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Geos Mining Defends New Coal Exploration September 15, 2011 - Sydney-based Geos Mining has moved to allay fears about a proposed drilling program to test for coal deposits in the Brooklands-Maidenwell-Cooyar areas. Geos has been contracted by Bowen Energy to conduct exploratory drilling on the 530sq km EPC 1083 "Cooyar" permit area, granted on March 26, 2008. At the time, Bowen said it was interested in locating domestic and possible export quality thermal coal. Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Group spokesman John Dalton said yesterday he had been told 11 test holes were planned in the Tarong area, drilled to depths ranging from 200-500m depending on what is found. However he said the word "drilling" was not mentioned in the Access Code being used to explore the freehold land. "If drilling was mentioned, it would become an Advanced Activity and landholders would have to be compensated for damage and disruption," he said. "Taken literally from the code, miners should have to dig their 200m deep soil samples with a shovel if they want to avoid compensation." Mr Dalton, who will be standing as an Independent for the seat of Nanango at the next State Election, said some landholders had decided to "lock the gate" to stop the exploration taking place. "Landholders such as Trevor Pincott are objecting to the prospect of having their farms being viewed as potential coal mines and are not at all reassured by the usual talk from government and mining companies that 'it is only exploration'," Mr Dalton said. Geos Mining Project Manager Jeff Randell told SBBiz today no time frame could be given as to when the exploration work would begin, mainly as it was very difficult at present to organise drill rigs. But he was keen to reassure residents about the impact. He said there were strict codes and guidelines which regulated what could be done. Test sites were evaluated for cultural heritage and environmental values and drilling could not start without an access agreement reached with each landholder. Each drill hole would be about 7-8cm in diameter although the site footprint could be up to 20m x 20m. The actual process involves a drilling rig (a 5-20 tonne truck), a support rig and a couple of 4WDs accessing the site. All holes are either cemented or grouted to prevent contamination of the aquifer and plugged. The site is then rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the landholder. Mr Randell said regulations prevented mineral exploration in urban areas but Geos Mining had no intention of drilling in smaller townships either. "It is not our intention to be drilling in people's backyards or in the main street," he said. * * * AusNiCo hopes to raise a total $1.4 million from investors and a Share Purchase Plan to fund further exploration and development of its tenements in Queensland and New South Wales. The company's exploration activities for the next 12 months include drilling its gold target at East Kilkivan.

New South Burnett CEO Named September 14, 2011 - Mayor David Carter announced on Facebook this afternoon that a new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed for the South Burnett Regional Council. "At a Special Meeting of SBRC this morning, Mr Ken McLoughlin, (right), was appointed to the position of CEO," Cr Carter said. "Ken is currently the Director Strategic Projects for Logan City Council, responsible for leading and managing the South East Queensland Water Reform. "He has extensive executive, managerial and consulting experience. He will commence duties as the CEO Designate on October 17 before assuming the role as CEO of South Burnett Regional Council on October 24." Mr McLoughlin will replace Acting CEO Phil Spencer who was appointed in June this year following the resignation of Tony Hayward. UPDATE September 21: Mr McLoughlin has been appointed on a five-year performance-based contract.

RU OK? A Conversation Could Change A Life September 14, 2011 - Tomorrow is RU OK Day? In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life ... Is there someone close to you who has experienced stress, depression, or anxiety? If you are like 87 per cent of Australians, you will know someone in this situation. There are many sources for this anxiety and depression, including financial stress, relationship breakdown, serious illness, uncertainty, workplace changes, or losing a loved one. Most of us have someone in our lives who has been affected by anxiety and depression. The South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group has decided to participate in RU OK? Day tomorrow. They would like everyone across the South Burnett to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you ok?” Research shows that talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chance of them taking their own life. It's the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. Local RU OK? events include: CROW-FM will be broadcasting live from Gloria Jean's Coffees at Kingaroy Shoppingworld from 6:00am-10:00am Kingaroy Home Aids & Health Equipment and Chantilly Charm will have free cups of coffee, biscuits and cakes from 10:30am on the footpath between their shops at Alford Street, Kingaroy.

