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Campbell Newman Visits Murgon October 21, 2011 - Queensland Liberal National Party Leader Campbell Newman, right, visited Murgon yesterday afternoon to speak to local residents. He was joined at Murgon RSL by Opposition Leader Jeff Seeney and LNP Candidate for Nanango Deb Frecklington.

Meals On Wheels Urgently Needs Volunteers October 20, 2011 - Kingaroy Meals on Wheels urgently needs to recruit at least eight new volunteers. President Keith Campbell said ill-health had forced the withdrawal of some regular volunteers. The service needs at least four new drivers with their own vehicles, plus a helper for each car to assist the driver. Gaps in the roster are being filled at the moment by existing volunteers doing extra shifts but if more volunteers could be found this would lighten the load for everyone. Occasional help is also welcome with people joining an "emergency" list. For more information, calling Amanda at MOW office on (07) 4162-7302, Keith Campbell on (07) 4162-1249 or 0439-708-553 or visit the Meals On Wheels website

$32.5m Overhaul For Tarong North October 20, 2011 - This month's $32.5m overhaul of Tarong North Power Station will inject more than $16m directly into the local economy, owners Stanwell Corporation says. The overhaul, which started on October 7, is the second major overhaul at the station since it was commissioned in 2003. Stanwell will spend about $22.5 million refurbishing the station's generating unit and a further $10 million in capital works. Tarong Site Manager Dennis Franklin, (right), said the planned maintenance was an important part of Stanwell's stringent operations and maintenance practice, which required all generating units to be overhauled every four years. He said Tarong North's thermal efficiency was the best in Australia for a coal-fired power station. Stanwell Chief Operating Officer Wayne Collins said more than $16m was being spent with local contractors and suppliers, including motels and hospitality businesses. The 42-day overhaul will involve more than 650 specialist contract personnel, 100 Tarong Power Station employees, 150,000 hours and more than 8000 work tasks. The unit is scheduled to return to service on November 19.

KCCG Says This Is What's At Stake October 20, 2011 - To mark the Lock the Gate Alliance's National Day of Action last Sunday, the Kingaroy Concerned Citizen's Group assembled a display of local food and wine "to show exactly what's at stake if mining and UCG invades the fertile soils around Kingaroy". KCCG secretary and Independent candidate for Nanango John Dalton said farmers feed the cities. "If consumers don't want benzene and toluene in their food and the water that grows it, we will one day have to choose between farming and UCG in this region," he said. The display included wine, milk, beef, ham, peanuts, wheat, various other grains, and a range of organic vegetables - products all grown on the red soils of the South Burnett. Mr Dalton said all the featured products were grown within a 3km radius of the gates of the Cougar Energy UCG site. PICTURED ABOVE: Back Row: Kaitlin Blanch, Kirra O'Sullivan, Abigail Blanch, Jessica Blanch, Callum O'Sullivan; front row: Timothy Blanch and Clinton Blanch

Business Health Check For Christmas October 19, 2011 - Local businesswoman Trudi Bartlett will be conducting another of her business workshops in the South Burnett next week ... this time concentrating on the best way to make the most of Christmas promotions. She says the workshop, which will be held at the Kingaroy RSL on October 26 from 9:00am-5:00pm, will explain: How to get free publicity in your local newspaper at just the right moment How to get other businesses to promote your business for you How to budget your Christmas marketing spend A complete Christmas checklist Trudi says businesspeople will leave with a sales budget broken down into daily targets, a list or proven promotions, a preparation checklist and "a complete plan to make more money with less stress" this Christmas. Cost is $65/person or $100 for two. To register, contact Trudi on 0488-112-298. * * * The Burnett Mary Regional Group and the Better Catchment program are holding free Pasture ID workshops around the South and North Burnett next month. Workshops will be held on: Wednesday, November 2 from 9:30am-2:30pm at Monogorilby Hall Thursday, November 3, from 9:30am-2:30pm at Abercorn Hall Friday, November 4, from 10:00am-2:30pm at Maidenwell Hotel. Free lunch and smoko will be provided at all venues so registration is necessary. Guest speaker will be DEEDI Primary Industries & Fisheries Senior Extension Officer Damien O'Sullivan. He will speak on improved groundcover management and grazing management practices. Attendees are invited to bring along any pasture species they would like to have identified (but specimens should be securely contained to avoid possible weed seed introduction). For more information and to register, phone (07) 4169-0720.

