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South Burnett Community Christmas Lunch November 15, 2011 - The annual South Burnett Community Christmas Lunch will be held on Christmas Day (Dec 25) at the Senior Citizens Centre in Kingaroy. Doors open at 11:30am for a meal at 12:30pm. Hosted by the Salvation Army with the support of local community groups, the annual Christmas Lunch provides an opportunity for fellowship and companionship at Christmas. Transport from around Kingaroy can be arranged if necessary. A donation towards the cost of the meal would be appreciated. To book, contact South Burnett CTC on (07) 4162-9000.

Goomeri's Looking For Talent! November 14, 2011 - Goomeri State School will be celebrating its centenary on March 3 next year ... but the call has gone out already to past staff and students. The organisers are looking for talented people to perform at the celebration, eg reciting poetry, juggling, singing ... in fact anything if you're up for the challenge. For more information, contact Kim at Goomeri P-10 School on (07) 4169-6200 or by email * * * Community TV station 31 Digital (formally Briz31 or QCTV) will be featuring the South Burnett in an hour-long episode of its Caravan & Camping Show to be broadcast at 8:00pm on February 12. The show is following hosts Peta and Mark as they take to the road in a motorhome to explore some of Queensland's best-kept secrets. The first episode, which features Gympie, Maryborough and Hervey Bay, will screen next Sunday. The couple will then work their way through much of regional Queensland. 31 Digital can be seen in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. * * * The Australian Government Mobile Office will visit Yarraman on Tuesday, December 6, from 10:15am to 4:00 pm. The mobile office, which provides access to government services including new Centrelink claims, will be parked near Yarraman Memorial Hall in Browne Street.

We Pause To Remember: 11-11-11 LEST WE FORGET: A Catafalque Party rests on arms during a recent Memorial Service at the Multi National Base, Tarin Kot, Afghanistan for Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ash Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin.

Katter Launches Rackemann's Innings November 10, 2011 - Federal Member for Kennedy - and founder of Katter's Australian Party - Bob Katter officially launched Carl Rackemann's bid for the State seat of Nanango at a community barbecue in Kingaroy this evening. Katter began his political career as a member of the National Party in the Queensland Parliament and held various portfolios in the Bjelke-Petersen government during the 1980s. He quit the Nats in 2001.

Showcase Highlights What RADF Funding Can Create November 9, 2011 - The Regional Arts Development Fund's Showcase exhibition will be officially opened at 6:30pm on Friday night at Kingaroy Art Gallery. The exhibition features works by members of local groups who have benefited from RADF funding: The Queensland Rural Women's Network will be presenting metal sculptures from their Creative Welding Workshop with David Sawtell, (right) The Wooroolin/Tingoora Young Mothers Group will be presenting the results of their Portrait Photography Workshop with Aroha Millman Jumping Ants Art will display portraits from their Ceramic Portrait Workshop with Kate French. As well, Marg Enkelmann and the Queensland Rural Women's Network Wearable Art Fashion Parade will be modelling outfits made from recycled items found around the farm.

Your Opportunity To Speak To Stanwell November 8, 2011 - Local residents can find out more about Stanwell Corporation's current operations, future plans and funding initiatives at an information evening which will be held from 5:45pm at Blackbutt State School on Thursday. Senior Stanwell representatives, including CEO Helen Gluer and Tarong Site Manager Dennis Franklin, will answer questions from the public. Stanwell Corporation is the operator of the Tarong and Tarong North power stations, as well as Stanwell, Collinsville and Swanbank E power stations. The corporation was formed under the State Government's restructure of the Queensland power industry in July. Mr Franklin said community information sessions were important in ensuring that the communities in which Stanwell operated could easily access information about its operations and provide feedback. "Our relationship with the South Burnett community is critical to our future success," he said. "We actively engage with the community and work in partnership wherever possible to make a positive contribution to the region." Mr Franklin said Stanwell supported the South Burnett community achieve its goals through the Tarong Community Partnership Fund which was established in 2008 to assist in building a vibrant, prosperous, inclusive South Burnett over the long term. In the latest round of the Tarong Community Partnership Fund, announced last month, Stanwell awarded almost $30,000 to the Kingaroy Rugby League Club to install a security fence around the boundary of the football grounds, while the Murgon SES Support Group and the Nanango tennis and bowls clubs shared in more than $48,000 to support lighting solutions.

