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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
SNAP OF THE MONTH
◗ CHAMPION CAMELS: The Woodhouse family from Boulia took home two cup wins along with best jockey and best handler titles at this month’s Tara Camel Races.
Time for the State Government to take energy seriously AS THE CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Ali Davenport said in her opinion piece in this issue of Surat Basin News, the Western Downs and greater region has a lot of offer when it comes to resources and investment. The Surat Basin region is vast and so too is its output of energy resources. Alongside an abundance of coal seam gas, wind, solar and coal, now nuclear energy is being discussed as a possibility in the future of our region’s offering. It’s a controversial topic, the mere mention of nuclear energy sparks confronting images of Chernobyl or Fukushima. But with many of the world’s most developed countries utilising this energy source, our country should at least be ready to have a serious discussion. However, that will depend on our governments taking the resource sector more seriously. Given the stories we have had to write about the way the New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 has been handled in the past 12 years, it’s all too apparent that our State Government needs to put more energy into a sector that provides so much for not only regional Queensland, but all of Australia. Of course, do the all of the correct environmental checks – but stringing on companies and communities for this long is not fair. When hundreds of jobs and rural economies are on the line, it’s certainly not the time to be playing politics. — Jordan Philp, editor
Contents
IN THE NEWS Wind farm whipping up power ..................................................3 Time is running out for mine employees...................................4 Innovation focus at Toowoomba expo .......................................5 ‘Near perfect’ conditions to go nuclear .....................................6 Easternwell team completes the rigs ........................................8
Camp has views to a brighter future ........................................10 QCG pathway to a major career ................................................12 Mining companies could be ‘named and shamed’ ..................14 Solar energy plant plans take nosedive ...................................18 OPINION ...................................................................................20-21 PLACES AND FACES ...............................................................22-24
The newspaper
The team
The Surat Basin News publishes every month and is delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region. Surat Basin News is a necessity. It was born out of a passion for Australia’s fastest growing communities – a passion for a region of unbridled potential and a future of vast economic growth and opportunities. The newspaper, professionally designed and regionally topical, is a must read for anyone associated with the exciting Surat Basin. ONLINE: Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country have the latest news sent directly to them. Go to: www.suratbasin.com.au. PURCHASE FROM: Newsagents in Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope. VISION: Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 1200 sq km basin, providing unprecedented access to new clients and markets. It will give a revealing insight into major industry while lifting the veil on current and proposed developments. It will be there for each and every announcement shaping the region’s future while profiling the colourful characters.
GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9921, email Erika.Brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING TEAM Jodie Williams, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9900, email Jodie.Williams@chinchillanews.com.au Greg Latta, Roma Phone 4672 9927, email Greg.Latta@romawesternstarnews.com Nicole McDougall, Dalby Phone 4672 5500, email Nicole.McDougall@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL
Jordan Philp, Toowoomba Phone 0417 915 123, email jordan.philp@suratbasin.com.au SURAT BASIN NEWS 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is printed by News Corp Australia.
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From the editor
PHOTO: EMILY BRADFIELD
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
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IN THE NEWS
No power struggle here
Wind farm produces power for the market AUSTRALIA’S largest wind farm has begun generating electricity, with AGL announcing the Coopers Gap Wind Farm north of Dalby remains on track for completion this financial year. State Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham inspected the project with AGL development and construction general manager Dave Johnson recently. “We’re pleased to announce that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is generating electricity into the national electricity market,” Mr Johnson said. “This is a significant milestone which is a credit to the hard work of everyone involved in this $850 million project including the owner, the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF), and the construction consortium, GE – Catcon. “It’s also important to acknowledge the support received from the Queensland Government, the Western Downs and South Burnett regional councils and local landowners. “The assistance of the Australian Energy Market Operator and Powerlink Queensland was particularly valuable in completing the connection of the wind farm to the grid. “Although the commissioning process is continuing with almost 50 of the 123 giant turbines installed, at full capacity the 453 megawatt (MW) wind farm will generate enough renewable energy to power 264,000 average Australian homes.” The project will create up to 200 jobs at the peak of construction, with a significant amount of money spent with local businesses, and up to 20 jobs once operational.
◗ WORKING WELL: The Coopers Gap Wind Farm.
PHOTO: EMILY BRADFIELD
New inland rail could help unlock massive potential for Surat Basin, potential to export commodities says mayor ECONOMIC development is on track after the resumption of rail freight operations to western Queensland was welcomed by regional mayors. Last week private rail and logistics firms outlined potential activities to the Rail Forum convened by the Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors. Mayor Tyson Golder said he believed everyone in the Maranoa would welcome more use of the rail line. “It’s a very good asset we’ve got, it’s been maintained well by Queensland Rail but it just hasn’t been used to its full potential,”
Cr Golder said. “The western railway line has started to be modernised but it needs to happen more so we can take heavier train loads and make more efficient use of cargo. “But you need customer- focused rail operators that are really focused on how to get more goods on rail at a cost effective price. “We are a huge producer of commodities that we export out of the region and we need to capitalise on a great opportunity for regional Queenslanders.”
The DDSWQ Council of Mayors has supported previous calls for major investment in essential rail infrastructure and, while this is flagged for the future, chair Paul Antonio said there was no time like the present to help unlock the economic returns that exist along these rail routes, even during prolonged drought. “Producers and business operators as far west as Quilpie and Thargomindah and all points in between are eyeing a future where rail could unlock ... a host of untapped markets.” — James Liveris
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
◗ NUMBERED DAYS: Bodie Sherrington, Clinton Ruhle, Dave O’Dwyer and Chris Bartley are feeling the pressure as the deadline for Stage 3 of New Acland Mine looms closer.
