Surat BasinNEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
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inside this edition
David Richardson General Manager Editor Laurell Ison Advertising Beth Walker Graphic Design
The Newspaper The Surat Basin News will publish every second 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 12,000 living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region. Plans are to make the newspaper more frequent once support has been established.
The Vision 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.
View Online 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 August 26 edition at www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews
down tobusiness
in theNews
The Team
pages 3 -9
pages 14-19
This month the Santos-led Gladstone LNG project gets the green "The RSPT (Resource Super Profits Tax) has created light with approval of ofitsmining Financial significant uncertainty for the future investment Investment Decision. The into Australia and would impair the value of previously Origin/APLNG project’s has been delayed - we find approved projects and exploration to theEIS point decision that continued investment can no longer be justified," out why. Recent flood impacts on both resource companies and Xstrata Plc chief executive Mick Davis said after Xstrata announced earlier this month suspending $586 communities see these companies pitch in to help clean up. million of expenditure.
Landholders express concerns over health issues from proposed AGL wind farm. Key projects get the go ahead while others face delays. Investigations into Cougar Energy’s shut down reveal site location issues. Xstrata help rebuild flood-damaged roads while QGC offer community funding.
building theBasin
Placesandfaces
pages 20-27 pages 28-32 Real estates remain positive about growth in the region despite recent flooding. Companies continue to move into the region to better service the area, while an innovative training scheme pays off for local business.We cover a recent forum to review changes in Land Access laws.
Roma locals positive about new projects headed their way. Western Downs Biofuels set to purchase Dalby’s sorghum ethanol plant. Local Ergon workers head north to help after Cyclone Yasi. CS Energy help out flood ravaged Warra, and we cover what’s on at the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo.
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ENERGY & MINING 22nd & 23rd June 2011
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
in theNews page 4 page 6 page 7 page 8 Santos investment decision Santos/GLNG: First shipment 2015
Floods: Resource companies help out
Mining: Wet start to year
QGC: Solar project approved
BY Derek Barry
editorial @suratbasin.com.au
The Santos-led Gladstone LNG project has passed its last hurdle getting boardroom approval on its Financial Investment Decision on Thursday January 13. There was a last minute snag as major flooding in the centre of Brisbane made Santos House off limits to the four CEOs who arrived for the decision. There was an emergency last minute decision to move the event to Sydney where Mike Sangster (Total), Heung Bog Lee, (Kogas), David Knox (Santos) and Datuk Anuar Ahmad (Petronas) all signed on the dotted line. The final investment decision paves the way for the $16 billion project to proceed full steam ahead and will trigger works for upstream field development in the Roma region, pipeline to Gladstone and LNG plant facilities at Gladstone's Curtis Island. GLNG (a joint Santos/Petronas/Kogas/Total project) will now place orders for long lead items such as line pipe, compressors and LNG plant components. The project will create 5,000 jobs in construction in addition to 1,000 permanent jobs in production with 1,500 jobs to be created in the next six months. Premier Anna Bligh said the GLNG project would cement Queensland's role as a significant producer of LNG and promised billions of dollars of investment in regional communities. "Proceeding now with projects like this will be a tremendous boost to the Queensland economy as we recover from the devastating impact of the floods," Ms Bligh said. Santos Chief Executive David Knox said approval of the project came at a very difficult time for Queensland as it confronts the human and economic cost of severe flooding across the state. Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson agreed there would be competing demands for workers as Queensland rebuilt from the flooding. "They are going to be matters that are going to have to be
discussed in detail at a government level once we get through the immediate challenges on the flood front," Mr Ferguson said. Immediately after the board decision, GLNG announced Italian services company Saipem have won a $1 billion contract to carry out the engineering, procurement and construction of the gas pipeline.The pipeline will be 42 inches in diameter and 435 kilometres-long, which will connect gas fields north of Roma to the LNG plant outside Gladstone. The pipeline will be buried and Saipem will implement mitigation measures during pipeline construction to minimise the environmental impact to sensitive areas, including weed control, rehabilitation and biodiversity offsetting.
The project will create 5,000 jobs in construction in addition to 1,000 permanent jobs in production with 1,500 jobs to be created in the next six months.
The works will be completed in the third quarter of 2013.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
PAGE 3
in the news
The GLNG team santos An Australian energy pioneer since 1954, Santos is one of the country's leading gas producers, supplying Australian and Asian customers. The company today is the largest producer of natural gas to the Australian domestic market, supplying 17% of the nation's gas needs.
Santos/GLNG first shipment 2015 Now that Santos/GLNG have their investment decision signed off, construction will start this year with first shipment scheduled for 2015.
petronas
Queensland, Construction Skills Queensland, and the Queensland Government to support the up-skilling of Queenslanders to meet project demands.
Three major EPC contractors have been Santos is working on a strategy to minimise the appointed. Development of coal seam gas impact of truck movements on the local resources in the Bowen and Surat Basins will be community and ultimately improve road safety. managed by Fluor Corporation.The 420km It also has a comprehensive water strategy in pipeline construction from the gas fields to place that will focus on developing long-term Gladstone will be managed by Saipem.The two solutions that benefit local communities and the LNG trains and gas liquefaction and export facility environment including a number of projects to on Curtis Island will be managed by Bechtel create beneficial re-use of CSG water such as Corporation.The GLNG project will create 5,000 Roma Aquifer Recharge Project, Fairview jobs in construction in Irrigation Project, and Mt Hope addition to the 1,000 Station Project. permanent jobs in BY Derek Barry Activity is expected to start ramping editorial production.This includes up @suratbasin.com.au up for the Roma region in the second to 1,100 construction half of this year when Fluor is due to workers in the coal seam gas mobilise to the area and camps will fields. be set up outside of the town to ensure minimal Santos has developed an Australian Industry impact on the local community. Participation Plan to encourage local suppliers and Santos Eastern Queensland Regional Manager Sam other Australian businesses to be involved. It Klaas said the FID go-ahead decision was good commits Santos to maximising the potential for news for the Roma region which benefited to the Australian businesses to provide materials, tune of $22 million in 2010 alone. "Santos has equipment, labour, plant and professional skills on already pledged $2.5 million to the Roma Airport the project. upgrade which will see the development of a new Santos is also implementing a $50 million skills terminal and car park," Mr Klaas said. and training package to ensure it has the right "Santos continues to support a number of local people in place at the right time having employed activities and events including the Roma Food & nine apprentices in the last 18 months and Fire Festival, Injune Where Country Is Festival, currently has two trainees onboard. Roma Cup, and is a major sponsor of the Santos also works extensively with Energy Skills Echidnas Rugby Union club”.
PETRONAS, short for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, is a leading oil and gas multinational based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PETRONAS is a fully-integrated oil and gas corporation and is ranked among FORTUNE Global 500's largest corporations in the world.
total The fifth largest publicly-traded integrated international oil and gas company and a world-class chemicals manufacturer,Total operates in more than 130 countries and has over 96,000 employees.
kogas KOGAS, an abbreviation for Korea Gas Corporation, was incorporated by the Korean Government in 1983. Since its founding, KOGAS has grown to become the world's largest LNG importer. KOGAS imports LNG from around the world and supplies it to power generation plants, gas-utility companies and city gas companies throughout the Republic of Korea.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
in the news
Crunch time Crunch time is coming up for the APLNG environment impact assessment. A decision on the Origin/APLNG EIS was delayed for what federal environment minister Tony Burke called "procedural reasons" from the current statutory deadline of 21 December 2010 to Tuesday, 22 February. Mr Burke said the additional time was required because of the scale and complexity of the Australia Pacific LNG project. "The extension was not for the purpose of seeking further
from the gas fields to Curtis Island near Gladstone and an LNG facility on Curtis Island. Australia Pacific LNG's Project Director, Mr Page Maxson said Commonwealth approval was the next step in gaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the project in order to pave the way for a Final Investment Decision.
BY Derek Barry
editorial @suratbasin.com.au
information, but rather to allow sufficient time for a full assessment of the project and in recognition of the impact of the Christmas and New Year holiday period, " Mr Burke said. The 50:50 joint venture between Origin and ConocoPhillips is proposing a coal seam gas to LNG project which will involve the progressive development of coal seam gas fields in south central Queensland over a 30-year period, a 450km transmission pipeline
"The project will not be able to proceed to FID until, at least, such time as the EIS approval process is
complete," Mr Maxson said. Queensland Coordinator-General Graeme Newton gave his approval on November 9 after an extensive consultation process included meetings with more than 6,000 stakeholders including landowners and nongovernment organisations during an 18 month period. The project will include up to four trains with capacity to produce up to 18 MMt/a of LNG with first LNG exports scheduled for 2014.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
PAGE 5
in the news
t u b d e Flood n e t t o g r not fo
DURING a time of desperate need, Surat Basin resource companies proved they are an invaluable ally. In late December and much of January, large swathes of the coal province were left inundated by floodwaters as the Condamine River and its tributaries swelled to record levels. Coal seam gas and coal mining companies based in the Surat Basin extended a helping hand to communities in desperate need. Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said during the flood the priority of companies was employee safety and welfare of communities. He said it was heartening to see mineral and energy companies rally behind flood-bound and threatened communities with cash and in-kind donations totalling millions of dollars. "This is a community contribution that will never be accurately measured in dollars but will be remembered for many years to come," he said. Assistance came in many forms. Evacuated residents of the town of Condamine and State Emergency Service workers were accommodated at QGC's Berwyndale South gas field work-camp as they rebuilt their homes. "Work parties of QGC employees also provided on-theground support to local emergency services by sandbagging and relocating people and property to higher ground, helping deliver food, medicines and mail to stranded landholders and cleaning up at Condamine
and Chinchilla," a company spokesman said. Financially, QGC has pledged an initial $550,000 to help communities affected by the floods, including a $250,000 donation in December to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. Origin Energy contributed $1 million to the Premier's Relief Fund. "We are thinking of the families right across Queensland who have been hit so hard by the floods so close to Christmas," managing director Grant King said. In addition to the donation, Origin has also been providing support to communities deeply affected by the floods in the Western Downs area, providing access to helicopter services and helping with initial clean-up efforts. GLNG key player Santos extended it assistance in the way of a $500,000 contribution to AgForce, four regional councils and the Premier's Flood Appeal. Chief executive David Knox said the thoughts of people across Santos were with all Queenslanders hit by the floods. "This is a very difficult time and our hearts go out to those families affected," he said."We are continuing to provide the use of our helicopters, all terrain vehicles and boats to assist in clean-up efforts, and are pleased to add to this with financial support." During the worst of the floods,Wilkie Creek employees assisted State Emergency Service personnel with relief efforts in Dalby,Toowoomba and across the Darling Downs.