Are You Ready For Digital TV? November 7, 2011 - There's now only a month to go until the analogue TV signal will be switched off forever in the South Burnett region. The digital TV changeover is expected to occur on December 6, 2011. On this day, old TVs will no longer be able to pick up analogue free-to-air TV signals. If you can already see "new" channels such as ABC2, 7mate, Gem and Go! (and you don't have pay TV), it means your TV is capable of receiving digital broadcasts. However, if you can't see these new channels now, it means you won't be able to watch any TV after December 6. The Federal Government's Digital Switchover Taskforce is urging people who may be confused to either: Visit the Digital Ready website Contact a local TV installer or TV retailer for advice Ask family and friends for assistance. There is also information on the Digital Ready website about the Federal Government's Household Assistance Scheme which will be provide a free digital set-top box to eligible participants. Applications for regional Queensland close on January 25, 2012.

CTC Proud Of Its Trainee November 7, 2011 - South Burnett CTC Inc is very proud of its Community Services Trainee Cecil Sullivan, (right), who has recently been accepted at the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre to study a Certificate II Indigenous Leadership. The Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre is a not-for-profit company that offers accredited and non-accredited training courses to Indigenous Australians of all ages, backgrounds, cultural expressions and lifestyles. The centre aims to foster and nurture new Indigenous leadership and Cecil is very excited that he has been accepted into the course. He will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and obtain knowledge that will prepare him for pivotal roles in Indigenous Leadership. Congratulations Cecil! * * * The South Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett CTC have joined forces to bring the 2011 Queensland Natural Disasters Jobs and Skills Development Package to the region. The package is designed to support local industry by co-ordinating employment and skills assistance and providing employment and work experience opportunities for eligible people on projects targeted at rebuilding community and public infrastructure and environmental restoration. SBRC Economic Development Project Officer Vicki St Lawrence and Barb O'Hanlon, from CTC, have been appointed as Jobs and Skills Development Officers to initiate and develop employment projects and to identify training opportunities for both employed and unemployed residents. "Council will work with South Burnett CTC to apply for funding to rectify flood damage to Council or community-owned property. If buildings or properties owned by community groups have suffered damage or if businesses have identified training needs to up-skill existing employees please contact Vicki St Lawrence on  (07) 4189-9445," Mayor Cr David Carter said.

Send Some Christmas Spirit To Our Troops November 4, 2011 - The Australian Defence Force has set up special mailing addresses so members of the public can send Christmas care packages to Aussie servicemen and women overseas. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Rosenberger said items weighing up to 2kg and posted in a "BM" size Australia Post carton can be posted without cost to the sender. Parcels heavier than this would incur charges. The special postal addresses will be active from November 7 until December 9, 2011 and packages will be distributed throughout the ADF's operational areas. For postal security reasons, parcels must be posted in person at any Australia Post outlet and photograph identification must be presented. All the details necessary for sending care packages - including the special addresses - can be found on the Defence website

