Western downs farmer june

FARMER JUNE 2016

EDITION NO.4

MEET TOMORROW’S LEADERS LOCAL CANDIDATES RESPOND TO FARMERS’ QUESTIONS AHEAD OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION. PAGE 6

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 1

Mailler claims grain rip-off WELCOME WELCOME to the fourth edition of Western Downs Farmer, inserted quarterly into the Dalby Herald and Chinchilla News; we hope you enjoy it.

With the coal-seam gas industry under fresh scrutiny with each passing month, it seems farming may soon be the dominant industry in the region yet again.

This could usher in a period of great stability, coupled with incredible infrastructure and road networks for the communities of the Western Downs.

The political challenge, locally, will be maintaining them with declining revenue since the end of the gas boom.

Speaking of politics, the federal election is looming; flip to page 6 to see what local political aspirants feel about the hot button issue of the day – vegetation management.

There is also plenty to celebrate, and this good news was exemplified by the turnout at Farmfest. With plenty of emerging technologies on display and talented young experts to speak to, it was a window into a truly bright future of increased yields and fantastic efficiencies.

If farmers can see their business through the lens of fresh opportunity, this future will no doubt become a reality.

EDITOR Alasdair Young, 4672 5514 ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole McDougall JOURNALIST Matthew Newton JOURNALIST Blake Antrobus JOURNALIST Andrew Messenger All material published in Western Downs Farmer is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. DISCLAIMER: The information contained within Western Downs Farmer is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

The Dalby Herald, Western Star and Chinchilla News will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.

GRAIN PRODUCERS ARE BEING RIPPED OFF BY ABOUT $4A TONNE THANKS TO INACTION BY AGRICULTURE MINISTER BARNABY JOYCE, ACCORDING TO FORMER GRAINS PRODUCERS AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT TURNED COUNTRY-MINDED SENATE CANDIDATE PETER MAILLER. Mr Mailler said the Wheat Export Marketing Amendment Bill which was passed in 2012 by the Gillard Government had a condition that bulk handling companies must describe wheat in

store by grade and by port zone, weekly during harvest and monthly thereafter.

He said Mr Joyce had failed to enforce the condition.

“The value of this information was conservatively and independently estimated to be worth three to five dollars per tonne of wheat to growers in Australia,” Mr Mailler said.

“This information would have helped address some of the asymmetry that exists in the grain marketing system in favour of bulk handling companies.

With three wheat harvests since Mr Joyce took office, Mr Mailler said Australian producers had grown about 75 million tonnes of wheat during that time, equating to $300 million in lost revenue.

Grains Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann said the numbers were accurate and based on discussions with “various marketers” over time.

“Our frustration is now borne out of the fact we haven’t got any of (the conditions of the bill) implemented and growers have missed out on an opportunity to capture real value from competition,” Mr Weidemann said.

A spokesman for Mr Joyce said that in September 2014, a Wheat Export Industry Grant of $3.46 million was made to the Grains Research and Development Corporation to establish a voluntary wheat stocks reporting scheme, which failed.

Bowdens keeps on trucking SHIFTING GOODS HAS BEEN IN THE BOWDEN’S BLOOD FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, AND THEY ARE DETERMINED TO STAY ON THE ROAD AS THE BOOM TIMES SUBSIDE. The business started over 50 years ago when Clary Bowden got a job carting timber to Brisbane for the Western Timber Company.

Through an acquaintance at Chesterfields, he was given the job of bringing tractors home from Brisbane.

This grew the family business until they needed a larger premises, eventually moving to Loudoun Rd, the hub of Dalby’s commerce.

Bowdens Transport has expanded to employ 8–10 men, including Clary’s son, Daryl. Today, they own six trucks and over 20 trailers outright.

In 2016, Bowdens Transport’s focus is on general freight for local businesses to and from Brisbane, particularly in the realm of farm machinery.

These days Daryl carries on the Bowden legacy, working the same route as his late father.

Dalby is central to the type of work they do, as it is the place Clary started and raised his family.

Marg Bowden said they never intended to leave their home town.

“It was just natural that he would build his life here with his

own family,” she said.

“We have supported and been supported by Dalby locals.

“Even with the downturn in the local economy, we are still keeping our heads above water.

“Yes, we have less staff, but we are not closing our doors.”

WHERE IT BEGAN: The truck that started it all for Bowdens Transport.

Bowdens TransporT pTy LTd TRANSPORT & CRANE HIRE

“Locally owned & operated servicing Dalby & district for over 40 years”

LoUdoUn road, daLBy QLd 4405

4662 2043 OR 4662 2836

2 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

Fax: 4662 2251 a/Hours: 0417 796 412 email: bowdens_transport@bigpond.com

6364642aa

SPECIALISTS IN TRANSPORTATION OF FARM MACHINERY & HEADERS REGULAR SERVICES TO & FROM BRISBANE

Dalby utes take on the Great Endeavour

FIRST PRIZE: Ute enthusiast and charity fundraiser Keith Gooderham won the 2016 Great Endeavour Rally with his son Ben in their ute ‘The Goodies 83’.

LOCAL ENTRANTS IN THE 2016 GREAT ENDEAVOUR RALLY PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL IN SUPPORT OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY. More than 150 participants were already signed up for the adventure a fortnight in advance, including Bowenville man Chris Bartlett, who returned to the rally for the first time in four years.

Starting positions on the grid were determined by the funds they raised, meaning they had to pull out all the stops for sponsorship.

Chris’s team did well, raising $7500 in a matter of weeks.

He drove with his mate, Lindsay Sloss, in a distinctive HX 1977 Kingswood, emblazoned with the name “Three Tools”.

The rally started on June 4, and is part of a tradition spanning almost 30 years.

The 18-day adventure started in Ipswich, winding its way to Uluru via a series of tough dirt tracks and off-road courses, the Finke Desert Race track. The finish line at Uluru signalled the start of the Super Endeavour Rally, which has participants head south to Lake Eyre, before

Rainfall much better this year THE WORST DROUGHT IN LIVING MEMORY HAS YET TO BREAK DESPITE HIGH HOPES RAISED BY HEAVY RAINS IN JANUARY. And farmers in nearly 85% of Queensland continue to endure drought conditions, despite the revocation of declarations in the South Burnett area in early May. State and federal governments will have no choice but to continue to provide aid for shires and graziers for the foreseeable future despite calling in Local Drought Committees to discuss

DROUGHT JOBS: The dry country of Trinidad station, near Quilpie.

revocation of some declarations earlier in the year.

Graziers out west have had a much better year than last, with at least some rain every month, following the massive 80-odd cms in early January. But rain has been spotty and the wrong sort, the occasional downpour rather than a constant presence.

Charleville Elders manager (and experienced cattleman) Keith Richardson puts it in terms of spilled milk.

“It’s like pouring a bucket on your desk,” he said.

“It’ll go everywhere.

“But if you spill it slowly, it’ll pool.”

Mulga country will respond well to almost anything, but heavy rains can wreck dried out grassland or downs, washing away the last surviving grass and then draining too quickly to do anyone any good. Property in Wyandra has little green pick left after this year’s sain. Some cattle even died of pneumonia in January in the west as temperatures dropped over 10 degrees overnight.

- Andrew Messenger

returning to Queensland via the Birdsville Track.

Many of the vehicles in the rally are modified for the event, and Mr Bartlett’s was no exception.

His Kingswood isn’t pretty, with a rough coat of paint and a home-made steel bullbar and a spare motor in the back.

In the end it was another Dalby man who pipped Bartlett at the post, ute enthusiast Keith Gooderham and his son Ben placing first.

Mr Gooderham, who has been competing in the charity motoring event for three years, said he was thrilled to finally win.

“The cars need to be a special build because it is kind of like 4WDing,” he said.

Drivers must stick to certain speed limits for some stages.

Mr Gooderham’s HiLux ute, which is named after comedy show The Goodies 83, is fitted with a V6 Holden Commodore engine.

He wished to thank his sponsors in Dalby.

“Although we do it for the glory and it’s a fun thing for us, it is very costly, so every little bit helps.”

ATTENTION: FEEDLOT OWNERS/MANAGERS DALBY ORGANIC SOIL SOLUTIONS HAS A MOTTO; “YOUR PROBLEM, OUR SOLUTION”.

WITH ITS MOBILE TROMMEL PLANT IT CAN PROCESS 100 TONNES PER HOUR AT -20MM APERTURE WITH VERY LITTLE OVERSIZE. When this process is applied to the waste covering the floors of feedlots across the Western Downs, you will find the fine matter makes for a cheap,

DOSS has all your sifting needs sorted.

saleable, organic fertiliser.

There are other trommel screens, but with DOSS’ potential processing speed of 100 tonnes per hour, the self-sufficient, trailer-mounted machine is the fastest of its kind in the area.

It started as an idea, and after more than a decade evaluating local demand and considering their options, Graeme Clark and Errol Thomas designed and built the machine themselves.

“There’s nothing even close to it out here,” Mr Clark said.

Trommel screens are used at recycling plants and industrial processing sites across the world, and using one at a feedlot means instant, value-adding fertiliser for Western Downs paddocks.

You can contact Dalby Organic Soil Solutions at 69 Loudoun Rd. Otherwise, you can call Graeme on 0427 582 662 or Errol on 0417 617 461.

Mobile Trommel Hire - Ideal for Feedlots

Highly efficient in the separation and processing of cow manure, wood chips, top soil, compost, light demolition waste, aggregates and yard waste.

Our mobile trommel screen system is more cost effective for processing these types of materials than the traditional vibrating screen systems.

6364642ab

Errol 0417 617 461 Graeme 0427 582 662 T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 3

City lobbyists should respect farmers

RURAL WRECKER: Tony Perrett (far right) says Labor will turn some farmers into criminals through retrospective legislation, brought in through amendments to the Vegetation Management Act

ON JUNE 30, THE AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL PRESENT ITS REPORT CARD ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN QUEENSLAND – AND THE DEPUTY CHAIR BELIEVES IT WILL END IN A LAMBASTING OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT. TONY Perrett, appointed as Deputy Chair of the Committee on May 10 this year, said during his tour of Queensland, his eyes had been opened to the extent to which landholders could be “guilty until proven innocent” under the amended Vegetation Management Act. The most jarring thing for Mr Perrett about the changes was the reversal of the onus of proof.

“If you clear vegetation in an area that may be considered (protected), you need to prove the Government wrong. In other words, you’re guilty until proven innocent,” he said.