South Burnett Groups Invited To Apply For Powerlink Community Benefit Grants October 18, 2011 - Applications for Powerlink's $130,000 Community Benefits Program close next month: Friday, November 18. Queensland Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has urged South Burnett groups to apply for funding under the program which is to assist communities near the construction of a new transmission line from Kogan Creek to the the Halys Substation located near Tarong. "Through this program, Powerlink aims to provide tangible and lasting benefits to local communities in proximity to the new line," Mr Robertson said. He said the new transmission line was essential to ensuring a reliable supply of high voltage electricity is maintained to the growing Southern Queensland region into the future South Burnett Mayor David Carter also urged local community groups to apply for a share of the funding. "This is an excellent opportunity for services and facilities to be enhanced in the South Burnett area," he said. "We look forward to working with Powerlink to allocate the funding to worthwhile community projects, and seeing truly great outcomes delivered over the coming months." Community groups can obtain more information about the program by phoning Powerlink on 1800-635-369 during business hours, collecting an Information Kit and Application Form from South Burnett Regional Council offices or visiting Powerlink's website

Cougar Energy Seeking $34m Compensation October 17, 2011 - Cougar Energy is suing the Queensland Government - and three government officials - for more than $34 million in damages. The company, whose Underground Coal Gasification trial at Coolabunia, (right), was officially halted in July, filed proceedings today in the Queensland Supreme Court seeking compensation. Cougar has named previous Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) chief executives John Bradley and Terry Wall and current head James Reeves, in the action alleging "negligence and breach of statutory duties" in their administration of the Queensland Environmental Protection Act. Company chairman Malcolm McAully said Cougar Energy had received legal advice that the shutdown of the Kingaroy UCG project was unreasonable and extreme. He said it had inflicted severe losses on the company and its 7500 shareholders. Cougar is alleging that DERM applied inappropriate water quality guidelines to justify the closure of the site. Speaking to SBBiz this afternoon, Mr McAully said he wanted to emphasise to Kingaroy residents that at no time had Cougar Energy contaminated the environment or endangered the health of any Kingaroy citizens. Mr McAully said today's legal action was completely separate to the appeal Cougar Energy has lodged in the Queensland Planning and Environment Court against the DERM decision to close down the project. He said the plant was currently in "care and maintenance" mode and could become fully operational in a short time if this appeal was successful. "The biggest challenge would be people. Unfortunately we had to retrench staff in Brisbane and Kingaroy and close our Brisbane office," Mr McAully said. Up to a dozen positions would be required to be filled in Kingaroy if the plant could become operational again. DERM is also taking action against Cougar. Late last month charges laid by DERM against Cougar Energy for allegedly breaching the Environmental Protection Act were adjourned in the Kingaroy Magistrates Court to December 15. Listen to an interview with Cougar Energy Chairman Malcolm McAully on Board Room Radio Cougar Energy's ASX announcement and media release Government to support three bureaucrats State Government to indemnify three men and "defend the action vigorously" Katter's party welcomes call by Alan Jones for a coal seam gas moratorium

