumption and decrease red meat consumption, as part of their employee Healthy Lifestyle Program. This new program aims to see vegetable consumption increase by 10 per cent in the next 12 months as well as encouraging new eating habits such as swapping or alternating red meat for other options such as seafood and chicken. In just six months, Easternwell has already begun to see some significant changes in behaviour around what its employees are putting on their plate.Vegetable consumption has increased by 10% and red meat has decreased by 10%.

Seafood consumption has increased by 5% and chicken consumption has increased by 10%. Easternwell Camp Management general manager Marco Waanders said that while many employees regarded their health as good or excellent, a high number were still interested in improving their health through eating healthier food. "Workers on camps and rigs encounter many barriers to choosing healthy options,” he said. “Being away from home and the family support network can sometimes result in a lack of motivation to eat well. " So we have been working hard to not only dish-up healthier food options but provide the knowledge and encouragement about how to live a healthier life. "The key to making this program successful is that

MARCO WAANDERS Easternwell Camp Management general manager

“ Wo r k e r s o n c a m p s a n d r i g s encounter many barriers to choosing healthy options. Being away from home and the family support network can sometimes result in a lack of motivation to eat well.”

we are simply providing people with the means to make small yet significant changes. "Such as filling up a little more on vegetables and trying to alternative red meat consumption with seafood or chicken." Terry Sanders from Easternwell Santos Mobile Camp in Injune said he had noticed a difference in his health since the program was implemented. "My health is incredibly

important to me but being away from home, I had gotten into the habit of choosing the 'sometimes' meal choices a little too often," Mr Sanders said. " It is easy to add a side of chips or have an extra helping of desert, because I can. "It can get pretty tough to stay motivated to eat well when you're out on roster. "When I go to fill up my dinner plate, there are so many delicious yet healthy

options to choose from now. “When I see the person in front of me skip the potato bake and opt for a steamed potato instead, I am reminded that I should do the same as well." The program, which took two years to develop in conjunction with RHealth, promotes healthy eating to employees through implementing health based initiatives such as eating more vegetables, white meats and fish, reducing

sugar intake and increasing water intake during the summer months. Easternwell has also just started a campaign to assist staff to quit smoking and provide them with free nicotine replacement products and organised counselling sessions with quit line, which has been organised though the State Government. The campaign is also available to immediate family members.

Experience - Knowledge - Service because we are involved locally ACT NOW TO BUILD YOUR PROFILE IN THE JUNE EDITION AVAILABLE AT THE SURAT BASIN ENERGY AND MINING EXPO

Surat Basin NEWS

Phone 07 4662 7368

12 Mayne Street Chinchilla

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

PAGE 21

building the page23 Horizon Housing update

First tenants move into Miles affordable housing

New life for Donna and Cody D onna and Cody Yesberg are among the many young families moving to Queensland's resource boom towns like Miles to find work and new opportunities. This influx of working people and skills into local town populations is welcomed by local communities and businesses, but rapid change brings new pressures for locals and newcomers alike, including higher rents and accommodation shortages. Donna, a 43 year old single mum, moved to Miles, Queensland in November 2012 from the Atherton Tablelands west of Townsville with her 13 year old teenage son Cody, to take up a position as the co-manager of the Miles Motel. Donna found that she could not get work in the Atherton Tablelands, even for retail sales positions. "I went for a job selling buckets at a hardware store there were 30 or 40 other people going for the same job I've never been unemployed before in my life," Ms Yesberg said. A conversation with a friends Sharron and Anthony Colley who own the Starline Motor Inn in Miles said they were working flat out and desperate to find someone to help run the motel. Donna jumped at the chance. Donna and Cody stayed with Sharron and Anthony, until they could find a place of their own,

THE FACTS AUSTRALIA PACIFIC LNG - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Housing and accommodation commitments

but five months later, Donna and Cody were still searching. The job provided Donna with new challenges and opportunities, and Cody had settled in to a new school - but the lack of affordable housing in Miles threatened to bring a halt to their new country life. "I was considering buying a caravan, but and that's not ideal for Cody. I didn't want to pull him out of school again, but I

started to think I'd have to give up this great job and pack up and move back,” Ms Yesberg said. "The new housing solution - it's brilliant - absolutely brilliant. "It's nice to see that the gas companies are listening and looking after the people in these communities. "I'm really happy to be able to stay and make a go for it here in Miles."

