SearchArchives for December 2009
17 December, 2009Guides tune into
whistleblowing
Three new guides on whistleblowing in the Public Service have been developed by the Ombudsman, Crime and Misconduct Commission and the Public Service Commission.The three guides inform potential whistleblowers on what actions to take when considering making a public interest disclosure (PID).
The first guide, Making a public interest disclosure: A guide for individuals working in the Public Sector includes advice on what employees should consider before reporting misconduct or wrongdoing in the Public Service.
Handling a public interest disclosure: A guide for Public Sector managers and supervisors provides support for managers and supervisors who handle PIDs.
Managing a public interest disclosure program: A guide for Public Sector organisations aims to help organisations develop a workplace that encourages a culture of disclosure without fear of reprisal and that provides employees with support and feedback.
The guides also encourage Agencies to investigate cases thoroughly and in a timely manner.
The three guides draw on findings from the three-year Whistling While They Work national research project led by Griffith University.
An outline of all three guides, Blowing the whistle in Queensland, is available from www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au and includes important definitions and clarifications of PIDs, whistleblowers and incorrect reports.
17 December, 2009
Directives take sting
out of conflicts
Two new Directives outlining the responsibilities of Chief Executives and other public employees when declaring potential conflicts of interest have been released by the Public Service Commission.Directive No. 21/09 supersedes Directive 8 of 1996 and deals with the obligations of Public Service employees other than Chief Executives.
Directive No. 20/09 supersedes Directive 1 of 2007 and addresses the requirements imposed on Chief Executives.
Public employees are required to disclose all significant financial and other interests to the Chief Executive when directed, and must declare all interests that could have an effect on their ability to “properly and impartially” do their job, including those of any partners or dependents.
The Directive says it is the responsibility of employees to inform the Chief Executive if any significant changes to their interests or responsibilities as a Public Servant occur.
The Directive dealing with the obligations of Chief Executives says they are solely responsible for recognising and disclosing any interests that could have a bearing on their ability to perform their duties.
“The public interest must prevail over the personal interest of the Chief Executive,” the Directive says.
It says Chief Executives must declare their interests to their portfolio Minister, the Queensland Integrity Commissioner and the Chief Executive of the Public Service Commission within one month of being appointed to a Department.
They must review their declaration of interests at the end of each financial year, regardless of whether any changes have occurred.
It is also the responsibility of a Chief Executive to acquire and familiarise themselves with any newly released information concerning conflicts of interest.
Under the Directives, pecuniary and other interests include:
- Shareholdings in public and private companies;
- Family and business trusts and nominee companies;
- Bonds, debentures and like investments;
- Savings and investment accounts;
- Partnerships;
- Real estate;
- Directorships in or employment by a public or private company;
- Other assets;
- Other substantial sources of income;
- Other interests;
- Liabilities; and
- Membership of any organisation.
17 December, 2009
Commission to have
wisdom of Solomon
Dr David Solomon has been appointed Australia’s first full-time Government Integrity Commissioner.Premier, Anna Bligh said the role of Commissioner would be expanded under new laws which are expected to come into effect on 1 January 2010.
“The Integrity Commissioner will have a range of new responsibilities which include overseeing the new Lobbyists Register and giving MPs from any political party advice about avoiding potential conflicts of interest,” Ms Bligh said.
“Everyone in public office is expected and required to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
From next year, Dr Solomon will be responsible for reporting on Public Service Chief Executives’ compliance with their obligation to provide annual statements of interest to their portfolio Minister.
He will also be responsible for raising awareness of ethics and integrity issues.
Ms Bligh said the new legislation included a number of key reforms that had recently passed through State Parliament.
She said the reforms included an Australian first as they would ban success fees.
The new laws would also require lobbyists to register; see the Register of Lobbyists provisions apply to Local Governments; and the jurisdiction of the Crime and Misconduct Commission extended to cover Government-owned corporations.
“This is about providing Queenslanders with the most open and accountable system of Government possible,” Ms Bligh said.
17 December, 2009
Experienced managers
to handle green plans
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has appointed ‘Sustainable Case Managers’ in its regional offices to fast-track well planned and environmentally friendly developments.Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the new positions would help ensure green development proposals were recognised and rewarded.
Mr Hinchliffe said developers with large-scale sustainable proposals in the planning assessment system would be able to use a ‘green door’ to speed up the approval process.
“By working closely with Local Councils, the Department’s Sustainable Case Managers will be able to identify applications with the potential to make a real difference to the environment,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“While the criteria is still being finalised, what we’re looking at is well-planned major new communities, rather than individual houses.”
He said developers would have to play their part by progressing applications in a timely manner.
The new Sustainable Planning Act, coming into force on 18 December will allow the Minister to direct Councils to fast-track decisions on suitable proposals.
A Green Door Advisory Committee consisting of Local Government, industry and sustainability experts is expected to be established in the first half of 2010 to provide further advice on sustainable features and applicants’ suitability.
Mr Hinchliffe said fast-tracking sustainable development applications would deliver a green dividend for the community, get projects to market faster and improve job opportunities.
“A number of Queensland Councils, such as Brisbane City Council, already support sustainable applications and have advanced capabilities in assessing these projects,” he said.
“As almost one quarter of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to energy use by residential and commercial buildings, it’s imperative we encourage these sustainable features.”
17 December, 2009
Crime pays millions
for Commission
The Crime and Misconduct Commission has clocked up its 100 millionth dollar seized from criminals and their networks in the past six years.Attorney-General, Cameron Dick congratulated the Commission on reaching the milestone, saying the power to seize assets gained through criminal activity was a powerful weapon against crime.
“The incentive to become involved in crime is diminished when people see their profits disappearing,” Mr Dick said.
“Seizing the proceeds of crime not only strips criminals of their ill-gotten gains, it also takes away the power that wealth gives them and hinders their capacity to re-offend.”
He said property seized was liable to be forfeited unless a person proved it was lawfully acquired.
“The CMC is determined to leave no stone unturned in the search for black money,” Mr Dick said.
He said since the start of the Civil Confiscation Scheme in 2003, the CMC had been responsible for restraining property if it belonged to, or was under the control of, someone suspected of engaging in serious criminal activity.
“The seizure of $100 million since the scheme’s introduction shows the CMC is serious about eradicating crime,” Mr Dick said.
“Last financial year, the CMC seized more than $24 million, more than double the annual target.”
He said the Commission also obtained 78 restraining orders over property, finalised the forfeiture of more than $3 million worth of property and obtained orders for the recovery of a further $1.7 million.”
17 December, 2009
Christmas campaign
for safety season
A coordinated campaign by the State’s police, fire and ambulance Commissioners calling on motorists to take care on the roads over Christmas has been launched by the Minister for Police, Neil Roberts.Mr Roberts said the road safety campaign would continue until the end of January and would deal with a large increase in the number of vehicles on the roads during the festive season.
“Police will be out in force with their traditional road safety blitz, backed-up by ambulance and fire personnel, who will respond to emergencies but who, in reality, would rather have no incidents to attend.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said an increase in drink driving, speeding and fatigue traditionally occurred during the Christmas season as people drove long distances to reach holiday destinations and to visit family and friends.
Commissioner Atkinson also unveiled four new highly visible cars, dubbed the ‘fatal four cars’ to be used alongside the current four cars in Christmas and New Year enforcement operations.
Mr Roberts said the eight high-visibility vehicles, along with Q-Cars, random drug testing, random breath testing, speed cameras, static and mobile speed detection and an increased number of marked and unmarked vehicles would monitor Queensland’s roads throughout the State.
Acting Commissioner for the Queensland Ambulance Service, Russell Bowles said paramedics had transported 2,114 patients to hospital from crashes over the 2008-09 Christmas/New Year period.
Assistant Commissioner for the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Steve Rothwell said fire fighters had to free 277 people from car wrecks over summer holiday period last year.
17 December, 2009
Streamlined success
lies in good form
New application forms for planning and development proposals have been introduced as part of the new Sustainable Planning Act which comes into effect this Friday, 18 December.Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the new Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) application forms would streamline planning and development assessment.
“Making these forms public will give applicants and Councils a head start with the new forms and will ensure a smooth transition when the Act comes into effect,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“These new forms are easier to read and easier to use, and will improve the quality of the information that applicants must provide to their assessment manager.”
He said consultations undertaken in the lead-up to the new Act had revealed people believed the existing forms were too complex and confusing.
“With this in mind, the Department has developed user-friendly forms that are more specific about the type of development that is actually being applied for, and which clearly spell out the forms that need to be filled out and the supporting information that must be provided,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
He said the previous IDAS checklist covered every possible application, making it cumbersome for many simple applications.
“There should now be much less information required for simple applications,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
He said while the form had been simplified, it put more responsibility on the applicant to provide complete and correct information.
New statutory guidelines are also being released to provide clear and consistent direction to assessment managers and applicants to achieve planning outcomes.
17 December, 2009
Auditor books up
milestone year
Next year promises to be one of milestones and change for the Queensland Audit Office.2010 will mark 150 years since the first Auditor-General of Queensland took office, only one year after Queensland was declared an independent colony.
The event provides a reminder of the long history of the Queensland Audit Office and the contribution it, and the people who have worked for it over a century and a half, have made over many years.
