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Easter in the Country Thousands descend upon Roma, spending up big. Story Page 3.
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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
SNAP OF THE MONTH
◗ SNAPPED: Another beautiful end to an Autumn day in Hopeland.
PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON
From the editor
Local events key to building tourism across the region WELCOME to the April edition of the Surat Basin News. You’ll see from looking at this week’s front page and page 3 story that the Surat Basin News - together with our colleagues from the Western Star - were out and about in Roma for Easter in the Country recently. The event was a brilliant showcase of what our regional towns can offer when they knuckle down and dream big and the economic benefits are massive. For a town like Roma to have their caravan parks fully booked out and motels running at 100% occupancy for most of the weekend is an incredible boost to the local economy and one which will be felt long after the crowds of visitors have disappeared. It’s a similar story in Chinchilla for the bi-ennial Melon Festival. Entirely run by volunteers, Melon Festival, like Easter in the Country, brings massive amounts of money into the local economy and firmly imprints the town upon the minds of visitors, increasing the chances they’ll return at a later date. Congratulations to the Easter in the Country committee and the hundreds of volunteers who helped make the weekend such a success. Let’s hope it continues to grow and develop in the years to come. Elsewhere in this month’s Surat Basin News, you’ll find a range of stories from across the energy and agricultural sectors. Until next time, — Matthew Newton
IN THE NEWS
Contents
Easter in the Country................................................................. 3 Promising winter crops .............................................................4 Project Charlie update............................................................... 4 Access Hong Kong..................................................................... 5 World Science Festival .............................................................. 6 Condamine gas seeps ...............................................................9 Brigalow Village unveiled .........................................................10 Rotary Foundation centenary ..................................................24
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Col Wilkie Body Works ..................................................................8
OPINION
....................................................................................................18-21
PLACES AND FACES
.................................................................................................22-23
The newspaper The Surat Basin News publishes every month and will be delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities thought the booming region. Surat Basin News is 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. ONLINE: Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country has the latest news sent directly to them. Go to: www.suratbasin.com.au. PURCHASE FROM: Newsagents in Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope. VISION: Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 1200 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.
The team GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9921, email manager@suratbasin.com.au ADVERTISING TEAM Bobbie Gorring, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9930, email advertise@suratbasin.com.au Greg Latta, Roma Phone 4672 9927, email Greg.latta@romawesternstarnews.com Nicole Boyd-Taylor, Dalby Phone 04672 5500, email nicole.boyd-taylor@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL
Matthew Newton, Chinchilla
Phone 4672 9926, email matthew.newton@chinchillanews.com.au
SURAT BASIN NEWS 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is printed by News Corp Australia.
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IN THE NEWS
Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
◗ BUMPER CROWDS: Fun and festivities at The Wild Desert Outback Tucker Under the Stars, the opening event of Roma’s Easter in the Country festival.
PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON
Roma’s Easter in the Country
Easter Bunny’s bumper crowds
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ROMA was full-to-bursting at its annual Easter in the Country festival, and organisers and local businesses couldn’t be happier. While it’s a tough slog for local volunteers - a core group of five or six work make up the festival committee, which is rounded out by between 3-500 additional volunteers from a range of organisations and community groups who help out across the weekend - the benefits to the town are plain to see. With the 40th year of Roma’s Easter in the Country done and dusted, festival committee president Jenny Flynn couldn’t be more proud of the town she calls home. From Easter egg hunts to street parades, dinner under the stars, the Rodeo and more, the event has it all. The weekend went “fabulously” Mrs Flynn said, pointing to
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massive crowds at every activity across the four day festival and booked out campgrounds and motels. “It’s a fabulous boost to the economy of Roma. Some businesses are struggling since the downturn in the energy sector, but to bring that many visitors to Roma and to show off the town is just wonderful,” she said. “It looked beautiful – people were happy and friendly and a number of people have said they can’t wait to come back. “In terms of the social fabric of the festival it was certainly very positive and the fact so many people visited and attended. “They’ll now tell someone and that word of mouth advertising will keep the festival going well for the future.” With crowds of people thronging through Roma’s streets all weekend, Royal on 99 owner Bruce Garvie said the Easter weekend was “highly successful for the whole community”. The pub didn’t do too badly either. “Roma has always been strong with events - the Roma Cup, the Picnic Races - I think compared with previous Easters it’s been highly successful,” he said. But the most convincing evidence of the weekend’s success
and the boost it has given town lies in the accommodation statistics. Roma Central Motel owner-operator and president of the Roma Tourism Association Charlie Eames said motels were fully booked on the Friday and Saturday nights, with Sunday night’s occupancy figures sitting at about 90%. Mr Eames said the town had a minimum 1500 people per night staying in motels over the course of the festival - and that’s not counting the caravan parks or those who chose to stay with family and friends. “Any event over the weekend is an absolute bonus for not only accommodation providers but the town itself. It’s a major boost,” he said. “The feedback from our guests was fantastic.” As for Jenny Flynn and her trusty team of volunteers, they’ve already begun work on next year’s festival. “For a country town the size of Roma to pull off that four day non-stop activity festival, that’s pretty good. Now we just have to keep up the good work,” Mrs Flynn said.
