Surat Basin News February by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

NEWS

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A BRIGHTER FUTURE

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Surat Basin INSIDE: MELON MADNESS GRIPS CHINCHILLA - PAGE 3

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WELCOME

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, February 23, 2017

SNAP OF THE MONTH

◗ SCENE-STEALER: Daisy, Josie and Evie O'Leary helped out with a little photo shoot for the Melon Festival this month. Daisy was in fine form.

Contents

From the editor

Welcome to 2017 - a promising year for the Surat Basin HELLO and welcome to the first edition of Surat Basin News for 2017. I hope everyone had a thoroughly relaxing break and got plenty of time off. Thankfully, not everyone’s been in holiday mode over the two months since our last edition so there’s plenty to talk about. First up of course is the much-loved biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival. The town was abuzz with tourists and there was plenty of excitement ahead of the Big Melon Weigh-In as the Surat Basin News went to print this month. The festival brings millions of dollars into town and gives local businesses a good kick-along, which is always wonderful to see - head to page three for that story. Last edition it was announced that GasFields Commission Queensland had a new chair - Ruth Wade. We caught up with Ruth earlier in the year and you can read all about how she sees the Queensland gas industry and the new direction she wishes to take as head of the commission on page four. The other big one this month is renewables. The size and scale of projects that are in the pipeline in the Western Downs is enormous - but how is it that a an economy that a year ago was feeling the pinch of the end of the gas construction boom is suddenly on the verge of a new energy boom? Head to page nine to find out. Until next month, — Matthew Newton

PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

Surat Basin’s bright future .........................................................9 Broncos blitz Surat Basin.........................................................24

IN THE NEWS

Melon madness injects millions into Chinchilla .......................3 New GasFields chair spells out plans........................................4 Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium.....................5 CSG project fast-tracked.............................................................7

OPINION

................................................................................................19-21

PLACES AND FACES

..............................................................................................21-22

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 Regional Media

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Thursday, February 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

◗ WILD RIDE: Rachel Bettiens and Hayley Knight in the Melon Ski at the 2015 Chinchilla Melon Festival.

PHOTO: ALASDAIR YOUNG

Chinchilla Melon Festival

Sweet melon money Tipped to be the biggest yet, the Chinchilla region has received a very welcome cash injection from its biennial Melon Festival

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AT THE time Surat Basin News was going to print on the first day of Melon Festival, Chinchilla was an absolute hive of activity. Caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes and camper-vans had rapidly been flowing into town for days and filling up every patch of ground everywhere. From the Chinchilla Showgrounds, Chinchilla Weir, Golf Club and Polocrosse Club, to countless yards and driveways where a tent could be pitched or a vehicle parked, temporary villages were popping up everywhere. Moteliers, B&B operators, tourist parks and hotels were at complete capacity with waiting lists longer than Santa’s naughty list.

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It was the first time in Chinchilla Melon Festival history that the Showgrounds with a site capacity of 500 had to actually turn campers away. Many locals were subsequently prompted to bet the 2017 festival would be the biggest yet. Chinchilla Melon Festival Committee President Doug McNally believed “all the indicators were there” to suggest this year’s festival would be bigger than 2015, which had drawn 15,000 people to town. “The last festival was supposed to have brought 3 to 3.5 million into the town,” Mr McNally said. “But being a free festival it’s a bit hard to gauge in some ways.. They’re not buying tickets to come in..” Aside from events like the Rodeo, Beach Party and Friday Feast that were held at venues, Melon Festival was largely free, so past years had seen visitors keen to contribute to the committee by purchasing merchandise or even making

donations. “People go into the (Melon Shop) souvenir store at 3pm in the afternoon on the Sunday and just want to spend their money because every thing's been free,” Mr McNally said. The economic ripple effects from Melon Fest had been felt outside Chinchilla too. Miles accommodation providers had been catching some of the overspill of visitors unable to find accommodation in Chinchilla. Sharon Colley owns Starline Motor Inn in Miles and said they along with other moteliers had received bookings from those attending the Chinchilla Melon Festival, in spite of the 48km distance between the two towns. "We’ve been getting a few. We’ve picked up a few,” she said. “It’s been a great event in the past. It’s great for Chinchilla motels. I’m so happy for them.”

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, February 23, 2017

GasFields Commission Queensland

New focus for commission In her first interview since being appointed chair of the revamped GasFields Commission Queensland in late 2016, Ruth Wade has spelled out the organisation’s goals over her three-year tenure. WHILE acknowledging there were “many challenges for the commission” into the future, Ruth Wade pointed out the GasFields Commission Queensland had done “a tremendous amount of work” over the past three years. She said a successful tenure for her would result in “having a conversation or a discussion about the gas industry that’s based on facts, facts that are demonstrated from experience in Queensland - that’s really important”. “We now have five or eight years of data of what’s happening in Queensland,” she said. “It’s really critical in the next three years to pull that data together and tell that story about the industry in the Queensland context - the good, the bad and the ugly.” Mrs Wade grew up in central Queensland and was executive director of the Cattlemen’s Union in the early 1990s. She has spent time on the board of Meat and Livestock Australia and had nearly nine years as member of the National Native Title Tribunal, work that involved a lot of mediating between the pastoral industry and indigenous interests. She spent seven years as the executive director or Ricegrowers Association of Australia in NSW and most recently had eight months as interim CEO of the Queensland Farmers Federation. “Always my interest has been in industry and the interface between agriculture and other industries and regional development,” she said - an interest that was formed as a product of the mining developments in the Bowen Basin where she grew up. Retired to Buderim, Mrs Wade was asked by the government if she would be interested in the position, previously occupied by John Cotter Senior. “I acknowledge I have lots to learn about the gas industry and I’m getting out and about as much as I can,” she said. “It’s always been my interest, I guess, in recognising that agriculture is there for the long term. “Not just agriculture in its current form, but agriculture as it adapts and changes over time. “With increasingly scarce water resources and land resources - we’re talking particularly in the Darling Downs region, remembering that prime cropping land is equally an important a resource for the future as water - how can we have this competition for resources from two industries and communities that support the industry, and how can we get the best possible outcomes in the short term, but more importantly into the long term?” The revamped GasFields Commission would have a new focus as the existing industry moved away from the rapid early development into a more mature phase, Mrs Wade said. She said the industry would be looking at the learnings from the development of the CSG industry and ensure that where new frontiers areas were opened up, new companies could learn from past experience. Additionally, Mrs Wade said it was important to make sure there was a legacy at the end of the gas industry. “(The industry) is here for a relatively short time in terms of rural communities. We need to think about how to minimise the negative impacts and maximise the positive impacts that come from that, as well as thinking about how we can protect our water and land and make sure agriculture and horticulture can be there in the long term,” she said. After a quiet Christmas period, Mrs Wade is now getting out and about, meeting with stakeholders, heads of companies and government departments, getting a sense of the gas industry’s current issues. “Concerns around water, I would put at the top of the list,” Mrs Wade said. “Taking groundwater, it’s about how industries and communities competing for scarce groundwater resources can get the best possible outcomes... it’s not always the gas companies doing the wrong thing. “Everyone is under pressure to use water more sustainably. “There’s a lot of competition for finite resources and we need to be able to balance that so everyone gets greater benefits out

