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Action Group Demands Halt To Cougar Project December 7, 2009 - A newly formed action group is calling on the State Government to demonstrate safe environmental procedures and halt Cougar Energy's local Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) project immediately. It has demanded a full environmental impact study and hydro-geological survey be completed before any more work proceeds. Group chairman and Coolabunia dairy farmer Gary Tessmann, (right), said local landholders and many Kingaroy residents were fed up with what they saw as the State Government's lack of action in addressing their "common sense" concerns about the serious threat to water supplies and air quality. He said the State Government has granted Cougar Energy permission to burn 20,000 tonnes of coal underground and emit potentially toxic gases over Kingaroy and surrounding areas. A local water source that supplies water to more than 100 clients within a 100km radius of Kingaroy could also be seriously damaged. "Water supplies in the area are vital to business and why should they be jeopardised by Cougar's coal experiment?,” Mr Tessmann said. "When the CEO of this company said he cannot 100% guarantee the safety of the local water supply at a landholders' meeting, it is obvious the State Government is not demonstrating due care and attention in allowing the coal burning experiment to proceed."

Kingaroy Pilot's Lucky Escape December 4, 2009 - Future Kingaroy Fly-Ins will be missing a popular attraction following a spectacular crash near Crows Nest yesterday. A fully restored Yak warbird, (pictured above at the 2009 Peanut Festival Fly-In), was written off when pilot Neil Dunn was forced to land in a paddock after suffering engine trouble. Fortunately Mr Dunn and his teenage passenger were not injured in the crash. Watch video of the crashed aircraft on the Toowoomba Chronicle website

TAFE Students Save Kingaroy's Christmas December 4, 2009 - The Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE's Frontline Management course students are determined to make sure Kingaroy does not miss out on a Christmas Carnival this year. The students, teachers and friends met on November 26 after publicity that there was no carnival planned this year. It's a very last-minute thing, but the committee is enthusiastic and is certain it can get the Carnival up and running on Thursday December 17 in O'Neill Square, Haly and King streets. But they need your help! The organising committee is seeking any sort of sponsorship that local businesses or individuals can provide ... in-kind, products, services or cash donations. Any unspent monies left after the carnival will be donated to a local charity. Please download the attached flyer (211kb PDF) for some ideas how you can help. For more information about the 2010 Christmas Carnival, contact Tina Torrens on (07) 4160-4415 or 0417-010-292. If you would like to sponsor the event contact Candace Dahms on (07) 4160-4421 or 0438-773-763 Interview with Tina Torrens on Hot Country 1071AM (courtesy Gary Wakely)

Major Workplace Changes Start January 1 December 3, 2009 - South Burnett employers have been alerted to major changes in the workplace which will kick in on January 1, 2010, as employees move onto new awards. Frances Ross, from Busy at Work Apprenticeship Services, said the State Government's Wageline information service would cease to operate on December 31. This is because from January 1 all employers and employees in Queensland - with the exception of State and Local Government workers - would be covered under a national industrial relations system administered by the Federal Government. Frances said all employers and employees, including apprentices and trainees, should refer to the Fair Work Infoline on 13-13-94 for more information, visit the new Fair Work website or download a fact sheet (118kb PDF). The State Government has not yet released details on how the Modern Awards will affect Queensland Apprenticeships and traineeships. Non-corporate employers (generally individual sole traders or partnerships) and their employees will continue to operate under the jurisdiction of the Queensland industrial relations system.

Definitely Australia in December at Wondai December 2, 2009 - Maleny artist Keith Blake is the featured artist in the Wondai Art Gallery exhibition which will be officially opened on Friday night at 6:00pm. Keith's exhibition, entitled "Definitely Australia", consists of oil landscapes in a traditional style. Also on display will be works by Maree Cameron, Cherry Carroll and Jennie Want. Kidz Korner will feature the work of students from South Burnett Home Schooling. Cost to attend opening night is $5 which includes finger food, punch and live Christmas carols. Wine from Cranes Wines will also be available to buy. The exhibition will remain on display throughout December and January.

Tarong North Sale Completed December 1, 2009 - Joint partners Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) and Mitsui & Co yesterday formally completed the sale of their 50 per cent interest in the Tarong North Power Station. TN Power Pty Ltd, a fully-owned subsidiary of Tarong Energy Corporation, purchased the holding from TM Energy, the investment vehicle established by the Japanese companies in 2002. Tarong Energy, a Government-Owned Enterprise, now has 100 per cent ownership of Tarong North. Tarong Energy foreshadowed the purchase in September. A statement by TEPCO and Mitsui said the sale was due to a strategic asset review by both companies. TM Energy was 35 per cent owned by TEPCO and 15 percent by Mitsui.