PHOTO: MEG GANNON
New Acland Coal Mine
Dear Premier, time is running out for our mine and jobs QUEENSLAND Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been unable to guarantee crucial approvals for Stage 3 of the New Acland Mine before a strict September 1 deadline, leaving 150 New Acland Mine employees questioning if they will still have a job next month. The State Government currently has only a few days left to approve Stage 3 of production. “The government is currently working as quickly as possible on the relevant approvals for this project,” a State Government spokesman told Newscorp. “Should any delays in approvals be encountered, the government can consider applying prescribed project status.” Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Anthony Lynham reportedly said in a Parliamentary Estimates Hearing the approvals could potentially be delivered by the end of September. But that will be too late for New Acland Mine general manager Dave O’Dwyer, who will have to make 150 of his employees redundant on September 1 if approvals aren’t received by that date. Mine workers Andy Scouller and Chris Bartley have spent almost their whole career with New Acland Coal Mine waiting for Stage 3 to get the green light. In a little over two weeks, Mr Scouller, Mr Bartley and 148 other employees will have their fate handed to them. If the government does not approve Stage 3 of the New Acland Mine before September 1, general manager David
O’Dwyer will have his hand forced to cut the mine’s workforce in half, leaving 150 employees without jobs, and no choice but to leave the southwest in search of new work. It’s been an anxious wait for Mr O’Dwyer, who delivered the news to his employees back in June. Mr O’Dwyer told the Newscorp about the emotional strain of having to make half his workforce redundant in two weeks. “If we don’t have those approvals by that point in time, we’re staring down the barrel of having those 150 redundancies. I’m nervous and a little bit sad as well.” New Acland Mine’s application for a renewed water licence, approvals to use the Jondaryan rail facility, and a mining lease has been sitting on the desk of the State Government since 2007. Without the approvals, workers will have about 18 months worth of work left to complete before the mine’s depleting resources finally run out, and there is no land left to mine. Without the expansions, machines and workers will begin “running into each other”, according to the general manager. “We can’t keep everything operating so we just have to stop that equipment,” Mr O’Dwyer said. The surrounding towns will also feel the pinch if 150 families are forced to leave their homes if approvals aren’t received. Dalby Chamber of Commerce president Rohan May described the potential impacts on the region as “cruel”. “It’d be an incredible blow to Dalby and the surrounds,” Mr May said.
“A lot of people choose to reside in Dalby, their kids go to school, they patronise the local businesses here. “If they had to move elsewhere to find work, it would be especially cruel given that we’re suffering so much from the effects of drought.” Mr May’s concerns lie with the anticipated population drop Dalby will suffer from, along with the residual effects on local businesses. “Anything that affects the population makes it difficult because then you’ve got fewer school teachers, fewer butchers, fewer nurses who are spending in the town,” he said. “It’s a really vicious cycle and that’s why it’s imperative that it’s approved. “This needs to be approved now. All the hurdles are being met. Regional Queensland is the backbone of Queensland’s economy. Coal mining and it’s associated industries are the backbone of the Queensland economy. It’s time to go.” Mr O’Dwyer maintains the most important part of the process is adhering to the September 1 deadline. “We just ask that the minister and the departments go through all the information they have, go through their processes but bearing in mind that there are these tight time frames,” he said. “We’d just ask that they work within these time frames, but definitely go through their cheques and balances in those processes.” — Meg Gannon
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
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IN THE NEWS
Opportunity knocks
Expo shines light into the future INNOVATION and opportunity will be key points of discussion at The South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo, which is set to take place at the Toowoomba Showgrounds on October 16-17. Thanks to record investment into wind and solar energy, commercial developments, infrastructure and mining, through to major gas projects and pipeline constructions – South Queensland and the southwest region continues to boom. This major infrastructure build has been recognised as the largest injection of capital and technology delivered into any regional centre in Australia’s history and there has never been a better time to capitalise on this and The South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. The expo, an initiative between Australian Events and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, showcases dozens of companies with new innovation and products that are suitable for all areas of mining, energy, renewables and infrastructure building across South Queensland and into the Surat Basin. The two-day event will welcome experts in their respective fields through The GasFields Commission Queensland Speakers Presentations which promises to be informative and incredibly engaging. According to Bob Carroll, managing director of Australian Events, The South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo is as much about information and innovation as it is networking and sharpening business operations. “It is enormously beneficial to all those who have a desire to
◗ NETWORKING: The South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo will showcase dozens of companies with new innovation and products that are suitable for all areas of mining, energy, renewables and infrastructure building across South Queensland and into the Surat Basin. PHOTO: DARREN WRIGHT
be more competitive, operate more efficiently, have access to world best work and operational procedures and for those who hold a desire to network and learn from other like-minded businesses,” Mr Carroll said. “This event is very relevant to those involved in the mining and energy sectors, engineering and construction, transport and warehousing as well as service and maintenance for all areas of business and industry.” Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio has further reiterated the significance of the event and what it means for the region as a whole. “Last year the Gross Regional Product for Toowoomba Region increased to $10.81 billion having grown by 4.5 per cent in the last 12 months,” Cr Antonio said. “This success has not come by accident, and neither is its continuation assured. “Success will require the coordinated effort of many regional economic development stakeholders. “The delegates to the 2019 South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo will undoubtedly play an important role in our future prosperity.”
