Surat BasinNEWS THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2013
32 PAGES $1.30 inc GST
inside $15b Arrow project a step closer after State Government approval Page 4 Glencore-Xstrata shelves major Wandoan project Page 7 Pipeline workers save Wandoan kindy Page 10
MPC Site Engineer Colin Murphy (left) and SunWater Chief Quality Inspector Butch Lawrence.
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inside this edition in theNews
pages 4-11 $15b Arrow project a step closer. Details Page 4. Wandoan coal project "TheMajor RSPT (Resource Super Profits Tax) has created on hold - Page 7. significant uncertainty for the future of mining investment Meet the new Mines and Energy Minister Page 8. into Australia and would impair the value of previously approved projects and exploration to the point that Pipeline workers raise money to save kindy. Page 10 continued investment can no longer be justified,"
Jim Campbell Editor The Surat Basin News will publish every month and will be delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News,Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 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.
Xstrata Plc chief executive Mick Davis said after Xstrata announced earlier this month suspending $586 million of expenditure.
building theBasin
down tobusiness
pages 16-23 Bush plumber wins major business award Page 16. Murphy’s Pipe and Civil workers break record. Page 17. Origin pledges funds for Maranoa roads Page 18 Easternwell staff walk around the world Page 22.
Placesandfaces
pages 24-27 pages 28-32 Specialty Services makes its mark. Page 24. Global Road Technologies lay foundations. Story Page 25. Enerflex strikes the right chord. Page 26 GC Laundry Equipment goes bush. Page 27.
Roma Food and Fire Fest. Page 28. Energy for the Future. Page 29. TSBE group takes in the sights at Gladstone. Page 30. Origin’s latest scholarship winners. Page 32
TELSTRA NETWORKING FOR QUINALOW'S FUTURE Telstra is working to provide residents, tourists and businesses with more reliable mobile communication services Telstra is proposing to install a new mobile telecommunications network base station at Quinalow-Moola Rd, Quinalow ("Proposed Facility"). Telstra has identified a need to improve mobile service for our customers in Quinalow, Maclagan and surrounding areas. Telstra proposes to install the Proposed Facility to meet the increased demand placed on our network, accommodate growth in our customer base and improve and maintain local mobile network services, including voice calling, SMS, live video-based content services and internet browsing via our Next G® Network. The Proposed Facility will be a slimline design and of a sufficient height to service the targeted geographic area.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION WITH COUNCIL A development application has been lodged with Toowoomba Regional Council. The Proposed Facility is Code Assessable and is currently for decision. However, in the interest of open and transparent information sharing, Telstra believes that the community should be kept up to date about changes to the local mobile network infrastructure. Telstra would like to provide residents in the area with the opportunity to provide feedback. Please provide any comments or questions you may have in relation to the Proposed Facility to Hayley Eske; contact details below.
Attn: Hayley Eske Aurecon Locked Bag 331 Brisbane QLD 4001 E: hayley.eske@aurecongroup.com Ph. (07) 3173 8858
this WEEK
A founding father of Australian oil and gas passes away
O
ne of the founding fathers of the Australian oil and gas industry and of its industry association, APPEA, has passed
away. Charles William (Bill) Siller was born in St George, Queensland, and graduated from the University of Queensland with a degree in geology. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Bill was one of the oil and gas industry leaders who pushed for the formation of the Australian Petroleum Exploration Association (APEA), which later became the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APEA). Known for his aversion to red tape and bureaucracy, Bill had a successful career as an executive and board member with
In 1968 Bill was awarded an MBE for services to the Australian oil and gas i n d u s t r y, a n d i n 1 9 7 3 h e w a s m a d e a n honorary life member of APEA. companies such as Exoil (later Oilmin) and Roma Petroleum, as well as a leading drilling contractor, Oil Drilling and Exploration. Bill was one of APEA's founding Board Directors and was its Chairman in 1967-
68. In 1968 he was awarded an MBE for services to the Australian oil and gas industry, and in 1973 he was made an honorary life member of APEA. He retired in 2008 at the age of 78.
Page 5 Thiess awarded huge QGC contract Page 6 study review Page 7 Wandoan coal project on hold
in the Western Downs council announces flood
Arrow's $15 billion project a big step closer
Arrow Energy's central gas processing facility at Tipton, used for existing domestic gas operations. Similar facilities will supply the proposed Arrow LNG Plant.
Arrow Energy CEO Andrew Faulkner
JEFF SEENEY Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
A
rrow Energy is forging ahead with its ambitious gas project after it received State Government approval for its $15 billion liquefied natural gas plant on Curtis Island. Arrow CEO Andrew Faulkner said the approval was a key stage in the overall progression of the project. "This announcement by Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney marks an important milestone in our journey towards our Arrow LNG project," Mr Faulkner said. "Coordinator-General Barry Broe has assessed and approved the Arrow LNG Plant's environmental
impact statement. "It means we now have state-level approval for three of the five components of the overall Arrow CSG-LNG project, namely the LNG plant and our pipelines from the Surat and Bowen basins." Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the decision was important in the progression of the massive project, which would provide a much needed boost to the state's economy. "While Arrow still has some work to do, with financial close and CSG supply components to be finalised, it certainly
reinforces Curtis Island and Gladstone as the Pacific LNG hub," Mr Seeney said. "Should Arrow proceed, it will be the fourth LNG plant on Curtis Island with a peak workforce of about 3500 construction jobs and about 450 operational jobs for Stage One, increasing to 600 on the completion of Stage Two. Mr Seeney said Arrow proposed a facility that would produce up to 18 million tonnes of LNG a year through a staged development. "The three LNG plants currently under construction on Curtis Island provided thousands of jobs during the construction phase and will
provide substantial income to the state through royalties," he said. "There are more than 7,600 tradespeople out of a total of 10,148 people working on the Curtis Island projects." Mr Seeney said the Coordinator-General's assessment also covered the pipeline tunnel from the mainland to Curtis Island and marine logistics facilities on Curtis Island and the mainland. He said that since the declaration as a coordinated project in June 2009 as the Shell Australia LNG project, Arrow had undertaken a comprehensive set of marine and land studies which had been thoroughly
The three LNG plants currently under construction on Curtis Island provided thousands of jobs during the construction phase and will provide substantial income to the state through royalties and professionally assessed by state and local government advisory agencies. "Key issues as part of the Coordinator-General's evaluation include management of hazardous operations, project transport, including transportation of workers to Curtis Island, impacts on coastal water quality and marine flora and fauna," he said. "The Coordinator-General also considered potential social impacts relating to
increased costs for housing and demand for existing social services and has set a comprehensive range of strict construction and operating conditions on the project." Mr Seeney said it would now be up to the Federal Government to consider potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and other matters of national environmental significance and make its decision within the statutory 30 business days.
Page 9
News Thiess
Workers raise money to keep kindy open
lands $1.8b contract
T
he Western Downs economy will receive a major shot in the arm with the announcement of a $1.8 billion contract being awarded to construction company Thiess. QGC awarded the contract to Thiess for the construction of gas processing facilities, which would create 1600 new jobs in the Surat Basin - news that was very much welcomed by
Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry president Jason Johnston. "I am definitely encouraged by the plan for local engagement in the rollout of this project," Mr Johnston said. The billion-dollar contract involves the construction of 18 field compression stations and four central processing plants in
the Surat Basin to service QGC's Queensland Curtis LNG Project by October 2014. The agreement replaces and extends a $325 million contract signed in February 2012 for construction of six field compression stations and one central processing plant. The facilities, near Dalby, Chinchilla and Wandoan, will
JASON JOHNSTON Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry president
Page 10 Changes to stafety laws Page 11 Santos project update QCLNG project director Mitch Ingram and Bruce Munro from Thiess sign the $1.8 billion agreement.
process gas which will be transported through an underground pipeline network to Gladstone, where the gas will be liquefied. Thiess will increase the workforce number of workers on the project from 1000 to 2600 by early 2014 as the contractor undertakes all civil, mechanical, piping, instrument and electrical work in constructing and precommissioning the facilities.