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For 40 years Roma’s Easter in the Country has been drawing thousands to the town, providing a much-needed boost to the economy
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
Farmers sitting pretty
Rains bring moisture to parched soils After a hot, dry summer, farmers around the Surat Basin are looking forward to winter following a steady drenching as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie
◗ HAPPY DAYS: Warra farmer Brendan Taylor is looking forward to the winter cropping season.
Charlie nears completion IT HAS been all-hands-on-deck for everyone involved in QGC’s Charlie Project, with approximately 75% of the development complete and the first elements in operation. It has been reported that the overhead power transmission line from Woleebee Creek to Charlie, the in-field power network, water trunklines, ponds and pump stations are all now in operation. Furthermore, around 100 wells in the Charlie catchment area are online. Project officials reported that works continue to progress at the Charlie field compressor station, gathering network and well site facilities installation. The Charlie Project was first announced in November 2015 as part of the continuous development of tenements in the Surat Basin to sustain natural gas supply to both domestic customers and the LNG plant. The development is a joint venture with CNOOC and Tokyo Gas and forms the second phase of the QCLNG project and involves the construction of 300-400 wells, a large field compression station and associated pipelines and facilities.
PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON
FARMERS around the Western Downs are eyeing off another huge chickpea planting for winter, with strong commodity prices and decent rains providing a promising outlook. Extensive falls of up to 100mm from the remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie in late March gave farmers like Warra’s Brendan Taylor a confidence boost leading into the next season The much-needed soaking followed an extremely dry summer and has built up the moisture profile of soils around the district important for when the planting of winter crops begins around early May. Agforce Grains director Arthur Gearon, a farmer from Hopeland, said all that was needed was a “little bit of a top-up” from Anzac Day onward to June to ensure a productive winter crop. “Given commodity prices it’ll probably be a record chickpea plant again,” he said. “There’s not a lot of demand for wheat or barley - there’s a record world storage of those cereal grains at the moment, but there is some domestic demand as the livestock market moves away from sorghum.” Mr Taylor said last month’s rainfall varied from 75-100mm across the district - arguably the biggest single fall of rain in possibly two years. The Condamine River peaked at 6.2m in Warwick, with all that water making its way downstream past Dalby and Chinchilla. “The river’s had a really good run in it and irrigators are pumping like mad,” Mr Taylor said at the time. “Anyone that’s got irrigation associated with the river would be rubbing their hands together, I’d imagine.” Dalby farmer David Buckley said the rain had given his crops a boost after the hot, dry summer. "The sorghum crops are looking really good, full of colour which is what we like to see."
Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
5
IN THE NEWS
◗ ALL ABOARD: Russell Keeley of Brookstead Farming Company and Ken Kummerrow from Dandarragan Farms during last year's AccessChina'16 tour.
Next stop: Hong Kong THE upcoming Toowoomba and Surat Business Enterprise Access Hong Kong tour will see Asia’s world city play host to one of the largest fresh food conventions, Asia Fruit Logistica. In the second of TSBE’s planned international trade delegations, the 2017 tour will be run in conjunction with Food Leaders Australia and will take up to 250 producers, businesses, developers and investors from Wellcamp airport to Hong Kong from September 3-7. While the Access Hong Kong tour offers those attending the chance to explore export opportunities and aims to further open the door to tourism in Toowoomba, Russell Keeley of Brookstead Farming Company found the networking element of last year’s delegation the most beneficial. He’s already booked in for the Hong Kong trip. “I really benefited from getting to know the local business people in our area who were on the trip with us,” Mr Keeley said. “Everyone is likeminded and for someone like myself who leads a busy life it is a great opportunity to meet people and form some strong relationships.
“Really everyone’s got a common goal once they step onto that aeroplane.” Ken Kummerrow of Dandarragan Farms also attended last year’s international trade delegation and noted the unique experience as a key reason for his return. “The tour last year was extremely well done,” Mr Kummerrow said. “It was very informative and well organized and it was one of those things that if we hadn’t have done it with TSBE we never would have been able to enjoy that experience. “From a business perspective, we got to meet other locals and see first-hand the industries we export to. “We grow sorghum and export to the Chinese wine market so it was great to see where it went from our farm. “We actually ended up in a bar in Shanghai where people were drinking the sorghum wine.” Delegates attending the Access Hong Kong tour will fly out of Wellcamp Airport on the “Queen of the skies”; a Qantas, B747-400 on September, 3.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
World Science Festival in Chinchilla
Science festival was weird and wonderful IF YOU’VE ever imagined what a prehistoric, giant meat-eating koala crossed with a wombat looks like, The World Science Festival in Chinchilla was the place to find out. Audiences were treated to a collection of unique fossils and mega fauna found in the Chinchilla region, which until now had never left the Queensland Museum. Led by senior curator of geoscience Scott Hocknull, the Queensland Museum team brought five cases of original specimens that have been collected over the past 150 years. The Prehistoric Chinchilla exhibit was interactive and designed to help visitors understand what it might have been like living in Chinchilla three to four million years ago. “We’ve brought five cases full of original material, it’s not just a display that people walk around,” Mr Hocknull said. “The vast majority of the bones are real and we used 3D technology as well, because some of them are too fragile to handle or they are one of a kind or they are just way too small to see with the human eye.” Visitors also learned the painstaking process of sorting, where they will experience looking through fossil site sediments under a magnifying lamp.