The Queensland Audit Office is now one of the largest of its kind in Australia, and uses its extensive experience to help ensure its vision of providing excellence in enhancing Public Sector accountability now and into the future is met.
As the external auditor for the Queensland Government, the Auditor-General, supported by the Queensland Audit Office, undertakes an independent statutory role and is instrumental in helping the Public Sector maintain high standards of governance while running smoothly and efficiently.
The Audit Office will move into a new head office location at 53 Albert Street, Brisbane on 11 January 2010.
The relocation offers a number of benefits - as well as being a more modern, and environmentally friendly building with improved staff facilities, the move allows the Audit Office to consolidate its head office operations.
17 December, 2009
Big city planning
is capital idea
Australia’s capital cities, including Brisbane, are to develop 30-year strategic plans by 2012 that detail how they will respond to climate change, population growth and improved productivity.The move has been imposed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to ensure the nation’s most populous communities meet national criteria for transport, housing, urban development and sustainability.
Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd said capital city strategic plans were needed to boost economic productivity, respond to climate change and ensure Australia was prepared for a population of 35 million people by 2049.
“The national criteria will deliver better integrated and longer term - 30 year - infrastructure and land use plans,” Mr Rudd said.
“The criteria require planned, evidence based land release to improve housing affordability, better transport planning to tackle urban congestion, and new urban development to be better linked to transport, jobs and services.”
He said work would commence next year, with an initial report on each jurisdiction’s plan to be completed during 2011.
Mr Rudd said that from 1 January 2012, the Federal Government would link future infrastructure funding to States and Territories meeting these criteria.
“The Commonwealth must have confidence in the integrity of a capital city’s strategic planning system if it is to invest in that city,” he said.
Mr Rudd said the Commonwealth would also contribute to reforms by its property assets, service delivery and approval processes.
He said the reform would secure better outcomes from investments of all Governments in Australian cities and strengthen public confidence in the planning system.
17 December, 2009
Legal Aid makes case
for celebration
Legal Aid Queensland celebrates its 30th year this month, with 22 staff who served in the Agency for more than 10 and 20 years being acknowledged by Attorney-General, Cameron Dick.“In 2008-09, 238,677 people were given immediate assistance through Legal Aid’s call centre; 51,818 people received free legal advice from a solicitor; and 38,004 applications for legal aid were approved,” Mr Dick said.
“A further 66,740 people were represented in our Magistrates and Children’s Courts by Legal Aid-funded duty lawyers.
“These results cannot be achieved without the dedication and expertise of staff.”
Mr Dick said the Legal Aid Queensland staff honoured for 20 years of service were David Bratchford, Linda Debenham, Sonia Marcius, Lynne O’Rourke and Carmen Pappin from Brisbane and Helen Wells (Bundaberg) and Bob Harms (Townsville).
Staff honoured for 10 years of service were Margaret Burton, Ingrid De Mamiel, Elizabeth Francis, Joanne Heywood, Mary-Ann Huth, Christopher Inman, Patricia James, Loretta Kret, Yvette Nencov, Jeff Patterson, Christine Pemberton, Selena Rose and Jane Steinberg from Brisbane and Karen Anwyl (Rockhampton) and Beth Hull (Southport).
Mr Dick said Legal Aid Queensland had opened its doors to the public in the old McArthur Chambers building in Queen Street on 3 December 1979.
“The organisation started with 18 full-time lawyers, three part-time lawyers, 48 clerical staff and a budget of $6 million,” he said.
In 30 years, Legal Aid Queensland has grown to a staff of 480, including those working full-time and part-time, and the budget for this financial year is $114.6 million.”
Mr Dick said Legal Aid Queensland had helped millions of people with their legal problems and had provided free legal information, advice and representation to those who could not afford their own legal representation.
“Many of today’s well-known legal personalities, including numerous magistrates and judges, got their start in the law and built careers at Legal Aid Queensland,” he said.
“Today, the organisation remains an employer of choice for young law graduates because of the quality of training and depth of experience it can provide.”
17 December, 2009
Road safety campaign
to be streets ahead
A two-year road-safety campaign targeting speeding and drink driving on Queensland’s roads has been launched by the Premier, Anna Bligh.Claiming the program is the most stringent and coordinated road safety campaign in Queensland’s history, Ms Bligh said the Road Safety Action Plan 2010-2011 would include new types of speed cameras and an unprecedented crackdown on drink driving.
Ms Bligh said the campaign would include alcohol ignition interlock devices for drink drivers that would require drivers to exhale into a device that would check their blood alcohol level before allowing their car to start.
If the driver has been drinking, the car will not start.
Ms Bligh said participation in the scheme would be mandatory for offenders convicted of driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.150 or more; if they failed to provide a specimen of breath or blood; had two or more drink driving offences over a five year period; and for people convicted of operating a motor vehicle dangerously while under the influence of alcohol.
“International research shows that re-offences are reduced by 73 per cent when these alcohol interlockers are used – the bottom line is that means this scheme will save lives,” she said.
The campaign also includes the introduction of point-to-point camera systems for the first time; special digital cameras to capture speed and red light non-compliance; and up to 30 per cent of mobile speed camera enforcement to use covert speed camera vehicles.
Point-to-point camera systems measure a vehicle’s average speed over a controlled length of road while existing red light cameras will gradually be replaced with digital cameras that have the ability to detect speed and whether the motorist has broken the red light.
17 December, 2009
Electricity power
moves to consumers
New laws that require electricity suppliers to automatically reimburse customers for supply failures in certain cases are to take effect from 1 July next year.Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said amendments being introduced to the Electricity Industry Code would also increase the amount paid for Guaranteed Service Levels by 30 per cent on current levels, to reflect Consumer Price Index changes over past years.
“The Electricity Industry Code sets Guaranteed Service Levels which electricity distributors must provide to consumers,” Mr Robertson said.
“This means that when the power goes out and it is not backed up and running within a set time, consumers will now receive around $110 back - up from $80.”
He said customers were entitled to timely and efficient electricity services.
Mr Robertson said automatic payments to customers would apply if electricity suppliers failed to connect electricity on a mutually agreed date; failed to provide at least two business days notice ahead of planned outages (except in the case of emergencies); and did not attend a customer appointment within the agreed time period.
He said amendments to the Code would standardise the claims process so all types of payments would be automatically made.
“This automated payment system makes it quicker and easier for customers to receive payments to which they are entitled,” Mr Robertson said.
“In the event a customer does not receive a payment which they believe they are entitled to receive, they will now have three months to make a claim.”
17 December, 2009
Rail extension
steams ahead
The Gold Coast rail extension from Robina to Varsity Lakes has come on line six months ahead of schedule.Costing $324 million, it is the first rail extension on the Gold Coast since the 8.7 kilometre Nerang-to-Robina section was completed in 1998.
The project took more than two-and-a-half years to construct and 1.5 million working hours.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the project involved building 4.1 kilometres of new track from Robina to a new station at Varsity Lakes, including a 300-metre tunnel, three new road-over-rail bridges and 3.2 kilometres of new roads in and around Varsity Lakes station.
Ms Bligh said the project created approximately 2,300 jobs during design and construction.
She said the $25 million Varsity Lakes station featured some of the most modern train station designs in Australia.
“This building has an open, modern design and many environmentally sustainable elements. It is partially powered by solar energy and features natural lighting and ventilation,” Ms Bligh said.
“It has lift and stair access on to a high-level platform, which provides easy access for entering and exiting trains.”
Other features include a 300-bay commuter car park, a bus interchange with a covered walkway to the station, bike lockers, drop-off zone, taxi rank, security coverage and rainwater tanks.
Ms Bligh said the new timetable would deliver an extra 868 passenger seats each weekday.
The Varsity Lakes station site will be the centrepiece of a future Varsity Station Village.
17 December, 2009
Public in frame
over public art
A State wide popularity poll to choose an important piece of public art for a new park at Kangaroo Point has been announced by the Premier, Anna Bligh.The poll will be the first of its kind for Queensland and will allow the public to have the final say on the art that is chosen as the centrepiece of the new park.
Ms Bligh said the centrepiece would be the high point in the park and just one of five public artworks to be installed at the new public space.
“This project represents the most significant public art initiative for a park redevelopment since the Roma Street Parkland development in 2001,” Ms Bligh said.
Four artists were shortlisted to create a concept design for the major art work: Wendy Mills (Queensland), Alex Pentek (Ireland) and Wolfgang Buttress and Tony Stallard, both from the United Kingdom.
The Government’s ‘art+place’ curatorial panel of experts selected Mr Pentek and Mr Buttress’ designs from the shortlist for the final art poll.
Four other works have already been selected for the park, three of which are by Queensland artist Nicole Voevodin-Cash, and one by Daniel Boyd.
Ms Bligh said the results of the poll would produce a truly ‘public’ piece of art.
“People will have a month to make their choice either online at www.artpoll.com.au or by telephone with the poll open until 11 January,” she said.
The park at Kangaroo Point will officially open in January 2010.
17 December, 2009
Warning to be cool
on air conditioners
The Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor has warned consumers to take care if they’re in the market for air-conditioners this summer by ensuring the unit they choose is the right one for their needs.Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading had received 134 complaints that related to air conditioning units and installation throughout 2009.