FAST FACTS THE GASFIELDS COMMISSION QUEENSLAND SPEAKERS PRESENTATIONS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
9.30-10am: Jane Walker, Community Engagement Manager, GasFields Commission Queensland 11.30am-noon: Joy Taylor, Business Mentor, Startup Toowoomba 1.30-2pm: Craig Westwood, Chief Executive Officer, MIGAS Apprentices and Trainees 3-3.30pm: Jodie Taylor, General Manager (Community & Liveability), Western Downs Regional Council
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
9.30-10am: Peter Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer, Sharpe Engineering 11.30am-noon: Dr Katherine Witt, Senior Research Fellow, The University of Queensland Centre for Coal Seam Gas 1.30-2pm: Tess Palmer, Industry Stakeholder Manager, APPEA 3-3.30pm: Dr Steve Ward, A/Director – Engagement and Compliance, Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
Growing call for nuclear energy
We have ‘near perfect’ conditions for reactor PROVIDING an enormous part of Australia’s energy resource output each year, the Surat Basin and Toowoomba region has for years been known as coal mining, gas and renewable development hub. However, the region has been identified as near-perfect to host an energy not used in Australia before. Toowoomba has near perfect conditions to host a nuclear power plant and atomic energy industry lobbyists called on the Federal Government to build one here. Robert Parker is a civil engineer working for the Australian Nuclear Association and Nuclear for Climate. He said Toowoomba sat on a bed of solid rock making it geologically sound. It also has access to the national power grid, reliable water and a large population of high-skilled workers. “One limitation is that Queensland does not have very many 500,000 volt power lines in its electricity gird,” Mr Parker said. “It is quite thin in terms of capacity which means you need smaller reactors.” His plan involved a series of modular reactors, like those developed by NuScale, a US-based manufacturer. “The industry is looking at clusters of 6-12 small, 60 megawatts reactors submerged in a water pond. “They can be air-cooled, so the drain on water resources is less. You would need a significant upgrade to the grid before you could build a larger power station.” The miniature reactors are expected to be approved by the US
◗ CONTROVERSIAL: Locations across Queensland have been earmarked for potential nuclear power sites in the future. PHOTO: ERIK S. LESSER
Nuclear Regulatory Commission next year. Mr Parker said they are appealing because they can be built close to urban centres with a lower risk of widespread contamination. “Because they are small if they melt down the decay heat from the reactor boils the water in the pond. By the time the water boils away the reactor heat is so low they can be
air-cooled,” he said. “They occupy a 500sq m site and the US regulator said, even in worse meltdown situation, contamination would not leave that boundary.” Other “ideal” locations include Millmerran, Nanango, Braemar. — Michael Nolan
Sites surrounding Surat Basin highlighted as potential growth area for controversial electricity option TOOWOOMBA, Millmerran, Braemar and Nanango have been flagged as sites to host a nuclear reactor, if the Australian Government pursues the controversial electricity option. The sites were among 10 potential Queensland locations the Australian Nuclear Association identified in its presentation to the Australia Institute of Energy, in July. The ANA made a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy nuclear inquiry, launched this week.
Chair of the committee, Ted O’Brien MP, said a fresh look at nuclear energy was timely and new technologies in the field had led to cleaner, safer and more efficient energy production. “Nuclear energy has evolved since it was last seriously considered in Australia,” he said. “This inquiry will provide the opportunity to establish whether nuclear energy would be feasible and suitable for Australia in the future, taking into account both expert opinions and community views.
“The committee looks forward to receiving and carefully considering all perspectives.” The inquiry will look at waste management, health and safety, environmental impacts, energy affordability and reliability, economic feasibility and workforce capability, security implications, community engagement and national consensus. If you would like to contribute to the inquiry, you can make a submission. Submissions to the inquiry will be accepted until September 16, 2019.
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Something fresh is coming to Toowoomba.
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
Easternwell have the Advantage
Team to thank for new tanks
◗ ON SITE: Easternwell’s mud tank team.
EASTERNWELL’S engineering and workshop teams have completed the build of three mud tanks for the company’s new rigs – the Advantage Light Rig Extra or ALRx. The mud tanks were designed by the company’s engineers and built by the workshop team as part of a five-year contract to provide 11 well servicing rigs and associated services to Shell’s QGC business Surat Basin operations. Easternwell’s ALRx rigs are the latest in well servicing technology with integrated push-pull capability and a 50-tonne top-drive for increased rotary torque.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Through smart modular design the ALRx will expedite natural gas well service work scopes. Easternwell General Manager Kyle Koziol explained the importance of the rigs design as part of their operations. “The mud pumps and tanks are an important part of the rig’s overall design, providing increased mobility and mixing capabilities to support the rig’s operations,” Kyle said. “The tanks and trailers also have additional features including internal baffles and electronic stability control improving safety during rig moves.
“Our highly experienced team of engineers and trades support our innovative rig design from right here in Toowoomba and it is great to see the mud pumps and tanks ready to operate for our new rigs.” Easternwell, a subsidiary of global service provider Broadspectrum, plans to increase its local workforce by 20 per cent and local procurement by nine per cent. These goals reflect the desire of Shell’s QGC business and Easternwell to provide more opportunities for the local community and are set out in the contract for this work.
