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Conveyor Belt May Be Coal Option October 4, 2006 - Tarong Energy is considering building a massive conveyor belt system to transport coal to Tarong Power Station after 2010 (the date when TEC's contract with the nearby Meandu mine expires). This - and rail - are two of the options currently being assessed by the Tarong Transport Alliance (which consists of Tarong Energy, Leighton Contractors and Parsons Brinckerhoff). A decision is expected by mid-2007. Three mines are being considered to supply Tarong's future needs: Tarong Energy's own Glen Wilga coal deposit near Chinchilla, Kunioon (owned by Rio Tinto, near Kingaroy) and New Hope Coal Australia's New Acland Mine in Rosalie Shire. A rail corridor has already been identified between Glen Wilga and Tarong however ABC Radio reported yesterday that a conveyor belt was being considered as the option if the Kunioon or New Acland mines were selected. For more information about the project, the Tarong Transport Alliance can be contacted on 1800-206-722.

Latest WBBACC Newsletter Available October 3, 2006 - The latest edition of the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee's electronic Regional Update is now available online. The electronic newsletter is designed to provide all the latest information on events, activities and grant opportunities distributed by the Federal Government. To join the email mailing list, contact Cameron Bisley at the WBBACC on (07) 4121-7099 or email him

New Image For Radio Station October 2, 2006 - Radio 1071 (which many locals fondly recall as 4SB) has a new name ... Heart 1071. Along with the new name comes a renewed commitment to the South Burnett with a decision to resume some broadcasting from the station's Kingaroy studios. Former Dubbo DJ Keith Gray has taken control of the breakfast slot and will be living locally. Heart 1071 is part of the Macquarie Regional Radioworks network.

Burnets Back At VisitOz September 29, 2006 - Busy Booubyjan businesspeople Dan and Joanna Burnett (who won a gong at the recent Tourism Awards for their Spring Gully Olives and are partners in The Grape and The Olive Cafe in Goomeri) - have retaken over the VisitOz training program. VisitOz is based at the Burnett's Springbrook Host Farm at 8921 Burnett Highway, Booubyjan. It offers agricultural training and jobs for young people from overseas on working holiday visas. The Burnets are very serious about VisitOz. They have a London office at Oxford as well as contacts in Canada and Sweden! They can be contacted locally on (07) 4168-6185 or by email

Grant To Assist Volunteers September 28, 2006 - The Kingaroy Information Art and Heritage Precinct has been successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant to assist volunteers at accredited South Burnett visitor information centres to undergo training and learn more about the region they are promoting. The funding is from the Tarong Mine Community Development Fund - the same fund which has assisted Southburnett.biz in the past. Volunteers will be taken on familisation trips within the South Burnett and Fraser Coast regions as well as receiving training in customer service, basic sales skills, on-selling the next Shire/Region product, telephone techniques, cash handling, organising information and handling complaints.

Tourism Conference To Be Held In November September 27, 2006 - South Burnett tourism operators have been invited to attend the 2nd South East Queensland Country Conference which will be held at Kooralbyn Hotel Resort (near Beaudesert) on November 2. The conference is designed to provide training on the key issues identified in the South East Queensland Country Destination Plan. Guest speakers will present "best practice" case studies on food and wine, country-style hospitality, regional collaboration and drive tourism. For more information, contact Kerrie Beck on (07) 3535-5470 or email her

Provan Joins Auzland Team September 26, 2006 - John Provan Building at 133 Youngman Street, Kingaroy, is now the South Burnett franchisee for Auzland Homes. Auzland offers more than 90 floorplans as well as design-your-own homes. It fits in well with John's other agencies, Unique Garages and Aussie Outdoor Patios and Carports John Provan Building can be contacted on (07) 4162-5922 or by email

South Burnett Stars at Hervey Bay September 25, 2006 - Congratulations to all the South Burnett winners announced at the glittering Fraser Coast-South Burnett Regional Tourism Awards dinner in Hervey Bay on Saturday night: Bethany Cottages, Kingaroy - Hosted Accommodation Captain's Paddock, Kingaroy - Wineries Dimities Cottage Restaurant, Wondai - Eateries and Cafes Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage Precinct - General Tourism Services Shadylane Farm, Kingaroy - New Tourism Business Spring Gully Olives, Booubyjan - Tourism Retailing As well, Simon Berry (Kingsley Grove Winery, Kingaroy) was named Young Tourism Achiever of the Year. The Kingaroy Historical Museum was highly commended in the Heritage & Cultural Tourism category and a Judges' Special Award was presented to Booubyjan Homestead The Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, The Peanut Van and Bunya Forest Gallery were all entered into the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all our South Burnett winners!

Everything for Equines September 22, 2006 - Trevor Scott Handcrafted Saddles, located at 5918 Burnett Highway, Goomeri (next to the showgrounds), has everything horse lovers could possibly want - from saddles to rugs and reins. Trevor recently updated his SBBiz listing with information about his website and contact details. He can be reached on (07) 4168-4500, mobile 0427-684-048 or by email but as he's sometimes away on campdrafts, it's probably best to phone ahead!