“You can no longer use the mistake of fact as a defence, even though a lot of the testimony we’ve been hearing is that there are a lot of inaccuracies in the mapping, and the ability of the department to accurately map has been brought into question.

“The other thing is it’s retrospective; it was introduced on March 17. If the bill passes, it will create a situation where

if you clear vegetation which is legal to clear at the moment, (the law) will retrospectively apply to landholders, potentially making them criminals.

“The penalties involved include imprisonment, and massive fines.”

The Vegetation Management Act was passed in 1999 under the watch of former premier Peter Beattie. Since then, it has been amended 18 times.

Mr Perrett said the groups pushing for changes to the Act were disconnected from the effect their lobbying was having on state agriculture.

“There’s no doubt there’s a disconnect; they have no interest. They talk about global warming, the Great Barrier Reef, and expect landowners to pay the price... for the greater community benefit,” he said.

“You can’t expect landowners to suffer an economic loss, or be rendered unable to manage vegetation on their property, at their cost, for a greater community benefit.”

Mr Perrett called for inner-city lobbyists to respect farmers and the role they play in maintaining Queensland’s land. “There’s no real consideration that they (farmers) are the true environmentalists... and I wholeheartedly believe that they are the custodians of their land,” he said.

Labor’s new vegetation laws blasted on the land, said the legislation would have all those negative effects and more – and wouldn’t even reduce carbon emissions.

“This legislation has the ability to destroy us graziers –has the ability to destroy us as a family operation,” she said.

“It also has the ability to destroy the future of agriculture in Australia.”

She said that mulga was likely to grow out of control without regular clearing, wiping out grass and therefore local wildlife.

And, because grass soaks up more carbon than trees, this would have the opposite effect to the intent of the legislation.

John Sommerfield complained that maps were often both wrong and made at such a big scale that they’re essentially useless even when correct.

A single polygon – the smallest measure of area – can contain more than one regional ecosystem, he said.

“It’s like a street with three speed limits fixed to the one pole and the motorist has to be responsible for identifying which one of them is correct,” he said.

The committee continued on to Roma that afternoon, hearing yet more reasons why not to adopt the legislation.

The committee will return its findings to Parliament by the end of the month.

TAKING SOUNDINGS: The Agriculture and Environment Committee hears submissions from the public about the proposed changes to vegetation management and land clearing.

6364642ac

LABOR’S NEW VEGETATION LAWS ARE “AN UNFAIR VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS THAT MAY RENDER WESTERN QUEENSLAND AN UNPROFITABLE MONO-CULTURE OF PURE MULGA AND WORSE DROUGHTS”, A PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY WAS TOLD THIS MONTH. Not one single grazier in either Roma or Charleville, or anyone else, rose to defend the Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill to the Agriculture and Environment Committee in early June.

The inquiry was chaired by state members Glenn Butcher, Tony Perrett, Julieanne Gilbert, Robbie Katter, Jim Madden and Ted Sorensen.

Members of the local AgForce turned out in force to give the state agriculture committee a piece of their mind.

One of the biggest complaints was that incorrect, huge scale maps, based on the opinions of bureaucrats in Brisbane would be used as the basis for prosecution.

Even if a farmer believed himself to be acting within the law, this would be no defence – and he or she would be presumed guilty, and have to prove himself or herself otherwise.

Or so the committee was told.

Trish Agar, describing herself as the seventh generation

4 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

Cotton experts nominated for awards THE COTTON INDUSTRY IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND IS GOING STRONG IF THE FINALISTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN COTTON INDUSTRY AWARDS ARE ANYTHING TO GO BY. Two Dalby cotton growing operations, a cotton manager from Goondiwindi and a researcher from Toowoomba are all nominated in the national awards, which are in their 13th year.

The awards recognise excellence and achievement in Australia’s cotton industry throughout the supply chain, from growers and ginners, to product suppliers, consultants, agronomists and researchers.

Brett and Liza Crothers, from Benalla at Dalby, and Matthew Waye, from Grassdale Mort and Co Lot Feeders at Dalby, have been nominated for the Grower of the Year and High Achiever of the Year awards respectively.

Cotton Australia regional manager Rebecca Fing has been nominated as Young Achiever of the Year, and Dr Paul Grundy, from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Toowoomba, has been nominated as Researcher of the Year.

The Crothers family farms 1255ha on five holdings on the southern side of Dalby.

Good quality soils and their effective water distribution system earned the Crothers the Darling Downs Cotton Grower of the Year award in 2015.

The operation accesses a mix of water sources from the Condamine River and Oakey Creek along with overland flow and 884ml of bore water.

This fully integrated system provides a level of security of water for their cotton operation, feeding their three laterals, a centre pivot and their furrow irrigation.

This allows them to spread their risk and respond rapidly to where the water demand is at any point in time, making them highly successful cotton growers.

Mr Waye has full responsibility for the farming operations at Grassdale Mort and Co Lot Feeders, assisted by a staff of four plus contractors and consultants.

The operation includes 500ha of flood irrigation, 216ha of overhead sprinkler irrigation and 2500ha of dryland farming.

Mort and Co is primarily a feedlotting company and has two holdings, Grassdale and Pinegrove, 50km apart on the Darling Downs. The 3224ha enterprise varies greatly in its soil types, water availability, cropping infrastructure and weather conditions, so it requires a highly tailored management style.

Young Achiever of Year nominee Ms Fing has combined her love of cotton with her love of training for more than 14 years.

As well as being Cotton Australia regional manager in Goondiwindi and holding positions of leadership in Wincott, she has helped more than 800 cotton

industry staff gain formal qualification in agriculture and business management.

Dr Grundy has worked in the cotton industry since 1999, and most recently has been working closely with growers in the Central Highlands to get an understanding of their production constraints.

His work has included helping Central Queensland growers change their planting practices, assisting in the commercialisation of an improved pigeon pea variety for refuges and the

assessment of the viability of cotton in the Burdekin region.

Dr Grundy is renowned for his collaborative nature and ability to communicate effectively, including his highly viewed film How to Change a Siphon.

The Australian Cotton Industry Awards evening will be held at the Gold Coast on Thursday, August 4, as part of the annual Cotton Conference.

– Amy Lyne

HIGH HOPES: Liza and Brett Crothers have been nominated for the Grower of the Year Award.

Molafos @ $0.66/kg inc

• High energy molasses based supplement • Contains a balance of essential minerals • Fed in troughs, top dressed on hay or in mixed ration • Suitable for sheep, beef and dairy cattle

3 pc round hay feeder @ $425.00 inc

6358204aa

See what’s new in store at Landmark!

Landmark CHINCHILLA Warrego Highway

07 4662 7806

Damien

Corrina

Sam

Merv

Mark

Daniel

Terry Nik (absent)

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 5

Candidates on vegetation management

RICK GURNETT – KATTER’S AUSTRALIA PARTY Landholders have been expressing their anger at proposed vegetation management reforms by the State Government. How should vegetation management be handled on a Federal level, and what rights do landholders have?

The Queensland Vegetation Act must be shredded before rural Queensland is crippled beyond repair and the family farm is forced from the landscape, by these fascist laws that victimise landholders for the benefit of political power and vote buying.

These laws were forced upon the states by the Howard/Truss Federal Government with the Commonwealth-State Natural Heritage Trust Agreement held out as a carrot to communities but the carrot has dried and shrivelled and has done little to cover the cost of lost productivity.

Clearing can be easily controlled with a carbon credit scheme that returns income back to landholders for their retained vegetation. Queensland is a carbon sync not a carbon emitter. Rural Australians need to vote for a party that represents them, not sells them out!

How would you go about revitalising the sheep industry, for both wool and lamb, in south-west Queensland?

The Veg Act has played a part in western Queensland in making many properties unviable or marginal, and seen an exodus of producers. This in turn has seen an explosion in wild dogs, which in turn forces producers away from sheep and goats. The Government must now invest much more into feral fencing and dog control, the miserable amounts offered on an annual basis are inadequate and are dividing communities. I would advocate for better funding of these programmes.

DAVE KERRIGAN – AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY Landholders have been expressing their anger at proposed vegetation management reforms by the State Government. How should vegetation management be handled on a federal level, and what rights do landholders have?

6 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

There has to be concentrated, negotiable and well-researched conversation in this area. Does this combine with the mining industry legislation as well? When there are no trees or very few and the droughts last for twice as long as this current one, are we going to revisit this question?

How would you go about revitalising the sheep industry, for both wool and lamb, in south-west Queensland?

The main thing to revitalise any industry is have everyone working together for the whole community. Have everybody’s input about the benefits to the whole community and all work towards a common goal. It will be a long hard job to get the sheep and wool industry going in south-west and Western Queensland, but this will be worth it for the survival of our communities.

landholders. Enabling beef producers to choose whether to build a sheep, wool and lamb component in your business mix is an important part way to build that diversity.

A strong local wool industry also keeps skilled workers, such as wool classers and shearers, in the region, which helps build rural communities.

If we can bring back the sheep, we bring back the shearers and we bring back work and much needed dollars to Maranoa communities.

That’s why it’s so important we continue to battle the wild dogs.

The Coalition has delivered more than $50 million in funds for pest management initiatives such as cluster exclusion fencing, baiting programs and other on-the-ground measures.

Cluster fencing projects remain a high priority for graziers throughout drought affected parts of Queensland, and it’s a priority which I support.

DAVID LITTLEPROUD – LIBERAL NATIONAL PARTY Landholders have been expressing their anger at proposed vegetation management reforms by the State Government. How should vegetation management be handled on a federal level, and what rights do landholders have?

I fully understand the anger that is felt by many in our communities across the Maranoa electorate. The vegetation management debate not only affects producers and growers, but it has a flow-on impact that is felt across the entire local economy.

Agriculture is the biggest driver of many Maranoa economies and if Labor brings in laws that halt the landholder’s ability to develop their land there will be huge repercussions – it will jeopardise the economic viability of the livestock carrier, the shearer, the contract fencer, the earthmover, the stock and station agent and the machinery store owner. Locking up huge tracts of private property has the effect of stifling virtually all economic growth in rural communities. And it is all done so Labor can win a few easy votes in the city.

I will never support Federal legislation that tries to stop landholders from carrying out their fundamental right to manage vegetation on their land in a responsible and practical manner.

We already have legislation in place, namely the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC), which provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places. This act applies to landholders.

How would you go about revitalising the sheep industry, for both wool and lamb, in south-west Queensland?