◗ NEW DIRECTION: Former Queensland Farmers' Federation boss Ruth Wade will head up the revamped GasFields Commission. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

of it.” Mrs Wade said the preservation of strategic cropping land, the long-term legacy of the gas industry and community development were the critical issues currently facing the gas industry and the communities that support it. “I just think if we can start reshaping the debate around some of those things, and use that data that’s now been generated over time and work out what this industry means in a Queensland context, I think that’s really important.” With the review of the GasFields Commission Queensland released by the Queensland Government at the same time as Mrs Wade’s appointment, the new commission chair said it was her responsibility to make sure the many recommendations of the review were “picked up and dealt with”. “Since that review was a review of the GasFields Commission, I certainly as chair of the GasFields Commission will be asking questions and making sure those things are done,” she said. She said she had every expectation of having a professional relationship with the gas industry. “I will recognise good work well done and I will recognise problems. That’s been my style and the way I’ve dealt with

‘‘

It’s always been my interest, I guess, in recognising that agriculture is there for the long term.

things over time,” she said. Over the past three years, landholders have been critical of a commission they felt sided more with the industry than the farmers it was designed to assist. Mrs Wade said there would be no point to the commission if all it did was “listen to the good stories” about the industry. “That doesn’t mean it’s got to be an adversarial or difficult relationship,” she went on. “We can have fact based conversations - and will have them with landholders as well - but I can’t understand and add value to their issues if we can’t have good, robust discussions and debates. “If it got to the stage where I thought there were no problems, I’d think I’d missed something.”

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, February 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Predicting the region’s future

Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium

Transport on track A three-day event, the symposium brings together the brightest minds across the region’s three big sectors EXPERTS from across Australia will converge on Toowoomba this month for the Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium to highlight changes and opportunity brought by road, rail and air freight services. The three-day TTLS will offer delegates a chance to explore the changing landscape in freight, logistics and supply-chain processes. With trend analysts, mayors from major transport hub regions, and proponents of major projects and assets, TTLS will offer companies in resources, renewables, agriculture a strong understanding for the coming years. Toowoomba, with a $13 billion projected development spend and extensive freight options being built and utilized, is the ideal geographical location to host the national conference. Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) Chief Operating Officer Peter Keyte will share insights into PBPL’s operations as Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port, in particular its focus on connecting the regions to the port. Mr Keyte said the Port of Brisbane greatly valued its relationships with the growers and producers of this region. “We’ll continue to work closely with them to ensure their product can efficiently and quickly get to global markets,” he said. TSBE executive chairman Shane Charles said the conference aimed to ensure from a planning and strategic perspective that the region was positioned in the best possible light to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

“There is no doubt given our strategic location that transport and logistics will be a main driver of our economy in the future,” Mr Charles said. “The Queensland Government predicts that the annual freight volumes across Queensland are forecast to increase by 76 per cent from 881 million tonnes in 2009/10 to 1,550 million tonnes by 2021. “As such it is important for us to lead the way in understanding the issues affecting the sector by attracting world class speakers to come and present.” Nexus Infrastructure CEO John Hagan will detail the company’s innovative projects around the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing $1.6 billion build, due for completion late 2018. Graincorp Development Manager QLD Kevin Doggett will join a panel of rail users exploring freight movements. Parkes Shire Mayor and Chair of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance, Cr Ken Keith OAM will speak on the project, highlighting the huge potential that will be made available. Trend analyst and futurist Mark McCrindle joins the conference as well as Logistics Bureau director Malcolm Walker. The 2017 TTLS, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, follows the highly successful 2015 event. TTLS is held from Monday, February 27 until Wednesday, March 1. For more information and to book tickets visit ttlsymposium.com.au.

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◗ HUB: Peter Keyte of Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd speaks at the Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium in 2015. PHOTO: DEREK BARRY

FUTURIST and trend analyst Mark McCrindle is to be one of the many thought-provoking speakers at the upcoming Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium. Principal of McCrindle Research, Mr McCrindle, has appeared widely on television shows as a media commentator, thought leader and social researcher. “Our approach is to use demographic modelling and data in an area to predict changes from national down to local levels,” Mr McCrindle said. “As the workforce ages and the next generation transitions, Gen Y and Gen Z will comprise more than half of the workforce.” Mr McCrindle is one of the speakers at the three-day national Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium where road, rail and air freight capabilities will be highlighted. The event, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise for the second time will see speakers from across Australia assess the challenges and opportunities ahead. Mr McCrindle said a growing demand for logistics solutions in the region made it ideal to develop as a key infrastructure hub thanks to ambitious projects like the Toowoomba Enterprise Hub. The TSBE Development Status Report highlights $13 billion of investment spend in the region, a strong indicator of future success across industry. “What will drive the logistics and freight industries in the Darling Downs and wider region is demand from population growth as well as the infrastructure development,” he said. “The next round of data from the Census is due this year and will absolutely give Australia a sense of where it’s going. It’s the densification of cities and new logistical challenges that are driving opportunity.” Mr McCrindle sighted Toowoomba as one of the “lifestyle cities” and hub for industry and innovation thanks to its location and connectivity.

