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It's Official: Prime South Burnett Farming Land Is Not Protected June 24, 2011 - The worst fears of many South Burnett farmers were confirmed this week after a technical analysis team visited local properties and admitted they would not be protected from mining under State legislation. The Department of Environment and Resource Management team visited properties in the Kingaroy region on Tuesday, testing soil and measuring slopes. Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Committee (KCCC) spokesman Mr John Dalton said the DERM team found that many properties at Wooroolin, Memerambi, Coolabunia and Inverlaw would not be protected under the State Government's Strategic Cropping Land legislation. Many had land sloping at rates between 5 per cent and 10 per cent. The Strategic Cropping Land protection only extends to land with a slope less than 5 per cent. However flatter land around Kumbia would be protected. Mr Dalton said the KCCC's hope that the South Burnett could be placed into a "zone of its own" also now appears unlikely because DERM did not want to complicate the assessment criteria. However the Department has invited the KCCC to submit a proposal to address local conditions. Mr Dalton said a draft submission was being prepared and would be sent to the Department shortly. One solution could be if DERM extended the slope rate to 7 per cent. Miner wants to avoid the same trouble on Atherton Tableland> UPDATE July 7, 2011: Natural Resources Minister Rachel Nolan has extended the public consultation period for the Regulatory Assessment Statement for the Strategic Cropping Land policy by one month to August 1.

Community Bank Digs Deep To Support Local Groups June 23, 2011 - Local community groups received $25,000 assistance from the Yarraman & District Community Bank at the group's annual presentation evening last night. South Burnett Community Enterprises Limited, the company that operates the Community Bank, presented cheques to 10 community groups from Yarraman and surrounding areas. The projects supported: $6600 - Tanduringie State School Parents and Friends Association to fund the purchase and installation of shade covers for the school's sand pits. $4000 - Yarraman & District Community Kindergarten Association towards the purchase and installation of patio $3000 - Blackbutt Singers for uniforms $2870 - Bloomin' Beautiful Blackbutt Festival towards promoting the festival $2320 - Yarraman & District Historical Society Community Radio to fund outside broadcasting equipment $2000 - Blackbutt Golf Club to acquire chairs $1960 - Yarraman Memorial Society for flood repairs $1918.20 - Blackbutt District Tourism and Heritage for office equipment $798 - Timbertowns Woodworking Group Inc to fund health and safety equipment $750 - Yarraman & District Historical Society Inc to purchase a new fridge $750 - Students' Christmas project to fund craft for Christmas Yarraman & District Community Bank Branch Chairman Frank Smith said he was thrilled the ranch was able to return its profits to the local community groups. "Since opening our doors in 2005, we have seen our business grow, and this brings huge rewards for local people who may not have the financial support they seek without the support of their local Community Bank Branch," he said. "The more a community gets behind its local Community Bank branch, the more it can return funds to support local projects and future sustainability."

Proteco To Host July Meet'n'Greet June 23, 2011 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry's next Meet'n'Greet will be held on Monday July 11 from 5:30pm at Proteco's complex at 67 William Street, Kingaroy. Guest speakers will be Proteco director Josh Gadischke and Bernie Pegrem from Toastmasters International. Cost is $10. Please RSVP to KCCI Project Officer Joanne Thorp on (07) 4162-8466 or by email

Nicki Wins Trainee Award In Brisbane June 22, 2011 - Congratulations to MRAEL Group trainee Nicki Mallias, hosted at the South Burnett Regional Council, who won an award at the Industry Leaders & Training Awards held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre last Friday night. Nicki won the Civil Trainee of the Year award for demonstrating a commitment to excellence and leadership. She is completing a Certificate II in Civil Construction. "I am extremely honoured to have been nominated for this award and I am so delighted to have won!" she said. "I would not have made it this far without the great support that I have received from my mentors at both MRAEL and the South Burnett Regional Council." ABOVE RIGHT: From left, Kristina Saedder (MRAEL Group), Nicki Mallias (Certificate II in Civil Construction) and Phill Dugdell (South Burnett Regional Council)