Rackemann To Stand For Katter Party September 13, 2011 - Former Test fast bowler, third generation farmer and South Burnett resident Carl Rackemann, (left), is the latest candidate to toss his hat into the ring for the State seat of Nanango. SBBiz confirmed this morning that Carl has put up his hand to stand for Bob Katter's Australian Party for the seat which will be vacated by Independent MP Dorothy Pratt at the next election. Carl, patron for the South Burnett Relay for Life, was awarded an Order of Australia medal in January this year for his services as a cricket administrator, coach and player, and to the community. Later this month he'll be teaming up with legendary Aussie batsmen Doug Walters and Darren Lehmann, England ODI Captain Adam Hollioake, champion jockey Malcolm Johnston and PGA champ Wayne Grady at the Relay For Life Sportsman's Spectacular dinner in Kingaroy on Sept 23. During his cricketing career Carl played 12 Tests. He enjoyed some spectacular successes, including taking 11 wickets against Pakistan in 1983-84, and taking the catch that sealed Queensland's first ever Sheffield Shield win in 1995. He later coached the Zimbabwe national team. More controversially, he played in the 1985-86 and 1986-87 rebel tours of South Africa, led by Kim Hughes, which drew criticism from then Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Other candidates already announced for the seat of Nanango are: Deb Frecklington (LNP), John Dalton (Independent) and David Thomson (Queensland Party).

Nanango Teams Do Well At Maryborough September 12, 2011 - Congratulations to the students from Nanango State High School who excelled at the RACQ Technology Challenge at the weekend despite the cold weather and blustery conditions. In the main event, the gruelling 24-hour HPV (human-powered vehicle) Championships, the Nanango Roadrunners took out first spot in the junior boys category and Chix on Dynamite won the junior girls title. Another Nanango team, The Supermen, were second in the Open Boys category. Kilkivan State School's Killy Killer Sharks also deserve a round of applause. They came 4th in the junior mixed division. Nanango teams will now compete in Victoria * * * Round 2 of the South Burnett Regional Council's 2011-12 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program will open on September 23. Applications must be received by October 20, 2011. For more information, contact RADF Liaison Officer Anna Gundry on (07) 4189-9100 or by email * * * Sunshine Coast detectives have charged a man with six counts of fraud following investigations into an alleged scam involving employment and training opportunities with an interstate mining company. A 62-year-old Yeppoon man was charged on Friday with four counts of obtaining money by deception and two counts of attempting to dishonestly obtain money. He will appear in Maroochydoore Magistrates Court on September 23.

Another Huge Weekend In The South Burnett September 9, 2011 - It's another huge weekend in the South Burnett with Bloomin' Beautiful on at Blackbutt and the Country Music Muster entertaining fans at the Nanango Showgrounds. Highlights at Blackbutt on Saturday and Sunday include the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Expo, country markets, Waler Society horse demonstrations ... plus heaps more. See South Burnett Online's What's On Calender for more details. The annual Nanango Country Music Muster began yesterday but the main day is tomorrow (Saturday). Guest artists will include local heroes Chad Morgan and Dean Perrett. Sunday's highlights include a Gospel music concert. * * * Centacare South Burnett and Lifeline Community Care in Kingaroy have received a total of $626,000 under the Federal Government's new Family Support Program. Centacare will receive $100,618 for family and relationship services and family law counselling. Lifeline will receive $525,646 for a family relationship centre and related services. * * * The South Burnett Regional Council is keen to hear from local residents who would like local achievers - past and present - recognised and their achievements perpetuated for future generations. The call follows the controversy that surrounded the naming of the new Glendon Street forecourt area after Dr Ellen Kent Hughes, a former Kingaroy Shire Councillor who was the first woman elected to Local Government in Queensland. Many local residents at the time suggested the area should be named after local cricketing hero Matthew Hayden (see SBBiz, June 8, 2011). A meeting will be held on Thursday, September 15, at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at Glendon Street, Kingaroy. Members of the public have been invited to attend the meeting and put forward ideas. Of if you cannot attend and would like to have your say, contact Mayor David Carter by email.

