TO keep residents informed about the company’s expanding gas operations across the Surat Basin, Senex leaders and technical experts are holding public information sessions in Miles, Wandoan and Roma during mid-May.
Senex recently announced an 8 percent increase in its gas production in the region over the last quarter as well as the beginning of its next drilling phase, which will see the creation of 50 new local jobs.
“As we continue expanding our operations in the Surat Basin, residents might start seeing some new activity in the area and we understand that there might be some questions people would like to ask,” said Senex community relations officer Trevor Robertson (pictured above).
“We want to hold these information session to keep the community informed. Anyone is welcome and we’re looking forward to catching up again with the locals.”
The drop-in sessions begin at Roma on Monday, May 10 at the Explorers Inn Function Centre from 12.30pm to 2pm and again from 4pm to 5.30pm.
At Miles, a session will be held in the Columboola Room of the Leichhardt Centre on Tuesday, May 11 from 12pm to 1.30pm
At Wandoan, sessions are on Tuesday, May 11, at the Senex office from 4pm to 5pm and again on Wednesday, May 12 from 8.30am to 10am.
Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided at the relevant events.
Senex Energy Managing Director Ian Davies said production of natural gas from its Surat Basin operations increased eight per cent over the past quarter with a target to triple production by 2025.
“Over the next couple of months, we will be starting the next stage of investment around Roma and Wandoan. We are ready to award contracts, we are ready to employ contractors.
“What does that mean? It means employment for the local community, means money going into the local community to support their local suppliers.
“It involves an expansion of our natural gas acreage. Drilling more wells, laying more plastic pipe for water and gas production. It means civils works around doing lease pads, roads etc.
“We’ve got a public target of tripling production by the end of 2025 what that means is continuing to invest in the local economy, continuing to invest in the sub-surface, the acreage that we hold around Wandoan and Roma and that is more jobs, more employment and more local investment in local people.”
AFTER spending hours mingling through an Akubra-clad crowd at BEEF21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison used his event press conference to announce a $371 million biosecurity package aimed to help protect Australian agriculture.
Impacts of the major budget announcement will help prevent disease such as African swine fever, khapra beetle and foot and mouth disease entering Australia, Mr Morrison said.
Among a raft of measures, the money will be spent improve screening facilities for international passengers, data and technology advancements to better identify potentially hazardous containers and 3D x-ray screening technology for incoming mail and passenger luggage.
The announcement brings the government’s biosecurity spend since October last year to $1.25 billion.
“Border security has many elements to it. A key aspect of border security is to protect our livestock industry and how we protect our grains industry around Australia.” Mr Morrison said.
“We’ve seen how important that is with Covid. Its the same when it comes to African swine flu or lumpy skin disease… which can be absolutely devastating when it comes to a agricultural sector and particular our beef and cattle producers”
Mr Morrison said from 2.5 million shipping containers which came into Australia last year and 60 million mail items, there were 35,000 pest and disease detections put in place by border agencies.
The Prime Minister was joined at BEEF21 by Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, who said the funding was aimed to address recommendations made by the independent Inspector-General of Biosecurity.
“We are investing in technical solutions to keep biosecurity threats out of Australia, including through new screening technologies for people and goods at the border,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We will fund a series of ground-breaking trials to screen for biosecurity risks offshore and continue the development of modern, innovative detection systems.
“We are investing in better management of hitchhiker pest risk before they reach Australia, through expanding offshore management of risks and strengthened border interventions of shipping containers, while ensuring the safe, efficient clearance of low-risk commodities.”
Part of the money is about making sure that we can run a national exercise whereby we can simulate an outbreak across the country and make sure that our state counterparts are able to work with us to lock it down as quick as we can, we can trace it and we can protect as many producers as we possibly can
SADDLING up at Rockhampton’s Heritage Hotel – nearly 700km from his home pastures – Ollie the loveable Brahman, his mate Collie, and his master John Hawkes will form a friendly welcoming party at BEEF 21.
The close-knit country trio hail from outback Longreach and are sure put plenty of smiles on faces as they parade through the Rocky CBD from 1pm on Sunday, May 2.
John Hawkes is a renowned country musician who’s raised 6-year-old Ollie since he was orphaned at only two days old.
The pair, along with Collie the border collie, have become a favourite attraction at country events – and are used to looking at little bit out of place at times.