I am definitely encouraged by the plan for local engagement in the rollout of this project
QCLNG project director Mitch Ingram said QGC and Thiess were proud to be creating a further 1600 jobs as well as providing opportunities for local communities to benefit wherever possible. "This is a milestone contract which involves construction of the remaining gas processing facilities to have our LNG plant operating at capacity," Mr Ingram said. "More broadly this work will continue to provide opportunities for qualified local contractors to supply associated services, which increases the capacity of local industry. "The contract also includes a plan that ensures local workers have access to jobs and training opportunities." About 12,000 people are working with QGC and its Queensland Curtis LNG Project. The company has invested more than $14.9 billion since 2010.
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in the NEWS
Council to review flood study W
estern Downs Regional Council has announced it will organise a second technical review of its controversial flood study in an attempt to boost the public's confidence in the document. The flood study, contained in the Draft Planning Scheme, has caused a huge stir across the region where residents who live in the new flood risk areas are concerned their housing values will plummet. Residents across the council area are also concerned the plan does not allow for enough growth in residential and industrial areas. More than 1000 residents and business owners have turned out to protest against the study in Dalby, while in Chinchilla hundreds of residents have attended public meetings to air their concerns. Councillors and council staff attended an intensive briefing document about
the flood study recently. Mayor Ray Brown said revisiting the extensive body of work undertaken to determine flood mapping for the region had reinforced the complexity of the science and its inherent uncertainty. "Flood modelling is not an exact science because, as many of us have experienced, no two floods are the same," he said. "Adding to the complexity is the lack of flood data for our region. Now for the first time ever, after a lot of work based on the best available information, we have hydrology methodology and mapping for the towns across the region. "This body of work, including the initial peer review of the flood study and amendments made as a result of that review, has given Council a level of confidence in the science and reduced the uncertainty. "We have however listened to the concerns of our community and in response to calls for a further peer
review of the flood study, Council will facilitate a technical peer review by a qualified and independent panel of experts. "This panel will be tasked with reaching consensus on the fundamental science underpinning the Draft 2013 Flood Study, specifically assumptions made in relation to the hydrology," he said. Cr Brown said Council was committed to standing behind the outcome of this further technical peer review. "It's important that we get it right.The flood study and MAYOR RAY BROWN Western Downs Regional Council
Our ultimate goal is to protect people and property against the real and demonstrated threat of flooding to our towns - that includes residents as well as emergency response personnel mapping are critical tools that will inform the regional planning scheme via the flood hazard overlay code, as well as informing
Council and the community in regard to the planning of viable flood mitigation and response options. "Our ultimate goal is to protect people and property against the real and demonstrated threat of flooding to our towns that includes residents as well as emergency response personnel.” Council is also considering further extending the second round of public consultation on the Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme beyond the November 5 deadline. "Council wants to ensure the community has enough time to consider the results of the technical peer review, so the decision to extend the consultation period depends on when this review can be completed," Cr Brown said. "The best way the community can influence how the Planning Scheme will respond to the Draft Flood Study is by submitting a properly made submission," he said.
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in the NEWS
Wandoan coal on hold The Wandoan community says it wants a firm answer about the future of a massive coal mine planned for their region
M
ining giant GlencoreXstrata has confirmed it has shelved its $7 billion thermal coal project planned for Wandoan. The proejct was slated to be the largest thermal coal mine in the Southern Hemisphere. As market conditions waned in the past two years, so too did hope for the project. In November 2012, APN reported an Xstrata executive warning the future of the project relied on international conditions. In May 2013, the newlymerged Glencore Xstrata dumped its Balaclava Island port project which was to deliver Wandoan's coal to the world from Gladstone. The latest blow came from the group's investment
presentation in London this week, which quietly listed Wandoan among "projects on hold". In the presentation, chief executive Ivan Glasenberg said mineral prices were low because there had been too much spending on development, not
because demand was weak. The world's largest thermal coal exporter has reaffirmed its cost-cutting strategy, which follows 150 job losses at its Oaky Creek mine in the Bowen Basin and 46 at its Ravensworth Mine in New
South Wales earlier this year. As part of its total costcutting regime, Glencore Xstrata said it would slash $1.4 billion in costs next year. Wandoan Ray White principal Ray Mortimer said he wasn't surprised to
hear the news. "We have been told it's on hold that many times we've become a bit blasĂŠ about the whole thing," Mr Mortimer said. "We do hope it will take off at some stage but it's been six or seven years now and it still hasn't
happened. "We've been stuffed around so long it's hard to know what to believe." Mr Mortimer said if the project was going to be well and truly shelved the high-quality grazing land should be put to good use.
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in the NEWS
New Industry Minister an experienced appointment T
he Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association has welcomed the news that Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane has been appointed to the position of Federal Minister for Industry. Mr Macfarlane previously held ministerial responsibility for the regulatory oversight of oil and gas industry operations from
Byers said. "A high-cost local environment and the emergence of new LNG competitors in East Africa, North America and
importance to the nation's economy, and its increasing importance upon the international energy stage. "APPEA looks forward to not only working with Mr Macfarlane, but also Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb and Minister for Environment Greg Hunt,
Ian Macfarlane has been appointed Minister for Industry.
elsewhere are making it much harder to win market share and attract investment. It is critical that steps are taken to ensure Australia secures its share of the next wave of global oil and gas projects." APPEA recently released its assessment of the
About $200 billion is currently being invested in oil and gas projects across Australia
Page9 SEE STORY
to maintain our industry's continued growth and to address the major challenge of Australia's sliding global competitiveness," Mr
2001-2007 in the Howard Government. APPEA chief executive David Byers said Mr Macfarlane had a deep understanding of Australia's oil and gas industry, its
policy priorities that require the attention of the new Government.These include fiscal stability, the need for marketbased energy policy, maintaining industry access to resources, red tape and green tape reduction, and developing viable labour markets that encourage mobility, flexibility and productivity. About $200 billion is currently being invested in oil and gas projects across Australia and there is enormous potential to secure our next wave of investment through sound and workable policy solutions that address regulatory duplication and increased competition from overseas.
Changes to mine safety laws
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in the NEWS
Concern over law changes
C
hanges to Queensland's mine safety laws are creating concern for the state's most powerful mining union, which is describing the proposals as "a mixed bag". The slated reforms were released by the Department of Mines, which would include the appointment of an extra safety representative, clarifying health guidelines for staff and contractors,
and laws ensuring the dangers of potentially explosive dust would be mitigated through "stone dusting" - mixing rock dust with coal dust. The Construction Forestry and Mining and Energy Union warned workers should be "wary" of the new guidelines, compiled by the state's Department of Mines. Queensland district president Stephen Smyth said the union backed the extra representative, but
would not support changes to their powers. The
government proposes that these representatives will only be able to shut down a potentially unsafe
operation if they are on the site in question. Site-specific safety representatives will have to inform management, although all workers have the right under legislation to refuse work if it appears dangerous. Mr Smyth is also critical of plans to narrow health assessments to cover hearing, breathing, muscle and bone function. The industry peak body -
the Queensland Resources Council - is supportive of the changes, although it would "carefully consider" its position before the November 11 deadline for submissions. New laws enforcing water barriers and "stonedusting" to reduce the risk of
explosion are expected to cost the industry more than $5 million a year. Chief executive Michael Roche said safety of workers was the top priority for industry. Submissions on the changes can be made at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au
Page10 SEE STORY
Pipeline workers raise money
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in the NEWS
Kindy doors to stay open thanks to a pipeline of support A JENNA SYMES Wandoan and District Kindergarten Association
massive fundraising effort in Wandoan has ensured the doors of the town's local kindergarten will remain open. At risk of falling short of running costs next year, and also in need of renovation, the Wandoan and District Kindergarten Association put out a call for help and was almost deafened by the response. Hearing the kindy's plight, a team of Murphy Pipe and Civil pipeliners decided to enter themselves into one of the country's toughest endurance races - Tough Mudder - in an effort to raise some much needed cash for the cause. Murphy Pipe and Civil's Tough Mudder team garnered plenty of support, with more than 200 of their fellow pipeliners working on the Woleebee Creek to Glebe Weir Project, crowding
into the local hotel on Sunday night to help raise funds. Thanks to a swag of raffles prizes donated by local contractors and shaving the boss' head, the Murphy Pipe and Civil crews raised more than $40,250 - a figure then matched by company management to push the total to an impressive $80,500. Wandoan and District Kindergarten Association's Jenna Symes said the show of support was incredible and far exceeded what was expected. "We've been fundraising for the past few months now with the hope of gaining funds to cover next year's operational costs and also for a building renovation currently taking place," Mrs Symes said. "When we heard the Murphy Pipe and Civil lads had entered a team into the Tough Mudder race to raise money for our cause
Page18 SEE STORY
Origin pledges money for roads
we were really pleased by the team's show of support but never thought it would result in such a massive fundraising result it's been an amazing windfall for our kindy. "This donation will enable us to continue to provide the necessary education and care for our community's young children and their families, and $20,000 will go directly towards our renovation project which will result in an upgraded kitchen, bathroom and office and
also an extension for a laundry and storeroom. "The rest of the funds raised will keep our kindy secure over the next few years as we need about $15,000.00 per year for running costs, so it will really take the pressure off our kindy families and also the local community," she said. Murphy Pipe and Civil project manager Barry Heverin said he was very happy with the show of support by the
We ' v e b e e n f u n d r a i s i n g f o r t h e past few months now with the hope of gaining funds to cover n e x t y e a r 's o p e r a t i o n a l c o s t s a n d also for a building renovation currently taking place
Tough Mudder team, their fellow workmates and also the many project contractors who had contributed to the fundraiser. "Our crews have always made a commitment to support the
communities in which they work and when they heard the kindy needed some help they were all very keen to get behind the cause to ensure the good work done by the kindy continues, " Mr Heverin he said.