Large Pile-Up Closes Blackbutt Range September 8, 2011 - A multiple vehicle traffic crash this afternoon on the D'Aguilar Highway at the Blackbutt Range, about 10km east of Blackbutt, has closed the range to all traffic. At 3:50pm, Main Roads said the road was expected to be closed for a "number of hours". Motorists have been asked to delay their trips or seek alternate routes. Gympie Police could not confirm how many vehicles were involved. UPDATE 5:00pm: Police Media says up to eight vehicles (including six trucks) have been involved in the incident, including a fully laden cattle truck. Recovery efforts are currently underway to retrieve not only the vehicles but the cattle. There have been no serious injuries reported but lengthy delays are expected. UPDATE 9:10pm: The D'Aguilar Highway is now reopen.

Local Schools To Compete At Maryborough September 8, 2011 - Good luck to the South Burnett school students who will be competing at the RACQ Technology Challenge at Maryborough this weekend! Kilkivan and Nanango State High Schools have teams in the Queensland 24 Hour Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) Championships - the "Killy Killer Sharks" (Kilkivan) and the "Roadrunners", "Chix on Dynamite" and "The Supermen" (Nanango). The HPV Championships are the signature event of the challenge. Teams must design, test and race a machine for 24 hours fuelled solely by pedal power. By the time the chequered flag falls at noon on Sunday, the 109 teams of eight students will have clocked up a total of more than 40,000km. Goomeri State School students (the "Goomeri Greyhounds") will be competing in the Smilie Pushcart Queensland Championships - a modern take on the old-fashioned billycart race. This competition challenges primary school students to design, build and showcase a machine engineered for speed but that can also be disassembled in record time in front of the judges. As an added task, every piece must fit through a 100mm slot! Goomeri students will also be competing in the CO2 Dragstars - small, handmade drag cars powered by soda sparklets which can reach 140km/h on special tracks. ABOVE RIGHT: Nanango State High School's "Supermen" were runners-up in the 2010 HPV Championships. Photo: Courtesy John Box * * * Members of the South Burnett Caravan & Touring Club, which is based in Wondai, will be hitting the road next month to take part in the Combined Caravan Clubs of Queensland State Rally. More than 300 vans are expected to gather at Maryborough Showgrounds for the annual event. For more information about the rally, or the local caravan club, contact Lance Moore on (07) 4168-5390. * * * The South Burnett's latest set of traffic lights - at the corner of Youngman and Avoca streets, Kingaroy - are now turned on! Drivers should take care because of the changed traffic situation.

Good Food Choices Can Be Rewarding September 7, 2011 - The South Burnett Good Food Choice initiative has launched a loyalty card to reward customers who buy six "Good Food Choice" meals from Kingaroy food businesses. The loyalty card is available at any of the Good Food Choice venues, which display the logo at right. Good Food Choice options on their menus are also marked with this logo. There are currently 16 businesses taking part in the program, offering more than 80 accredited dishes: Accents Restaurant Aussies Pizza Cafe Burning Beats Burke and Wills Motel (Explorers Restaurant) Captain's Paddock The Carvery, Kingaroy Shoppingworld Kingaroy Seafood and Takeaway Kingaroy Street Store Lee's Kitchen Met's Cafe Pioneer Lodge (Pioneer Room) Red Pepper Deli Taste South Burnett Utopia Cafe Once the six meals have been purchased, the loyalty card can be dropped into a draw to win one of two $50 vouchers to a Good Food Choices venue. * * * BIEDO, RHealth and the South Burnett Regional Council are hosting a free open day at the Kingaroy Community Garden in Pound Street on Saturday, September 17, which will include cooking and gardening demonstrations, a local growers market, stalls and other fun family activities, The Open Day, sponsored by Stanwell Corporation, will start at 9:00am and run until midday. * * * The South Burnett Regional Council is urging local residents to get involved in National Tree Day (Saturday, September 24). This year's activities will be focussed on Mt Wooroolin where residents are invited to come along from 11:00am and help to plant native dry vine scrub species to rehabilitate the former rifle range which was established during World War II.