“The majority of complaints related to faults with the air-conditioner and consumers wanting repair, replacement or a full refund, but if you choose a unit that is not suitable for your home you may not be entitled to a refund,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Consumers should remember that they are only legally entitled to a refund if the product is faulty, doesn’t do what it is supposed to do, or is different from the sample shown.”
He said when deciding on the right cooling option, it was important to consider the size of the room to be cooled; whether there was insulation; the layout or position of the home; how many rooms needed to be cooled and the amount of noise created by the unit.
“Getting the air-conditioner installed properly by a licensed electrical contractor is also very important,” Mr Lawlor said.
“If you install the system yourself or use an unlicensed contractor you may no longer be protected by the warranty.
“Make sure you read the fine print of your warranty agreement which should outline the supplier’s obligations so you know who to call should something go wrong.”
Mr Lawlor suggested consumers verify the contractor’s licence through the Building Service Authority before signing the agreement as an additional precaution.
17 December, 2009
Investors to bank
on new ASIC guide
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has launched a guide for retail investors.The free Guide, Investing between the flags,outlines the basic principles of investing and suggestions on developing and sticking to a sound investment plan.
Chairman of the Commission, Tony D’Aloisio said the Guide would help retail investors invest more wisely, although he added that investing was never risk free.
“When you go swimming at the beach, you will reduce the risk of drowning if you swim between the flags, similarly, when you invest, you will reduce the risk of losing your money if you adopt the investing behaviours identified in this guide which has been developed over a long period of time,” Mr D’Aloisio said.
“The wise investor takes time to understand the basic principles of investing such as diversification and the trade-off between risk and return.”
The guide includes six steps to investing safely, including understanding tolerance for risk, goals and timeframes; understanding how different investments work; and developing an investment plan such as spreading investments between different asset classes, managers and sectors.
Other tips include suggestions on deciding how to invest, implementing a plan, and monitoring investments.
The Guide also features case studies showing how people at different life stages have different investment goals and what to consider when working towards those goals.
For a free copy of the guide, visit www.fido.gov.au
17 December, 2009
Goals charter published
A Charter of Goals outlining the key priorities each Minister in the Government is expected to meet is to be released on an annual basis.
Premier, Anna Bligh said releasing the Charter annually would help drive accountability and delivery.
The current Charter was available from www.cabinet.qld.gov.au
Fair work week in January
Fair Work Week is to run from 4 to 8 January 2010 and will highlight the new Fair Work system which is set to come into force on 1 January.
The new Fair Work system comprises a safety net of 10 legislated National Employment Standards and new modern awards to implement a nation-wide workplace relations system for the private sector.
Fair Work Week aims to raise awareness and understanding of the new workplace relations system and further information is available from www.fairwork.gov.au
Caribou for Townsville
A permanent display at RAAF Base Townsville is to feature a retired Caribou aircraft in recognition of the Caribou’s 45 years of service to Australia and its long association with North Queensland.
Air Force Caribou were based at RAAF Townsville from 1976 and provided vital support to a range of military and humanitarian operations and exercises across Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.
The Caribou will be replaced in the interim by the King Air. A long-term replacement will be selected in consultation with the Department of Defence.
Unions in sale campaign
Radio advertisements supporting the ‘Queensland Not For Sale’ campaign are to be run by the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) in the Brisbane metropolitan area.
The pre-Christmas radio advertisements will run for five days and were launched by General Secretary of QCU, Ron Monaghan, and members of the Queensland Not For Sale Coordinating Committee.
ACCC stamps on stamp rise
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has objected to Australia Post’s plan to raise the price of stamps from 55 to 60 cents.
The ACCC said it was unable to agree to the price increase as the proposed costs of Australia Post did not reflect the decline in demand for letter services.
Australia Post said it was “surprised and extremely disappointed” at the ACCC’s opposition to the price increase.
Fines put off for home owners
The commencement of on-the-spot fines for home owners and real estate agents who fail to use a revised Sustainability Declaration form to market a property has been pushed back to 1 March rather than 1 January 2010.
The delay will allow Building Codes Queensland time to develop a simpler, more user-friendly form in consultation with industry.
Existing forms still need to be completed by anyone selling a house or unit from 1 January, but no penalties will apply until March.
Council training automated
The Townsviille City Council has implemented the PolicyPoint education service following a four-month pilot.
The service automates the management of staff training on compliance or corporate mandates.
The service will be used by over 400 staff.
Upgrade for Fire Centre
The Fire Control Centre at Gold Coast Airport’s Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Station is to become the first in the country to receive a digital upgrade.
The work is part of a $12 million national roll-out of the new fire control technology by Airservices Australia.
It will replace the current patchwork of stand-alone systems.
Sign for tradition
Official signs welcoming visitors to Horn (Ngurupai) Island have been unveiled and constitute the first public recognition of the Traditional Kaurareg Owners.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the new signs at the island’s airport would greet and farewell all visitors.
“Unveiling these three new signs in the language of the Kaurareg people, is an historic occasion,” Ms Bligh said.
Firefighters to NSW
Queensland firefighters are ready to assist New South Wales crews with the bushfire emergency currently facing the neighbouring State.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said two strike teams from the North Coast Region and South West regions of Queensland would bolster the tiring NSW rural firefighters.
“While conditions in Queensland also remain dangerous, the 33 firefighters have been able to be released from their home duties to lend a hand to our colleagues across the border,” Mr Roberts said.
Indigenous exhibit opens
A new Sea Country Connections exhibit at Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville will help the community explore and understand the unique relationship Indigenous Australians have with the sea.
The exhibit features interpretative material, an educational presentation, Indigenous artwork and a collection of artefacts.
This project is supported by the Reef Rescue Indigenous Land and Sea Country Partnerships Program and Reef HQ Aquarium through Commonwealth funding.
PS News on holiday
This is the final edition of PS News for 2009.
The editor, staff and contributors to PS News wish every reader and their families a healthy and relaxing Christmas break and a rewarding new year.
The first edition for 2010 will be published on 21 January.
10 December, 2009
Float plan to
bridge rail sale
Queensland Rail is to be floated on the stock market to become Australia’s largest coal transport and freight business.Premier, Anna Bligh said the renamed QR National would also become one of the top 50 public companies in Australia.
Ms Bligh said floating the network through a share offer would give the public the chance to “own their own piece of a Queensland icon.”
“Through their investment, they will get the opportunity to watch this business grow into a truly national and international company.” Ms Bligh said.
“The journey Queensland Rail starts today is also the start of a journey toward a new, stronger Queensland.”
She said the Government would retain passenger services in public ownership, but would sell the remaining businesses.
“This structure will see us establish a brand new Government-Owned Corporation exclusively for our passenger network,” Ms Bligh said.
“This GOC will be entirely focused on delivering the public transport system Queenslanders need. It will also hold the balance of the network.”
Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said existing QR coal and freight workers would be given $1,000 worth of shares in a bid to recognise their contribution to the network.
“It also gives them a tangible stake in its exciting privately-owned future,” Mr Fraser said.
He said the staff share package was not an uncommon approach in such public floats, citing the Commonwealth Bank, Qantas, Telstra and Myer as recent examples.
He said the State would initially retain a significant shareholding in the publicly-floated coal and freight businesses.
“By retaining the 25 to 40 per cent of the new company, the Government will offer the new entity short to medium term stability,” he said.
“It is, however, not our intention to remain a shareholder in the longer term.”
Mr Fraser said the move to privatise the network meant the Government could better focus on delivering infrastructure and services to the public.
“The time is right. It is not the Government’s role to own and operate coal businesses,” he said.
“It is the Government’s view that the private sector is better placed to take on the expense and risk of running these commercial businesses.”
He said the new company would list on the stock market at the end of 2010.
Ms Bligh said three other assets would be leased progressively from 2010 – the Port of Brisbane, Abbot Point and Queensland Motorways Limited.
Forestry Plantations Queensland has already been taken to the market with the sale process expected to be completed by June 2010.
10 December, 2009
Union call to sell
out sell-off plans
The Queensland Public Sector Union has called on the Government to shelve plans to sell public assets in light of the improvement in the State Budget bottom line.General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said the Government’s own figures showed a $1.9 billion improvement in its affairs, enough to raise questions over the need to dispose of the assets.
Mr Scott said further analysis of the Government’s Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review showed Queensland’s annual forecast deficit was now tracking at between $2.5 billion and $3.3 billion, an improvement on the previous forecasts of between $3.3 billion and $4.1 billion.
“The Government’s own figures show windfalls for Queensland across taxation, royalties, and GST revenue of approximately an average $540 million per year for the next three years,” Mr Scott said.
“The reality is that despite the challenging times, Queensland’s financial position has improved significantly since the Budget and is forecast to continue to improve.”
He said a careful reading of the Budget details revealed the net operating balance should actually be reported as $233 million better off than originally forecast.
“The Government wrongly wants to sell important Public Sector assets for $15 billion – that’s if the market actually wants to part with that much,” Mr Scott said.
“It is prepared to forego at least $320 million in annual revenue as a result and yet its financial position is actually improving to the tune of $1.9 billion in the next three years.”