in the NEWS
PIGS clean line T
he talk along the Santos GLNG pipeline from Fairview to Gladstone is all about pigs. These porkers have nothing to do with bacon but are instead "Pipeline Inspection Gadgets", highly-sophisticated devices which do many tasks including cleaning, removing water or corrosion, measuring and mapping. The pigs are made from steel with circular urethane discs sized to the internal diameter of the pipeline, are about 160 centimetres long and weigh around 800 kilograms. The reference to pigs comes from the squealing sound they make when travelling through a pipeline. Santos Vice President Downstream GLNG Rod Duke said certain parts of the pipeline had already been cleaned and gauged using pigs. "Pigs are just one of the tools we use to test the integrity of our pipeline and ensure it is built to stand the test of time," Mr Duke said. "These nifty devices can collect data and locate the
whereabouts of any defects so that they can be fixed quickly." Mr Duke said a launcher was used to place the pig into the pipe, which is then sealed and pressurised to push the pig along. Santos GLNG are building a pig launcher at a facility north of the Arcadia Valley and would soon begin work on permanent pig receiving facility on Curtis Island. Meanwhile construction remains on track at Santos GLNG's three hubs, the sites where extracted natural gas will be compressed and sent along the Project's 420 km pipeline to Gladstone. At Santos GLNG's largest gas hub in Fairview field two hours north of Roma, four more switchrooms are now in place bringing the tally to seven installed since July. Each switchroom is twice the size of a shipping container and will house electrical switchgear and control panels for different areas of the hub including gas compression facilities, gas-fired power, the utilities area and the water treatment facility. At the smaller hub in Fairview
field, crews have installed underground piping so gas can be sent to different parts of the site to be cleaned and compressed from 2015.The team at Roma hopes to finish the water treatment facility by October.
Lockyer says g’day
R
ugby league legend Darren Lockyer has been in the Surat Basin talking to Origin employees about a new program that encourages and enables their volunteering efforts
in local community organisations such as the Rural Fire Brigade. Darren also met with community leaders across the region as part of introducing the program.
Opinions COMMENT
SBNEWS
12 Mayne Street Chinchilla, QLD 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla, 4413 Phone: 4662 7368 General Manager: David Richardson Advertising: Laurell Ison Editorial: Jim Campbell Design: Beth Walker
Campbell Newman Premier of Queensland
N
ew studies into flood protection for Dalby, Oakey and Chinchilla are on the way, with more than $400,000 in grants to help Western Downs Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional Council prepare and plan for the future. Toowoomba Regional Council will use around $99,000 for a flood forecasting system for the Oakey district, giving locals some peace of mind, while Western Downs Regional Council will use around $145,000 from the government to look at options for a Dalby levee to divert water around the town.Western Downs Regional Council will use a further $187,000 to also
Editorial Two significant changes that will affect the Surat Basin were finalised in the last two weeks. Firstly the Federal election bore out the expected change, Labor out and the LNP voted in. This change in leadership came with a promise from the LNP that the second Range crossing will happen in Toowoomba, it will be interesting to note in the coming months if this was a "core promise" or just a political promise. The Surat Basin would benefit greatly from the second crossing and would just leave the upgrade of the Warrego Highway to finish our road infrastructure issues. The announcement by Glencore that the Wandoan Xstrata coal mine would be mothballed, while not a surprise, is certainly a decision that will have consequences for this region. As stated before in this newspaper, there should be consequences born by the company for their failure to proceed. This might be the ideal time for our leaders to place an impediment in front of these large corporations, pointing out that they have a social as well as financial obligation to the communities that move into.
Council finds funds
Howard Hobbs Member for Warrego
Robert Loughnan Maranoa Regional Council Mayor
conduct a flood study for Chinchilla. This funding is part of the most ambitious infrastructure plan in a generation and marks a turning point for local communities threatened by flooding. Locals know best what their community needs to protect it, and we'll drive maximum value from the funds that we've got to deliver those defences. Roma is front and centre of Queensland's expanded telehealth network, which will give locals better access to health professionals and save them having to travel long distances for appointments with health specialists. Around $31 million has been invested in expanding the telehealth service, which lets patients talk face to face with medical specialists in Queensland's best hospitals via videoconferencing. Queensland has one of the largest managed telehealth networks in Australia with more than 1,500 systems deployed in more than 200
W
estern Downs Regional Council is looking forward to working with the new Federal Government to achieve outcomes beneficial to our local communities. Presently, all the signs are optimistic following the Coalition's pre-
Drought assistance
hospitals and community facilities.This government is committed to improving health services for people in rural and remote Queensland, which is shown in our rural revitalisation package worth more than $82 million. Other improvements we are making to rural health services include almost $46 million to upgrade and improve rural health facilities, 50 new midwives for rural and regional areas, 105 new rural graduate nursing positions, and the reintroduction of maternity services at some regional hospitals. More than half of Queensland is now drought declared, underlining just how serious the ongoing dry weather situation is. In Maranoa, the already drought-declared area has been expanded to north and west of the RomaTaroom Road and west of the Carnarvon Highway. Any primary producers who believe their properties are facing drought conditions
COMMENT Ray Brown Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council
election pledge of significant funding towards infrastructure development in the region.This includes in excess of $318 million upgrades for the rail
network into the Port of Brisbane with the proposed project to accommodate the operations of the energy and agricultural sectors.
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should contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to apply for an Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declaration, which will give them access to Government assistance. Producers can apply for the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) and the other assistance measures included in the drought assistance package such as the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate and the Land Rent Rebate. DRAS provides up to 50 per cent freight subsidies on fodder and water while an area is drought declared, and freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment after the drought declaration is revoked. Producers wanting to apply for DRAS should contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 13 25 23 or access to DRAS claim forms and IDP applications can be found at www.daff.qld.gov.au.
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Attracting major headlines recently, the $1.8 billion announcement by QGC and Thiess to construct 18 field compression stations and four central processing plants in the Surat Basin to service QGC's Queensland Curtis LNG Project is a boon for major investment in the Dalby, Chinchilla and Wandoan areas. It will generate an additional 1,600 jobs and deliver economic benefits to the local townships. Unfortunately, with the level of burgeoning development occurring in the region come challenges. Recently I met with the Coal Seam Gas Compliance Unit to make sure that every report coming out of the resource sector, particularly in
the coal seam and shale gas drilling programs, are closely monitored to provide assurance to our landholders that measures are in place and complied with by companies. The current weather conditions mean our communities will need to be prepared for storms and bush fires this summer. It's also imperative for resource sector companies to have their disaster management plans ready. Let's hope that local State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Brigade crews are not called on too often; however it is reassuring to know that resource sector companies are ready to assist our communities when the need arises.
opinions
Encourage our young people to apply for ag scholarships
Drought Assistance It is disappointing that we are also not able to welcome some much needed rain across the region. More than half of Queensland is in drought. In the Warrego Electorate the following Local Government areas are drought declared. Balonne (part declared), Maranoa (part declared), Paroo and Murweh. Other primary producers outside these areas who are drought affected should contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to apply for an Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declaration, which will open them to Government assistance. Some Maranoa and Balonne landholders in the drought-declared areas will have already received their full land rent notices in the mail. These producers will receive an adjustment notice from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines taking
into account a rebate on any land rent increases from 2012/13 to 2013/14. The Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) provides up to 50 per cent freight subsidies on fodder and water while an area is drought declared, and freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment after the drought declaration is revoked. Producers wanting to apply for DRAS including the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate should contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 13 25 23 or access to DRAS claim forms and IDP applications can be found at www.daff.qld.gov.au
Scholarships for Agricultural Training Young people aspiring to a career in agriculture can apply for a $10,000 scholarship to be offered through Emerald and Longreach Pastoral Colleges. Ten scholarships of $10,000 each are available under the new program starting in 2014. To apply for the scholarship visit www.agriculturalcollege.qld.edu.au or call 1800 888 710 or email enquiries@aacc.edu.au.