◗ WONDERFUL: Prehistoric Chinchilla exhibit at World Science Festival Brisbane in Chinchilla.
Mr Hocknull, a vertebrate palaeontologist, said prehistoric Chinchilla was home to a wide range of “weird and wonderful species that beggar belief when you actually see them”. “I can tell you that they are not dinosaurs, it happened well and truly after dinosaurs,” he said. “Three to four million years ago Chinchilla was a very different place, imaginegiant lizards and crocodiles, mega kangaroos and a wombat crossed with a koala eating meat like a lioness.” Chinchilla’s fossil sites are considered to be scientifically significant among experts in Australia and internationally.
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“We were there last year and realised that people were really excited to hear about what was in their own backyard, people know about it but no one really ... understands the value of it,” Mr Hocknull said. He said scientists continued to find wonderful animals in the Chinchilla area and that there was “still a lifetime of work to be done”. “Chinchilla fills a massive gap to our understanding,” Mr Hocknull said. The festival was brought to Chinchilla with the help of the Queensland Government and QGC.
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DOWN TO BUSINESS
80 years and going strong
Wilkie family gets down to business FOR a family owned business to have not only survived but prospered in 80-plus years of trading - it goes without saying they’re doing something right. Col Wilkie Body Works, a smash repairs and painting business in Toowoomba, is a force to be reckoned with. The secret to their success, it seems, has always been in the Wilkie family’s ability to stay ahead of the curve. Fast forward 82 years and a few things have changed. Back in 1935, Ben Wilkie was a one-man band in his workshop until his son Col and wife Gail took over in 1968. Col’s son, Steve, is the third generation of the Wilkies to take the reins, along with his sister Kerri Crisp, who has stepped in as office manager with Steve’s wife Hannah to make sure the administration side of the business runs seamlessly. The pair have also come on board to help maintain the business’ dedication to professional and exceptional service. Steve said the business had evolved with changes in technology and advancements in repair methods and paint systems. “We do smash repairs, all big and small jobs and everything in between,” he said. “We deal directly with your insurance company to make sure
◗ ON THE JOB: Steve Wilkie, owner of Col Wilkie Body Works and Bert Webster, estimator.
making a claim is stress free and have you back on the road as quickly as possible. A lot of people do not know that you have a choice of repairer – your policy, your choice. We also offer a lifetime warranty on our repairs.” With around 20 staff on the ground, Col Wilkie Body Works can take on just about any job, even light commercial work. They offer a courtesy pick up in the Toowoomba region as well as cost effective rates for towing and freighting from Regional areas. Bert Webster has joined the team to take on the role of estimator. Bert makes regular trips to Western Queensland and Regional areas for quotes and inspections and is available by appointment. If your ute tray is looking a bit worse for wear, Col Wilkie Body
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
Small Business Roadshow
Federal government spruiks tax cuts
◗ TAX BREAK: Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack and Maranoa MP David Littleproud
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
SURAT BASIN business owners had an opportunity to have a round table discussion with Canberra delegates to voice their questions and concerns regarding small business last week. Maranoa MP David Littleproud was accompanied by Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack on a small business roadshow with stops in Roma, Dalby, Warwick and Stanthorpe. Mr Littleproud and Mr McCormack fielded questions regarding small business tax cuts, the banking sector and the downturn of the industry sector. Mr McCormack said a cut in the company tax rate - to its lowest level in half a century - would enable Maranoa small businesses to expand and hire more people to pursue their dreams. “It is small business - not Government - which creates jobs. That’s why the Federal Government’s tax cuts, simpler paperwork and access to instantly write-off new equipment against a small business’ tax is here to help,” he said. Maranoa Councillor David Schefe said the banking sector needed to be addressed because banks bundle towns into the same category: the resource sector. “Banks are asking for 30-40% home deposits here and a councillor from Emerald said to me they’re asking for up to 80% deposits there. Young people aren’t going to be able to get a house loan,” he said. Business owners Peter Sharpe and Robert Arnold, who have more than 50 years’ combined experience in the town’s industry sector said big companies were making it impossible for local companies to do business.