Accents Named Best Cafe Restaurant September 6, 2011 - Congratulations to Accents Restaurant and Cafe in Kingaroy which won the "Café Restaurant" category for south-east Queensland at the 2011 Savour Australia™ Awards for Excellence announced at Jupiters Casino last night. Accents was competing against Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Darling Downs and Gold Coast restaurants to win the award, including finalists Café 21 @ Treasury, Brisbane; Lock n Load Bistro, West End and The Gunshop Café, West End. Judging for the award covers food, wine, service and the overall restaurant "experience". Judging is done "blind" from the initial booking phone call with no one at the restaurant aware of who the judge is. Owner Jimmy Stephen opened Accents in Kingaroy just nine months ago but he is no stranger to Restaurant & Catering Association awards. He has previously won the "Best European Restaurant" gong at the Savini Restaurant and Wine Bar at Kangaroo Point. Accents will now compete against category winners from other States at the National Awards which will be announced next month in Sydney.

Celebrate Spring & Support the AGL Rescue Chopper September 6, 2011 - Kingaroy's Quota Club will be hosting a High Tea Garden Party next month to raise funds for the AGL Action Rescue Helicopter. The AGL chopper (the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service) has been helping South Burnett residents for more than 30 years and currently flies more than 1000 aero-medical and rescue missions every year. The not-for-profit organisation receives government assistance but also relies heavily on sponsors and individual donations to keep operating. The High Tea - which will also celebrate spring - will be held on Saturday October 1 from 1:30pm-4:30pm in the gardens of the Peterson family property 'Hopevale', just off the D'Aguilar Highway at Coolabunia. Cost is $20. To RSVP please contact Glenys Peterson on (07) 4162-1318 or Anne Miller on (07) 4163-6854. * * * 2010 Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Rural Ambassador Wade Timms, from Nanango, has made it three wins in a row for Queensland by taking out the National Title in Adelaide at the weekend. The Qld Rural Ambassador has gone on to win the national award four times: in 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2010. The Rural Ambassador competition aims to find young people aged 18 to 30 who are involved in the agricultural shows and who can act as strong ambassadors the movement. Congratulations Wade! Listen to an interview with Wade on ABC Radio

Help Chris Raise $5000 To Fight Rare Diseases ... Buy A Painting! September 5, 2011 - Nimue Gallery in Kingaroy is throwing open its doors on Tuesday, September 20, to help raise money to fight some very rare genetic diseases. Gallery owner Cherry Carroll has asked local and Brisbane artists to donate works which will be auctioned to raise funds for the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. So far 32 artists have donated 56 pieces of art and as there are no reserve prices, there could well be some great bargains to be had! Young artist Chris Sanchez, son of Burning Beats Cafe owner Paul Stoddart, has the extremely rare Kearns-Sayre Syndrome which at present has no known cure or treatment. Chris, who is confined to a wheelchair, has formed a fund-raising team and has pledged to raise $5000 for AMDF. If you can't make it to the auction, you can donate directly to Chris's fundraising team on the Everyday Hero website The Nimue Gallery is located in King Street, Kingaroy, next door to the Carrollee Hotel. The auction will start at 6:30pm on September 20.

