Surat Basin News August 2012

Surat BasinNEWS THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2012

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INSIDE THIS EDITION Page 4

Page 8

Page 15

Salty solutions

Proposed windfarm

Head to Head

SBNEWS The Team David Richardson General Manager Laurell Ison Media Sales Manager Beth Walker Graphic Design Jillian Poulsen Senior Journalist 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 20,000 living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region.

Plans are to make the newspaper more frequent as the development increases.

Surat Basin News is not a necessity. It was born out of a passion for Australia's fastest growing communities — a passion for a region of unbridled potential and a future of vast economic growth and opportunities.The newspaper, professionally designed and regionally topical, will be a must read for anyone associated with the exciting Surat Basin.

Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 300 sq km basin, providing unprecedented access to new clients and markets. It will give a revealing insight into major industry while lifting the veil on current and proposed developments.

It will be there for each and every announcement shaping the region's future while profiling the colourful characters that define our communities.

With the Surat Basin region receiving national attention, Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them.

View our previous editions on www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews Regular updates on

www.suratbasin.com.au

inside this edition in theNews

pages 4-10

Salt has become an unwanted by-product for CSG companies, but could it be a viable industry?

Roma housing development looks to be back on solid ground.

Farmers still question Arrow’s promises.

Looking at the impacts of CSG with a sociological perspective.

"The RSPT (Resource Super Profits Tax) has created significant uncertainty for the future of mining investment into Australia and would impair the value of previously approved projects and exploration to the point that continued investment can no longer be justified," Xstrata Plc chief executive Mick Davis said after Xstrata announced earlier this month suspending $586 million of expenditure.

down tobusiness

pages 16-21 What the WDRC have on the wishlist for their cut of the Royalties to Regions funding program.

Ostwald’s hat trick as employers of the year.

Sunwater Kenya to Chinchilla Weir pipeline update.

East Coat Pipeline wins massive project in the Basin.

building theBasin

Placesandfaces

pages 22-27 pages 28-32 Apprentice helped through Origin’s Community Skills Scholarship program.

Black Trucks officially opened in Roma.

Europcar joins the growing list of businesses seizing opportunities in the Surat Basin.

Out and about at the 2012 Surat Basin Expo.

Face to Face with Darren Holmes from Arrow Energy.

Easternwell get ready to dig deep for the next round of their community grants.

Leanne Habgood’s inspiring quest to take on the Kokoda Trail.

advertisers index Brandon & Associates ..................................23

IOR Petroleum ................................................24

Ray White Roma..............................................27

Budden Contractors ......................................20

KJ'S Signs ..........................................................29

Ray White Rural Chinchilla ..........................17

Chinchilla First National Real Estate ..........13

Lawrence & Hanson........................................24

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Roma Powdercoating......................................18

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Colliers International......................................15

MI Helicopters ................................................25

Supply Connections ........................................32

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Modular Queensland ......................................20

Surat Basin Industrial Park ............................10

Dalby Windscreens ........................................26

Murilla Community Centre ..........................29

The Spacer Company ....................................20

Downlands College ..........................................6

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NJ Contracting ................................................28

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Pirtek Chinchilla ..............................................27

Trades and Services ..............................30 & 31

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PS & R ................................................................26

Tresed Liquid Waste ......................................14

F K Gardner & Sons Pty Ltd ........................21

Ray White ............................................................6

Wild Desert........................................................9

Surat Basin NEWS Next Issue will be available

25 October 2012 Double your profile and build your exposure in the unique Surat Basin Phone Laurell 07 4662 7368 and start building your business

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

Our unique position within the major centres of the Surat Basin allows this newspaper to supply relevant and required information to our local communities.

This newspapers is staffed and driven by passionate locals who have an investment not only in their communities but also the people that reside in them. To gain a foothold in the Surat Basin talk to the people who will work as hard for your business as you do.

Utilise our local knowledge to help you succeed in the Surat Basin Start now phone Laurell or David 4662 7368

www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews PAGE 2

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 21 June 2012

this WEEK

Big things in the pipeline plex Pipelines can lay claim to being one of the first companies to open their doors for business at the Charlton Wellcamp Enterprise estate.

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The $28 million state-of-the-art plant, which produces polyethylene piping to the mining, energy and irrigation sectors, was officially opened on Thursday by Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney.

Currently the plant is running at 25 per cent capacity, however, it will be fully operational by the end of next month.

The plant will employ more than 50 local workers.

Polyethylene piping manufactured in Toowoomba has already been used in major projects across the country including the Santos and QGC pipelines to Curtis Island.

Iplex Pipelines general manager Kevin Kellow said Toowoomba was the most logical location to set up the business.

"Everyone we have dealt with has been extremely supportive and welcoming," Mr Kellow said.

"Once fully operational, the plant will be our largest producer of polyethylene piping.

"Toowoomba was the best location by far given its proximity to our major markets," he said.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said that Toowoomba was well and truly open for business.

"It is really the tip of the iceberg in what we can expect at the Charlton Wellcamp site," Cr. Antonio said.

"This is very positive news not only for Toowoomba but the whole region.

"It really goes to show that Toowoomba is now open for business to the world."

BIG THINGS: Shane Follas, Sheryn Atkins and Anthony Morgan check wall thickness of pipe at the Iplex Pipelines' new Toowoomba manufacturing plant opening at the Witmack Industry Park, Charlton. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PAGE 3

in the page 5 page 6 page 7 Origin’s SIMP approved

Salt S

alt; the unwanted by-product of the CSG industry, and a headache for both landholders and the resource companies. Now it is being earmarked for commercial

sale.

It may be some time off, but plans are in the pipeline, literally, for CSG waste water to be turned into a viable industry.

The state government recently passed legislation allowing transport of CSG waste water off site to a centralised processing facility.

It is a move supported by both the WDRC mayor Ray Brown and Gas Field Commissioner John Cotter.

Arrow Energy has announced it is in talks with two other major gas companies about a shared, centralised processing plant for extracting salt from wastewater.

The salt would be used for products such as paint, aluminium, soda ash and bicarbonate of soda.

The industry has started trials to prove the viability of salt extraction. Current salt produced from csg is allocated to landfill.

WDRC mayor Ray Brown said commercial salt was something he had been pushing for five years.

"It's value adding, you're actually going to create another industry to use that salt which

PAGE 4

Farmers reaction to Arrow

Santos still waiting

the unwanted by-product of the csg industry

means you're not mobilising it in our own environment," Cr Brown said.

General Manager of the Gas Commission Andrew Brier said the commission was supportive of the idea.

"It's just common sense and efficiency," Mr Brier said.

"The salt will be produced anyway so having it as single facility will reduce road transport in the area.

"Most people I've talked to understand the impact on landholders will decrease."

Mr Brier said while there are no provisions in the legislation for transport or commercial salt production contracts to go to local companies, it would be something the commission would encourage.

While the government is remaining cagey about the location of a desalination plant it is likely the high concentration of CSG on the Western Downs would necessitate one nearby.

Waste water would then be piped to the plant through new infrastructure rather than treated at multiple plants.

The Gas Field Commission has emphasised its wish to engage with the community on the issue, which it will be doing over coming months when John Cotter and Andrew Brier visit Dalby.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

" T H E S A LT W I L L BE PRODUCED A N Y WAY S O H AV I N G I T A S SINGLE FACILITY WILL REDUCE ROAD T R A N S P O RT I N THE AREA

NEWS page 8 page 9 Proposed windfarm

TSBE’s latest event

Devlopment’s future much brighter MARANOA Regional council mayor Robert Loughnan said the the future of the airport development is looking much brighter.

Last month the mayor said the future of the development was "shaky" as not enough companies had put up their hands to take over the commercial side of the development.

But Cr Loughnan said since then talks had been looking positive.

"We've signed a heads agreement so it's one step closer to taking it in the right direction," he said.

Cr Loughnan said about six or eight weeks ago it didn't sound too positive but since then they have had more interest from secondary companies.

"They're getting up towards the numbers but still not enough

to give a concrete guarantee," he said.

If it goes ahead the Airport would inject about 300 new dwellings into Roma's rental market, as well as 250 dwellings for commercial tenants.

Cr Loughnan said whether or not the development went ahead the council was also considering other affordable housing options.

"One I'm really excited about is what we've been looking at - trying to take up some (state) government land so we can develop that at cost, preferably using local developers who can develop in small numbers," he said.

Regional plans on the way he first meetings of the State's regional planning committees met in Dalby in last month.

In Queensland Parliament, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the plans would address the skirmishes between industrial and agricultural interests.

Mr Seeney said the committee will make sure the views of both local and wider groups are considered in its work.

"This committee will oversee the regional planning process and increase understanding within the community of the Central Queensland Regional Plan," Mr Seeney said.

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"Communities will be represented by their mayors who will put forward the views of their local regions during the process. Industry representatives will also have a voice at the table."

One of the most concrete things to come out of the meetings was the announcement by Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney that land boundaries will be established governing where mining and energy companies can operate and where they cannot.

Mr Seeney said including land use mapping in the statutory regional plan would help resolve conflict between landholders and the agricultural and resources sectors.

"Central Queensland has diverse

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

agricultural assets and an abundance of resource deposits," he said.

"This plan will ensure the region grows in a managed and sustainable way and will let us deal with urban expansion, the timing and sequencing of infrastructure and enhancing agricultural, resource and tourism opportunities while ensuring management of environmental impacts."

The Darling Downs Regional Downs Planning Committee is made up of 21 members comprising mayors, sitting members and community and industry representatives who will meet throughout the regional plan preparation process, which is expected to be finalised in August 2013.

PAGE 5

in the NEWS

Locals get bird’s eye view of Wandoan’s changing landscape A helicopter was chartered A helicopter was chartere A helicopter was chartere A helicopter was chartere A helicopter was charteredA helicopter was chartered A helicopter was chartere A helicopter was chartere A heliSKY HIGH: A bird's eye view of Wandoan.The guided helicopter tours were chartered by Property Rights Australia and Creevey Russell Lawyers.