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IN THE NEWS

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Post-boom rates need freezing: Golder

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◗ NOT HAPPY: Hopeland farmer Brian Bender detailing his concerns to State Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection deputy director general Dean Ellwood, and other DEHP officers. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

Linc Energy

Leaks to media prompt visit from Minister SOME Hopeland landholders are “ropeable” that reports alleging further contamination from the Linc Energy Underground Coal Gasification trial site were leaked to the media before property owners were contacted by the department. Brian Bender, son of the late George Bender, was visited by two journalists in early-February wanting to take photos of him but wouldn’t tell him what the story was about. He refused. Later that night, as he was loading grain into a truck in the shed at a family property, his mother Pam came down to tell him investigators had detected hydrogen outside the 175 sq km Excavation Caution Zone (ECZ) set up by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection in February 2015. Mr Bender, whose family has two properties outside the zone, said it was “disgraceful” how the news emerged. “I was upset, very angry,” he said. Sitting around Pam Bender’s kitchen table at her Hopeland property four days later, State Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles, along with DEHP deputy director general Dean Ellwood and two other department officers were listening as Mr Bender put it to them straight “We needed to know before those guys, it’s

as simple as that,” he said. It has been just under two years since State Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles last visited the area regarding the issue. “We told them (at the last meeting) we wanted to hear from the department first... we said we want updates and what not,” Mr Bender said. “I haven’t had any updates for a damn long time and to be told by the media there was something going on... is disgraceful.” The Chinchilla News understands that department heads are furious the reports of the alleged contamination were leaked. Dr Miles apologised to Mr Bender “for how it’s happened”, insisting the department “moved as quickly as they could”. He did not meet with any newly-affected landholders during his trip to the area . Mr Bender raised a number of concerns during the half-hour meeting, including asking for a moratorium on Coal Seam Gas drilling in the ECZ, the potential impact on the local water table of rehabilitation works, the effect of the ongoing investigation on property values, and whether the government could insert a special clause into the statute of limitations legislation, specifically exempting Linc Energy, so as to cover the community in the event that the contamination worsens in the future.

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BUSINESS and landowners deserve a break when it comes to rates rises. That’s the opinion of Maranoa Regional Council mayor Tyson Golder, who said it was time to instigate a rates freeze. “I think the community needs it because we’ve got a lot of pressure there,” Cr Golder said. “This year, my personal opinion is that I’m supporting having a rates freeze and no rates increase.” Cr Golder’s comments came after a meeting with business owners and managers in the Roma industrial area which had raised issues of concern to business operators, including those surrounding valuations and rate changes. Cr Golder said commercial valuations in a post-boom economy needed to be addressed urgently. “To me, the big picture is we need to get some of these crazy valuation of commercial rates fixed now that the boom is long gone,” Cr Golder said. “We had a meeting about industrial rates and commercial rates, and we’re working hard on lobbying the State Government to reduce valuations, which will in turn, depending on council’s position, reduce rates.” Rates rises have been a perennial issue for Cr Golder, who pledged in his election campaign to implement a rates freeze for one out of four years. He received criticism from the community when a 3.5% rates rise took place once he was elected mayor as residents assumed the promise would take affect immediately. Cr Golder apologised if his meaning was unclear. “What I would like to say is I apologise for the 3.5% increase; I would rather it not be as high as that, personally,” he said. “I definitely promised one year and if you go back to literature I never promised four years of a rate freeze.” Roma business owner Steve Merrick said rate increases had crippled local businesses. “These rate increases are hurting. Some businesses (are) having to either extend their overdrafts or take out new loans to cover rates and land tax this year,” he said. “The businesses are supporting this town and when it come to rates are doing the heavy lifting and have done so for some time now.” Cr Golder acknowledged the burden placed on businesses, and said the oil and gas boom was the cause. “If there was no boom, there wouldn’t be a problem with the valuations,” he said. “Valuations went out of whack. When buildings are selling, they’re selling for about half of what they used to sell.” He stressed the importance of resolving the issue of valuations. “That will actually give not only landlords relief, but in the end it eventually flows down to the tenants.”

Thursday, February 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

IN THE NEWS

Tenders open for new Surat gas site

Senex Energy’s Western Surat Gas Project

Senex fast-tracks CSG project COAL seam gas company Senex Energy has revealed a new shareholder to fast-track its major investments in south-west Queensland. Specialist energy investor EIG Global Energy Partners spent $55 million buying into Senex, with the goal of accelerating their western Surat Gas project in the Maranoa area. Senex CEO Ian Davies said the deal would nearly halve the time it would take to start building wells and pumping gas from around 70 sites north of Roma. “EIG are a very sophisticated investor, they know CSG in Queensland,” he said. “Practically, you need four things to work in CSG - you need resource, the infrastructure, the market and the last thing is funding. They’re all capital-intensive projects.

“This allows us to rapidly accelerate this project. What we’d do normally in five years, we’ll do in three.” Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise executive chairman Shane Charles said the new deal would open up employment and contracting opportunities in Roma and across the Darling Downs. “It’s particularly exciting - Senex is not one of the big four gas players, so the announcement means they can develop the western Surat Gas project much faster,” he said. “The exciting part is Senex has signed a 20-year agreement with Santos to supply gas with this field to them. “They’ve got an off-take agreement and it will mean significant work for suppliers and drilling contractors right through the Surat Basin region.”