Regional Food Group Invites Farmers To Shed Meeting October 17, 2011 - The South-East Queensland Country Regional Food Network - a joint project of local councils, Regional Tourism organisations and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation - will be holding a "Shed Meeting" in Kingaroy next month for local farmers and food producers. Regional Tourism Development Officer Jules McMurtrie said 18 "food champions" from the South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Darling Downs have been meeting since March this year to devise a way to establish a regional food network. The group has now secured $150,000 in grant funding which will be enable a series of Shed Meetings to be held throughout south-east Queensland. Ms McMurtrie said the network is for farmers who are looking to find an alternative market for their produce and who are considering selling their products locally or to visitors within the region. "It is also for farmers who wish to build a customer base or increase yield from production and for those who wish to sell their produce to businesses in the food service, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality sectors," she said. "If any or all of these thoughts have crossed your mind, then you should find out more about the establishment of a regional food system and short supply chain planned for the region." The aim of the Shed Meeting will be to provide information on how to connect into the local food supply chain and how to maximize the opportunity that selling products locally can present. The Kingaroy meeting will be held at the DEEDI complex (opposite Kingaroy Airport) on November 22 from 3:30pm–5:30pm. To register your interest and secure a seat, email the SEQC Regional Food Network or call Jules McMurtrie on 0437-008-712.

Leading Youth Choir Performing In Wondai On Saturday October 14, 2011 - The Brisbane-based St. Peters Chorale - widely acknowledged as Australia's leading youth choir - will be performing in concert at the Wondai Town Hall this Saturday night, October 15th. The group has been brought to Wondai by regional arts organisation South Burnett Arts and Chorale members have been billeted at homes in and around the Wondai area for the weekend. South Burnett Arts President Jane Iszlaub said that the concert will provide a rare opportunity for music lovers to sample some of the best vocal talents currently on offer in Queensland. "The Chorale was established by Graeme Morton in 1982. It comprises students between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age and it's performed with many of Australia's leading musicians as well as overseas directors. "The group has established a reputation for its commitment to all styles of choral music and for its particular focus on Australia's own composers." St Peters Chorale has received many awards and accolades including the Sounds Australian National Critics Award for the Best Performance of an Australian Choral Work in 1991 (Stephen Leek's "Once On a Mountain", released on the recording Until I Saw) and a Sunnie Award for the Best Recording of a High School Choir in 1997 (Voyage). During their European tour in 1990, the ABC produced the documentary Singing Cambridge profiling the choir and its music throughout part of its tour to Cambridge in England. The Chorale will be supported by the South Burnett Youth Choir and tickets to the 5:00pm concert are $5 for adults, a gold coin donation for students and pensioners or $12 for a family. ABOVE: The St Peter's Chorale are is regarded as one of the best youth choirs in Australia. They'll be performing in the South Burnett tomorrow

Somerville To Head Another Review Of Electricity Network October 13, 2011 - The State Government has announced that Darryl Somerville will head another review of Queensland's electricity network companies, seven years after his original review led to substantial changes to the Electricity Act. This time Mr Somerville will focus on the capital infrastructure programs of Energex, Ergon Energy and Powerlink Queensland. "This review builds on the work undertaken seven years ago and will determine whether the network is still being delivered in an efficient manner to provide for a secure and reliable system," Energy and Water Utilities Minister Stephen Robertson said. "Times have changed since the original Somerville Review so it's judicious we have another close look at the network." Other members of the review panel are Queensland Commissioner for Electrical Safety Jack Camp, and Stephen Blanch, an energy and management consultant and CEO of Dellwind Pty Ltd. Mr Robertson said the panel would review reports by the three government-owned corporations and provide advice to government on the appropriateness of any proposed changes for a more efficient and cost-effective delivery of a secure network. They will provide a final report by the end of next month. UPDATE December 8, 2012: The results of this independent review of government-owned energy corporations found network reliability has improved 40 per cent since 2004 and that power outages are now significantly less frequent and shorter in duration. Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said the review also identified a potential $1.5 billion in savings that Energex and Ergon could implement over the current five-year regulatory period, linked to network planning and lower-than-forecast electricity demand. * * * Here's a couple of interesting items for November to put in your diaries: Sunday, November 6 - Ken and Carolyn Stone's Passchendaele Farm Holiday host farm will be featured on The Great South East on Channel 7 at 5:30pm. Saturday, November 12 - First Avenue Machinery Sales and Redland Farm and Garden will be holding a machinery and parts expo at their premises at 23 First Avenue from 9:00am-1:00pm Friday, November 25 - Have Dinner With Deek ... The Orana Lutheran Complex will be hosting a dinner with marathon runner Robert De Castella from 6:30pm-11:00pm as a fundraiser. Deek will be talking about exercise and healthy ageing. Tickets to the dinner are $38.50 per head or $352 for a table of 10. They must be booked and paid for by Friday, November 7. For more information, phone (07) 4162-6555. Saturday, November 26 - The Orana Hilltop Markets will run from 7:00am to 2:00pm at the Orana Lutheran Complex in MacDiarmid Street, Kingaroy.