Minimising the impact

F oncerned citizens from Brisbane, Lismore and the Western Downs gathered in Wandoan on Monday afternoon to show their support for local farmers facing the influx of CSG and coal-mining operations, and to listen to presentations.

A helicopter was chartered by Property Rights Australia and Russell Creevey Lawyers to take people above Wandoan to give them a birds-eye view the extent of industrial activities in the area, such as cleared drill sites on the Greenacres gasfield.

The helicopter tours were followed by a public forum at the Wandoan Community Centre where author Sharyn Munro,Wambo Feedlot owner Max Winders and solicitor Tom Marland gave presentations about their experiences dealing with the issues of gas and coal production.

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Sharyn Munro's new book 'Rich Land, Wasteland' details her travels around Australia in 2010 to tell the stories of landowners and farmers and the social, environmental and legal problems they suffer because of coal and gas production, and includes a chapter on Wandoan and Warra.

Sharyn lives in the Upper Hunter in NSW, where she found the inspiration to write about problems with coal and gas.

"It began with what I saw happening in the Hunter Valley from coal and coal power, and I wanted to see if it was as out of control elsewhere, this

was long before 'Lock the Gate'," she said.

"The farmers of the Liverpool Plains did a 615 day blockade to stop the coal industry there, and BHP still has not been able to explore on those black soil plains."

Mrs Munro said she drove over 10,000 kilometres around Australia in 2010 to conduct interviews and research about the impact of coal mining and CSG production.

"Bringing the mining laws back into balance with other money-making businesses is what has to happen."

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armers remain sceptical about a commitment from Arrow Energy to minimise its impact on cropping land on the Darling Downs.

The mining giant has announced a plan to reduce its footprint to 2 per cent of intensively farmed land.

It also assured landholders no major infrastructure would be built on farmland and any wells would be put on the edge of paddocks.

Cecil Plains cotton grower Stuart Armitage said farmers were taking the pledge with a grain of salt.

"You've got to consider that there will have to be roads to every one of those wells, they'll be joined by power lines and water and gas pipes," he said.

"But the big impact is on our alluvial water.

"We're saying while there is any impact on our water, they're not coming."

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in the NEWS IN BRIEF

Arrow Santos sweating on Feds SANTOS GLNG is still awaiting Federal Government approval before construction of the 420km pipeline can start

he Queensland Government is currently reviewing responses to Arrow Energy's Environmental Impact Statement for the Surat Gas Project.

Arrow lodged their draft proposal for the EIS in December last year, and the EIS was released for public viewing in March this year.

An Arrow Energy spokesperson said the length of time the submissions review would take was up the Queensland Government.

The deadline for responses to the EIS closed in mid-June.The Western Downs Regional Council was among community groups, individuals and landholders in lodging a response.

The Surat Gas Project is proposed to have 7500 gas wells in an area extended from Wandoan to Dalby and down to Goondiwindi, taking in Miles and Chinchilla.

It will be Arrow Energy's largest exploration and production project in the Surat Basin.

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n July, the Queensland Government approved the pipeline for the $18.5 billion GLNG project as an "infrastructure facility of significance" but now needs Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to give his stamp of approval.

The 420km underground pipeline will require a 40m-wide corridor through 177 properties to transport CSG from the Surat Basin to the LNG facility on Gladstone's Curtis Island.

Santos EQ General Manager Sam Klaas told the June meeting of the Joint Maranoa Regional Community Consultative Committee they were now waiting for the Feds before pipeline laying could commence.

The Queensland approval allows for compulsory acquisition if negotiations between Santos GLNG and landholders break down.

Despite the outstanding Federal signoff Mr Klaas said there was plenty of activity in the region.

"In particular around the Roma and Fairview areas where our new hub locations are being built on Dawson's Bend Road and the Fairview Road in Fairview, and The Bend Road in Roma," Mr Klaas said.

"We now have around 850 people working in the region and this is expected to rise to more than 1200 by the end of this month and continue to build to approximately 2000 people by the end of this year.

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"We are building camps to house our workforce to ensure we do not place further pressure on the local housing market."

Mr Klaas said SANTOS GLNG had started clearing and grading work in the Arcadia Valley along the underground gas transmission route with digging and burying of the pipeline due to commence in around six weeks' time.

"Work continues to prepare hub locations with progress starting on piling and foundation work at our hub on Dawson's Bend Road," he said.

"We are continuing to truck equipment to hub locations including gas turbines, gas transmission compressors and pipe.”

Meanwhile Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said Santos GLNG's new $12m Operations Centre in Brisbane was an example of world's best practice technology which resource companies were unveiling in Queensland.The centre can monitor and control the production from Santos-GLNG's extensive Queensland gasfields, its pipeline network to Gladstone and the production facilities on Curtis Island, Gladstone, as they come online. It does so in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Being able to start-up and shutdown equipment in the gas fields and across Santos-GLNG operations will allow early detection of potential problems and provide quick responses," Mr Seeney said.

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PAGE 7

in the NEWS

Sounding board started

oopers Gap Wind Farm, proposed by energy company AGL, would involve around 115 wind turbines on 11 cattle grazing and other farming properties near Cooranga North.

AGL said the project, which would have an installed capacity of 350MW, would create 200 jobs during construction.

An AGL spokesperson said last week that a community consultation group had been established to address landholder concerns.

"AGL's proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm project is progressing through the planning and approvals phase," the spokesperson said.

"AGL is seeking to engage with the community and has established a Community Consultative Committee (CCC).

"The CCC members represent a cross section of the Coopers Gap

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A proposed wind farm between Dalby and Kingaroy is slowly moving through the approvals phase

surrounding community, and meet each month to discuss the project with senior project employees from AGL with the meeting being chaired by a facilitator."

The spokesperson said that the CCC had asked AGL to address sound, or acoustic concerns surrounding the project.

"At the community's request, the last CCC meeting focused on AGL's acoustic consultant presenting the Draft Updated Acoustic Report.The next CCC will continue to address acoustics, as well as health and wind farms. "AGL is pleased with the development of the CCC and its ability to provide a robust framework to discuss the community's issues around the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm project."The area is one of the strongest wind resource areas in Queensland.The 350MW capacity would be enough to power 150,000 average homes.

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For sale W

ilkie Creek coal mine remains for sale, after being placed on the market last year.

A spokesperson for Peabody Energy, who owns the mine, said the company was still progressing with the sale, as well as an expansion to extend the life

of the mine.

She said Peabody had been keeping their workforce informed on how it was progressing and what they could expect going forward.

In April this year, it was reported that Thai company PTT was considering an offer, but the sale did not take place.

Wilkie Creek is located slightly west of Dalby, near the small township of Macalister.

The mine produces over 2 million tons of thermal coal each year, which Peabody said is "low sulphur, low nitrogen (and) lower emissions".

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in the NEWS

The boom town mentality ooking at developments in the Surat Basin from a sociological perspective is unusual but that is what Brisbane academic Dr Mark Bahnisch has done.

Dr Bahnisch is a sociologist and director of FAQ Research which stands for Fact and Analysis Questions.

FAQ Research is intended to be the output of a collective of writers and researchers on contentious issues and its first project in collaboration with online news outlet crikey.com.au examined all aspects of the

L

CSG issue in the lead up to the Queensland state election on March 24.

Dr Bahnisch said the project aimed to demystify conflicting claims of stakeholders in the $45 billion industry, and to hold political debate to account against fact and reason.

The project focussed on the Dalby, Chinchilla and Tara triangle and interviewed a number of politicians including Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown, Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton, Bob Katter, Greens senator Larissa Waters and former Labor State MP Kerry Shine.

All requests for interviews with the LNP were turned down.

The project also interviewed graziers such as Ian Hallyor (now a Gasfields Commissioner), Megan Baker and Ruth Armstrong and Tara residents as well as Indigenous community members.

Dr Bahnisch said they heard a constant tale of rising rents unaccompanied by rising wages or pensions and benefits for long term residents.

"While Dalby isn't "fly in, fly out" like Gladstone, it's "drive in, drive out" as many contractors spend only a few nights a week working in the district, returning to Brisbane for the weekends," Dr Bahnisch said.

"It's much harder to get a motel room on Monday than Friday night, and the price you pay for a small room is higher than for a

townhouse style unit in Toowoomba."

Dr Bahnisch said the promise of riches to come conjured up a boom town mentality in some quarters.

"There is informal sex work going on in caravans, targeting visiting workers," he said.

"Meanwhile, publicans wait thirstily for Thursday night when some of the wages earned during the week pours across their bars. But most of it goes back home to Brisbane."

Dr Bahnisch said it was different from North West Queensland where once intense mining communities were now ghost towns.

"Nobody wants that for the towns of the Western Downs," he said.

"But its spectre haunts their future, and determines their present."

Enterprise evening THE Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) will be holding an Enterprise Evening on August 29 in Chinchilla.

The evening will be sponsored by Rocla and feature speakers from QGC and their tier one contractor Thiess.

The evening will include presentations by QGC's Local Content Manager, John Abraham and Thiess led by their Contracts Manager, Luther Jeyasingham, as they discuss QGC's Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) Project and highlight supply chain opportunities within their Surat Basin operations.

As a special extension of the Enterprise Evening,TSBE has organised with QGC to take any interested individuals on a tour of their operations in the area.

The tour includes a field compressor station, central processing plant, a worker's camp, water treatment plant and more.Those interested in attending the event can register their interest via email to events@tsbe.com.au or call 07 4639 4600.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

opinions QLD well endowed

Avoid FIFO mentality

Visits aplenty

Leading role

Michael Roche, CEO Queensland Resources

Bruce Scott Federal Member for Maranoa

CouncilHoward Hobbs, Member for Warrego

Ray Brown, MayorWestern Downs Regional Council

SBNEWS

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

Editorial THE plentiful supply of riches here in the Surat Basin has made a tidy little profit for the Queensland Treasury.