Part of building resilience in our rural industry is creating on-farm diversity for

LYNETTE KEEHN – ONE NATION Landholders have been expressing their anger at proposed vegetation management reforms by the State Government. How should vegetation management be handled on a federal level, and what rights do landholders have?

Self-management with reference to Landcare Flora and Fauna and AgForce guidelines. Most previously utilised agricultural land is free of true old-growth vegetation/flora fauna environmental risk.

How would you go about revitalising the sheep industry, for both wool and lamb, in south-west Queensland?

Land management has become an issue whereby the enterprise needs to suit the remaining, existing land and what it can offer. Barren or infertile overcropped land can provide nothing. Smaller, mixed farming with high quality, organic, boutique products (meat and wool) seem to be gaining a foothold as viable options.

Perhaps that, side-by-side with improved pasture management, would prove sustainable for the sheep industry.

KATHERINE HOMPES – THE GREENS

1. There are few if any domestic violence shelters west of Toowoomba.

What can the Federal Government do to ensure women are safe in communities like Birdsville or Cunnamulla?

The Greens have a comprehensive and fully costed policy to address domestic violence right across Australia, including remote and rural areas. This includes $5 billion in direct funding to frontline services such as women’s shelters, crisis phone services, counselling, perpetrator interventions and training for service providers. In addition, the Greens will use their influence in Canberra to increase funding to legal aid and construct 14,500 affordable dwellings.

2. When will the Government unify authority for mental health to a single minister? What can be done?

Led by a former rural doctor, The Greens are acutely aware of the lack of adequate mental health facilities in rural Australia, and have committed to increasing direct funding to frontline services in these areas by $240 million.

3. If you were designing the NBN, how would it look and what services would you want to improve in rural Queensland with it?

A first-class NBN is essential for Australia to seize the opportunities of a 21st century global economy. Australia is already lagging behind and it will only get worse under the Coalition’s plans.

4. What elements of rural health need to be targeted with strategic funding to ensure the sustainability of regional Queensland?

The Greens have identified the need to promote and sustain rural general practices, identify strategies for rural recruitment and retention, and a National Rural Generalist Training Program to ensure that the next generations of rural doctors are equipped with the necessary education, training and skills to prepare them for rural medical practice. A first-class NBN has also become crucial for delivering 21st healthcare away from major cities.

5. Would you agree that it is the Government’s role to subsidise farms during difficult periods? Why/why not?

The Greens want to ensure that drought assistance and other incentives for land managers are easily available but also encourage long term risk reduction strategies, so we don’t continually use stop-gap measures for farmers in drought.

The Coal Seam Gas and mining industries are taking too much of our water already, and threatening its quality. We must stop these industries from taking water that our farmers desperately need.

6. What areas of the agricultural sector are going to need the most support heading into the next 10 years?

It is important to fund initiatives that will enable our farmers adapt to the changes brought about in our environment due to climate change. We are committed to investing $75 million in agricultural R&D over the next four years as well as providing $100 million towards the establishment of a new Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. Additionally, we would oversee the deployment of a nationwide network of 180 extension officers that would work with farmers to improve industry efficiency and sustainability.

Roos: From pest to the plate

Colemans inspire family values

WITH THE PLIGHT OF FARMERS ALREADY AT FEVER PITCH IN THE MARANOA REGION, BOLD SOLUTIONS INVOLVING WILD ANIMALS HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD TO KEEP FARMING BUSINESSES ALIVE. IN AN article for The Conversation, co-authored with UNSW lecturer Adam Munn, senior ecology lecturer at Deakin University Euan Ritchie said economic and environmental problems associated with farmland could be solved by diversifying meat sources to kangaroos and feral animals within the region.

Mr Ritchie said capitalising on

FOR JIM AND CHERYL COLEMAN, TIME WITH THEIR GRANDCHILDREN IS THE GREAT PRIZE OF A MEASURED LIFE. CHERYL was working for a livestock agency when her future husband, a cattle buyer, poked his head in the window and struck up a conversation.

It turned out the pair had similar interests, including sport, and in time they married and had four children.

Their Cecil Plains Rd property, on the outskirts of Dalby, has changed over the years.

Where once sprawled 240 acres of space for roving herds of cattle, now there are rows of houses on subdivided lots, and babes learning to care for horses and chooks.

Cheryl said pouring time into the next

Jim, Harriet and Cheryl Coleman.

generation had made later life one of her most enjoyable experiences.

“It’s everything – absolutely everything. I think those (family) values are getting a bit lost, and people don’t realise what a big benefit they are to older people,” she said.

Using some of the money made from the subdivision, they rebuilt on the remaining 100 acres a home ideal for entertaining the family, complete with a room just for the grandchildren.

Whenever they get the chance, the family visits, solving the world’s problems around the dinner table while the young ones play, feed the chooks and cattle, or go horseback riding.

For Harriet Martin, one of 13 grandchildren, April 25 was a very special day at the Coleman property.

The four-year-old said she screamed with excitement when she removed her blindfold and saw her surprise birthday present, a hay-bale teddy bear, several metres in height.

The Colemans’ extended family enjoys trips out as far as Tambo and Charleville to other family properties, and that is how they like it.

Harriet’s older brother, Archie, has even started trying to sell the eggs his 33 chooks produce at Tambo, Cheryl said.

“You’re teaching them life lessons,” she said.

– Alasdair Young

6364653aa

FOOD SOURCE?: The kangaroo is widely regarded as a pest by farmers but researchers believe its meat may provide an additional income for them.

alternative species would help combat the future limitations of climate change, increasing population and lack of suitable farmland in the Maranoa region.

“Climate change has made it harder to farm species, especially in arid regions, so we’ve argued that we can look at these options to help farmers and rural workers with economic limitations, and environmental issues,” he said.

“It’s about taking advantage of the problem with feral animals and helping to not only reduce their impact on the land, but also utilise their resources without dependence on livestock.

“We’re not arguing for a complete ban or replacement, but for more diverse options in light of the limitations and future problems.”

Feral animals remain a problem across the Maranoa region, and are known to cause damage to agricultural lands, crops and livestock.

Mr Ritchie said there could be economic benefits associated with the hunting of feral animals, which would provide an additional source of income for farmers and even abattoir workers.

“You need the infrastructure to do that as well, but it seems sensible that rural workers would take advantage of options to diversify their produce,” he said.

“It’s about finding ways to help farmers produce meat and reduce pressure in light of future environmental problems they face.”

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 7

Wellcamp passenger flights to take-off

FREIGHT FIRST: The Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-800F which was first overseas freight flight from Wellcamp was last November. PHOTO: Kevin Farmer

THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER FLIGHT TO LEAVE THE BRISBANE WEST WELLCAMP AIRPORT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED, WITH BUSINESS DELEGATES TAKING OFF TO SHANGHAI IN OCTOBER. Wagners Global chairman John Wagner announced the partnership with Qantas, with up to 300 people able to be chartered on the five-day return trade mission.

He said he was proud to be associated with the historic announcement.

“We’re pleased to be working with our founding airline Qantas,” he said. “It’s been a long time in the making. We think it will be the first of many trips, not just to China but to other Asian countries for this region.”

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise will host the trip and CEO Dr Ben Lyons said: “For people in the services industry, particularly health, education, mining, services and resources, tourism, this is a great opportunity.”

He said he hoped this trip would be the first of many with marketing across Australia.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said the region was experiencing economic possibilities only ever dreamt of 20 years ago.

“TSBE has strong business connections in Shanghai and Beijing and I think this is a fantastic opportunity to access key players in the world’s biggest economic powerhouse.”

Regulatory approval will be sought from the Chinese and Australian governments to allow the Access China ‘16 business delegation to leave the airport on Sunday, October 23.

An economy seat return will cost about $5300. Book through www.accesschina16.com.au.

The first overseas freight flight from Wellcamp was last November, with cargo including Darling Downs agricultural produce.

It took produce to Hong Kong on a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-800F. – Elouise Quinlivan

Optimus Prime turns heads his Loudoun Rd business, and decided to throw a bit of work to a small team he’d met on his journey.

It took two men six weeks and almost 900 hours to build the Optimus Prime out of car parts, working the metal to a fine sheen.

Though Belinda preferred the Predator as a sci-fi icon, she said there was no denying the number of travellers stopping for selfies with Jason’s metallic monster of choice at the weekends.

Jason and his crew have some pretty impressive skills themselves, with fabrication experience with farm machinery, heavy-duty trailers and a wide variety of steel components and structures.

You can find them at 14 Loudoun Rd, Dalby, or you can call them on (07) 4662 6268.

Belinda and Jason Brewer and their eye-catching new addition.

6293399aa

“TRANSFORMING YOUR STEEL REPAIRS INTO THEIR PRIME.” WHEN your target market spends most of their waking hours on the road, it pays to think outside the box.

Well, it doesn’t get much more out of the box than putting Optimus Prime in your front yard, sword and arm cannon loaded for bear.

The iconic Transformers character came to stand in the front yard of B&B Fabrication this year when Jason Brewer found a business card he picked up on a holiday to Thailand, more than eight years ago.

Rather than seeing the Golden Buddha, Jason and his wife, Belinda, wanted to see the manufacturing sector of Thailand and a few of their larger commerce centres.

Years later, he wanted something to draw attention to

• General Engineering • Welding • Fabrication • Field Service

Welding, Repairs and Fabrication

Comb Trailers Farm Machinery Repairs

Header Front Upgrades Planter Bars

Row Cropping Conversions

14 Loudon Road, Dalby

Stock Crate Repairs

4662 6268 A/H’s 0428 626 268

8 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

Truck & Trailer Repairs On Site Service www.bandbfabrication.com.au 6360296aa

P: 07 4662 2683 F: 07 4662 3466

• Agri Parts • Hydraulics • Irrigation • Pumps

• Custom built Farm Machinery & implements • CNC - Bulk Production

E: graysts@bigpond.net.au W: www.graysts.com.au 35 Loudoun Rd, Dalby

Tree-change just the ticket

Teen clocks six years in ag

SOMETIMES A TREE-CHANGE IS JUST WHAT YOU NEED, AND FOR JOHN MANNING, A FORMER PASTRY CHEF FROM THE SCENIC RIM, THE SURAT BASIN IS IDEAL. JOHN came to Dalby as a franchisee of Harvey Norman this year after 15 years working as a salesperson and manager at Harvey Norman Toowoomba and Ipswich, and he hasn’t looked back at the floury clothes and early starts that characterised his former life as a baker and pastry chef.

Mr Manning’s local team know their gear, selling everything from drones and GoPros to fridges, washing machines and televisions.