V8 Toyota Landcruiser exemption V8 Toyota Landcruisers are now exempt from the High Powered Vehicle (HPV) restrictions. Meaning that P
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COMMENT Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego
plate drivers aged under 25 are no longer prohibited from driving these vehicles without a special permit. Young people in the agricultural and mining industries drive Toyota tray tops or driving the family car to meet the school bus now can now do so without additional paperwork.The V8 Toyota Landcruiser is not considered a high performance vehicle. Adding V8 Landcruisers to the list of vehicles exempt from the HPV rules has cut red tape and reduced cost and administrative burden for young drivers and their employers. Speed Limit Review update Thank you to everyone who contacted my office and sought to provide feedback online in the first state-wide speed limit review. 2000 responses were received in only two weeks. The Warrego Highway received more than 22 nominations.The review aims to simplify the speed limit setting process and improve speed limit consistency across the state. I will keep you updated as results become known.
T
he Surat Basin is home to a rapidly growing - and changing - population, with affordability and infrastructure pressures prompting a re-think about the type of housing that should be provided across the region. Data from the Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR) shows that by 2031, almost 60 per cent of households in both Maranoa and Western Downs will be made up of couples without children or singles. While this is likely to stem from an increase in non-resident workers coming into the area - it does beg the question of how best to accommodate this future population. Despite the apparent trend away from the traditional family unit, centres like Roma and Miles are still dominated by larger, three or four bedroom homes - which is an issue in terms of efficient use of space and affordability. While the traditional family property will continue to play an important part in the future of these towns, current demographic changes means that it makes good sense to diversify, by introducing smaller, more affordable accommodation. Many singles, couples and apprentice workers would prefer to have their own private space, rather than having to resort to living in a share house to reduce their living expenses. To this end, Horizon Housing (HH) has been rolling out townhouses and boutique housing product in Roma and Miles since last year, with great success. Two of HH's most recent projects include a studio unit complex on Acacia Road in Roma, and nine new townhouses in Miles, which are now fully tenanted.These properties are rented under various schemes at a fraction of market rent. HH has also established an office in Roma, and now has plans to deliver more than 50 dwellings across the Western Downs and Maranoa over the coming years. Developing apartment or semi-detached product means more efficient use of limited land and infrastructure resources, and more affordable, private housing options - without compromising on quality. Jason Cubit - Horizon Housing
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elcome to the latest Edition of the Surat Basin News and congratulations to the Drillham State School Students whose entries in the Queensland Plan Postcard competition have made it on to the state wide shortlist. Judging is currently underway and winners in each category will be announced at the Brisbane Summit on 9th October 2013. To view the shortlisted entries and those of the Drillham State School Students go to http://queenslandplan.qld.gov.au/getinvolved/schools/. Top marks for the Drillham State School.
Housing needs to accommodate demographic change
Courses maZ be cancelled if insufkcient applications are received. $osts maZ change. Information correct at time of printing. Ph: 07 4694 1600 sqit.enquiries@tafe.qld.edu.au www.sqit.tafe.qld.gov.au Find out about SQIT’s online community...
Southern Queensland
Institute of TAFE
opinions Maranoa council secures two key funding initiatives
I
t has been an exciting month at Maranoa Regional Council as we have received some great news on the funding front. The first infrastructure agreement between Council and the resource industry has now officially been signed with the Australia Pacific LNG Project committing a phenomenal $54 million to Council for significant roadworks and upgrades in their project area, northeast of Roma. Council welcomes the funding agreement and the commitment from Origin, the upstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG, to work with us in helping to improve our roads. A lot of work has gone into the agreement and I thank all of the Council and Origin staff for all their efforts. In addition to this, Origin has also committed a final $500,000 towards the further expansion of Roma Airport. When Deputy Mayor Scott Wason and Councillor Cameron O'Neil participated in a recent study tour to North America, they initiated an arrangement between Council and Origin, to help us provide a quality facility, that all of our air travellers can enjoy into the future. The Roma Airport has seen unpredicted growth in passenger numbers since the opening of the terminal in 2012,
Liberal National Coalition Government means a new future for Australia
COMMENT Robert Loughnan Mayor of Maranoa Regional Council
resulting in increased usage of the runway and apron areas and the new terminal over its designed capacity.The annual passenger numbers have gone from approximately 91,000 in 2011/12 to approximately 200,000 in 2012/13, which is a rise of around 130 percent. Origin's commitment will support a number of priority expansion works, including the construction of additional check-in, seating, amenities and carparking. A chance to further invest in the Maranoa community and help combat the social impacts of the resource industry, this contribution from Origin will go towards the sustainable development of Roma Airport as the transport gateway to the Maranoa. We are incredibly appreciative of both of these funding commitments and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Origin, and other resource companies, to ensure the Maranoa is a great place for our residents to live and work.
T
his government is determined to be competent and trustworthy and I am truly humbled to be re-elected to represent the Maranoa electorate. My strong advocacy for the bush is represented in many of the Coalition's policies and I am keen to make a significant contribution on behalf of the electorate. As a result, the Coalition has committed $508 million to rebuild the Warrego Highway from Miles to Toowoomba. Heavy traffic associated with mining and gas development in the Maranoa means this road is not fit for current traffic flows. The Coalition has also committed $700 million for the second Toowoomba Range crossing. These projects will not only address safety concerns but I also believe these are nation-building projects where the electorate will prosper as a result. The Coalition will also honour its commitment to repeal the carbon and mining taxes to take pressure off business and families, restore industry confidence and increase Australian business
COMMENT Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa
competitiveness. I am also very excited about our plan for better telecommunication infrastructure where mobile phone blackspots will be identified and targeted. Our affordable NBN policy means bush communities will benefit from a fast internet connection - opening up opportunities for business, e-learning, telemedicine, video conferencing and tourism. The electorate is in need of more frontline services, highly skilled doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and the Coalition's health policy will work towards retaining and attracting more trained medical experts to the bush. Liveability, health, education and cultural facilities as well as road and transport connections are very real issues and these issues will be addressed under a Coalition government. This Coalition government will be very different to the government we replaced and I thank the electorate for their ongoing support.