According to Federal Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott, the Surat Basin alone will contribute approximately $800 million per annum in royalties to the state.

APPEA said that CSG industry in QLD alone, contributes approximately $850 million in royalties to the treasury.

The State government has committed just under $500 million to the Royalties to the Regional program, to be shared amongst 14 regional councils, over four years.

If it were to be split fairly amongst all 14 councils it would equate to just over $71 million over four years or just $18 million a year across the Surat Basin, which is not much when it comes to improving the livability of our towns.

It does not take a mathematician to work out who is getting the short end of the stick.

While we applaud the Newman Government for implementing a long overdue program we must see the funding extended.

The government is acting swiftly to fix housing supply problems in our resource areas, including the Surat Basin

Housing crisis here has been obvious market failure in some regional areas where there is just not enough land available for development, which has led to a lack of affordable housing.

The biggest impact the Government can have in terms of fixing the problem is to increase land supply to the general market, and that's just what we're doing.The Deputy Premier and I recently announced that land held by the Urban Land Development Authority will be fast tracked for housing development, including land in the Surat Basin. Mr Seeney's department is also going to work together with the Western Downs and Maranoa Regional Councils to find projects that they can fast track to bring more housing on line.

Of course there are other issues which affect housing supplies and we are going to work with local councils to identify

in 11 communities, starting later this month.They will COMMENT give us a chance to talk to Campbell Newman people on the ground who Premier of Queensland know the issues and also the potential opportunities.

The workshops will be the foundation to developing a Resource and Regional Town Action Plan which will be ready for the government to look at by the end of the year. Dalby will host the first meeting on August 29, and others will be held in Roma and Toowoomba in coming weeks.

On a separate note, our proposed Floodplain Security Scheme could save local Councils millions of dollars following floods.

The Government has put forward a plan where a $100 million

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT F O RWA R D A P L A N W H E R E A $100 MILLION FUND WOULD BE C R E AT E D S O L A R G E P A R T S O F T H E S TAT E C A N B E F L O O D - P RO O F E D

fund would be created so large parts of the State can be flood-proofed.

Specifically, the Queensland Government would commit $40 million over the next four years to deliver a comprehensive planned program of flood mitigation activities, which would be complemented by $40 million from the Commonwealth and $20 million from local authorities around the State.

There's no doubt that upfront investment in floodproofing works will provide long term savings to all levels of government and the community, as well as give more confidence to the insurance sector. The Queensland Government has already written to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon seeking their support for the scheme.

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What do you think?

Drop us a line at editorial@suratbasinnews.com.au

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roadblocks and find solutions to those problems.This may involve identifying 'lazy' government land which could be used to increase housing supply.The Government will also work with the private sector to meet land supply demand in some communities.

A series of workshops to nut out local solutions will be held

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PAGE 11

opinions COMMENT

The biggest slice of pie ueensland is endowed with a rich inventory of mineral and energy resources in close proximity to the world's most rapidly expanding economies.

Yet as we see events over which we have limited influence as global price-takers unfold, we are reminded that nothing can be taken for granted if Queensland wants to maintain its position as a minerals and energy supplier of choice.

As Deloitte Access Economics Director Chris Richardson notes: 'Queensland has what the world wants to buy'.

However, so do established competitors such as Canada, USA, Indonesia and South Africa alongside emerging resource provinces like Mozambique, Mongolia and Russia.As highlighted in the June quarter QRC State of the Sector report, rising costs and lower commodity prices pose an enormous challenge to the competitiveness of current operations, and the development of new projects.

Q

A report by respected economic analysts Port Jackson Partners has fleshed out key components on the cost side including: > higher taxes with the Mineral Resource Rent Tax and carbon tax prominent (and from a Queensland perspective, the spectre of royalty increases in the September budget) > unnecessary and poorly-designed regulation > declining productivity > increasing labour, energy and transport costs > the higher Australian dollar and > a compositional shift towards lower commodity grades.

Their work notes that a significantly greater percentage of Queensland thermal and metallurgical coal mines and copper operations are now in the upper echelons of cost.

In the past, high commodity prices have contributed to more than half of Australia's minerals revenue growth.

With prices for most commodities expected to have peaked for now, revenue growth and required rates of return will need to come from volume led growth through new mine, rail and port capacity.

However, rising costs to install new

PAGE 12

capacity will mean that new projects are less competitive.

It's estimated that more than twice as much capital is required to build one tonne of new capacity than it did five years ago.

On the upside, Port Jackson Partners say that with change,Australia can capture the opportunities from sustained global demand for resources, continue to attract investment and get more projects over the line.To do so, they have some straightforward recommendations for industry and governments.

Industry needs to openly disclose the magnitude of the costs risks to the current pipeline of projects and continue to highlight its socio-economic contribution to the community to encourage policy reform.

The recommended agenda for governments is a lengthy one, starting with the easing of exchange rate pressures by considering a sovereign wealth fund, meaningful state and federal government surpluses and resolving infrastructure bottlenecks.

Labour and skills shortages should be addressed by focusing industrial relations regulations on pay and work practices and increasing internal mobility and skilled migration.

Reviving the national productivity agenda would be greatly assisted by refocusing IR practices on ongoing productivity gains, better matching education and skills training, fostering innovation clusters and incentivizing research and development.

Finally, sovereign risk concerns could be eliminated by providing stable, predictable and internationally competitive taxation and royalty regimes and through streamlining and simplifying red-tape.

The opportunity for Queensland to underwrite its economic security with progressive policies is real.

Let us not forget that Japan's post-war rise was built on Queensland coal used to build and power its factories. Japan today has a population of 126 million people.

Continental Asia is home to almost four billion people or 60 per cent of the world's population. India and China are looking to secure for their 2.6 billion citizens the necessities of life that we have taken for granted for 50 years.

What has taken the 'west' to achieve over

centuries,Asia wants in decades.

As Australia's AngloGold Ashanti boss Mark Cutifani calculated recently, the global mining industry drives more than 45 per cent of the world's gross domestic product.

This occurs either directly or through the use of products that facilitate other industries, including the downstream impacts of fertilisers for agriculture, fuel for

Michael Roche Chief Executive Queensland Resources Council

The average car contains one tonne of iron and steel, 100 kilograms of aluminium and 19 kilograms of copper.

The more environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicle requires double the copper roughly 34 kilograms.

The modern compact energy-efficient fluorescent light bulb needs bauxite, lead, copper, limestone, nickel and phosphorous.

Toothpaste contains silica, limestone,

S a d l y, p u b l i c a w a r e n e s s o f t h e c o n t r i b u t i o n o f mining to Australia has been overshadowed by d e b a t e fo c u s e d o n we a l t hy i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h , i n s o m e c a s e s , t e n u o u s l i n k s t o t h e i n d u s t r y. transport and materials for construction.

Another interesting conclusion is that the world would need to dedicate twice the amount of land to agricultural activities if not for mining's contribution to productivity.

Australia's advanced mechanisation and farm management techniques produce enough food for 60 million people.

In other parts of the world where agricultural production relies on human and animal labour, the threat of going without enough food is ever-present.

In some quarters mining continues to be characterised by industry opponents as 'allconsuming'.

Globally, less than one per cent of the earth's surface is dedicated to mining, which also consumes less than one per cent of the world's water.

In Queensland mining disturbs 0.09 per cent of the state's land mass and consumes around five per cent of the state's regulated water.

In return, the industry contributes 61 per cent of Sunwater's total revenue base, produces commodities worth $40 billion last year, generates directly and indirectly one in every five dollars in the state and one in every eight jobs.

Mining is also accused of being a hangover from last century, best consigned to the history books and tourist walks.

What should be obvious is that while oil, gas, coal and uranium energise the modern world, even the 'smartest' gadgets are unable to function without copper, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, ceramics, and titanium dioxide.

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

aluminium, phosphate, fluoride and titanium.The point is that the world will never stop mining and the minerals in greatest global demand are coal, copper and iron-ore - all of which are mined here in Queensland.

By these measures alone there is comfort in saying that Queensland has a golden future ahead if continues to encourage and support its minerals and energy sector.

We are entering one of the most significant periods of economic opportunity in our history. We must look beyond current prices that are a product of a global economic slowdown over which neither we nor our major customers have control.

As the state government prepares to deliver a 'horror' budget in September, revenue is top of mind and as we've seen with the federal government's MRRT and carbon tax, there's no more popular milch cow in Australia than the resources sector.

Sadly, public awareness of the contribution of mining to Australia has been overshadowed by debate focused on wealthy individuals with, in some cases, tenuous links to the industry.

In framing his first budget, two things we hope Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls will bear in mind are the above recommendations from Port Jackson Partners and the message that the bigger the resources pie, the bigger slice for the state in royalties, particularly as they are geared to the selling price.

Increasing the government's rent from a shrinking cash pool is a short-term temptation should be resisted in favour of new investment and long-term growth.

opinions Welcome to this edition of the Surat Basin News

Fly-in-fly-out

Visitors always welcome in Warrego

MENTALITY SHOULD BE RESISTED COMMENT Bruce Scott MP Federal Member for Maranoa

owns in the electorate are homes not holes in the ground and a fly-infly-out (FIFO) mining mentality should be resisted.

I was troubled by recent reports that cities like Toowoomba and the Gold Coast were being touted as FIFO hubs.

Towns in the Surat Basin will not be sucked dry and left skeletal while cities gorge the profits channelled by the resource industry.

My state colleagues and I have championed the Royalties for the Regions program for many years and now it will deliver funds back to the communities responsible for the mining boom.

The Royalties for the Regions program will deliver $495 million, invested over four years, to communities impacted by the resource sector.