Cricket Stars To Help Launch Campaign November 4, 2011 - Former Test cricketer Carl Rackemann will be launching his campaign for the State Seat of Nanango at a community barbecue next Thursday with the help of Federal MP Bob Katter and teammates from the Queensland Rail Bulls Masters. The barbecue will be held from 5:30pm at the Kingaroy Cricket and Sports Club in Youngman Street. A bar will be operating and there'll be children's entertainment including face-painting and a circus school. Aidan McLindon, Member for Beaudesert and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, will also be in attendance alongside former cricketing greats Jeff Thomson and Andrew Symonds. There'll be a raffle and an auction of Bob Katter's signed hat, with all proceeds going into the kitty for Rackemann's campaign. "I have been trying to convince Carl to enter politics ever since he abused me for being part of the Government that allowed the cadmium tolerance levels in peanuts to be increased," Mr Katter said. "I am also aware of the issues at Kingaroy regarding underground coal gasification. Landowners must have rights in these circumstances and our underground water must be protected." Download the Queensland Rail Bulls Masters press release

Newman Punts On Country Racing ABOVE: Margaret Golinski and Campbell Newman at Tuesday's Kumbia Races ABOVE: Cheryl Dalton, LNP Candidate for Nanango Deb Frecklington, Fashions on the Field winner Amy Smoothy, Lisa Newman and Rosie Schmidt November 3, 2011 - Queensland Liberal National Party Leader Campbell Newman spent Melbourne Cup Day at Kumbia Races this week, providing an opportunity for the LNP to further explain their $1 million policy for country racing to local punters. Mr Newman said the South Burnett was well placed to benefit from the LNP's plan to fund 20 extra country thoroughbred race meetings throughout Queensland He said Deb Frecklington, the LNP's candidate for Nanango, had been pushing hard for more race meetings in places like Esk, Kilcoy, Nanango and Kumbia. "Under the LNP's plan to rejuvenate country racing, Deb will continue working with the South East Country Racing Association and local racing clubs to deliver the best outcomes for country racing in the local area," Mr Newman said. "An LNP Government will be taking advice from the eight Country Racing Associations in Queensland as to where this money should be spent to get the best outcomes for racing in Queensland. " Mr Newman said the LNP policy recognises the enormous challenges the industry has struggled with in recent years like Equine Influenza and Hendra virus, and damage caused by flooding and other major weather events. "Added to these difficulties has been the loss of many meetings under Labor's city-focused racing policies," Mr Newman said. On Wednesday morning, Campbell Newman's wife Lisa hosted a breakfast for local businesswomen at Accents Restaurant in Kingaroy.

Farmers Say There's No Difference Between 5% and 8% Paddocks November 2, 2011 - The Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Group blames "administrative convenience" as the only reason why the State Government has rejected proposed changes to Strategic Cropping Land (SCL) legislation which would have protected South Burnett farmland. Currently to be eligible for protection, a South Burnett paddock has to fulfil eight criteria, (see SBBiz, April 14, 2011), including having a slope less than or equal to 5%. The KCCG says this poses a big problem for the red volcanic soil paddocks around Kingaroy which are naturally undulating. "At 5%, only isolated pockets of soil in the Kingaroy, Wooroolin and Memerambi area will get protection," KCCG Secretary, and Independent Candidate for Nanango, John Dalton said. But he said local farmers had the experience to prove that farming on a paddock with 8% slope is the same as farming on one with 5%. The KCCG organised a visit by the SCL taskforce earlier this year to discuss the problem, and then followed this up with a submission to the State Government. In response, they received a letter from DERM saying the SCL criteria was "adequate" at 5%. However the KCCG says this level will only protect 40% of South Burnett farmland; if the slope criteria was fixed at 8%, 95% of local land would be protected. "The real reason for not protecting these 8% paddocks is probably one of administrative convenience," Mr Dalton said. "That is why we are currently contacting all Queensland Members of Parliament to help get this right ... surely someone in George Street has the leadership to do this." Download the KCCG Letter to Queensland MPs ABOVE: KCCG Secretary John Dalton with local farmers John Larsen, Keith Jessen and Allan Sommerfeld ... between them, the growers have 171 years of experience of farming in the Kingaroy area

