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Tarong Power Station For Sale? May 26, 2009 - Today's Courier-Mail newspaper is tipping Tarong Power Station could be one of the government assets sold in a bid to reduce Queensland's debt. The newspaper says electricity generators such as Stanwell, Swanbank and Tarong would be attractive sales "with a raft of onshore and overseas investors likely to be interested" and raising as much as $5 billion. Tarong Power Station, near Nanango, came on line in May 1984 and was completed in 1986. According to its own website, this project alone cost $1.2 billion to complete. The adjoining Tarong North Power Station was completed in July 2003 and is owned by a 50/50 joint venture between Tarong Energy and TM Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd (a consortium consisting of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mitsui). It was constructed at an estimated cost of $570 million. Rumours abounded in the South Burnett earlier this year that ownership of Tarong North was about to change with one of the venture partners allegedly negotiating a buy-out. UPDATE: On May 27, Premier Anna Bligh ruled out selling Queensland's electricity assets but would not speculate on the possible sale of railways, ports and water companies.

Another Estate Agent Opens Doors May 25, 2009 - Yet another real estate agency has opened its doors in the crowded Kingaroy property market ... bringing the total to at least 10 plus several developers who are maintaining a high profile locally. Kingaroy Real Estate, operated by Kevin Taylor, is located in a renovated Queenslander at 68 Kingaroy Street (opposite Red Rooster). Kevin can be contacted on (07) 4163-6888 or by email.

Have Your Say On Cattle Tick Management May 22, 2009 - South Burnett graziers have been invited to have their say on cattle tick inspection services run by Biosecurity Queensland. A Statewide review aimed at developing a more effective approach began this week. Currently, trained people supervise the inspection and treatment of stock at 15 centres in Queensland. These "approved persons" were appointed for three years and in many cases these terms have now expired. Changes under consideration could include on-property and off-tickline tick clearance. For more information, visit the DPI&F website. Submissions can be mailed to: Cattle Tick Review, PO Box 23, Kingaroy, 4610 or emailed to Malcolm Macleod at the DPI&F by July 1.

Cyclists To Raise Funds For Cancer Research May 21, 2009 - Cyclists will be traversing the South Burnett in September as part of a gruelling eight-day 1600km journey from Brisbane to Home Hill to raise funds for the research and treatment of cancer. The 2009 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge begins on September 5 in Brisbane. The riders will traverse the Blackbutt range, pass through Yarraman and stay overnight in Nanango. On Day 2 they will ride along the Burnett Highway through Goomeri and Gayndah to Eidsvold. Funds raised will go to the Adam Smiddy Cancer Fund at the Mater Foundation. Adam Smiddy died on August 6, 2006, after a very short battle against melanoma. He was just 26 years old.

Have Your Say On Electricity Issues May 20, 2009 - South Burnett residents have been invited to have their say on electricity network issues in the local area ... but you'd better be quick as you must act by tomorrow! The Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Electricity Council will be holding its quarterly meeting in Bundaberg on June 4 to discuss supply issues. The Council provides advice on electricity issues to the State Government and is the main forum where groups can raise distribution or general retail issues. South Burnett residents, businesses and community groups who wish to make a submission, or arrange an appointment to bring matters before the Council, should contact Louise Moore on (07) 4121-9502 by Thursday. Individual customer issues should be taken up directly with Ergon Energy or the Energy Ombudsman.

South Burnett Wine & Cuisine On Display In Brisbane May 19, 2009 - Brisbane residents will have the opportunity to Taste the Magic of the South Burnett on June 13 at the inaugural South Bank Regional Flavours festival. Food and wine producers from all over South-East Queensland will be flocking to South Bank for the event but sadly only a few South Burnett businesses have so far put up their hands. Local businesses that wish to take part have been urged to contact Kerrie Le Du or Rosie Schmidt at the South Burnett Regional Council on (07) 4162-6200 by the end of next week (May 29) before registering online The festival will feature more than 80 market stalls as well as cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Peter Howard (who appeared on stage at Kingaroy's Wine and Food in the Park Festival earlier this year).

