30 July, 2009

Ombudsman has
prisoner issues

The Ombudsman has tabled his report into the classification and movement of prisoners by Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) and has reported deficiencies in administrative processes.
   In his report, Ombudsman, David Bevan said in 2007 he received a complaint from a prisoner, he calls Smith, about a security classification and placement decision made by QCS.
   “Prisoner Smith had allegedly committed a breach of discipline while at Prison A and, consequently, had been transferred to Prison B while the breach was investigated,” Mr Bevan said
   “After the QCS investigation, prisoner Smith was not charged with any breach. Despite this outcome, and despite the delegate [of the Chief Executive of QCS] allocating prisoner Smith a low security classification, the delegate decided that Smith should remain at Prison B (a higher security prison than Prison A) rather than be returned to Prison A.”
In making this decision, the delegate did not follow recommendations that Smith be transferred back to Prison A.
   The delegate also failed to record any reasons for the placement decision and did not provide any reasons to Smith, who wished to be transferred back to Prison A.
   After his investigation, Mr Bevan expressed three opinions about deficiencies in the administrative practices of QCS and made 15 recommendations to improve QCS' practices and procedures for security classification, placement and transfer decisions.
   “The failure of delegates of the Chief Executive to give to prisoners adequate reasons for decisions about security classifications in the cases identified in my investigators' audit of QCS' files constituted, in each case, administrative action that was contrary to law and unreasonable,” he said.
   “The failure of officers to record and/or give to prisoners adequate reasons for placement decisions in the cases identified in my investigators' audit of QCS' files constituted, in each case, administrative action that was unreasonable.”
   Finally, Mr Bevan said the failure to advise all prisoners of their rights under the Corrective Services Act to apply in writing to the Chief executive for a reconsideration of a transfer decision also constituted unreasonable administrative action.
   His recommendations included the development of a number of procedures and guidelines to ensure that prisoners cannot be adversely and unfairly affected by procedures for assessing their security classification.

30 July, 2009

DPC logs onto
new website

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has launched a new-look website setting out its role and resources and providing a one-stop site for access to the Queensland Government and Public Service.
   On the front page the eye is taken by a changing series of pictures and information in a top section, followed by descriptions of the Department and biographies of Premier, Anna Bligh and her Ministers.
   A ‘What’s New’ section keeps visitors up to date with current information and includes a message from the Director General of the Department, Ken Smith who points out that it is the Department's job to ensure that Queenslanders receive high-quality public services.
   “We do that in two main ways. We provide leadership across Government, as well as policy support to the Premier and Cabinet,” Mr Smith said.
    “The Department also helps maintain Queensland's relationships with other Governments— Local, State, Federal, and overseas.”
   Mr Smith said the Department’s mission was to collaborate with Queensland public sector Agencies, other Governments and stakeholders to assist the Premier and Cabinet to make informed decisions on issues, trends and developments that potentially impact on the state and its people.
   “Our greatest asset - our people - work hard to ensure that these aims are met and a high standard of service is delivered. Staff are committed to our stated values of professionalism, value-adding, collaboration and building the capacity of people and processes,” he said.
   “At a crucial time in Queensland's history, the Department remains a key driver in the task of managing the State's development and helping maintain quality of life for all Queenslanders.”

30 July, 2009

Fair Trading finds
unfair pricing

State-wide operations by inspectors from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have discovered that over 20 per cent of the nearly 1,000 retailers inspected were guilty of overcharging.
   Of the 994 stores inspected 79 per cent were fully compliant with no errors found. However, 206 stores, or 21 per cent, were overcharging on one or more items.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said 186 stores were issued with warnings. In addition, 11 companies were prosecuted in 2008-09 for price scanning breaches with fines ranging from $750 to $7,500.
   “Consumers need to feel confident that the price they see advertised for an item is the price they will be charged,” Mr Lawlor said.
   “During these compliance programs OFT inspectors randomly visit stores throughout the year to ensure the scanning process is fair to the consumer.
   During the inspections officers checked the scanning price of 25,423 items. They found 367 items scanned at higher than the advertised price and 289 items scanned at lower than the advertised price.
   Mr Lawlor said the results for 2008-09 were encouraging after a high level of non-compliance was encountered in 2007-08.
   “OFT’s increased its focus on price scanning in 2008-09 visiting an additional 300 stores and this seems to have paid dividends for consumers” Mr Lawlor said.
   In addition to the compliance programs, OFT hosted a price scanning forum in May this year for managers and compliance officers from major retail outlets, retailers associations and consumer associations.