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IN THE NEWS
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
Touring across the region
Sessions shed light on safer workplaces HELP is on the way for farmers who are still in the dark when it comes to the gas industry and workplace health and safety issues and would like their concerns answered. Workshops to help farmers better understand their workplace health and safety rights when interacting with gas companies will be held across the Western Downs. The sessions will be facilitated by Chinchilla resident Shay Dougall, who has recently developed the free GasHAZ app, which allows community members and farmers to report potential gas industry hazards. Mrs Dougall has also recently completed masters studies into the workplace health and safety gap farmers experience when CSG activity comes onto their properties. As part of further research, Mrs Dougall will be conducting a series of workplace health and safety workshops for landholders in Injune, Roma, Chinchilla, Dalby and Cecil Plains in the coming weeks. “These workshops will be an opportunity for members of the community – be they farmers or not – to learn more about their workplace health and safety rights when it comes to interacting with gas companies,” she said. “Currently there are some gaps within the legislation in
◗ SAFE FOR WORK: Chinchilla resident Shay Dougall is touring with information on workplace health and safety.
Queensland, so it can be difficult for those who have gas operations on their property to know where they stand from a legal perspective.” Mrs Dougall will also use the workshops to explain the benefits of the GasHAZ app. “This app is an easy way for farmers who don’t want to be experts, certainly don’t have the time to be experts, and community members who, if they see something they’re concerned about that they want to report but don’t know the process, to take a photo, send it through to me and I will
PHOTO: FILE
support them in pursuing that complaint through the right channels,” Mrs Dougall said. “It is really important when it comes to having disputes to be able to identify the record of what’s happened, of who you’ve talked to, of what they’ve said, of what then happened, which is not an easy thing to keep on top of when you’ve got 100 other things to be doing as well. “In my experience in going to court with landholders, it’s been important to ensure there is a very good chain of evidence we can rely on that is not easily defied by the industry.”
Billions for Qld in trade deal - Pre-Construction Condition Assessments (roads and buildings)
heading to China last year – up more than $4.9 billion since the deal with signed three years earlier. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the new Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), to be negotiated, would help trade with 16 Indo-Pacific nations including China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. “I am optimistic that during our meeting here in Beijing we will make real progress,” he said at the Centre for China and Globalisation. Coal is not the only Queensland export to grow with China. Frozen beef exports are now worth $575.4 million.
- Stormwater Management Plans - Traffic Impact Assessments
ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGERS
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QUEENSLAND is on the verge of an economic jackpot as new figures show that coal is underpinning a $14.7 billion a year cash boom under the China free-trade deal. It comes ahead of major free trade talks in Beijing, which could open up new markets for Australia – including in ever growing India. With the Adani coal mine on the brink of officially starting construction, such a deal would create major opportunities and an even bigger cash injection. Queensland exported $26.3 billion worth of goods to China in 2018. That figure was up $14.7 billion from 2015 when the China Free Trade Agreement was signed. Coal exports led the way with $9.8 billion
- Land Development Operation Works Application
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IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
◗ CLEARING PATHWAYS: The Roma State College class who participated in the workshop, sponsored by Murphy Pipe and Civil.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Off to camp, boost work skills ‘‘
The main aim is to provide a challenging, but culturally relevant environment...
AN OUTDOOR education camp aimed at increasing the literacy, numeracy and employability skills of indigenous students at Roma State College has had its first group participate, with nine Year 11 and 12 students heading off for the week-long event. The camp, held at the Columboola Outdoor Education Centre, provided senior indigenous students the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Work Skills course and come away with enhanced skills and competencies to help them successfully attain their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Roma State College (Head of Senior Campus) Kate Van Der Meulen said the camp was not only intensively focused on literacy and numeracy skills, but also lessons on culture from
indigenous mentors. Head of VET and camp co-ordinator Melinda Auld agreed that indigenous culture was a crucial part of the camp. “The main aim is to provide a challenging, but culturally relevant environment, that empowers these students to be the best they can be, by helping them to successfully complete their QCE and enabling them to go on to build their careers,” Mrs
Auld said. “This is the first time we have been able to run the camp, and it’s all thanks to Santos, Origin and MPC Kinetic. “All three companies with operations in the region understood the value of this program and decided to come on board as the camp sponsors, which is a fantastic outcome. “Camps like these always come at a cost, but Santos, Origin and MPC Kinetic have covered all costs to ensure these students can attend and benefit, both educationally and culturally, from the initiative.” Mrs Van Der Meulen said Roma State College would look to run the education initiative annually, so many more indigenous senior students could benefit.
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MORE than 6000 new jobs were created in Queensland in July, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics last week. That takes the total number of jobs created under the current state government since 2015 to 216,100. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the additional jobs were a welcome sign following her government’s record $49.5 billion investment in infrastructure in this year’s budget. “Of the jobs created in July, more than 4000 were full-time, and we know every job is
important,” the Premier said. “That is why my government is committed to building the schools, roads and hospitals providing the infrastructure Queensland needs and the jobs people want.” ABS data shows the 0.1 percentage point rise in the trend unemployment rate to 6.4 per cent was outstripped by the 0.2 percentage point rise in employment. Seasonally adjusted unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points to 6.4 per cent. “We know these businesses spread across regional Queensland are the driving force behind jobs growth,” the premier said.