Council / PCYC Takes Community Pulse May 18, 2009 - The South Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett PCYC are giving away an iPod in a bid to encourage local residents to fill out a survey about the future of The Pulse recreation centre. The Pulse, in Macalister Street, Murgon, is owned by Council and managed by the South Burnett PCYC. The information from the survey will be used to assist with the "development of the operation, maintenance and future progression" of the centre. Completed forms can be faxed to (07) 4168-3586 or posted to the South Burnett PCYC, 40 Macalister Street, Murgon, 4605 by June 30. Download the survey form (181kb PDF) The former Murgon Shire Council undertook a similar survey in February 2008.

Tree Change For Peter May 15, 2009 - A small thing like a fire can't keep a keen real estate agent down! Tree Change Realty was one of the businesses gutted by last Sunday's big blaze in Margaret Street, Yarraman. Manager Peter Reeve re-opened his business today at 7b Margaret Street (next door to the Red Cross) ... just across the road from his former premises. All contact details remain the same.

$27,000 Scholarships For Farmers May 14, 2009 - Nuffield Australia has 20 x $27,000 farming scholarships available for practising farmers or farm managers aged between 28 and 40. Successful applicants in 20 set categories will undertake a six-week program visiting the powerhouses of world agriculture including the United States, the European Union, China and Brazil and then receive funding to a pursue an individual study topic for a further 10 weeks. Application forms can be downloaded from the Nuffield website.

Focus On Training May 13, 2009 - Wide Bay Group Training, in conjunction with the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, is offering a free workshop next Tuesday night for employers in the hospitality and retail industries interested in staff development and training. The workshop will be held from 6pm on May 19 at the SQIT Kingaroy Campus in Geritz Road. It will cover training solutions and explain how the training system works. RSVP to Wendy Susec at WBGT on 1800-441-511 or by email

New Look For Trading Post May 12, 2009 - If you haven't stepped inside the Maidenwell Trading Post for a few weeks, you're in for a surprise! The renovations are finally over and the new-look store has been unveiled, featuring a large internal dining area as well as the covered verandah area, a much expanded retail area and an alcove display of Yalbury Olives products. There is also a much larger kitchen allowing owners Bruce and Judy Carr to offer an expanded menu. The Maidenwell Trading Post is open from 6:30am to 6:00pm daily.

Shops Destroyed in Yarraman Blaze The Yarraman Health Store in Margaret Street goes up in flames. Photos courtesy Jim Bond May 10, 2009 - A large fire in Margaret Street, Yarraman, this afternoon has destroyed a string of shops plus the historic old Yarraman picture theatre. The Yarraman Health Store, Visitor Information Centre (run by the Yarraman Progress Association) and Tree Change Realty were gutted while Yarraman Bakery suffered water and smoke damage. The fire forced the IGA Supermarket to close but it quickly resumed trading an hour later. Yarraman journalist Jim Bond said quick work by the Blackbutt fire unit, supporting the Yarraman fire crew, stopped the flames from spreading to Stimpson Plumbing, IGA and the homes behind the old theatre. The blaze started about 4:00pm and firefighters had it under control by 5:30pm. Flames take hold of the old Yarraman Theatre The Empire Theatre remembered

Paramedics Do It By The Book May 8, 2009 - Kingaroy Local Ambulance committee president John Box has presented the local Ambulance Station with new textbooks to add to its paramedic training library. This followed a review by paramedic Ben Phipps, in consultation with Officer-in-Charge Brian Long, as to which new publications would enhance the library. There are currently 10 paramedics based in Kingaroy. The textbooks were presented at a recent meeting which also introduced new Wide Bay Area Director Rodger Williams, based in Bundaberg. Outgoing Area Director Neil Reid has been promoted to Area Director Sunshine Coast. LAC President John Box, Paramedic Jodi Calvert and new Wide Bay Area Director Rodger Williams

Meet'n'Greet At Kingaroy Hotel May 7, 2009 - The KCCI's May Meet'n'Greet will be held next Monday night (May 11) from 5:30pm at the Kingaroy Hotel-Motel (opposite McDonald's in Youngman Street, Kingaroy). Guest speakers will be Kingaroy Police volunteer Peter Verbakel and Di Wade from Mission Australia. Cost is $10 which includes drinks and nibbles. For more information - and to RSVP - contact Polly Birchall at the Chamber office on (07) 4162-8466.