He urged the Government to be “upfront” about the $1.9 billion improvement and stop the asset sales.
“If it won’t stop the asset sales then it will have to explain to Queenslanders now and before the next election why it insists on [selling] the public sector services that every single Queenslander depends on,” Mr Scott said.
10 December, 2009
Mid-year Budget
is balancing act
The Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review has revealed the State’s economy is back in positive territory, tipped to expand by one per cent instead of the .25 per cent slump forecast at Budget time.The 2009-10 MYFER was delivered by Treasurer, Andrew Fraser who said the predicted growth was “good news” but the level was well below the rate Queensland enjoyed during the boom years.
The MYFER reports an expected deficit of $2.351 billion in 2009-10 compared to a forecast deficit of $1.954 billion at Budget time.
This reflected a downward revision to royalty estimates due to the appreciation of the Australian-United States dollar exchange rate; a reduction in revenue due to the Commonwealth’s preferred treatment of its contribution to the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project and an increase in expenses due to the Traveston Dam decision.
Beyond 2009-10 there have been improvements in the net operating balance, with forecast deficits of between $2.5 billion and $3.3 billion, compared with deficits of between $3.3 billion and $4.1 billion forecast at Budget time.
Mr Fraser said these marginal improvements in the State’s economic forecasts underlined the magnitude of the challenges Queensland still faced
“There is no doubt that Queenslanders should be optimistic about our medium to long-term prosperity, but there is also no mistaking the fact that Queensland has been hit hard by the global financial crisis,” he said.
“This will be a long, slow recovery. The tough decisions we made as part of 2009-10 will prove critically important to the State’s economic future.”
10 December, 2009
PS in from cold as
job freeze melts
The Tasmanian Government is to overturn its freeze on Public Service jobs after admitting the policy was taking a toll on service delivery.Premier, David Bartlett introduced the moratorium on jobs in 2008, targetting up to 800 jobs across all Government Departments as a result of the global financial crisis and expected Budget deficit.
While Mr Bartlett said frontline positions would be protected from the cull, he admitted this week that the cuts were starting to impact on the delivery of services.
The Premier said the Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Justice would be among the first to benefit from the release of pressure with Agencies such as health, education and police next in line.
Mr Bartlett said he wanted Public Servants to know he appreciated the sacrifices they had made in response to the “belt-tightening” brought about by the financial crisis.
“I am looking at what we can do to relieve the most critical pressure points that those cuts are obviously creating in terms of service delivery,” he said.
He has held discussions with key Public Service unions about easing the freeze, especially as the Government had emerged from the financial threat in stronger shape than originally predicted.
General Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Tom Lynch said the implications of the about-face decision would be far-reaching.
“This is not only great news for those thousands of public sector workers who have been struggling to maintain service levels but it is also great news for every Tasmanian who relies upon those services,” Mr Lynch said.
“Putting some of the rewards from our improving economy back into services is consistent with this Government’s record and is exactly the sort of Christmas present many Tasmanians need.”
10 December, 2009
Unappealing decision
to be appealed
The Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe has announced he will appeal against the Brisbane Supreme Court verdict that overturned his decision to stop a retail development in the Mackay region.Mr Hinchliffe ‘called-in’ an application by a Townsville-based developer to turn agricultural and residential land into a homemaker centre, overturning Mackay Council’s approval of the development.
“I have instructed Crown Law to lodge an appeal against the recent Supreme Court decision to overrule the Mackay call in,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The Supreme Court decision (of 24 November) was based on procedural fairness issues and not the correctness or merits of my decision to call-in the development application.”
He said the Court’s decision was the first of its kind and he was considering possible changes to legislation to clarify the issue.
Lawyers for the Townsville developer, argued that Mr Hinchliffe’s decision breached procedural fairness because he did not consult the developer before stopping the development.
“There is no explicit requirement under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 for applicants or submitters to be advised that the Minister is considering calling in a development application,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“For this reason, I will be appealing the Supreme Court decision.”
He said call-in powers were afforded to the Planning Minister to ensure State interests were not adversely affected by development decisions.
Mr Hinchliffe said he called-in the development application to protect State interests as he had concerns over the location of the development, the operation of a State-controlled road and the supply of good quality agricultural land.
“It’s important to note Council commissioned its own study which recommended that the development was premature for the area and could have significant negative economic impacts for the Mackay Region,’’ he said.
“Council went against the recommendations of its own planning committee and approved the development.”
10 December, 2009
Furniture Guide
has fitting advice
The Department of Public Works has released a guide on the procurement of office furniture.The Guide, Sustainable Procurement Product guide: Office Furniture, provides minimum and best practice performance information for office furniture.
It encourages Agencies to integrate sustainability principles into their procurement processes, and to inform industry of the government’s expectations relating to sustainability.
“Sustainability considerations should be incorporated at every stage of the procurement process,” the Guide says.
“Opportunities and strategies exist to address environmental and social impacts during procurement planning (including demand analysis), supplier engagement and through the management of supply arrangements.”
The Guide addresses office furniture such as bookcases, circular tables, conference tables, desks, filing cabinets, hutches, meeting tables, metal products and accessories and office seating.
It does not include building products such as panels, carpets, fabrics, or office supplies.
It outlines possible strategies for dealing with the sustainability of material choices as well as sourcing, packaging and transport, hazardous materials and the life expectancy of furniture.
The Guide recommends implementing sustainable procurement criteria by looking at tendering, analysing demand to ensure the furniture is needed before it is purchased, contract management and reporting and measuring its performance.
The Guide is available from www.qgm.qld.gov.au
10 December, 2009
Curtain campaign
comes with strings
A national campaign initiated by Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading is increasing community awareness about the dangers of blind and curtain cords. The national campaign is being run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and has been supported by the Queensland OFT.
Queensland Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the threat posed by hanging cords from blinds and curtains was often not fully understood by the public, despite the cords causing the death of at least 13 children in Australia since 2000.
“In Queensland there are strict mandatory safety standards for window covering cords to minimise the risk of children becoming strangled,” Mr Lawlor said.
“However, as these standards were only introduced in 2006 there would be hundreds of thousands of potentially unsafe blinds still in people’s homes.”
He said children could become tangled in the loop created by window covering cords that hung near the floor and could strangle themselves.
“Blind cord deaths are largely preventable if a simple safety toggle is installed and as part of our campaign, the OFT is giving away 10,000 free safety toggles which enable parents and carers to prevent cords from being a safety risk,” Mr Lawlor said.
“These toggles allow a hanging, looped cord to be cut, with the two ends tying onto the two sections of the toggle.”
He said the toggle could then be clicked together to re-join the cord and would split when pressure was applied, preventing cords from choking small children.
10 December, 2009
OFT plays safe
with banned toys
A safety inspection blitz on Christmas toys by the Office of Fair Trading has led to a number of dangerous products being removed from the shelves.Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said Fair Trading officers conducted checks on more than 5,500 toys throughout almost 200 stores across Queensland to ensure the products met strict safety standards.
“From these checks, 17 toys were removed from sale after failing safety standards,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Of these, 13 were removed after testing by an accredited testing laboratory for failing mandatory safety requirements for children under three years of age, two for failing projectile toy standards, and one each for not having a mandatory warning and for being a banned toy.”
He said a number of baby rattles and soft toys had been removed as small parts could come loose and pose a choking hazard.
Mr Lawlor said fewer problem toys were detected this year than in 2008, indicating suppliers were getting the message that toy safety was of critical importance.
The toy safety results follow a number of successes during 2009 following the detection of unsafe toys by product safety inspectors.
The Office of Fair Trading successfully prosecuted three traders in 2009 for non-compliance with safety standards and four products were permanently banned from Queensland’s marketplace.
Mr Lawlor urged consumers to carefully examine toys for possible dangers before giving them to their children, particularly lower-priced toys sold through discount stores and markets.
“Photos of the unsafe products are listed on the Fair Trading website, so consumers can check whether they have bought these products,” he said.
“Anyone who has purchased the identified toys should return them for a refund.”
10 December, 2009
Population panel
no growth stunt
A high-profile team of experts has been appointed to advise the Queensland Government on the challenges posed by population growth.Making the announcement, Premier, Anna Bligh said the Government was determined to tackle the issue in order to protect Queensland’s unique lifestyle.
“South East Queensland is the fastest growing region in the country with 2,000 additional people calling Queensland home every week,” Ms Bligh said.
“We have to seize this opportunity and get it right.”
She said the Government would hold a growth summit in 2010 to help deal with the issue.
Ms Bligh said the new team had a wealth of knowledge in areas such as population trends, climate change, architecture, planning and industry and would play an important role in the summit
The seven-member group includes: 2007 Australian of the Year and a leading scientist, Tim Flannery; demographer and trend forecaster, Bernard Salt; Queensland Director of Architecture firm Cox Rayner, Michael Rayner; Queensland President, Planning Institute of Australia, Dyan Currie; Professor of Urban Policy, Griffith University, Brendan Gleeson; Chief Executive Officer Australian Industry Group, Heather Ridout; and President of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Ian Lowe.
Ms Bligh said the growth summit would be held from 30 to 31 March.
“I’m looking for strong representation at the summit from regions, including mayors and community leaders, to discuss issues including growth, liveability, sustainability, and public transport,” she said.