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IN THE NEWS
Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
◗ BUBBLING ALONG: Origin's work monitoring seep flow rates at the main seep location on the Condamine River.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Condamine River gas seeps
Seeps on the decline, says Origin can migrate to the surface as a result of coal seam de-watering and de-pressurisation for CSG production. “This report shows that these migratory emissions are a potentially significant source of greenhouse gases from coal seam gas extraction, but that there is very limited data available to assess the full scale of the risk,” he said. “However, we hypothesise in this report that de-watering and de-pressurisation of the Walloon coals in the Surat Basin for CSG extraction, together with continued agricultural water extraction from the Condamine alluvium, could enhance methane gas flow. “This could significantly increase gas releases from weak or porous zones such as the Condamine River, and does provide one explanation for the recent intense bubbling observed in the Condamine, which does not seem to have any historical precedent. “This report highlights the urgent need for a holistic sedimentary basin management plan and an integrated geological-hydrological model for the Surat Basin, to allow for a thorough analysis of the risks of gas migration.” Origin responded to the claims, stating the report “appears to
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be at odds with current data.” “We have been monitoring the Condamine River seeps since they were first observed to have increased in 2012 and continue to work with independent researchers including the CSIRO to better understand the local geology and possible causes,” an Origin spokesperson said. “Our data and CSIRO flux measurements show that peak rates of late 2015 to early 2016 have reduced substantially and we recently saw the lowest measurement since recordings began in 2013 – a reduction of over 60% in the last 6 months. “We would happily engage with interested parties, including the Melbourne Energy Institute, to help them understand the nature of the seeps and the success of our mitigation program.” Findings from CSIRO research have concluded that the presence of methane in water bores is nothing new and has been documented as far back as 1919. CSIRO research has also uncovered that while de-pressurisation of the Walloon Coal Measures during CSG production could cause methane gas to travel in an upward direction, any leakage into the Condamine River would likely be small due to the shallow dip of the coal beds and the distance to gas production fields.
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ORIGIN’s data on gas seeps in the Condamine River shows the level of methane coming from fractures in the river bed has dropped dramatically over the last six months. The information comes to light in the wake of a recent report by the Melbourne Energy Institute, commissioned by The Australia Institute - an organisation known for its anti-fossil fuel agenda - which raised questions over the potential increase of methane emissions in the atmosphere due to continued coal seam gas (CSG) extraction. The report specifically focuses on the Condamine River, stating that the combination of de-pressurisation from CSG mining and water extraction from the Condamine alluvium could lead to increased methane leakage. The report noted that leakage in the Surat Bain in particular could take place due to the thin, porous and in some instances, absent sealing layer of “aquitard”. It was however noted in the report that, due to a lack of data in relation to where the aquitard is and exactly how thick it is, it was impossible to assess how effective it could be in preventing methane leakage. Report author Dimitri Lafleur said methane from coal seams
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
Brigalow Village development
Brewery to make Brigalow a destination ◗ HOPPED UP: Developers Peter Byrnes and Anthea Nicholas have unveiled their plans for Brigalow.
idea behind it.” And access to Brigalow from domestic and overseas tourists is about to get a whole lot easier, Mr Byrnes said. “I don’t think many people have caught onto the fact that when the Second Range Crossing is open, tourists will be able to drive from Brisbane to Brigalow in two hours and 20 minutes; that’s a huge difference,” he said. “The other part that is exciting is we have the new airport at Wellcamp. They just had a delegation of all these people from Asia and Europe come out here to look at everything from tourism to agri-business... so I think long-term, it will be really good.” The couple first came to Chinchilla “for six weeks”. “Now we’re chalking up four years,” Mr Byrnes said. They “love the place”, but were ready to throw in the towel,
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CHINCHILLA developers Peter Byrnes and Anthea Nicholas have unveiled their plans to transform the town of Brigalow into one of the Western Downs’ premier tourist destinations. The team behind the redevelopment of Chinchilla’s old butter factory and Brigalow’s That Shop For Her have set their sights on bringing a cafe / restaurant, artisan gallery, commercial shops, church / conference centre, cabin village / motel and a craft micro-brewery to the township. The “Brigalow Village”, as it will be known, will run with a 1930s-1960s theme and Mrs Nicholas said they were currently looking for old farming properties to purchase and transport to the site for renovation and use as shops. But why Brigalow? There are several reasons, Mr Byrnes said, but the main one was its prime location in the sweeping grain fields of the Western Downs. “It’s because of the microbrewery,” Mr Byrnes said. “We are in the centre of the grain growing region out here. What’s beer made from? Grains. Malted barley, wheat, oats. We think a craft brewery or a microbrewery would be a great asset for this region. “It will become a tourist destination stop and that’s the whole
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frustrated by the time it took to get any of their developments approved. Under the old Chinchilla Shire Planning scheme it took them three years to get the approvals for their cafe / restaurant and motel. That scheme was superseded in late March by the Western Downs Planning Scheme, which Mrs Nicholas said was much clearer and less costly. They now hope to have their final approvals for the project within three months. The couple has financial backing for the project, and is searching for tenants and taking expressions of interest. “(Council) has been so good to deal with and they are just wanting to help you to get this happening,” Mr Byrnes said. “So many doors are about to open - it’s an exciting time.”
