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$600,000 Grant Forges Tourism Super Group August 8, 2011 - The proposed merger between the Toowoomba, Golden West & South Burnett Tourism (TGWSB) regional tourism organisation and the Southern Downs and Granite Belt (SDGB) body (SBBiz July 15, 2011) appears to be a done deal. In a media statement released late on Friday evening, Queensland Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt announced $600,000 funding to allow the merger to proceed and congratulated the organisations for "putting aside the things that divide them to move forward as a single, strong region". "As well as helping them seamlessly merge, this funding will create a best-practice model that other organisations will no doubt be watching closely," she said. "The grant will be used to establish a new tourism advisory board to oversee the merger and consult local industry, as well as assist in driving the new brand forward." TGWSB has been allocated $150,000 to work with the Southern Downs Granite Belt body to "grow cross-regional tourism and stimulate greater stakeholder partnerships and co-operation"; $185,000 has been given to Toowoomba City Council to promote regional drive holidays. The South Burnett Wine Industry Association, many of whose members are also members of the South Burnett Tourism Association, has publicly condemned a merger with its major wine tourism competitor, the Granite Belt (see South Burnett Wine, July 19, 2011). Last month, TGWSB general manager Stuart Perry - who is also general manager of SDGB - said the merger was still up to members. "The two RTOs will hold Special General Meetings to discuss the decisions with the members and seek membership approval of the merger," he said. Similar confusion over merger funding arose when the South Burnett was severed from the Fraser Coast regional tourism area and merged with Toowoomba Golden West last year. It was first thought that funding was being sought to "investigate" a possible merger, but it was later revealed the funding was to "implement" a merger (SBBIZ, August 9, 2010). Whatever the fate of the latest merger, Mr Perry won't be around to see its outcome. It's been reported that he's moving to New Zealand next month to run the Whanganui Riverboat Centre. UPDATE: A Special General Meeting to vote on the merger will be held on August 25 at the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba

Make It Count For The South Burnett On Census Night August 5, 2011 - Census Night is next Tuesday (August 9) and it's a sad fact that if you don't get counted the South Burnett area will miss out on about $4000 in benefits for each person who fails to return their form ... In the city this may not be important, but in a rural area, every dollar counts! Did you know the South Burnett area includes about 30,000 people? But we won't know the exact number - and governments can't plan for future services - until everyone gets counted! To reach each and every one of these 30,000 people is a massive task. The Census organisers (the Australian Bureau of Statistics) has appointed 13 Area Supervisors and one Remote Area Team Leader just to look after the South Burnett region. Each of these Team Leaders supports about seven Collectors. Cherbourg also has two teams of 10 Collector/Interviewers. So there's no excuse not to fill in your form! Collectors started delivering Census forms on July 19 and will start collecting them on August 10. If you haven't received your form by Sunday evening (August 7), have lost it or need help in any way, please contact the Census Inquiry Service on 1300-338-776. Information is also available on the Census website and on Facebook A major innovation this time around is that you can complete your Census online. However you must still have your paper form handy because you will need your Census Form Number to complete the process. The eCensus can be completed at anytime from now, answering as if you were answering on August 9. It would probably be a good idea NOT to try to do this on August 9 itself, as the ABS is anticipating the website could become overloaded if everyone in Australia tries to access it at the same time! Some people are worried about telling the truth on Census forms for all sorts of reasons ... However the information you give is kept strictly private and confidential. Personal information that could identify you is NOT provided to the Police, Centrelink or anyone else. If you don't fill out the Census Form, you can't whinge later if waiting lines at the hospital seem longer or other government services seem slower. Realistically, governments cannot plan for services without knowing exactly what's happening in our region. For a bit of fun, see how YOU compare with other Aussies in the ABS Spotlight

Ergon Offers 75 Apprenticeships August 5, 2011 - Ergon Energy has today launched its 2012 apprentice recruitment drive, with a record 75 positions on offer. Positions for the 2012 intake are available in more than 30 locations throughout Queensland including 13 positions in the Wide Bay-Burnett. These will be located at Murgon, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gayndah, Gin Gin, Kingaroy and Mundubbera. The 2012 apprenticeships available include communications technician, distribution linesperson, transmission linesperson, systems electrician, mechanical fitter and boiler maker. Five positions have been identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants - at Murgon, Thursday Island, Charters Towers, Townsville and Moura - although A&TSI candidates are encouraged to apply for roles at all other locations, too. In 2010-11, more than 2500 people applied for the 61 Ergon Energy positions on offer. Applications for 2012 apprenticeships close at 9:00am on August 19, 2011. For more information, contact the Ergon Energy Careers Team on 1800-656-810 or email them