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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
◗ NEW OPPORTUNITIES: Lauren Hirning (middle) said the QGC pathways program has changed her life.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
QGC offer helping hand
Pathways program a real winner for Lauren DALBY’S Lauren Hirning is just eight months into her traineeship as a gas plant operator with Shell’s QGC business, but couldn’t be more excited about her future career. Last year Lauren, 20, successfully applied for the QGC Pathways Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program. She’s now started a Certificate 3 in Process Plant Operations and she’s getting hands-on professional experience in the natural gas industry. With the 2020 QGC Pathways intake now open, Lauren is encouraging anyone from the Western Downs with an interest in the industry to put their name forward. While she admits at the beginning to being nervous about learning the technical skills required, she says there’s nothing to
worry about and it comes with time and practice. “The beauty about it is the fact you’re not expected to come into a role and know what you’re doing straight away,” she said. “They expect you to come in not having any experience and they teach you everything. Provided you do your best, you have the Shell’s QGC and Migas team supporting you the whole way.” Lauren, who is currently working at the Ruby Jo Central Processing Plant, said the opportunity she’d been given had changed her life. “I applied because the job was in a field that is thriving with great career prospects,” she said. “The extent of what I have learnt and continue to learn each
and every day is amazing. “My goal now is to hopefully get a permanent position as a gas plant operator. “This would be an opportunity that could take me all over the world, but I would be just as happy staying right here in my own backyard where I grew up.” The Pathways Program, introduced in 2017, has seen 22 people from across the Western Downs Region kick off their career in the natural gas industry, learning on the job while completing a nationally-recognised qualification. For anyone interested in applying, more information is available online at: www.migas.com.au/jobs/qgcpathways. Applications close on September 6.
Working with local communities for a better future COMMUNITY UPDATE ª Shell’s QGC Communities Fund applications close 31 August ª QGC Pathways Program apprentice and trainee intake - applications close 6 September Email qgccommunity@shell.com or call 1800 030 443 formore information.
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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
◗ INSPECTIONS DUE: Alarming figures revealed the number of mine inspections in Queensland have been slashed.
PHOTO: AGNORMARK
Safety fears in resource sector
Mining companies to be named and shamed over safety MORE than half of Queensland’s mining and quarry workers will have to undergo safety resets in August if companies want to avoid being named and shamed. As of early August, less than half of the state’s 50,000 workers had participated in the reset which was initiated following a spate of mining deaths. Mines and quarries were told in mid-July they had until the end of August to provide the reset to every employee. Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said he would name and shame operators who did not meet the deadline in parliament during the first week in September. While Queensland Resources Council chief Ian Macfarlane said he expects all operators to meet the deadline, CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland District President Stephen
Smyth said it looked like some wouldn’t. “Some of the mine safety resets have worked well, some have not, and others are failing to meet the minister’s timetable for completion,” Mr Smyth told Newscorp. “It is up to the employers and the industry to explain why they are failing to comply with the minister’s directive. “This is a crucial issue, not just for workers, but for the future of mining in Queensland, and the onus must be on every mining company to deliver on the intent of the reset process.” A raft of measures were announced in the wake of six deaths in 12 months, including expanding the current independent review of coal-mining deaths to include quarries and other mines dating back to 2000. Mr Macfarlane said the QRC supported the promise to name
and shame, however he was confident the numbers would be met. “The reality is every publicly listed company has to report on safety to their shareholders, it would be a very bad look if they have to say to their shareholders ‘we didn’t do this’,” he said. “Quite frankly we are putting a lot of pressure on people to make sure this is done properly. “What some of the companies are saying is because of these resets, because people are sitting there basically brainstorming... they’re actually discovering risks that hadn’t been identified and they’re rectifying them.” Dr Lynham said it was important workers get home to their partners, children, parents and friends. — Domanii Cameron
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Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
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16
IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
Meandu slows production
Mine cuts coal supply to power stations AFTER five years of increasing coal production, Meandu Mine has begun reducing its coal deliveries to Tarong power stations for the next two years. Meandu Mine acting site manager Jacob Orbell said coal production from the mine would reduce from 6.49 million tonnes to 6.19 million tonnes in 2018-19. It will further reduce to 5.75 million tonnes this financial year. “Coal deliveries to the Tarong power stations consistently change and fluctuate in response to the demand for electricity,” Mr Orbell said. “We have built a healthy coal stockpile at the power station,
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The cost of coal is the largest expense for the power station.
◗ MAKING A CHANGE: Meandu Mine has begun reducing its coal deliveries for a second consecutive year.
which when combined with the forecast coal deliveries for the next two years, will be sufficient to meet electricity generation requirements. “The cost of coal is the largest expense for the power station.” This means the cost of operating Meandu Mine directly influences the competitiveness of the Tarong power stations in
the electricity market. “Every aspect of mining and coal delivery at Meandu Mine is carefully planned and monitored to ensure the right amount of coal is delivered as cost effectively as possible,” Mr Orbell said. “This is part of our strategy to ensure the Tarong power stations remain viable for as long as possible by being cost
competitive and flexible in their operations.” Stanwell has advised Downer, which operates Meandu Mine on behalf of Stanwell, of this change in coal requirements. Downer is assessing the impact of this change on its operations at the mine. — Matt Collins
2020 QGC PATHWAYS APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE INTAKE Applications open 12 August and close 6 September 2019 The Shell operated QGC business, together with MIGAS are searching for the next generation of locals to join QGC’s onshore natural gas business in the Western Downs region. We are keen to hear from women, men, Indigenous Australians and people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate, ambitious and interested in becoming part of a world class business.