◗ Part of a draft plan of the Brigalow Village site.
PHOTO: THUMPHREY
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Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
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Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
HASSALL FREE HOMES HAVE MOVED to 86 Carrington Road, Torrington
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18
OPINION
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
Maranoa small business tax cuts DAVID LITTLEPROUD
Federal Member for Maranoa
Tax break to help small businesses, the engine room of the economy, says David Littleproud A CUT in the company tax rate – to its lowest level in 50 years – will enable small business in the Surat Basin and across my electorate to expand, hire more people and pursue their dreams. This month I hosted forums in the Surat Basin’s Roma and Dalby – and also in Warwick and Stanthorpe – to connect small businesspeople with the Federal Small Business Minister, Michael McCormack, to not only discuss opportunities unlocked by this government but also discuss the unique challenges faced in our region. Small business is not only the engine-room of our economy but also creates jobs in our region and that’s why the Federal Government’s tax cuts, simpler paperwork and access to instantly write-off new equipment against a small business’s tax are strong steps forward to stimulating employment. There are more than 25,500 small businesses in Maranoa and I’m keen to see this number to grow because when small businesses doing well, we have more jobs in our region. We’re a government for small business and are here to back those who want to have a go because locally, small businesspeople are a large employer and provide opportunities, goods and services for communities across Maranoa. Our tax cut to 27.5% backs small business and I’m proud this government is delivering simpler paperwork and the instant asset write-off to more small businesses to help them pursue their dreams.
◗ ENGINE ROOM: The small business roundtables hosted by Maranoa MP David Littleproud (left) provided a unique opportunity for locals to meet and discuss opportunities with Small Business Ombudsman Kate Carnell and Small Business Minister Michael McCormack. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
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New areas and new ways for Commission RUTH WADE
Chair, GasFields Commission Queensland
AS A result of the recent Scott review of the GasFields Commission Queensland, the Commission has begun work in new areas and is finalising plans to operate in new ways. The Commission is determined to achieve its vision of informed and self-reliant communities, based on respectful and balanced relationships between landholders, communities and the onshore gas industry. To do this, change is required and we are currently reviewing the allocation of our limited resources. One of the areas of future work for the Commission is facilitating responses to public health and community concerns in relation to coal seam gas (CSG) activities. The review recommended that a community reference group be formed and the Queensland Government has asked the Commission to help set it up. In response, we recently convened a ‘Think Tank on Health and CSG’ in Toowoomba which brought together representatives of a range of government agencies, industry, and key community stakeholders. We discussed the status of research, available data, and current issues relating to public health, community well-being and environmental monitoring in the CSG fields, and focussed on improving collaboration and coordination to better address the community’s concerns. In order to ensure the Commission is reaching out to landholders and regional communities, particularly where CSG tenure has been released or new projects are being developed, we are recruiting new staff with high-level expertise in engagement and communications. Some of these staff will be mobile across the State, providing ‘boots on the ground’ in the key CSG activity areas, and working in partnership with others to ensure the timely delivery of accurate information and referral services. The Commission has also developed its strategic plan for the next four years in response to the new directions recommended by the review. This plan outlines new objectives and how we are going to achieve them, and will be published on our website shortly.
19
OPINION
TSBE takes flight for Hong Kong
Rains a blessing and a curse
SHANE CHARLES
PAT WEIR
TSBE Executive Chairman
AT TSBE we’re proud to have recently launched our second international trade and business delegation. This year we are planning to take a Qantas B747-400 from Toowoomba to Hong Kong from the September 3-7, subject to government and regulatory approvals. Why? Because we want to explore what potential this region has for export. Last year we took over 200 Aussies to Shanghai and after the trip 96% of attendees said that they would recommend the trip to others and 88% said they would go again. We had an independent firm look at the opportunities from the trip and they calculated that there would be an additional $350 million worth of revenue as a direct result of AccessChina’16. Seeing many of our AccessChina’16 delegates again sign up to join us this year shows they understand the journey to opportunity and trade in Asia is not as simple as a one-off trip. Hong Kong makes sense as Cathay Pacific already fly a 747-8F freighter out of Toowoomba to Hong Kong every week, and the demand for this service is expected to increase. Hong Kong is the gateway to China and Asia and our plan is to take the best of what we have to offer in agriculture, resources, transport and logistics to show them our capability. With Hong Kong as one of the powerhouse financial centres of the world, we also want to focus on how deals are done, how they get financed, and if one wants to dream big, how to go about putting those types of deals together. It is great to see so many professional service firms on the journey. They have really seen the benefits that they can pass on to their clients about doing business in Asia. The Courier Mail recently described Toowoomba as the Miracle City, The Australian calls us the model for regional economic development in the country, and I’ve even seen us described as a Super Region. A large part of this has to do with the capability we now have with a regional international airport. We should not underestimate what this will bring to the whole region.