Sporting Champs To Tackle Cancer August 5, 2011 - Legendary Australian batsman Doug Walters, champion jockey Malcolm Johnston, PGA champ Wayne Grady and Test bowler Carl Rackemann will be teaming up in Kingaroy next month to help raise money for cancer research. The sporting superstars will be the guests at the Relay For Life Sportsman's Spectacular dinner and auction at Kingaroy Town Hall on September 23. Tickets are $65 head (or $600 for a table of 10) and are available by contacting CROW-FM on (07) 4169-0700. There's also an opportunity for groups of five to play a round of golf at Kingaroy Golf Club and chat with Wayne Grady in a golf/dinner package. Contact CROW-FM for more details. ABOVE RIGHT: Racing legend Malcolm Johnston with former Aussie Test cricketer Doug Walters. Photo: Phil Purser at justracing.com.au

PCA Expert To Be Guest Speaker At Conference August 4, 2011 - Dr Graeme Wright from the Peanut Company of Australia in Kingaroy will be a guest speaker at an industry seminar in Toowoomba next month focussing on mycotoxins. The Graintech Scientific Mycotoxin Seminar will be held from 10:30am-2:30pm on September 1 at the "Tabletop" function room at Picnic Point. Mycotoxins are produced by microfungi such as moulds, mildew and rust. The seminar will explain the impact of mycotoxins on human and animal health and discuss current testing procedures. Dr Wright will present a case study explaining how mycotoxins are identified and addressed throughout the peanut supply chain in Australia. A second guest speaker will be Prof Wayne Bryden, Professor of Animal Science at the University of Queensland. Cost is $295 per person. For more information, or to book a seat, contact Craig Moore at Graintec Scientific on (07) 4638-7677 or by email

Free Workshops For Murgon Business Members August 4, 2011 - The Murgon Business and Development Association, in association with Kingaroy small business trainer Trudi Bartlett, is offering a free Business Building Course to members of the association. The course is being funded by the MBDA and free to all members. Murgon businesspeople who aren't members can join for $55 and the course will be included. It will run for five weeks on a Tuesday night from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on August 16, 23 and 30 and September 6 and 13. It aims to "re-ignite the passion" in your business, provide tips on how to increase sales, and ideas on ways to market your business for free (or for very little cost). To register, phone Trudi on 0488-112-298 or email her

MBD Energy Gears For Public Float August 3, 2011 - MBD Energy, the company behind an innovative carbon capture algal project under development at Tarong Power station, is getting ready to launch an initial public offering of shares next year. It has been reported this IPO could raise between $60-$100 million. MBD's Tarong project involves a one hectare algal biomass display plant being constructed beside the station. Algal synthesisers capture waste greenhouse gases at the source and use them to promote the growth of oil-rich micro-algae. These algae produce oils suitable for plastic, fuel and fertiliser production. All the algae is recycled: 35 per cent as oil and 65 per cent as low-methane stockfeed. The process also produces fresh water and oxygen. In 2008, MBD Energy built a 5000sq m test plant at James Cook University in Townsville to prove the technology. In 2009, mining giant Anglo American bought a 20 per cent stake in the Melbourne-based company. MBD has also secured a 19.9 per cent investment from private equity firm The Sentient Group. In October last year, the Queensland Government committed $1 million to MBD's project at Tarong. At the time, Premier Anna Bligh said Tarong would be the first coal-fired power station in Australia to try the technology as part of a $5 million trial. MBD Energy has also signed agreements for trials at the Loy Yang power station in Victoria and Eraring Energy in NSW. * * * The ACCC has conditionally authorised a fly ash supply agreement between Pozzolanic Enterprises Pty Ltd, Stanwell Corporation Limited and Tarong North Pty Ltd until March 1, 2014. Pozzolanic had sought protection for conduct that might otherwise be considered uncompetitive (see SBBiz, March 30, 2011). "The ACCC considered the agreement put before it by Pozzolanic was unnecessarily restrictive. However conditional authorisation, requiring changes to the fly ash agreement to bring about greater certainty in relation to third party access to fly ash at the power stations, is appropriate," ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel said. Key conditions include an upper limit on the amount of fly ash that Pozzolanic can take from Tarong and Tarong North Power Stations and the company must report to the ACCC. On March 29 this year, the ACCC issued a draft determination, proposing to deny authorisation and sought public submissions. It hosted a pre-decision conference on May 12 where a number of interested parties put forward their views.