Cougar Considers Appeal To Land Court September 2, 2011 - Cougar Energy is consulting with its lawyers over a possible appeal to the Queensland Land Court over its halted underground coal gas project near Kingaroy. Cougar advised the ASX yesterday that the Department of Environment and Resource Management had notified the company of the results of an internal review of its decision to halt activities at the Coolabunia site. DERM said a delegate appointed had confirmed the original decision to restrict activities at the site. Earlier this year, DERM Acting Director-General Terry Wall announced no further gasification would be permitted on the site and said Cougar must now remove all infrastructure, treat and dispose of any contaminated water in surface storages and clean up groundwater. Cougar received formal notification of this decision on July 19 but then exercised its right under the Qld Environment Protection Act to seek an internal review of the decision. ABC Local Radio: Cougar Hasn't Given Up On UCG in Queensland What is the difference between Coal Seam Gas (CSG) and Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) * * *Representatives from OriginOil and delegates to the the recent Algae World Australia conference have visited the algae oil demonstration site, (see SBBiz, August 3, 2011), which is being established at Tarong Power Station to capture flue-gas carbon dioxide. Los Angeles-based Origin Oil is a strategic partner to Australian company MBD Energy in the project and is providing extraction technology. Origin Oil has released photos and a video about their visit. * * * The foreshadowed sale of Kingaroy radio station 4SB (Radio 10.71) to the Macquarie Radio Network, (see SBBiz, July 5, 2011), is now a reality. MRN officially completed the $6 million purchase of Brad Smart's regional radio network this week. Smart Radio also operated stations at Mt Isa, Emerald, Charleville, St George, Roma and Goondiwindi. * * * The Toowoomba, Golden West, South Burnett, Southern Downs and Granite Belt regional tourism organisation(s), in conjunction with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation will be holding a SMART Exhibiting Workshop in Toowoomba which may be of interest to local small businesses and tourism operators. The workshop, to be presented by qualified trainer Ron McDermott, will teach participants how to plan and prepare stalls for trade exhibitions and festivals ... how to make the most of the space you have been allocated, how to select the right product mix and how to connect with customers. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 5, from 9:00am-noon in the Green Room at DEEDI, 203 Tor Street, Toowoomba. Cost is $15 which includes a light morning tea on arrival. For more information, and to book, contact the Regional Tourism Office on (07) 4632-1988 or by email.

LNP MP To Be Guest Speaker At Meet'n'Greet September 1, 2011 - Opposition spokesman for tourism, manufacturing and small business, member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey, (right), will be the guest speak at the next Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry Meet'n'Greet. The LNP is currently conducting a survey of small businesses - available on Jann's website as a PDF download - to assess the biggest issues facing business owners. The Meet'n'Greet will be held at Kingaroy Hotel-Motel (opposite McDonald's) in Haly Street, Kingaroy on Monday, September 19, from 5:30pm. All Kingaroy businesspeople have been invited to attend and there is no cover charge for this event. * * * The Burnett Catchment Care Association and the Sustainable Practices program will be hosting a soils workshop for local farmers at Binjour on September 14. The workshop, "Valuing the Back Paddock …", will feature guest speakers Mark Sugars, a Senior Natural Resource Officer from DERM, and Bill Schulke, an Extension Officer with Private Forest Service Qeeensland. Mark will discuss the importance of understanding soil capabilities and limitations for a sustainable grazing enterprise while Bill will share his knowledge of the tree/grass balance and show how to assess the value of "back country" for grazing and timber production. The workshop will be held from 8:30am–3:00pm at 111 Slab Creek Road, Binjour. It is free but please RSVP by September 9 to (07) 4166-3898. Participants have been urged to bring a hat and chair as there will be field demonstrations. * * * The Ficks Crossing recreational area, which was badly damaged during the January floods, has re-opened. The South Burnett Regional Council has announced that the facility - which boasts dormitory-style accommodation, a fully-equipped kitchen and a range of sporting facilities - is now back in shipshape condition.

National Parks 'Overrun With Weeds & Fire Hazard' August 31, 2011 - LNP Candidate for Nanango Deb Frecklington has backed proposals by her party which she says will lead to better management of Queensland national parks. The LNP yesterday released its policy commitments on National Parks, promising better management and a "good neighbour" policy for adjoining property owners. Ms Frecklington said parks such as the Bunya Mountains were overrun by weeds and a fire hazard for local residents during the bushfire season. "Our policy will ... ensure the parks are good neighbours to adjoining property owners who, under Labor's failed policies, have had to deal with feral animals and noxious weeds invading their properties," Mrs Frecklington said. The LNP says just 17 per cent of protected areas have management plans and over the past decade, the ratio of rangers to National Park has dropped with each ranger now responsible for maintaining more than 150 sq km. Ms Frecklington said the LNP would develop a State-wide "streamlined permit system" to encourage sustainable tourism in National Parks. * * * Registered training organisation Baseline Training will be conducting GIQ - Coal Surface Generic Induction training in Kingaroy from September 5-7. The course is designed for all personnel who work in the Queensland coal mining industry and provides them with the knowledge and skills to comply with the new Standard 11 health and safety obligations. The course will be held at Men@Work, 32 Knight Street, Kingaroy. Cost is $810 per person (GST exempt). For more information - or to book - contact Michel Irving on 0411-327-820 or by email