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◗ CASH INJECTION: Senex Energy Limited CEO and Managing Director Ian Davies said the deal would halve the time it would take to get the project up and running. PHOTO: TOOWOOMBA AND SURAT BASIN ENTERPRISE

BIDDING is now open for a 58 square kilometre parcel of land for petroleum gas production as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Australia-only gas pilot project. Tender applications for the land, situated to the east of Lucky Downs and southwest of Wandoan, close on April 20. Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said gas was critical for creating jobs and would continue to play a major role in the state’s energy mix throughout the transition to a renewable energy future. “The parcel of land to be released through this tender process is regarded as highly prospective and located within an area that already has high volumes of gas production,” he said. “The use of an Australian market supply condition for this innovative project seeks to bolster our gas supply and provide valuable market information for the Government for the future management of our gas supplies. “The Palaszczuk Government is job-focussed, and that is why we are prepared to try innovative measures like this pilot to generate private sector investment and support job creation. “Because of the certainty regarding the gas resource available in this area, exploration and prospecting are not required allowing the successful tenderer to proceed directly to a petroleum lease. “This will deliver commercial gas production sooner and ultimately supply the Australian market faster. “The successful tenderer will be required to complete environmental and other requirements before any tenure can be granted.” Dr Lynham said this would include negotiating land access agreements with landowners and native title parties. “We have been working closely with industry on range of measures to maximise the supply of gas at affordable prices and my department is currently assessing submissions received during consultation on the Queensland Gas Supply and Demand Action Plan discussion paper released late last year,” Dr Lynham said.

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IN THE NEWS

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■ Poverty is responsible for the deaths of more than six million children before they turn five. ■ Almost 805 million people in the world don’t have access to enough food.

Charity begins at Roma

Roma trio Believe they can make a difference JEN Kranenburg is a big believer in the idea that “from little things, big things grow”. The Roma resident has made it a personal mission to make a difference to the world through humanitarian work, both at home and abroad. While it seems out of reach at this stage, Ms Kranenburg said she had her heart set on a lofty goal. “My life goal is to build a hospital or a medical centre in a third world country,” she said. “I can’t do that right now because I don’t know anything about anything and I have no contacts, so what can I do to start to build up to building a hospital?” To help make her dream a reality, Ms Kranenburg has joined forces with like-minded friends Jason MacCartie and Rowena Wilson to found Believe in a Cause, an organisation aimed at supporting and delivering aid work and projects to communities in need. “We want to connect people with a cause they believe in,” she said. Ms Kranenburg said she was inspired to become involved in international aid work after taking over the role of missions co-ordinator at her church.

◗ DRIVING CHANGE: The Believe in a Cause founders, Jen Kranenburg, Jason MacCartie and Rowena Wilson, have already contributed to humanitarian work in India and other nations. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

She was further sparked into action when Mr MacCartie retured from a trip to the Solomon Islands and showed her pictures of the conditions in which women give birth. “That was where my journey with this was sparked,” Ms Kranenburg said. Further investigation into opportunities to help overseas led to the decision to help build a toilet block in East Africa. “Jason had gone over to the Solomons to build a toilet block, and it was just a theme that kept coming up, so I felt like I needed to be looking at doing this,” she said. Ms Kranenburg explained that women in East African communities without access to public toilets need to relieve

themselves in the bush, where they are regularly attacked by sexual predators. To help support this potentially life-changing project, Believe in a Cause is selling raffle tickets, available at the Roma Vital Health office on Quintin St. The raffle will be drawn on February 28. Looking forward, Believe in a Cause hopes to become more actively involved in international humanitarian work. Ms Kranenburg said they hope to send a team of people to overseas to assist Syrian refugees coming off boats on the coast of Greece in June.

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IN THE NEWS

Solar energy investment in the Western Downs

Surat Basin’s bright future WITH a potential 3000 megawatts of further renewable energy investment over the next five years, Western Downs Regional Council has become the envy of local governments across the state. The question on everybody’s lips: How? How did a region that just a year ago was feeling the pinch of the gas industry’s post-construction bust suddenly find itself in talks about renewable projects with some of the biggest energy companies in the world? It’s a transition that has caught nearly everyone by surprise. “What’s really exciting about this is that the coal seam gas investment which has enabled and driven the move to renewables was largely unforeseen,” Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh said at a recent business breakfast in Chinchilla. “If we think back 13 to 15 years when the wave of the coal seam gas industry power generation came on, no one thought I would be standing up here before you talking about the green energy wave that’s coming after that. “We couldn’t have predicted that coal seam gas investment and the associated infrastructure would have enabled us to move to cost-effective and reliable renewable power generation.” With the energy infrastructure already in place thanks to the previous boom - think high voltage wires, power stations, substations - combined with an abundance of sunshine and flat terrain, the falling cost of solar technology, and a Federal Government-mandated Renewable Energy Target that encourages investment, the opportunities for the Western Downs are enormous. “We’ve trademarked the Energy Capital of Queensland so I think we need to at least start calling ourselves the Energy Capital of Australia,” Cr McVeigh added. So far there is 550MW of power generation capability spread across four currently approved solar projects in the Western Downs. Cr McVeigh said the secret to attracting large, multi-million dollar solar projects was the ability to fast-track approvals. “While other councils might take up to a year to approve projects, we’ve approved four in the last six months,” he said. “The latest approval – the announcement at last month’s council meeting of the Luminous Energy 300MW Columboola project – was signed off in just seven weeks, and that was over the Christmas period as well.” Western Downs Regional Council CEO Ross Musgrove said companies were approaching the Western Downs in preference to other local government areas because of how quickly Council was approving solar farm development applications. “To do this we refined the way we handle planning internally,” he said.