Apprentice Of The Year Ben Gets Ready To Celebrate Full-Time Job August 2, 2011 - Ben Bird's biggest fan is his mum Trish, which is to be expected, but in reality she's got good reasons to be proud of her 20-year-old son. The Tingoora electrician has just completed his apprenticeship in electrotechnology and has secured a full-time position at Wards Electrical in Kingaroy. On top of that, he was MRAEL's Apprentice of the Year in 2010, winning the highly contested category as well as taking out the Industry Award for Electrical. He was presented with his awards at a function in Maryborough last year. Ben was half-way through Year 12 when he contacted Frances Ross at MRAEL in Kingaroy to inquire about possible apprenticeships. A few weeks after his final exams, he started an apprenticeship placement - organised by MRAEL - at Wards Electrical. It was Christmas Eve, 2007. Ben did his training at the TAFE campus in Kingaroy and soaked up on-the-job experience at Wards, working on many different types of commercial projects including refurbishments at Kingaroy Shoppingworld, Murgon ambulance, Target Kingaroy and the Harvey Norman building. He also did general domestic work, assisted in new house projects and worked on control circuits at the Envirospheres complex in Nanango. At the same time, he was also excelling at his TAFE studies and actually completed his 3rd and 4th year of training in just 12 months. His mum Trish is also eager to point out that he achieved honours in all his subjects! Ben is full of praise for the hosted system of apprenticeship training. "MRAEL were awesome during my apprenticeship and Frances (Ross) has been really supportive and responsive. It was breezy," he said. Ben officially completes his apprenticeship on August 12 and will be starting work as a Wards employee the next day. ABOVE: Ben Bird with father Malcolm and mother Trish ... he flew through his apprenticeship

New ISO Standard To Define Pesticide Protection August 1, 2011 - A new ISO standard has been released for protective clothing to help farmers and agricultural workers reduce job-related risks when using liquid pesticides. The new standard defines specific protection levels. It will allow pesticide manufacturers to indicate on the product label the required level of protection needed for each product. Likewise, garment manufacturers will be able to produce, certify and sell protective clothing labelled with these defined protection levels. For more information visit the ISO website

Information Kits On Hendra Virus Available July 29, 2011 - The State Government is encouraging all horse owners and handlers to access a Hendra virus information pack which outlines how to reduce the risk of their horses becoming infected. The pack includes information on: What Hendra virus is, How to protect horses, What to do if a horse becomes ill. You can receive a Hendra virus information pack by subscribing online or by contacting DEEDI's Customer Service Centre on 13-25-23.

Cougar Energy Seeks Review of DERM Ruling July 28, 2011 - Cougar Energy has advised the ASX today that it will seek a review of the State Government's decision to restrict activities at its Underground Coal Gasification trial site. near Kingaroy Cougar received formal notification on July 19 of the decision by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) about the future of the site - more than a week after the decision was reported in the media (see SBBiz July 8). Under the Qld Environment Protection Act, Cougar Energy has until August 2 1994 to seek an internal review by DERM.

10 Traineeships For Indigenous Students Available July 28, 2011 - Indigenous Year 10 school students in the South Burnett are being invited to apply for school-based traineeships being organised through the MRAEL Group. The training group has 10 school-based traineeships for 2012-13 on offer for current Year 10 students who plan to complete Year 12. They have been supported by funding from the Indigenous Land Use Agreement between Stanwell Corporation Ltd (formerly Tarong Energy Corporation Ltd) and the Wakka Wakka people. MRAEL Apprentice Specialist Frances Ross said the project aimed to provide fully funded school based traineeship opportunities for indigenous students where opportunities did not exist previously. "Community consultation has identified opportunities in the areas of Hospitality, Horticulture, Health and Community Services, and Business and it is expected that there will be other areas that will present themselves as we progress in to the project," she said. "The overall goal of the project is to see each school based trainee through to successful completion of their traineeship and to provide a pathway for ongoing training and development." The students will acquire a nationally recognised qualification as well as skills and abilities that will translate into future career opportunities. Indigenous Year 10 students who are keen to undertake a school-based traineeship in their field of their choice should complete an MRAEL application form and send it to jobs@mrael.com.au before August 26. For more information, contact MRAEL on 1800-441-511.