What’s more, they can deliver almost

FARMERS START LEARNING THE TRADE FROM THEIR PARENTS AT AN EARLY AGE, BUT FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD CONDAMINE RESIDENT MATT EISING HAS BEEN TAKING IT A STEP FURTHER, GROWING TRIAL PLOTS OF CROPS WITH A COMMERCIAL OPERATION FROM THE AGE OF NINE. His parents Wayne and Mary had grown crops for years, but it was Matt who initiated the collaboration with broadacre seed company Pacific Seeds to grow trial plots of different varieties of sorghum, corn and forage on the family property, testing which worked best on their varying soils.

Mr Eising, who balances school with life on the land at 2230-hectare crop and cattle property ‘Kahmoo’, was recently recognised at CRT FarmFest by the

The Dalby Harvey Norman team.

anywhere, making them an excellent choice for anyone near town looking to kit out one of their rooms.

For Mr Manning, keeping a colour-coded, top-of-the-line kitchen is a matter of personal pride for him, and he proudly uses the appliances he sells.

“I felt it was a natural progression (from chefing) because I could share my experience and knowledge of cooking appliances, relating it to what the customers may want to do in their own homes. I’ve had a lot of experience with washing machines; believe me, it’s hard to get flour out of your clothes,” he said.

“We are renting, currently, but my house in Kalbar, we built. I have a 900mm freestanding stainless stove, a steam oven and a 900mm rangehood, all working on the triangular best advantage work space model. We won a Queensland Master Builders award for the home, and we’re very proud of it.

“The kitchen has become the centre of the home; it is the meeting place for the family. We’re all so busy with work, but a meal and conversation over dinner keeps families together. It’s also great to have friends over to share coffee, time and conversation around the kitchen.”

If you or your partner is interested in updating the look of your home, make the stop in Dalby to see what your local Harvey Norman can do for you.

You’ll find them on 49 Patrick St, or you can call them on 4672 4444.

company for his six years of service and for being its youngest co-operator.

He said the passion for cropping began even before he started school.

“I first started out when I was four. It was pretty wild. It was just get the old hand out and shake a bit of oats around and run the rake over it,” he said.

Now taking things more seriously as a trial co-operator, his jobs include maintaining soil health and experimenting with row spacing.

He said in addition to the usual 1m, 0.5m and 40cm spacings, he has created his own.

“I’ve just been trialling a few of my own.

I’ve brought it back to 30cm, then I’ve gone out to 60cm, so just slightly further, then I’ve done double twin skips that I’ve made myself, which are a foot and then a metre apart from there.”

The major crops grown at Kahmoo are wheat, oats and chickpeas in winter and forage and grain sorghum in summer.

Mr Eising said he looks for a grain sorghum variety that can make the most of the moisture at the time, and when choosing forage, looks for a fine stem suited for hay and something with quick regrowth.

He also has plans to experiment with sunflower and corn.

“I’d like to, if the season is going with us one year, try and get some sunflowers in because I reckon they’re a pretty cool crop to watch grow.”

THE i-SOLAR ADVANTAGE

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR EFFICIENT IRRIGATION

STICK IT WHERE THE SUN SHINES i-Solar can supply, or supply and install a wide range of pumping and irrigation solutions. Special offers available for solar systems. Also available are tanks, irrigation

Call us in store 07 4669 1869 Warrego Highway, Chinchilla Dalby - Tom 0417 085 139 Chinchilla - Richard 0418 622 857

www.i-solar.com.au

6364663aa

and bore pumps. For all a your stock water and irrigation requirements, call us today!

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 9

Joyce gets cotton a $5.9m R&D boost IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE FEDERAL ELECTION, BARNABY JOYCE CAME TO DALBY TO SPREAD THE WORD – AND THE WORD WAS “COTTON”.

Supported by Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash, and tailed by LNP hopeful for the seat of Maranoa David Littleproud, Mr Joyce announced a multi-million dollar boost to research and development.

He said the Federal Government was set to help growers “cotton on” to the benefits of nitrogen use.

Nitrogen is critical for Australian agriculture, as it improves soil quality, crop yields and

farmgate returns. To explore this, a $5.9 million R&D project will be run by the Cotton R&D Corporation (CRDC).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said part of the Coalition’s plan for jobs and growth was giving farmers the tools they needed and that round two of the Rural Research and Development for Profit Program would be highly beneficial for cotton growers.

“Those who work the land already know their soils are their greatest asset, and are always looking for ways to protect and improve it so they get greater returns for their efforts,” Mr

Joyce said.

“This project will give us important information on how best to use fertilisers to address specific crop requirements and, in turn, increase profits.

“The research will have wide-ranging benefits for a range of industries – notably cotton – but also the dairy, sugar and horticulture sectors. It will also underline the fact that farmers are at the frontline in looking after our country, reducing fertiliser leaching or run-off into creeks and rivers.

“In the spirit of getting the best bang for everyone’s buck, the grant will be matched by

more than $9.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions by CRDC and its partner organisations.”

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said helping farmers get more from their soil could mean more jobs for regional areas.

“As a farmer myself, I know how important it is to get the most out of your soil,” Ms Nash said.

“Higher yields mean better returns and this gives farmers the opportunity to expand production and potentially put on more people.

The positive effects can flow right through regional economies.”

Win for rail freight to Western Qld

UPGRADE WORKS: Rejuvenation of rail freight to Western Queensland is underway.

1 0 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

THE REJUVENATION OF RAIL FREIGHT TO WESTERN QUEENSLAND IS NOW WELL UNDERWAY, WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT FINISHING PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS ON THE EXISTING LINE. In April the State Government finally caved to pressure to allow abattoir Oakey Beef to use the line, agreeing to invest $2.5 million to upgrade sidings.

The upgrade will also develop new hubs at Morven and Mitchell; cattle can currently only be loaded in Quilpie.

Clare Mildren, a representative of South West Regional Economic Development, said the upgrade would mean a dramatic improvement for graziers in access to markets.

“The railway line west of Toowoomba means more than affordable freight, it acts as a life source to our regional communities and is vital for economic development and connectivity to market in Asia and elsewhere,” she said.

“It is absolutely vital, especially for our agricultural pursuits, allowing us access, support and more.”

Graziers would be able to take advantage of subsidised freight rates for the first time since the privatisation of the line through the Livestock Freight Subsidy.

Aurizon, the only current player, wouldn’t move anything less than a full train of cattle. Under the new deal, farmers can combine together to fill a contract with Oakey, making the service more flexible.

In April, Oakey Abattoir general manager Pat Gleeson said he wanted the first train of cattle into Oakey before Christmas, and the upgrade is well on the way.

“Going forward this gives us the opportunity to source more cattle from those areas we’ve had limited access to (like the far west),” he said at the time.

Morven is at the confluence of several highways, allowing access to properties north and south of the Warrego Hwy. The upgrade was tied to $60 million of Japanese investment in additional slaughtering capacity in Oakey, which is predicted to generate 4300 jobs in that town.

Brothers in earthmoving

Going from strength to strength

LOCAL BROTHERS TIM AND WAYNE COLLIE ESTABLISHED THEIR EARTHMOVING BUSINESS IN 2000 WITH A SINGLE D6C OPEN CAN BULLDOZER. SINCE then, the Surat Basin boys have gone from strength to strength, embracing the opportunities of the gas industry.

They received their first job from George Ladbrook, of Roma, which consisted of stick raking, tree clearing and dam building; netting them a massive $10,000 to keep the family business going.

But it wasn’t always full steam ahead, with many breakdowns to hold them up.

They sought knowledge from their father, Lionel Collie, and were taught the basics of heavy vehicle mechanics at an early age.

This gave them the skills of prompt mechanical problem solving in the field.

While 90% of their work was rural property based, they saw an opportunity to expand their business by entering into the coal seam gas industry in the mid2000s.

Tim and Wayne were able to maintain both rural and coal seam gas work during this period, which grew T & W Earthmoving to where it is today.

“Our company expanded its scope of works to include the development of well lease pads, access roads, erosion sediment control, site rehabilitations and has become a well-respected competitive

ENZED® SURAT BASIN HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY OPERATING IN CHINCHILLA SINCE 2010, SHANNON MCDERMOTT AND HIS WIFE TANYA MOVED TO CHINCHILLA TO SET UP AN ENZED FRANCHISE TO SERVICE THE HYDRAULIC NEEDS OF THE MINING, AGRICULTURE, EARTHMOVING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES. “We have been through two floods and two hail storms in this short time and like the local waterways have seen our ups and downs.”

A former Navy marine technician, Shannon got into the industry in Toowoomba where he gained a valuable 10 years’ industry experience.

“Starting a business was something I had wanted to do for a long time and Chinchilla seemed like a great place to make it happen.”

ENZED Surat Basin was born and quickly grew to become an important part of the local industrial scene.

“From our humble beginnings, now six years later we’ve grown to seven staff, including a school-based trainee, a 500 square metre service centre with showroom and workshop,” Shannon said.

Like most businesses, ENZED Surat Basin has endured their share of challenges over the past 12 months.

Despite these challenges the team remain very confident of their future in

contractor in the coal seam gas industry (Surat Basin),” Tim and Wayne said.

“We deliver a high standard of civil infrastructure works building our reputation on compliance, quality, safety and environmental awareness with flexible solutions that deliver project outcomes.”

Over the past 15 years, T & W Earthmoving has gone from a two-man business to an experienced team of over 137 staff at the peak of operations.

The main base and head office for T & W Earthmoving is situated in Condamine.

This comprises of a workshop, equipped with capable and experienced workshop mechanical staff.

Tim said he and his brother pride themselves on their work.

PRIME MOVERS: Big things are ahead for Collie brothers Tim and Wayne, of Condamine business T & W Earthmoving, after they signed a $25-million contract with QGC.

the region and have been successfully working hard pursuing new business.

“The local agricultural sector is where we have seen a large increase in trade since moving into our new service centre in the Surat Basin industrial park.

“We see the agricultural sector as the backbone of the region and we are looking forward to the opportunity to work with more of the local farmers into the future.

“The oil and gas industry also remains a strong market for us, we have had to shift our focus to the longer term maintenance side of these company’s operations and we are confident the next few years will see us going from strength to strength.

“The majority of our staff has family ties to the region from their childhood, as a company we see that building on these ties and maintaining a 100% local workforce as a key factor to our long term success,” Shannon said.

ENZED has a large geographical reach from Mungallala in the west to Macalister in the east, from Moonie in the south to Taroom in the north.