Rackemann To Address Anti-Mining Rally October 12, 2011 - Carl Rackemann - former Test bowler and now the Katter's Australian Party candidate for the State seat of Nanango - was scheduled to be a guest speaker at today's "National Food Security Forum" held in Gunnedah, NSW. The rally, the second in a series hosted by broadcaster Alan Jones, was promoted by the Lock The Gate Alliance and NSW action groups the Mullaley Gas Pipeline Accord (MGPA), the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG) and the Save Our Soils Liverpool Plains (SOS). "Australia is fast approaching the point where it will no longer be able to provide for its food security needs and unchecked mining development needs to be addressed," Carl said before the rally. "Australia was built on the sheep's back but now it has become the sacrificial lamb for foreign-owned mining companies to exploit. Katter's Australian Party intends to rectify this situation." Speaking on Sydney radio this morning, forum host Alan Jones said agricultural land was being "plundered and raped" for mining revenue. Highlighting proposed bauxite mining in the Kingaroy area and coal seam gas exploration on the Darling Downs, Mr Jones said the Queensland government had allowed miners "to plunder the very land that will guarantee our food security".

Blasting To Resume At Meandu Mine October 10, 2011 - The State Government granted approval late this afternoon for blasting to resume at the Meandu coal mine near Nanango. The mine received a notice from DEEDI on Friday to halt blasting while a review could be carried out of the mine's Blasting Management Plan. This followed concerns raised in the media that blasting at some Queensland coal mines could be releasing "clouds of toxic gases". A spokesman for the mine's operators, Thiess, told SBBiz today the mine's operations had not been affected by the temporary halt. Coalmine blasting halt widens over southern Queensland

Discover The Colours of Yarraman October 7, 2011 - The inaugural springtime Colours Of Yarraman Festival will be taking over the town this weekend with lots of fun events to keep the whole family happy! A giant country market will kick off at 7:00am tomorrow in Errol Munt Park. At 8:30am, there'll be a free sausage sizzle at Station Park (located at the end of Millar Street), the former site of the Yarraman Railway Station. This will be followed by the official opening of the latest section of the Yarraman to Linville Rail Trail, after which everyone will be free to join in a combined community walk or ride along the trail. Between 3:00pm and 5:00pm the Colours Of Yarraman Art & Photography Exhibition will be open for viewing at the Yarraman Community Hall in Browne Street, followed by wine and nibbles prior to a gala Community Dinner at 7:00pm and the presentation of prizes to the winners of this year's art and photography competition about 9:00pm. On Sunday, there'll be a free breakfast at Errol Munt Park from 7:00am-9:00am with entertainment provided by Wild Horse FM. This will be followed by a day of fun, with stalls, drinks, raffles and kids' activities, including a jumping castle, egg and spoon races and skateboarding. At noon, a barbecue lunch will be held. Barker's Creek Bush Band will be on stage from 9:45am to 1:00pm. Find out more details on the Festival's website

BIEDO Revamps Services For Business October 7, 2011 - Do you need someone to help you get your business idea off the ground? Are you looking to expand and need good advice or a sounding board? Do you need brochures, business plans or help with BAS? Do you want to be a member of a vibrant and informative business network? BIEDO - the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation - believes it can help you! The group's newly revamped Business Services program now has two "Business Pilots", an "Admin Angel", a "Clean and Clever Co-ordinator" and a Media and Promotion Team to help local businesses: Business pilots Trudi Bartlett, from Kingaroy, and Nathan McKean, from Degilbo, (above right), will work one-on-one with business owners to assist with business plans and tender applications. Admin "angel" Sharon Dowden can help with BAS, financial and payroll systems Clean and clever co-ordinator Tameka Gogerly can provide support in energy, water and waste management The media team provides media releases, copywriting and graphic design to assist businesses with brochures, media releases, promotional materials, annual reports and complex documents. BIEDO CEO Linda Silburn said the first hour of a consultation is free, whether over the phone or face-to-face. For more information, contact BIEDO on (07) 4169-7851.