Extra $6m For Hendra Virus Research July 27, 2011 - Qld Premier Anna Bligh and NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell today announced an extra $6 million would be spent over three years to accelerate Hendra virus research. Ms Bligh announced the funding after meeting with key members of the Hendra Virus Taskforce in Brisbane today. The Taskforce has identified three main research questions which need answering: Why does the virus spill-over from flying foxes? How are horses and other animals exposed to Hendra Virus? Why is there such a spike in cases this year? "Today's announcement quadruples research dollars to a pool of $7.8 million from the frontline States of Queensland and NSW," Ms Bligh said. The new research will include: Improving our understanding even further on how the disease behaves in flying fox colonies - through mapping age and immunity structures within colonies and monitoring the stress of a colony by testing steroid levels in urine How horses and flying foxes interact - through further monitoring of flying fox and other animal behaviour at night, with more infra-red cameras in more locations throughout Queensland and NSW How environmental factors, such as food availability, temperature and rainfall impact on the likelihood of the disease "spilling over" from flying foxes to other animals. A better understanding of what is driving flying fox movements, including the impact of extreme climatic events, using satellite tracking and other remote sensing techniques. Further laboratory studies to investigate the susceptibility and transmission of Hendra virus in domestic species.

Looking For A Function Venue? July 27, 2011 - There's been some exciting things happening recently at the Nanango Historical Society's Ringsfield House complex, (above), in Nanango. Top of the list is a new website - www.ringsfield.com.au - built with the assistance of funding from the Heritage Building Society (Nanango Community Branch). Historical Society President Ros Gregor said Heritage has also assisted with the printing of brochures to promote the Ringsfield complex as a unique conference, wedding and function venue. "It's all part of making Ringsfield economically viable by investing in the facilities and better promoting the heritage aspect," she said. The Old School building on the site - Nanango's first school - has been equipped with high-tech conference equipment with the assistance of Tarong Energy. WiFi internet access, a big screen TV, Blue-ray player, and electronic whiteboard have been installed to encourage workshops of up to 30 people. The old school desks have also been transformed into workstations for smaller groups to provide a modern meeting facility but also maintain the heritage feel of the building. Ros said Ringsfield could now also offer a full catering service for all events held on site. Another building in the area, the Old Church, (right), - Nanango's first Presbyterian Church - is also enjoying a makeover. A ramp has been installed to assist entry to the building and leadlight windows have been re-installed. This will also be available for hire for functions and weddings. Other changes include a shade sail which has been erected in the gardens to make the venue more user-friendly during the popular annual Australia Day celebrations, and new fencing. Ringsfield House is run totally by volunteers who also maintain the large gardens around the historic buildings. Photos: Courtesy Clive Lowe

Free Workshop To Help Community Groups July 26, 2011 - The Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services) will be hosting a free workshop in Murgon next month to help community groups and clubs promote their activities. The Marketing and Sponsorship workshop will cover a range of topics designed to provide community organisations and clubs with some knowledge and resources for promoting their groups. Presenter will be Leisa Donlan, a fellow of the Australian Society of Association Executives who has 15 years experience in the non-profit sector. South Burnett Regional Council Mayor David Carter has encouraged sportspeople, parents, coaches and teachers to attend the workshop. "This is a great opportunity to get free advice from experienced people who can help you build your club as well as help you to promote your activities," he said. The workshop will be held in the South Burnett PCYC, Macallister Street, Murgon, on Wednesday, August 10. Registrations must be made by August 5 to (07) 4125-9399.

Opportunity To Balloon Your Business July 25, 2011 - South Burnett businesses are being urged to put September 20 in their diaries to attend a Business Balloon workshop in Brisbane. South Burnett Regional Council Economic & Tourism Development Officer Ross Anderson said the organisers had pulled together an impressive array of hands-on industry experts to present on key areas. "The purpose of the day is to provide some genuine pearls of wisdom for entrepreneurs and business owners to take away and implement in their business and to establish some really strong links between participants," he said. Guest speakers include Tom Potter (former CEO Eagle Boys), Jon Mailer (National College of Business), Simon Dell (TwoCents) and Anthony Davis (Brightwater). Tickets are $69 (or $59 for FoodQ members) and also include breakfast, morning tea, a networking lunch and bottomless cups of coffee. The conference room, at 157 Given Tce in Paddington, has full WiFi facilities so participants can do work between sessions if they choose to. For more information email Business Balloon or contact Ross at the SBRC on (07) 4189-9328.