30 July, 2009

Misbehaving police
found out of line

The Police Minister has branded the behaviour of 25 current and former Police Officers implicated in a report by the Crime and Misconduct Commission as “simply unacceptable.”
   The Minister, Neil Roberts said the behaviour of the current and former officers tarnished the reputation of the thousands of decent and honest police officers who diligently served the community.
   The matters identified in the Operation Capri Report occurred before 2006, and relate to officers who did not comply with existing policies and processes that were in place to ensure accountability.
   One officer who is currently suspended and two former officers are facing criminal charges arising from matters peripheral to issues identified in the report.
   Eleven of these officers have left the Service having been dismissed, resigned or medically retired. Two officers who are currently facing disciplinary proceedings are on sick leave.
   A further 11 officers were provided with managerial guidance for departures from service policies and procedures.
   Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said it was extremely disappointing that officers felt they could bypass Queensland Police Service policies and procedures in their efforts to solve crimes.
   “This situation reaffirms that we must always be vigilant against unethical practices,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
   “Since the Fitzgerald Inquiry we have worked hard to develop a culture of accountability and transparency. However we can always do more.”

30 July, 2009

Survey fishes for
skills shortages

An online survey by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) is being conducted to find out what skills are needed in the agriculture and fisheries industries.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said he wanted to hear from the industries itself about what skills and training requirements they have.
   “The survey has been sent to more than 700 people on QPIF’s rural skills database, and we know that many of those people have already forwarded it to other producers and business owners to complete,’ Mr Mulherin said.
   “The information will go to the Rural Skills Training and Labour Strategy Industry Advisory Group.”
   The Advisory Group had been holding a series of meetings with industry groups around the State.
   “Combined results from the survey and meetings will be used to develop QPIF’s 2009 skills training and demand report,” he said.
   “This report will identify ways of helping rural industries attract, retain and develop a workforce capable of creating new opportunities and maximising profitability.”
   The Minister said the report is produced annually for the Department of Education and Training.
   “It assists them in making investment decisions regarding training delivery for the primary industries sector,” he said.
   “This is one of the critical tools that will be used by the Australian Agricultural College Corporation and TAFE institutes when they are planning their courses for 2010/2011.”

30 July, 2009

Carpooling takes
off at airport

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has joined with Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) to set up a carpooling and transport program for airport employees, believed to be the first in Australia.
   Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said the program had the potential to be one of the largest of its kind in the country, with more than 16,000 people working at the Brisbane Airport precinct able to participate in the initiative.
   “This is an opportunity to create a model for sustainable travel that can be replicated by other precincts and businesses across the State in order to cut traffic congestion and emissions,” Mr Wallace said.
   The program, title Brisbane Airport Trippers (BAT) has a website that allows employees to find colleagues to carpool with and provides prize incentives to encourage them to track their trips by public transport or carpooling.
   “Already more than 55 people have signed up to become BAT members over recent months, with more than 21,500 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions saved by employees choosing to carpool or catch a bus or train to the precinct,” the Minister said.
   Chief Executive and Managing Director of BAC, Julieanne Alroe said the initiative was part of Brisbane Airport’s commitment to become Australia’s most sustainable airport.
   “BAC is undertaking initiatives that work for our environment and our workforce,” Ms Alroe said.
   “The Brisbane Airport Tripper program achieves both by encouraging the use of public transport.”
   She said Brisbane Airport was keen to strike a balance between economic and environmental sustainability. It had already received the International Water Association Award for the world’s best water management and had now set new targets to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint.

30 July, 2009

Workshops to build
better Councils

A series of workshops to be run by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning are expected to improve the financial and asset management skills of the State’s local Mayors and Councillors.
   Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle said it was imperative Councils took the management of their key assets seriously and understood that financial management and sustainability went beyond simply voting through a budget.
   “All Councils have valuable road networks, water and sewerage resources, buildings and community facilities – these need to be carefully managed into the future for the benefit of residents,” Ms Boyle said.
   “Without asset management plans, Councils risk failing to properly account for the very real costs of operating, maintaining and replacing their valuable assets.”
   Ms Boyle said the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, in conjunction with key industry stakeholders, would facilitate an improvement strategy, with the workshops being a solid start.
   There would be more detailed monitoring of Councils’ sustainability, building on information already collected annually including asset management and community engagement.
   Ms Boyle said results for 2009 were a mixed bag, with some Councils in a strong position and others requiring immediate assistance.
   “The workshops will be practical and timely ahead of the new Local Government Act (2009) coming into force later this year. The legislation will introduce new requirements, such as the need for community and asset management plans,” she said
   “These workshops for specifically for elected members will promote good-practice in financial management and will be delivered in conjunction with Queensland Treasury Corporation.”