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Surat Basin NEWS - insights into the development the companies driving the Basin
opinions
Boxes ticked: work begins Michael Roche Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council
COMMENT
A
fter ticking the resources policy boxes during the election campaign, the Abbott Government can look forward to strong support from the Queensland resources sector in implementing its agenda. The QRC extended its particular appreciation for the policy input of Cabinet Ministers Ian Macfarlane (Industry) and Greg Hunt (Environment). The QRC laid four markers for federal policy reform at the start of the campaign: • A globally competitive approach to emissions reductions. • Fiscal stability - no further tax increases, no surprises, and no fiddling with long standing tax arrangements such as the fuel tax credit scheme. • An end to the current State/Commonwealth duplication and inefficiencies besetting project environmental approvals. • Federal recognition of the headwinds battering the exploration industry. During the campaign the Coalition ticked each of those boxes. The Coalition also maintained focus on policies to address real threats to the Great Barrier Reef such as nutrient run-off and Crown of Thorns starfish, and not buy into the deceitful campaign by global activist groups against port development and shipping. Ian Macfarlane's elevation to the industry 'super ministry' is fitting reward for a knowledgeable and passionate industry advocate. This came to the fore in the last days of the campaign with the announcement of an Exploration Development Incentive for investors in junior resource companies. Juniors are responsible for the
lion's share of Queensland's major resource discoveries and in today's risk-averse investment climate, many of them are struggling to raise the capital needed to stay afloat. Providing investors with a modest tax incentive to support explorers is a sound investment in the future and something the QRC has been pressing successive federal governments to adopt. The targeting of companies with no taxable income and capping the scheme at $100 million over four years is a cautious start but we expect that once in action, the Exploration Development Incentive will
show itself capable of paying back many times over. Explorers are highly dependent on service providers at every stage of their operations, which means the exploration dollar is spread far and wide throughout
the economy. This is a great confidence boost for the exploration industry in a period of financial uncertainty. Daunia mine boost The Daunia coking coal mine opened early this month is a model 21st century operation. From inception it has set new benchmarks, starting with exemplary commitments to safety and workforce diversity. The project team completed 4.3 million employee hours without any lost time injuries. Almost half the 450 Daunia workers were recruited from the Cairns and Brisbane regions with an emphasis on attracting
women and indigenous people to the coal industry. As a result, 27 percent of the Daunia workforce is female and five percent indigenous - a remarkable achievement and a credit to BHP Billiton and their joint venture partners Mitsubishi Development. Queensland is fortunate in having industry leaders with the foresight to invest in the state's long-term prosperity, and with
the Daunia model, an industry prepared to go out of its way to share the benefits with people from around the state. Uranium action A new chapter in Queensland's story is a step closer to reality with release of the Newman government's action plan for the reintroduction of uranium mining. This is a best practice framework, benefitting from the experience of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
It's also impressive that the government will have it in place by mid-2014 and there's evidence already of the policy change attracting new players to Queensland. Among them is French company and QRC member Areva Resources who are proposing to spend $5 million exploring the Gulf of Carpentaria. Student boost Almost 100 engineering and science students from across Queensland are receiving a kickstart to their university studies and discovering the opportunities available in the resources sector through the Queensland Resources Council Students for the Future program. The first-year students accepted
into the QRC-funded program were acknowledged by the Minister for Education,Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek, as well as representatives from Queensland universities and resource companies at an awards ceremony in Brisbane. The successful undergraduates will each receive a $1000 bursary
to help them settle into their first year of university, exclusive opportunities for networking and the opportunity to attend industry workshops and site visits. The students represent a range of engineering and science disciplines at six Queensland universities, including the University of Southern Queensland. This program opens doors for students as they begin to focus on their chosen profession, consider an area of specialisation and realise what they can achieve through a career in the resources sector The program is now in its second year, reflecting the sector's commitment to attracting young people at the beginning of their university studies, offering the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Page 18 APLNG pledges funds for Maranoa roads Page 19 Page 20 TSBE tours overseas
down to Wiley succeeds at Ag Show
Outback plumber taps gas industry boom G
General Trade Industries Managing Director Geoff Pike at the Telstra Australian Business Awards dinner held in Sydney.
eoff Pike is an ordinary guy who's done extraordinary things - turning a $65,000 a year outback plumbing business into a $20 million plus company servicing the onshore gas industry. Mr Pike was a finalist at the Telstra Australian Business Awards held in Sydney recently where he shared his unique success story, giving much of the credit to his staff and apprentices. GasFields Commissioner and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise chief executive officer Shane Charles has offered his congratulations to Mr Pike and his team at General Trade Industries, saying the business is a valuable contributor to the sustainability and prosperity of three southern-inland Queensland towns - Miles,Toowoomba and Thargomindah. Mr Pike grew up on a farm near the small town of Eulo, located between Cunnamulla and Thargomindah in south-west Queensland. At 17, he took up a plumbing apprenticeship with the Bulloo Shire Council in Thargomindah. Four years later when he'd completed his apprenticeship, he started his own business with just $2000 in his pocket. In his first year he turned over just $65,000 including material costs, so it was hard going.
GEOFF PIKE Finalist at the Telstra Australian Business Awards
My team started constructing camps and today builds well surface facilities for gas companies, among other things
In 2003 Mr Pike decided to diversify his business as there wasn't enough plumbing work in Thargomindah to make a profitable, sustainable business. He started installing utility equipment, pipe-fitting and doing electrical work and renamed his business General Trade Industries. "My team started constructing camps and today builds well surface facilities for gas companies, among other things," Mr Pike said. "General Trade Industries is now a tier two contractor to businesses including Origin Energy, AGL, Senex Energy, Arrow Energy, Beach Energy and Linc Energy and the business has experienced year on year growth of 70 per cent. "My business is also ISO 9001 certified - something I'm really proud of - as it means my company has received quality certification from a global thirdparty." Over the past 10 years, Mr Pikes' company has employed more than 200 staff and trained over 70 apprentices and trainees.Today the company employs about 85 people across three offices in Queensland, 20 at Miles, eight at Toowoomba and 20-30 at Thargomindah and numerous staff at field construction sites. Mr Pike's success was recognised at the Telstra Australian Business Awards held in Sydney on 22 August, after taking out the regional award at the Telstra Queensland Business Awards in July. Yet despite seeing his business' name in lights, Mr Pike is genuinely humble and credits much of his success to his staff. "Training apprentices has been one of the most enjoyable parts of having a business and has been a key to its success," he said. "I can't afford to pay people the same rate as what they can get from tier one oil and gas contractors, but what I can give them is a kick-start, a chance to up-skill and work in a great environment. "Our moto is 'Achieving excellence, with pride' everybody in our company needs to live, breathe and do that and that's why we've been successful." Mr Charles, who leads the Community and Business Portfolio at the GasFields Commission, said it was fantastic to see regional Queensland businesses recognised at a national level. "It's fantastic to see regional Queensland businesses making the cut in prestigious national awards," Mr Charles said. "Geoff's business, built on the back of the onshore gas industry, has reinvested money back into our towns and has employed and upskilled local people. His passion for putting on apprentices is commendable and helps to make regional communities more sustainable in the long-term."
Page21 SEE STORY
General Trade Industries representatives (pictured from left) Managing Director Geoff Pike with Area Manager Marco Otaola at the Telstra Australian Business Awards dinner held in Sydney on 22 August.
Community thanks CareFlight
Page 21
Page 22 Easternwell staff walk the world Page 23 Origin to upgrade roads
CareFlight plays vital rolein community
Business Murphy Pipe and Civil lay new record M
urphy Pipe and Civil's 380strong crew working on the Woleebee Creek to Glebe Weir Pipeline Project in Wandoan had cause to celebrate earlier this month when they successfully laid 4.6km of steel pipeline in a single day. No official industry record for this type of pipeline feat exists, so a visit from the people at the Guinness Book of Records is highly unlikely, but the hard-working crew was still ecstatic in the knowledge they had earned pipeline bragging rights for some time to come. Word in the industry trench has previous projects notching up pipeline lay rates of up to 3.1km, but a concerted effort quickly put that record to bed after the determined pipeline crew encountered what could only be described as a 'perfect storm' of conditions in the field. Project manager Barry Heverin said crews set a cracking pace throughout the 12 hour day and managed to lay a total of 358 pipes - an average of one pipe every two minutes. "Each steel pipe is 13.5metres long, weighs 4 tonne and has a diameter of just over one metre, so putting in this number of pipes in a day takes some effort," Mr Heverin said. "The Murphy Pipe and Civil crew is nearing the end of this 120km pipeline project so this was our last real shot at the "unofficial" title and everyone pulled
PROJECT FACTS
Murphy Pipe and Civil has been contracted by SunWater to build the Woleebee Creek to Glebe Weir Pipeline Project. The project is a 120km steel, rubber ring jointed pipeline which, once complete next year, will transport treated Coal Seam Gas water from QGC's Water Treatment Plant for use by agricultural and commercial water users in the Dawson Valley.
crew also managed to backfill 3.6km of the trench with more than 10,000 tonnes of sand, complete 11 air valve risers, two scour outlets, a couple of tricky pipeline bends and a thrust block and creek crossing," he said. Mr Heverin said he was extremely pleased with his crew's outstanding effort. "It's a great feeling when everyone can come together with their various pipeline skills and achieve so much in a single day but also ensure all the work is done with the highest level of safety as well."