Another Workshop On Social Media Networking ... November 2, 2011 - Toowoomba Golden West & South Burnett Tourism will be hosting a Social Networking Workshop at the DEEDI Service Centre, opposite Kingaroy Airport, next Thursday (November 10). The workshop, presented by Brisbane-based Simon Dell (from TwoCents) and Mel Kettle, will cover ways to implement social media into small businesses. It will run from 3:30pm to 6:30pm and will include light refreshments. Cost is $25. RSVP to Emily at TGWSBT on (07) 4632-1988 or by email * * * The South Burnett Regional Council has been selected as one of six finalists in the Healthy Communities category in the State Government's Healthy Queensland Awards. The winning community will receive $750,000 with the five remaining finalists receiving $50,000 each. The awards aim to recognise, motivate and reward groups and communities for helping Queenslanders enjoy healthier lives. The winners will be announced at Parliament House on November 9.

Nigel Is A Proud Queenslander! November 1, 2011 - Congratulations to Nigel Daisy, from Cherbourg, who represented Queensland at the 2011 Group Training Awards in Melbourne last week. Nigel, who is working in community relations at Tarong Power Station, is about three-quarters of the way through his traineeship. "For me, the traineeship has been a life-changing experience because it's a completely new career direction compared to what I had been doing, which was scaffolding," he said. Nigel represented Queensland in the Indigenous Trainee of the Year category. "Although a man from NSW ultimately took out the national award, it was an honour and a privilege to represent Queensland in the competition," he said. Nigel was placed at Tarong Energy by Kingaroy-based apprenticeship company MRAEL. He said the traineeship had provided him with many opportunities. "I'd encourage all Aboriginal people to consider traineeships and apprenticeships if they are just starting out in their careers or, like me, are wanting to change their professional direction," he said. Tarong Site manager Dennis Franklin said Stanwell was proud to be part of Nigel's journey. ABOVE: Nigel Daisy, centre, with MRAEL CEO John Fordyce, host supervisor Darren Schmidt (Stanwell), MRAEL chair Christine Dixon, and Tarong Power Station Community Relations Manager John Carey

Agricultural Practices Blamed For Water Contamination November 1, 2011 - Environment Minister Vicky Darling confirmed yesterday that contaminants found in water samples from a private property near Kingaroy (see SBBiz Septmber 23 & 24) were most likely from agricultural practices. Ms Darling said the Department of Environment and Resource Management conducted an investigation after formaldehyde and thiocyanate were detected during routine water sampling at landholder properties and from groundwater bores. "DERM's investigation has determined the most likely source of the contaminants was the result of recent or historical agricultural practices," Ms Darling said. "The department took water and soil samples from multiple locations on the property and the nearby Cougar Energy site. "Low levels of the contaminates (sic) were detected in a widespread area on the property, suggesting the most likely source is agricultural products and not the Cougar Energy site." "It is also important to note this incident has no connection with coal seam gas or BTEX chemical compounds." Ms Darling said both chemicals were common components in a range of agricultural products. "Thiocyanate is often used in some herbicides. Formaldehyde can occur naturally and is also commonly used in a number of agricultural and industrial processes," she said. "Neither formaldehyde nor thiocyanate was detected at any other off-site locations during the investigation." Ms Darling said DERM would continue its routine water sampling in the Kingaroy area. Contamination may help Cougar Energy's case against State Government * * * The Building Services Authority will be holding a Smart Building and Renovating Seminar in Kingaroy later this month. The seminar will guide participants through basics such as planning a budget, understanding contracts and how to choose finance. It will be held on Thursday, November 17 from 6.00pm at Kingaroy RSL Club. For more information, and to register, visit the BSA website