10 December, 2009
Health move unhealthy
is Union diagnosis
The Queensland Public Sector Union has warned against reforming the national health system without input from Australia’s health workers.General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said moves by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to reform health services at the national level could end up with a ‘dangerous’ system unless workers who understood the issues were included in consultations.
“Unfortunately, a few dozen splintered regional workshops simply don’t cut it when you’re talking about historic national health reform,” Mr Scott said, “but as always, we are ready to talk and help create a brighter health care future for all Australians.”
He said workers from Queensland Health recently met to discuss the implications of national health reform at a conference in Brisbane.
He said the conference was attended by delegates from the QPSU and the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union, which represented Doctors, Allied Health Professionals, Medical Scientists and operational and administrative staff.
“Queensland’s health professionals see evidence that Governments are a world away from realistic health reform,” he said.
“For example, our members know that right now, the national reform agenda proposes separate medical facilities for elective surgery and emergency surgery and while this may be possible in Victoria it’s just not practical for Queensland and WA.”
Mr Scott’s comments came as the Premier, Anna Bligh presented other members of COAG with five target areas to improve problems with the health system.
Ms Bligh said health reform needed to address aged care; improve communication between GPs, hospitals and community health; tackle workforce shortages; improve funding; and focus on disease prevention.
“Health and hospitals will be on the agenda as leaders work through the recommendations of the final report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission,” the Premier said.
“Reforming our health system is a massive challenge. I’m not going to back away from the challenge and I’m sure other leaders won’t either.”
She said more training places and better recruitment and retention of staff in regional areas were needed.
“The health workforce will need to rise from 7.3 per cent to 20 per cent of the total workforce just to maintain services,” Ms Bligh said.
“In Queensland, that means we need up to 1,700 new doctors by 2017 – which is not far off.”
10 December, 2009
Top-up card plan
helps bottom line
Passengers using go cards on the TransLink network have been offered an automatic top-up service to ensure their card is always in credit.Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said the top-up function meant go card users could be assured their card would always have money on it to allow them to access trains, buses and ferries on the TransLink network.
“Customers now have the choice to avoid queues at ticket machines altogether and to avoid any last-minute detours when the balance on their card gets low,” Ms Nolan said.
“The go card already offers enormous benefits when used on public transport and auto top-up will provide another important time-saving option for customers as we move towards a paperless ticket system in 2011.”
The new function would allow go card users to pre-set their desired top-up amount – between $20 and $200 – which would automatically be added to their card when the balance fell below $5.
“Setting up the auto top-up options is a simple matter of registering your go card at www.translink.com.au and clicking on the auto top-up option linked to your account,” Ms Nolan said.
“The funds transfer is immediate when your card reaches $5 and the credit transferred is available for immediate use.”
She said record numbers of passengers had been switching to the go card each day following the recent fare change announcement.
Ms Nolan said the top-up function would not affect the information security on the go card system.
10 December, 2009
Biosecurity bat man
sucked into project
The Principal Veterinary Epidemiologist with Biosecurity Queensland, Dr Hume Field has been selected by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to join an international working group researching rabies.Dr Field will join other experts from around the world in Paris next year to update the animal health code on rabies with the latest scientific knowledge and concepts.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said Dr Field was a world-renowned expert on emerging infectious diseases related to bats.
“Following the first incidence of Hendra virus in 1995, Dr Field investigated the origin of the virus and the possibility it was transmitted from native wildlife to horses,” Mr Mulherin said.
“He played a key role in identifying fruit bats as the natural hosts of Hendra virus and researched and described the natural history of Australian bat lyssavirus.”
He said part of Dr Field’s current research consisted of trying to understand how bats could host the Hendra and lyssavirus diseases while remaining immune to them.
Dr Field, who was recently awarded the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Australia Day Award, said the international working group needed to review and revise the OIE Terrestrial Code and Manual on diagnostic tests and vaccines for rabies.
“The code also needs to reflect advances in science and our knowledge about new strains of the bat disease lyssavirus,” Dr Field said.
“We will also be reviewing the recent research developments and research initiatives for rabies around the world.”
10 December, 2009
Land access strategy
to mend fences
The introduction of a Land Access Strategy appears to be moving closer with the Department of Environment and Resource Management working on new measures to improve relationships between farmers and resource companies.Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said proposed changes to current land access requirements would be pivotal to creating a fairer system.
“Cabinet has approved the preparation of legislative amendments that provide for a more consistent and transparent process that will improve landholders’ rights when their land is accessed for exploration,” Mr Robertson said.
He said the Land Access Working Group was established in 2008 to bring together the resource industry, the farming sector and Government to address the issue.
Mr Robertson said the proposed changes had been created by the Working Group.
“The proposed amendments have come about following constructive discussions with the peak mining and agricultural groups over a period of more than 12 months,” he said.
“The Working Group has developed a Land Access Policy Framework, which includes key elements such as a single land access Code of Conduct for all resource sectors, and standard agreements between parties to make negotiations more simple.”
Mr Robertson said the Working Group would also advise Government on the development of more consistent processes and improving clarity on the rights and obligations of people accessing private land.
He said a joint office of the Departments of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and Environment and Resource Management had been established in Roma to support the strategy, while a Toowoomba-based legal aid service would help with land access issues.
10 December, 2009
Rail switch to
turn on Ipswich
The headquarters for Queensland Rail’s new passenger business is to be relocated to Ipswich, where it was originally established in 1865.Premier, Anna Bligh and Minister for Transport and MP for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan said Ipswich was the perfect home for the new passenger train business due to its historical links and fast growth.
Ms Nolan said the move was part of the Government’s commitment to decentralise Government services and reduce pressure on the Brisbane CBD.
“This process will commence with Executive staff only,” Ms Nolan said.
“I can assure all QR Passenger staff that the process will be staged and be carried out in close consultation with employees.”
She announced the new location following news that Queensland Rail would be floated on the stock market in 2010.
Ms Nolan said QR’s passenger services would be separated from the coal and freight services by June 2010 and retained in 100 per cent State ownership.
She said locating the headquarters in Ipswich would return Queensland Rail to its historic roots and contribute to the on-going sustainable development of the South East Queensland (SEQ) region.
“In 1865, Queensland Rail began in Ipswich when the first railway to Grandchester was opened,” Ms Nolan said.
“For nearly 150 years the city and the railway have retained their strong ties.
“Headquartering the new passenger-focused Queensland Rail in Ipswich will cement that connection.”
She said the move would help create an increased focus on passenger services and decentralise jobs across the SEQ region.
Ipswich was QR’s original administrative centre.
10 December, 2009
Industry zoning plan
means business
A draft planning policy aimed at keeping future industrial activity away from homes has been released for public comment.Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the State Planning Policy for Air, Noise and Hazardous Materials would require an area zoned for hazardous industry be located at least 1.5 kilometres away from the nearest zone for residential development.
“The new draft planning policy will benefit Councils, industry and our neighbourhoods,” Ms Jones said.
She said the Government understood the importance of industrial areas and estates to local economies, but maintained they should be practically located in centres where they caused the least amount of disruption to Queenslanders’ wellbeing and quality of life.
“This policy sets that important separation distance so that everyone can continue to enjoy the great Queensland lifestyle we all love while protecting the viability of our industries,” Ms Jones said.
She said there were currently no set requirements for the separation of industry and residential areas when Councils were preparing their planning schemes.
“Some Councils already implement best-practice planning, but where this doesn’t happen, residents can potentially be affected by air, noise or odour emissions from neighbouring industries which may result in health problems,” Ms Jones said.
“Industries may then be subject to costly changes to their operations to address their impacts on neighbours.”
The policy would classify industries as having light, medium, high or hazardous impacts according to their level of noise and air emissions and the degree of risk in storing any hazardous materials.
Ms Jones said the distance an industry should be located from a residential area would depend on its type of classification.
“For example, activities that have minimal air and noise emissions such as small-scale wood product manufacturing or boiler-making would be classified as a ‘low impact industry’ group with a separation distance of 250 metres,” she said.
Ms Jones said the policy would also work in reverse where residential development was encroaching on industrial areas, bringing with it increases in air and noise complaints and restrictions on industry expansion on land that was earmarked for that purpose.
She said the policy would have no effect on existing residential and industrial activities.
10 December, 2009
Support scheme a hit
with crime victims
A new service to support victims of crime has been announced by the Attorney-General, Cameron Dick.Mr Dick said Victim Assist Queensland represented a significant change in the way assistance was provided to help victims recover from the trauma they experienced at the hands of criminals.
“Victim Assist Queensland shifts the focus from lump-sum payments to the delivery of services, assistance and support to help victims and their families recover as quickly as possible,” Mr Dick said.
“Queenslanders now have a more accessible system which cuts through the red tape to deliver services sooner.”
He said violence could have a devastating effect on the victim and their family and friends.
“For the first time, victims will also have access to interim emergency funding of up to $6,000 to cover urgent expenses, such as funeral expenses or relocation costs when a home is a crime scene,” Mr Dick said
“Most importantly, victims will no longer be required to apply for compensation through the Court system, as eligibility under the new scheme will be linked to an act of violence and the injuries sustained, rather than a conviction.