Speakers Will Help You Get A Voice October 6, 2011 - Do you work in the livestock industry or have a strong involvement with it? Then you can learn how to be a better, more powerful advocate for it at the Durong Bowls Club tomorrow (Friday). Between 9:30am and 12:30pm, Agforce and Meat & Livestock Australia will be presenting four speakers who'll be looking at the topic of advocacy: Trent Loos - a sixth generation US cattle producer who travels all over the USA to meet farmers and share their stories on his daily radio programs Loos Tales and The Truth Be Told Georgie Somerset - QRWN President and Kingaroy cattle producer Matt Dwyer - online editor of Meat & Livestock Australia; and Jane Paterson - Agforce's Media & Communications Manager. The workshop is free and morning tea and lunch will be provided

Be Careful ... There's A Very High Danger Of Fires October 6, 2011 - South Burnett firefighters are preparing for potential heightened fire danger which is expected to impact the area from tomorrow through to Sunday. A combination of strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity will increase the chance of fires breaking out particularly around Murgon, Mundubbera, Monto, Gayndah and Kingaroy. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service will be deploying a strike team of 17 firefighters from Dalby to Kingaroy tomorrow to relieve local rural fire crews. QFRS Regional Manager of Rural Operations for the North Coast Region Peter Hollier said while QFRS was well prepared operationally for the potential of heightened fire activity it was vital residents did their part. “If they haven't done so already, residents should take the necessary steps to prepare their homes for a bushfire event in the area by visiting the Rural Fire Service website and downloading a bushfire survival plan,” Mr Hollier said. “If people see even a small fire in their area they area urged to call triple zero (000), this way QFRS have the opportunity to extinguish fires before they have the potential to spread quickly and put lives and homes at risk. “We are also asking people to ensure they are not throwing cigarette butts out of car windows and to be careful when operating machinery in grassed areas.” Mr Hollier reminded residents of the current Fire Danger Period which will remain in place to midnight on Sunday, January 1, 2012. “The current Fire Danger Period rules dictate that Queenslanders are not allowed to light a fire, regardless of size, without a permit, except for a fire for cooking or warmth,” he said. “People who have a permit and are considering lighting a fire today are urged to make contact with their local fire wardens before going ahead.”

Kingaroy Workshop To Help Local Sporting Committees October 6, 2011 - Queensland Minister for Sport Phil Reeves is urging South Burnett sporting groups to send representatives to a free Financial Management workshop which will be held in Kingaroy next week. The workshop is designed for local sport and recreation clubs, administrators, instructors, coaches and volunteers. "Participants will be provided with useful information on the role of a sporting club's board and management in relation to a range of financial and administrative topics," Mr Reeves said. Topics to be covered include: Why budgets are important; What it means to be a non-profit organisation; Funding schemes that are available; Making the most of what you have; and Modern fundraising options The workshop will be held from 6:00pm-9:00pm on Wednesday, October 12, at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre, 6 Cornish Street, Kingaroy. Admission is free but bookings are essential (before Oct 7). You can register online or to obtain more information, phone (07) 4125-9399. * * * UPDATE: The first of the upcoming DEEDI Small Business workshops, (see SBBIZ, Sept 27) is free. The workshop, "Improve Your Business Performance", will be held on Monday from 8:30am - 11:30am and will be led by local businesswoman Trudi Bartlett. To register, contact DEEDI in Maryborough by email