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THE damage caused recently by Cyclone Debbie has devastated many communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales. The devastation extends from the Whitsundays in northern Queensland to Lismore and the surrounding communities in New South Wales. The initial impact from the ferocious cyclone has affected thousands of businesses, dwellings, crops and agricultural industries. With the subsequent severe flooding impacting upon people up and down the eastern coastal strip of Queensland and New South Wales spreading to inland regions. The hundreds of millions of dollars damage to infrastructure including roads, bridges and buildings will have an overwhelming effect on the communities reliant upon this infrastructure for their income. Loss of crops both horticultural and broad acre are immense, with massive erosion and damage to packing sheds, fences and machinery, the recovery will take a long time. In our part of Queensland the rain has been bitter sweet with damage being sustained to cotton, sorghum and mung bean crops from the large quantity of rain that fell and flooding that ensued in some areas causing seeds to shoot and cotton bolls to rot or open cotton to fall on to the ground. These losses will not be realised until harvesting and picking resumes in the near future. The positive side of the rain has been the filling of soil profiles to now allow for a winter crop planting to occur, this was looking like an unlikely event a fortnight ago. The Condamine River and tributary creeks ran for some time permitting primary producers to harvest water and pump into their empty storages. The stored water and full soil profiles has provided some certainty for farmers going forward to the next winter and summer cropping cycles.
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20
OPINION
Let’s be prospective not retrospective on gas
The Hanson experiment
IAN MACFARLANE Queensland Resources Council, Chief Executive
THIS month the Queensland Resources Council supported the state government’s move to ask for federal funding to build new gas infrastructure from the Bowen and Galilee Basins. It’s common knowledge the eastern seaboard of Australia is facing a gas shortage and instead of putting their head in the sand the Queensland government is looking at how to fix the problem. The Palaszczuk government is seeking funding from Canberra through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) to build gas pipelines from emerging gas basins. If funded the new infrastructure would pave the way for more gas supply into the east coast market and help put downward pressure on the cost of electricity, a boon for farmers with sky-rocketing irrigation costs. Yet again Queensland is leading the way when it comes to working to address the national supply shortage with new land releases in the Surat Basin for gas exploration earlier this year. A month later, Shell announced its decision to inject new gas supply into the east coast market through its joint venture with QGC. The Project Ruby development in the Surat Basin will see up to 161 new wells drilled over the next two years and underpins 350 new and existing jobs, which is good news for the local community. While Queensland’s regions continue to reap the rewards from bipartisan political support for our gas sector, the lack of political spine in New South Wales and Victoria will see those states watch from the sidelines as their gas production potential continues to be thwarted by political inaction and green activists. If we are to get more supply into the system, we need a prospective approach. We need to work with investors, not frighten them away with retrospective changes. New gas infrastructure is a great enabler for new investment in increasing Queensland’s gas supply.
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
Crisis convenient for government, industry DALE STILLER Property Rights Australia (PRA)
DAN MCGAW
ETU South West Queensland State Organiser
INLIGHT of the recent Western Australian election and the poor showing from Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party, a few questions need to be asked. Firstly, Pauline Hanson is the elected Senator for Queensland. She was elected to represent Queensland. Why is it she spent the entire week in WA for their election? Shouldn’t she be here addressing issues of Queenslanders? Was she their just to push her own party? The comments of Hanson leaves one wondering what she actually stands for? When elected she said she will fight for the Aussie battlers and the working class. Yet she sides with the LNP on almost all of their anti-worker legislation. Why did she vote for legislation that reduces the old age pension, reduction of apprentices in the construction industry, increases the number of 457 VISA workers, remove clauses in workplace agreements that limit foreign workers, agrees with the sale of Aussie farmland to overseas investors, believes vaccinations are unsafe for children and wants penalty rates removed? This doesn’t sound like the actions of a person representing the average Australian. One Nation had the chance to offer a genuine alternative to the major parties but has failed miserably. She is not and will never be a voice for the average person. It seems like she is in it for her own personal financial gain and will say anything to get elected. Her party is falling apart as even those close to her realise that she isn’t the shining light everyone hoped for. Hopefully Queenslanders will see through her and let her fade into the political oblivion once again.