◗ ON THE HORIZON: WDRC Mayor Paul McVeigh said Council’s fast development application process for solar farms was giving investors certainty and bringing them to the region. PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON

“We came up with a pattern on how to deal with them, so that each one isn’t necessarily a fresh start, there are some things we already know. “That has made us the fastest place to give a DA approval in the country and makes us the point of least resistance and least risk for a project. “Investment decisions all about risk. The DA for Origin’s Kogan solar farm took six weeks... we got a lovely letter of thanks from the Origin CEO.” Providing certainty to companies was key, Cr McVeigh agreed. “It shows them we are serious,” he said. “This certainty we are providing the companies makes a huge difference when they are choosing where to place their

investments. “In short, this reduces the project’s risk profile and enables them to secure funding.” Mr Musgrove said the region was “very fortunate that some of the very large projects that are talking to us are very significant international players”. “They’re not small, they already operate very large solar and wind installations or conventional power installations around the world,” Mr Musgrove said. Origin expects to begin construction on its 200ha, 400,000 panel solar farm at Kogan within the next quarter, a project that will take 12 months to complete. Luminous Energy hopes to begin construction on its $300m Columboola Solar Farm in early to mid-2018.

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, February 23, 2017

The next round of Easternwell Community Grants open in June this year. Eligible groups may apply for funding of up to $2,000. Head to the Easternwell website for more information.

Easternwell Community Grants

Grants give community groups a boost COMMUNITY groups in the Surat Basin region have received more than $8,000 through the latest round of community grants from Easternwell, a subsidiary of Broadspectrum. Much needed funds are going to a variety of groups including Chinchilla Community Kindergarten, Endeavour Learning and Lifestyle Centre, Western Downs Outreach Program and Wallumbilla Rural Fire Brigade. Ailsa Cass from Chinchilla Community Kindergarten said the funds will be put to good use within the community teaching children about the importance of road safety. “The purchase of new puzzles and road safety signs will assist children in development of physical, cognitive and emotional skills through puzzle play and to build safety awareness through role play,” she said. Further demonstrating Easternwell’s commitment to the Surat Basin region, Endeavour Learning and Lifestyle Centre said they used their grant to purchase cameras and software for photography classes. “Learning and lifestyle is a centre-based program where people with a disability can take part in a range of learning programs as well as recreation and social activities. The photography classes will enable our clients to learn new skills

◗ DIGGING IN THE DIRT: Chinchilla Community Kindergarten has received much-needed funds from the Easternwell community grants program. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

and start a new hobby.” Since the launch of the grass roots initiative in 2011, Easternwell has provided more than $98,500 to 58 groups in the Surat Basin region. Easternwell’s Executive General Manager, Tim Phelan, said the program was specifically developed to provide much needed support to local organisations that do so much in our communities. “There are countless community groups in the areas where

we operate who provide important services to their communities.” “Easternwell is passionate about supporting the regions where we conduct business and our grants program is one of the ways we are creating lasting benefits for communities.” The next round of Easternwell Community Grants opens June 2017. Eligible groups may apply for funding of up to $2,000. For more information visit www.easternwell.com.au/communitygrants.

Funding injection to help boost our skills

◗ ROUND TWO: Supervisor Kerry Vohland with Skilling Queensland participants Dave Drake, Carena Lee and Hannah Argent. PHOTO: JESSICA BAHR

RESIDENTS around Dalby are gaining a new set of skills and $460, 000 of support, thanks to an injection of funding. On Friday Dalby Chamber, Waminda, and Dalby Welcoming Community were announced as three recipients of grants through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The initiative offers training programs to improve skills, gain qualifications, and increase employment opportunities. The groups eligible are young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature-age job seekers, women re-entering the workforce and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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Grange. This village is family owned and operated. Husband and wife, Doug and Diane Cattell are the owner operators of the village and over the past 7 years their children and their families have also been involved in the development, building and administration of the village. The personal service provided by them is something that you cannot get in larger, less personal villages. “There is a real sense of family at the Grange.” Diane said. “We are lucky to be able to have a close relationship with all of our residents and are always there to help when the residents need us to. They all look out for each other too.

It really is a great community atmosphere, such a welcoming place.” The community centre is the focus for many social activities at the village, including card games, jigsaw puzzles and indoor bowling. It also plays host to residents’ committee meetings and BBQs, as well as family functions, charity fundraisers and independence. There is also music recitals. a fruit van and fish van visit the village each week for the While the Grange offers residents’ convenience. friendship, affordability, security and peace of mind, The town offers a wide its location in the small but range of sporting and social vibrant town of Pittsworth clubs to enjoy, along with also offers easy access to supermarkets, shops and a large array of facilities. doctors located only minutes Pittsworth Blue Care and away, and for everything else, Meals on Wheels are both Toowoomba is only half an wonderful services that help hour away with a bus leaving residents to maintain their right outside the village.

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OPINION

Thursday, February 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

Construction to give region a boost

Growth breeds opportunity

Queensland apprentices underpaid millions

PAT WEIR

SHANE CHARLES

DAN MCGAW

Member for Condamine

TSBE Executive Chairman

TOOWOOMBA and Surat Basin Enterprise has returned from a trip to Parliament House, Brisbane where we took nearly 300 guests for the monthly Enterprise Evening hosted in the Speakers Green. We strategically host some of our events in Brisbane across the year to let our capital-city counterparts know just how well the region is tracking. We also held our board meeting in Brisbane prior to the Parliament House function so that we could inform our state based politicians about the success of the region. We stressed that just because we have a low unemployment rate – it is not a reason to forget about us. At the function, Minister for State Development, Natural Resources and Mines Anthony Lynham and Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Energy and Water Supply Mark Bailey spoke to us about opportunities, regional development, investment attraction and infrastructure development. While the region stares down more than $13 billion of investment, recently I was approached and genuinely asked to stop promoting the region and stop bringing people to town. The concern from this person was that the region is getting too big and we need it to stop growing at the rate we are. Whilst I disagree, it did make me stop to try and understand the cause for concern. As we grow, it is really important to ensure that we also continue to maintain the things that make us unique. The reality is that we do need to continue to grow. The reason, pure and simple, is opportunity. We need to jump on board and embrace change and the changing industries in our region and ensure we bring businesses and employees along for the ride. With that in mind, the Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium will be held from February 27- March 1. It is offers a snapshot into road, rail and air freight services our region is driving. Find out more about the symposium and book in at ttlsymposium.com.au.