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in the news
Wet start to Queensland’s global LNG industry THE dawn of Queensland's multi-billion-dollar global LNG industry could not have started on wetter terms.
The gasfields of the $16 billion Queensland Curtis LNG project were isolated - some inundated during the weeks of flooding that gripped those parts of the Surat Basin close to the Condamine River. Yet today, the frontrunner in the sprint to carve a new global industry out of Queensland's rich coal deposits is not only on track, but preparing to ramp up development. QGC, the workhorse of the QCLNG team, is a lot of the reason why this can happen. A company spokesman told the Surat Basin News throughout the hardship field crews were able to maintain and protect vital infrastructure, even finding time to assist in flood-hit communities. "Our main project, Queensland Curtis LNG, was fortunate to avoid major delays, though we continue to assess the situation," he said.
QGC's priority during Queensland's flood crisis was ensuring the safety of staff and people in neighbouring communities." QCLNG is led by coal seam gas veteran QGC, a subsidiary of UK gas giant BG Group. The project was only sanctioned in November last year but already BG says "good progress" has been made. Its first stage comprises of two processing units known as LNG trains at Curtis Island near Gladstone producing 8.5 million tonnes of LNG a year. It will create more than 5000 direct jobs on average during construction and about 700 permanent positions during operation. Studies indicate the project will generate a $32 billion increase in economic activity in Queensland in its first decade.
The site can be expanded to 12 million tonnes a year, subject to demand. Plans are to have the first shipments bound for global markets in 2014. Gasfield development has recently hit top gear with a $136 million contract awarded to Thiess for early works near Miles and Chinchilla. The contract covers the installation of compressor stations, gathering pipelines, intermediate pressure gas trunk-lines, water storage ponds and site preparation for additional compressor stations. That work is scheduled for completion in March 2012. For the pipeline component of the project, staff have been mobilised and key contracts are
in place for the construction and supply of the pipe and other equipment. Shipments of the large-diameter pipe have arrived in Gladstone and Brisbane from China and are being transported to lay-down areas in Dalby and Miles.
QGC's priority during Queensland's flood crisis was ensuring the safety of staff and people in neighbouring communities."
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PAGE 7
in the news
Bright new day for Kogan Creek
0
SOME sunlight has shone through the coal ridges of the Surat Basin with the world's largest solar project approved by Western Downs Regional Council this month.
The $100 million project will see a 30-hectare solar plant built adjacent to the Kogan Creek Power Station, which is operated by CS Energy. The Solar Boost project will produce 44 megawatts of electricity, generating steam to drive the turbine of the power station. That is enough electricity to power 5000 homes. The solar addition will enable Kogan Creek Power Station to produce more electricity with the same amount of coal, making the coal-fired plant more fuel efficient and reducing its greenhouse intensity. Plans are to have a 110-person construction workforce deployed later this year, but the project still needs final approval from the state and federal governments.
Floods halt mining
Premier Anna Bligh, in contributing $35 million to the Kogan Creek project as part of a $115 million solar package, said solar was the "bright thing to do".
Premier Anna Bligh, in contributing $35 million to the Kogan Creek project as part of a $115 million solar package, said solar was the "bright thing to do".
"Solar can help Queenslanders save money on their electricity bills and reduce demand on electricity generated from coal fire power stations." CS Energy Solar Boost Project manager Alan Brake said council approval was the first major step in the project going ahead. "The proposed Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project will put the region on the world map with respect to the integration of solar technology with a coal fired power station," he said.
OPERATIONS came to a standstill at coal mines across the Surat Basin during much of January as floodwaters swamped the region. All of the region's three major mines - Wilkie Creek, Acland and Cameby Downs - have experienced some level of inundation during the past month. Meanwhile, it could be months before access to the Port of Brisbane is reopened after it was cut off due to the damage to Queensland's rail network. Peabody Energy, which operates the Wilkie Creek coal mine near Dalby, only regained access to the mine site in late January. Currently, operations remain on hold as the company attempts to secure the site. "At this stage, safety is our top priority and a full risk assessment will be conducted at the mine before workers return to the site and begin to focus on recovery activities," a company spokesman said. Peabody's spokesman said it was too early to comment on the state of Queensland's rail network.
"We will be guided by Queensland Rail as to any future impacts on our operations." During the worst of the floods, Wilkie Creek employees assisted State Emergency Service personnel with relief efforts in Dalby,Toowoomba and across the Darling Downs. New Hope has applied to the State Government to truck up to 50,000 tonnes of coal a week to the West Moreton rail line which has access to the port. Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said water would not be discharged from coal pits at the expense of the environment. About 85 per cent of Queensland's 59 coal mines shut down production or operated under restrictions during the floods. "Every single mine is required to have an environmental authority to release water and we are working with every single mine to work out how we get that water out of the pits," Ms Bligh said.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
in the news
Bloodwood Creek gets go ahead A WORLD-FIRST energy park in scrubland west of Dalby remains on track after Carbon Energy again secured its stake in the Surat Basin. The company was this month given approval to recommence an underground coal gasification trial at a site known as Bloodwood Creek. The trial was suspended in July last year when cancer-causing chemicals were found in underground water supplies on a nearby cattle property. After seven months in limbo, the Department of Environment and Resource Management granted Carbon permission to again start burning coal underground, but not until it met several new, stricter conditions. They centre on the protection of underground water supplies and the surrounding environment, including: • Improved infrastructure to ensure better storage capacity and management of process water (such as the construction of additional tanks and other storage infrastructure) • Improved underground monitoring through the installation of additional groundwater monitoring networks • Improved risk management practices and more stringent notification requirements.
Carbon managing director Andrew Dash said the government's clearance was proof of the industry's green credentials. "We are very pleased to have received the notice to proceed with our activities," he said. "We believe the rigorous audit and reporting process we have undertaken supports our claim of developing UCG as an environmentally safe and industry leading technology". Carbon will now focus on the commissioning of a 5MW power station, which would be the first UCG syngaspowered project in Australia to deliver electricity to the grid. Its long term plans are to develop a commercial scale 300MW power plant, which would be the first stage of the Blue Gum Energy Park. Located next door to Bloodwood Creek, the power station would power manufacturing facilities such as a fertilizer factory. Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown cautiously welcomed DERM's decision to force tougher conditions on Carbon before the trial could restart "This shows the government is fair dinkum," Cr Brown said. "It's proof they're serious about making sure developers comply with the regulations."
Cr Brown said the onus was now on Carbon and its ability to operate a UCG trial without contamination. "They need to do the right thing or they'll end up like Cougar," he said. DERM will conduct another on-site inspection prior to the trial recommencing to ensure Carbon has fulfilled its new requirements. Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the government would continue to closely monitor the activities of Carbon Energy, as well as the other company continuing in the UCG trial, Linc Energy.
"We take the protection of our environment very seriously and any company that wants to do business in Queensland must meet their environmental obligations," Ms Jones said. "When the contamination incident occurred at Cougar Energy's Kingaroy site last year we said that if any company couldn't provide real evidence that it could operate safely then it would not be allowed to continue. "The decision last month to close down Cougar Energy's trial at Kingaroy demonstrates that we will not risk the environment or our communities if concerns cannot be addressed.
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Supporting our community through the flood recovery process. Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
PAGE 9
opinions Record breaking floods Working with communities Western Downs powering Howard Hobbs, MP
SBNEWS 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla, QLD 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla, 4413 Phone: 4662 7368 General Manager: David Richardson Advertising:Laurell Ison
Michael Roche, QRC
Premier thanks volunteers COMMENT Anna Bligh Premier of Queensland
Since my last column Queensland has been hit by the dual disasters of flood and cyclone. Flood waters inundated more than 5000 homes, more than 3500 businesses, and devastated crops. The Surat Basin was not spared. In a cruel twist the towns of Dalby, Chinchilla, and Condamine were flooded not once but twice.
COMMUNITIES across the Surat Basin have spent a summer battling some of the largest floods on record, with few towns left unscathed. In Condamine, residents were evacuated twice as the Condamine River peaked at record levels. In Chinchilla and Dalby, their creeks flooded for weeks on end, leaving homes ruined and lives turned upside down. Throughout it all, never seeking headlines but always there, were the coal seam gas and coal mining companies of the Surat Basin. They opened doors to their workcamps to people desperate for shelter, offered helicopters, boats and machinery without hesitation and threw all they had at the recovery. Across Queensland resource companies contributed more than $5 million to flood relief with much of that coming from the Surat Basin. But it doesn't stop there. Over the next two years, the financial injection of a resource sector about to hit top gear is going to prove invaluable to flood-hit communities on the road to recovery. It will be a much needed lift on what is certain to be a long and demanding journey.