AGL Windfarm Project Still On Track August 30, 2011 - Coopers Gap Wind Farm project manager for AGL Adam Mackett this morning rejected in the strongest terms any suggestion that the project won't go ahead. "We reject any suggestion in today's media that we would abandon this project and we hope to gain planning approval as soon as possible through the legislative process," Mr Mackett told SBBiz. The initial Environmental Assessment report for the proposed 350MW wind farm near Kingaroy - which would produce enough power for approximately 150,000 average Queensland homes - received 31 submissions, including about 20 from local landholders. "AGL has met with neighbouring landowners and we are continuing with this consultative process to progress the development of the wind farm. We are also currently engaging with landowners, local councils and State Government departments to ensure that the revised assessment report addresses all the issues raised in the 31 submissions we received," Mr Mackett said. "We are confident that all aspects of the wind farm, including noise and setback, can be developed in accordance with Queensland's legislative requirements." Mr Mackett said AGL was continuing to work with the community and was listening to their concerns but he emphasised the proposed site is located in one of the best wind resource areas in Queensland and that the project was a great opportunity for the State. It is also located close to existing Powerlink transmission infrastructure. "Coopers Gap represents a tremendous renewable energy opportunity for the local community and Queensland. The capital investment of about $800 million would provide a significant opportunity for regional contractors, local businesses and workers within the South Burnett and Western Downs areas," he said. Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation's South-East Queensland Wind Map (148kb PDF) AGL website

Find Out More About Solar Energy On Thursday August 29, 2011 - A BBQ lunch will be held outside Go Green Generation's office at 27 Alford Street, Kingaroy, from noon to 3:00pm on Thursday to launch the business's September Spring Solar Sale. The BBQ will be free but gold coin donations are welcome with all proceeds going to the Kingaroy RSPCA. CROW-FM will also be doing a live outside broadcast from the event. Go Green's Kelly Taffe said information about Renewable Energy Certificates for solar energy would be available. And, as a special deal to help local schools, for every parent who signs up for a solar system, $100 will be donated to the school for environmental funding. "This will be a coupon system handed in on time of deposit." Kelly said. "This will encourage the schools to have an Environmental Club and help fund it well into the future." * * * Tickets are selling fast for the special Flamenco Fire - Primavera Mia dancing extravaganza which is being brought to Kingaroy this week by the South Burnett Regional Council and ArtTour. The heavily subsidised performance of Spanish dancing will be held at Kingaroy Town Hall on Saturday night. Doors open at 6:00pm and the performance starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15 adults, $7.50 student / concession and children $5. Pursers Coaches will be providing bus transport from Murgon, Wondai and Nanango for $5 per person each way. The South Burnett Community Orchestra and South Burnett Musical Society will be providing pre-entertainment, bar and canteen facilities. Tickets are available from the South Burnett Regional Council on (07) 4189-9100 or see Thorps Jewellers in Kingaroy Shoppingworld. To book you seats on the bus, contact Pursers directly on (07) 4168-1533. NB. Because of the Forecourt renovations, access to the Town hall is via Youngman Street only