I urge local councils in the Maranoa electorate to apply for this funding.The expansion of coal seam gas and other mining operations has fuelled rapid population growth in the region.

Housing and infrastructure development has created new jobs and opportunities but has also presented many new challenges for our communities.

With the continued growth of the resource sector, it is important to promote our region’s liveable country towns – not a blurred dot viewed from the window of an aeroplane.

A DISJOINTED WO R K S C H E D U L E E RO D E S F A M I LY LIFE AND LIMITS A P E R S O N ’ S T I M E TO E N G AG E W I T H T H E COMMUNITY

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A town’s community culture and lifestyle is imperative to attract families to settle in the region and I discourage a FIFO mentality.

During a recent discussion with the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens’ Association, I was told parents and teachers notice a difference in a child’s behaviour when a parent is away working their FIFO shift. A disjointed work schedule erodes family life and limits a person’s time to engage with the community.

Families are the building blocks of our communities and, as the resource sector expands, we need to grow our regional economies by enticing families to live here – a thriving place to call home. Liveability, health, education, sporting and cultural facilities as well as road and transport connections are very real issues and these issues can be addressed under the Royalties for the Regions program.

I am absolutely passionate about growing our regional towns and bringing the resource sector’s wealth back into the communities.

It certainly has been a busy time across the Electorate and with Ministerial visits.

So far Minister for Health, Hon Lawrence Springborg MP has visited Roma to open the Community and Allied Health precinct at the Roma Hospital. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Hon Andrew Cripps MP has visited the Santos gas fields to the north of Roma and other fields at Miles and Chinchilla and met with industry stakeholders along the way.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Forestry Hon John McVeigh has been to Charleville and addressed some of the bureaucratic issues hampering the effective control of wild dogs.

Although not in my Electorate Mr McVeigh has also recently visited Tambo and spoken to landholders about wild dog issues.

The Premier Hon Campbell Newman has visited Meandarra and Cunnamulla - The Premier wanted to go to some of the smaller communities who don't get much attention from Ministerial visits - so when the call came I was very happy to assist him with the visit to Warrego. I'm also informed that he will be back for some more visits to the smaller communities who are not as accessible as the larger communities in the electorate.

Minister for Education,Training and Employment Hon John Paul Langbroek has visited Tara Shire State School for the Centenary of the school and top marks to Mr Langbroek for driving out to Tara on our roads.

Recently Minister for Local Government Hon David Crisafulli has visited all the Councils in the Warrego Electorate and he also has taken the time to drive to each Council on our roads. Mr Crisafulli visit included the Western Downs Regional, Balonne, Paroo, Bulloo, Quilpie, Murweh and Maranoa Regional Councils.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Hon Andrew Powell is on his second visit and has been talking to landowners from

Chinchilla

Bruce Booth Principal 0427 669 123

Roma and Dalby and gas companies across the Warrego Electorate. Mr Powell has also taken a drive along the Warrego Highway from Roma back to Brisbane.

Assistant Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Lisa France is also on her second visit to the Warrego Electorate and again is busy to landowners and looking at gas field developments.

This is a summary of the visits that have occurred since June, and I intend to keep Ministers and Assistant Ministers coming to the Warrego Electorate at every opportunity.

I'm also pleased to advise that the newly appointed Gas Fields Commission is also intending to visit locations and communities in the COMMENT Warrego Electorate. Mr Howard Hobbs MP Member for Warrego John Cotter has written Shadow Minister for Local Government and to me advising that he will ATSI Partnerships be doing visits to the region.

I would encourage anyone who has a problem with current legislation and regulations for coal mines or gas fields to contact the Gasfields Commission at the following address Email to: GasFieldscommission@qld.gov.au or Mail to Mr John Cotter, Chairman, Queensland GasFields Commission, PO Box 102,Toowoomba, 4350, Queensland should they wish to request a visit from the Commission.

Also keep an eye out for the Royalties for the Regions initiative which opens for applications in September 2012.

This is a summa r y o f the v isits tha t have o c c urred sinc e June , a nd I intend to keep Ministers a nd A ssista nt Ministers c o ming to the Wa rrego Elec to ra te a t ever y o ppo r tunity.

Peter Etheridge Sales Consultant 0427 640 423

Trina Martin Sales Consultant 0422 769 194

Angie Willoughby Sales Consultant 0438 981 947

Sales . Rentals . Commercial . Residential . Industrial Phone 07 4669 1966 www.chinchillafn.com.au

office@chinchillafn.com.au 106 Glasson Street Chinchilla Qld 4413 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PAGE 13

opinions

Local Government takes a lead role on GasFields Commission Queensland feel privileged to be appointed as a commissioner representing the portfolio of Local Government and Infrastructure on the new GasFields Commission Queensland set up by the State Government to drive the future direction and co-existence between the Coal Seam Gas industry, regional communities and the agricultural sector.

Each of the six commissioners, based on our expertise, was appointed to key portfolios including land access, water, gas industry development, local government and infrastructure, science and research, and business and community impact.

The Commission will give local communities a more direct say on the development of the onshore gas industry in the Western Downs, Surat Basin and throughout Queensland.The Commission will have a leading role in influencing legislation to be passed through State Parliament regulating this industry throughout the state.

The State Government recently announced an opportunity exists to value add and create a new salt industry through the centralisation of brine water.This proposed new industry has been a major concern of residents and the Western Downs Regional Council, particularly its potential impact on the local environment.

Western Downs Regional Council strongly opposes the burying of salt waste in local landfill.The Western Downs

I

should never ever become a dumping ground for coal seam gas companies' waste, when there is technology available to process it into by-products.

However, I would like to acknowledge the vision of the State Government, particularly the direction in which they are now heading as this process will produce a beneficial use for the salt.The technology that is available should be used to chemically process the waste to create useable and saleable salt products.This would be a much better option than contaminating land sites in the region and is a positive step forward in achieving

a win-win outcome for the local environment and the region.

There have been a number of environmental impact studies recently released across the region from the energy sector, currently available for public examination. I encourage residents during this period to take advantage of the opportunity to view these documents and provide their feedback into how these companies should operate in their community. I urge residents to also review the Social Impact Management Plans (SIMPS) that these companies will have to submit to the State Government,

COMMENT Cr Ray Brown Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

as these are crucial tools in developing what social infrastructure is required in response to the impacts they are inflicting on our communities.

In a major groundbreaking initiative to help provide affordable housing stress relief across the region,Western Downs Regional Council recently launched the Western Downs Housing Trust to assist in the implementation of the Western Downs Housing Strategy, which was adopted earlier this year.The Trust is an independent business entity established as part of this strategy to deliver affordable

housing into our communities that are experiencing massive impact from resource development. Council would like to sincerely thank QGC for the substantial financial donation it contributed to the Fund, which reaffirms the company's commitment to helping build more livable communities in the region.Western Downs Regional Council is also working with other resource proponents across the region to lend significant financial support to help alleviate housing and lifestyle issues in the region.The formula and methodology that Western Downs Regional Council has identified will be a great tool not only for our region but also for the State Government's CoordinatorGeneral in identifying the impacts from all developments in the region. So far this year, the outlook for the region has been extremely positive, particularly in our agricultural sector as our region is experiencing its best winter cereal outlook in recent time. Let's hope there are prosperous times ahead.

The challenges for the Western Downs and Surat Basin Regions are many but the opportunities will be far greater through efforts by the GasFields Commission Queensland to bridge the divide between the resources sector and the agricultural sector, embracing the AT THE READY: GasFields Commission Queensland Commissioners (back from left) Shane Charles, differences and together building Rick Wilkinson, Don Stiller, Ian Hayllor, (front) Ray Brown, John Cotter and Steven Raine came sustainable and prosperous local together on 2 August for the Commission's inaugural meeting. communities.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

head to HEAD

HEADtoHEAD Anne Cameron

Anne and Brian Cameron have lived i n t h e i r Wa l l u m b i l l a North property for 44 years t least nine CSG wells have been slated for the property while the Camerons will also be near neighbours to the massive Xstrata coal mine project in Wandoan, once approved.

Anne has been a long-time opponent of the effects of the gas industry and was instrumental in promoting the documentary film Gasland in Roma. Anne also is one of the Six Artists from out of Nowhere whose recent exhibition in Roma "Shoot Straight You Bastards" (named for Breaker Morant's last words) voiced concern about the speed of development in gas and mining in the region.

Anne, now a grandmother of eight, is unapologetic about her outspoken stance.

"I'm worried about the long-term impacts on

A

Ree Price

the underground water," Anne said.

"Neither I nor my children might live to see the consequences."

Anne said the underground water was compromised.

"There is a lot of toxic water coming out and the reverse osmosis plants are not enough," she said.

Anne said she had a good relationship with the gas companies despite her concerns.

"I'm not against anyone making the most of the opportunities, my son works in the industry," she said.

"But it's the corporate greed of the big companies - they are the ones benefitting."

Anne said the footprint of the industry on her property was huge.

"It's not just CSG workers and their machinery," she said.

"There are electricity towers , sewerage lines and a breakout 700m in front of our house to service gas at Spring Gully."

Anne said her art was an expression of her protest.

"It's a way of dealing with the problem," she said.

"I guess people aren't sick of me keeping on about it."

Anne expects things to get worse when drilling starts on her property.

"We'll be watching out for the welfare of our cattle," she said.

"I just hope that as Breaker Morant said 'they don't make a mess of it'."Either way, I'll continue to speak out."

Ree and Leon Price's property in North Pickanjinnie has been owned by Leon's family since 1955 hey have a network of gas wells and water storage dams on their land and both Santos and QGC have leases over the property.

But Ree, who is both a landowner and a councillor for the Maranoa, said they farm their cattle alongside the wells.

"We decided when it first began we don't really have a choice in the matter, they have a right to mine in the area, so we decided to work together," Ree said.