Bill Hull Helps Get Young Drivers Safely On Road October 31, 2011 - Bill Hull Care Centre in Kingaroy has given a local learn-to-drive program a huge boost with the donation of a Mazda2. South Burnett CTC's Learner Driver Mentor Program aims to help young people obtain their Learner's Licence and clock up the necessary 100 logbook hours. The program relies on the generosity of members of the public to volunteer their time to mentor young drivers. The young drivers are given lessons with accredited driving schools to learn the basics of driving and the road rules. Then after consultation between the driving school and CTC, the learner is matched with a suitable mentor to begin logging their hours. If you'd like to volunteer as a driver mentor, contact CTC Support Officer Sarah Vanderkolk, (pictured above) on (07) 4169-5260. * * * Brisbane-based consultants Garnish Marketing, in conjunction with the South Burnett Regional Council, are holding marketing seminars in Kingaroy and Murgon to give local businesses practical tips about effective marketing, social media, websites, search engine optimisation, networking and coal seam gas industry marketing. The seminars will be held from 5:30pm to 8:30pm: Thursday, November 3 at Kingaroy RSL Thursday, November 17, at Murgon RSL. The seminars are free but bookings are essential. To secure a seat, phone (07) 3482-4286. * * * What exactly is a "charity" ... you'd think we'd all know by now but apparently there's no statutory definition of what a charity actually is. According to the Federal Government the current meanings of "charity" and "charitable purpose" are largely defined by common law. To fix this "confusing and unclear" situation, the Treasury is seeking submissions from the public to help the government draft a statutory definition of charity, applicable across all Commonwealth laws from July 1, 2013. They have released a consultation paper (991kb PDF) and more information is available on the Treasury website. Some suggestions from the consultation paper include that the entity must have a dominant purpose that is charitable and that it does not engage in activities that do not further, or are not in aid of, its dominant purpose. Submissions must be received by Friday, December 9, 2011. * * * About 13,500 homes in Kingaroy, Nanango, Yarraman and Cooyar lost power during last night's thunderstorms. An Ergon Energy spokesman said power was progressively restored before 12:30am. * * * More than 20 South Burnett organisations will share more than $70,000 in the latest round of the Federal Government's Volunteers Grants scheme. For a full list of the successful applicants, click here (137kb PDF)

Head Out On The Highway ... To Kingaroy Airport! October 28, 2011 - Fasten your seatbelts ... there'll be heaps of petrolhead fun at Kingaroy Airport tomorrow at the inaugural South Burnett Motors in Motion. Presented by the Kingaroy Peanut Festival, the motor spectacular will feature collectible motorbikes and cars, including vintage, classic, veteran, muscle, hotrods, ratrods and much, much more. There'll also be steam engines, tractors, model aircraft, joy flights available, a flight simulator, entertainment for the kids plus food and drink. Gates open at 9:00am. Highlights during the day include a car motorkhana at 10:00am, a motorbike gymkhana at 11:00am and 1:30pm, aircraft displays at 10:30am and 2:00pm and a ping pong ball drop at 2:20pm. Women (and men) who aren't revheads should enjoy the Wearable Art Fashion Parade at 12:30pm. Entry to the grounds is $5 (under 16s free). The day will be topped off by a licensed cabaret which will start at 8:00pm ($25/head) and run until late in one of the airport hangars. * * * Nominations are now open for the 2011 Queensland Grain Industry Awards. Hosted by AgForce Queensland, awards will be given in three categories: The Jason Rae Memorial Grain Grower of the Year Award honours an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the sustainability of the Queensland Grains Industry. The Grain Industry Emerging Leader Award recognises a significant contribution by an individual aged between 18-35 years of age. The Bruce McClelland Memorial Grains Innovation Award rewards an individual or organisation for their commitment to enhance the long term sustainability and profitability of the grain supply chain through innovation, technology and development. Award nominations close on November 11 and the presentation dinner will be held on December 9 at the Toowoomba Turf Club. Nominations should be mailed to: Queensland Grain Industry Awards, c/- AgForce Queensland, PO Box 13186, North Bank Plaza, Brisbane, 4003. For more information, and a nomination form, visit the Agforce website. * * * Cougar Energy says "misinformation" about its stalled Kingaroy UCG project is being spread by local farmers and politicians and is "politically motivated". Read more on the Sydney Morning Herald website