“We are a nationally recognised brand but at the same time are a small locally run business.

“Our business success comes down to a simple formula – use the very best products available, work hard and always put our customers first.”

www.enzed.com.au 24 HOUR MOBILE SERVICE 7 DAYS

We Specialise in the Following:

• Qualified Hose Doctors • Complete hose testing facility available • Hydraulic & Industrial hoses & fittings • Hydraulic cylinder repairs • Hydraulic pumps, motors & valves • Gauges, hydraulic filters • Brass fittings • Pneumatic cylinders and system control components • Pneumatic fittings & tube • Hydraulic tube assemblies

• Re-growth Control • Dam Construction & Desilting • Blade Ploughing • Fire Breaks • Stick Raking with Loader • Heavy Haulage • General Earthworks

Current Area’s of Work:

P: (07) 4627 7115 | F: (07) 4627 7018 14 Wambo St, Condamine, QLD 4416 www.twearthmoving.com.au

Drop in and see us in the Surat Basin Industrial Park

ENZED Surat Basin

2B Osborne Street, Chinchilla QLD 4413 6364663ac

Condamine, Yuleba, Wallumbilla, Roma, Dunkeld, Westmar

6221897aa

HOSE AND FITTING SPECIALISTS

sales@enzedsuratbasin.com.au

13 13 62

4662 7038 ALL HOURS

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 1 1

ACCC probes beef cattle supply chains

FIGHTING: Robert Lohse musters cattle on his Springvale family property that the government has classed as national park.

AUSTRALIA’S BEEF AND CATTLE INDUSTRY WILL BE PUT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE IN A NEW MARKET STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION (ACCC), WHICH WILL LOOK AT THE TRADING ISSUES WITHIN THE BEEF AND CATTLE SUPPLY CHAINS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. Key issues that will form the basis of the study include the competition between cattle buyers and market power.

The review comes after the ACCC uncovered a number of issues within the beef industry relating to the collective boycott of a prime cattle sale at the Barnawartha Saleyard, Victoria, and the acquisition of Primo Smallgoods by JBS USA Holdings Inc. ACCC chairman Rod Simms said this study would be one of the first conducted on agricultural markets over the coming

years in Australia.

“A number of ACCC Commissioners and I will be closely involved in the market study, including at the public forums,” Mr Simms said.

“Competition and consumer issues in the agriculture sector are a priority for the ACCC.” Written and oral submissions are planned to be accepted, along with submissions at public forums to be held by the ACCC. Commissioner Mick Keogh said confidential submissions would also be accepted by the commission.

“We understand that some market participants may fear retribution from commercial partners for speaking to the ACCC [and] firms may be reluctant to provide the data we need to understand the complete picture,” Mr Keogh said.

Information from submissions and forums will be published in draft findings in September.

Tying up the black dog of depression in rural areas MOTHERS WHO HAVE WATCHED TOO MANY PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES GIVE IN TO DEPRESSION ARE MAKING A STAND IN THE WESTERN DOWNS AND MARANOA. MARY Woods and Liz Wood fronted a Roma crowd at a recent Roma Echidnas game to raise awareness of issues surrounding depression.

The Goondiwindi women know first-hand the effect mental illness can have in a community. Mary Woods said her son, at the age of 26, experienced several serious bouts of depression.

His peers pulled away, and left him to suffer in silence.

“They didn’t know what to do,” she said. “We set up Tie Up the Black Dog to reduce stigma.”

The amount of information on depression is staggering, with 24/7 organisations like beyondblue providing counselling and online services.

Ironically, a real-time, local mental health specialist in Goondiwindi went under-employed when she attempted to set up a client list.

Mrs Woods said the embarrassment of seeking help often blocked people from critical resources.

“It can be shameful to seek help. In Brisbane, there’s an anonymity. If I were to go to a counsellor’s office in, say, Roma, someone would see me,” she said.

Chantelle Stewart, from Aftercare, Roma, spoke about the resources available to those struggling to “tie up the black dog” of depression.

The local GP, Allied Health Services, Centacare, Carers Queensland and Aftercare were all recommended for the free, confidential services they provided.

Ms Stewart urged people not to turn their backs on people who may be more reserved, struggling to see the bright side of life.

“You don’t want to be the one who makes them feel like an outcast,” she said.

Online forums can be a great way to reach out to supportive people with similar stories, with the advantage of anonymity.

Search “forum” at blackdoginstitute.org.au, beyondblue.org.au, or visit saneforums.org, if you feel a lack of connection may be fuelling a sense of depression, anxiety or dread.

BRIGHT OUTLOOK: Liz Wood and Mary Woods, of the Tie Up the Black Dog foundation.

• EartHmoving • HarvEsting • spraying

Structural Steel Specialists in hay sheds, machinery sheds, garages, industrial and commercial building projects.

Constructing Sheds for Darling Downs Farmers since 1959.

Contact today for your quote.

• LogistiCs Jason & Christine Hubbard 94 Kurrowah Road, Brookstead QLD 4064

32 Yumborra Rd, Dalby | 07 4662 1844 www.condaminesheds.com.au | E: condamineshed@bigpond.com

6364744aa

1 2 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

Jason: 0428 457 165 | Christine: 0428 680 030 cg.hubbard@bigpond.com

6364744ab

www.hubbardcontracting.org

Distributors for;

Wind farm project up for comment THE PLAN FOR A WIND FARM PROJECT TIPPED TO CREATE CONSTRUCTION JOBS AND ONGOING EMPLOYMENT HAS BEEN OPENED TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY. The $500m Coopers Gap Wind Farm between Kingaroy and Dalby would be the largest in Queensland.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Anthony Lynham said the farm could supply power to about 180,000 households from a capacity of about 350MW and up to 115 wind turbines.

Locals now have the chance to have their say on the project.

Dr Lynham encouraged people to look at terms of reference and have their say.

“Consultation is a very important part of the EIS,” he said.

“There’ll be more opportunity down the track as well to comment on the EIS once it’s submitted to the independent Co-ordinator-General.”

Some residents have health concerns about wind farms, but no sufficient evidence has been reported to back the claims.

Chamber helps youth into work THE DALBY BIO REFINERY IS REACHING OUT TO ITS LOCAL CLIENTS AND LOOKING TO EMPLOY YOUTH IN THE AREA. After a long period of under-employment, Dalby teen Connor Perry was offered a position as an administration assistant trainee at the refinery, thanks in part to his hard work at the Chamber of Commerce.

Standing in front of the world-class refinery in May, anticipating his first day, Connor was all smiles.

He said the opportunities created by the chamber and the businesses in town since he went public had been “amazing”.

“The Chamber of Commerce were amazing, words can’t describe it. They give you experience, they put you in front of employers – they’re just so friendly and helpful,” he said.

Connor, who is keen to work every hour he can, said the trick was to keep applying and getting in the way of opportunity.

“I just kept looking and looking, and finally got a chance at Domino’s. It was just a few hours a week, doing closes, and then general delivery. During that

time I kept applying, and applied for this job,” he said.

“The plan is to work both jobs, depending on the hours here.”

In his February interview, he said he planned to pay for his study outright, by saving up the money and avoiding a HELP debt of thousands of dollars.

“I’m still planning on studying, but I want to learn a bit more about the field I want to work in first,” he said.

Refinery financial controller Michael Binney said the refinery tried to take on as many local people as it could.

Mr Binney said discounted petrol for local delivery drivers to the refinery would also be available soon.

The chamber has helped three boys find work in the past few months, including Connor.

Mike Gaur and Ashneel Dutt had spent months moving between temporary jobs and gathering experience before getting a start thanks to the program (and Dingo Australia).

The chamber has many young Work for the Dole participants eager to get a start.

To find out if one of them could find a place in your business, call 46624050.

- Alasdair Young

ADVERTISEMENT

Pat WEIR MP MEMBER FOR CONDAMINE

129 Cunningham Street, Dalby P: 07 4570 4100 E: condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au F: facebook.com/PatWeirLNP

6364744ad

The electorate of Condamine is located in the centre of some of the most highly productive agricultural land in Australia.

I am extremely proud of the agricultural heritage of the Darling Downs region and acknowledge the significant contribution that primary production makes to the economy. The future for agriculture and the dedicated people employed in this innovative and sustainable industry is positive. My best wishes to all others involved in this valuable industry.

FOR ALL CARRYING NEEDS Livestock Hay Machinery General Transport

Stepdeck Trailer and Tippers available

CHINCHILLA CARRYING CO

Contact Ken or Nerida Dolbel Phone 4668 9895 or Mobile 0411 126 405

6364744ac

The Dalby biorefinery.

Cattle farmer Cyril Stewart is one of 10 landholders involved in the project and has remained positive since he was approached a decade ago.

“It’s sort of changed the ball game a bit now we seem to have government support,” Mr Stewart said.

The project could create up to 350 construction jobs and ongoing employment for up to 20 people. It was declared a co-ordinated project last week.

“Depending on the Co-ordinatorGeneral’s evaluation, construction could start in late 2017 and take two-and-a-half years, making it operational by 2020,” Dr Lynham said.

“Our strong renewable energy agenda is clearly encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy,” he said.

“If AGL proceeds, this would be one of Australia’s largest green energy producers, and support our policy to generate half of Queensland’s electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030.”

Public comment opened on June 10 and closes on July 11.

To find out more information visit http://www.dsd.qld.gov.au.

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 1 3

Fibre better than satellite

Controlling weeds this winter

NOT A BAR: Wayne Hockings tries to get a bar of reception near his home.

MARCH 2016

EDITION NO.3

BEST ON THE DOWNS AWARD-WINNING JANDOWAE AGRONOMIST SHARES HER INSIGHTS PAGE 8

Do you have a BOX THORN problem?

We will take them & burn them roots and all From BIG to SMALL

Give us a call 0429 320 347

1 4 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

“The ABS released a study and they said the in 1013-2014 Australia’s internet usage went up 33%.

“It won’t take very long until we’re beyond what that can carry.”

The maximum monthly download, Kylie says, is 75 gigabytes of data. Hit that and you’re throttled to super-slow speeds. And that’s the most expensive connection money can buy.

“My husband’s an agent and he does lots of Auction Plus and it does take forever for us to upload photos and that,” she said.

“It can be infuriating when it pauses halfway through.”

But LNP candidate for Maranoa David Littleproud, which covers much of outback Queensland, said never say never for full fibre-to-the-node connections.