The parade will begin on the riverbank outside the Heritage Hotel at 1pm and move along Quay Street, turn up towards the Oxford, then along East Street towards the Giddy Goat.
Their appearance is just event of many on Sunday when the triennial BEEF 21 cattle expo finally gets underway. A full program over events is available here on the Beef Australia website.
Beef Australia chairman Bryce Camm (pictured) said final preparations for the iconic event are now complete.
“This will be the largest event to be held this year in regional Queensland, and we’re very excited that it’s being led by the beef industry, right here in our great beef capital of Rockhampton,” Mr Camm said.
“There are cattle coming from right around the country, right from the depths of South Australia and up into the Northern Territory.
“It is the greatest cattle competion to be hosted in this country and many stud breeders and are very keen to take away the coveted interbreed championship on Thursday afternoon (May 6).
“The event embraces the entire supply chain of the Australian beef industry, which is an industry that is renowned around the world for its quality and consistency of product.
“Beef 21 will be a big event for industry trade and commerce during the week, but also very significant to the Rockhampton and Capricorn region.
“Over the five days of the event we expect that we’ll inject over $100 million into the local economy and that’s a huge shot in the arm for Rocky and our local community.
“It’s a great show of support to our host city for allowing us to come to town and host this great show.”
Bulldogs winger Carney Rennick dives over a corner try against the Western Ringers.
By HARRY CLARKE
THE new generation of Bulldogs A-graders have overcome an early charge from the Western Ringers to reveal themselves as a young team well stocked with match-winning players and willing to lift when the chips are down.
There was an exciting atmosphere at Bulldog Park on Saturday night as players celebrated what ultimately became a convincing win over the Ringers in the third round of 2021.
Laura Gothmann performs The Last Post as players and spectators commemorate Anzac Day at Bulldog Park
A-grade Chinchilla Bulldogs and Western Ringers players observe a minute silence to commemorate Anzac Day
Earlier that afternoon, game announcer Luke O’Dea summed up a grim situation by saying the hosts were “caught napping” when they let in two converted tries within 10 minutes of kickoff.
Coming off a home ground loss to the Michell Magpies the previous weekend, a 12-0 deficit so early in the game was a sign the Bulldogs might not be turning things around in a hurry.
But in front of hundreds of supporters out to relish perfect football weather, the young team bounced back.
Fullback Brandon Paerau soon dived on a clever grubber from five-eighth Declan Bell to put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard, setting off a try-for-try tussle with the Ringers that went well into the second half.
Fullback Brandon Paerau scores for the Bulldogs.
Imposing Ringers prop James Brennan broke through three tacklers and scored under the posts moments before the half time break.
The try might have damaged the Dogs’ morale, but instead it didn’t appear to faze them.
Defence noticeably improved in the second 40 minutes. Props Dan Nothdurft and Harry Smith, captain/hooker Hayden Bender and lock Matt Eising all racked up a big tackle counts.
Nothdurft also displayed some powerful ball running, replicating his opposite number when he burst through the Ringers’ defence for a four pointer under the posts in the second half.
Bulldogs prop Dan Nothdurft. IMAGE: LINDA STEINOHRT
New to the Roma rugby league competition this year, the Western Ringers team comprises players for the outback towns of Charleville, Quilpie, Cunnamulla and Thargomindah, meaning some players made a 14 hour round bus trip to play in Chinchilla.
And the team’s reserve bench would have been empty were it not for three Chinchilla River Rats rugby union players, Dan Seator, Damian O’Brien and Nick Gordon putting on a blue jumper.
The Bulldogs soon started to capitalise on the Ringers’ fatigue. Bell and halfback Lachie Smith directed some creative football, mounting the pressure on with chips, grubbers and bombs close to the tryline.
The hosts were soon finding plenty of ways through the Ringers’ defensive. Smith darted through for a try of his own to the cheers of supporters in the ‘Dog House’ can bar.
Bulldogs halfback Lachie Smith scoots through for a try
The Bulldogs continued stretching out their lead. The scoreboard read 36-24 come full time.
“We’ve still got a fair bit to work on. They’re a young fella team but there were some good performances today,” said coach Tim Keating, who also praised the efforts by halves Bell and Smith in particular.
Battlers halfback Matt Howse. IMAGE: LINDA STEINORHT
CONTINUING to mount the case that they’ll remain the team to beat this season, the Wandoan Taroom Battlers blitzed the Bulldogs in Reserve-grade.