"They won't be here forever but the infrastructure they leave behind, that will be." For the Prices this infrastructure includes an upgraded road network on their property and extra water points.

"We're able to get our cattle trucks into places we've never been able to get them into before," Ree said. The Prices have also become the site for a pilot project which uses CSG water for irrigation.

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"They put the water through reverse osmosis, and we're the first private property they've done it on," Ree said.

She said as well as leaving some great infrastructure the CSG companies have been very good at allaying her and her family's concerns.

"With the upgraded roads we were worried we'd have people come onto our property without invitation," Ree said.

"It was Santos who suggested we install CTV cameras so we would know who was driving around."

Ree said the CSG companies worked with them to ensure they did not interrupt the Price's farming.

"We let them know what we're doing with the cattle and when it's weening time with the cattle in the yard or if we're branding they stay away then," she said. Ree said for landholders to get the best out of CSG companies working on their land they had to be willing to keep the lines of communication open. "I've always said right from the start talk to people who can make a difference and help solve the problems you have," she said. Ree said although there are a lot more people coming and going on their property now than ever before, the positives outweigh the negatives.

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PAGE 15

down to page 17 page 18 page19 Surat Basin Industrial Park

Local lobbies for change

Sunwater pipeline update

Applications for the first round of funding as a part of the Royalties to the Regions program open next month

Riches returned to regions estern Downs mayor Ray Brown said his council would be thinking big in several applications to the state government's Royalties to the Regions program.

Cr Brown said while staff were still considering the applications, he would be aiming to get "every last dollar" he could from the program.

"Certainly will. I will be trying to use every dollar I can to address an issue right across our region," he said.

"Our team are looking at it at the moment, what applications to run."

Royalties to the Regions is a program designed to ensure communities which support the resource industry get something back.

The program will receive $495 million over four years.

Applications for the first round of funding will open in September, and may only be made by 14 local governments in Queensland.

The proposals for the use of funding must be in one of three categories - Resource

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Community Building Fund (for creating or improving community infrastructure), Roads to Resources (enhancing regional roads) or Floodplain Security (flood mitigation works).

Cr Brown has also drawn up a $100 million list of demands to coal company Xstrata, who are working their way through the approvals process to build Australia's biggest coal mine at Wandoan.

The list includes building new roads, upgrading water and waste facilities and

building a new airport beside the town.

"It's in their court now... we're happy and now it's up to them to sign off on it," Cr Brown said.

"We weren't going to wait around for contributions from the government or Royalties for Regions to start coming.

"We believe we had to take the forward step... that way it's not my community that has to contribute. Now is when the rubber hits the road."

Cr Brown said housing would be in a separate agreement.

The Xstrata Wandoan coal mine is expected to bring 1000 workers into the town, to be housed in a single camp outside Wandoan. Maranoa Regional Council did not respond before deadline to Surat Basin News' request for information regarding what funding it would be seeking as a part of the Royalties to the Regions program.

Cr Brown has also drawn up a $100 million list of demands to coal company Xstrata, who are working their way through the approvals p r o c e s s t o b u i l d A u s t r a l i a 's b i g g e s t c o a l m i n e a t Wa n d o a n

Cockatoo Coal Surat projects update

www.machinerysolutions.com.au

Ph 4627 2660 PAGE 16

146 Mary Street Miles 4415 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

A spokesperson for Cockatoo coal said it is committed to progressing the Surat basin projects which include the Woori Project at Guluguba, Collingwood Project near Wandoan and the Taroom Project.

"The timing to develop the projects will coincide with construction of key infrastructure including Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) and the Surat Basin rail," the spokesperson said.

"Cockatoo Coal already holds port capacity in WICET stage 1 for the Baralaba expansion project (Bowen Basin), and was recently awarded 4.2 mtpa port capacity in the Wiggins Island Expansion Phase 1 (WEXP1) for the Collingwood Project.

"The Collingwood coal project sits immediately adjacent to the planned SBR, while the Woori coal project is further to the south." It is anticipated that allocation for the Woori and Taroom Projects will now be sought for WEXP2.

BUSINESS page20 page21 Ostwald’s hat trick

Huge contract awarded

Investors rush Surat Basin Industrial Park The Surat Basin's premier industrial estate, a 55 hectare development 200 meters from the Warrego Highway in Chinchilla, is now 35 percent sold with buyers keen to capitalise on the area's strong economy.

Developed by Surat Basin Developments (SBD) part of the Surat Basin Property Group (SBPG), the Surat Basin Industrial Park was launched in May 2012 with the first stage comprising of 26 individual lots.

The project provides the only prime developed industrial land in Chinchilla and according to SBD it has been enthusiastically received by the market.

SBPG's CEO Jason van Hooft said the industrial lots sold had ranged in size from 3892 square meters to 11600 square meters.

"The Surat Basin Industrial Park is close to the centre of town and is purposely designed and built to suit a full range of industrial uses - from light to heavy industry in a perfect location for any business with a vested interest in the resource sector of the Surat Basin," he said.

"On the back of recent strong demand, we are currently preparing to move ahead with the final stage of lots in the estate.

"We are currently awaiting development approval for seven industrial units on lot one and they are available off the plan for sale from $800,000 or for lease from $175 per square metre, sizes will range from 400 to 580 square meters.

"We are also in the process of lodging several other development applications for a variety of buildings, which will also be

available for sale or lease."

Mr van Hooft said purchasers so far have largely been a mix of investors and supply chain end users.

One of the first investors to come on board at Surat Basin Industrial Park was Paul Grieve - the director of Osmac International.

Osmac specialises in oilfields machinery manufacture and repairs.

Mr Grieve said Surat Basin Industrial Park provided large, centrally located sites ideal for companies looking to expand their presence in Chinchilla.

"I've seen nothing but positive growth in Chinchilla in recent years and I expect this trend will continue, especially now that we have this new industrial park to provide further opportunity for companies that are looking to expand,� he said.

"We are looking forward to commencing operations on site in October this year, and anticipate the rest of the industrial park will fill up quickly because there is such strong demand for a whole range of businesses and products in this fast growing region."

The Surat Basin Industrial Park features underground three-phase power, town water and sewerage, full telecommunications facilities, 24/7 operation with council approval and free gravel hardstand to all blocks.

The second stage of the development will be released in early 2013 and the block sizes will range from 4380 square metres to 4.04 hectares.

Specialising in Property Management

SBPG surat basin property group

THE Surat Basin's infrastructure, mining and property boom has contributed to the Darling Downs region having one of Queensland's lowest unemployment rates -topping major centres including the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast, and sitting well below the state average of 5.7 per cent.

Darling Downs currently tops Brisbane (5.3%), the Gold Coast (6.3%), Sunshine Coast (6.4%) and North Queensland (9.4%), with only Mackay/ Central West slightly outranking the region at 3.9 per cent.

One of the keys to the region's strong economy and low unemployment is its proximity to major mining projects, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releasing statistics this month showing that as of May this year, mining in Queensland had generated more than 72,000 direct full-time jobs nationwide a 21 per cent increase on the same time last year.

Surat Basin Property Group (SBPG) CEO Jason van Hooft said the area's diverse economy provides work opportunities in mining, agriculture and retail, and comparatively affordable housing has made the town attractive for a range of workers and young families.

As a result, demand for housing in the area is fast outpacing supply, with Mr van Hooft anticipating the upward trend will continue over the coming years.

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"A key consideration for buyers when deciding to invest in or move to a new area is whether the economic and employment outlook for the region is positive - and the latest figures clearly demonstrate that the Darling Downs and Chinchilla in particular are strong performers," he said.

"The agricultural industry has always been a primary driver of employment, yet the town is also at the gateway to the Surat Basin, which now boasts billions of dollars in infrastructure and mining activity.

"Additionally, there is plenty of work in the centre of town in the retail and services sector, with a new McDonalds opening soon with 80 new positions available, and many other fast food and restaurant franchises looking for workers to help service demand from the thousands of people who call Chinchilla home.

"Chinchilla is not only appealing because it provides such a wealth of choice in terms of work - housing here is also well priced, which is another cornerstone of the region's success.

"SBPG can provide turnkey housing solutions priced from $390,000 to $452,000.

"Rental returns range from $550 to $800 per week, and there is virtually no vacancy, which is yet another testament to the region's robust economy and employment opportunities."

Mr van Hooft said SBPG employed more than 60 people in Chinchilla and had other consultants and staff engaged on projects in the Surat Basin who were located in Brisbane.

Rural Phone 07 4669 1911

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

Chinchilla PAGE 17

down to BUSINESS

Calling for change ambo feedlot owner Max Winders has made a call to the Queensland Water Commission and the Newman Government to make revisions to water management legislation, in light of increasing industrial demands on underground aquifers in the Surat Basin.

Mr Winders, who is also managing director of the consultancy firm MWA Environmental, gave a presentation at the 'Rich Land Dewatered' speaking tour stops in Wandoan and Condamine this month to explain the reasoning behind his initiative.

"Part of the problem with our existing water management system is that we look at the water output from mining and gas companies as a waste product, when it needs to be regarded as a precious commodity, which water certainly is," he said "There's no transparency to the deals done between Sunwater and the gas companies."

"We need to be able to ensure that the waste water from gas production is safe and fit for purpose."

His submission in response to the Draft Underground Water Impact

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Report for the Surat Cumulative Management Area criticised the way future impacts on water sources are measured and predicted.

"The current model for explaining the industrial impact on underground aquifers is a solid state model, and it is very clumsy, it needs to be reviewed by an independent body."

Mr Winders said that several legislative changes need to be made in order to ensure that proper care is taken with water used by coal mining and gas production.

"Firstly, the Petroleum and Gas Production and Safety Act needs to be revised to require that the untreated water, which is a regulated waste, be delivered to a properly authorised water service provider.