He said the most remote parts of Queensland are being connected directly to the grid. And he hinted that bigger and better things may come to those who wait. But he defended the current approach of investing in good enough internet that can be put online immediately, even if it’s worse than the city. “(The LNP approach) is about what we can put in place now,” he said.

“We have to get the infrastructure in place now. Every household in Maranoa will have the NBN in 18 months; 68,000 households will have the NBN. “That’s why we’ve put up another satellite, to ensure we have the capacity,” he said.

“We have to connect to the world economy and to do that we need the telecommunications.” There was a sweetener for the town of Dalby, too, with NBN crews ready to connect all homes to the network with fibre by the end of year.

Kylie reiterated it was important to move from satellite to fibre.

“We know we can’t get everyone off satellite but the more we get off satellite the better” – Andrew Messenger

Senegal Tea – an emerging Class 1 Noxious Weed

WESTERN DOWNS FARMER Now available as a Flipbook!

Visit www.chinchillanews.com.au www.chinchillanews.com.au/digital-edition/western-downs-farmer/

Enjoy a read today! one local to another

6364642ad

FARMER

THE FUTURE OF FARMING IS ONLINE, BUT ARE GRAZIERS DOOMED ALWAYS TO BE CUT OFF FROM THE WORLDWIDE MARKET BY LOW BANDWIDTHS AND INTERMITTENT CONNECTION? QUILPIE mayor Stuart Mackenzie said that internet access is simply do-or-die for the bush.

“It’s going to come down to maintaining people out here,” he said.

With farming increasingly moving online through Auction Plus, internet banking and the sheer bandwidth demands of modern life, equalising internet speeds has never been more important.

“Twenty years down the track it will be very difficult to do any business without good internet.

“People aren’t going to be living out here in 20 years if you can’t send your kids to school (through distance education online).”

Those are the stakes. But towns like Quilpie and Tambo, with populations of less than 1000, will be totally left out of the physical system. Farmers, too, will have to rely on satellite connection for internet connection.

Sky Muster, NBN Co’s satellite, was turned on in late April, with another set for launch later this year. Demand exploded immediately, with users installing as fast as the workforce could go. According to Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia, 5000 homes already have access, with 7000 more coming online in June and installation ramping up to 10,000+ every subsequent month.

Which raises the question: if everyone wants in on the satellite, can it provide the bandwidth?

Kylie Stretton, a spokesperson for Better Internet is concerned that the system may be overloaded in peak times, forcing the Internet Service Provider to choke download speeds across the network.

“They’re launching Skymuster 2 – but they’re already planning to put people on it,” she said.

THE GRAINS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WILL HELP GROWERS AND ADVISORS TACKLE THE CHALLENGE OF WINTER WEED CONTROL THIS MONTH THROUGH A SERIES OF INFORMATIVE WEBINARS. THE first of the GRDC Advances in Weed Management webinars will focus on the ecology and management of wild oats and was to be held on Thursday, June 16. Wild oats poses an ongoing problem for growers across New South Wales and Queensland.

While growers who have focused on elimination of seed returning to the soil have been successful in driving down the seedbank and reducing populations, widespread resistance to a range of post-emergent herbicides is now making control difficult in many paddocks.

Webinars are free of charge, however participants will be required to pre-register to receive a link to the webinar software.

To register visit http://icanrural.com.au /iwm.html or for information contact Mark Congreve on 0427 209 234.

CSG compliance unit criticised

New tick line being drawn

A KEY LANDHOLDER GROUP HAS WARNED THE COAL SEAM GAS COMPLIANCE UNIT NEEDS TO BE ALLOWED GREATER INDEPENDENCE IF IT IS TO REGAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF FARMERS. Property Rights Australia chairman Dale Stiller welcomed the continued funding for the CSGCU, but said by and large the government was falling short in the area of monitoring and compliance and needed improvement.

Mr Stiller added it was good to hear the CSGCU was being properly resourced and there was “certainly a role for bodies such as the compliance unit”.

The Labor Government has extended its funding commitment to the CSGCU for a further two years at a cost of $7 million.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Anthony Lynham said the long-term success of the CSG industry was reliant upon community support and a strong social licence.

“That means the industry has to operate sustainably within a strict regime of environmental, land access, safety and health and water monitoring requirements,” Dr Lynham said.

But Mr Stiller said while the government claimed the CSG industry was governed by strict legislation, when “it comes down to rubber on the road”, that wasn’t always the case.

“Often complaints from the compliance unit are at the first place referred back to the company that the landowner is having a problem with,” he said.

AFTER MONTHS OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION, A CATTLE TICK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK WILL BE PUT IN PLACE FOR QUEENSLAND ON JULY 1.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Leanne Donaldson announced a “simplified and stronger” cattle tick management framework in Queensland, which included the location of the new tick line.

“We’ve simplified and strengthened the tick line by removing the confusing control zone and in some areas aligning the tick line with stronger double fenced boundaries,” Ms Donaldson said.

“The new framework will provide greater flexibility for producers, reduce travel times, reduce costs for industry, and most importantly it will continue to protect the cattle tick free zone,” she said.

“We have continually heard from producers that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work and livestock owners want control of biosecurity decisions that impact their businesses.”

More than 1000 surveys were collected during the consultation on the location of the tick line, as well as submissions from industry groups and feedback at producer meetings.

FR

EE

He agreed the unit had amongst it well-qualified and experienced staff but said it had been “hamstrung” in fulfilling its role.

“It’s an important role and should be allowed to have greater independence from the government to fulfil this role,” he said.

When asked how he felt the body was “hamstrung”, Mr Stiller said broadly he felt there was too great a government interference.

“This is a body which should be able to have full independence. Because of its role it can’t be too in the pocket of either the CSG operators or the landowners. It has to determine where the truth lies in the middle and the government should allow it to do this,” he said.

“It has been said that amongst landowners currently there’s a lack of confidence in the compliance unit but if government allowed the unit to have greater independence to do its work, then that confidence can return.”

Basin Sustainability Alliance chairman Lee McNicholl likewise welcomed the news of continued funding, but argued the unit’s role needed to be enhanced, something which would require additional funds.

“The BSA in our submission to the review of the GasFields Commission suggested assuming that organisation was to be discontinued, that the money be directed to an enhanced compliance unit,” Mr McNicholl said.

“It needs enhancing. There are plenty of unresolved issues, such as gassy bores, which the compliance unit needs more resources to take care of.”

- Matthew Newton

Three options were on the table during the consultation process and Ms Donaldson said option three would be implemented on July 1.

With the changes, several hundred properties in the control zone will be moved to the infested zone.

AgForce cattle president Bim Struss said managing ticks was a significant and costly issue for the cattle industry and every effort needed to be made to minimise the impact of the tick line and the cost of maintaining its line’s integrity.

“The location of the tick line has been a contentious issue for years and the Queensland Government spent months consulting with more than 1000 producers at information meetings AgForce organised,” Mr Struss said.

“AgForce has always maintained that reform should only be pursued where increased market access and support is provided to producers irrespective of their location,” he said.

“From the consultation process, it was clear there were different views in different parts of the state, and even within the same areas, but today’s announcement means producers now know where they stand.”

n o o

FREE S s SSORIES WHEN ACCES d n YOU PURCHASE A E r e SP PITWATER f f O SSURE CLEANER….

PRESSU SPITWATER’S MILLION DOLLAR FREE ACCESSORY OFFER With commercial and industrial pressure cleaners, such as: • Space saving hose reels • Time saving pavement cleaners

For all of your companion & rural animal needs • Offering cattle and equine health and breeding services • Vaccinations • X-rays • Nutrition advice • All medical and surgical care

• Detergent saving foamers • Grime busting turbo lances Buy before June 30 for the ATO’s Small Business 100% write off this year.

(Conditions apply) (while stocks last) www.spitwater.com.au or call us on 1300 880 403

Visiting Miles on Thursdays

6364663ae

204 Gormleys Road, Chinchilla | 23 Marian Street, Miles

6364663ad

SPITWATER… “That’s what it does”

P. 07 4662 7637 A.H. 0439 736 067 e. admin@chinchillavet.com.au T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 1 5

Linc’s executives being investigated

Linc Energy’s Chinchilla facility. PHOTO: ALASDAIR YOUNG / CHINCHILLA NEWS

LINC ENERGY EXECUTIVES WILL BE INVESTIGATED OVER ALLEGATIONS THE COMPANY CONTAMINATED THE SOIL AT ITS UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION PLANT NEAR HOPELAND, CHINCHILLA. Linc Energy was committed to stand trial in Dalby by Magistrate Kay Ryan on five charges of wilfully causing environmental harm at the firm’s underground coal gasification (UCG) plant.

Last month former chief executive, Peter Bond, was issued an Environmental Protection Order to decommission the UCG plant, and rehabilitate soil and dams at the site.

Queensland’s Environment Department has now written to the 12 former Linc Energy executives, who are expected to be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged environmental harm.

“These matters are handled by the state’s environment regulator,” Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles said. “But I’m aware that the local community has been very concerned by the events they saw unfold at the Linc site and a thorough investigation is appropriate.”

Linc Energy creditors last month voted to liquidate the company, which was once worth $2 billion.

It was valued at just $US15 million when its Singapore-listed shares last traded in late March.

Former Linc employees are among the 155 creditors who are owed $320 million.

The company liquidator says there are five potential businesses interested in buying Linc’s assets and that company employees should receive what they are owed.

Lazarus vows to restore committee on CSG SENATOR GLENN LAZARUS HAS VOWED TO BRING BACK THE SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON UNCONVENTIONAL GAS MINING IF RE-ELECTED. The announcement follows comments by Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Michael Roche, which publicly questioned the scientific merit of Senator Lazarus’s inquiry after it was dissolved as part of the double dissolution brought about by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Lazarus brought out an interim report on May 4, after five months and three inquiries, one in Dalby, another in Narrabri and another in Darwin.

It was written that the committee “heard compelling evidence to show that there are unresolved questions about the health and safety impacts on human and animal health, and the ability for resource companies to guarantee that their activities are able to be carried out safely.”

This assertion was heavily influenced by statements tendered to the committee by Western Downs residents.

One of the most explosive assertions came from the Bender family, near Chinchilla, who stated their pigs had been dying of a strange illness since CSG operations began on their property.

They gave these statements at the Dalby hearing on February 17.

Mr Lazarus said in response to Mr Roche that experts had provided “compelling, factual and comprehensive evidence in relation to the negative and damaging impacts of Unconventional Gas on the water table and the well-being of the people of Australia”.