“A victim’s recovery can now start the moment they make contact with Victim Assist Queensland.”
Mr Dick said financial assistance for related victims, such as dependants of those killed as a result of criminal violence, would be more than doubled from a maximum of $39,000 to $100,000 per family.
10 December, 2009
PNG climate advice
warmly received
A senior officer from the Climate Change Centre of Excellence is to help Papua New Guinea protect its crops from the effects of climate change. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said Toowoomba-based Principal Scientist, David Cobon would work with PNG’s National Weather Service and National Agriculture and Research Institute to help them better understand and plan for extreme weather events.
Ms Jones said Papua New Guinea had a history of droughts and floods that significantly impacted on its agricultural production.
“PNG relies very heavily on its crops, particularly sweet potato, which is the main food source for more than 60 per cent of the rural population,” Ms Jones said.
“Securing their crops against the impact of climate variability and climate change is vital to their subsistence and economy.”
She said Queensland’s Climate Change Centre of Excellence had a wealth of experience in measuring, monitoring and predicting climate-related events.
Ms Jones said Mr Cobon would work with PNG to retrieve and examine long-term rainfall data and look at its relationship with the drought-producing El Nino Southern Oscillation.
“This will help PNG develop better climate forecasting and warning systems and tools to give them advance notice of developing threats, droughts and wet weather events,” she said.
The Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence received $150,000 towards the project from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
10 December, 2009
Bridge named
A new bridge over the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale will be officially named ‘Desmond Trannore Bridge’ as part of Queensland’s 150th birthday celebrations.
The name was chosen in honour of Senior Constable Desmond Trannore, a police officer and member of the Gordonvale community where he was stationed throughout most of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Senior Constable Trannore was heavily involved in community activities but was sadly killed in 1964 while attending a domestic dispute.
Paramedics graduate
Forty new graduates from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) will take up positions across the State.
The Advance Care Paramedics completed a 30-month Diploma of Paramedic Science (Ambulance) course, which is one of only a few courses across Australia to produce work-ready Advanced Care Paramedics.
They will be deployed across six Queensland Ambulance Service regions with 12 posted to Brisbane, 11 to South Eastern, three to Northern, six to Far Northern, four to Central and four to North Coast.
3 December, 2009
Timber plantation
to get the chop
The formal sale process for Forestry Plantations Queensland has begun.Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) was one of five State-owned businesses that were being sold in response to the global financial crisis and its impact on the Queensland Budget.
“In 2009, it is not Government’s role to own and operate a commercial timber business,” Mr Fraser said.
“It is now time for the private sector to invest in this business.”
The Treasurer said the State was only selling the rights to manage, harvest and re-grow the plantation timber, not the Crown plantation land on which the business is located.
Mr Fraser said Government had already moved to ensure public access rights to forestry land were retained.
“FPQ is the first of the assets to market and I’m confident that it will attract significant market interest,” he said.
“Given the bulk of the business’ maturity and proximity to Australia’s fastest-growing region, FPQ is considered ideally placed for long-term investors.”
Despite Mr Fraser’s assurances, the Queensland Public Sector Union (QPSU) has urged the Government to re-think its decision to sell.
General Secretary for QPSU, Alex Scott said it wasn’t too late for the Government to change its mind over the sale of “precious public Sector assets.”
“It’s just plain wrong to cut to the heart of our State and sell off Public Sector assets, whose workers make major contributions to building a stronger Queensland every day,” Mr Scott said.
“We will continue to be reasonable in all ongoing talks around these matters but it’s simply misguided and poor judgement for the Government to be plastering ‘For Sale’ signs on FPQ.”
He said Queenslanders believed the assets belonged to every resident and should not be sold.
3 December, 2009
New tribunal to
set benchmark
The new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal commenced operations this week, officially opening on 1 December.Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said QCAT provided a new way for Queenslanders to resolve civil and administrative disputes.
Mr Dick said the Tribunal was the result of the amalgamation of 23 jurisdictions into a single entity and would make it easier for Queenslanders to access the justice system.
“QCAT will focus on resolving disputes, reviewing decisions of Government Agencies and Statutory Bodies, making guardianship and administration orders, and conducting disciplinary proceedings for various professions and occupations,” Mr Dick said.
“Most people have very little to do with the Criminal Courts and are more likely to be involved with the justice system because of an unpaid debt, a residential tenancy issue or the need to arrange guardianship for a loved one.”
He said the Tribunal aimed to serve the community by resolving everyday issues as quickly, fairly and inexpensively as possible.
“The Tribunal will deal with matters such as a person seeking the refund of their bond from a landlord, a person who suffers impaired capacity and needs someone to look after his or her affairs, or a lawyer contesting a decision to be struck off,” Mr Dick said.
“These people now have access to a new system that is easy to access and is responsive to their needs.”
He said 1 December also marked the start of the Victim Assist Queensland initiative, which aims to provide more timely and effective support for victims of crime.
“Through this scheme, the victims will now have access to the support they need, including financial help, to recover and get their lives back on track,” Mr Dick said.
“By helping victims of crime to recover more quickly, Victim Assist Queensland will minimise the stress and trauma involved in the process.”
3 December, 2009
PSIER takes time
out to explain leave
Amendments to the Directive outlining special leave for Public Servants have been released by the Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations Division.Special Leave Directive 18/09 is to replace Directive 8/06 of the same name from 30 November 2009.
The replacement Directive was published in the Gazette on 27 November and includes three major amendments.
The new Directive allows for volunteers in all emergency services to be granted leave when called out for an emergency or to fight fires, superseding the previous Directive that said only members of certain organisations such as State Emergency Service and St John Ambulance volunteers were eligible.
PS staff entitled to Apheresis Procedure Leave can now take “three hours per occasion” instead of the “maximum 2.5 hours every three months” that has applied to now.
The final amendment removed references to “elections or appointments as a part-time commissioner, region chair or councillor of ATSIC” following the Agency’s dissolution in 2005.
The first amendment was made to fulfil an election commitment by the Government which promised to ‘Support Our Heroes’ in the Public Service.
The second amendment fulfilled an agreement reached as a result of discussions for the negotiation of the State Government Departments Certified Agreement 2009.
The remainder of the Directive outlines the rights of employees and employers when dealing with special leave, when leave can be taken with full pay and when it must be taken without pay.
The Directive can be downloaded from www.psier.qld.gov.au
3 December, 2009
Justice system to
be rehabilitated
A draft consultation Bill containing the first stage of reforms to Queensland’s civil and criminal justice system has been released.Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the draft laws were open for public comment.
“These reforms aim to ensure equitable and timely delivery of justice in our State, reflecting contemporary needs and expectations,” Mr Dick said.
He said the changes were developed in response to a review by former Senior Judge Administrator of the Supreme Court, Justice Martin Moynihan, which identified a number of matters of concern within the system, including varied views on reform.
Mr Dick said key reforms included: streamlining the committal process in the Magistrates Court; expanding the criminal and civil jurisdictions of the Magistrates and District Courts; and providing greater encouragement for defendants to plead guilty at the earliest reasonable opportunity.
“These changes will allow magistrates to finalise a greater number of cases, involving less serious offending behaviour such as minor assaults and property offences, that are committed to a higher Court under current arrangements,” he said.
“The general criminal jurisdiction of the District Court will also be extended from indictable offences with a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment or less, to those with a maximum of 20 years or less.”
Mr Dick said this would help reduce costs for defendants and litigants and free up the Supreme Court to deal with more serious and complex matters.
He said increases to the limits for the civil jurisdiction of the District Court and Magistrates Court ensured they reflected the impact of inflation and changes to the value of property in dispute.
Mr Dick said Justice Moynihan’s review had highlighted the need for change and that the proposed reforms sought to balance the competing views of all stakeholders and the community.
Consultation closes on 31 January 2010, with the final version of the Bill expected to be introduced into State Parliament in early 2010.
The draft was available from www.justice.qld.gov.au
3 December, 2009
Film and TV Agency
develops new name
Queensland’s film and television Agency has received a name change.The former Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) will now be known as Screen Queensland.
Announcing the change, Premier, Anna Bligh said the name reflected a focus on the Queensland screen industry.
”It puts the name of our State squarely in the spotlight, underscoring our commitment to develop a thriving screen industry with social, cultural and economic benefits for Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“In the international marketplace the new name will create a solid connection with Queensland and our remarkable facilities, locations and talented industry, all of which market Queensland as a location of choice to the world.”
Ms Bligh said the addition of the word ‘screen’ in the name recognised the evolution of the Queensland screen industry.
She said entertainment was now delivered from many platforms such as mobile phone and internet and was no longer restricted to film and television.
Chief Executive of Screen Queensland, Maureen Barron said the new name continued an important transitional process for the organisation, which also includes in-depth industry consultation, a review of screen support programs and success on an international scale.
“Our new name reflects our commitment to supporting the vibrant Queensland screen industries and promoting them to the world,” Ms Barron said.
3 December, 2009
Motorway data
is streets ahead
Two new community consultation initiatives to inform people about the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade from Wacol to Darra have been announced by the Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace.Mr Wallace said a new database and online Visitor Information Centre were now available, promising interested people a closer look at the project.