out all stops to ensure we grabbed victory on the day. "We were already averaging around 1.2km per day, but the crews put in plenty of prior planning to give them the best chance of achieving the impressive lay rate. "It really came down to having a good straight run, plenty of pipes, plenty of open trench and sand - and a crew with plenty of energy and drive. "While the actual pipeline in the ground was impressive, by the day's end the
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down to BUSINESS
APLNG digs deep for roads T
he Australia Pacific LNG Project has announced $54 million for significant upgrades to roads it uses in the Maranoa Regional Council area. The roadworks will take place in areas north east of Roma, and involves upgrades and widening of the Yuleba Taroom Rd, while sections of unsealed roads such as Reedy Creek and Horse Creek roads will be bitumen sealed. Australia Pacific LNG CEO Page Maxson said the funding agreement was an important step to improve safety for all road users in the region. "Today's agreement will minimise our traffic impact and deliver a lasting benefit in better roads for local communities," Mr Maxson said. "Road safety of our workforce and the local community is our top
Project pledges $54 million to upgrade roads in the Maranoa region priority and right from the start we have implemented measures to support this, including specific traffic management plans to minimise impact from heavy equipment haulage." Mr Maxson said other measures would include accommodating most of the contracting workforce at onsite camps to reduce their road use. "We use invehicle
technology to remotely monitor driving behaviour of our staff and contractors who use local roads," Mr
Maxson said. Maranoa Mayor Rob Loughnan welcomed the funding agreement and the commitment of Origin, the upstream operator of
Australia Pacific LNG, to work with council to improve roads in the region. "These upgrades will improve a number of roads
throughout the Maranoa to a quality standard, as well as reduce dust levels for residents," Cr Loughnan said. "In addition, the funding
commitment also provides a level of certainty for the future of our skilled, road-building workforce."
down to BUSINESS
Region can play major food role T he annual Toowoomba Ag Show has proved to be more than just a tractor and machinery display and has become a catalyst for businesses in the region to cash-in on the next big
"boom". According to Wiley senior process engineer and Ag Show speaker Michael Matthewson, the next big boom for the Surat Basin region will be agribusiness and supplying the global demand for fresh food.
the cutting edge technology happening in the sector not only around the world, but also here on our doorstep," Ms Sheppard said. Mr Matthewson's presentation on the opportunities for progressive primary and secondary production and processing entities, also struck a chord with some major producers in the region and a Korean delegation using the Ag Show as a case study. "There are some very exciting opportunities that are going to come out of this Ag Show, with the
MICHAEL MATTHEWSON Wiley senior process engineer
We already have some of the world's most innovative food processing and agri-business processes right here He said Asia was well on its way to becoming the centre for global economic activity and would lead the global demand for food. "According to the stats, the Asian middle class will increase six-fold to 3.2 billion people in the next 15 years and combined with the new consumer trends in food, the demand for high quality produce and packaged food is going to outstrip supply," Mr Matthewson said. "Australia and in particular the Surat Basin area is well placed to ride this wave because Asia perceives Australia as a clean, safe and reliable food producer." Mr Matthewson gave a two-hour presentation on food production opportunities at the Ag Show and as a result, was asked to present a second time after the Toowoomba and Surat Basin (TSBE) Agribusiness Innovator's lunch with Queensland's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh. TSBE projects manager for agriculture Jo Sheppard said the involvement of capable companies such as Wiley & Co was a great opportunity for international experience and knowledge to be shared locally. "It was fantastic for local food and agribusiness operators in the region to have the opportunity to hear from a global leader, first-hand, some of
potential to collaborate closely with our Asian counterparts and explore opportunities to bring Asia to Australia and Australia to Asia." Mr Matthewson said his company had experience developing food processing projects in South East Asia and a track record of bringing Asian companies to Australia. Wiley was instrumental in bringing Korean company CJ NutraCon from US to Australia and is also involved in some of the world's most innovative food processing technologies, including the commercialisation of new Queensland technologies in the sugar cane processing sector. "We already have some of the world's most innovative food processing and agri-business processes right here," Mr Matthewson said. "The new Primo smallgoods processing facility, the Western Downs Saleyards at Dalby, as well as the AJ Bush and JBS Australia Bio-Gas recovery projects are just some of the ground breaking projects we are involved in." Mr Matthewson said innovations in food packaging meant perishable products can achieve a longer shelf life giving producers the ability to cost effectively ship fresh produce to Asia and meet their growing food demands.
down to BUSINESS
SHANE CHARLES TSBE chief executive officer
It was great to have a diverse group of community leaders come together to learn from Canada and the USA who have gone before us in the growth and establishment of a mature gas industry
Industry leaders get the good oil from overseas on TSBE study tour
T
he recent Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise-led industry tour to the USA and Canada took industry and local government leaders from the Surat Basin on a fact finding expedition to see first-hand what a mature gas industry looks like and in particular, its impact on regional communities. The tour was organised by TSBE and ran for 14 very full days with 15 participants. Representatives from the Maranoa Regional Council,
Santos, QGC, Origin, Qld Murray Darling Committee, AgForce, Oswald Brothers, University of Queensland, and others, took the opportunity to participate and take in the experiences of these countries that now have an established gas industry. TSBE chief executive officer Shane Charles was pleased with the tour and the value it delivered to participants. "It was great to have a diverse group of community leaders come together to learn from
Canada and the USA who have gone before us in the growth and establishment of a mature gas industry," Mr Charles said. "The tour gave us all a valuable insight into how communities across Canada and the USA have worked to not only take advantage of the gas industry boom, but also to manage post boom
opportunities and challenges as well. "It seemed that the communities that succeeded best were ones which were able to diversify their economic base, had strong links with their universities and had the support of a proactive local government with planning schemes able to cope with increased
Page22 SEE STORY
Walk around the world
development." Mr Charles said the group was impressed by the standard of and commitment to training opportunities for industry, saying the training facilities were "quite frankly unbelievable" and that significant capital investment had gone into providing quality training across the board. "We saw challenges such as labour and housing shortages which industry from the Surat Basin could relate to and talked to Canadian and USA business leaders about the
importance of securing a strong legacy post gas industry boom to support the economic future of communities," he said. "Perhaps above all, the relationships formed between industry and local government leaders while on the tour will prove to be invaluable as we move forward as a region working together to develop sustainable economic development and best practice around coexistence and collaborative opportunity for all industry sectors across Toowoomba and the Surat Basin."
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down to BUSINESS
SAVING LIVES CareFlight service saves Surat Basin worker’s life
W
hen Walton Constructions worker Dale Baker went out for a jog at his workplace in Fairfield, he felt a pain across his chest and knew immediately something was wrong. Dale was having a heart attack and the workplace paramedic called RACQ CareFlight to pick him up. Dale said the helicopter crew saved his life.
"CareFlight took me to Roma Hospital and then the Royal Flying Doctors took me to Brisbane the next morning," Mr Baker said. "The CareFlight guys saved my life and the care they initially gave me minimised damage to my heart." An average CareFlight mission costs $12,000 to run so
Walton Constructions returned the favour this month when they donated $2500 to each of CareFlight and the RFDS as part of the reward and recognition program run by Santos GLNG and Fluor. Each quarter Santos gives $5000 to one of Fluor's contractors with the best safety record, who
An average CareFlight mission costs $12,000 to run
BIG THANKS: Walton Constructions worker Dale Baker (centre front) owes his life to CareFlight. He is pictured with members of the RFDS, Careflight, Walton Constructions, Fluor and Santos at Roma Airport following a $5000 donation to CareFlight and the RFDS. in turn pass it on to the local community through charities and non-profit organisations. CareFlight Queensland Roma base manager Chris Kerr said the donation would be used for aircraft maintenance, medical supplies and equipment for missions. "It is great to get donations and recognition from organisations using the services CareFlight Queensland provides," Mr Kerr said. CareFlight south west relationship manager Suzie
Washington said every dollar went into keeping the helicopter running. "In 2013 nearly 50% of our funds have to come from the community," she said. RFDS Roma team leader Matt Joppich said it was always a pleasure to receive donations because they kept the service flying. "The donation will go towards new medical equipment and maintaining the aircraft," he said.
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down to BUSINESS Fundraising effort to make a big impact overseas
Easternwell staff walk around the world
The Easternwell staff who participated in the Global Corporate Challenge.