He specifically named doctor Geralyn McCarron, a GP

1 6 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

NOT BIASED: Senator Glenn Lazarus defends his committee's position on UCG, which he described as a "scourge".

working on the north side of Brisbane who began documenting the complaints of residents living near Wieambilla, Tara, several years ago.

A study conducted by the GP stated 34 people had “headaches”, 18 had “sore, itchy eyes”, 14 had “nose bleeds” “and 11 had “skin rashes” in 2012.

The same study found “no substantive evidence” to connect the health complaints to the CSG industry.

The Basin Sustainability Alliance, Hopeland Community Sustainability Group and Lock The Gate were also actively involved with contributing to or supporting the inquiry.

Another tangible concern was the use of water by the industry, though no specific detrimental effects were isolated.

“The Chair (Glenn Lazarus) is concerned that the level of water usage deemed to be acceptable is not reflective of community concerns,” the interim report read.

The concluding remarks were that the industry was “a long way from having adequate regulation”, questioning its “social licence” to operate, “frustration” and “fatigue of community members” who “felt their voices had still not been heard”, despite protesting.

The report also questioned the industry as a job provider, citing the fly-in, fly-out phenomenon as detrimental to workers’ families and local communities.

They also cited the sudden ban on underground coal gasification in Queensland which followed Linc Energy entering into voluntary administration as a reason to question the industry’s future in Australia.

When asked what the tangible outcomes of the inquiry were, Mr Lazarus said it had given a platform to people with concerns about the industry.

“Somebody needs to stand up for the people of Australia being decimated by coal seam gas,” he said.

Family delivers

National herd falls

Praise for Case

WORKING WITH FAMILY CAN BE A BLESSING, AND FOR THE DOLBELS, NOBBY’S TRANSPORT CHINCHILLA IS MORE THAN JUST A BUSINESS. Started by Tony “Nobby” Dolbel and his wife Leisa 26 years ago, the “We won’t let you down” stickers on their trucks are as much a family motto as a business logo.

Nobby was caught out by the business end of a beast 18 years ago, prompting him to sell a few of his trucks and move into the quieter life of general freight and cattle supplement delivery.

Emma Dolbel married Nobby’s son, Chris Dolbel, and always knew her father-in-law’s flair for getting the right goods to the right people was in her husband’s blood.

Three years ago, the floods wiped out Chris’ work on a grain farm; luckily, the gas boom was in full flight, and Nobby was all too happy to have an extra pair of hands help him with all the contract work.

Weeks of work turned into months, and three years later Chris and Emma are still working in the transport game and farming on the side.

Dan, Sam and Amy Dolbel also work in the industry, with Amy running the books and watching the farm while Sam, a talented welder, fixes anything Nobby and Chris break.

Emma said it had been a fantastic experience to become part of the Dolbel family and find a rewarding career at the same time.

She said she hoped to see the agriculture sector pick up again, so they could get back to the kind of work that started Nobby Dolbel off 26 years ago.

“It’s so much more rewarding working for local people, and in a family environment,” she said.

If you need tippers, tankers or general haulage, the Dolbels won’t let you down.

THE NATIONAL CATTLE HERD IS EXPECTED TO FALL TO ITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1993 BY THE END OF THE MONTH, ACCORDING TO MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA. The MLA has not shifted its prediction of a fall in the national herd to $26.2 million in its April report update, meaning 2016 is set for a reduction of 5.4%. This would put the national herd at its lowest level for 24 years.

The report stated the manufacturing side of the cattle industry would face challenges from the softening US market and increasing global exports.

The younger end of the market, on the other hand, would more than likely be supported by competition between lot feeders and restockers for the significantly smaller pool of Australian cattle (currently estimated at 26.2 million head), the report said.

MLA stated cattle prices would continue to trend strongly compared with 2015 prices.

“MLA remains confident that cattle prices in 2016 will average higher than 2015, but lower than the peaks recorded at the beginning of the year,” the report said.

EFFICIENCIES IN TIME AND FUEL USE WERE TWO DRAWCARDS FOR THE SHADBOLTS TO UPGRADE THEIR COMBINE TO A CASE IH AXIAL-FLOW 7240, WHICH WAS PUT THROUGH ITS PACES LAST HARVEST. Three generations farm the 6885ha property at Mukinbudin in Western Australia’s wheat-belt, which has been in the family since 1910.

“We’ve had lots of Case IH machinery on the farm, even equipment preceding my time,” Gary Shadbolt said.

Along with their latest CaseIH combine, the Shadbolts have a Case IH Steiger 550 HD and Case IH 9270, which are both four-wheel drive tractors; two-wheel drive Case IH 985 and a Case IH 885 with a front-end loader.

“We like Case IH, they’re a reliable machine, but the main reason we went this way is because of the dealer – it is the great service, great staff, good back-up,” Mr Shadbolt said.

After last year’s harvest, the Shadbolts noticed efficiency gains with the new equipment.

FORECAST: MLA remains confident about cattle prices.

TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITION: Shaun Shadbolt, Ian Clune and Gary Shadbolt with the new Case IH Axial-Flow 7240.

NO NOBBY'S N OBB O S OBBY'S

TRANSPOR TR R CHINCHILLA H NCH TRANSPO TRAN RA ANSPOR SPORT HINCHILLA N H LLA

Specialising in:

• Livestock cartage g with 1,, 2 and 3 deck units available now • Bulk water cartage and du ust suppression • General haulage • Grain cartage Agents for Rural Supplements.

Supplying Multilik and Maxilik - molasses based liquid supplements for cattle. Bulk drops and paddock service available.

NEW PRODUCT - TURBO POWER - a grain molasses ration mix for increased weight gain in cattle.

We wont let you down

6364653ab

Call Nobby 0428 453 966 or Chris 0439 448 854 T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 1 7

Warning about possible mouse plague

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Grain farmers near Bowenville are recovering from a tornado and mice plague this season. Photo Contributed.

WHILE DRY CONDITIONS ARE THREATENING FARMERS’ CROPS, THEY ARE ALSO FACING THE THREAT OF A MOUSE PLAGUE. Cecil Plains farmer Chris Hornick said the weather had also caused a number of mice to take up residence in farmers’ paddocks.

“We have baited three times in our corn and in all our sorghum stubble,” he said.

“It is really important people watch out for the mice, particularly if it rains.

“They have been searching for food and have been gradually building up over the last six months.”

Mr Hornick said mice were a normal occurrence but once in about every 10 years farms were subjected to plague proportions.

“Across the Downs it is a pretty large problem at the moment, from Mt Tyson to the Condamine River,” he said.

The last major mouse plague to hit the region was in 2011, a plague which Agforce said began as a result of exceptional summer rains and high protein weed seed.

A report contributed to Agforce by Animal Control Technologies Australia stated the mild conditions in autumn and large quantities of grain residue from the previous season’s harvest sustained the populations and caused an explosion in mouse numbers across four states, including Queensland.

They countered with strategic stockpiles of chemical, using up almost 18,000kg of it in fields across Australia, as well as 60 tonnes of pre-sterilised grain.

It was described as the worst plague of its kind in more than half a century.

The estimated damage of the mice has not yet been quantified, though anecdotal evidence suggests some corn crops near Dalby may have been stripped of 30% of their value.

ACTA said mice could remove more than 5% of a crop’s value in a single night, and suggested using MOUSEOFF Zinc Phosphide bait, which costs about $10 per hectare.

With crops worth more than $500 per hectare, this is considered a sensible investment by most grain farmers.

Joe is at the cutting edge of farming JOE O’CONNOR IS AHEAD OF THE GAME, WORKING AS A PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR FOR PRECISION AGRICULTURE AT JUST 21 YEARS OF AGE. Originally from a farming family, living on the Dalby-Kogan Rd, he went from St Columbus in Dalby, finished his education in Toowoomba and now helps farmers across the country research and innovate.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” he said.

In this line of work, the message is that big data doesn’t wait at the front gate – failing to properly evaluate your property before making cropping or grazing decisions can see you left behind your more efficient competitors.

“It’s all about measuring to manage. The more data you have, the better you can understand your situation and properly manage it,” Joe said.

The first port of call for evaluating the layout of your property is to get an EM38 (electro-magnetic) and elevation map done by the team.

“An EM survey reads the conductivity of the soil; from that, you can get an indication of the soil texture at depths (clay content) and hence quality,” Joe said.

“From there you can work out which areas have

certain characteristics by a few simple ground truths, then target them accordingly.”

“Ground truth” is a broad term meaning to gather information directly, rather than by inference.

In farming, this can mean anything from taking drill samples from the earth for analysis, sampling topsoil, surveying the land, ongoing environmental monitoring and more.

It is the job of advisors like Joe to pull this information together and zone paddocks according to soil types and potential yields.

On top of this, they capture and create biomass maps of properties and crops with pixels under a meter, carrying out surveillance of crop growth by satellite.

This satellite imagery can be reviewed up to 10 years into the past, with the imagery used to compile a farm productivity assessment, helping landholders establish the true value and emerging trends on their properties.

Joe O’Connor said he was excited to be part of the cutting edge of agriculture, and looked forward to seeing the business expand from Toowoomba to other regions in Queensland following strong interest and uptake from local farmers.

YOUNG GUN: Joe O’Connor shows you don’t need wrinkles to plan a farming future in the Western Downs.

Hay Baling 8x4x3’ Hay Transport Hay Sales Manure/Fertilizer Spreading

Nik Lamberth Ph: 07 4627 7095 / MOB: 0427 689 276 PO Box 1, Condamine Q 4416 E: office@sunupcontractors.com W: www.sunupcontractors.com 1 8 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

6364642ae

USQ to call for tenders on precinct

RAIN NEEDED: Cecil Plains farmer Chris Hornick hopes for more rains to arrive by mid-July at the latest. PHOTO: Contributed

Up to 100mm needed to plant planned winter crops

14 Malduf Street Chinchilla Industrial Lane Miles

harvested next week.

Mr Hornick said last year every one of their crops was successful, including a top price of $300 per tonne for their sorghum.

He said he did take the El Nino and La Nina weather patterns into account when farming, but did not take it as “gospel”.

“When we hear there is an El Nino coming we don’t close up shop,” Mr Hornick said.

“It is a bit of a calculated risk. Maybe you don’t plant the whole acreage and spread your risk through a few different crops.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said this week that the El Nino had ended as the tropical Pacific Ocean had returned to a neutral El Nino – southern oscillation state.