“One of these tools is a web-driven database where users can search for specific locations around the Wacol to Darra project and view various road, bikeway and interchange designs through a geographical information systems (GIS) function,” he said.
Mr Wallace said in addition to the new web-GIS system, the Wacol to Darra project team had developed an online Visitor Information Centre (VIC) where people who were unable to visit the centre in person could take a virtual tour around the project.
“The Wacol to Darra project’s Visitor Information Centre contains a wealth of information about the project and receives a steady stream of visitors including school groups, community associations and members of the public,” he said.
“Bringing this centre online gives interested people a closer look at one of the projects transforming the Western Corridor.”
The online VIC allows users can see how the centre looks inside and provides access to a range of project information, fact sheets and photos.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in the project to try the web-GIS and virtual Visitor Information Centre for themselves,” Mr Wallace said.
3 December, 2009
Minister sinks teeth
into shark warning
More than 500 sharks have been caught statewide in shark nets or on drumlines since January, the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said.“In 2008, a total of 578 sharks were caught in Queensland shark control equipment and the total for 2009 to date is 505,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Any size shark can cause serious injury or death if they attack, however, sharks more than two metres long are particularly dangerous and are more likely to cause fatal injuries.”
He said rain and warmer weather would increase shark movement, particularly for bull sharks.
“Sharks are a natural part of the marine environment and when people enter the water they need to remember they are entering their domain,” Mr Mulherin said.
“To reduce the risk of a shark attack, people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.”
Manager of the Queensland Shark Control Program, Tony Ham said shark control equipment was in place off 85 Queensland beaches.
“The program is designed to capture large and dangerous shark species in a particular area,” Mr Ham said.
“While the equipment does not provide an impenetrable barrier between bathers and sharks, it is effective in reducing the overall number of sharks in the area and in turn reducing the risk of a shark attack.”
3 December, 2009
Timber future built
on policy planks
The future of the timber industry following the sale of Forestry Plantations Queensland has been set out in the recently released Queensland Timber Plantation Strategy 2020.Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the strategy signaled a fundamental role change for the Government as it moved from direct ownership of timber plantations, to leading and direction-setting.
Mr Mulherin said the strategy included five key planks - improved land-use planning for timber plantations; supportive legislative and policy frameworks; new investment in timber plantations; targeted industry development support; and strengthening community support for timber plantations.
He said inconsistent planning and assessment processes across Queensland had generated uncertainty for potential investors.
“A mandatory timber plantation assessment code under the Queensland Planning Provisions will be developed, in conjunction with Local Government, to deliver regulatory consistency and certainty for new timber plantations,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The development of the code will also ensure that the level of assessment is appropriate.”
He said supportive legislative and policy frameworks would ensure a stable and transparent regulatory environment while new private investment in commercial timber plantations would be encouraged in a “socially and environmentally responsible manner.”
“The fourth plank will focus on delivering initiatives that build on the capacity of the industry, including vital research and development projects,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In addition a new focus will be placed on training and skills development opportunities for the timber workforce.
“The final plank will see the Government work with stakeholders to improve the profile of the timber plantation sector by highlighting the economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Mr Mulherin said the strategy would provide stakeholders and potential investors with the certainty required to attract further investment and growth.
3 December, 2009
Tenancy watchdog
homes in on report
The Residential Tenancy Authority has celebrated its 20th year of operations by processing its four millionth rental bond and introducing new laws to protect the rights of tenants and landlords. The milestones were highlighted in the Authority’s Annual report, which it recently released.
Minister for Housing, Karen Struthers said when the Authority (RTA) began it held bonds worth just $26 million, whereas today the figure has grown to almost $500 million.
Ms Struthers said the RTA invested the money in order to fund itself and channeled the rest of the income into support services and advocacy for tenants.
She said the RTA held around $5 million in unclaimed rental bonds and that anyone who had rented a property over the past ten years could check the Authority’s website to see if any of the money was owed to them.
Ms Struthers said the RTA Board met annually in a regional centre to listen to the concerns of tenants, lessors, agents and stakeholders.
She said the Government was also rolling out over 4,000 new social housing dwellings across the State for vulnerable Queenslanders.
The new dwellings represent a billion dollar-plus investment in social housing under the Federal Government’s Nation Building Plan on top of the Queensland Government’s $500 million housing building program.
“It means jobs for workers in the local building industry and homes for people who need a roof over their head,” Ms Struthers said.
“It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Further information was available from www.rta.qld.gov.au
3 December, 2009
Planning Act plan is
to start this month
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA)is to come into force on 18 December, replacing the Integrated Planning Act 199.Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the new Act was the result of three years of hard work and engagement with industry and Councils.
“The announcement of a December 18 commencement date gives clear notice for the changeover to SPA,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Since the Act was passed in Parliament on September 16, the Government has undergone extensive consultation with stakeholders and representative bodies.”
He said as a result, over 1,600 people had attended more than 34 training workshops on the new Act which includes the Queensland Planning Provisions and QPlan.
Mr Hinchliffe said engaging with stakeholders on change was an important part of the planning reform agenda.
“I’m conscious of the fact Councils need to receive information as soon as possible to prepare their organisations for the commencement of the new Act,” he said.
“That’s why the new Sustainable Planning Regulations, the proclamation and the transitional arrangements are all available online at www.legislation.qld.gov.au or www.dip.qld.gov.au.”
Mr Hinchliffe said over the next week or so the Department of Infrastructure and Planning would provide standard forms and other supporting documents in readiness for the new system.
“Public consultation on Queensland Planning Provisions closed on Monday 23 November and feedback is now being reviewed to inform the final version,” he said.
“Councils can expect to have copies of this before the new Act commences.”
3 December, 2009
Database the place
for place data
A database of all major settlements in Queensland has been officially launched by the Premier, Anna Bligh.Ms Bligh said the new public website, which was developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) with support from the Queensland Government, contains entries on all the cities, towns, suburbs and villages in Queensland with populations of 500 or more.
She said the data included black and white photographs and postcards as well as digitised and preserved colour slides from the 1950s to 80s.
“This exciting new website has over 1,100 entries, from the 19th century boom towns of Gympie and Cooktown to the new suburbs of the 21st century,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the database would be a great educational resource for teachers, students, family historians, visitors to Queensland, and anyone interested in the State’s history, culture and continuing development.
Vice-Chancellor of UQ, Paul Greenfield said community enthusiasm had “breathed life” into the new website’s images.
“UQ is delighted by the response of people all over the State who dug into their slide collections in order to share their view of Queensland places with people everywhere,” Professor Greenfield said.
“Thanks to these slide contributors, UQ is able to present high-quality research – conducted over seven years – in a format that is as engaging as it is educational.”
He congratulated the UQ team, headed by Professor Peter Spearritt, the staff of the University’s library and Government personnel who worked on the project.
The database was available at www.queenslandplaces.com.au
3 December, 2009
Parks wildlife to
include tourists
A new eco-tourism plan to boost visitor numbers in Queensland’s protected areas has been launched.Premier, Anna Bligh said the Government would seek expressions of interest from private investors to establish eco-tourism holiday accommodation at seven destinations throughout the State.
Ms Bligh said the destinations were: Eurong on Fraser Island; Wallaman Falls at Girringun; Ninny Rise at Mission Beach; Jonah Bay at Whitsunday; Mount Mee, D’Aguilar National Park; Green Mountain, Lamington National Park; and Cowan South on Moreton Island.
“Nothing like this has ever been done in Queensland’s national parks before and it comes after talks with tourism and environmental groups,” Ms Bligh said.
“No one wants to see five star resorts in our National Parks - this is about tapping into the growing eco-tourism market by showcasing some of our best environmental assets, while ensuring they’re properly protected.”
She said under the plan, eco-accommodation such as semi-permanent safari tents would be established within tight environmental controls.
“Introducing more people into our National Parks will not only be a major boost for tourism, it will help to build awareness about conservation, and encourage more people to appreciate and respect our incredible natural environment,” Ms Bligh said.
“Eco-tourism is becoming more and more popular around the world, and it’s a market Queensland simply cannot afford to miss out on.”
Minister for Climate Change, Kate Jones said the new infrastructure would be operated and built by private companies but would remain under State ownership.
“The State would lease the facilities to private operators and invest the yearly income back into the same National Park for continual improvement and conservation,” Ms Jones said.
She said she had directed the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) to take a cautious approach when investigating the options and to maintain tight controls on the development of infrastructure and operational activities.
DERM and Tourism Queensland will continue to consult with stakeholders on the projects.
3 December, 2009
Vegetation plan a
growth industry
A joint investigation into the use of vegetation on high rise buildings to reduce heat and improve air quality is to be undertaken by the State Government and the Singapore National Parks Board.Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding would facilitate a range of joint projects and knowledge sharing about urban greening.
“We want to benefit from Singapore’s experience with skyrise greenery such as green roofs and green walls,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The international experience is that these initiatives can significantly reduce the quantity of air conditioning required to achieve the same cooling levels.
“We want to quantify what those benefits could be in Queensland conditions.”
Mr Mulherin said trials would get under way and would include monitoring temperature reduction, the cost of installation and maintenance and possible energy savings.