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Bruce Scott, Federal Member Maranoa
Ray Brown, Mayor
Without doubt the past few months have been our summer of sorrow.
Editorial
The cleanup
We placed on record our sincerest gratitude to the police, emergency workers, medical teams, defence personnel, and volunteers who have selflessly contributed so much and sincerely acknowledged the many fundraising activities and those who have donated generously.
For the people of Condamine it meant evacuating their town, returning to clean up, and then having to evacuate again.
All MPs pledged to work with affected communities and all levels of government, as Queensland recovers from these natural disasters and is rebuilt.
Many other towns in the region escaped direct damage but were isolated with highways cut by flood waters.
While this summer will be remembered for devastation and of horror, it will also be remembered for hope and inspiration.
We have suffered about $4 billion in commercial losses across our mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.
The mud army that gathered to clean the homes of strangers; Gen Y, so long dubbed the "Me Generation" who turned up with mops and buckets; the elderly unable to do physical work but who baked food for volunteers instead, and the kids who broke open their piggy banks to donate to the Appeal.
But you cannot put a figure on the human cost.The floods took 35 Queenslanders.
When Parliament resumed on February 15 members from both sides suspended normal business to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those killed in the natural disasters. We grieved for those who have suffered injury and who have lost their homes, property and personal possessions and extended our support for their recovery.
The Government has established an Inquiry with the powers of a Royal Commission to learn the lessons from these floods and I have set up the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to rebuild our state better and stronger than before. As farms and communities re-establish themselves, the Queensland Government will be there, standing shoulder to shoulder to get the State back on its feet.
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opinions
Michael Roche says
Working with communities for the long term COMMENT Michael Roche Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council
In the aftermath of record floods across central and southern Queensland, it's tempting for some to raise doubts over the future of regions like the Surat Basin.
But they could not be more wrong. The clear message from the heartbreak of the floods is that when put to the test, communities rebound stronger than ever by working together. That was evident on the Western Downs where communities were subjected to a string of potential catastrophes over several weeks. Mayor Ray Brown summed up the community effort for Brisbane's CourierMail in the following terms: "You'd be shocked - it was unbelievable to see people who were objecting to the coalseam gas industry pushing brooms and mops shoulder to shoulder with teams from Origin or Queensland Gas or Arrow. "Queensland Gas also opened its compound to evacuees and Origin gave us a helicopter for a bloody week." The voluntary flood preparation, relief and clean-up effort by resource companies and
their employees during December and January was inspiring but - holding to Australian tradition - understated. Exemplary generosity flowed at Moura where Anglo American Metallurgical Coal housed and fed the 328-strong population of the evacuated township of Theodore free of charge to them and taxpayers. Those who couldn't be housed comfortably in mine quarters were put up by the company at local hotels and motels. At the corporate level, resource companies donated almost $25 million to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal, but time and again it was the contribution of their employees - given time off to help friends and neighbours - that stays in the memory. It was also a telling rebuttal of an uninformed view that resource developers are 'short-term' operators. Anyone with a basic knowledge of the state's minerals and energy resources or the financial commitment required to get a resource project up and running knows otherwise.
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You don't have to look far to find Bowen Basin export coal mines celebrating 50 years or more of continuous operation. Almost 90 years on, Mount Isa is now producing more copper and zinc than ever before. Such longevity and productivity from the sector's call on a tiny 0.09 per cent of the state's land is testament to the richness of Queensland's resources endowment and ingenuity of the people converting it into economic growth and jobs. Getting our resource operations back into full production has become a state and national priority. While coal-seam gas operations in the Surat and Bowen Basins appear to have come through the floods relatively unscathed, export coal mines are facing major hurdles thanks to either floodwater inundation, damaged rail lines or in the worst cases, a combination of both. Transport is the immediate challenge confronting export coal operations in the Surat with the repair schedule for the Western Line two months and possibly longer.
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In the interim, carefully managed road transport will play a vital role in keeping the mines operating. Elsewhere in Queensland, rain water trapped by coal mine dams or pits is a major obstacle. More than 80 per cent of the state's 57 coal mines are operating at less than normal capacity because of water that they can't discharge into nearby rivers and creeks without approvals assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. The first analysis by the QRC of lost coal production resulting from the floods has reinforced the gravity of the situation with production in the March quarter expected to fall by at least 25 percent and up to 50 percent under a 'high impact' scenario. This means the state government (taxpayers) could forgo coal royalties of $1.6-$2.9 million a day for the rest of the financial year. However, the longer term outlook for the sector and the Surat region remains very positive, with the latest data confirming that with the go-ahead for all planned major projects in Queensland, minerals and energy production would be worth in the order of $72 billion a year by 2020, almost twice the value it generates now.
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PAGE 11
opinions
Western Downs powers ahead after devastating floods The widespread flood events across the Western Downs last month wrought a devastating impact on our communities and towns, the agricultural sector and had virtually brought the energy and mining sectors to a standstill.
There has been unprecedented damage inflicted to the region's transport network with flood forcing the closure of the busy Warrego highway and many local and state roads throughout the region.This left primary producers unable to get their produce to the market and had severely restricted operators in the energy sector.The mines of Syntech and Peabody were inoperable during the floods which also caused significant disruption to the operations of the four major energy companies Queensland Gas, Arrow Energy, Origin and Santos.
With the worst of the floods now behind us attention turns to the year ahead and 2011 is shaping up to be a promising year in the region's burgeoning energy sector. The spotlight is again on the energy sector with the announcement of the State Government's latest development approvals for its solar program of a 50 megawatt pre-heater station for CS Energy and three open gas cycle turbine power stations near Braemar Power Station on Kumbarilla Lane. Obviously these are significant approvals and once approved, the projects will generate hundreds of new jobs in our region, provide long-term benefits to local
Extensive damage to the rail network will also limit transportation of coal out of the Western Downs region to the eastern seaboard including Brisbane with the time delay at this stage still unknown. I have asked the Premier and her ministers to fast track the missing Northern Link from Wandoan as a matter of priority.This missing link is placing additional pressure on the rail network, and more particularly the Warrego Highway as coal will now start to be transported by road.This is a non-sustainable activity given the massive strain the booming resources sector is exerting on already limited infrastructure throughout the Western Downs.
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Developments in the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) industry particularly the closure of the Cougar project at Kingaroy have shone interest on Carbon Energy and Linc Energy UCG projects in the region. Council can assure residents that Local Government and the State Government will ensure all environmental procedures are monitored and compliance measures are put in place.The allotment of this new type of industry with approvals being only for trial sites must be environmentally approved before any expansion can occur. The successful projects of the Federal Government's flagship program including the $1.2 billion (wind) and $1.4 billion
(solar) renewable energy projects within the Western Downs region will be announced in March. Council is keen to see the development of these projects in the region, but have concerns with environmental issues for both projects. As all development has a carbon footprint including solar and wind,Western Downs Regional Council will continue to lobby both state and federal governments for significant infrastructure funding. Due to the flood events all local and state roads and national highways are under significant pressure to promote transport across the region. This is hampering both energy and agricultural sectors and a high level of funding needs to be received sooner rather than later in order not to restrict further development in the Surat Basin.
There has been unprecedented damage inflicted to the region's transport network with flood forcing the closure of the busy Warrego highway and many local and state roads throughout the region.