Balonne Shire Mayor Critical Of Tourism Merger August 26, 2011 - The merger between the Toowoomba Golden West and South Burnett Regional Tourism Organisation and the Southern Downs and Granite Belt RTO has Balonne Shire Mayor Donna Stewart worried. Speaking to ABC Local Radio this morning, Cr Stewart expressed her concern that bigger is not always better. "It's a much larger area with a lot less money," Cr Stewart said. "I believe something like $200,000 is going to be lost to the Association and I'm quite disturbed that (we'll be) spreading ourselves too thin over a large area and that members are not going to get the representation that they got before." Cr Stewart said Balonne would probably now be working closer with the Outback Queensland Tourism Association in future. She noted that Balonne Shire was not given the opportunity to vote when the first merger - between Toowoomba Golden West and the South Burnett - went ahead last year. Retiring General Manager of both the Toowoomba, Golden West and South Burnett RTO and Southern Downs Granite Belt RTO Stuart Perry defended the merger, saying it was about creating an organisation with a more powerful marketing capability. Quizzed why powerful marketing was not possible with smaller groups, Mr Perry told the ABC that current marketing initiatives had been very successful but with a large package "no one can miss us". He said the identities of all the individual products and experiences across the region would be kept "very much alive". "We're going to be such a great RTO in terms of size and product offer that we'll be sitting there as one of the bigger attractions right alongside the big RTOs across the State," he said. Western Downs tourism operators supported the merger 26 votes to 9 last night. Listen to the ABC Radio interview with Cr Donna Stewart The reply by RTO General Manager Stuart Perry

Local Cattle Shine At Brisbane Ekka August 25, 2011 - This year's Brisbane Ekka has left first-time South Burnett exhibitor Kevin Temperton, (right), from 'Bellbird Vineyards', very happy, if a little bit stunned. He decided to try his luck and submitted 13 yearling calves for judging. They were bred out of Angus cows at Coolabunia from a Hillsborough Limousins bull. They were then weaned and sent to the Kjal Feedlot at Cushnie for 100 days. The calves were entered into various competitions including Coles and Woolworth carcass cuts and seven were judged live. To Kevin's delight one of the live calves came 2nd in Class 20 (Single Steer - 360kg to 480kg), a hotly contested category with entries from across Queensland and NSW. The hook entries also secured a 10th in the Woolies competition and a 6th in the Coles contest against almost 150 competitors. Murray and Bronwyn Lord, from 'Rhodesleigh' at Dangore Mountain, might be "old hands" at the Ekka (they've been showing for about four years), but they did even better ... The couple's Charolais cross heifers won Class 23 (Pen of 3 Steers or Heifers - 360kg to 420kg) and were crowned Reserve Champion (Pen of 3 Steers or Heifers). Like the Bellbird yearlings, the Rhodesleigh calves were also finished at the Kjal Feedlot by Kevin, Jan and Andrew Perkins. The extra good news for both exhibitors were the auction results. Midge Thompson, director of Aussie Land & Livestock in Kingaroy, handled the sales in Brisbane. The Rhodesleigh heifers, with an average liveweight of 381kg, made $3.30kg or $1257 per head. The Bellbird calves returned $1466 (average 470kg). * * * Kingaroy State High School cattle also posted some excellent Brisbane Show results including a 2nd in Class 17 (Led Steer - 401kg to 445kg) and 4ths in Class 24 (Inter-School Steer Judging Competition) and Class 2A (Led Steers - 351kg to 375kg). * * * Locally-owned Kingaroy Cheese also achieved success at the 2011 Ekka. Their Bunya Black (Ashed) won a Silver and their Triple Cream Brie (Stuart River) a Bronze in Class 15 (Mould Ripened Cheese - White).

Committee To Oversee Strategic Cropping Land Legislation August 24, 2011 - Queensland Natural Resources Minister Rachel Nolan today announced a new committee will provide independent scrutiny of the soil science central to new Strategic Cropping Land legislation. Ms Nolan said the accuracy of the soil science must be robust and accurate and able to withstand independent scrutiny. "It is for this reason I have moved to appoint the Strategic Cropping - Science and Technical Implementation Committee," she said. "The Committee will provide oversight to the application of the soil science test as it is rolled out and ensure a degree of independent scientific oversight." The committee will be made up of four professional soil scientists, two put forward by the Association of Soil Scientists and one each nominated by the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Farmers' Federation. Ms Nolan said Prof Clive Bell, from the Soil Science Association and an academic for more than 35 years, has already agreed to be on the committee. The Strategic Cropping Land legislation is due to be introduced later this year.