E
mployees at Easternwell, one of Australia's leading drilling and well servicing companies, have collectively walked 61,845 kilometres, equivalent to walking around the world one and a half times in a bid to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity within the mining industry. Over the past four months, 77 Easternwell employees participated in the Global Corporate Challenge - a worldwide active living initiative aimed at improving health and productivity within organisations. Easternwell's chief operating officer Darren Greer said the Global Corporate Challenge was a successful addition to Easternwell's program of health and wellness initiatives. "The challenge provided Easternwell with a platform to deliver key messages around sustaining a healthy lifestyle in the mining and
mining services industry and the importance of remaining active," Mr Greer said. Over 112 days, the Easternwell team was encouraged to travel as far as they could with the goal of walking around the world. Each participant was provided with a pulse pedometer to record daily steps in an online virtual challenge. Through the initiative, Easternwell raised $7538.30 for UNICEF to help improve water supplies to impoverished regions worldwide. Toowoomba resident Christine Caietta completed 1.07 million steps in this year's challenge and said it educated her on the importance of sustaining healthy habits.
"My health has always been a top priority for me and this challenge provided me with an opportunity to increase my overall fitness and reaffirmed the importance of staying active," she said. Christine's biggest accomplishment was the increase to her fitness and physical appearance. "I lost seven kilograms and seven centimetres from my waist - I am feeling fitter and healthier." The Global Corporate Challenge formed part of Easternwell's Healthy Living Program designed to provide Easternwell employees with the facilities and support required to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Page23 SEE STORY
Origin pledges funds
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The challenge provided Easternwell with a platform to deliver key messages around sustaining a healthy lifestyle in the mining and mining services industry and the importance of remaining actives
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down to BUSINESS Roma airport to receive a boost after...
Origin donates $500,000 O
rigin, upstream operator of the Australia Pacific LNG Project, has committed half a million dollars to Maranoa Regional Council for further upgrades to Roma Airport. Origin Acting General Manager Approvals Land and Stakeholder, Amelia Hodge said the funding would complement its 2011 commitment of $1 million for the initial stage of the airport extension. "When Origin initially provided $1 million in funding to Roma Airport, it was the first major contribution of Australia Pacific LNG's JOY DENTON Maranoa Regional Councillor
This support will build airport capacity and enable a further expansion of services including check-in, seating, amenities and car parking community investment program to support far reaching and sustainable community initiatives in the Maranoa region," Ms Hodge said. "We are very proud to be investing in ways that deliver long-term benefit to the local community and I'm sure passengers will enjoy improved check-in and other facilities once the airport works are complete." The new airport terminal, four times the size of the old terminal, opened in April 2012 and is already been operating at full capacity. Before Christmas, Roma had an incredible 17 outgoing flights on one day, making it the busiest regional airport in Australia, thanks to the endless flow of workers in the resource industry. Maranoa Regional Councillor Joy Denton, Portfolio Chair for Airports, welcomed the additional funding. "This support will build airport capacity and enable a further expansion of services including check-in, seating, amenities and car parking," Cr Denton said. "Since 2010/11, annual passenger numbers
Maranoa Regional Council Deputy Mayor Scott Wason, Origin Manager Stakeholder Relations Martin McVicar, Councilor Cameron O'Neil and Councilor Joy Denton welcome the new $500,000 funding for Roma Airport announced by Origin.
through the terminal have increased from just over 57,000 to more than 200,000." Cr Denton said their priority would be to open a third check-in counter so departing passengers don't have to queue outside the terminal building. "Council has undertaken extensive planning and is currently in the detailed design phase for the next stage of works to ensure there is a measured response to the current peak impact on airport services," she said.
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Page28 SEE STORY
Roma Food and Fire
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Page 26
Enerflex moves ahead in industry
Page 27
GC Laundry Equipment cleans up
e h t g n i d l i u b Supporting the oil and gas industry
Speciality Services
S
peciality Services Qld provides specialist support services to the oil and gas industry including water cartage, vacuum evacuation of water and mud from drill rig sites, vacuum trucks, drilling potable water deliveries, location of underground services, industrial cleaning and HDPE welding. Speciality Services Qld (SSQ) brings decades of experience and knowledge in the oil and gas industry to its 24/7 services - providing a high level of professionalism in support services to drill rig teams. The company's strong experience in the oil and gas sector and high quality and reliable staff ensure that SSQ staff mesh with their client teams in a seamless way - providing the
additional support services required by their clients. SSQ is one of the few support services companies in the Queensland oil and gas industry that offers a broad range of capabilities based on national and international experience in the oil and gas industry. SSQ staff have pride in their work and the company has a reputation for its professionalism and its ability to mesh in with client requirements - SSQ staff become part of the extended team based on their industry experience and quality of work. SSQ operates from Chinchilla and services the Darling Downs, Surat Basin and Bowen Basin. Managing director Declan Cummins has over 18 years experience in the oil and
gas industry in Australia and internationally. He brings to the company extensive working knowledge of construction operations and requirements for drill rig support services. The experience of this stable SSQ team is significant - all staff have extensive industry experience in the heavy transport industry, oil and gas or mining industries. SSQ has a work management system that tracks all work activities for clients. Staff undertake pre-start safety checks and complete logbooks for work and daily dockets to track activities and services provided. All vehicles have GPS tracking units fitted.The firm employs 60 staff which are mostly locally based.
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Page 28
Roma Food and Fire Fest
A roads management company is making its mark by helping energy companies reduce their footprint in rural areas
Global Road Technology G
lobal Road Technology is working hard to lessen the impact of increased energy industry traffic by implementing measures that not only keep landowners happy, but also the environment. Working with some of Australia's largest gas companies, GRT is helping them reduce their footprint in rural areas with a range of environmentally friendly products for dust suppression and road stabilisation. GRT director Troy Adams
said the company worked with the mining companies, and individual landowners, to design solutions for a variety of applications focusing on protecting the environment as a major priority. "GRT products use in-situ material to mitigate dust and stabilisation issues by up to 95% on rural roads whilst reducing traffic volumes, water usage, truck and equipment utilisation, fuel usage and landowner complaints," Mr Adams said. "These measures increase safety and provide
environment sustainability on rural and regional roads with easy applications. "By resolving dust issues on roads, GRT products can reduce traffic by eliminating conventional road maintenance for up to three months at a time. This means getting the trucks and equipment off the roads while keeping costs low for companies. "The landowners also win, with less traffic on their properties, which equals less dust and fewer complaints." Mr Adams said it was a win-win situation and he
was proud of the positive feedback GRT was receiving from landowners. Global Road Technology currently maintain thousands of kilometres of roads in several countries and has office locations around the world with manufacturing facilities located in Korea, India, America and Australia, with locally manufactured products currently supplying south east Queensland. Mr Adams, whose father died as a result of traffic accident, said road safety was very important to
GRT. "We lose about 1400 lives in Australia on our roads each year with the Darling Downs recording 23 deaths already this year which is 14 more than last year. The Darling Downs has now overtaken the Sunshine Coast as the most dangerous place to drive in Queensland," he said.
"Regional roads represent almost 80% of all our roads when measured in kilometres and are the biggest single factor for business efficiency, domestic and export market success, social connectedness and community safety in rural, regional and remote Australia."
Page29 SEE STORY
Santos wins award
GLOBA AL ROAD TECHNOLOGY (GRT)
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$70 million contract Enerflex lands major energy industry maintenance contract
G
as industry specialist Enerflex has been awarded a $70 million contract to provide upstream gas compression maintenance services to QGC. Over eight years, Enerflex will provide multidisciplinary core maintenance and overhaul services to over 130 gas compressor packages in support of the operations phase of the Queensland Curtis Liquefied Natural Gas (QCLNG) project, which is currently under construction in Queensland.
BILL MOORE Enerflex president international
Having provided QGC with solutions associated with gas compression and processing for the past seven years, Enerflex is pleased to extend our relationship by becoming a key service provider on one of Q u e e n s l a n d 's f i r s t c o a l s e a m gas to LNG projects The contract commenced in July 2013. QGC is a leading Australian natural gas explorer and producer focused on supplying gas to domestic and international markets. QGC is establishing one of Australia's largest capital infrastructure projects to turn Queensland's world-class gas reserves into liquefied natural gas. Queensland Curtis LNG, a priority project for QGC, involves expanding
exploration and development in southern and central Queensland and transporting gas through a 540km underground pipeline network to Curtis Island near Gladstone where it will be liquefied. Enerflex president international Bill Moore said the contract solidified the company's standing as a competitive long-term service provider for major producers in a region with tremendous opportunities. "Having provided QGC with solutions associated with gas compression and processing for the past seven years, Enerflex is pleased to extend our relationship by becoming a key service provider on one of Queensland's first coal seam gas to LNG projects," Mr Moore said. Enerflex has been established in Australia for more than 20 years and this contract will provide employment opportunities in the region and add to the company's growing portfolio of oil and gas maintenance customers. Enerflex is a single source supplier for natural gas compression, oil and gas processing, refrigeration systems and power generation equipment - plus in-house engineering and mechanical service expertise. Headquartered in Calgary, Canada, Enerflex has about 3000 employees worldwide.