Bridge Closure To Force Daytime Toowoomba Traffic Via Yarraman October 27, 2011 - South Burnett residents who travel to Toowoomba via Maidenwell should take note that the bridge over Tanduringie Creek will be closed to ALL traffic for two weeks next month. The bridge - on Kingaroy-Cooyar Road (which Google Maps incorrectly labels as Nanango-Tarong Road) - is located about 5km south of Maidenwell. It was damaged during the January floods. Main Roads confirmed to SBBiz this afternoon that the bridge will be closed between 9:00am and 2:30pm on week days from November 7-18. Local Maidenwell resident Glenda Gillies said many people would be inconvenienced by the closure. "Alternative routes for traffic are only via Yarraman as there are no local (passable) roads to detour this bridge," she said. "There is a rough Forestry road around this bridge crossing which, no doubt some local people will use to access the Tanduringie School." She said a temporary crossing over the creek – even if only restricted to cars and light trucks – would have been helpful.

Council Sets Goals In 2032 Community Plan October 27, 2011 - The South Burnett Regional Council has released a draft version of its Community Plan 2032, (right), for public comment. SBRC Mayor Cr David Carter has urged all local residents to take the time to read the plan. "I encourage everyone to read the plan to make sure the things that are important to the community have been captured," he said. "The main challenges the community feels we will face over the next 20 years include adequate health services, transport, farming viability and retaining and attracting youth in our region." Following a six-month community consultation process, Council staff have developed a number of strategies around four key themes: Enhancing our Community Life, Building our Economy, Enhancing our Environment; and Decision Making & Implementation. Cr Carter said this was an extremely important document as it would guide Council decision-making. Comments will be received until November 21, 2011. The plan can be viewed at all Council libraries, Visitor Information Centres and Council Customer Service Centres or can be downloaded here (2.4MB). * * * Cement Australia - well-known in the South Burnett for their fly ash haulage operations from the Tarong power stations - has been highly commended in the 2011 Queensland Safe Work Awards which recognise excellence in workplace health and safety. The company was recognised in Category 2 - "Best Solution To An Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue" - after it identified that 14 per cent of injuries were occurring while getting into and out of the truck cabs or during mandatory pre-start checks. This led to the development and implementation of a "Safer on the Ground" initiative allowing drivers to conduct their pre-start checks with their feet firmly on the ground. * * * The South Burnett Regional Council and Kingaroy Landcare Group will be holding a Giant Rats Tail grass management workshop Tuesday, November 8, from 10:00am at Morgans Road, Windera. Landholders who wish to attend should RSVP to Denise Whyte at Council on (07) 4189-9122.

Cougar Energy 'In Denial', Says Independent Candidate October 26, 2011 - Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Group secretary, and Independent candidate for Nanango, John Dalton, (right), has spoken out on the legal action being taken by Cougar Energy against the State Government. Describing it as "probable posturing on behalf of shareholders", Mr Dalton told SBBiz that he believed the action, (see SBBiz, October 17), had little chance of success because it appeared to rest on whether the Government had a duty of care to the company beyond its duty of care to the community and environment. "This is going to be very difficult to prove," he said. "We hope that this isn't the future of Queensland with mining companies refusing to accept the authority of the government. "Every time a company has a contamination scare they will attempt to bluff the government." Mr Dalton said Cougar was "trying to become the victim". "In their press releases they only mention the things they haven't done ... they are picking a very narrow PR spiel," he said. Mr Dalton said the legal action was also adding to the "colossal waste of money" that has been spent in connection with the UCG project and what has occurred since. "I've been told that it's $10,000 a pop for the water testing ... and this is just to get the samples analysed," he said. "Then there's three lots of legal action. It must be hard to justify throwing good money after bad. "I pity them (Cougar) for their state of denial. Do they really believe they are the victim of a bad decision? I'd be amazed if some of the other mining companies aren't a bit embarrassed by them not accepting the government's decision."