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PHOTO: FILE
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
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18
IN THE NEWS
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
Vast Solar not so vast
Solar plans stalled as test sites close down TRIALS of a solar energy plant in Charleville have run out of steam, with technical difficulties preventing any future development. Vast Solar has announced it will cease operation of its test sites east of town, after running into unsolvable issues connecting to the local electricity grid. “Vast Solar will not be proceeding with the development of its 30-megawatt concentrated solar power reference plant near Charleville,” Vast Solar CEO Craig Wood said. “Despite its excellent solar resource, it has become clear that the grid near Charleville does not have the strength to support a turbine of that size, nor does it have the capacity to export sufficient power to Roma.” It has been about nine months since Vast Solar first looked at Charleville as a potential solar power resource, and in the beginning, the region showed promise. The company had been working closely with the Murweh Shire Council, local businesses and managers of local properties to run data collection sites. “We are disappointed to have arrived at this point, having spent significant time, money and effort in progressing the project, and we regret having raised the Charleville community’s
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for its 30MW Reference Plant in both Queensland and South Australia.” Murweh Shire Council was approached for comment, but was unable to respond before publication.
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OPINION
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
The Western Downs is a region that’s worth investing in ALI DAVENPORT CEO, TSBE
THROUGHOUT the last several months TSBE has been working with the Western Downs Regional Council to create informative marketing material with facts around the benefits of investing in the Western Downs. These fact sheets have been designed to encourage businesses to consider the opportunities in the region of big skies, agriculture and energy resources. They are the result of extensive regional research and conversations with local businesses to hear what they have to say about living and working in the region. They tell the story of industry growth and innovation throughout the Western Downs across five sectors including: traditional resources, renewables, manufacturing, intensive animals and retail. One of the major benefits of investing in the Western Downs is the ease of connectivity throughout the region, via road, rail and air and proximity to business supply chains and relevant
Drought assistance remains high priority ANN LEAHY
Member for Warrego
AS I travel around the electorate, I see more districts were where the prolonged drought is biting hard at the end of a cold winter across our region. In many areas, the dams are dry and the pasture is spent. At the same time as these drought conditions are escalating, the Palaszczuk Labor Government are reducing drought assistance measures. The Palaszczuk Labor Government have walked away from supporting primary producers in the Warrego electorate, by accepting a recommendation to abolish drought water, fodder and transport subsidies for primary producers. These subsidies help keep breeding stock alive, mitigate animal welfare issues and ensure that watering facilities can cope with prolonged droughts. Every primary producer, their family and agribusiness, across the state should be concerned by the abolition of these subsidies which have been in place for over 30 years. Sixty five per cent of the state is currently drought declared including the whole of southwest Queensland and the Warrego electorate, an area larger than Victoria. At a time when the agricultural industry needs support we have a State Labor Government who are more interested in kicking the industry when it is down. This is the cruellest cut of all from the State Labor Government on our farmers, who put food on the table and clothes on our back and who take the risks to sustain regional communities. It just proves again the Palaszczuk Labor Government are anti-farmers, anti-regions and anti-jobs. The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s priorities on drought are all wrong and the LNP and I will continue to fight for our farmers and for the continued growth of our regional communities.
markets. Another is the rural labour pool with a growing population of more than 34,000 people with high levels of skill and experience. These information sheets will be available on the Western Downs Regional Council website and we encourage businesses to access them if they are talking to potential investors. On another note, we’re looking forward to our next Enterprise Evening in the Western Downs in Miles on September 12. On the night we will be hearing from RES - the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage and transmission and distribution. Steph Froggatt, RES Development Project Manager will provide an introduction and update on the upcoming Dulacca Wind Farm project, including anticipated development timelines and information on how the project will provide local economic and community benefit. RES has been granted Development Approval for its Dulacca Wind with the project supporting construction of up to 56 wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure. The entire project will generate direct and supply chain jobs
Top tips for getting your home prepared JULIE MORRIS
Residential Sales Ruralco Property GDL Realestate
WELCOME back to this month’s column. Spring’s not far away now and I thought it would be a great opportunity to write briefly on things to consider when preparing your property for the market. Properly preparing your home can be critical in achieving the best possible price in the shortest possible time. It can sometimes involve hard work and some expense but does result in clear cut benefits at sale time. The three main elements of making your home more appealing are:
CLEAR SPACES AND LIGHT
Your property will appear larger and more spacious if you make it a point to remove all clutter and unneeded items and furniture. This includes clearing bench tops, the inside of wardrobes and pathways. Pack or store anything you don’t need prior to shifting. Make rooms as light as possible. Keep shades and curtains open during the day and have sufficient lighting at night.
CLEAN AND TIDY
Buyers are impressed if every room and every area of a property is clean and tidy. Further, they tend to think that if everything is clean and well cared for where they can see, it will be the same where they can’t see. It is a lot of work but will increase the selling value of your home and save you heaps of cleaning time on shifting day.