Transport Plan To Shape Region To 2031 June 21, 2011 - The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is developing an integrated regional transport plan for the Wide Bay-Burnett region, designed to shape transport infrastructure in the region until 2031. The plan will apply six local government areas including the South Burnett Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council. The State Government says the Wide Bay Burnett Integrated Regional Transport Plan 2011–2031 will deliver a "coherent 20-year vision to guide government decision-making on future transport planning, projects and investment, including the identification of strategic priorities to achieve the desired regional outcomes for transport". Currently the Department of Transport and Main Roads is working with government, industry and interest group stakeholders to develop a draft plan. After this is finalised, the local community will be invited to comment.

Community Gives Thumbs Up To Tarong Energy June 20, 2011 - Independent market research commissioned by Tarong Energy in the South Burnett has given the corporation a big tick of approval in the local community. The research, by Deborah Wilson Consulting Services, involved focus groups in Blackbutt, Nanango, Kingaroy and Murgon, one-on-one interviews with business and community stakeholders and telephone surveys of randomly selected residents. The respondents rated Tarong Energy highly for reputation in the community, performance in working with the community, a good employer, a safe workplace and competent in its operations. The survey also found that the community would like more information about Tarong Energy's environmental responsibilities as well as funding support for smaller community groups and projects. Tarong Energy's South Burnett operations will become part of Queensland's largest power generator on July 1 (under the Stanwell Corporation banner) but the Tarong power stations and Meandu Mine will retain their own identities.

BGA Field Day On Thursday June 17, 2011 - BGA AgriServices will he hosting their annual Information Day for farmers and graziers in Kingaroy next Thursday (June 23) at their Youngman Street premises. There'll be nine presentations, starting at 10:00am, covering everything from woody weed control to cattle vaccines, solar energy and broadacre irrigation. Another presentation sure to be popular is "Appreciating South Burnett Wines" with Bernie Cooper from Crane Wines. Primary producers are also invited to bring along their weeds for identification.

Tractor Tattoo Hits The Right Note With Council June 16, 2011 - The South Burnett could boast a new festival if the concept of a "Tractor Tattoo" takes off. At its June meeting, the South Burnett Regional Council voted to endorse the recommendation of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Management Committee to support the concept. Rod Ainsworth, from Creative Regions, suggested the strategic arts project. The proposal is to commission an artist to turn a tractor into a musical instrument and then hold a musical festival with the tractor as the focus on the third weekend in September (to coincide with the Antique Tractor Rally weekend). A focus group identified a tractor as something everyone in the region could "identify" with. Council would not run the event but would "auspice" it. Creative Regions would prepare the concept plan at no cost and Council would apply for grant funds. An orchestra (to be decided) would be invited to create a song. UPDATE: July 1, 2011 - The proposed date for this event is September 2012