ETU South West Queensland State Organiser

AS WORK begins on several major construction projects in the Condamine electorate this year, I am optimistic that the region’s economy will receive a much needed boost despite the fact that these developments only promise short term employment for local people. Most constituents are aware of the current work taking place on the Warrego Highway between Dalby and Oakey which commenced at the end of 2016. Local civil contractors have been employed to complete this work which includes eight new overtaking lanes bringing the average distance between overtaking down from 11 kilometres to 5. The cost of this work is estimated at $44 million and another $115 million is allocated for the eastern and western upgrade approaches to Dalby which will commence construction in the second half of 2017. Three solar projects including Origin Energy’s Solar Farm at Dalby, the Yarranlea Solar Farm at Pittsworth and the Canadian Solar Farm at Oakey have all been approved and work is scheduled to begin this year. All three developments will bring opportunities for local contractors during the construction phases and an estimated 330 jobs. Whilst outside the electorate boundary, the Coopers Gap Wind Farm proposes 350 job opportunities during its construction phase and I understand some of these workers will stay in Dalby during this time boosting business for local food outlets, caterers and accommodation providers. The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is currently with the Co-ordinator General for evaluation of the Environmental Impact Submissions and if the project gets the green light, construction will commence soon with a proposed completion date of 2020. Whilst I have concerns about the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s overall renewable energy targets, I am pleased to see these energy projects being developed in the Condamine electorate with the promise of jobs for local people. The knock on effect of any major development project provides a positive boost for many local businesses and contractors and I am sure the Condamine electorate will benefit in the long run.

QUEENSLAND apprentices are eligible to recoup potentially millions of dollars in backpay following a decision of the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday. Unions have argued thousands of Apprentices across Queensland have been paid under inferior state awards for the past three years. The Fair Work Commission dismissed the appeal against their ruling last year that All Trades Queensland’s Apprentices agreement should be measured against the Modern Award of $12.66 an hour, not the State Award of $8.75. The decision made it clear that the Modern Awards should have applied to all Queensland Apprentices since 1 January 2014. As many as 2000 electrical apprentices around the state could be under-paid by up to $4 an hour due to the ruling, with thousands more apprentices in other industries also affected. All Queensland apprentices paid on the award need to contact a Union to investigate any potential underpayment. This kind of exploitation of apprentices has been driving young people away from our industry as they struggle to afford to pay for transport, food or rent. It has now been proven this is the wrong award, and we want to ensure our most vulnerable workers are being paid the correct rate. I encourage any apprentice who are unsure whether they are being paid at the right rate to contact their relevant union office as soon as possible to begin pursuing their entitlements. Apprentices are the future of industry in Australia. Business have an obligation to train the next generation of workers and pay them the correct rate. If apprentices are not remunerated correctly, they will not continue their apprenticeship and there will be a skills shortage leading to the influx of foreign workers.

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OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, February 23, 2017

Jobs on the way ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

WELCOME to the February Edition of the Surat Basin News. I hope you all enjoyed a happy, productive and prosperous start to the New Year.

Western Surat Gas Project

I would like welcome Senex Energy’s fast-tracked investment in its Western Surat Gas Project north of Roma. The project is expected to deliver 40 new wells over the next 12 to 18 months, with a total of 425 wells set to be developed over the life of the $1 billion project. This investment will help boost small business confidence, stimulate the local economy and is expected to create approximately 100 jobs across the Surat Basin.

Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee

The Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee is currently examining two bills, Strong and Sustainable

Resource Communities Bill 2016 and the Stock Route Network Management Bill 2016. The Committee has received a number of submissions and departmental responses which have been published on the parliamentary website at http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/ committees/IPNRC. The Committee are currently holding public hearings in relation to both bills and if you wish to keep up to date with the hearings and reports feel free to go to http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/get-involved/how-do-I-getinvolved/email-alert and subscribe to the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee.

Quad Bike Rules

From February 1, new laws took effect requiring all operators and passengers of a quad bike or off-road utility vehicle to wear motorcycle helmets on Queensland Roads and road-related areas including road shoulders, footpaths, nature strips and road reserves. Exemptions apply only in instances where the bike’s engine is turned off, the operator is pushing the bike and it is safe to do so. Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet and comply with the

◗ OUT AND ABOUT: Ann Leahy MP on the Stock Route between Boulia and Winton. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

new laws will attract a fine of $365 and the incursion of three demerit points. This offence will also be subject to existing motorcycle double demerit point penalties, so if two or more offences are committed with a 12 month period, the second and subsequent offence will incur double demerit points. In addition, the new laws prohibit children under the age of eight and other children who cannot sit with their back against the seat and rest their feet flat on the floor or on the footrest, from being carried as passengers on quad bikes and utility off-road vehicles. Until next edition!

Keep prime agricultural land for farmers PROPERTY Rights Australia (PRA) aims to promote fair treatment of landowners in their dealings with government, businesses and the community. This ensures that PRA is involved in a very broad range of issues. The most recent has been the proposed compulsory acquisition of properties for the expansion of military training areas at Shoalwater Bay and Townsville. A lesson from this campaign is that decision makers must examine the productive capacity of the area in which a land use change is sought to be imposed. Australia has only a very small percentage of high quality agricultural land which should be protected. Military training can occur on poorer land

types as can residential houses and industrial businesses. For that matter until there is a scarcity of a resource, mining and coal seam gas can operate elsewhere as well. PRA does not have a policy that is against mining beyond landowners being treated fairly and that it should occur where appropriate, which is not in prime agricultural areas. What areas that are suitable should be clearly defined in good planning legislation. Both the agricultural and resource sectors require business certainty. Government should not issue exploration permits over prime agricultural land. It’s not fair on the resource company investing

DALE STILLER Property Rights Australia (PRA)

considerable funds, if, as it should be, the project isn’t allowed to continue and it’s not fair on the landowners of top country, especially if government allow it to proceed to the Environmental Impact Statement phrase. A current example is the rich Goomburra Valley, east of Allora where exploration leases are due for renewal. The company that has been holding the leases have conducted drilling to prove up reserves for a possible open cut coal mine. The Queensland government should not renew leases over cropping country of this quality.