Virgo Funerals Shifts Into New Building November 30, 2009 - The South Burnett's oldest funeral directors Virgo Funerals shifted into new premises today, (above), adjacent to Kingaroy's Taabinga Cemetery. The new street address is 24 Pioneer Avenue, just off the Bunya Highway. The company's phone and fax numbers have also changed. The new landline is (07) 4162-7988 and fax (07) 4162-1529. The new building incorporates the South Burnett's first crematorium as well as a large chapel and function area.

Party With A Pollie November 27, 2009 - Deputy Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg will be the guest at three functions to be held in the South Burnett next month. Interested South Burnett residents can have: "Dinner with the Deputy" at the Royal Hotel, Yarraman, from 6:30pm on Friday, December 11. Cost is $30 and bookings are essential. Phone the Royal Hotel on (07) 4163-8219. "Breakfast with the Borg" at Ringsfield House, Nanango, from 6:45am on Saturday, December 12. Phone Ringsfield on (07) 4163-3345. "Lunch with Lawrence" at the Maidenwell Tea Gardens, Maidenwell, from noon on Saturday, December 12. Phone the Maidenwell Trading Post on (07) 4164-6166. Phone Jim Bond on 0419-668-656 for more information about any of the above functions.

Nickel Drilling To Start Soon November 26, 2009 - Exploratory drilling will start for nickel south of Kilkivan before the end of this year, retiring D'Aguilar Gold chairman Ian Levy told shareholders at the company's recent annual general meeting. D'Aguilar Gold's nickel exploration subsidiary AusNiCo has agreed to merge with Canadian copper-molybdenum explorer Lions Gate Metals Inc. Investigation of D'Aguilar Gold's Kilkivan tenements will begin as soon as this merger is completed. Mr Levy withdrew his candidature for re-election at the AGM, citing a decision to pursue other interests after "seven years hard labour" with the D'Aguilar Gold group.

Changes At Shoppingworld November 25, 2009 - There have been some changes at Kingaroy's Shoppingworld complex with two new businesses opening recently and one undergoing a name change. The Laubman and Pank optometrist is now part of the OPSM chain and has been renamed. Key cutting and shoe repairs are now available at the Mr Minit booth that has opened at the top of the travelator. Mr Minit can be contacted on (07) 4162-5888. A new woman's fashion store, Ice, has opened in Shop 34 (next to the Cellarbrations liquor store). Ice can be contacted on (07) 4163-6341.

Light Up LEDs For Christmas November 24, 2009 - Ergon Energy is encouraging South Burnett residents to erect energy-efficient displays of Christmas lights by sponsoring a new category in the South Burnett Regional Council's Christmas lights competition. Ergon Area Operations Manager Tony Bygrave said residents should consider using solar and LED lights rather than traditional incandescent bulbs in their displays. Entrants in the new category will be required to have a minimum of 20 per cent of their lighting from solar or LED lights. "This will progressively increase to at least 80 per cent in coming years to give existing entrants with a large stock of incandescent lights the chance to be eligible for this category while gradually switching to energy efficient alternatives," Mr Bygrave said. "Equally, there is an opportunity for new entrants to be in the running by having a higher concentration of solar and LED lights because the judges will consider both the energy efficiency and the quality of the display in deciding the three prize winners." Mr Bygrave said there was also another bonus ... power bills would be lower!

Local Businesswoman Launches E-Zine November 23, 2009 - The South Burnett will have its own "e-zine" (electronic magazine) next month with the launch of the South Burnett E-Zine by Kingaroy businesswoman Renae Mills. Renae says the newsletter will be mailed free every month to subscribers. To sign up - and get information about advertising rates - visit the JBIT Services website. Renae is also looking for club and community news to publish. She can be contacted on (07) 4162-4653 or by email

Micro-Algae To Be Harnessed At Tarong November 20, 2009 - Melbourne-based company MBD Energy will begin construction soon of a commercial algal synthesiser at Tarong Power Station which could eventually halve the station's carbon dioxide emissions. Algal synthesisers capture waste greenhouse gases at the source and use them to promote the growth of oil-rich micro-algae. These algae produce oils suitable for plastic, fuel and fertiliser production. All the algae is recycled: 35 per cent as oil and 65 per cent as low-methane stockfeed. The process also produces fresh water and oxygen. MBD Energy has already built a 5000sq m test plant at James Cook University in Townsville capable of producing 14,000 litres of oil and 25,000kg of algal meal from every 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide. It hopes to have a 1ha pilot plant at Tarong running within six months. The aim is to expand this to an 80ha facility by 2011 which could theoretically produce 11 million litres of oil. With further expansion over the next five to 10 years, the facility could eventually consume more than half of Tarong's daily carbon dioxide emissions. MBD Energy has also signed agreements with the Loy Yang power station in Victoria and Eraring Energy in NSW. One of the world's largest mining companies, Anglo American, recently bought a 20 per cent stake in the company. ABOVE RIGHT: John Cornelius (MBD), Dr Kirsten Heimann (James Cook University) and Regional Development Minister Desley Boyle get close and personal with algae at James Cook University ABOVE LEFT: An artist's impression of an algal synthesiser plant