KCCC Meets With Department Reps Over Mining Fears June 15, 2011 - The Mining Registrar for the Brisbane District Craig Watson and the Registrar For Exploration Permits Todd Ellis met with representatives from local agribusinesses, landholders and the Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Committee in Kingaroy yesterday to discuss issues connected with mining in farming areas. Chairman John Dalton said the meeting was divided into two sessions. The first covered community engagement and mining company access to farming land. The KCCC proposed that the current "minimalist" approach where the mining company simply contacted individual landholders should be expanded with greater community consultation, a period of submissions and independent assessment of the application. "The minimalist legal approach doesn't factor in the human component, people's emotions," Mr Dalton said. He said the Department representatives had asked the KCCC to "polish up" the proposal and submit it for consideration. The second session covered the State Government's new Strategic Cropping Land (SCL) legislation. Mr Dalton said the KCCC believed most South Burnett land was not protected by this legislation because it failed to meet fixed pH and slope criteria. The meeting put this belief to the Department representatives. "They will now send a technical analysis land team to confirm our fears whether we have been excluded ... to confirm that we don't get protection," he said. This team is expected to begin inspections in the local area next week. When the results of this inspection are available, the KCCC will make a formal submission to the State Government by mid-July about the SCL legislation (after gaining an extension to the submission deadline). The KCCC believes the South Burnett should be placed "in a zone of its own" rather than being bundled into the coastal zone. "We want the same treatment as the Granite Belt (which has been placed into a separate zone). We have characteristics that make us unique," he said. Mr Dalton said the government representatives had given the group a good hearing and had encouraged the KCCC to keep on with its work as few other organisations had responded to the SCL consultation process. ABOVE: From left, Mining Registrar for the Brisbane District Craig Watson (DEEDI), Lionel Wieck (Peanut Company Australia), Mining Registrar for Exploration Permits Todd Ellis (DEEDI), Sonny Crumpton (G Crumpton and Sons), Les Blanch (Proston), Gary Tessmann (KCCC), Cheryl Heidrich (Mundubbera), Ian Crosthwaite (Bean Growers Australia) and Fred Heidrich (Mundubbera) Download the KCCC press release

Council Demands Apology From Channel 7 June 14, 2011 - The South Burnett Regional Council has demanded an apology for a misleading story aired on Channel 7's popular Sunrise breakfast show last week. Presenter Natalie Barr read out an email live on air alleging waste by Council over the Glendon Street forecourt upgrade in Kingaroy. In a public statement directed to Channel 7, departing Council CEO Tony Hayward set out the facts about the upgrade and said the story had caused "a great deal of concern" for Mayor David Carter and other members of the Council staff. "The Council requests that an on-air apology be made by the presenters for the damage caused by reading on live television the email in question without considering the impact that this may cause, let alone the validity of the statement made by one viewer via an email," Mr Hayward wrote. He also called for Channel 7 to interview the Mayor and/or himself to set the record straight. Mr Hayward also expressed concern over what effect the story may have on his new job in NSW: "I have recently been appointed to the role of General Manager of the Port Macquarie Hastings Council on the mid-north coast of NSW. "Given the community and financial issues that this Council has gone through in recent times, resulting in the elected Council being sacked and replaced by an Administrator, I cannot begin to imagine what the residents of that area would be thinking if they were unfortunate enough to hear the content of the email that was read out on the Sunrise Morning Program today?" Download Council's Reply to Sunrise

Our Boomerang Won't Come Back June 14, 2011 - Kingaroy's dream of being the heart of an aircraft manufacturing industry is now officially over with the assets of Queensland Aviation Manufacturing on the market. Sydney-based SM Aviation is selling a Boomerang aircraft, plant, equipment, parts, tooling, supplies plus the Kingaroy hangar and production facility. Queensland Aviation Manufacturing parent company Dean-Wilson Aviation was given $165,012 funding under the Federal Government's Sustainable Regions program to build its Kingaroy facility. Production of the two-seat Whitney Boomerang trainer began in 2006. In September 2007, SBBiz reported the official launch of the new aircraft and in 2008 Dean-Wilson Aviation was presented with the KCCI's Manufacturing and Engineering Business Award. The Boomerang was the first fully certified two-seat trainer in the world to face new CASA crash test requirements and only the fourth aircraft certified to FAR 23 (a Federal Aviation Regulation airworthy standard for planes of less than nine seats) to reach production in Australian history. Queensland Aviation Manufacturing had hoped to produce 10 aircraft during its first year of operation at its $450,000 Kingaroy facility. The long-term target was to produce one aircraft per week. Potential buyers initially showed interest from China, India and South Africa however sales of the aircraft failed to materialise.