AU S T R A L I A PAC I F I C L N G W I L L : • Provide temporary accommodation facilities for non-local construction staff and contractors, and consult with stakeholders during the site selection process for these facilities • Mitigate pressure on housing affordability during gas fields operations, temporary accommodation will be provided for personnel wishing to relocate until such time as housing stock becomes available • Work through committees established under the Queensland Government's Sustainable Resource Communities Policy to identify housing market issues, forecasts and possible responses • Mitigate potential impacts on housing affordability and availability, through community programs that involve working with government and agencies that provide housing to people in distress.

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BASIN Housing on the horizon onstructing and delivering quality, affordable accommodation in the Surat Basin has never been so imperative, as the mining and resources boom continues to roll on and more workers and families are looking to settle in the region. Horizon Housing - Queensland's largest affordable and community housing group - is working with energy companies and local Councils within the Surat Basin region to deliver a range of opportunities for locals and newcomers. Over the past six months, Horizon Housing has been working to deliver a number of new opportunities for key workers and families struggling to secure or maintain an affordable home in the region, by partnering with regional authorities - including Maranoa and Western Downs Councils - and energy groups including Australia Pacific LNG and Santos.The company has just completed construction of nine affordable semi-detached townhouse style homes in Miles in partnership with and funded by Australia Pacific LNG. Seven of the homes have been leased at reduced rents to local working couples, singles and families. Two of the homes will be sold at a subsidised cost - targeting young families and workers looking to get into the housing market. Horizon Housing and Santos will soon start work on sixteen fully furnished studio apartments in Roma which will be targeted towards apprentice workers. Jason Cubit, Chief Executive of Horizon Housing, said its aim is to provide opportunities for people with an array of budgets and lifestyles, which is why it will be offering a range of products from compact one and two bedroom

JASON CUBIT Chief Executive of Horizon Housing

“The properties will be comfortable, private and highly liveable; demonstrating that affordability and high quality design can go hand in hand.” properties through to larger, traditional family homes. "The properties will be comfortable, private and highly liveable; demonstrating that affordability and high quality design can go hand in hand," he said. "In addition to developing new homes to address the shortfall of vacancies and increasing prices, HH has also recently taken the reigns of Santos GLNG's Rent Assist Program, which is available to financially support people with an existing tenancy." Subject to meeting employment and income requirements, residents in the Maranoa region can apply for assistance with ongoing rental payments, bond money and emergency funds following an accident or illness, or temporary accommodation. With all of the activity in the Surat Basin region and the obvious need for more affordable housing, Mr Cubit said Horizon Housing is looking to expand its work in the region, and to this end the company has recently established an office in Roma. "Having a team within the community will help us communicate and work with residents more directly,” he said. "I expect 2013 will be an exciting year as we see our first residents move into their new affordable homes.” Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

PAGE 23

places and page 25 page 26 page 27 Face to face

Bona fide history

Surge of support

Mix and mingling with TSBE

Ray Hicks, Brian Pidgeon and Bruce Gardiner.

Shane Ridley, Jenna Harber and Rohan May at the TSBE networking evening held in Chinchilla earlier this month.

Andrew Taylor, Reagan Park, Paul Smith and Cathy Orr.

Graham Moore, Russel Addison and Jason Brauer.

Jo Gudmann and Nikki Gormley.

Matt Erskine, Brett Dixon and Daniel Moes.

PAGE 24

Gary White, Wayne McPhee, Greg Olm, Brian Haratsis and Michael Tilt..

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

Brian Haratsis of MacroPlan Dimassi gives his presentation.

Di Ewen, Lynne Mason, Sharon Kenny and Rachael de Jonge.