"Second, the Water Supply Safety and Reliability Act should be upgraded and regulations added such that the conditions upon which authorised water service providers would operate are closely controlled and overseen by the government to make sure that all the waste is propertly accounted for, and all of the recovered water is passed on to the people who are entitled to use

water form the Great Artesian Basin, such as landholders or communities."

"The water must be treated and passed on in a form that's suitable for them" Mr Winders said the Water Resouirces (Great Artesian Basin) Plan should also be amended to specify that the industrial water recovered by water service providers needs infrastructure to provide for its delivery to landholders and other qualified users.

"We also need government intervention to ensure that the Queensland Water Commission's underground water impact study is independently reviewed, and suggestions be made as to how it might be further improved to provide a more reliable guide to the future use of the great water resource of the Great Artesian Basin plan," he said.

"We (MWA Environmental) think that of all the people who are available and independent, and have in-house capability of doing this it is BRGM." The Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) is a public institution in France concerned with earth sciences.

WANDOAN PUBLIC: Max Winders presents his ideas on water management in the Surat Basin at the Rich Land Dewatered speaking event at Wandoan this month

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down to BUSINESS Farmers disappointed with delays in construction of treatment plant

Waiting on the water armers along the Condamine River are still waiting for access to treated coal seam gas water as QGC continues its construction of the Kenya Water Treatment Plant, south of Chinchilla.

While the Sunwater pipeline has been completed and is set to transport water to the Chinchilla Weir, a statement by QGC said there has been delays in the construction of the reverse osmosis facility.

"The plant involves complex and advanced technology and includes associated pipelines and a 25megawatt gas-fired power plant to run the reverse osmosis process," the statement said.

The plant will comprise of a large water treatment facility and a smaller module.

"There have been construction delays and QGC expects the smaller module to be treating water for Sunwater customers later this year and the larger facility to be commissioned in the first half of next year," the

F

statement said.

"We have been updating Sunwater on progress and they have notified their customers of the expected completion dates."

QGC invited Sunwater and its customers to a tour of the plant recently to provide an update on construction and explain how the plant will work.

Sunwater customer Ian Wolski said he was disappointed by the slow progress.

"A lot of farmers purchased and installed equipment in anticipation for completion in February, because of the penalty for not using water that we'd signed up to," Mr Wolski said.

"If they'd allowed us to come on a tour six months ago we wouldn't have gone ahead buying the (equipment)."

Once completed, the facility will enable the phasing out of evaporation ponds, instead treating CSG water to create a resource for beneficial re-use by agricultural and industrial users and to supplement town water supplies.

"We have been updating Sunwater on progress and they have notified their customers of the expected completion dates."

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PAGE 19

down to BUSINESS

Ostwald’s take home hat trick alby's Ostwald Bros was named Employer of the Year for the South-West Region at the Queensland Training Awards (QTA) in Toowoomba last night.The energy and resources focused construction and services company won the award for the third year running for providing training opportunities to its 700strong workforce.

Executive General Manager Matt Ostwald thanked the company's dedicated employees for their commitment to excellence in the workplace.

"I want to say a very big thanks to all our workers for their outstanding contribution

D

over the last 12 months," he said.

"Our 500 employees are the life and soul of Ostwald Bros and they've all helped to make the company the outstanding success story it is today.

"They can all share in the credit for this award.

"Ostwald Bros will continue to invest in skills and training through initiatives like our online apprenticeship aptitude testing.

"Our partnerships with local high schools give many students important work experience opportunities and we also offer traineeships to Indigenous youths.

"This is in addition to our civil engineering scholarships, which give university students

" O S T WA L D B RO S H A S A S T RO N G C O M M I T M E N T TO S K I L L S A N D T R A I N I N G , I N C L U D I N G O N L I N E APPRENTICESHIP APTITUDE TESTING AND T R A I N E E S H I P S F O R I N D I G E N O U S YO U T H S

important on-site experience."

Mr Ostwald said training was essential for the company's regionally based workforce.

"With many of our workers operating in remote locations, we need to invest in skills that can deliver in us real time and safety efficiencies.

"That's why on all our job sites our workers are getting some form of training, which could be from a professional trainers or through on-the-job instruction from their workmates."

Ostwald Bros is a family-owned company based in Dalby.

The company specialises in regional and remote service delivery incorporating coal seam gas services, mining support and regional infrastructure. Ostwald Bros employs a range of apprentices and trainees to maintain and operate its extensive fleets of prime movers, agitators, plant, and equipment including fitter and turners, diesel fitters and boiler makers.The company was one of 57 finalists chosen from more than 750 nominations state-wide. Ostwald Bros is now in contention for the Statewide prize at the State Finals scheduled for Brisbane in September.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

down to BUSINESS

$150 million contract awarded ast Coast Pipeline has been awarded a $150 million contract to install polyethylene pipe for 145 wells at Spring Gully, north-east of Roma as part of phase 1 construction of the Australia Pacific LNG Project.

The work will involve all the preparation, laying, welding and environmental rehabilitation and restoration associated with more than 600km of high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe that will transport extracted gas and water from these wells.

The project was part of the first phase of construction of the Australia Pacific LNG Project.

East Coast Pipeline owner Barry Waldron said signing teh lucrativ deal was amassive coup for teh company.

"It's the biggest contract we've signed," Mr Waldron said yesterday.

"As a Roma boy, I'm really thankful for the opportunity to go back home and reconnect with old ties and hopefully share some of the benefits of this major infrastructure project."

The contract was signed in May and while preliminary work had begun, Mr Waldron expects to

E

Mr Waldron said he too supported local businesses and employed locally where he could.

add at least another 60 people to his 120-strong staff before work fires-up in earnest.

About 10 Gympie employees already work for East Coast Pipeline - some have worked for Mr Waldron for many years.

So far, APLNG says $2.3 billion has been spent with local companies, representing about 80% in local content.

It did not break down specific spending plans locally for the $23 billion project this week, but said

a "significant proportion" of expenditure would be in Australian dollars, with a majority of that spent locally.

Mr Waldron said he too supported local businesses and employed locally where he could.

The new staff will be a mix of locals and fly-in-fly-out employees, some from interstate.

Mr Waldron said the project involved putting pipes about 900mm underground.

East Coast Pipeline started in 1972, and Mr Waldron joined the company in 1976.

He started with steel welding work and bought the first of his four 40-acre blocks at Lower Wonga in 1994.

Nowadays he spends most nights at his Redcliffe residence which is closer to his Australia Pacific LNG Chief Executive Officer, Page Maxson, said he was pleased to award a major contract to another local Queensland business.

"Late last year we awarded the HDPE pipe supply contract to a Toowoombabased company, so we are pleased to have another home grown business putting this locally made pipe into the ground," Mr Maxson said.

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www.fkg.com.au WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD TOMORROW Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PAGE 21

building the page23 page25 page26 Black Trucks now open

MI Helicopter’s new service

Europcar joins Surat Basin

SUCCESSFUL FUTURE: Apprentice butcher Brock Moffatt at Chaplain Butchery in Miles.

Brock sees bright future in Miles hird year butcher's apprentice Brock Moffatt is working for Chaplain Butchery in Miles, and studying Certificate III Meat Processing (retail butcher), with support from Origin's Community Skills Scholarship.

The 17 year old apprentice manages a wide range of tasks at Chaplain Butchery and plans to stay on with the business when he completes his training.

Brock lives with his parents, brother and sister on the family property on the

T

outskirts of Miles, where his father runs a cattle transport trucking business.

Brock is saving to buy a four wheel drive and one day would like to run a mobile butchery, travelling to local properties.

"Miles is a great country town; I like living here," Brock said.

"I'm planning to finish my apprenticeship and stay on for a few years - to say thanks to John and the boys for helping me get a start.

"The scholarship is a great help with tools and costs - a good sharpening steel can cost around $250."

John Chaplain, owner and manager of Chaplain Butchery, said the boost to local businesses from resource development was a welcome stimulus for Miles.

"The gas development has been good for the town, and that's why we are able to put on more young people to learn a trade," John said.

"Brock is doing really well, and we've just put on another apprentice - a young girl.

"It means we can train the kids, they get something out of it, a wage and skills, and we get workers - it's good, it's fantastic."

Origin Community Skills Scholarship

" T H E S C H O L A R S H I P I S A G R E AT H E L P W I T H TO O L S A N D C O S T S - A G O O D S H A R P E N I N G S T E E L C A N C O S T A RO U N D $250."

PAGE 22

Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PROGRAM The Origin Community Skills Scholarship program contributes up to $13,500 a year to help young people stay and learn new skills in their local community.

Support is available for any trade listed on the National Skills Need List.

Funding is paid in instalments to match the completion of course competencies and can be used to purchase items like textbooks, tools and uniforms.

Anyone aged 15 years or older who is currently in their first year of an apprenticeship or looking to begin their trade career can apply.

BASIN page26 page27 CMS’ newest toy

FKG’s young guns

Black Trucks calls Roma home gap in the market was the main motivator for Black Trucks to open its first dealership in Roma.

Black Trucks Sales part-owner, Jason Black said with the gas and cattle industries booming, it made sense to open a dealership in Roma.

"Roma was the logical choice for company expansion," he said.

"There was a gap in the Roma market for heavy and light vehicle service and availability and now people don't have to go to Toowoomba to get their rigs serviced."

Six months after construction finished in its dealership, Black Trucks has celebrated the official opening on Tuesday, August 7 when around 100 guests gathered at the site located on the Warrego Hwy east of Roma.

Mr Black said Black Trucks was conscious of its impact to Roma and hoped his team of 10 employees would double in the first 12 months of operation.

"Within our 10 employees, there are a mix of locals and people who are travelling," he said.

"But our branch manager is relocating from Sydney and we are encouraging our staff to rent or buy in town."

Construction started on the site in March 2011 and although it had been finished for a number of months, different factors meant the opening was delayed.

Local business owners and clients gathered for drinks and nibbles at the opening before Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan helped cut the cake with Mr Black.