The bureau said international climate model outlooks indicated cooling in the tropical Pacific Ocean was likely to continue, with most models suggesting sea surface temperatures will reach La Nina thresholds during winter, from June to August.

There is about a 50% chance of a La Nina developing.

– Amy Lyne

46 689 289

Mechanical Repairs Road Worthy / HVRAS Mod Plates Auto Electrical Air Conditioning etsqld.com.au Workshop & Field Services Sales & Parts Truck / Tractors Earthmoving Equipment Utes & Cars

6364642af

CECIL PLAINS FARMER CHRIS HORNICK WELCOMED LAST WEEK’S WET WEATHER, BUT THE RAIN IS ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF WHAT HE REALLY NEEDS. Mr Hornick had just 9mm of rain last Thursday night.

He has had 240mm since January, but said they would have usually had that amount of rain by the end of February.

“It would be one of the driest times, going back to 2006 during the major drought,” Mr Hornick said.

“Normally we are wanting to plant chickpeas in May and June and at the moment we can’t do that.

“We probably need anything up to 100mm or at least 60 or 70mm to plant at the moment.”

Mr Hornick hopes to plant between 200 to 300ha of chickpeas depending on when the rain comes.

“I have planted up to mid-July, so I still have got a fair bit of time left,” Mr Hornick said.

“We will still get reasonable yield in June but if it’s in July we will be looking at lower yields.”

The dry weather is in stark comparison to the hail storm that wiped out Mr Hornick’s 250ha cotton crop in December.

Mr Hornick has since planted corn, which will hopefully be

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND WILL SOON CALL TENDERS FOR THE STAR T OF AN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY PRECINCT AT ITS TOOWOOMBA CAMPUS. The project, costing almost $10 million, will provide a new home for USQ’s Centre for Crop Health, and includes an expansion of field trial and laboratory facilities for its National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture.

Funded by USQ, with significant co-investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the precinct will allow the university to build on its internationally acclaimed achievements in crop health.

USQ vice-chancellor and president Jan Thomas said stage one of the project would include environmentally controlled glasshouses, laboratories, outdoor trial sites and a centre for the study of biopesticides.

Stage one also includes $2 million from GRDC to support ongoing research and development for the GRDC’s northern cropping region.

Stage two will incorporate new road access, lighting and the construction of an artificial lake to help with water retention and long-term irrigation supply.

To be built on USQ land, the precinct will cover about six hectares between Handley and Baker Sts, and will include a repurposing of the Cedar Centre into a research and education hub for scientists and postgraduate students.

Prof Thomas said the precinct would undertake specialist activities that would help supplement research into crop production, harvesting, and yield outputs and would provide farmers with more accurate information for improved crop returns on their farming methods.

She said the precinct would cement USQ’s position as a major research organisation for the GRDC’s northern cropping region.

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 1 9

QFES area director for Toowoomba Tim Chittenden and bushfire safety officer for the south west region Michael Welsh speak to farmers at Farmfest about the importance of survival plans.

Geoff Eldridge and Shane Dick under a Beka Max crop sprayer at Farmfest.

FREE CUPPA: CRT gave free cups of Elmstock tea, an original Australian tea company, to visitors at their Farmfest stall.

Monique and Oli Petersen try on some sun protection gear at Farmfest.

Farmfest attracts 2000+ businesses THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ATTENDED THIS YEAR’S CRT FARMFEST, WITH NO SHORTAGE OF NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ON OFFER. More than 2000 companies participated in the event, confirming it as the biggest and most successful annual agricultural event in Queensland.

Exhibitors set up extensive displays to showcase, highlight and demonstrate a vast range of products and services.

FarmFest was held on June 7, 8 and 9 at Kingsthorpe Park on the Warrego Hwy.

Rob Ramage and Ashleigh Bow.

2 0 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

Colleen McMahon, Margaret Bailey and Marion Smith raise money for careflight rescue at Farmfest.

Sebastian and Ethan Stapleton check out a display silo.

Fencing to protect new flocks

Scientists to gather weed seed

WESTERN QUEENSLAND COULD ONCE AGAIN RIDE ON THE SHEEP’S BACK, AS A STATE GOVERNMENT PROGRAM HAS ALLOCATED FUNDING THAT IS PROJECTED TO BRING 600,000 BACK. Sixteen cluster fencing groups throughout the south-west have been deemed eligible for state and federal funding to protect their properties from wild dogs under the Queensland Feral Pest initiative.

Sheep were driven from the area, in part, because of wild dog predation. Stock losses are typically so high wool has become an uneconomic choice – even

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WEED SCIENCE TEAM IS SEEKING PERMISSION FROM QUEENSLAND GRAIN PRODUCERS TO VISIT PROPERTIES TO COLLECT WEED SEEDS FOR RESEARCH. The team is rethinking approaches to weed management as herbicide resistance continues to be an increasingly widespread issue.

DAF principal research scientist Michael Widderick said the team would conduct field surveys as part of a GRDC-funded project to collect seeds

The Bogle family's 25km wild dog fence.

though it is a more consistent income and the industry is perceived to employ more people.

More than two million hectares of area will be fenced under the program.

The Feral Pest Initiative covers more than the south-west, and will cost $15 million in total.

Quilpie Shire has been the most successful in terms of land protected, with 482,385ha to be fenced. There will be 408,817ha fenced in the Murweh Shire, with a further 412,211 in the Maranoa. Paroo and Balonne shires will have around a quarter of a million of fenced hectares, with Barcoo graziers fencing 189,709 hectares.

SWNRM will administrate the program. Chair Mark O’Brien said under pessimistic assumptions, the investment could deliver 600,000 sheep back to the area.

Project Manager Jon Grant was optimistic, saying that combined with the other projects funded under the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative, “these clusters are going to be a game-changer for the primary production industry, local communities, tourism and small business”.

He said they had been able to approve, on the basis of a cost-effectiveness test, double the number of clusters they had expected to.

- Andrew Messenger

from key weed species, and test their susceptibility to a range of common herbicides.

“We’re seeking expressions of interest from producers throughout Queensland with paddocks growing a grain crop – including sorghum, maize, wheat, chickpeas and more,” Dr Widderick said.

To register your interest contact Adam Jalaludin on adam.jalaludin @daf.qld.gov.au.

For more, contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit daf.qld.gov.au

FARM THREAT: Senegal Tea, an emerging Class 1 Noxious Weed.

SALES SERVICE PARTS USED TRUCKS 28-30 Carrington Road, Torrington, QLD 4350 (P.O. Box 6383, Toowoomba West, QLD 4350) - Phone (07) 4690 7300 - Fax (07) 4690 7370

Call in and see us at 28 - 30 Carrington Road, Toowoomba or call us on 07 4690 7300 to discuss all of your trailer requirements.

Richard Lilburne Mob: 0427 487 500

6364653ac

Brown and Hurley Toowoomba are now agents for the following great trailer brands:

www.brownandhurley.com.au

T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 2 1

Shiver me Timbertown!

THE JANDOWAE COMMUNITY PUT ON A GREAT FESTIVAL DESPITE THE COLD WEATHER OVER THE JUNE LONG WEEKEND, WITH PEOPLE COMING AS FAR AS BRISBANE TO GET IN ON SOME OF THE ACTION. MARKET stalls lined the streets of the small community town that had been preparing for the biannual event for quite some time.

One person who was rather impressed

2 2 \ \ T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

was One Nation leader and Senate candidate, Pauline Hanson, who had come to Jandowae to listen to the concerns of the Maranoa people.

“This is my first time at the Jandowae festival and I am very impressed with the spirit of the small community town and the amount of stalls and entertainment they have been able to provide is amazing,” she said.

Ms Hanson is currently at the start of her Queensland campaign tour and visited other

Western Downs towns on the weekend.

“I won’t be back until the 27th, but what I have seen and heard from the Maranoa people, I will take back to Parliament and voice their problem,” she said.

Ms Hanson said her main commitment whilst standing for the Queensland Senate in the Federal election was to get out to rural areas and see what the people wanted from their Government.

“I don’t agree with the coal seam gas mining

or fracking, which would impact our foreign land, and I really think the issue of child and family support issues need to be solved,” she said.

“The response from the Jandowae community has so far been great in voicing their concerns, and most people are fed up with the major parties. They tell me that I have been the only person to voice their concerns; they just want honesty because they are all struggling with jobs, etc.”

6364750aa

Come and see us at Wood Ag for all your Agronomy Services, Produce, Seed, Fertiliser, Chemical, Animal Health, Wire & Fencing Needs

Wood Ag Chinchilla 50 Chinchilla Street

| 4669 1133 T H U R S D A Y, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6 \ \ 2 3

LEADING HYBRIDS MR-Bazley Days to 50% flower Spring Summer Midge test rating Seedling vigour Seedling cold tolerance Tillering Standability Grain size Grain colour Pollen production Pre-flowering stress tolerance Post-flowering stress tolerance Irrigation Wide rows

MEDIUM LONG MATURITY GRAIN SORGHUM

4

Genetics

MEDIUM QUICK MATURITY GRAIN SORGHUM

MR-Taurus

70-75 65-70

70-74 66-69

4 7.5 8 7 8 8.5 Red 7 8 8 Limited Yes

Midge test rating Seedling vigour Seedling cold tolerance Tillering Standability Grain size Grain colour Pollen production Pre-flowering stress tolerance Post-flowering stress tolerance Irrigation Wide rows

6 7.5 8 6 8 9 Bright red 7 8 8 Yes Yes

MR-Scorpio

Results

6

Days to 50% flower Spring Summer

6

Agronomics

LONG MATURITY GRAIN SORGHUM

MR-Apollo

KEY: Rating Scale 1 - 9 1 - Poor 9 - Excellent

7

Days to 50% flower Spring Summer

75-80 70-75

Days to 50% flower Spring Summer

77-82 72-78

Midge test rating Seedling vigour Seedling cold tolerance Tillering Standability Grain size Grain colour Pollen production Pre-flowering stress tolerance Post-flowering stress tolerance Irrigation Wide rows

6 8 8 7 6.5 9 Red 8 8 6 Yes Yes

Midge test rating Seedling vigour Seedling cold tolerance Tillering Standability Grain size Grain colour Pollen production Pre-flowering stress tolerance Post-flowering stress tolerance Irrigation Wide rows

7 8.5 8.5 5 9 9 Bright red 8 6 8 Yes Yes

6364750ab

MEDIUM QUICK MATURITY GRAIN SORGHUM

GRAIN SORGHUM

pacificseeds.com.au @pacificseeds ADS150616