30 July, 2009

Farmers’ pest guide
goes all-electric

A new electronic guide that helps farmers identify pests and diseases affecting their crops has been developed by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF).
   The new pocket resource is expected to replace old ‘Ute guides’ which up to now have been the farmer’s first preference source of information.
   Launching the guide at the Queensland nursery industry’s Spring Green Expo ’09 on the Gold Coast., Member for Ipswich, Wayne Wendt said the Nursery and Garden Industry Queensland (NGIQ) was also a partner in its development.
   “For any farmer an outbreak of a pest or disease in their crop can be an expensive problem which, unless dealt with quickly, can result in substantial losses in yield and profitability, Mr Wendt said.
   Thanks to this project farmers now have a more convenient and better quality tool for early detection.”
   Mr Wendt said information on pests and diseases could now be accessed through the browser on most Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices and some types of Smartphones.
   “These handy devices can not only store a lot of information, they also have search facilities and can zoom in on insect images for speedy identification,” he said
   He said this was the first guide to be developed and was originally funded by NGIQ for use in the Queensland nursery industry.
   “It was initially developed for use by nursery industry development officers,” Mr Wrendt said.
   “They’ve been able to provide feedback to ensure the guide is user friendly and convenient for farmers to use out in the field.”
   The guide was now available to growers, consultants and industry members of all sectors of the ornamentals industry and to other primary producers.

30 July, 2009

Guide smoothes
ageing wrinkles

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation has published a new guide for employers to assist them manage an ageing workforce and retain valuable knowledge and skills.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Employment and Economic Development, Jan Jarratt said the guide would help employers develop strategies to retain older workers and their valuable skills, knowledge and experience.
   “By 2012, the number of workers aged 55 years and older in the workforce is expected to increase by more than 15 per cent, while workers aged between 25 – 54 years will increase by only about six per cent,” Ms Jarratt said.
   Recent studies have found that while older workers are increasingly choosing to work beyond normal retirement age, while they are also the group of employees most dissatisfied at work.
   “Smart employers are adjusting their workplace practices to better suit the needs of an ageing workforce,” she said.
   “Employers need to recognise the needs of their older workers if they are to retain them once the economy recovers.”
   The guide also includes case studies of Queensland employers already successfully putting strategies to manage older people into place.
   The Development Manager of O-I Brisbane, a glass container manufacturing plant, Noel Hoelscher said the company recognised many advantages in holding on to its older workers, including retention of knowledge and skills, lower absenteeism and injury rates, flexibility and most importantly dedication.
   “Longer serving older employees often don’t see their work as ‘just a job’ and tend to have well-developed work ethics and strong loyalty,” Mr Hoelscher said.

30 July, 2009

Voting no barrier to
reef’s popularity

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is encouraging people to cast a vote for the Great Barrier Reef, which has been named as a finalist for the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature.’
   The Great Barrier Reef has progressed to stage three of the process, making it one of 28 finalists that will be decided by a global popular vote.
   CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Dr Ian Poiner said the Reef belonged among the wonders of the world.
   Dr Poiner said AIMS understood the Reef was of “immense cultural and economic importance to Australia” and contributed around $5.8 billion to Australia's economy each year through tourism, agriculture, minerals, fishing and shipping.
   “To us, the naming of the Great Barrier Reef as a 7 Wonder finalist makes perfect sense,” he said.
   “We know how important it is, how vital it is to Australia’s economy, environment and culture and how vulnerable it is to change.
   “It is also, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”
   Dr Poiner said marine scientists were drawn to the Reef due to its research challenges.
   “From such inspiration have come many new insights into how coral reef ecosystems operate,” he said.
   Dr Poiner said AIMS operated the Long-term Monitoring Program to regularly check on the health of the Reef and provide information on population trends in key groups of organisms.
   He said the Institute was also rolling out the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Observing System which would provide a ‘digital skin’ for the Reef, and allow for more accurate forecasting and improved understanding of the processes that sustained the Reef’s biodiversity.
   Dr Poiner said AIMS also ran water quality research programs to support Reef management and conservation and to ensure marine, coastal and catchment resources were used appropriately.
   To cast a vote for the Reef, go to www.new7wonders.com