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BIG TOYS: Jason Black of Black Truck Sales cuts the cake with Mayor Robert Loughnan to mark the official opening of it Roma Dealership on Tuesday night.

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PAGE 23

building the BASIN basin

Sales team in touch with customer's needs ttention to detail can often pay dividends, and there's no better example of this than Tilly's Crawler Parts' move to streamline its 'phone answering system.

Tilly's Crawler Parts sales manager Andy Waldron said improvements to its switchboard answering procedures were just that "pinch of salt" needed to lift operational efficiency when clients ring its Toowoomba headquarters.

Andy is responsible for directing a 14strong sales team that generate healthy sales revenues in quality, alternative parts to the earthmoving and excavation industry - especially for brand names like Caterpillar and Komatsu.

With 21 years at Tilly's under his belt, it's been a long journey for Andy who came to town following the wool crash when he was based at Mungallala in Western Queensland.

Originally from a sheep and cattle property, he put his hand up to join the

A

noted Tilly's sales team.

"While I was always keen it was a big bonus that I also enjoyed the job right from the start," Andy said.

"Even though I started 'out-the-back', I just clicked with what Tilly's was all about from my first day."

Turning to his present role,Andy says while he co-ordinates his sales team's efforts it's just as important for him to keep his hand in the sales arena.

"It's vital for me to keep in touch with the needs and wants of our customers," he said.

Along the way Andy and his team will be out to bolster Tilly's good reputation, generated over many a year. "The name is incredibly well received across the country," he said.

As to what makes a good salesman, the point is made that technical skills are just one element needed to achieve success.

"We just focus on people who are keen to serve the industry, and it seems to work," Andy said.

At the end of the day he said it is a satisfying job, requiring the team to adjust to not only the demands of different industries but also agriculture's changing seasons.

"In the dry much of our business turns to helping customers using machinery to push scrub for their cattle," Andy said. "When it's wet, our customers tend to concentrate on making improvements to their property with stick-rakes." Currently,Andy said the business is "going gangbusters," stressing how the business remains on budget for the year ahead and the importance of a genuine interaction between staff and customers can never be under-stated.

"Often, after having only spoken to them on the phone for maybe twice a week during the past 10 years or so, someone will introduce themselves to me with a welcoming handshake," Andy said."It's hugely satisfying and I continue to learn something new every week."

Andy is married and has two children that attend local Toowoomba schools.

Supplying connections upply Connections is a recruitment agency specialising in the placement of purchasing, warehousing and other Supply Chain personnel, for coverage in all sectors including mining, oil and gas, construction, industrial, government and commercial corporations throughout Australia and overseas.

The Company was established in 2002 by the Ingram brothers, Terry and Ron, who hail from the Central Western districts of Queensland.

Both have backgrounds in supply, having worked throughout Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory, New Guinea and Indonesia in the mining industry.

Terry is now the sole Managing Director of the company which has offices strategically located in Brisbane, Mackay,Townsville, Perth and Singleton; ensuring national coverage for all major Mining, Oil and Gas, Construction and expansion projects.

With a management team holding over 90 years combined experience in purchasing, supply and logistics, Supply Connections can offer quality service, efficiency and sound advice the first time, every time.

Their industry experience ensures first-hand knowledge of job requirements and they draw on this expertise and the company's extensive database

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of candidates when sourcing qualified personnel for an impressive range of existing clients.

The Company's high level of repeat business speaks volumes for the quality of candidates and service provided by its friendly staff.

In the supply chain industry, Supply Connections has developed a reputation for reliability, not only with client companies, but also employees who keep coming back whenever they are looking for new opportunities.

Suply Connections manage director Terry Ingram said the recruitment process is painless.

"Simply let Supply Connections know your staffing requirements, then sit back and let us do the rest ," he said.

"We will source and screen the candidates, undertake reference checks, then supply a short list for final selection.

"Supply Connections' hire solutions provide flexibility whilst reducing the risk, cost and resource commitment required to train and maintain a permanent workforce."

Supply Connections recognises that quality, friendly service, and the ability to identify customer needs and develop on-going relationships with clientele across the country, are all essential elements for building mutually satisfactory business arrangements.

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PAGE 24

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

building the BASIN

Mi Helicopters look to future "We are really excited to be able to offer this cutting edge technology to our customers."

A

s Mi Helicopters Roma continues to expand their operations throughout the Surat Basin the team are excited to announce the addition of a new service.

The Gasfinder AB gas detection unit provides customers with accurate leak identification which is not subject to terrain limitations.

Mi Helicopters Roma director and

chief pilot Kevin Clark said the benefits of the Gasfinder AB unit are endless.

"The gas leak detection unit can provide an aerial survey to ensure there are no significant leaks prior to ground crews conducting maintenance," Mr Clark said.

"It means there is no risk of ground crew entering high concentration methane areas during surveying/patrol,

also decreases vehicle movement along the pipeline right away.

"We are really excited to be able to offer this cutting edge technology to our customers."

Mr Clark said gas companies in the area had trailed the system and were very happy with the results.

"It adds another tool gas companies can use for checking their pipelines and gas infrastructure," he said.

"It is not something that companies will use as an everyday part of their procedures but it will just add that extra layer of safety to their operations."

Mr Clark said Mi Helicopters continues to grow exponentially.

"We are expanding in the Roma region through the services we offer that support the gas industry and seismic operations in the area," he said.

CQ Expo shaping up to be huge he recent launch of the second annual Central Queensland Transport Trades and Mining Expo (CQ Expo) has been met with a flood of new exhibitor enquiries and strong sponsor support.

Australian Events, who are the company behind the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo said that CQ Expo is pivotal for companies wanting to connect with industry from Gladstone across into Central Queensland

T

where development work in the Southern Bowen Basin and the Galilee Basin is unfolding at a rapid pace.

The sound success of the inaugural event in 2012 paved the way for an expanded site plan and greater industry involvement.

Australian Events director Bob Carroll said organizers are working closely with Rockhampton Regional Council and Capricorn Enterprise to establish a hard hitting one day

conference on Tuesday March 12 followed by two intensive days of Expo business on the March 13 and 14 2013.

"There is frenetic activity across Central Queensland and companies are very keen to see CQ Expo as an annual event to showcase the latest release products and techniques for all areas of mining and industry," Mr Carroll said.

Once again there will be a dedicated HR and Recruitment Pavilion which was enormously

successful for all companies and organisations that took part.

"In 2013 we will be bringing in more heavy vehicles and transport solutions, earthmoving and construction, safety and logistics, mine safe vehicles and transporters, remote accommodation solutions and a whole heap more."

Central Queensland Transport Trades and Mining Expo will be on at the Rockhampton Showgrounds from March 12-14 2013.

For all exhibitor enquiries and event details contact Australian Events on 1800 671 588 or via their web site www.cqexpo.com.au

Head ofďŹ ce Roma Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PAGE 25

building the BASIN basin

Easy excavator construction machinery solutions (CMS) are thrilled to announce the introduction of the EzdigPro to their already comprehensive fleet of machinery available for hire and sale.

The EZDigPro is an innovative real time depth and grade control for excavators.

With no cables and magnetic sensors it is no longer necessary to drill or weld anymore, giving welders all the flexibility they need.

C Europcar franchise now with Crampton Automotive Group ark Crampton is proud to announce that the Crampton Automotive Group has secured the South West Queensland Europcar franchise.

As this area includes Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Warwick, Dalby, Chinchilla, Moree and Roma, Mark Crampton sees Europcar as a complimentary fit to his existing businesses, Toowoomba Holden, Toowoomba Hyundai and West-Star Motors.

With the addition of Europcar in Toowoomba and Roma, the Crampton Automotive Group now employs a total of 175 people.

"Our expertise is cars and we are delighted to form a partnership with one of the world's largest rental companies, in order to expand their presence in the Darling Downs. Especially given the amount of activity in the Surat Basin," Mr Crampton said. Europcar offers its clients a wide choice of cost effective and budget conscious vehicleoptions. Inclusive of passenger vehicles, mini-vans,people movers 4WD, SUV and a range of small buses and trucks.

The Crampton Automotive Group has completely upgraded their rental fleet in Toowoomba and Roma to ensure they offer the best quality and variety of vehicles in the area.

Europcar, founded in 1949 operates in 150 countries from 13,000 locations with 10 million rentals annually. Europcar, has partnered with Greenfleet and fully participates in their carbon offset program, which since December 2006 has resulted in the planting of 133,348 trees.

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year inspections and rebuilds to Australian Standards," Mr Delaforce said.

"Our sales department has a range of used telescopic handlers and access equipment and offers competitive prices for your new telehandler, fork lift, or work platform requirements.

"Drop in and see our friendly staff for all of your machinery soliutions."

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Peter Delaforce of CMS said the EZDigPro saves time, money and increases accuracy.

"Setup and calibration takes less than forty minutes the first time and less than five minutes for daily setup," he said.

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Surat Basin NEWS it’s all about our businesses, our people, our resources, our communities our phone number 07 4662 7368 Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

building the BASIN Alexandra Williams is not just a pretty face; and has the Master Builders award to prove it

Award winning team F

K GARDNER and Sons Group have been heavily involved in the Surat Basin region for over 15 years. Not surprisingly, the company was recently recognised at the Queensland Master Builders Awards.

FKG Cadet Alexandra Williams did the company proud after winning an award at the ceremony in Toowoomba.

Alexandra received the Women in Construction Award for Downs and Western region.

25 year old cadet Alexandra knows all too well the pros and cons of working in a male dominated field.

"I often get called the secretary or the personal assistant," she said.

"But I'm quick to voice my title; they usually look at me stunned for a moment and then it's down to business" she said.

Alex's achievement was not the only one FKG was awarded on the night. FKG was named Civil Contractor of the Year for Downs and Western region for its work on Hillview Dam. The 419 megalitre earth dam was announced the category winner during the awards evening held in July.