A CRISIS is often convenient for government: it creates an opportunity to scare-monger and float urgent "policy" while avoiding close scrutiny. The much touted "gas crisis" is a case in point: the Queensland Government chose Easter Sunday – of all days – to issue a statement on the urgency of the matter. The statement is an intriguing read. The Federal Government is apparently required foot the bill to build gas pipelines. Why? Australian domestic users are told to expect shortfalls and large increases in domestic gas prices. But this is in the context of SANTOS, for example, purchasing gas previously bound for domestic use and diverting it to meet nearly half of its export commitments. Australia will become the world’s number one LNG exporter but Australian gas exported to Japan is sold there for 62 per cent less than the Australian consumer is forced to pay. The end result of this stupidity is that it is now considered feasible to import gas into Australia for domestic consumption. Also on gas, the Queensland Government notes that, "a key concern of landholders was the impact of gas extraction on groundwater." It requests that the Federal government jointly fund further basin-wide water models. Comprehensive cumulative water impact studies are laudable but shouldn’t they be done before the approval of gas leases and their take of associated water? The Federal government is then told to continue contribution to the funding of the capping the remaining old, free flowing bores under the worthy GASBI scheme. "Ending GABSI sends a poor message to landholders and community", we are told. But there is no mention of the deplorable Queensland draft artesian water management plan which places no upper limit on water extraction by the gas or mining industries for their purposes.
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more than it did prior to the major construction phase. Cr TYSON GOLDER I believe there is a serious responsibility for Mayor of Maranoa Regional Council companies to take action similar to that in Miles, where camp employees have relocated THE support by our major gas companies to accommodation in town, significantly needs to return to the level of support and reducing the effects of a rental property interaction that was provided to our towns oversupply (and positively influencing the before the major construction phase. broader business market). Our communities need major gas companies I’d like to applaud the initiative of relocating to lead by example - buying locally and taking a into that community and would like to see this strong stance for community support by not replicated here in the Maranoa, where we have opting for Tier One contractors to perform business with the capability and the solutions majority of works without a percentage of local to make it work. This will bring back local jobs content, but rather have additional conditions and bolster economic development for the in contracts which guarantee to support local region. I understand the industry is at different communities, local jobs and local business levels, but the majority of the activity from our procurement. local industry needs to have local expenditure Our general business economy is struggling and resources.
21
OPINION
Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
Youth unemployment a disgrace Agricultural Shows underway
THE Agricultural Show Season is well and truly underway with Dalby, Chinchilla, Dirranbandi, Miles, St George, Roma, Mitchell, Wallumbilla, Charleville, Cunnamulla communities all preparing for their annual shows. I hope to attend a number of these shows (in between parliamentary commitments) and look forward to seeing the exhibits and catching up with the locals.
Youth Unemployment
Sadly it’s getting tougher and tougher for young people from Warrego to find work, with 2,000 youths from the Outback Region losing their jobs in the last year. Youth unemployment is now up at 38.2 per cent and it is only getting worse. It’s just not good enough that almost one in four young people from the bush can’t get a job.
ANN LEAHY
Member for Warrego
This would be front page news if it was happening in Brisbane and the State Labor Government is condemned by its silence. The LNP has a plan that will help get young people from Warrego working. Our plan provides financial incentives for businesses who take on young apprentices and vouchers for young tradies who finish their apprenticeship to buy their tools of trade - whether they’re a hairdresser, a carpenter or a mechanic. It’s just one part of our plan to create new jobs, support small business and build a better Queensland.
Trading Hours
The State Labor Government has proposed changes to trading
hours legislation that will see a deregulation of the current regime for motor traders and other small business operators in Queensland. These recommendations have been put forward by the State Government, without any form of consultation with small business operators or industry bodies. I have also been contacted by other small business operators such as family owned hardware stores and independent grocers who are concerned that the proposed changes may force them out of business, reduce competition and ultimately drive up the cost of goods for consumers. While no legislation has been presented to Parliament to enact the proposed changes, it is important for you to have your say now. I would encourage you to email the Premier and Industrial Relations Minister directly so that they can fully understand your concerns.
Queensland cooking with gas as southern states dither RHYS TURNER APPEA Director – Queensland
STATE and federal politicians of all political persuasions are claiming that Queensland’s LNG plants are acting as a giant straw, sucking out all of Australia’s gas and sending it overseas. But in reality, Queensland’s gas-producing regions – most notably the Surat – are contributing gas to the domestic market. They are fuelling industry and keeping the lights on in households across the eastern states.
For example, Queensland Gas Company now supplies more than 10 per cent of east coast demand and 40 per cent of Queensland demand. The industry also provides much-needed jobs and investment. In 2015-16, Queensland’s gas industry directly and indirectly supported almost 40,000 jobs, and provided over $12 billion in total value-added activities in the state through direct, indirect and consumption-based activities. Queensland’s Natural Resources and Mines Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, has made a sensible and constructive contribution to the gas supply debate. He suggests that the states and the Commonwealth work together more closely to help develop new gas pipelines. But even as Queensland powers ahead, many southern
politicians still refuse to take a responsible approach to Australia’s gas supply issues. NSW and Victoria have imposed serious barriers to gas operations in their states, yet they still expect the industry to supply their markets. There is plenty of undeveloped gas in eastern Australia. The question is whether the industry will be allowed to develop it. For example, if Santos had been able to develop the Narrabri Gas Project as it intended to back in 2010-11, there would be no east coast gas shortage today. The Surat and Queensland can’t do all the heavy lifting. It’s time for NSW and Victoria to step on the gas.