Miners Report More Local Finds May 6, 2009 - Mining companies are creating headlines again lately with the latest round of quarterly reports to the ASX: AusNiCo (a subsidiary of D'Aguilar Gold) reported the discovery of high grade titanium dioxides near Monogorilby and the start of exploration of EPM 16077 "Boyne" (near Mundubbera) where it has located zones of high grade chrome with nickel and platinum. Last year AusNiCo located the first significant nickel sulphide mineralisation in Queensland near the surface at Pembroke, near Kilkivan. ActivEx confirmed its funding of $650,000 from Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation for deep drilling its Booubyjan Joint Venture which is looking for copper and gold. This drilling is due to start this month.

Kelly's Back In Business! May 5, 2009 - A former South Burnett business has sprung back into life after a short time away ... but proprietor Kelly Taffe is confident all her old clients haven't forgotten her! Kelee's Makeup Artistry re-opens its doors today at Shop 2, 32 King Street, Kingaroy with in-store specials for Mother's Day. Kelly specialises in all waxing and beauty needs including make-up for weddings, formals or any special occasion. She also offers facials, manicures and pedicures. She can be contacted on (07) 4162-8336 or by email

Council Seeks Comments On New Corporate Plan May 1, 2009 - The South Burnett Regional Council today unveiled a draft of its Corporate Plan which will guide the region for the next four years. The plan identifies priorities for council and will guide decision-making, budget deliberations, operations and the allocation of resources up to 2013. Council is seeking feedback from the community on the draft Corporate Plan. Community Meetings will be held at: Murgon Town Hall, Thursday, May 7 from 5:30pm Nanango Cultural Centre, Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30 pm Wondai Memorial Hall, Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 pm Kingaroy Reception Room (Town Hall), Tuesday May 19, from 5:30 pm Residents are also invited to fill in a feedback form which must be returned to Council by June 1.

Target Country Kingaroy Opens Today April 30, 2009 - Kingaroy's latest national franchise store, Target Country, will be opening its doors to the public for the first time at 8:30am today. Target Country is located in the expanding Town Centre complex between Kingaroy and Avoca streets which now includes SupaIGA, a bottleshop, Dominos and a Dollars and Sense discount variety store. The Target Country team had a "practice run" on Tuesday night when they invited guests to the official opening. Ready for business are the Kingaroy Target Country management team, from left, store manager Aimee McIntyre, trainee manager Candice Bleys, district manager Gerard Winzenberg and assistant manager Amanda Parnell

Tourism Board Funded To Provide Training April 29, 2009 - The Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Board has been awarded $36,370 from the State Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to provide tourism and retail training. "The 220 participants in this project will receive training to work in tourism, hospitality, retail and the service and supply industries," Parliamentary Secretary for Employment and Economic Development Jan Jarratt, (right), said. Board spokesman Paul Massingham said day courses to deliver selected units from the Certificate III in Hospitality would be offered throughout the region including at Kingaroy, Nanango, Wondai, Kilkivan, Cherbourg, Murgon and Goomeri. "Participants will also have access of up to six months support after they have completed the training," he said.

Positive Solutions For Difficult People April 28, 2009 - Do you have difficult people in your professional life? Aggressive or unmotivated clients? Then Sunshine Coast counsellor and speaker Ken Warren's upcoming seminars in Kingaroy may be able to help. The Managing Aggressive People seminar will be held at the Kingaroy RSL Anzac Room from 9:00am-3:00pm on Thursday May 14. This seminar is designed for disability workers, school staff, youth workers, counsellors, mental health workers, front-line staff and others who either deal with aggression of help these people to change their behaviour. The Engaging and Motivating Difficult Clients seminar will be held at the same venue the following day (May 15), also from 9:00am-3:00pm. This seminar is for counsellors, mental health workers, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, dieticians, deputy principals, youth workers and other helping professionals. For more information, visit the Positive People Solutions website * * * ABC Southern Queensland began a new segment this morning focussing on news from the South Burnett. Click here to listen to the report from correspondent (and BIEDO media and administration officer) Belinda Pennell.