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Ray Brown says
Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council
Surat Basin NEWS
COMMENT Cr Ray Brown
I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the energy sector for their support in particular manpower during the clean up operations and recovery programs in progress.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
opinions
COMMENT Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego Shadow Minister for Local Government and ATSI Partnerships
Last week I told the Queensland Parliament in the Natural Disaster Condolence Motion that 2011 is a year that will be etched in the memories of Queenslanders forever. Like other major events that have occurred in Australiaranging from the big drought of the early 1900s that decimated rural Queensland and the many cyclones such as Tracy and Larry that decimated Darwin and Innisfail-this major flood event and cyclones of 2011 were a double whammy that impacted Queenslanders from the tropical north to our southern border. On behalf of my electorate of Warrego, I offer our condolences to all those who have lost lives in this natural disaster and say to the grieving families left behind that we are thinking of you. Flooding is not new to the river systems throughout Queensland or indeed in my electorate of Warrego, however the extent of this one was extreme. In March 2010 floods saw every major river system in my electorate of Warrego at record levels at some stage.This more recent event in January 2011 has
again seen records broken, with the CondamineBalonne system reaching record levels.The Condamine-Balonne, which is part of the MurrayDarling Basin catchment, more recently known for parched riverbeds and empty irrigation channels, became a raging torrent that will run for months downstream into southern states. Many farms, properties and towns were flooded along that mighty river system. The town of Condamine had to be evacuated twice. While there was some controversy about the first evacuation, the second evacuation went very smoothly. I commend the Army for its assistance in the evacuation, for the helicopters, for its assistance with the desalination plants and for its assistance with the clean-up. The Western Downs Regional Council did an outstanding job. Mayor Ray Brown, whose own home was cut off and flooded, worked tirelessly. He and I were in constant contact throughout this period. He did an exemplary job. Councillor Andrew Smith, who lives in Condamine, was on the job all of the time, and he and I were in constant contact on movements of the flood and the impacts on the town. I flew up and down the Condamine-Balonne River monitoring flood peaks and talking to mayors, councillors and landholders to ensure the best plans were in place to minimise the damage.We hope we helped in some way. The evacuation of Condamine was only the second evacuation in Queensland's history, with Theodore having been evacuated only days before. Fully understanding the trauma of this particular evacuation, I flew to Dalby to meet with some of the Condamine residents at the Dalby evacuation centre. A lot of help has been provided by a lot of voluntary groups. For instance, the Roma Rotary Club recently had a barbecue dinner and breakfast at Condamine. I
Flood cleanup COMMENT Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa
Like business and home owners across the Maranoa electorate, resources companies are also facing a massive clean up after the recent floods. As I flew over the Maranoa electorate to visit communities from Alpha, Jericho, Chinchilla and Condamine, I was able to get an aerial view of the huge coal pits which are full of water.These flooded mine sites could pose a serious risk to the
environment if not properly addressed.The danger the resources companies in the Surat Basin face is repeating the mistakes made in the clean up of other flooded mine sites in Queensland during 2008 and 2009. In 2008, Ensham coal mine in Central Queensland was severely flooded when unprecedented flood flows into the Nogoa River broke through levee banks.The floodwaters filled two of its six coal pits with more than 100,000 megalitres of water. It took four months to pump it out and
want to thank Andrew Harvey and his team for a great job. It was a thoughtful initiative to try to help lift the spirits of the people in Condamine. Chinchilla was flooded twice. I visited several times.The Leader of the Opposition, John-Paul Langbroek, was able to inspect the damage. Councillor Bill McCutcheon was a tower of strength and was able to keep locals and the general public informed on the flooding in Chinchilla and the Warrego Highway at Charley's Creek, because the Warrego Highway was cut off. Everyone listened to ABC Radio, who did a great job reporting what was happening and when the roads that were closed were likely to reopen. Ed Hoffman, the previous chief executive officer of the Chinchilla shire and who is now with the Western Downs Regional Council, worked tirelessly through both floods to monitor water levels and supervise the clean-ups in Chinchilla.The residents of Chinchilla were flooded twice and farms were also flooded, wiping out many crops. I recognise the huge damage to those farms-the equipment and the topsoil that was lost, the production that was lost. Many landholders along the river system have had severe flooding-water going where it has never been seen before, fencing knocked down and gone, pastures damaged by long water inundation. Many landholders had severe flooding in the northern areas of my electorate as part of the deluge that flooded Theodore. Roads are washed out, fences are gone, stock is lost and roads are only now becoming passable. I want to also mention a good friend of mine,Vaughn Becker, who is a Councillor for the Banana Shire.The Council there looks after the town of Theodore, which is in the electorate of my colleague Jeff Seeney. I was in constant contact with Vaughn Becker throughout this time.Theodore was the first town to
recover a submerged dragline.The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency authorised the mine to discharge flood waters into the Fitzroy catchment, resulting in high water salinity levels downstream and raising concerns over town drinking water supplies. Ensham has since built new levee banks which it claims will withstand a one-in-1000 year flood. Similarly in 2009, contamination occurred in the Saga and Inca creek, northwest of Mount Isa, and Coppermine Creek, near Cloncurry.The contamination occurred when dams at 10 mines including CopperCo's Lady Annie Mine and The Great Australia mine flooded and overflowed into surrounding waterways.Test results on the Saga and Inca creeks showed a low pH level, with concentrated levels of heavy metals including aluminum, copper,
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Howard Hobbs says
Record breaking floods
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be evacuated and it was a harrowing time. I take my hat off to the great work that was done by Vaughn Becker and other people. I want to thank all the volunteers, the Red Cross, the council workers, the SES, the Army and the gas companies who assisted with the clean-up. I want to thank the Premier, the ministers and the members of parliament who visited and rang. Many members rang to see how things were going and what they could do to help. Dr Alex Douglas, the Member for Gaven, and Peter Dowling, the Shadow Minister for Flood Recovery, came out as well.They brought out care packages for people and delivered them in Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and Theodore and in other areas as well. I want to thank them for their assistance and the work and the thought that was put into those care packages. Many people certainly appreciated the assistance that was provided to them.We must take this opportunity to minimise the impact of flooding and cyclones on Queenslanders in future. It is a debate that has to be had.Today is a day to reflect on the impact.Tomorrow we need to rebuild bigger, better and smarter than before.
manganese, nickel, cobalt, chromium, zinc, iron and beryllium. Residents in the surrounding pastoral areas were advised not to drink the water or swim in the creeks. Resources companies facing the flood clean up in the Surat Basin must put environmental health and safety ahead of a speedy recovery and return to normal operation. I am certain that they, like all businesses, are mindful of how important it is to learn from these floods so that we can rebuild our economies for the better. On a more positive note, it has been heartening to see resource companies' workers across the state doing their bit to help families and communities recover while their worksites remain closed. It is crucial in times like these that we all come together and put aside our differences to help rebuild our wonderful communities.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
PAGE 13
down tobusiness page15 page16 page17 page19
Exempt flood victims land tax
Cougar: Shut down
QGC grants available
Xstrata: Pot hole busting
Landholders locking horns over wind farm Landholders north east of Dalby in the Cooranga North district are locking horns with energy company AGL over a proposed wind farm in the area. BY Kate Benedict editorial @suratbasin.com.au
AGL has released statements to quash critics concerns about the development but is still facing strong opposition from the community. AGL, manager power development,Adam Macket says that AGL is fully committed to the safe and sustainable development of renewable energy generation sources. "As part of a comprehensive environmental assessment,AGL is currently undertaking environmental surveys and studies of land which has been identified for the development of the Coopers Gap wind farm," Mr Macket said. "Public consultation will involve all project stakeholders, including the local community, South Burnett Regional Council, Western Downs Regional and government agencies, including Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Department of Environment and Resource Management. In reference to community concerns about health Mr Macket says AGL has gathered information. "In terms of perceived health impacts, it is the view of many respected health and medical organisations that there is no credible scientific evidence to suggest wind farms make people sick," Mr Macket said. At community meeting, the locals have heard presentations from acoustic specialist Dr Bob Thorne, wind turbine syndrome specialist Dr Sarah Laurie and rural land valuer Col Otto. These specialists identified a number of the negative effects of wind turbines including disturbance from noise, severe illness including raised blood pressure, heart problems and motion sickness all attributed to wind turbine syndrome as well as a reduction of property value. Noise Measurement Services, environmental noise consultant, Bob Thorne said it is the pulsing sound created by wind turbines that causes problems like illness, particularly for those prone to motion sickness. "The noise created by the turbines is stock standard automated physics, there is no debate about it," Mr Thorne said. "You will get high annoyance at 35dBA. "These affects are real," he said. Mr Thorne said despite having a battle on their hands the residents of Cooranga North and surrounding areas have a better chance because Queensland is uniquely different to other states and has legislation that can actually work. In addition to this Dr Thorne expressed his surprise at the proposed wind farm being in an area that is not overly windy. General practitioner Dr Sarah Laurie has researched
PAGE 14
extensively wind turbine syndrome after a wind farm was proposed near her home. "There is currently no peer reviewed evidence saying if they are or are not safe but there are many peer reviewed papers saying there are problems," Ms Laurie said. "Turbines emit a low frequency noise that appears to trick the body to think it's moving. "I've also been speaking to a Gippsland dairy farmer that reported a marked increase in still births when cows were near turbines," she said. The dairy farmer found that his still births went from a maximum of three a year before the turbines were in place and increased to range between 14-25 for the six year period following their installation and went back down to a maximum of three after he moved the cows to a paddock away from the turbines. Dr Laurie said across the world symptoms of wind turbine syndrome have been found to cease after those affected move away from the turbines.
Dr Laurie also said that up to 80 percent of people living within six kilometres of wind farms are negatively affected by them, experiencing some form of wind turbine syndrome, although some people don't experience any symptoms. This was to be the case for a North Queensland man who moved from his Ravenshoe property after falling ill following the construction of a wind farm nearby. Dr Laurie also said that up to 80 percent of people living within six kilometres of wind farms are negatively affected by them, experiencing some form of wind turbine syndrome, although some people don't experience any symptoms. Rural valuer, Col Otto said he felt that the turbines will negatively affect the value of properties in the area. "It's pretty obvious if they are affected by these wind turbines the properties will reduce in value or become unsaleable," Mr Otto said. "It reduces options for house site which reduces value." Bryan and Karen Lyons neighbour the proposed wind farm and aren't prepared to give up their quality of life for the $12,000 annual fee that AGL is offering landholders to host each turbine. "We aren't hosting wind turbines because they would pose a serious safety risk to myself and my 8 and 9 year old sons whilst training horses and mustering on horseback," Mr Lyons said. "There are 12 turbines, 150 metres high proposed to be placed right on our boundaries making it very dangerous for us to muster and check fences. The proposed turbines are approximately four times as high as high voltage transmission towers with the outer blade
travelling up to 200 kilometres an hour," he said. Mr Lyons also spoke of the wind drought that seems to be common knowledge in the area. "When we bought our property 10 years ago we had seven windmills to supply stock water. "We now have one windmill because, for extended periods we would run short of water due to a lack of wind," he said. Former local and Member for Condamine, Ray Hopper warned land holders at the meeting that AGL will approach them individually and have them sign confidentiality agreements. More recently another public meeting was held at the Cooranga North Hall with Members of Parliament, local residents and councillors turning out for the discussion which addressed a number of issues surround the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm. During the meeting residents ensured their concerns were aired and assistance rallied from the community representatives in attendance to ensure both the State and Federal Government know their plight. At the meeting Federal MP Bruce Scott said that the primary decision regarding the location of the wind farm would rest with the local councils."If and when an application is received from AGL, it will be the regional councils who have the responsibility for approval of the project," Mr Scott said.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
down to business
Exempt flood victims from land tax for one year: Property council Businesses groups call for State Government to place one year moratorium on land tax for flood victims. BY Graham Osborne editorial @suratbasin.com.au
Flood affected businesses would be exempt from land tax if the Property Council of Australia get their way. The organisation has called for the State Government to provide tax relief to flooded business houses. Property Council of Australia Queensland Division executive director Kathy MacDermott said it would give people a chance to recover from the floods as they are in the building and recovery faze. "We will be calling on the Queensland Treasurer to consider land tax relief for the owners of flood affected properties for a year," she said. "This will assist investors and business owners as they rebuild their properties and restore productivity and cash-flow.
a compassionate nature to those businesses that have been affected by flooding. "Those businesses have lost trade, need to make repairs, shoulder the cost of moving machinery plants and loss of stock among other things. "I think all the businesses in Chinchilla and other towns affected by flooding would be pleased with some relief." Savills Queensland divisional director Neil Murphy said now was the opportune time for the State Government to provide tax relief for the businesses. "It is important for the State Government to act decisively and quickly to restore confidence in the Queensland property market," he said. "We are already seeing contracts fall over because of the stigma attached to properties in Queensland due to the flooding."