A Bauxite Future For Kingaroy? November 19, 2009 - A report in today's Toowoomba Chronicle has hinted that a bauxite mine and aluminium refinery could form part of the South Burnett's future. Sydney-based bauxite explorer Volcan Holdings has applied for mineral exploration permits at Kingaroy, Childers, Pittsworth, Ravenshoe and Atherton. Volcan chairperson Mrs Pnina Feldman told the newspaper they wouldn't have taken up the tenements if they didn't think they were worth it. She said world demand for aluminium was growing and her company had received a lot of investor interest. In a project report (2Mb PDF), Volcan Group Chief Geoscientist Dr Simon Pecover said extensive deposits had been located previously at Kingaroy. Exploration almost 10 years ago had located major deposits considered to be suitable for establishing local alumina refineries using the Bayer process. The Bayer Process involves washing the ore in a very hot solution of caustic soda converting the alumina to aluminium hydroxide and creating a leftover red mud. Volcan Australia's application area in the South Burnett

Encapsulate Your Memories With Rotary November 18, 2009 - The Rotary Club of Kingaroy is celebrating its 60th birthday by preparing a time capsule which will be buried on Australia Day next year. It has invited all local businesses, corporations and families interested in preserving their history of this time to purchase an envelope from the club to store their memorabilia. Items to be included should not be affected by future changes in technology ... will anyone know what a CD is in 2048? Envelope sizes are A3 (corporate - $500), A4 (business - $200) and DL (family - $75). For more information, contact Time Capsule co-ordinator Ron Roberts on 0429-636-232 or by email

$11,381 To Fix Hall Bungle November 17, 2009 - The South Burnett Regional Council has to pay the State Government more than $11,000 because of an historic bungle which saw the Cloyna Hall being built partially on a road reserve. Council recently applied to the Department of Natural Resources and Water (Environment & Resource Management) to close Cloyna West Road permanently to solve the problem. The Department has agreed to close the Road Reserve and amalgamate it with the adjoining lot to fix the boundary issue. However, the department assessed the value of the land at $10,000 plus GST, lodgement and transfer fees. At the November Council meeting, held in Nanango last Wednesday, councillors voted unanimously to accept the Department's offer to amalgamate the land for a total of $11,381.25.

Sameway Milk Joins Norco November 16, 2009 - Sameway Milk has joined the Norco group following the sale of the well-known South Burnett brand by the Calvert family. Colin and Kim Kay, from Nanango, are now operating the depot at 122 Parsons Road, Nanango. The product range still includes Sameway Fresh (whole milk); Slender (low fat milk) and Skim plus a large variety of flavoured milks and pure and thickened cream.

Leanne Re-Elected KCCI President November 13, 2009 - Leanne Stallwood (PRD Nationwide) has been re-elected President of the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the group's AGM held earlier this week. New Vice-President is Tony Jaques (South Burnett Building Approvals). Also re-elected were Treasurer John Carey (Tarong Energy) and Secretary Polly Birchall (K&P Homes). Executive committee members are Tim Rees (BGA Agriservices), Cathy Goodhew (Struddys Sports) and Mark Reinbott (Subway). Deputy Mayor Cr Keith Campbell is the South Burnett Regional Council liaison to the KCCI. New KCCI Project Office Cathy Jaques has started work at the Chamber office in O'Neill Square. Former Project Officer Polly Birchall is assisting Cathy to settle into her new role. NB. The launch of the KCCI's Heritage Business Excellence Awards competition will be held next Monday (November 16) at 5:30pm at the Heritage Building Society in Kingaroy Shoppingworld. Drinks and nibbles will be served. The awards will be presented at Kingaroy Town Hall on March 27, 2010. For more information, contact the Chamber on (07) 4162-8466.

Apprenticeship Bonus Available For Employers November 12, 2009 - Frances Ross, from Busy At Work Apprenticeship Services in Kingaroy, is keen to get the message out that there will soon be another bonus available for employers who would like to put on an apprentice. The Federal Government announced recently that there will be an extra $3350 Apprentice Kickstart Bonus available - but only for applications between December 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010 - to employers who take on a young person aged 19 and under into a traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship. The Kickstart Bonus is part of the Federal Government's incentive schemes designed to counteract the impact of the global recession.

Kingaroy DPI&F Station 'Won't Be Sold': MP November 11, 2009 - Member for Nanango Dorothy Pratt has told ABC Radio today that she has received assurances from the State Government that Kingaroy's Bjelke-Petersen DPI&F Research Station will not be sold. Mrs Pratt told the ABC the DPI&F's Redvale property would be sold but the station itself was safe. On October 2, SBBiz reported the Research Station would be downgraded and stripped of assets under the State Government proposal and rebadged as an "Agribusiness Service Centre". Mrs Pratt's office emphasised to SBBiz that they were still trying to discover what other assets belonging to the Research Station were to be sold. Download Mrs Pratt's Media Statement (7kb PDF)