FACES page28

facetoface

First for CSG industry

Arrow Energy Assistant Construction Supervisor

Tom Draper

Tom is o n e o f A rrow ' s I n d i g e n o us em pl oyees and regul ar ly as s i s t s in A rrow's a c t i v i t i e s t o ad v an c e ed ucat i on am ong Ind i genous hi gh schoo l s tu d en t s . To m w a s i n B ri s bane l as t week for t he l aunch of t he A rrow E n e rg y R e c o n c i l i at i on Act i on P l an - a hi s t or i c fi r s t for t he C SG in du s t r y. Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I live at Westbrook and I have lived there for almost 2 years now with my wife Candice, my daughter Inara and my niece Myeasha. Did you relocate for work? No. I'm a drive in drive out worker. In time I would love to relocate to Dalby but, like most of the state other than places like Dalby or Chinchilla, I'm really not in a good position sell my house. Maybe in a couple of years time when the market picks up. What is your position? Run us through an average day/week for you. I'm an assistant construction supervisor

and my role is to help prepare the well pads and access tracks for the drill rigs. So basically with a team of contractors we work in conjunction with HSE [Health, Safety and Environment], Cultural Heritage, Environment and Land Access teams to deliver the first stages of the CSG industry.

What is the best thing about your job? I love that I am on the frontline. I am one of the very first people that landholders will meet. I love having a good laugh with them when they think I work with Cultural Heritage and not with Construction. It's a great ice breaker.

What do you do for downtime on weekends etc. I spend a lot of my spare time talking to underprivileged kids, both black and white. I can't explain the way it feels when I tell them the story of how I came from a mission to be where I am today. It is a very powerful experience to be able to look into their eyes and see that what I have to say has sparked a revolution in their minds.

Where do you see the resources sector going in the next ten years? Without the support of communities like Dalby the belly would fall out of the resources sector.There are a lot of just concerns out there and if we can't address those concerns we won't go far. I believe the next few years will see CSG companies put an end to those concerns and look to build on sustaining relationships with

Target

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communities. In the years to follow, I see those same communities benefiting from those relationships through business opportunities and employment. What do you think the future of the Surat Basin is? Whatever the future brings, it has to be mutually beneficial and it has to coexist with the Basin's desire to remain one of Australia's food baskets.We have a lot of smart people on both sides of the argument and I have every confidence that they can get us to where we need to be. Do you think Australia is still an attractive place for investors? Of course it is. Any smart Investor doesn't invest in the here and now.They

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Murphy Pipe and Civil is a leading Australian civil construction company providing pipeline installation solutions for the mining, water and coal seam gas sectors. Murphy Pipe and Civil is currently working on a number of large-scale pipeline projects across the Surat Basin in South West Queensland and is looking for experienced personnel to enhance its existing workforce. We are currently seeking people experienced in the following areas: • Poly Welders • Skilled Labourers • Plant Operators • Mechanical Tradespeople

If you hold the necessary experience and qualifications for these positions, please forward your resume to

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 30 MAY 2013

PAGE 25

places and FACES

Bona fide dinosaurs he Queensland Museum has welcomed a commitment by the resource sector to help preserve a prehistoric site near Roma where fossilised bones of a dinosaur were found in 1926. The dinosaur, of the scientific name Rhoetosaurus brownei, was discovered at the property Taloona, which is run by Origin as part of Australia Pacific LNG's coal seam gas project. "Rita", as the skeleton is nicknamed, is Australia's only relatively complete Jurassic skeleton. Origin senior hydrologist Ned Hamer said the confirmation of the Rhoetosaurus fossil site location on Australia Pacific LNG-owned land prompted excitement and an increased awareness among on-site teams who frequented the area.

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM Dr Andrew Rozefelds

This co-operative approach helps ensure that significant geoheritage locations like the Rhoetosaurus site are identified, preserved and are available for future research

"We have a lot of eyes and ears out there in the field and we can assist with the preservation of these fossils by helping the Queensland Museum and alerting the right people to the location of any discoveries we might find," Mr Hamer said. "Identifying the tell-tale signs of fossilised remains are now part of our onsite inductions, so we can identify and protect what is out there. "It's incredible to realise that the Surat Basin region during Jurassic times had a steamy tropical climate with prolific vegetation to sustain very large creatures, which over millions of years led to the generation of vast coal and coal seam gas deposits." Head of the Ancient Environments Program at the Queensland Museum Dr Andrew Rozefelds said the Museum welcomed opportunities to work with the energy resource