Dominating across the park in fitness, discipline and consistency, it was hard to pick holes in the Battlers’ performance.
The return of veteran Bulldogs halfback Nick Mutch gave spark to the Bulldogs’ attack, but Mutch was opposed by an equally incisive Bulldogs pivot in Matt Howse (pictured above).
The Battlers went for the legs all afternoon. Any time Chinchilla broke through the defence it seems either fullback Ashley Harth or centre Kyle MacLachlan were there stop them in their tracks.
Down the middle, too, Chinchilla’s big forward pack featuring the likes of Matt Townsend, Ian Exnell and Geln Wicks were continually shut town by tough Battlers tackling, led by dummy-half Blake Ronfeld.
Battlers dummy half Blake Ronfled tackles Chinchilla’s Nick Mutch
And as the Bulldogs began to tire, the Battlers’ backs seemed to be diving over the try line more and more.
Captain Jayden Baker put the Battlers’ big 32-6 win down to fitness.
“This is the fittest we’ve ever been as a club, so that’s our biggest advantage,” he said.
“We’ve got plenty of young fellas turning up to play. We’ve got plenty of mistake in us, but a lot of strong points as well.
“We don’t really have many big fellas this year, but that’s kind of one of our better attributes – we’re a lot more agile.”
Running since 2008, the 2021 Barastock Interstate Polocrosse Series held at Warwick’s iconic Morgan Park delivered all the thrills, spills and equine action players and spectators have come to expect from the top class event.
See the video wrap below, and a gallery of happy snaps from Day 2.
CREATING your own BEEF 2021 itinerary from the scores of events, attractions, seminars and social functions happening throughout the expo is now a seamless process thanks to a purpose built event mobile app.
Downloadable for free on IOS and Android phones, the Beef Australia 2021 app is the perfect platform to keep across all facets of the triennial event, to be held in Rockhampton from May 2-8.
There are profiles on every one of the dozens of speakers, a list of all food vendors set up around the Rockhampton showground, a detailed program of events, and much more.
The Rockhampton Showground in full flight during BEEF 2018
Taking the program to the tech space is symbolic of a heightened focus on the booming AgTech industry at BEEF 2021.
The evokeAG Pitch in the Paddock introduced in 2018 will be returning, highlighting amazing innovation in the beef industry as entrepreneurs pitch their cutting edge new products to expert judges in the hope of winning a $10,000 prize.
Also this year will be the launch of the Ken Coombe Tech Yards – a designated precinct set up at Rockhampton State High School throughout BEEF 2021 to showcase the latest in cattle industry AgTech.
Beef Australia board director Jess Webb (pictured) said the pavilion will be a world first display of emerging Australian and international technologies.
“We noticed in 2018 that there was a whole range of new companies that hadn’t come on as exhibitors. It was a real indication of this burgeoning AgTech sector,” she said.
“Fast forward three years and there’s obviously been even more growth in this sector in Australia and internationally, so it was just a natural evolution for Beef Australia to try and encompass those developments and showcase the best tech to such a key stakeholder base.
“Anyone in the tech space looking to innovate and help improve the beef industry have been able to put their hand up to get along to our tech yards precinct.
“There are plenty of varied companies attending. We’ve got some of the most incredible free talks taking place throughout the week from some big names in AgTech.
“The whole precinct will be quite playful and challenging – think Google HQ meets the paddock, meets Beef Australia”.
The Ken Coombe Tech Yards honours the late Ken Coombe OAM, a beef industry identity and the Chair of the first Beef Australia event held in 1988.
The exhibit will feature booth spaces dedicated to market-ready tech and innovations, a demonstration area, and displays of “blue-sky” technologies that the beef industry can look forward.
Ken is recognised as a pioneer of on-farm computer technology, engaging with the CSIRO, DPI and others. He was an enthusiastic supporter of beef research, focusing on fertility, genetic selection, nutrition, and pasture improvement.
A WEEK on from their 99-0 shellacking of USQ, the Goondiwindi Emus A-graders have again left their home town scoreboard looking more like one resulting from a cricket one-dayer than a rugby union clash.
In a season favourite rivalry for the two farming towns, Goondiwindi hosted the Condamine Cods in round two of Down Rugby’s Risdon Cup competition.
Emus captain Sam Tweedy commented after the game that the hosts were expecting an aggressive contest with the Cods, who were coming off a near upset of 2020 grand finalists the Toowoomba Rangers last weekend.