Page30 SEE STORY
U CH
TSBE visits Gladstone
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building the BASIN Laundry company wins with...
DEXTER equipment now on the move S
ince being appointed as the Australian distributor for Dexter eight years ago, GC Laundry Equipment has been continually questioned on the possibility of selling Dexter Industrial Laundry Equipment into remote locations and up until now the answer has been no. This was solely because of Dexter's stringent installation requirements which specify concrete mounting of all machines. Last year Mark Sanders and Phil Hodges of GC Laundry Equipment decided to take the issue on and has overcome it with the development of the TLU (Transportable Laundry Unit).This unit is specifically engineered to handle the operating pressures of the Dexter machines as well as comply with Dexter's strict warranty and installation requirements. The unit comes complete ready for operation which saves on site works in remote locations. The critical part of the laundry construction is the underlying chassis and each of these will be constructed under license to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
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The surrounding building can be fashioned to suit any camp design or appearance.To ensure a high degree of flexibility the unit is capable of being moved on skids, crane or folklift with provision for each median.Transport to site is also simplified only requiring a tilt tray as a minimum. Inside you will find truly industrial equipment, with the capacity to wash and dry around 150kg of laundry per hour, every hour and the TLU can deliver this 24/7 if required. GC Laundry equipment is so confident of the Dexter equipment they are offering the full five and three year warranties for parts and labour respectively. Dexter's reputation is renowned worldwide and enhanced by the fact that the people that own the company make the machines.The unit has been tested extensively in terms of its laundry performance and building rigidity and there has been no compromising in the performance. At a recent trade show the unit accidently slid off the back of the transport truck when being unloaded and there was no damage at all. It was business as usual.
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Page 30
TSBE group visits Gladstone
Page 31
Students learn about energy industry
places and
Lending a hand on the land
Food and Fire Fest heats up R
omaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food and Fire Festival happens only once every two years so the town makes the most of it when it comes round, as it did this month. Billed as a day of great entertainment, delectable international cuisine, and a fire show spectacular, it met all expectations. Fireworks lit up the sky over Roma as thousands of people looked on at the Santos GLNG Food and Fire Fest for 2013 at Bassett Park on September 14. The fire show by the Sensory Circus Tribe was also impressive with an imminent sense of danger about proceedings as flames shot out from their wings. Some awesome talent was on display at the festival with African drum and dance group Baala Baajo kicking off proceedings on Saturday afternoon on the main stage. At the other end of the grounds celebrity chef Ben O'Donoghue was cooking up a storm on the barbecue while the Sandman Dennis Massaud sculpted a fire breathing dragon in the sand pit. Roma community groups cooked up some fabulous food with a multicultural theme as the Mini Master Chefs whipped up their own magic on the community stage. The Mandandanji Dance Troupe did Welcome to Country and Maranoa Regional Council mayor Rob Loughnan joined Santos GLNG regional
ROB LOUGHNAN Maranoa Shire mayor
I t 's a g r e a t e v e n t w h e r e w e celebrate the diversity of the community and the multicultural aspect of it manager Sam Klaas in welcoming festival goers to proceedings. The Stiff Gins and Black Diesel Effect provided the perfect tunes as the sun went down and OKA rocked the house down as the night rolled on. Maranoa Shire mayor Rob Loughnan said the event was outstanding and there was a good take up by locals. "It's a great event where we celebrate the diversity of the community and the multicultural aspect of it," he said. "There is a big crowd here and a lot of kids so it is tremendous to have nights like this." Santos GLNG Maranoa regional manager Sam Klaas said the event went well. "The crowd looks like it has exceeded expectations," he said. "We have been looking at the African drummers and the kids are having a great time. "There is a fantastic range of food available as well and everybody looks like they are having a tremendous time."
Page 32
Faces
Origin congratulates latest scholarship recipients
Energy for the future
M
ore than 50 students from five Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) schools in the Banana Shire debated how different countries can meet global energy demands at the annual Energy for the Future Forum on Tuesday, 27 August. Year eight students gathered at Wandoan SS and worked closely with 10 industry representatives from a number of resource sector companies from Arrow Energy, QGC, Origin and CS Energy. Students were
assigned a country and challenged to determine the best energy source to power that country for the next 50 years. They quizzed industry representatives about the true cost of energy production from start to finish as well as the environmental and community issues surrounding that energy. Each country presented its findings at the end of the day and awarded an energy contract while debating sustainability and the energy choices of other groups. Ivan Mapp, who manages CS Energy's Kogan Creek Power
Station, said he was impressed with the standard of debate generated from students on the day. "There were a lot of good ideas discussed and it was great to see students talking about such issues. Days like this bring together the importance of education and industry links," Ivan said. QMEA Project Officer,Tammy Grady agreed that industry and education go hand in hand to building a skilled workforce for the future. "By allowing students to work alongside experts from industry we provide them
with a firsthand understanding of what it takes to be a part of the minerals and energy sector and where their future may sit within in," Tammy said.
Page32
L to R Ivan Mapp from Kogan Creek Power Station meets with Sara Wylie of Miles SHS, Kaleb Stolzenberg of Wandoan SS,Ashley Hite of Wandoan SS,Tom Phipps of Taroom SS and Jayden Pearce Wandoan SS.
Head ofďŹ ce Roma
"These students today were very impressive and certainly have a big future in front of them," Tammy added.
SEE STORY
Kick starting careers
L-R Bree Thornton of Taroom SS, Andrew Chatto Field Area Manager North QCLNG Upstream Project, and Brittany Gorry of Miles SHS.
places and FACES
Tour showcases projects
Brendan Kanofski, Anthony Caldwell, Murray Peacock and Brian White catch up during Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s tour to Gladstone.
Carl Carter and Philip Clynes from the Gladstone Observer
Peter Barden, Justin Hennessy and Sam Ritchie
Warren Daniells and David Richardson from Chinchilla
Carli Hobbs, Kim Roberts and Murray Peacock
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places and FACES
Santos lights up with award
T
The Santos GLNG City of Lights event has lit up Brisbane’s cultural scene after winning a state award. The spectacular laser, light and water show at Southbank has picked up the prestigious Creative Partnerships’ Partnering Award. More than 350,000 people watched the show last year during Brisbane Festival.
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Origin - kick starting careers
DAVID BALDWIN Origin chief executive officer LNG
It also recognises local businesses that play their part by investing in apprentices
in Miles this month. The program is a partnership between Origin and local businesses that enables apprentices in the region to receive up to $13,500 in scholarship payments while they complete apprenticeships in the local area. Origin chief executive officer LNG, David Baldwin said the program was about supporting local communities in the gas fields to build and retain skills while recognising local businesses that invest in apprentices. "Many young people leave country towns to find work, however, this program encourages and provides opportunities for those wanting to get a local job and remain in their
communities," Mr Baldwin said. "It also recognises local businesses that play their part by investing in apprentices." Now in its seventh year, 133 scholarships have been awarded to local apprentices, many of whom are now working in their chosen field within the region. Scholarship recipient Sydney Weedon from Kaimkillenbun made a small-scale Dingo Mini Digger for a school project and approached Dingo Australia in Dalby to get some stickers for his remote-controlled model. "I wanted some stickers to make it look like the real thing," Sydney said. "They asked me if I'd like to do a bit of work experience. "I took it, and have loved it ever since!" The program is open to new or first
year apprentices aged 15 years or older, living in the Springsure, Rolleston, Injune, Roma, Surat,Wallumbilla, Wandoan, Biloela, Moura, Miles, Condamine, Chinchilla,Tara, Millmerran and Dalby areas. The scholarship recipients were selected for their desire to build a career in their local community. Businesses that employ an Origin Community Skills Scholarship apprentice also receive financial incentives.
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APLNG chief financial officer and deputy CEO Mark McCabe congratulates Sydney Weedon on his scholarship.
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nother 30 talented apprentices from across Central and South-West Queensland will kick start their careers this year thanks to Origin's Community Skills Scholarship program. The 2013 Community Skills Scholarship program recipients were officially recognised at a presentation ceremony
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