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Uncertainty Over Sale Of Local Hardwood Plantations June 4, 2009 - Queensland Premier Anna Bligh's decision to sell Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) - which manages State-owned timber plantations - will affect the hoop pine plantations at Yarraman, Imbil, Brooyar, Jimna and Gallangowan. However, the State Government is still taking advice whether to include hardwood plantations in the sale. There are hardwood forests at Kingaroy, Wondai, Gayndah and Mundubbera as well as on the coast between Beerburrum and Gympie. The sale of FPQ (formerly known as DPI Forestry) is expected to raise about $500 million. "We will retain ownership of the land to protect access rights for the public," Mrs Bligh said. "A condition of sale will be that recreation in State Plantation Forests will continue, including walking, cycling, horse riding, motorcycling, car rallies, photography, filming and dog-sled racing."

Go Green At Nanango Markets June 3, 2009 - Kingaroy electrician Greg Taffe, from Go Green Generation, wants to remind South Burnett residents that government rebates for the installation of 1kW solar power systems expire on June 30. If you want more information about the rebates - or any other aspect of solar power - Greg will have a stall at the Nanango markets this weekend and will also have a display in Kingaroy Shoppingworld on June 13. In the meantime, you can contact him on the company's new landline phone number (07) 4162-8336 or by email

Spotlight on Local Crafts June 2, 2009 - Marie and Richard Evans have opened a new art and craft gallery at Wooroolin to highlight the work of talented local residents. Gallery 4608 is situated at 37 Alexander Street (the Bunya Highway) in the premises left vacant when Foxy Ladies Quilting relocated to Kinleymore. The new gallery provides another retail outlet for South Burnett craftspeople and features original artworks, handmade pottery and everything from lavender bags to furniture. It's sure to become a popular stopover for tourists! Gallery 4608 can be contacted on (07) 4164-2098 or by email

Drilling Begins At Booubyjan June 1, 2009 - Minotaur Exploration has announced to the Australian Stock Exchange that it has started drilling at Booubyjan as part of its 2009 copper-gold exploration program. The Booubyjan joint venture is owned 51 per cent by Minotaur and 49 per cent by ActivEX. The Minotaur statement on May 20 said the work program for 2009 would focus principally on drill testing the central Booubyjan systems to significantly greater depths than previously attempted. Previous drilling at Booubyjan found broad zones of anomalous mineralisation down to 200m. Finds in these holes have prompted Minotaur to look even lower. Up to six holes are planned - a program of four holes in the Bath-White Horse area and two holes in the Kakapo area. The $650,000 program will be fully funded by Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation who have an option to earn 24 per cent in the project.

On A Roll At Goomeri! May 29, 2009 - Roll up! Roll up! The 13th annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival will be held this Sunday with all the fun of the fair ... including the traditional pumpkin roll down Policeman's Hill which literally stops the traffic. Most festivals aren't a (pumpkin) patch on this one! The Great Australian Pumpkin Roll will this year feature a $1000 prize for the pumpkin that finishes on the lucky spot. There will also be Giant Pumpkin and Best Decorated Pumpkin competitions and the Pumpkin Pageant street parade. All the fun gets underway at 6:00am with the pumpkin roll at 2:00pm. Once you've seen this event, you'll know why pumpkins are also called squash!

Just $1 For a Free Newspaper ... May 28, 2009 - Handing over $1 for a newspaper is a common experience in the South Burnett ... but it's not often that you can take over the WHOLE newspaper for just $1. That's the proposition being put forward in today's South Burnett Observer, (right), which is likely to be the last of the free weekly newspapers to be distributed (unless someone stumps up with that gold coin before Monday). The Observer hit the streets on November 6, 2008, and immediately started a mini newspaper "war" in the South Burnett. The APN-owned South Burnett Times pre-empted the launch by altering the format of its low-circulation free Kingaroy Mail to a full-colour gloss "South Burnett Mail" and expanded its size and distribution area. South Burnett Observer Director and Operations Manager Nick Munro has today invited anyone in the South Burnett to take over his newspaper for $1 debt-free. But as he notes "this isn't an easy job and if you're looking to make a quick buck you're in the wrong spot". So if you have the spare change, the right business skills and a knack with newspapers, contact Nick on 0429-625-312 before June 1.

Exhibitors & Council To Swap Ideas Prior To Brisbane Display May 27, 2009 - The South Burnett Regional Council has organised a meeting for all food producers, wine growers and tourism operators who plan to take part in the South Bank Regional Flavours event in Brisbane. The meeting will be held at Moffatdale Ridge on Tuesday June 2 from 9:00am to assist exhibitors to portray the South Burnett region as diverse, vibrant and welcoming. The information session will also discuss site layout, registration and payments, possible corporate dress, banners and equipment and logistics issues such as unloading etc Food and wine producers from all over South-East Queensland will be flocking to Brisbane on June 13 for the inaugural South Bank Regional Flavours festival. UPDATE: This meeting will now be held at Murgon Council Chambers, 42 Stephens Street Murgon on Tuesday June 2 from 9:00am.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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