LNP Promises Farmers Will Have A Voice In Cabinet July 22, 2011 - Candidate for Nanango Deb Frecklington has promised that Queensland farmers will get a far better deal under an LNP State Government. Mrs Frecklington said LNP Leader Campbell Newman had made it clear at the party's State Conference last weekend that when it came to the four pillars of the Queensland economy, none was more important than agriculture. "Unlike Labor, that thinks agriculture is old world, as a Party, the LNP will always stand up and fight for agriculture in this State – to fight for the people who provide food and fibre for a growing world,” Ms Frecklington said. "No matter where you go in Queensland, you meet people who are doing amazing things on the land. But sadly, agriculture has been neglected, and is getting less and less support from the Bligh Labor Government. "Gone is the Department of Primary Industries and the extension services it provided to help raise farm productivity. Gone are the days when the State Government built beef roads, dams and irrigation schemes. "There's no reason why we can't do these things again. The LNP will make sure agriculture once again has its own department. "We will give this important industry a strong voice in Cabinet and ensure it is very clearly recognised as an important part of Queensland's future." Ms Frecklington said Campbell Newman told the conference that an LNP government would give agriculture a strong voice in Cabinet and ensure it was "very clearly" recognised as an important part of Queensland's future.

Government Business For Your Business July 21, 2011 - Have you bid for government tenders and been unsuccessful? Would you like to learn how to improve your chances of success? Then this Kingaroy workshop could be for you. Participants will learn the principles of State Government procurement policies and processes, how to complete complex offer / tender documents, respond to standard terms and conditions and identify the pre-requisites of being an eligible supplier. The Tendering For Government Business workshop will be held from 8:00am-noon on Tuesday, August 9, at the Taabinga Room at the DEEDI Service Centre (the former DPI Research Station) opposite Kingaroy Airport. Cost is $45.30. For more information - and to register to attend - contact the Maryborough Service Centre of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation on (07) 4121-1780 or by email

Oil Slick on D'Aguilar Highway July 20, 2011 - The South Burnett Regional Council is urging motorists to avoid using the D'Aguilar Highway between Blackbutt and Kingaroy if at all possible because of an oil spill on the road. "Please be advised that Council is currently addressing the issue of a road oil slick on the northern bound side of the D'Aguilar Highway between Blackbutt and possibly to Kingaroy," a council statement released this morning noted. "It is requested that all drivers drive with caution and please obey direction of police, SES and road closure signs. It would be appreciated if alternate routes could be taken to avoid this area." UPDATE 11:45am: The slick area is between the current roadworks site approximately 6km south of Nanango, to the intersection of Appin Street and Cairns Street, Nanango. Please drive with caution in this area and at a reduced speed.

Apprentices Receive Their Tools Of Trade July 20, 2011 - Eight lucky apprentices received their full apprenticeship tool entitlements last week after successfully completing their probation periods at Tarong Power Station. Stanwell Corporation and MRAEL worked closely to ensure the local apprentices and trainees received all the tools and training they require to complete their trades of choice. This year's intake included Electrical Fitter Mechanic apprentices, Mechanical Fitting qpprentices, a Boilermaking apprentice, a Rigging trainee, a Community Services trainee and Business Administration trainees. MRAEL will begin recruiting next year's intake of apprentices and trainees for Stanwell Corporation towards the end of July. More information will be available at the South Burnett Careers Market at Kingaroy State High School on July 28 or visit the MRAEL website. ABOVE RIGHT: Back Row, from left, Paul Blanch (Electrical Apprentice), Kyron Tunstall (Mechanical Fitting Apprentice), Hal Little (Electrical Apprentice), Matt Hislop (Mechanical Fitting Apprentice), Josh Larney (Electrical Apprentice), Dave Stapleton (Mechanical Fitting Apprentice); front row, Frances Ross, Apprentice Specialist MRAEL and Jeremy Moffett (Boilermaking Apprentice). (Absent: Colin Draper, Electrical Apprentice) [Pic supplied] * * * An open-cut nickel mine near Kilkivan looks more likely after the results of the latest drilling tests by AusNiCo at its Pembroke prospect. The testing found nickel ore as well as small traces of copper, gold and cobalt. In a statement, the company said it was encouraged by the results as they contributed to an increase in the area of nickel sulphide mineralisation at the Pembroke prospect where AusNiCo ultimately aims to "delineate a substantial open pit development". Managing Director Nick Mather said AusNiCo was now testing other targets on the Black Snake plateau. Read the company's full press release