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OPINION

Why there is no better place than the Western Downs

Push on for local content in the Maranoa

Cr PAUL McVEIGH Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council

THE way in which we come together as a community is a direct reflection of the spirit of a place and the level of pride we have in where we live. And you would be hard pressed to find a better example of exceptionally strong community spirit and pride than the Chinchilla Melon Festival. Conceived in the midst of crippling drought more than two decades ago, the resourceful and resilient Chinchilla community rallied to create, and then build, one of Australia's most unique and fun-filled festivals. I was extremely proud to join the melon madness with my family, along with more than 10,000 people, including international visitors. On behalf of our entire region, we congratulate the tireless organising committee for, as always, putting on the biggest and best Melon Festival. And we thank you for creating one of the country's most-loved regional festivals right here in the Western Downs. Now we look forward to the region's next major event showcase, Opera at Jimbour in July, closely followed by the Tara Festival of Cultural and Camel Races in August. As I have travelled around the region I can feel a renewed positivity and confidence in the year ahead, which is just fantastic. I believe we are building momentum and there is an enormous amount to be excited and optimistic about for the Western Downs. Business confidence is building and investment increasing. Already this year one of Australia's largest solar projects to be built at Columboola has been announced and this was quickly followed by a major retailer opening in Dalby. This will be a very exciting year for the Western Downs and we are set to fully capitalise on the increasing opportunities our region will continue to attract over the next 12 months. All this, and more, is why I believe there is no better place than the Western Downs.

Cr TYSON GOLDER Mayor of Maranoa Regional Council

IN 2017, we in the Maranoa need to see a tangible growth of local content really driven by key members in the resource industry, with a majority of workers living in our local communities, whether in company owned houses, rentals or local hotels and motels. I hope to hear the accommodations are furnished from locally purchased furniture, that workers are buying from local suppliers, eating food purchased locally and joining local clubs such as playing touch football, for example, and getting a taste of the friendliness of living out West. Workers could really benefit from an opportunity to fully embrace the lifestyle that we in the Maranoa are proud of and the broader communities would benefit as well. A motivated focus needs to be this push for local content with a truly positive mind frame. We actually have an amazing opportunity available to us right now which could improve the lifestyle of the workers involved, with a flow on to bolstering local economies and stability. Workers and their families may even decide to set the whole family base here if companies were to encourage that idea. I look forward to making opportunities to discuss, shape and develop these ideas with various industry people to really get the ball rolling. The platform for increasing local living is already here – we just need to work on partnership, developing specific goals and guidelines and to work with positivity towards meeting these.

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AS THE newly appointed Chair of the revamped GasFields Commission Queensland, I look forward to working with landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry to facilitate balanced and respectful relationships. As a newcomer to the Commission, I acknowledge the tremendous work done by a broad range of stakeholders, particularly the previous Chair and Commissioners. It’s not been an easy road and we are not there yet, but the groundwork has been laid for the onshore gas industry and landholders to work better with each other and ensure there are benefits for all concerned. There will be new directions for the Commission too, following an independent review last year which will provide guidance and direction for the organisation as it looks to the future. A new area of activity will be the development of a community reference group to address the health and wellbeing concerns of residents in key areas. We will also work with the various agencies in the onshore gas industry to clarify their responsibilities and improve how they respond to inquiries and complaints. We now have considerable data about the coal seam gas industry in Queensland. It is critical we use this information to help build awareness and understanding of the role of the gas industry in the economy, and its impacts on regional communities, our natural resource base, and agricultural sector. The community wants to see our state’s gas reserves developed in an environmentally and socially safe and responsible manner, balancing the needs of landholders and local communities. The industry has worked hard to improve its social licence to operate and build community trust. The ongoing task of improving performance must be a shared effort between government, industry, and the community, with the Commission playing an important role as a facilitator, monitor, communicator and strategic advisor.

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Thursday, February 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, February 23, 2017

Huge energy potential in Maranoa Energy security and affordability is a defining platform for the Federal Government in 2017 DAVID LITTLEPROUD Federal Member for Maranoa

HOME to some of the largest proposed renewable energy projects, extensive gas investments and long-established coal-fired power stations – Maranoa is fast becoming a diverse and dynamic powerhouse and is set to benefit from the Coalition Federal Government’s invigorating focus on energy. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that energy security and affordability would be a key Coalition Government focus in 2017 and I believe this focus is set to open huge opportunities for our region. As a plan to combat rising energy costs, this government is focused on new clean coal technologies, advancing important energy storage options for renewable energy sources and examining the increase of gas supply in Australia – all part of the mix in the next incarnation of Australia’s energy policy. Whether you’re running the family home, farm or business – the increasing cost of electricity is one of the biggest drains on the hip-pocket and I’m proud to be part of a government that has a plan to alleviate this pressure on families and industry. Our Prime Minister is absolutely correct, there’s no reason why we can’t achieve a policy trifecta of affordable, reliable and secure energy while, at the same time, meeting global emissions reduction commitments and we’re going to approach this issue realistically and objectively. This new platform is a real opportunity for Maranoa to become an energy hub of Australia with the boundless opportunities provided by both private sector and government investment in terms of jobs and wealth. Whether it’s solar, gas or coal in our region, it’s my vision that energy creation will build a third economic pillar in Maranoa, complementing our agriculture and tourism industries.