"Given land tax is calculated annually, we believe a one-year moratorium is appropriate."
Meanwhile Agforce Queensland CEO Robert Walker said although primary producers have an exemption from land tax they'd like the government to suspend other charges for landholders.
Member for Warrego Howard Hobbs said he would be taking the land tax relief plan to the Opposition party for their consideration.
"We'd like a suspension or delay of all government charges for landholders affected by floods," he said.
"I think it would be a very compassionate gesture by the State Government," he said.
"There are a whole plethora of government charges and licensing fees that primary producers face.
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"This will assist investors and business owners as they rebuild their properties and restore productivity and cash-flow.
"The government has been accommodating in these types of requests so far." Queensland Treasury spokesperson Brendan Connell wouldn't comment on the proposed moratorium and said the State Government has already announced its budgetary response to the floods. "I urge anyone facing difficulty making land tax payments to speak directly with the Office of State Revenue," he said. "The Government has already directed the Office of State Revenue to show compassion when dealing with flood-affected taxpayers who are facing hardship during the recovery.
"This includes timeline extensions and payment instalment plans. "Anyone who is facing difficulty meeting payments to OSR should immediately contact them on 1300 300 734."
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down to business
Approval of project creates employment opportunities THE New Year signaled the birth of a third multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas project for the Surat Basin. In January, Santos and its global partners Petronas,Total and Kogas fired up the $16 billion Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas project. Their final investment decision sparked the creation of 5000 jobs in construction and 1000 permanent jobs. More than 1500 of those on construction will be created within the first half of this year. The development approval triggered major works for upstream field development, pipeline and LNG plant facilities at Gladstone. Orders were immediately placed for long lead items such as line pipe, compressors and LNG plant components.
Despite the landmark announcement, Santos chief executive David Knox acknowledged the tough circumstances in which it was made. Queensland was in the midst of an unfolding tragedy, with many communities counting the human and economic cost of severe flooding. However, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh suggested there might not have been a better time. Ms Bligh said the GLNG project would cement Queensland's role as a significant producer of LNG, promised billions of dollars of investment in regional communities and would create 6000 jobs. "Proceeding now with projects like this will be a tremendous boost to the Queensland economy as we recover from the devastating impact of the floods," she said.
Explosion could have released chemicals
At full production, 7.8 million tonnes of LNG a year will be shipped out of Curtis Island at Gladstone from a liquefaction plant. To feed the plant, Santos will gradually expand gas fields in the Roma, Fairview, Arcadia and Valley areas. That will create about 1200 wells before 2015 and up to 1450 wells after 2015. Coal seam gas will be pumped to Gladstone via a 435km pipeline, with its construction to start in March this year and to be completed in early 2013. The first LNG exports are expected to start in 2015. Mr Knox said approval of GLNG was a significant milestone in Santos' history. "Already Australia's largest domestic gas producer, GLNG confirms Santos as a major energy supplier to the growing economies of Asia."
"The commitment we are making today delivers on the strategic vision to transform Santos into a significant exporter of LNG." "I would like to acknowledge the strong commitment of our partners and the Queensland and Federal governments to make this project a reality," Mr Knox said. Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP said that the benefits of the Gladstone LNG project will be both immediate and continue over the longer term. "This project and economic development more generally is important in underpinning the skills, tax revenue, wealth and capacity to respond and re-build in the aftermath of the current flood crisis in Queensland," Minister Ferguson said.
THE
REPORT S AID AN " U N D E R G RO UND EXP LOSION" COULD H AVE RELE ASED TH CHEMICA E LS INTO G RO U N D WATER.
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An independent panel of scientists appointed by the State Government said putting underground coal gasification (UCG) plant near Kingaroy was always going to create problems. Professor Chris Moran, Professor Chris Cuff and Professor Joe da Costa's conclusions about Cougar Energy's submission were released earlier this month. The report said an "underground explosion" could have released the chemicals into ground water. It also said the government and Cougar were aware prior to the project's commencement that the Coolabunia site was unsuitable and could not contain contaminants. "While infrastructure compromise is the most convincing explanation, detection of
benzene and toluene in separate bores in different aquifers remains unexplained," the report said. "Even though various hypotheses have been put forward none are very convincing." South Burnett Regional Council Mayor David Carter agreed. "It was always the wrong site for UCG," Cr Carter said. "In other places it might work but when the water is used by property owners and residents; no one can guarantee where the water flows.
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"It sends a message saying you don't mess with the government's rules," Mrs Pratt said. "I couldn't see how the government could go any other way than to shut it down."
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"Cougar has been on the back foot from the start." He said the lesson for the government was community consultation was needed from the beginning. Nanango MP Dorothy Pratt said Cougar Energy had been made an example of.
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
down to business
Xstrata Coal — pot hole busting Xstrata Coal is funding road repairs in the Wandoan district as part of its contribution to helping communities across the State recover following the recent floods. Xstrata Coal Wandoan Project Executive General Manager Steve Bridger said the company hoped the $280,000 of work would improve access in the district, especially for school buses. "We have been out and about in the region since the floods visiting Dalby, Chinchilla and Taroom and were impressed by residents' resilience and their resolve to just clean up and get on with life," he said. "We wanted to be able to help in some way to fix the flood damage and get things back to normal. "Our operations in other parts of the State were affected with railway lines damaged, access and power to our Brisbane office cut, employees stranded and some employees' homes flooded. "We feel we are all in this together and we need to all pitch in to help our communities recover." The work is being organised by Western Downs Regional Council and will include repairs to local roads and the Taroom airstrip. Xstrata Coal will also pay for specialist engineers to help council assess flood damage and to conduct a flood study. The contribution is part of a $3 million contribution by Xstrata Coal to flood recovery projects across Queensland, this follows an initial $2 million donation to the Premier's Disaster Relief appeal. Xstrata Coal is proposing to develop the Wandoan Coal Project at Wandoan, an open-cut thermal coal mine, for which conditional State environmental approval was granted in November 2010.
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PAGE 17
down to business
Controversial documentary targeted Santos said the local CSG to LNG industry was subject to the most rigorous environmental approval and monitoring processes in Australian history.
Local coal seam gas players have criticised the film Gasland saying it bears little relevance to the operation or regulation of the Australian gas industry. The spokesperson said all site preparation was undertaken within the project's government-approved Environmental Management Plan and denied the practice of "fracking" was dangerous.
BY Derek Barry
editorial @suratbasin.com.au
In December, a hundred landholders in the Roma region came to the Club Hotel in Roma to watch a showing of the controversial documentary about the effects of the American gas industry. In a passionate speech after the showing, North Wallumbilla grazier Peter Thompson said Australians should be grateful to the Americans who appeared in the film because thanks to them, Australia has safeguards. "Fracking is different in the US," Mr Thompson said. "We mine in coal while they mine in shale and there is no gas going off in condensate." Mr Thompson praised the gas company mining on his land, Origin Energy. "They have been very open with us and told us what is in their fracking fluids and what chemicals they use," he said. However Santos said the local CSG to LNG industry was subject to the most rigorous environmental approval and monitoring processes in Australian history. "Australian and Queensland legislation requires the CSG industry to isolate aquifers and coal seams," a Santos spokesperson said. "CSG wells are lined with steel casing (one or two layers), which is cemented in place to ensure gas cannot move from one sub-strata to another."
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Meanwhile private hydrological consultant and former Queensland Government principal hydro-geologist John Hillier said he was concerned about the effect of 40,000 gas bores drilled in the Great Artesian Basin region. Mr Hillier said the results of dewatering the Walloon Coal Measures could not be accurately predicted and would require extensive monitoring by industry to locate any adverse effects before they become a problem.
"It is imperative that these bores are constructed to the highest standard so no leakages can occur while in use," Mr Hillier said. "Bore holes are never straight, welded casing is never straight and welds may vary in quality. "The casing is unlikely to be central in the bore hole, and cement grouting to protect the casing from any corrosive water or sediments may not be effective." Construction of the project is expected to take between two to three years with the start determined once the project receives its necessary approvals.
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"Hydraulic fracturing has been used internationally in the oil and gas industry for more than 60 years in more than one million wells and the practice has been employed in Australia for several decades," the spokesperson said.
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
down to business
QGC grants available for not for profit groups FORGET the directors, it is now the communities within QGC's ever broadening footprint that are now getting a say into how the company spends its money. Last month saw the launch of the $6 million QGC Sustainable Communities Fund to support short-term, one-off projects driven by the community. The fund is intended to help not-forprofit groups and local government organisations in the footprint of the company's Queensland Curtis LNG Project, which spans the Western Downs, Banana, North Burnett and Gladstone local government areas.