sector. "This co-operative approach helps ensure that significant geo-heritage locations like the Rhoetosaurus site are identified, preserved and are available for future research," Dr Rozefelds said. "It's also great to have more people keeping a look out for new finds. "The discovery of Queensland's unique fossil record has flow-on benefits to regional communities in western Queensland through tourism and sharing what we learn from any new discoveries." The Fossilised bones make up a partial skeleton, including a giant femur (thigh bone) nearly 1.5 metres in length and were first discovered in a gully on a remote outback property formerly known as Durham Downs in 1924. The Rhoetosaurus was a

massive, long-necked and long-tailed plant-eater, around 17 metres long and about three metres high at the hip (about the same height as an elephant), and may have weighed 20 tonnes. Rhoetosaurus would have roamed the lush swamplands that covered this part of Queensland 170 million years ago. Rita's secrets are being slowly revealed through new research being undertaken at The University of Queensland by Jay Nair, author of previous studies into Rhoetosaurus, who is being supervised by Dr Steve Salisbury. Dr Salisbury and Jay are using new research techniques and technologies to fully document Rita's skeleton, better understand its relationships to other similar-aged sauropod dinosaurs found outside Australia.

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Industry support shown in numbers ndusty support for economic development organisation, the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise continues to grow as the organisation embarks on its second year of operation. TSBE acknowledged a milestone this month as industry membership reached 250. TSBE CEO Mr Shane Charles is pleased with the progress to date. "So far the level of support and engagement from industry has been excellent and for our membership to have reached 250 over such a relatively short period of time is an achievement we are proud of," Mr Charles said. "We are an independent economic development organisation driven by business and industry so it is critical that our membership is reflective of this core organisational value. “It is also positive that our industry membership is diverse with businesses representation from across most sectors choosing to be part of TSBE.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise celebrates a milestone as membership continues to grow

TSBE Projects Manager Reagan Parle with Howard Sweet from ABN Power.

"TSBE provides a range of services to various membership levels and we will continue our focus on providing value for our members assisting them to grow their business capability and sustainability." This month TSBE conducted a membership satisfaction survey to gauge the satisfaction of members and identify areas for improvement. "Results were encouraging with 92% of respondents either likely or extremely likely to recommend TSBE, just under 80% of respondents very or extremely satisfied with TSBE networking function events and half respondents indicating their membership has directly assisted their business in gaining more work," Mr Charles said. "We will continue to work to add value for our members and for the Surat Basin region, but would like to take a moment at this membership milestone, to thank industry for their support and engagement with TSBE."

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Arrow commits to reconciliation plan rrow Energy has broken new ground, leading the way in indigenous reconciliation and opportunity creation. The company launched its first Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan in May in a bid to become an employer of choice for Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Brisbane Broncos stars Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges were on hand to lend some inspiration to the 25 Queensland recipients of Arrow's Indigenous Scholarships.

The scholarships will be carried out across six Queensland universities. A large group met at the Queensland University of Technology for the launch, including Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes. The Arrow RAP has been welcomed as a positive step for the indigenous community of the Surat Basin. It includes partnerships between training centres for 200 students, and training which results in jobs for at least 65% of participants. The program also holds incentives and

ANDREW FAULKNER Arrow CEO

“In the last 12 months alone, Arrow has created some major partnerships to benefit Aboriginal a n d To r r e s S t r a i t I s l a n d e r p e o p l e i n b o t h t h e present and the future.”

training for workplaces to encourage greater indigenous numbers in the energy sector. The solid commitment from Arrow is a target to hit 1.75% indigenous employment by the end of next year. Arrow CEO Andrew Faulkner said the RAP added to the company's proven history of Indigenous capacity building. "In the last 12 months alone, Arrow has created some major partnerships to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in both the present and the future," he said. "Our history of action shows Arrow to be serious about Indigenous reconciliation." The 25 scholarship recipients are from all walks of life, and have received a scholarship valued between $5000 and $10,000 a year to aid the purchase of stationery, textbooks, internet access, accommodation and living expenses.

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Queensland recipients of Arrow's Indigenous Scholarships met at the Queensland University of Technology to launch Arrow’s Reconciliation Action Plan this month.

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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 2012 General Manager - David Richardson, 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413, PO Box 138 Chinchilla Q4413, Phone 07 4662 7368

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