Foodies With Their Own Websites September 21, 2006 - Well-known South Burnett "foodie" Jason Ford (right) - the face behind the annual South Burnett Culinary Cook-Off competition as well as numerous media spots - now has his own "culinary resource" online. The Ford On Food website lists some of Jason's favourite recipes as well as information about culinary ingredients. Jason's wife Karen, from Cakes By Karen, now also has her own website which provides information and photographs of the festive cakes she creates.

New Faces At Utopia September 20, 2006 - New owners have taken over the Utopia Cafe at 199 Kingaroy Street, Kingaroy. Beryl Rankin has decided to discontinue the Internet side of the business, concentrating instead on offering light meals for breakfast and lunch as well as the ever-popular range of coffees. Utopia is open from 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday and from 8am "until end of trade" on Saturdays.

Murgon Leather Part of No 1 Company September 19, 2006 - Teys Brothers - beef processors and owners of Murgon Leather - has topped the BDO Kendalls survey of Queensland's top 400 companies for the third year running. The Q400 companies boast a combined revenue of almost $14.25 billion. Companies are assessed on their turnover, full-time staff numbers and assets. Teys Brothers, which has an annual turnover of more than $1 billion, purchased Murgon Leather earlier this year to process hides from its abattoir operations.

Latest WBBACC Newsletter Available September 18, 2006 - The latest edition of the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee's electronic Regional Update is now available online. The electronic newsletter is designed to provide all the latest information on events, activities and grant opportunities distributed by the Federal Government. To join the email mailing list, contact Cameron Bisley at the WBBACC on (07) 4121-7099 or email him

Another Busy Week For Chamber September 15, 2006 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry is not pausing for breath after organising last Saturday's successful Peanut Festival. The KCCI's regular six-weekly Meet'n'Greet will be held on Monday night (September 18) from 5:30pm at the Dean Wilson Aviation facility at Kingaroy Airport. On Tuesday (September 19), the KCCI's Women In Business group will be meeting for lunch at Burning Beats Restaurant from 12:30pm to hear guest speaker graphic artist Roley Jacobsen. Bookings are essential for both functions for catering purposes. Phone Lis on (07) 4162-8466.

Karol Is An Artist On The Move September 14, 2006 - A recent addition to SBBiz is Nanango visual artist Karol Oakley. Karol holds regular pastel painting workshops in Nanango Shire and will also do painting commissions of houses, still-lifes and landscapes. She is also planning an international escorted painting tour which will provide participants with the opportunity to paint in exotic locations. She can be contacted on (07) 4171-0013 or by email.

Whipbird Back In Business September 13, 2006 - Sheree Strauss has taken over management of the old Whipbird Chapel at Coolabunia, now known as the Whipbird Function Centre. Whipbird is located at 21 Chaseling Street, Coolabunia, just off the D'Aguilar Highway and is available for all sorts of private and business functions. Sheree also handles external catering jobs. For more information, contact Sheree on (07) 4163-6131 or by email

Kingaroy Rural Supplies Now Norco September 12, 2006 - Kingaroy Rural Supplies, at 97 River Road, ceased to be yesterday ... it is now a Norco Rural Store. Contact details, (07) 4162-3035, remain the same however a new manager, Geoff Mason, will be taking over soon. Norco stocks rural supplies including seed, chemical, fertilizers, stockfeed, fencing and irrigation equipment. Wayne Barron has relocated the hardware, tools and engineering products side of the old Kingaroy Rural Supplies business to Kingaroy Equipment Sales, located on the corner of Youngman Street and River Road. Kingaroy Equipment Sales can be contacted on (07) 4162-4555.

Lynda Explains Her Passion For Song September 11 - Kingaroy singer and singing coach Lynda Teh-Ogden, (right), has her own website which explains her passion for music. The talented singer, who sings in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Japanese and Indonesian, performed in Singapore and China before relocating to Australia. She is now a singing teacher in Kingaroy and performs at charity events. She can be contacted on 0438-481-194 or by email.

Foodies Plan Masterclass September 8, 2006 - Food personality Peter Howard will present a "masterclass" using South Burnett cuisine at the Bell Tower Restaurant on the Booie Range next month. Peter will team with well-known local TAFE teacher Jason Ford and Bell Tower chef Brad Clark to present the class on Monday October 16 from 3:00pm. This will be followed by a dinner from 7:00pm where there will be an opportunity to taste each course which has been prepared. For more information, contact SBLGA Tourism Project Manager Narelle Duggan on (07) 4162-6271 or by email.

Website For Booubyjan Homestead September 7, 2006 - Another new local website launched recently promotes the historic Booubyjan Homestead, located on Booubyjan Road (north of Goomeri). The Heritage-listed Booubyjan Homestead consists of pioneer slab and shingle buildings and was established by the Lawless Family in 1847. It is open for inspection by appointment. Contact Stephanie and Michael Lawless on (07) 4168-6262 or by email.