"QGC is committed to ensuring that our neighbours benefit from our presence," Ms Tanna said. "That involves working closely with communities on initiatives to mitigate any impact our project work may have and to make a positive contribution where we can."
QGC's heartland in the Surat Basin. "This has been an extremely difficult and tragic time for many people across Queensland and our thoughts are with them," she said. "We encourage eligible organisations to submit applications for funding, and look forward to working with them to bring their ideas to fruition." Three panels - one for each core area of the QCLNG project - will assess applications.
Up to $6 million will be contributed to the fund over four years, to be dispensed to eligible groups in grants between $10,001 and $50,000. Managing director Katherine Tanna said the fund was an important element of QGC's Sustainable Communities Program, which incorporated a range of community consultation and investment activities. She said the fund would give people in the company's area of operations a direct say in how the company invested in the community.
The panels will comprise equal numbers of QGC and community representatives. The first funding round opened for applications on February 1 and closes on March 31. Katherine Tanna
Ms Tanna said the fund could help communities affected by widespread flooding in Queensland, particularly
The application form and guidelines booklet are available at
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online www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
PAGE 19
building theBasin page21 page 22 page23 page24 Onsite: Launching into Surat Basin
Wild Desert: Preparing for new year
Synergy: Innovative training
Fyfe: Expands in Queensland
Enquiries for local properties are increasing if you listen to Surat Basin real estate agents
Just a matter of time Many believe it's a matter of time before the state-wide flood-induced fear of buying is overtaken again by the appeal of the region's resources boom. By Lucinda Ross Real estate agents in Dalby agreed the town would be a choice for the future with so many energy projects popping up. Ray White Dalby principal Richard Handley said despite the rental and sales market slowing before Christmas, enquiries had started to pick up. "Some railway lines are down and road repairs need to be done which means certain projects have been put back," Mr Handley said. "That's impacted the market; it might take a month to get back on our feet but there's a lot to happen here in the future with so many diverse projects." Dalby Real Estate's Sandra Tuxworth said the flooding had encouraged buyers to be savvier. "They're well informed and researched," Ms Tuxworth said. "Obviously we've found people are very focused on if properties have been inundated; people are doing their homework." Ms Tuxworth said enquires had PAGE 20
remained steady throughout the wet months.
"There is small enquiry on the lower end of the market," Mr Barker said.
much around and we've got people enquiring."
"They haven't slowed much at all," she said.
"And the commercial interest is just starting to get going.
Further west in Roma, residential properties are staying still.
"And it will accelerate over the next few months as more coal seam gas projects commence in the area."
"We're also starting to get a few good rural property listings."
Watkins and Company sales manager Jessica Lane said all markets, including real estate, were "in shock" after such a large natural disaster.
Over in Chinchilla, Ray White Rural salesman Warren Barker said flooding had knocked both the residential and commercial market but things had come back quicker than he's expected.
Chinchilla Property Sales and Rentals' Margaret Whip said it was a shame there wasn't many industrial options available for prospective buyers. "There's very little available," Mrs Whip said. "It's a shame because there's just not
JANUARY 2011 median sale prices: • Dalby $305,000 • Roma $260,000 • Chinchilla $325,000 (Figures courtesy of RP Data) Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
"There's not as much interest as this time last year but I think that's the case in all markets," Ms Lane said. "And I think it'll continue to be slow for the next few months."
building the basin
Onsite launches into Surat Basin region Onsite The task of hiring equipment for your next big project in the energy, mining and agricultural sectors just got a whole lot easier thanks to leading national equipment rental firm the Onsite Rental Group.
Onsite, which recently expanded its Queensland footprint into the Surat Basin region, is one of Australia's most experienced national equipment rental companies providing an extensive range of specialist rental products and services across multiple industries and geographies. Surat Basin businesses now have access to Onsite's extensive range of specialist rental products and services, including portable buildings and toilets, power generation, air and pumps, welders and lighting towers, access equipment, event solutions and temporary fencing. What makes Onsite's
approach superior to that of other providers is the company's business model which is based on providing customers with the most effective solution tailored specifically to requirements, and Onsite's people, who offer unrivalled technical expertise and support to deliver true cost savings to customers.
Servicing the Surat Basin Onsite's regional team is led by Ian Birch, who is Onsite's General Manager for the Northern Region and Scott Burke, who is the company's Area Sales Manager for Surat Basin.
With more than five years' experience in Queensland’s equipment hire industry, Scott has a strong understanding of the requirements of local and regional businesses. "At Onsite, our strong suit is providing tailormade equipment rental solutions for clients across a wide range of industries right around Australia. "The Surat Basin is one of the most important areas within the State in terms of the speed at which new projects in the energy, mining and agricultural sectors are coming on line," he said. "As such, we're genuinely excited about extending our business throughout
at a glance
L to R: Scott Burke, Onsite Area Sales Manager for Surat Basin; Ian Birch, Onsite General Manager for the Northern Region; Nicole Chamley, Onsite Rental Sales Coordinator.
this key region - from Toowoomba to Roma, Millmerran to Wandoan.
Established player Onsite is an established player within Australia's equipment rental industry. Since 2007, Onsite has grown substantially including making a number of strategic
• Products & services: Portable buildings and toilets, power generation, air and pumps, welders and lighting towers, access equipment and temporary fencing.
• Local branches: Cooper Street, Chinchilla and acquisitions, significant Spencer Street, Roma. capital investment in organic growth, and 07 3722 6611 increasing its diversified product offer and geographic footprint into numerous strategic locations across Australia, such as the Surat Basin. Onsite's Surat Basin branches are located at: Cooper Street, Chinchilla and Spencer Street, Roma.
• Area Sales Manager: Scott Burke, 0459 200 170 • Industries serviced: mining, infrastructure, commercial, industrial and residential construction, logistics, government & public services • Website: www.onsite.com.au
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PAGE 21
building the basin About two months ago the once sunburnt landscape of the Surat Basin morphed and was traumatically transformed into an inland wet but normality has returned to the region.
Wild Desert preparing for a new year
With flooding affecting a large portion of the Surat Basin, the Roma based oil and gas well servicing company geared up with workers returning to camp this week after an impromptu extended Christmas break. Wild Desert marketing and customer relations manager Damien Mansfield said the company was conscious about the economic effects of rigs shut down and employees without work. "The last day of work was a few days before Christmas and work was meant to resume January 3 but floods at Condamine and Chinchilla meant work was postponed," Mr Mansfield said. "The majority of our work was around Chinchilla - while none of the rigs were flooded - roads were cut and we haven't been able to start up again until this week. "Work didn't resume until Wednesday (February 16) therefore employees and their families were forced to cut back on spending which directly affected their local community but, during the down time, employees were offered relevant training and yard duties." While flooding stunted a 2011 Wild Desert starting date, the six-year-old company looks to expand with the addition of a new rig later this year to continue the company's unique 24-hour operations.
"The company was established in 2005 with about two staff and has now grown to more than 90 employees," Mr Mansfield said. "Wild Desert has grown to incorporate well servicing rigs, logistic services, rig camps and a workshop for the fabrication and maintenance of our equipment.
"We currently have four rigs operating with a new one arriving in May.The new rig assist snubbing unit allows Wild Desert to work over a well without having to inject fluid into the formations. "The rig assist snubbing unit will increase the services provided by Wild Desert.The snubbing unit will be offered to oil and gas clients who wish to complete wells under-balanced." Wild Desert's growth and contribution to the region has cemented a relationship with one of Australia's leading coal seam gas producers, the Queensland Gas Company. QGC's developments in the Surat and Bowen basins reserves and resources have reached more than 12 trillion cubic feet and Wild Desert was excited about future works in partnership. "Wild Desert has developed a strong relationship with QGC and provides conversions, work overs, drill out and completes, drilling casing shoes to deepen wells, preparing wells for cement jobs, perforating and water injection," Mr Mansfield said.
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PAGE 22
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
building the basin
Innovative training helps bottom line Local businesses who take a fresh approach to training and staff development are reaping the rewards according to Andrew Murray of Synergy Training. Mr Murray has worked with a range of local businesses in the Surat Basin region and recently played an integral role in helping Dalby auto electrical business Diesel Electrics win the Prime Minister's 2010 Small Employer of the Year. Diesel Electrics' owners Anthony and Kellie Wenning are convinced they have seen a direct correlation between their level of investment in developing their people and an increase in business growth. "There is no doubt in my mind that our innovative approach to training helps our bottom line and the work Synergy Training does with our team provides a positive return on our investment," Mrs Wenning said. Mr Murray has helped a range of businesses achieve similar outcomes with a range of businesses from small firms to large energy, telecommunications, machinery, aviation and defence companies during the past 20 years.
in empowering the team and streamlining business processes.
The team at Millmerran Power Station has benefited from Synergy's staff development programs, including everything from outdoor emergency services training, supervisor skills training, and 360 degree performance reviews.
"One of the early things we did with Diesel Electrics was take them away on a weekend away called 'Rumble in the Jungle' - an adventure based team building exercise that highlighted the importance of leadership and effective processes," he said.
Millmerran Power Station site services manager Neil Burtenshaw said the training had led to a more effective workplace and contributed to low staff turnover.
Synergy's outdoor programs are hosted on a picturesque 2500 acre property in the Gold Coast Hinterland with the setting offering green hills, cliffs, forest areas and the Nerang River running through it.
"We have noticed a change in how effectively we can roll out programs and achieve tasks," he said.
360 degree feedback every 12 months to gauge effectiveness.
"It's also helped us talk the same language and develop a common understanding of what's expected of each other."