It was an aggressive contest indeed, played “in really good spirit” as Cods coach Nathan Bradley said.
But in front of dozens of extra supporters at Riddles Oval (as the Emus celebrated their annual Old Boys Day) the hosts were too strong for the Cods’ gallant effort.
It was only 10-0 to Goondiwindi at half time. In a sign the Emus realised the Cods weren’t backing down easily, they opted to strike for conversion points off two penalties.
Both penalty goal attempts (and a third from the Cods) were unsuccessful, and the half time scoreboard didn’t reflect what had thus far been a neck-and-neck contest.
In wet and soggy conditions the Cods were initially the team more willing to spread the ball. The boot of fly half Jack Hannah delivered good field position for Condamine, while centres combo Ben Geldard and Tom Sutton kept hunting for holes out wide.
Flanker Ben Carmichael was gusty all game in defence against the Emus’ huge forward pack, while props Justin Travers and (captain) Sam Warby also put in plenty of work.
But what might have remained a close game ultimately blew out in the second half. Emus forwards Joel Gilbert, Hugh Oliver and Sam Tweedy were relentless in attack. Number 7 Yoni Meron wouldn’t stop tackling.
The Cods had little choice but come in to defend and the Emus soon found plenty of scoring opportunities in the backline. Outside centre Lachlan Wade bagged a double.
The final score as 48-0.
“We always expect a physical game from Condy and that’s what we got,” Tweedy said.
“We’ve still got plenty to work on and we’re looking to improve but it’s definitely been a good start to the season.
“It was pretty quiet around Gundi last year with no winter sport on (because of Covid), but it’s good to be back, and the supporters seem to be loving it too.”
Cods coach Nathan Bradley said his team wouldn’t be perturbed by the heavy loss.
“Our aim today was to come to compete,” he said.
“When you play against a good side like Goondwindi, after 40 minutes they put you to the sword if you’re not quite there.
“We’re going to away, we’re going to work on it and we’re going to be competitive this year.”
B-grade was a closer game. Goondiwindi overcame the Cods 12-12, while in C-graders beat the Chinchilla River Rats 37-0.
Goondoowindi A-graders celebrate with the traditional axe trophy awarded to the winner of the annual Emus-Cods clash. The trophy is gifted by BurCutter Hayes from Hayes Spraying, which sponsors both clubs.
THE Toowoomba to Warwick water pipeline project is a step closer after the Palaszczuk government’s announcement today of a $20 million package for longterm water security in the Southern Downs.
The package includes $8 million for preparatory works for the pipeline, $4.6 million in upgrades to groundwater infrastructure connecting the town of Allora and $4.5 million to increase Leslie Dam’s usable water storage capacity by 1,700 megalitres.
“In late 2019, in response to low supplies in the region’s dams, my government committed to plan for a new pipeline from Toowoomba to Warwick,” the Premier said.
“This commitment was in addition to $15 million in emergency assistance provided to cart water into Stanthorpe.
“It’s great news that water carting is no longer needed with Storm King Dam now at 100 per cent capacity, but our commitment to provide water security to the wider Southern Downs region still stands.”
Following the Palaszczuk government’s re-election in 2020 it was revealed during budget estimates that plans for the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline had stalled at the feasibility study stage.
As well as foundational work for the pipeline, today’s announced “Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package” also includes $1.4 million to help the council move a range of industries from using urban water supplies to groundwater, and $700 000 to further investigate local groundwater supplies for Warwick, Allora and Stanthorpe.
“This will provide ongoing emergency relief to this community, as well as form the basis for long-term water security,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The package provides immediate funding to unlock new water sources, upgrade critical infrastructure and lay the groundwork for the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline and also create jobs.”
The Caller last week reported on irrigators in the upper Condamine River catchment pumping water for the first time since 2017, after years of drought culminated with falls of more than 100mm across the Southern Downs.
The Premier made the announcement at Warwick today alongside water minister Glen Butcher (pictured below), who said the “immediate” measures announced today could provide the Southern Downs with an additional 13 months of water.
He said the government was “absolutely committed” to building the pipeline, which would create more than 700 jobs during construction.
“Back in December 2019, Stanthorpe’s Storm King Dam was close to running dry and Leslie Dam was expected to run dry. Nearby, Connolly Dam was being depleted quickly with water being carted from the dam to supply Stanthorpe,” Mr Butcher said.