“Singapore takes this green approach to urban planning very seriously. For example, the land area taken up by a building must have an equivalent area in green space, whether on the roof top or the wall,” he said.
“There is growing interest in Australia in green roofs and walls because of increased awareness of global warming, increasing population density and the need to reduce power consumption.”
Researcher for Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF), Shane Holborn said he hoped the signing of the MOU would kickstart QPIF research projects into innovative urban gardening.
“New technology has seen the development of state-of-the-art structures to hold growing vegetation in position on sloping roofs and vertically on walls,” Mr Holborn said.
“Some studies have shown roof top gardens can reduce surface temperature by 10 to 20 degrees centigrade.
3 December, 2009
Animal researchers
notch up a tonne
Queensland’s Animal Research Institute is celebrating its centenary. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the Yeerongpilly-based facility was established in 1909.
“Originally called the Stock Experiment Station, it was the first facility in Australia involved in research to deal with diseases in stock,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Over the past century, specialists in veterinary pathology, microbiology, biometry, biochemistry, animal husbandry, information and extension have worked at the site and research conducted there has played a significant role in shaping agriculture in Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said notable achievements of the Animal Research Institute (ARI) included the management and eradication of potentially fatal cattle diseases like bovine pleuropneumonia, tuberculosis and brucellosis.
“ARI has produced vaccines for botulism since the 1960s, and currently leads the nation in research on the impact of food-borne pathogens such as salmonella and campylobacter in intensive pig and poultry systems,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said the facility also had a key role in emergency situations such as ensuring the quality of meat following the discovery of pesticides in beef exports in 1987.
“Research programs have centred on gene testing in cattle, pigs and poultry to improve their growth and health and the quality of meat and eggs,” he said.
“ARI has also had played a significant role in diseases that affect us all – researchers identified the characteristics of the Hendra virus in racehorses and established it is carried by bats.”
Mr Mulherin said as part of the Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, program, many of ARI’s services would be relocated to new custom-built facilities.
“This follows a $375 million partnership with CSIRO to build two cutting-edge science precincts in Brisbane – the first of their kind in Australia,” he said
“This will include establishment of the Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains to be opened next year, which will house 700 scientists.
“I am proud of all we have achieved and our new vision for the future will ensure that we remain leaders on the world stage and at the forefront of our research for at least another 100 years.”
3 December, 2009
Power price hike
is real switch off
A draft determination on forward funding submissions from Queensland’s electricity distributors, Energex and Ergon Energy has been released by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said he would consider the draft determination and encouraged the public to get involved in the consultation period.
“Electricity distributors must balance the demands of a growing population and increasing electricity consumption with community expectations that they will keep power prices within affordable limits,” Mr Robertson said.
“Nobody likes to see prices rise, but we must ensure a reliable electricity supply continues to meet the demands of the increasingly energy-hungry community in which we live.”
Mr Robertson said while the population of South East Queensland increased by 33 per cent in the past 12 years, peak electricity demand increased by 99 per cent over the same period, placing enormous pressure on electricity suppliers.
“The AER’s draft determination will have an impact on electricity prices in Queensland, although the full extent will not be known until early next year, as a range of factors affect the bottom line on consumer’s power bills,” he said
“On 1 July 2010, the AER becomes the economic regulator of Ergon and Energex. As such it will play an important role in balancing the proposals of electricity distributors with community submissions.”
Mr Robertson said AER would consider the price of electricity after judging the long-term funding needs of the supply network against the immediate cost implications for consumers.
He said it would then set a distribution pricing regime which would remain in place until 2015.
Energex and Ergon submitted proposals to AER in July, including plans for continued investment in the electricity distribution network.
They jointly proposed $12.5 billion in capital expenditure and $3.7 in operational expenditure, to ensure a secure and reliable power supply.
They also forecast a continuing rise in electricity consumption across the State.
Mr Robertson said the Government was committed to reducing electricity consumption by encouraging the uptake of clean and renewable energy initiatives and demand management programs, such as the Climate Smart Home Service and the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program.
The draft determination was available online at www.aer.gov.au
3 December, 2009
Inspectors do numbers
on odometer scams
A warning about odometer tampering has been issued by the Office of Fair Trading.Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said Fair Trading investigators had noticed an increase in the number of complaints about vehicle odometer readings recently.
As a result of these complaints investigators began ‘Operation Turner’ which targeted sellers who replaced odometers with others with a lower reading.
The first prosecution as a result of Operation Turner was heard in the Inala Magistrates Court.
Mr Lawlor said Fair Trading investigators started the investigation after seeing an advertisement for a car on a website which said the vehicle had travelled 62,500 kilometres.
“When OFT inspectors conducted a Queensland Transport computer query to examine the vehicle’s recorded history they found the odometer reading should have had at least 150,000 kilometres and the car had been listed as a repairable write-off,” he said.
“It is important that consumers make all the appropriate checks on vehicles they are considering purchasing to avoid being caught out.”
Mr Lawlor said there were a number of ways consumers interested in purchasing second hand vehicles could conduct checks.
He said a Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) check would show if there was a debt owing on a vehicle or boat and that motor dealers usually did the checks and provided REVS certificates.
Mr Lawlor said private purchasers needed to do their own check.
A Queensland Transport Vehicle Check (Vcheck) can be purchased for a car, truck, caravan, trailer, bus or motorcycle which was manufactured on or after 1 January 1989 and provides the latest information recorded on Queensland Transport systems.
“There is a small cost for these types of checks but it is money well spent,” Mr Lawlor said.
3 December, 2009
Barriers lifted on
reef protection
The Federal Government has passed legislation aimed at strengthening the long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park while at the same time cutting bureaucratic red tape. Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett said while the Reef was one of the largest and best protected marine areas on the globe, it faced many threats such as climate change.
“While activities in the marine park are already tightly controlled, the changes provide for more flexible and stronger investigation and enforcement tools that can be tailored to circumstances, under a single investigation system,” Mr Garrett said.
“The marine park is already protected under national environment law because of its status as a world and national heritage-listed area.”
Under the new laws, any activity that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, or any activity outside the marine park that is likely to have a significant impact on its environment will require the Federal Environment Minister’s approval.
However, Mr Garrett said only one approval application would need to be made, making the process simpler.
He said environmental impact assessment procedures would be combined, removing duplication, cutting red tape and streamlining the process.
Mr Garrett said types of activities likely to need approval included major new pontoons, jetties and port developments; aquaculture facilities; tourism developments, including marinas and floating hotels; coastal large-scale subdivisions with potential runoff; major coastal infill onshore spoil dumping; and new industry with significant marine discharge.
The longstanding prohibition on mining in the Great Barrier Reef region has been incorporated into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, capturing this protection in one piece of legislation.
“Together with measures such as the $200 million Reef Rescue plan, and action on climate change, today's legislative changes will ensure the marine park remains a model for marine management and conservation,” Mr Garrett said.
3 December, 2009
New Council Act for 2010
The start date for the new Local Government Act 2009 has been announced by the Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle.
1 July 2010 was chosen following suggestions from Councils, the Local Government Association of Queensland and unions.
Ms Boyle said the date would ensure Councils had time to prepare for the changes, train staff and members and adjust their systems and processes to ensure a smooth transition.
Trail bike park announced
A total of 745ha of State Government land at Wyaralong, near Beaudesert is to be set aside for South East Queensland’s first dedicated trail bike facility.
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) agreed to support and jointly fund the new facility on the State-owned land.
The Government will provide $1 million in funding and the land to the project which is expected to have an overall cost of between $3 million and $4 million.
New life for Townsville CBD
The $56.6 million redevelopment of Townsville’s Flinders Street precinct has begun.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the project would revitalise the city centre and create around 270 jobs with the potential for further employment opportunities from related developments.
“This joint initiative between the State Government, Commonwealth and Townsville City Council will provide a trigger for new investment in the central business district, and restore Flinders Street’s historic role as the heart of Townsville,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Reserve bosses get payrise
Payments to the employers of Defence Reservists have been increased to $1,183.10 a week.
Self-employed reservists and other employers in need of financial assistance under the Employer Support Payment Scheme will receive the payment, which was increased from $1123.30.
Green light for rail realignment
Rail The revised alignment for the Southern Freight Rail Corridor – a future rail corridor linking the existing Western line at Rosewood with the interstate line near Beaudesert – has been announced.
The new corridor has a 12km deviation from its original path, which was previously released after community consultation revealed the existence of a koala habitat at Ebenezer and/ Willowbank.
The revised alignment protects that habitat and minimises human impact – cutting the number of affected properties by seven.
Christmas tourism touted
‘Christmas Queensland style’ is the theme of Tourism Queensland’s new online tourism campaign and competition.
The campaign is to run for five weeks and is aimed at increasing visitation to the queenslandholidays.com.au website and to expose consumers to a range of holiday deals in the lead up to the festive season.
The chance to win a Queensland holiday will also appear on a variety of prominent domestic news sites such as The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and Brisbane Times.
Goats evicted from park
Feral goats at a south west national park have been evicted, putting an end to their acts of destruction and protecting the habitat that is vital for native species.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the 4,000 goats were causing havoc on vegetation and threatening countless species.
Ms Jones said a goat mustering contractor had completed the job at Currawinya National Park, south of Thargomindah near the New South Wales border.