Last Chance To Catch Bush Business Online June 10, 2011 - Kingaroy RSL will be hosting the final event of Lisa Wain and Jakki Goodall's Bush Business Online program on June 30 with a "Where To Grow From Here" forum featuring a full day of guest speakers. The keynote presentation will be delivered by Joe Millward, former International Innovations Manager for Gloria Jeans Coffees who will share his experience in using digital content, social media development and community management. Other topics will include global strategies versus local strategies, SEO and social media ranking, converting your leads and online marketing. Guest speakers include Gavin Merritt, from Getting Local Business Online at Coolum Beach, and Kingaroy's own Trudi Bartlett, from From Headache to Heaven and Janelle Frohloff from Somethings Country. Cost is $110 which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. As a bonus, the day is free for all Bush Business Online members, ie anyone who has attended a previous BBO seminar. For more information and to book, visit the cre8you website

Ergon Energy Helps the South Burnett Unplug June 9, 2011 - Kingaroy State High School students are getting Unplugged with the help of the Queensland Arts Council and Ergon Energy. The students were among the first in the State to see the new performance of the play which explores how young people can conserve electricity but still continue to live modern lifestyles. The story is set in a share house with two friends balancing study, work, cash and bills. ABOVE: Unplugged characters Toni (Sarah McLeod) and Damo (Kyle Walmsley) connect with Year 8 students Renee Shaw, Nicola Ballinger, Tahnia Miller, Daniel Thompson and Brandon Taylor with the help of Ergon Energy Area Services Manager John Box. * * * The South Burnett Energy Centre at Nanango is also spreading the word about energy conservation this month with special displays from June 18-24. Did you know that the average Ergon Energy residential customer uses about 21kWh of energy per day which produces about 21kg of greenhouse gases? Have you ever wondered what you could do to reduce your energy consumption? "Wise Up to Energy Use" will kick off with an open day on June 18 from 11:00am. There'll be LED lightglobe giveaways, displays by energy efficient suppliers/providers as well as a variety of information on energy conservation and renewable energy alternatives plus fun activities for the kids, including a free Queensland Arts Council performance of "Unplugged", (see story above).

Spencer Named Interim CEO June 8, 2011 - Controversial former Toowoomba Council CEO Philip Spencer has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of the South Burnett Regional Council. He has been appointed for a period of three months and will start work a week before current CEO Tony Hayward leaves for NSW. Mr Spencer resigned from Toowoomba Council in 2008 after alleged run-ins with Deputy Mayor Paul Antonio, the former Mayor of Millmerran Shire. Read more about Mr Spencer's shock resignation three years ago on the Toowoomba Chronicle website

Council Committee To Investigate Naming Options June 8, 2011 - A public campaign to re-think the naming of the Kingaroy Town Hall Forecourt area appears to be gaining some traction within the South Burnett Regional Council. At its May meeting, councillors voted unanimously to name the refurbished area the "Dr Ellen Kent Hughes Forecourt" in honour of the former Kingaroy Shire Councillor who was the first woman elected to Local Government in Queensland. An immediate campaign was launched on Facebook and elsewhere claiming the area should not be named after "an obscure politician" but should recognise former Test Cricketer Matthew Hayden, who it was claimed, "had put Kingaroy on the map". At their meeting today, Councillors will be asked to approve a compromise position to identify "a suitable venue" to recognise the sporting achievements of Hayden. The proposal is that Council create a committee consisting of Crs Barry Green and Damien Tessmann, a representative of the Hayden family and three community members who will report back to Council identifying possible venues that could be named in recognition of Hayden's sporting achievements. UPDATE 4:30pm - Councillors today rejected the formation of the consultative committee, opting instead to contact Hayden directly and seek his consent for a future naming project in the region. There was no decision to rescind the original motion to name the forecourt after Dr Ellen Kent Hughes. * * * Goomeri and Kilkivan business people are urged to have their say about local business conditions in an online survey organised by Gympie Regional Council. The regional survey closes this Friday, so time is running out ... To take part just click here and follow the instructions.