“Since then, we’ve been working closely with Southern Downs and Toowoomba Regional Councils to get those regions the relief they need.
“We’ve heard first-hand from people that the certainty provided by the carting kept people in jobs and in the region, so this work which includes laying the pipelines foundations, will provide even more certainty to the region.”
A new podcast series has launched showcasing the Southern Downs and Granite Belt as what producers say is the ultimate Queensland adventure destination.
The Queensland Adventures is touted as a “go-to-guide for road trippers, travellers and anyone planning to explore the great Australian state of Queensland”.
Listeners can expect to hear about secret locations, scenic gems, amazing flavours and incredible activities in places they may have never heard of: all insights from the locals who love it.
The podcast was produced Grizzly Bear Media’s editor Marc Wright and artist Luke Seib. It was written, produced and presented by journalist Sally Eeles.
Four episodes specifically focus on the attractions and businesses of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt: Food Glorious Food, Active Adventures, Sights and Scenery and Culture and Heritage.
Each podcast goes for roughly 25 minutes and can be downloaded from Spotify, Apple podcasts, Acast and all other podcast streaming platforms.
“What better way to learn about the Southern Downs and Granite Belt than from the friendly and knowledgeable people who live there,” Sally Eeles (pictured) said.
“Our team discovered so much about the sights, activities and flavours in this incredible part of Queensland, we’ll be coming back again and again.”
Among the region’s locals who feature in the podcast are Girraween National Park ranger Jolen McLennan (pictured above), Queensland College of Wine Tourism executive chef Andrew Simpson and Gleneden Family Farmer owner Rohan Morris.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi said the podcast series was a “fantastic” initiative.
“The locals who have been interviewed in each podcast, present as passionate ambassadors for the region, whether they be in the food, entertainment, sport or tourism industry,” Cr Pennisi said.
“We are so delighted to have welcomed Sally and her crew into our region and share some of our local hero’s stories through her podcast.
“We have a region filled with hidden treasures – from farm stays, to truffle growers, to some of the best restaurants in Queensland and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
These podcasts is aimed to help people from outside the region discover a variety things to do and see when they visit.
“Southern Downs is a great place to live, work, play and stay,” Cr Pennisi said.
RESIDENTS of Tara are unhappy that a swimming pool built by community volunteers and funded by residents in the 1960s will be halved in length when it’s ‘upgraded’ by the local council.
A $6 million dollar redevelopment being carried out by the Western Downs Regional Council will involve the demolition of the historic 50-metre pool and its replacement with a new 25-metre facility.
The council insists the works are absolutely necessary. A response to angry residents last month said engineering assessments found the current facility was a significant safety risk due to the “deflection and subsequent concrete spalling of the concourse”.
The pool has now been closed. WDRC said in a statement the redevelopment project is now in the “design” stage and is estimated to be completed in time for the 2022-23 swimming season.
The community-funded Tara Memorial Swimming Pool during its construction by volunteers in the 1960s.
“Council is moving forward with a $6 million project to replace the Tara Pool which is in an extremely poor condition and cannot be used beyond the current pool season,” a WDRC statement said.
“The project will involve replacing the pool with a new 25-metre pool with eight lanes and an additional disability lane and ramp, heating, solar blankets, sunshade sails, state of the art filtration system as well as delivering a new kiosk and amenities.
“This decision was based on several factors including the shortest lead time for construction, overall cost of the project and overall ongoing costs to maintain the pool, as well as advice from industry experts.”
The redevelopment has been welcomed by many in the community but there remains are large contingent unhappy that the longstanding 50m pool will be halved in length.
IMAGE: Save Tara Memorial 50m Swimming Pool – Facebook group
Among the residents dissatisfied with the council’s engineering solution is Gayle Porter (pictured above), who said her written complaints to the council, Warrego MP Ann Leahy and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk fell on deaf ears.
“This isn’t an upgrade, it’s a downgrade,” Ms Porter said.
“People are outraged and ostracised by the decision. The Tara Memorial Pool was built by volunteers in the 1960s for the community.
“A 25-metre pool will not be suitable for carnivals, triathlons and training. We are against the downsizing of our pool. It is our pride and joy to have such a beautiful amenity in our town.”
Respected local businessman and former Tara swimming club president David Gunther has also been vocal in opposing about the redevelopment, highlighting several other towns in the region which enjoy full length 50-metre swimming pools.
Local kids enjoy their last swims in the Tara Memorial Swimming Pool