"We have seen sustained change and have a clear indication that it's helping business performance," Mr Burtenshaw said.
The improvements at Millmerran are not just anecdotal.
Mr Murray said taking the right approach can also have a positive impact on business owners' health and stress levels as it results
Mr Burtenshaw said the station retests
"During that weekend we discovered some really important things that helped the business improve its productivity. Diesel Electrics came back to work the next week and radically adjusted their whole business structure," Mr Murray said. "The process helped employees connect and commit fully to their role in the
business; which in turn helped the business owners achieve a greatly improved worklife balance." Several years later that organisational philosophy still guides the way Diesel Electrics operates. Mr Murray said Synergy's style works because it's personable and collaborative. "We are doing this with people, not to people," he said. "Some days I'm in a boardroom facilitating a strategic planning session or developing Key Performance Indicators or sitting oneon-one with someone who needs to talk through anger management issues while other days I'm hanging from a tree in the hinterland. "Most of the time it involves helping businesses to learn from their experiences, confront the nonsense, improve the quality of their relationships and get results."
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building the basin
" C H I N C H I L L A I S I D E A L LY L O C AT E D I N T H E S U R AT BASIN AND BY SETTING UP A MAJOR REGIONAL O F F I C E I N T H E TOW N W E W I L L A L S O B E A B L E TO M O R E R A P I D LY R E S P O N D TO I N C R E A S E D D E M A N D.
Fyfe expands presence in Queensland Engineering and surveying firm Fyfe is expanding its presence in Queensland by opening a new office at Chinchilla.
tchings Mr Craig Scu
The new office opened in January and is headed by Craig Scutchings. Mr Scutchings has transferred from Adelaide to establish what will become a key location for Fyfe's oil and gas activities in central Queensland. Fyfe managing director Mark Dayman said the Chinchilla office is Fyfe's sixth in Queensland, with others located at Brisbane, Dalby, Roma, Ballera and Coolum. "The coal seam gas (CSG) industry in Queensland is expanding rapidly, particularly in the Bowen and Surat Basin," he said. "Chinchilla is ideally located in the Surat Basin and by setting up a major regional office in the town we will also be able to more rapidly respond to increased demand.
"It supports our Roma and Dalby offices but will provide direct access to our staff in a town that is fast becoming the centre for CSG operations. "In the past we have dealt with this demand by flying people in from other offices around Australia. "However, we now feel this can best be addressed by setting up a regional office from which we can service the whole CSG industry in Queensland." CSG work is now 25 per cent of the Fyfe business. Mr Dayman said Fyfe presently had about 60 staff in Queensland and was looking to take on additional people as demand increased. "Earlier this year we purchased Coolum-based practice Colston Surveyors and Planners, which provided us with a regional office at Dalby that we are also maintaining," he said. "The CSG industry is still at an early stage of
development, but is already generating rapid growth in towns such as Chinchilla and Roma. This is expected to increase as more resources are poured into the industry. "This growing population creates its own opportunities and we also want to be well positioned to assist with this development." Mr Dayman said Fyfe's expertise included the design and construction of well heads and gathering lines and the survey of potential pipeline routes. He said work had included significant activity with energy companies in the Roma-Fairview area and the survey and route selection of a 435 kilometre gas pipeline from the CSG fields near Roma to Gladstone on the Queensland coast for GLNG Ltd. Fyfe is based in Adelaide and has around 250 staff nationally with offices in Darwin, Brisbane and regional offices in Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
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PAGE 24
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
building the basin Downlands student scores scholarship at Bond Uni
MI Helicopters forging ahead Queensland based MI Helicopters are set to officially launch their new operating base in Chinchilla this February 2011. The Company currently operates throughout Queensland from their bases in Hervey Bay and Roma and see Chinchilla as a strategic link between the two to provide their customers throughout Australia with better service and support into the future. MI Helicopters supplies helicopters and aviation services to the commercial sectors specializing in Mining, Oil and Gas support, Aviation Project Management and Power line inspections and maintenance. The Company operates under an Integrated Safety Management System and has been audited by multiple external agencies with a modern fleet of turbine and piston helicopters allowing it to meet the diverse needs of its customers.The helicopters are fitted with added safety features such as satellite tracking together with engine management systems to provide the highest standards available. MI Helicopters Director and Chief Pilot Kevin Clarke said "he believes the opening of a Chinchilla base will allow MI Helicopters to service the South Eastern aviation need in the
future with the increasing demand from Industry throughout the region. MI Helicopters have had a great relationship with the people of South East Queensland for the last ten years and responded during the devastating floods, basing several aircraft at the Chinchilla airport and performing several rescues." The company would like to thank the businesses and communities that supported their operations throughout the divesting QLD floods.Without this valued support the company would not have been able to provide the level of service and support that was needed by many. Should you wish to utilise MI Helicopters please contact 1800 600 345 and friendly staff will be more than happy to help you with all your aviation needs.
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Downlands 2010 Year 12 student Jessica Klease with Trevor Dietz, immediate past Managing Director of Bartercard Australia.
positively influence their future endeavours," said Brian Hall, Managing Director of Bartercard Australia. Bond University Collegiate Schools Coordinator Office of Admissions, Kaylee Farrington, said "Jessica is a wonderful example of the high calibre students that attend Downlands College and we are thrilled that she has chosen to continue her education with us at Bond. Jessica truly would be an inspirational role model for other Downlands College students."
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PAGE 25
building the basin
Leading the way HEQ is a leading service provider with its company facilities located in Dalby and Miles, and provides mechanical, crane and labour hire services to major mining and energy sector companies in the Surat basin region. The growth of the Surat Basin has been a benefit for more than just major corporations with a number of local family owned businesses booming. HEQ Services, operating out of Dalby and Miles, are one of many family owned companies that have spawned out of the developing energy sector. The company has been able to develop a strong relationship with many major energy companies by offering plant and labour hire as well as repair and rebuilding services. From humble beginnings HEQ has gone on to develop long term relationships with most of the major local energy companies and now employ 20 diesel fitters alongside a team of boilermakers, welders, auto electricians, crane riggers, dogmen, servicemen and operators. Operating across three separate divisions, HEQ runs crane hire, labour hire and diesel services. HEQ Crane offers a fleet of modern and all terrain machines, including 20 and 25 tonne Franna cranes, a Manitou 1840A telehandler, a 55 tonne Liebherr all terrain crane as well as a number of larger cranes and skid steer loaders. With more than 40 operators with experience in the mining sector, HEQ Labour has been able to supply a workforce to many local mines and gas companies.
HEQ Crane offers a fleet of modern and all terrain machines, including 20 and 25 tonne Franna cranes, a Manitou 1840A telehandler, a 55 ton Liebherr all terrain crane as well as a number of larger cranes and skid steer loaders.
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PAGE 26
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Roma Communications Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
p 4668 9635 f 4668 9023 Chinchilla
building the basin
Land Access not open and shut BY Derek Barry
editorial @suratbasin.com.au
The new Queensland Land Access laws will: • clarify the rights of landholders and authority/tenure holders. • provide more flexibility and options in resolving disputes. • broaden the jurisdiction of the Land Court so landholders and resource companies can have land access issues dealt within one court.
Landholders and industry reps had a chance to hear about the changes to land access laws in a forum in Roma late last year.
The forum was part of a Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation information roadshow held in Dalby, Roma and Quilpie to explain Queensland's new land access laws for resource companies which came into effect on October 29, 2010. DEEDI Southern Mines regional director Mark Kelly told the forum the laws were designed to give landholders greater certainty about their rights when approached about access to their land by petroleum, gas, geothermal or greenhouse gas companies. Mr Kelly said all resource authority holders must now comply with a single land access code. Companies must provide an "entry notice" with 10 business days notice for "preliminary" activities which have "minor impact", such as surveys, site walking or soil samples. They must then negotiate a Conduct and Compensation Agreement before
undertaking "advanced" activities such as constructing access roads or camps or clearing vegetation. The CACA would document proposed activities and any compensation arrangements. Both parties could agree to defer the CACA or if agreement could not be reached, the matter could be taken to the Land Court for determination. There were two separate sessions, one for landholders and the second for mining companies. Many attendees at the landholder forum said the information presented was too convoluted, too difficult to comprehend and did not address their primary concerns. As a result, Mr Kelly spent much of the forum talking about the 50 working day timeframe of the negotiation process for advanced activities. The negotiation notice period will be 20
working days, with another 20 days for a conference or dispute resolution with a final 10 days for the entry notice or land court application. Some landholders said 50 days was not enough time, given the need to involve lawyers. Mr Kelly said it was the minimum timeframe required under the law. North Wallumbilla grazier Peter Thompson said he was involved in the negotiation of the new 50 day land access laws for gas companies. "We are happy enough with what we achieved though we are not doing the Toyota jump for joy," he said. The new laws are contained in the Geothermal Energy Bill 2010 which passed through Parliament in August. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson, said the laws were the
result of the Government listening to rural communities affected by resource development. "The new laws give landholders a more balanced and equal footing when dealing with resource companies and introduce a range of new requirements for companies related to land access and the activities they undertake,'' the Minister said.
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PAGE 27
Placesandfaces page29 page30page 31 page 32 Western Downs Biofuels: Green light
Ergon Energy: Lending a hand
CS Energy: Cleanup Warra
Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo
Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan also talked up developments saying the CSG and LNG industries would continue to create untold opportunities and wealth for the region.
Roma businesses and council officials are upbeat about the prospect of the oil and gas boom benefitting retail trade in the town.