Ruth Helps Students Beat Exam Nerves June 7, 2011 - South Burnett dance and music students have no more excuses for complaining about "exam nerves" after weekend workshops in Kingaroy conducted by AMEB examiner Ruth Bonetti. Not-for-profit arts group South Burnett Arts Inc, in conjunction with the South Burnett Regional Council RADF program, brought Ruth to Kingaroy for the weekend of workshops to help students tackle practice and performance issues. Ruth has spent more that 30 years as a professional musician, teacher and speaker and has presented student and faculty seminars across Australia and in Europe and America. Students learned "practice is not a dirty word" and how to "get the A out of AMEB". ABOVE RIGHT: Ruth Bonetti talks to students. BELOW RIGHT: Flautist Leah Noll, from Kingaroy, was led through a Mozart piece while Ruth demonstrated ways to improve her performance

Dr Peter Wynn 'Alive & Well' June 6, 2011 - Kingaroy doctor Peter Wynn is alive and well, it was confirmed this morning. A Courier-Mail story - now removed from the newspaper's website - sparked fears amongst the popular GP's patients when it labelled him "missing". The story claimed Dr Wynn's family was concerned for his safety and that police had issued a "be on the lookout" alert about 6:00pm. However, Dr Wynn's surgery confirmed this morning that he was in Brisbane and would be returning to Kingaroy shortly. The concerns arose after Dr Wynn's car hit a kangaroo.

MRAEL Launches Discounts for Trainees & Apprentices June 3, 2011 - Kingaroy-based apprenticeship and group training service MRAEL is helping local apprentices and trainees stretch their hard-earned dollars a little bit further by developing a discount program, dubbed "Employer of Choice". MRAEL is partnering with different organisations to provide discounted services and other incentives to MRAEL apprentices and trainees, including: Mobile phone and internet packages with Vodafone, Discounts from Super Cheap Auto Discounted gym memberships with Cardio Central Corporate health care cover with Medibank Discounted travel and accommodation packages with Flight Centre and Quick Beds Corporate Corporate banking with the Commonwealth Bank Student rate prices with Kingaroy Satellite Cinema Kingaroy apprentice Ben Bird, who is hosted with Wards Electrical, says the MRAEL program will provide opportunities that he otherwise would not get. "The discounts will really help out because we don't earn that much money, it will take the stress out of the little things," he said. ABOVE RIGHT: MRAEL Group Apprentice Specialist Frances Ross with discount provider Steven Hudson (Kingaroy Satellite Cinema) and trainee Ben Bird (Wards Electrical)

Ergon Energy Boosts Envirofund to $150,000 June 2, 2011 - Ergon Energy's 2011 Envirofund program is offering $150,000 in grants to local community groups for projects with an energy conservation and environmental focus. And in the wake of a devastating summer of natural disasters across Queensland, the corporation has boosted the program with an extra $50,000. More than 30 not-for-profit community groups and organisations in regional Queensland have shared in $200,000 funding since 2009. Projects funded have included a mobile energy education trailer in South West Queensland, a program to rehabilitate injured turtles in Cairns, solar heating a barramundi tank at a Townsville school and establishing organic community gardens in Toowoomba. In the last round of funding, eight groups from the southern region were awarded Envirofund grants. These local projects included establishing a bush tucker trail at Wondai and bird-proof bins at Kingaroy High School. Grants range from $200 up to $10,000, depending on the size and merit of individual projects. Preference would be given to projects with an energy conservation focus, however other environmental benefits will also be considered. Applications close on July 20. For more information and an application form, visit the Ergon Energy website

Anita Offers Help To Local Tourism Businesses June 1, 2011 - South Burnett tourism operators have been promised assistance from a State Government Tourism Industry Recovery Officer (TIRO) to help the region get back on its feet following this year's floods. The officers will help tourism operators to determine their recovery needs and advise them about assistance programs available. Anita Adams has been appointed as the TIRO for the Darling Downs / Western Downs / South Burnett regions and will work in conjunction with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council to assist local operators. She can be contacted by email or on 0400-020-374.