However both Federal and Queensland Labor have put-forward unrealistic renewable energy targets from the 4.4% generated today to 50% by 2030, a move that would inevitably lead us down South Australia’s path of compromised energy security and higher costs affecting not only industry and small business but also those who can least afford it. Labor’s unrealistic targets will inevitably force the closure and cause job losses at some of Queensland’s 10 coal-fired power stations, jeopardising four coal-fired power stations in Maranoa

including the Millmerran Power Station, Kogan Creek Power Station and the two power stations at Tarong. In contrast, the Coalition Government has a plan for affordable, reliable and secure energy. We’re on track to meet and beat the Renewable Energy Target of 23.5% by 2020 though responsible and sustainable measures, and will continue to progress energy security and affordability as a priority in Parliament this year.

MARANOA’S CURRENT AND POTENTIAL ENERGY MIX INCLUDES: SOLAR: • The Federal Government invested $20 million in Origin Energy’s Darling Downs Solar Farm near Dalby – set to be the largest solar farm in Australia – that will not only generate 110MW of solar energy but also deliver 550 new jobs in the region. • The Federal Government invested $1.3 million in the Longreach Solar Farm which will generate 15MW of power and provide about 75 new jobs in the region. • A large-scale solar farm is currently underway on 90 hectares in Barcaldine where the energy generated will provide power to more than 5300 homes. GAS: • Arrow Energy’s Breamar 2 CSG power station, near Dalby, commissioned in 2009 (519MW capacity). • Origin Energy’s Darling Downs CSG power station, commissioned in 2010 (645MW capacity). • Queensland Gas Company’s CSG power station at Condamine, commissioned in 2010 (140MW capacity). • Origin’s Roma gas power station, commissioned in 1999 (80MW capacity). • Ergon Energy’s Barcaldine gas power station, commissioned in 1996 (55MW capacity). • Santos’s Ballera gas power station, near Eromanga, commissioned in 2005 (45MW capacity). COAL: • InterGen’s Millmerran Power Station, commissioned in 2002 (851MW capacity). • CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station, commissioned in 2007 (750MW capacity). • Stanwell Corporation’s Tarong Power Station, commissioned in 1984-86 (1400MW capacity). • Stanwell Corporation’s Tarong North Power Station commissioned in 2002 (443MW capacity). GEOTHERMAL: • Birdsville (0.12MW). WIND (proposed): • AGL Energy’s proposed wind farm development in Coopers Gap, near Kingaroy (proposed 350MW capacity).

PLACES AND FACES

◗ Sam Thaiday, Jai Arrow, Tevita Pangai and Tautau Moga with the kids at Brigalow State School.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Brisbane Broncos with students from St Joseph's Catholic College.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Chinchilla State School students Lily Kennedy, Adam Francis, Tori Wilce and Skye McKellar with Brisbane Broncos players. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Miles State School pupils were clearly delighted to meet the Brisbane Broncos. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Thursday, February 23, 2017 suratbasin.com.au

◗ Bev Taylor with Emma Mansfield at the Dalby Leagues Club for the BMO Breakfast.

PLACES AND FACES

◗ MOTIVATIONAL BREAKFAST: Megan James from BMO with guest speaker Bruce Sullivan and Trudi Bartlett from Dalby Chamber. PHOTOS: JESSICA BAHR

Jeff Hannaford ◗ Kylie Sankey, Donna Cook and Melissa Low at the BMO Breakfast.

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What can Jeff and his staff solve?? Anything!! Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and ◗ Kerry Clark, Pam Teal and Barry Jordan at the Dalby Leagues Club earlier this month.

Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran. Jeff supports the AOOB Organisation because they are involved in charity and charity begins at home. Try Jeff and his staff’s experience in solving your Accountancy, Taxation and Financial worries. fashioned service.

◗ Stacey Finck and Alanna Porter at the BMO Breakfast.

For a free insight into what changes you could make to your business or life phone Jeff on 0429 894 937 or Millmerran 4695 1477 Inglewood 4652 1106 or Texas 4653 1155

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Surat Basin News Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, Q 4413 Printed by APN Print Warwick General manager: Erika Brayshaw

Arrow Energy Brisbane Broncos Surat Tour

Broncos in Surat school book blitz OFF came the boots and out came the books when the Brisbane Broncos took a break from pre-season training earlier this month, travelling to schools across the Surat Basin to deliver an important message to their youngest fans. The two-day school tour, in partnership with Arrow Energy, included visits to 14 schools across the region, delivering reading tips and advice on living healthy and active lives. The squad was joined by 12 Broncos support staff, Arrow Energy staff, and Broncos ambassadors Corey Parker and Jharal Yow Yeh. “It’s great to take on an ambassador role with the club and still take part in community tours like this,” Corey Parker said. “I’ve gone on the Surat Basin school tour with Arrow for a number of years now and it’s great to come out to regional schools and deliver positive messages about living healthy and active lifestyles. “Many kids in regional areas never get the chance to meet their sporting heroes, so to have four or five of us walk into the classroom and chat to them for a few hours is a pretty big deal for them.” The team split into groups, visiting schools across the Surat Basin including Chinchilla State School, Miles State High School, Miles State School, St Joseph’s School, Brigalow State School, Warra State School, Wandoan State School and Guluguba State School. It was a special visit to Guluguba, with the school celebrating 100 years to the day since it opened its doors for the first time. “It was very fortunate that the day coincided with the Broncos visit – the players and representatives of the team made the day extra special for all staff, students and parents at our small rural school,” Guluguba State School Principal Pauline Kerwick said. On the second day of their visit, the team headed to Clifford Park Special School, Kogan State School and Toowoomba West Special School. The Broncos also hosted a leadership forum for selected students from schools in Dalby, talking about what is means to be a leader, both in their local community and in their future careers. The tour concluded with a free junior rugby league clinic at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba Campus.

◗ HAPPY FACES: Guluguba and Grosmont State School kids with Broncos Herman Ese’ese and Mitchell Dodds, 100 years to the day since the Guluguba State School opened its doors. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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