LOOKING GOOD OUTSIDE
One of the major frustrations experienced by sales consultants is, after having made an appointment to view a home that is likely to meet a buyer’s requirements, that a person says that they don’t want to look through the house – ‘I don’t like the way it looks from the outside’. It’s very difficult to overcome this type of initial reaction. Take a walk past your home from the opposite side of the street. Stop and take a critical look at the kind of view that a buyer would have as a first impression.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
We can sell your home as quickly as possible for the right price and make the whole process easy for you. When you list with Ruralco Property, we’ll help you to understand what’s involved at each step of the way, so that you know exactly what’s going on. In other words, we make things as simple as possible so that you can make informed decisions. Of course, we also work tirelessly to attract buyers and get the best possible price for your property. If you want to get moving, Ruralco Property can put you on the right track. Call our team at Miles. We have an open door policy, so if you have any question whether it be buying or selling phone me at Ruralco Property GDL Real Estate Miles – Residential and Lifestyle Sales Office at (07) 4627 1900 or 0407 536 473.
during the approximately 18 month construction process. In addition it will employ approximately 5-10 full-time staff during the operation and maintenance phase (expected to be 30 years) in addition to supporting further supply chain employment. Tickets for the Enterprise Evening are available online at www.tsbe.com.au.
◗ LET’S TALK: Guests mixing at a previous TSBE Enterprise Evening. PHOTO: DOMINIC ELSOME
Coal seam gas sector a complex system... that works CAROLYN COLLINS
CEO, GasFields Commission
IT’S tempting at times to think the coal seam gas industry is completely focused in the Surat Basin. But the reality is that the Surat Basin was a bit of late comer to the industry. The first commercial CSG production in Queensland began in the Bowen Basin at Dawson River near Moura in 1996 by capturing gas being vented from a coal seam in preparation for open cut coal mining. That was followed by production from the Fairview area of the Bowen Basin in 1998, the Scotia fields in 2002 and Moranbah in 2004. The first commercial CSG production began in the Surat Basin a decade later in the Walloon Coal Measures between Dalby and Chinchilla. And the really interesting part is that no two CSG production fields operate exactly the same way. The GasFields Commission recently held a community information session in Moranbah and we were struck by how complex the Moranbah gasfields are. There are around eight different companies all operating in one area and all with completely different end products and all governed by different frameworks. There is a coal mine, CSG production, electricity providers, graziers, water pipelines, communications providers, and a host of other businesses all operating in the same area at the same time. At first glance it’s a coordination nightmare, but once you see it in operation you realise it is a complex masterpiece of successful coexistence on a truly grand scale. All these competing businesses have found ways to work closely together in the same area and ensure each industry maintains its safety standards, meets production targets, and share resources where necessary to make it all work. If you ever want to see a highly co-ordinated, multi-faceted resources hub, pop in to Moranbah one day.
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There are around eight different companies all operating in one area and all with completely different end products and all governed by different frameworks.
Keeping a close eye on region’s future
Federal, state governments passing the buck only increases the pressure on locals
PAUL MCVEIGH
DAVID SCHEFE
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor
I HAVE had several opportunities over the past month to speak at various forums including Senex Energy and the Roma Bush Council’s Convention about ‘farming for the future’ – looking at clean and renewable energy and its potential to further boost the economy of the Western Downs. We really are on the way to becoming known as the Energy Capital of Australia, with the first two of 22 approved solar/wind farm projects already operational or under way. The value of these two projects alone is valued at $1.08 billion which is making investors sit up and take notice of the benefits that our region can provide. It’s not only our geography, environmental conditions and transmission infrastructure that has made our region very attractive to new developments: as a council, we are committed to doing things differently including process improvements to our Modern Planning Scheme. Australia’s first grain-to-ethanol facility was established in Dalby over a decade ago and is moving from strength to strength, with a proposed $26 million expansion plan for the near future. Our coal-fired power station at Kogan Creek currently provides power to 750,000 Australians and is one of Australia’s newest and greenest stations. In June of this year, we installed the Western Down’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in Dalby. These are all important developments driving our future economy but at the end of the day, the future of our region is our children, those who are going to benefit from all the hard work of today. We need to support the families that live in our region through vibrant community events and activities. At the end of July we officially launched our Tourism Showcase, the culmination of a three-year joint project between APLNG and council, with a total investment of $1.45 million. A series of local tourism action plans had identified over 60 potential projects, activities and initiatives that support and enhance tourism and economic development in the Western Downs region. Many of these projects have now been completed, with more to follow over the coming years.
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OPINION
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
Maranoa Regional Councillor for Utilities
I AM known to be extremely passionate about community infrastructure and have been becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of action from other levels of government. I have been told by some federal politicians that it is a state government issue and by some state politicians that it is a local government issue and that we need to charge more in rates or borrow the money because apparently ‘debt is good’. By ignoring the issue, they are firmly heaping the work of addressing this growing issue on local government. What we need is for other levels of government to stop telling us how we should think and start funding the infrastructure that communities need to exist. Government, in my opinion shouldn’t be ‘Big Brother’ looking over our shoulder all the time and telling us what to think and say. Government at all levels needs to be an ‘enabler’, providing the tools that the community needs to exist and prosper. Local government is limited when it comes to raising rates revenue, particularly when our communities are under extreme stress from events that we have no control over, such as the current drought, other extreme weather events or commodity prices. We already pay enough tax, and let’s face the facts, all the taxes collected in Australia are essentially our money, and should be spent as we see fit. Taxes don’t belong to any particular level of government to be spent as they see fit and certainly not on social engineering or marginal electorates. It is more an issue of redistributing the tax already collected to where it is needed most. This is not a new concept. It has been done successfully in the past. The state government had the WASP program for water and sewerage projects. This assisted local government by $140 million each year, but was removed in 2009 and not replaced. The federal government have the Financial Assistance Grants to Local Government that were set at one per cent of federal government revenue, but indexation was frozen under the
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Government, in my opinion shouldn’t be ‘Big Brother’ looking over our shoulder all the time and telling us what to think and say.
