February 8, 2010 - A further question mark has been raised over the postponed Kunioon coal mine with confirmation that the State Government is considering building a gas pipeline from the Surat Basin to power the stations.

ABC Radio reported today that a feasibility study is being conducted into the proposal.

Tarong Energy business development manager Andrew Burge told the ABC a decision on whether to go ahead with the project would be made at the end of the year.

"There's a lot of different options to look at involving different generation configurations, different ways of using the gas but all of them involve modifications to the power station," he said.

The gas pipeline, and a water pipeline, would be built underground.

"We're not looking at major acquisitions of land, we're looking at an easement that we can access to put the pipeline in. Once the pipeline's buried then there are very few restrictions of what the landowner can do with the land," he said.

• Workers killed in US power plant explosion

February 5, 2010 - The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) has release its latest email newsletter.

Information includes details of upcoming grant funding round deadlines, details about BIEDO's Business Centre which is available for hire in Goomeri and upcoming events and grant writing assistance.

You can download a copy here (1.18 Mb PDF)

February 4, 2010 - Three candidates from the South Burnett have been successful in gaining hotly contested 2010 apprenticeships and technical traineeships at Ergon Energy.

Dylan Flood (Kingaroy) and Jarrad Jeffrey (Proston), (right), are distribution power line apprentices, while Mitchell Potter, (below left), is a trainee in Kingaroy.

The trio was among 71 apprentices and 13 technical trainees who attended induction ceremonies for the 2010 intake in Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane.

Ergon General Manager Operations Paul Jordon said the successful apprentices had been chosen from a field of almost 2000 applicants.

"They represent the best quality applicants from a large and highly impressive pool of potential employees. They have made a great career choice and we welcome them to Ergon Energy," he said.

"In the past five years, Ergon Energy has recruited 393 new apprentices."

February 3, 2010 - The South Burnett Regional Council has encouraged not-for-profit organisations based in the South Burnett to apply for funding under Council's Community Assistance Grants scheme.

Mayor David Carter said the program was designed to provide a helping
hand for regional organisations and projects.

"This funding program has been specifically designed for those hard-working, non-profit groups who manage our community events, facilities and activities," he said.

"Council recognises that it can sometimes be difficult for these organisations to find the money to carry out improvements or grow their event, and that's where these grants can help."

The program also offers financial assistance to elite performers at State and national level.

The three strands of funding available include:

• Major Events and Projects - Funding of up to $10,000 per organisation in support of major cultural and/or community events or projects.
  
• Minor Events and Projects - Funding of up to $4000 per organisation in support of cultural and community events or projects.
  
• Elite Performance Grant - Funding in support of elite performers in the areas of sport, music, art and education.

The amount of funds available in this round, which opened on February 1, is $45,000.

February 2, 2010 - Centacare South Burnett has secured funding to run more of their "Women's Wellness Pamper Days" across the region ... and the first one is today at the Proston Hall!

But don't worry if you miss out on this opportunity ... there are plenty of more opportunities to de-stress.

Future Pamper Days will be held at:

Cloyna Hall - Tuesday, March 9
Coalstoun Lakes Hall- Wednesday March 17
Tansey Hall - Tuesday March 23
Durong Hall - Tuesday March 30
Yarraman Hall - Tuesday April 13
Monogorilby Hall - Wednesday April 14
Wooroolin Hall - Tuesday May 11
Booubyjan Hall - Tuesday May 25
Manumbar Hall - Wednesday May 26
Ironpot Hall - Tuesday June 1
Inverlaw Hall - Wednesday June 2

The events are also supported by BIEDO and are funded by the Federal Government.

For more information, contact Karen Seiler on 1800-282-775.