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PLACESPLACE AND FACES
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
◗ Bruce, Hugh, Freya and Angela Smith from Mitchell at the Easter in the Country Extreme Bulls.
BUY PHOTOS
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◗ Janna Patterson-Byrnes with Rob and Caleb Batkines at the Easter in the Country Extreme Bulls.
PHOTOS: MATTHEW NEWTON
◗ Bodhi and Stacey Bignell, harrison Lucht, Lucy McMillan, Ritchie Lucht, Jaime McMillan, with Sonya and Billy Lucht at the Sunshine Mitre 10 Monster Easter Egg Hunt.
◗ Lillee Ward and Toby, Rohan and Sam Smith somehow happened to be wearing the exact same shirts at the Sunshine Mitre 10 Monster Easter Egg Hunt.
◗ Chris and Lucas Jones having a wild time at The Wild Desert Outback Tucker Under the Stars.
◗ Sienna and Sash Wegner were all smiles at the Sunshine Mitre 10 Monster Easter Egg Hunt.
◗ Geoff and Dellis McLaughlan with Ann Jones at the Easter in the Country Extreme Bulls.
23
PLACES AND FACES
Thursday, April 27, 2017 suratbasin.com.au
h c n i i ll a h C Sh o w 26 - 27 May 2017 17 ◗ Macy Gaze and Will Leddington-Hill at World Science Festival in Chinchilla.
PHOTOS: JULIA BAKER
◗ Kathy Thomas and Lachlan Kelly at World Science Festival.
◗ Brayth and Ella Burns.
◗ Edward Mason marvels at real life spiders World Science Festival Brisbane 2017 in Chinchilla.
◗ Bill Currin at World Science Festival Brisbane in Chinchilla.
For more information, contact Show Secretary on 4662 7194
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24
IN THE NEWS
View the last edition The latest news online online Read our last issue at www.suratbasin.com.au
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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, April 27, 2017
Surat Basin News Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, Q 4413 Printed by APN Print Warwick General manager: Erika Brayshaw
Rotary Foundation’s Celebration Tour
A century of helping those in need IN THE early to mid-20th century, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the world, paralysing hundreds of thousands of children every year. But not any more. The Rotary Foundation, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in June, has reduced polio cases by 99.9% worldwide since their first project to vaccinate children began in 1979. Thanks largely to Rotary’s efforts, polio is an almost forgotten disease, particularly for younger generations. The last case of wild polio virus in Australia was recorded in 1972. To highlight their efforts and ensure polio remains on the radar until it is entirely eradicated, western clubs of Rotary will be touring the local show circuit with a Polio Roadshow display, incorporating an iron lung on loan from the Chinchilla Museum. No device is more associated with polio than this tank respirator. A highly infectious disease, polio attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, disability and even death. Doctors used the iron lung on patients who were unable to breathe when the virus paralysed their chest muscles. When the pressure in the tank lowers, the patient’s chest expands and when the pressure is raised the chest contracts, mimicking the act of breathing. In a world largely free of polio, it’s incredible to think that once there were people who lived the majority of their lives in an iron lung. Assistant Governors for Rotary District 9630 Bryan Payne and Julie Gorring said the Polio Roadshow would be travelling to the St George, Roma, Mitchell, Charleville and Chinchilla shows in May, concluding in Dalby at the end of the circuit. “The Rotary Foundation is 100 years old and this is a great opportunity to publicise the work Rotary has been doing the last 30 years to eradicate polio,” they said. Over its century of operation, The Rotary Foundation has done charitable work in the areas of water supply, sanitation, education. maternal and child welfare, among others – particularly in the third world. The foundation also helps out at home as well as abroad –
◗ DEBILITATING DISEASE: Chinchilla Rotary president David Jackson with Chinchilla Historical Society president Cath Brandon, and the Iron Lung which will go on tour as part of the Polio Roadshow. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON
currently assisting victims of Cyclone Debbie in North Queensland. “The foundation started off with a single monetary value of US$26.50 and it’s grown to become an over $3 billion charity,” Mrs Gorring said. As well as being named third in CNBC’s annual Top 10 Charities Changing the World list in 2016, the Foundation is partnered with groups including the World Health Organisation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – the latter of which
donates an astounding $2 for every dollar raised by Rotary worldwide. The tour will coincide with a training module run in junior schools across the district to inform younger generations of this debilitating and once prolific disease. Mrs Gorring said the Rotary Club of Chinchilla would be organising competitions for junior and senior school students in the lead-up to the Polio Roadshow tour and the Rotary Foundation’s 100th birthday.
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