Abbott Government and has fallen to .55% of federal government revenue. If it was reinstated to one per cent it would assist Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise member councils with an extra $57 million per year. Why should they help fund local government community infrastructure? Firstly, because of all the taxes collected in Australia the federal government get approximately 83 per cent, followed by the state government at approximately 14 per cent and lastly local government at approximately three per cent. And yet local government manage 33 per cent of the infrastructure that communities use every single day to exist. Secondly, because local government is the level of government closest to the people. We are best placed to understand and deliver what our communities need. Thirdly, local government can deliver infrastructure more efficiently than other levels of government particularly when we work together with our fellow councils. The problem with current funding programs is that they are often based on population size. Local government has been advocating for ‘needs based’ funding. Population based funding clearly discriminates against regional areas. Why should they change from the population based model? Well, our Surat Basin region is one of the many regional engine rooms of the country. The Surat Basin area has a population of approximately 214,915 people, yet it contributes $16.347 billion to the state and federal economies each year. This means our region’s GRP per capita is approximately $76,000 compared to Brisbane’s approximately $67,000. Imagine what our region could contribute to our national wealth if they reinvested some of the revenue we generate back into the regions.
Committed to helping rural communities navigate through drought DAVID LITTLEPROUD Member for Maranoa
WE’RE committed to helping farmers and communities across the Surat Basin – battling unrelenting drought – access tools to manage their businesses through the Future Drought Fund. This fund will grow from $3.9 billion to $5 billion over the next decade, while investing $100 million into drought resilience and preparedness projects annually from July 1, 2020. The fund guarantees investment in drought preparedness and resilience in both the good and bad years. An expert committee will soon consult in drought affected areas before making their recommendations so that the projects
funded build our farmers and drought-affected communities up for the future. This fund is in addition to almost $2 billion we’ve already invested in Farm Household Allowance, mental health funding, low interest loans and Rural Financial Counselling. I encourage farmers and rural and small businesses across the Surat Basin to arm themselves with the latest information and assistance measures through Rural Financial Counselling. The Small Business Rural Financial Counselling Service is now available in the Surat Basin to small businesses with under 200 employees, please phone 1300 732 777. For farmers and rural businesses, the Rural Financial Counselling Service can be reached on 4622 4858.
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PLACES AND FACES
suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
◗ Erin Kehoe-O’Shea and Libby Coghlan from Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
BUY PHOTOS
www.suratbasin.com.au/photos/buy
◗ SPECIAL EVENING: Louise Sanderson and Gillian Meppemat at the August TSBE Enterprise Evening 2019.
◗ Danielle Richter and Elisa Ginardi.
PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED
◗ Caleb Schipplock, Matthew Kronk and Paul Schmidt-Lee.
Preplanning... the best gift you will give your family. plan the celebration of your life. We can help. Anthony and Maria Keating 163 Oak Street, Chinchilla 07 4662 7608
◗ Michael Healy and Kylie Howell.
Thursday, August 29, 2019 suratbasin.com.au
◗ Daniel McNamara, Trevor Watts and Josh Edwards.
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PLACES AND FACES
◗ Kerry Saul, Jaden Frame and Kristy Hayes.
◗ Sarah de Wit, Zoe Locke and Chris Jamieson.
◗ Elisa Ginardi, Cheryl Henningsen and Toni Park.
◗ Adrianna Gomez and Lauren Hamilton.
◗ TALKING BUSINESS: Geraldine Doumany, Paul McVeigh, Paul Hodgson and Ali Davenport at the August TSBE Enterprise Evening. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED
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PLACES AND FACES
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suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 29, 2019
Surat Basin News
Keep in touch with the latest news with just a mouse click. www.suratbasin.com.au
Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, Q 4413 Printed by APN Print Warwick General manager: Erika Brayshaw
Council lends a hand to Wandoan’s youngsters
Grass is greener on school’s side FROM brown and dusty to green and lush – the Wandoan State School P–10 sporting ovals are on the verge of a remarkable transformation. With the school unable to afford the cost of irrigation, the ovals have withered throughout months of harsh drought. For the students who play on the ovals, prickles and burrs are commonplace, with most students avoiding the oval altogether. They stick to a small patch of irrigated grass, about the size of a netball court, but that’s all about to change thanks to the Greener Ovals Project. For two years the school P&C has worked to make the project a reality. It provides access to water from the Western Downs Regional Council water treatment plant to keep grass growing. The council has come on board, installing tanks, pipes, pumps and laying turf at the school’s expense. This prompted the P&C to apply for funding through last year’s round of the Shell’s QGC Communities Fund. It was successful, and the assistance has been crucial to making the Greener Ovals Project a reality. “Without this fund, we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we are going to achieve this year,” P&C president Greg Zillman said. “It’s getting harder and harder to fundraise in small towns. It is possible but for a project of this size we needed funds to help get us over the line.” Mr Zillman said the Greener Ovals Project would be finished by the end of 2019. As a past student and parent, he can’t wait to see kids running around on the school ovals. “It also benefits the wider community and tourism and allows us to run other events at the school so we can become more dependent on fundraising ourselves,” he said. The latest community funding round is open until 5pm on Saturday. Community organisations can apply for amounts from $10,000–$40,000 to help get their projects off the ground. Mr Zillman encourages other community organisations to take advantage. “We weren’t sure this was going to happen but, we got there, and I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity.”
◗ THRILLED: P&C president Greg Zillman.
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