General manager Nick Gardner said the construction team played an instrumental role in securing the award.

"The project team on Hillview was dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome while adhering to environmental conformance," he said Mr Gardner also recognised that FKG winning Civil Contractor of the Year was a major coup for their regional office in Roma.

"We rely on our regional managers and teams to ensure the right processes are produced at a site level and this is evidenced by the success the group has achieved in the Surat Basin" Mr Gardner said.

YOUNG GUNS: Alexandra Williams on site with FKG Project Manager Mike Turner and Subcontractor Andrew Mason.

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Surat Basin News - 07 4662 7368 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 Laurell Ison email: advertise@suratbasin.com.au www.suratbasin.com.au www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

PAGE 27

places and page 29 page 30 page 31 Q&A with Darren Holmes

International connections

Easternwell’s grants open

SB Expo draws massive crowd

Trent and Kerri Murray.

Easternwell crew Craig Rayner, Grant Gamberini and Craig Griffin.

Blucher's Warren koina and Justin Allingham.

Simon Ross of BTP, Steve Hargreaves of Bus 4x4, Hannah Berck from BTP and Bus 4x4 managing director Peter Withington.

Rebecca Ahearn and Darren Sargant of Chinchilla Fluid Power.

Bill Miller with his daughter Abigail.

Christine Wagner and Melanie Cavanough from FK Gardeners.

Toni and Nathan Trussler.

Harcourts Toowoomba team members Daryl Nicholson and Jodie Gardner.

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012

Employmen t Opportunit ies

FACES page32 Leanne’s inspiring trek

facetoface

Darren Holmes ARROW ENERGY

From Damascus to Dalby, Darren Holmes is a Canadian man with a winding and varied career path, and he is now calling the Western Downs home Darren has worked in Syria as an engineering manager for Shell, having to leave suddenly when civil war broke out. He is an engineer with 30 years experience in the oil and gas industry, working all over Canada and the Middle East.

He is now living in Dalby as Arrow Energy's manager of southern operations.

What were your first impression of the Surat Basin when you arrived here to live in June?

We arrived the night before Dalby's One Night Stand concert and then it just poured rain all weekend so we didn't see too much at first, but my initial impressions of Dalby was that it was a lovely little country town and the people are friendly.

What do you envision as your lifestyle in this area?

I am personally not in favour of FIFO work so when I got the position in the Surat Basin my wife and I were keen to settle in the area.We really love small towns, I have spent most of my life living in them. It takes five minutes to get to work, there's less traffic and less crime. It's easier to get stuff done and get on the golf course! I am an avid golfer and I enjoy mixing with my community. I find you have a higher quality of life in a town around Dalby's size. My daughter has started school at the Dalby Christian College.

Oh and I'm excited about the new pool.

What are the biggest challenges of your role?

Probably attracting qualified staff to the area when it means they have to relocate a family.

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

Surat Basin

NEWS Advertising details Laurell Ison 4662 7368 advertise@suratbasin.com.au

Have you explored the area at all?

We went to the Bunyas recently.We didn't bring jackets, we didn't count on it being quite so cold- that's the Canadian influence.We stood on the top of the mountain and it was freezing but that was really neat.

You could see for miles.

What do you see as the future of the Surat Basin?

I think the future here is very bright.There's a need for energy and the Surat Basin has a lot of gas.

What made you move to Australia?

At the time when we were living in Syria they said if a civil war breaks out have a plan B prepared. In October they came and said you've got a week to get your family out and my wife has family in Sydney so my wife went and stayed there. I met them in Sydney and we absolutely fell in love with Australia and did not want to leave. We are planning on staying here for as long as we can.

What changes has Arrow undergone recently?

We have as a company been taking significant steps towards lessening our footprint, we have been working very hard towards that.

How do you build or manage a good company?

Leadership is important, strong values, and recognising that the employees are a key asset- I think a lot of companies don't see that or at least don't practice that.

Developing employees in terms of training is also important, but that goes alongside recognising the importance of your staff.

What is on your radar at the moment?

I'm going in the Brisbane marathon this weekend. I've been training for three months. I'm doing the half marathon which is 21.1km.

I want to get into triathlons, I like swimming a lot and that's another great thing about Dalby- the new pool opening up.

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PAGE 29

places and FACES

A hub for skilled international workers TH E m in in g a nd re s ou rc e s b oom in t he Su r a t Ba s i n i s t u rn i n g t h e countr y town i n t o a h u b for skille d in te r n a t i on a l wo rke rs lookin g to ta ke ad v an t a ge of t h e regio n 's em p loy me n t op p or t u n i t i es and e co n o m ic p ros p e ri t y he Surat Basin is experiencing an influx of people moving from overseas and setting up their homes in Chinchilla, Miles, Roma and surrounding towns in the Surat Basin.

A perfect example of these new international arrivals are Tapsi Lakhupota and Roshan Amesur, who originally lived in Mumbai - India, but have held jobs in various major cities around the world including Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Muscat - Oman, Singapore, Houston and most recently Boston - United States.

Mrs Lakhupota has recently taken a job as an IT Consultant with Surat Basin property Group, following her husband's transfer to Chinchilla to work as a Well Construction Engineer.

She said although there was a huge contrast between city and country living, the couple was now settling in to their new home and lifestyle.

"Taking a look around the world with the current turbulent economic climate, it's clear that Australia is one of the most stable countries with the greatest opportunity for people to come and find employment in a variety of fields," she said.

"Employment in mining regions offers attractive remuneration, which is another great drawcard, and although

NEW ADV ENTURE: Tapsi Lak hupota an Roshan Am d esu in nicely to r are settling their new lives in Chinch illa.

T

it is a lot quieter than the city, people here are always friendly and that has really helped us to settle in to our new lives.

"Chinchilla is close to all the major mining projects, but it's also accessible to Brisbane and other major regional areas, so we have had the chance to explore our surroundings."

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released statistics this month that showed as of May this year, mining in

Queensland had generated more than 72,000 direct full-time jobs nationwide - a 21 per cent increase on the same time last year.According to the ABS, there has also been a 250 per cent increase in private capital investment in mining statewide over the past year , with the figure now standing at $21.7 billion compared to just $8 billion in March 2011.

The Darling Downs' Chinchilla region has an unemployment

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places and FACES COMMUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM EASTERNWELL GRANTS asternwell opened its latest round of community grants on Monday August 20.

With a specific focus on the Surat Basin and surrounding areas, $20, 000 worth of funding will be awarded in this round to community groups, clubs and associations.

The Easternwell Community Grants program seeks to provide financial and social assistance to the regions in which it has key operations.

Groups within the community who are looking for support to purchase equipment, to improve, commence building or to develop training programs are all examples of projects

LOUD AND CLEAR: Harrison Murphy, Timothy Sheedy and Emily and Jack Blair of Moonie State School try out the school's new PA system, courtesy of Easternwell's community grants program.

E

which will be looked upon favourably during assessment by the selection panel.

Previous winners from the Surat Basin include the Roma Girl Guides, Moonie State

School and the Second Toowoomba Scout group.

Roma Girl Guides' President, Glenys Hughes, said that the Easternwell funds would go towards purchasing tents for a

state camp at Redland Bay in Brisbane this year that would have been missed without the support.

"The Easternwell Community Grant funding makes these new

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tents and Brisbane camp possible for our Guides and will help us to succeed in enabling the girls to grow into confident, self-respecting and responsible community members," Mrs Hughes said.

"As well as the Brisbane trip, we'll be using the tents in ongoing camps that help develop outdoor skills, as well as fostering the Guides' personal growth."

Easternwell CEO Troy Campbell said Easternwell specifically designed this program to reach out to those smaller organisations which are essential in the building of diverse and connected communities.

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www.issuu.com/suratbasinnews

ISSN 1835-6400

t claimed the lives of hundreds of young Australian men during World War II, but Murphy Pipe and Civil's Leanne Habgood is hoping the arduous 96km Kokoda Trail can now be used to save the lives of thousands of women.

In October, Leanne will pull on her all-terrain hiking boots and join 12 other local women on a mission to conquer the infamous track in an effort to help raise breast cancer awareness and also much-needed funds to find a cure for the disease.

Leanne's fundraising quest got off to a great start last weekend with Murphy Pipe and Civil holding an auction night at the Chinchilla Showground Pavilion which saw a crowd of 300 dig deep to raise more than $30,000 toward the cause.

"The auction night was a tremendous success with plen-

I

ty of prizes donated by Murphy Pipe and Civil and from many local businesses who wanted to show their support for my fundraising goal," Leanne said.

However, while Leanne's fundraising got off to an impressive start, she knows the brutal Kokoda Trail still awaits her team.

"I know this Kokoda quest will push us to our limits, but knowing our effort will help the Breast Cancer Association find a cure for a disease that affects so many will be more than enough to give us the stamina we need to complete our goal," she said.

"I used to think you had to be old before you could get breast cancer, but the reality is it can happen to anyone at any age and it doesn't matter how young, fit or healthy you are."

If you would like to support Leanne you can make donations online at http://www.mycause.com.au/LeanneHabgoodtakesonKokoda

www.suratbasinnews.com.au

Kokoda Trail fundraising auction raises $30,000 to fight cancer

read all the back issues on the internet www.issuu.com/ suratbasinnews

the news online

ON A MISSION: Murphy Pipe and Civil's Leanne Habgood is set to tackle a big trek to fight an even bigger cause - finding a cure for breast cancer.

View the back editions on line

The latest news on line keep in touch with the latest news with a just a mouse click

www.suratbasinnews.com.au

Surat Basin News Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413 Printed by APN Print Toowoomba Industrial Avenue Toowoomba General Manager - David Richardson, 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla Q4413, PO Box 138 Chinchilla Q4413, Phone 07 4662 7368

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Surat Basin NEWS Thursday 23 August 2012