Santos approved... Origin set to go ahead BY Derek Barry
editorial @suratbasin.com.au
With Santos already approved and Origin set to get the go-ahead next month, 2011 is likely to see a surge of
activity in the region. Local businesswoman Lyn Garvie said recent Government decisions to approve gas projects would have a positive impact on to the region. "The flow-on effects will help the services industry," Mrs Garvie said. "We will need to employ more people who will then shop locally." Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan also talked up developments saying the CSG and LNG industries would continue to create untold opportunities and wealth for the region, primarily through Santos and Origin and those drilling and contract companies working to support them. "2011 will see our gas industry ramping up after some significant announcements in the past six months," Cr Loughnan said.
"In the case of Santos, some exciting community projects will be kicking-off, among them the redevelopment of Roma Airport, a hub for much of the local CSG activity. "All of this will of course place stress on the labour market, as well as the housing and rental markets. "To date much of that impact has been alleviated by a number of building projects triggered by the confidence of builders in investment and availability of quality housing stocks within our region, most notably Surat." Cr Loughnan said the boom and associated low unemployment would give young people alternatives to the traditional choices of staying with their parents or moving to the city. Certainly, Lyn Pulsford from Roma's Country Belle said wives and partners of workers in the oil industry were a big part of her boutique business. "With the farmers suffering because of the flooding, it's good to have the gas people come into town and spend," Lyn said. Jan Wilkins from The Music Shop was not so sure and said business in Roma was fairly quiet.
"There's nothing much for us from the gas boom, they just fly in and fly out," Ms Wilkins said, However Commerce Roma president Cameron O'Neil said the economic benefit was a real positive to the town and it was too early to gauge if the fly in fly out mentality would have a negative impact. "Santos have just been given the green light," Mr O'Neil said. "We need to wait till 12 months from now or even to 2012-2013 to see what impact it brings." Maranoa's Mayor for one, believes the gas boom will bring further opportunities for Maranoa and south west Queensland. "None of us can deny CSG developments will have challenges and impacts on our community, just as there will be benefits and opportunities," he said. "On the whole, the companies I have had the pleasure of dealing with have behaved impeccably and taken a genuine interest in our communities' needs and aspirations."
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maranoa's Mayor for one believes the gas boom will bring further opportunities for Maranoa and south west Queensland.â&#x20AC;? PAGE 28
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
places and faces
Western Downs Biofuels given By Debbie Bevan
green light
At a time when the economy of the local agricultural industry has taken a hit from weeks of flooding a group of local farmers bidding to purchase the Dalby Bio Refinery has something to celebrate.
Authorisation came through Ernst and Young the administrators that placed the plant in the hands of the administrators in June last year. “This represents an exciting opportunity for the region to own and operate this modern ethanol production facility”, said David Campbell, a Director for Western Downs Biofuels. “All of the rain may have devastated our crops, but it has not dampened the spirit of the farming community to see this project through.” Western Downs was granted an extension on the bid deadline late last year, so the group could secure investors eager to be a part of the consortium and will have to raise a total
of $40 million to complete the purchase of the plant and make necessary modifications which would include a distiller’s grain dryer. To date the group has raised over $11 million. During the first quarter of 2011, Western Downs Biofuels will be seeking equity investment to complete the transaction and assume ownership as soon as possible. Recent flooding, has affected grain delivery to the plant and prevented employee’s reporting to work. However, despite the flooding, the plant itself remains high and dry and as soon as grain can once again be delivered the plant will resume normal operations.
‘
“Things like this happen from time to time”, said Mike Bryan, a 28 year veteran of the ethanol industry and a board member of Western Downs Biofuels.
Biofuels said that the purchase was a 20-30 year project.
“As with any factory, equipment failures, natural disasters, etc., can cause plant shut downs.The issue is not the shut down, but how plant personnel react to it.
“Despite the heaviness of our hearts during this devastating time, we continue to look ahead and will do what we can to build a strong economic and environmental future for the next generation.This ethanol plant will help us do just that.”
“This shut down has been handled very professionally and all functions of the plant have been carefully placed in standby mode, ready to resume operation as soon as possible.”
‘
Western Downs Biofuels has been given the green light to pursue its plan to buy the sorghum ethanol plant in Dalby.The group of local farmers found out on Christmas Eve that they had been given “Preferred Bidder” status by ANZ Bank for the buyout.
Godfrey Morgan, a Condamine farmer and member of the Board of Western Downs
This represents an exciting opportunity for the region to own and operate this modern ethanol production facility.
“What we are currently facing is a snapshot in time,” Mr Morgan said.
The Dalby Biorefinery went into receivership in June of 2010. The plant has continued to operate at near full capacity, until the recent flooding prevented personnel and grain from reaching the plant. It is projected, that as soon as the flood waters recede, and grain delivery can resume, normal operations will commence within 24-48 hours.
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For more exhibitor or show information call today: AUS Ph: 0425 427 Conference 220 | INT Ph:Manager +61 425 427 220 Richard Krause, M: 0438 153 392 INT +61 438 153 392 E: richard.krause@australianpetroleumshow.com
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PAGE 29
places and faces
Lending a helping hand By Debbie Bevan
Cyclone Yasi attracted volunteers from around the country to help in the clean up process. Local Ergon Energy employees have been working to restore electricity and help power up North Queensland as it recovers from the disaster.
until mains supply is available in coming weeks.
The Dalby team of Chris Mandall, Hugh Cobb and Nigel Duncan connected four generators at Silkwood and then moved on to Kurrimine, in the north of the state where they were working on connecting another eight last week. Their efforts ensured that a large portion of Kurrimine Beach were connected to power
General Manager Service Delivery Southern Paul Jordon said Ergon Energy crews took four weeks, supported by Energex and interstate crews, to repair the damage caused by Cyclone Larry and it was expected Yasi's cleanup time would be similar. "We want to provide as much assistance as possible to the communities affected by the cyclone," Mr Jordon said.
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PAGE 30
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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
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places and faces
the cleanup
CS Energy staff from Kogan Creek Power Station helped to clean up the town of Warra after it flooded four times either side of New Year. Between 30 and 40 power station staff led by manager Ivan Mapp descended on the town to mow lawns, remove rubbish and give the town a much needed lift. "Warra has been a bit left out so we've come here to do our bit," Mr Mapp said. "We haven't had access to the power station, except by helicopter, since the 22nd of December so we've been helping out with the floods. "We've had people doing safety
training in the Chinchilla RSL and others helping out the council and businesses cleaning up." The power station staff cleaned out the Warra CWA Hall and racecourse as well as removing rubbish from residents' houses and mowing their lawns. Local resident Cheree Sorrensen said she was really happy about the assistance from CS Energy and other volunteers. "It's been flat out over the last month and everybody is really over the floods," she said. "The recovery teams have been calling, CS Energy is here and we had hampers dropped off by people so which was nice."
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places and faces
L to R: Warren Willmington, Bob Carroll and Shelley Grofski.
Queensland industry first a must see event The Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, hosted by Australian Events, will be an industry first in Queensland, providing a forum for all discussions regarding the fast developing resource sector in south-west Queensland. Running from Wednesday, June 22 to Thursday, June 23 2011 at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, the expo will be followed by an industry conference on Friday, June 24. Visitors are encouraged to register prior to the event, and will be rewarded with regular updates on the exhibits on show, to enable attendees to plan which stalls they would like to visit over the two day event. Intending attendees can register on the expo's website www.suratbasinexpo.com.au. Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo Event Director Mr Bob Carroll said the event will provide a link between businesses in the Surat Basin region and key decision makers in the industry.
communication networks between businesses, companies and the general public', he said. With over 250 exhibitors ready to put their companies on display, the expo promises to cater to all interests. A large cross-section of companies has expressed an interest in taking part in the expo. 'Easternwell, as our leading corporate sponsor, put a high focus on safety and on-site and presite training, and this will no doubt be a major part of their display.
Mr Carroll, who is also Director of Australian Events, said the company has been organising events for over 20 years, however this is the first of its kind for south west Queensland.
They also plan to have a drill rig on display, giving patrons an up-close and personal look at how they operate, and the ability to talk to the people on the ground', Mr Carroll said.
'The expo and conference are about learning from past mistakes in the industry, and the newly developing Surat Basin resource sector is an ideal platform to establish clear
'The expo not only provides an opportunity for local businesses to network with the large companies that are operating in the Surat Basin, but also holds much that will interest the average
person who has an interest in how the region is growing, what the companies actually do from an operations and environmental perspective, and who are wondering how they can get involved.' Other companies on display at the expo will include builders, companies with an environmental focus, employment and training organisations, and those with a finance and investment focus. Information on employment opportunities, training, and relocation options will also be on offer. 'Councils and chambers of commerce from the region have also been proactive in getting involved in the industry, planning for accommodation needs, employment needs, and infrastructure and investment requirements,' Mr Carroll said. 'Your local chamber of commerce is a great place to start if you have concerns about the industry or just questions about how it all operates.'
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S G I R W NE G N I COM N O O S 239 Raglan Street ROMA Q 4455 Phone: (07) 4622 6004 www.wilddesert.com.au PAGE 32
Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 24 February 2011
Mr Carroll said holding the expo and the conference on separate days gave patrons the opportunity to explore all the exhibits on offer as well as attend the conference without the pressure to run from one event to another. 'We do not want people to feel they have to rush through the expo to make time for the conference,' he said. The expo will provide an economic boost to the Toowoomba region at a time of year when there are less activities occurring. Mr Carroll said the conference and expo also occurs in the week prior to the school holidays and would provide an ideal opportunity to bring your family along or meet them in Toowoomba and take some time to explore the region. 'Whether you are a company putting your business on display, or coming in search of information, make sure you book your accommodation early'.