Carbon Tax Slashes Tarong Energy Profits October 5, 2011 - Tarong Energy - now part of Stanwell Corporation - made a net loss after tax for 2010-11 of $465.7 million, solely due to a write-down of assets in the lead up to the introduction of the Federal Government's new carbon tax. In its Annual Report, tabled in State Parliament last week, Tarong showed an operational profit after tax of $33.7m (down from $91.5m in 2009-10) however the writedown of assets was a massive $499.4m. "As a result of the impact of the Federal Government's proposed carbon pricing mechanism announced on 10 July 2011, the impairment tests resulted in the generation and mining assets being written down by $709,602,000 ($664,912,000 reduction in property, plant and equipment and $44,690,000 reduction of goodwill)," the report noted. "A further impairment of $3,916,000 was recognised in relation to land. The total loss on measurement of assets to fair value less costs to distribute was $713,518,000, contributing a $499,464,000 after tax loss to the result." Tarong's actual revenue over the 12 months rose to $607.6m (2010: $497.2m) as did the amount of power generated: 10,014 Gigawatt Hours (2010: 9150GWh). Other highlights from the annual report: Queensland's severe weather in January has led to the urgent progressing of a new ash and ash water management strategy for the two Tarong power stations. This includes the possible construction of a floodwater diversion channel from the Black Creek Dam catchment around the ash dam into Meandu Creek. This channel would minimise the potential of the ash dam overflowing during heavy flooding. The report noted that the ash dam reached the mandatory reporting level (MRL) during the January rainfall; DERM was notified immediately and Tarong provided written reports to the government daily until the water levels dropped. Tarong Energy's 2010 Christmas functions, which approximately 500 employees attended, cost $29,037. Download Tarong Energy's 2010-11 Annual Report here (2.75MB PDF)

Are You Having An Identity Crisis? October 5, 2011 - If you are, the answer could well be to "think branding" ... Kingaroy businesswoman Lynnelle Richardson's "Network 5" group for business and career women will be focussing on branding at their next get-together, which will be held at the Booie Bello Vista on Wednesday, October 19. Lynnelle promises the event will be an opportunity to "sip, sell & socialise" on the deck of the Bello Vista from 5:30pm. Cost is $25 which includes a glass of champagne plus hot breads, dips and tapas. For more information, and to book, contact Lynnelle on 0419-719-120. * * * The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry's October Meet and Greet will be held on Monday, October 31, from 5:30pm at Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory, 206 Kingaroy-Barkers Creek Road, Kingaroy. There will be a $10 cover charge for this event. To book, contact Joanne Thorp on (07) 4162-8466.

Plan Predicts Population To Reach 42,900 October 4, 2011 - The State Government's long-awaited regional plan for the Wide Bay Burnett, unveiled late last week, shows population in the region will jump from 293,500 in 2010 to 425,200 by 2031. This includes rises from 33,040 to 42,900 in the South Burnett Regional Council area and 1200 to 1700 at Cherbourg. An estimated 4500 more houses will be required to cater for this growth. Acting Minister for Local Government and Planning Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2011-2031 - which covers an area stretching from Bundaberg to Blackbutt - would provide the framework for sustainable growth for the region. She said State and local authorities would now "have the legal clout" to back up plans for sustainable growth. Ms Palaszczuk said six local councils - Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, South Burnett and North Burnett - had been involved in the development of the plan. In the South Burnett, water has been identified as a key issue, with demand "likely to exceed supply in the short term". "Infrastructure and investment may be required to provide a long-term solution to water security, in particular for Kingaroy, and to a lesser extent Nanango, Wondai and Murgon," the plan notes. At Cherbourg, the emphasis is on boosting jobs and providing better access to services at Murgon. "The regional plan recognises the need to promote new opportunities for industry and small business, such as the re-use of the existing abattoir facility and the establishment of new businesses in Cherbourg," Ms Palaszczuk said. "Job growth can also be stimulated by building on the community's close proximity to and partnership with Murgon, and working more closely with the South Burnett Regional Council." Download the complete Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2011-2031 Plan receives "cautious blessing" from Gympie Council