30 July, 2009

New customers for
Customs House

Customs House in Rockhampton has been fully restored and refurbished and has begun its new life as a function centre.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the $1.4 million refurbishment of the historic building on Quay Street highlighted the quality of craftsmanship that went into constructing buildings such as this at the turn of the last century.
   “Customs House is the crowning glory of Rockhampton’s Quay Street heritage precinct which is regarded second only in importance to the Rocks in Sydney in historical circles,” she said.
   Member for Rockhampton, Robert Schwarten said the refurbishment breathed new life into a majestic building where migrants first stepped ashore from boats on the Fitzroy River during the region’s gold rush years.
   “The building now comes complete with air conditioning upstairs which is a must if it’s to be used as a function centre suitable for people from all different climates, and a café for the café society downstairs,” Mr Schwarten said
   “It also sits perfectly with our $15 million riverbank redevelopment efforts.”
   Refurbishment includes a commercial kitchen and essential upgrades to public amenities. Its function capacity is for 150 people seated at tables.
   Customs House, Rockhampton is one of more than 90 Q150 Legacy Infrastructure projects around the State marking Queensland’s 150th anniversary year of independence from NSW.

30 July, 2009

Tourism campaign
on the right track

Tourism Queensland has declared this year’s Ultimate Auctions campaign a success saying it attracted more than triple the number of participants it did last year.
   Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said more than 60,000 people visited the campaign website in just five days, to bid for Queensland holidays - nearly triple the number of last year.
   "The interest has been so great that Tourism Queensland released additional packages to give as many people possible the chance to bid on a Queensland holiday,” Mr Lawlor said.
   "The campaign's success has also helped drive visitation to other current campaigns on www.queenslandholidays.com, such as the recently-launched Unreal Deals, which has also been registering strong sales since it went live last weekend. “
   The Minister said that overall, Queensland sales for Sunlover Holidays were up by 52.5 per cent in the first four days of the Unreal Deals campaign period, compared with sales at the same time last year.
   "These results are fantastic for Queensland's tourism industry during our current tough economic times," he said.
   The Ultimate Auctions campaign promoted a range of Queensland holiday experiences, packages and accommodation through an eBay-style platform, with bidding starting at $1 for all deals.
   “Products are on offer are from right across Queensland ensure operators throughout the State receive the maximum benefit from this unique initiative,” he said.
   “Bidding may have started very low, but the competition meant that some products ended up selling for top dollar.”

30 July, 2009

Spray in store for
national park pests

A $4.5 million program to eradicate plant and animal pests from national parks and State forests has been unveiled by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones.
   Ms Jones told a Budget Estimates hearing that wild dogs, feral pigs and plant pests did immense damage.
   “Pest animals and plants already have a serious adverse economic, environmental and social impact across the rural landscape of Queensland,” Ms Jones said.
   “As part of the $4.5 million program, $1.5 million will be spent on 76 strategically-targeted projects across the State.”
   The main pests to be targeted included wild dogs, feral pigs, goats, deer, cats and foxes.
   “We’ll also put the brakes on a wide range of damaging plants such as Siam weed, prickly acacia, Mexican bean tree, rubbervine, lantana and pond apple,” she said.
   Ms Jones said in keeping with best practice standards, the Government was progressively developing plans and strategies for the control of pests across the land it managed.
   “To achieve this, we are working closely with neighbouring property owners and other members of the rural community, as well as Local Government and other Agencies,” she said.
   “All landholders need to work together to meet this challenge and the Government will continue to pull its weight in an attempt to achieve an integrated and coordinated approach to successful pest management across the rural landscape.”

30 July, 2009

Research funding put
under microscope

Queensland Health’s Centre for Healthcare Improvement has announced a program of research fellowships to encourage experienced and early-career researchers to spend the time needed to conduct their studies.
   The fellowships, worth up to $150,000 a year for five years, are one of the key initiatives of the Research for a Healthier Future: 2020 Health and Medical Research and Development strategy. It is hoped the program will also attract researchers to Queensland.
   Acting Chief Executive of the Centre for Healthcare Improvement, Maarten Kamp, described the program as a key example of the support for the growth of research and development in Queensland.
   “It will also aid the development and retention of Queensland’s clinical researchers and attract senior clinical leaders to Queensland,” Dr Kamp said.
   “A dynamic research and development program also contributes to a culture of excellence and learning within our hospitals and health services.”
   Queensland universities, research institutions and researchers have already shown strong initial interest in the program.
   “We want to ensure research and researchers are supported in their efforts to improve community health and wellbeing,” Dr Kamp said.
   The fellowships will be managed by the Office of Health and Medical Research, created to promote Queensland-based health and medical research capability, and reduce burdens on and barriers to research activities.
   The first fellowships will be awarded this year, with further awards provided in each subsequent year up to and including 2012. Up to 22 fellows will be funded over that time.

30 July, 2009

Long term plans set
scene for future

Long-term plans for the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland regions have been released by the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe.
   Mr Hinchliffe said the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 would guide future development patterns in the region.
   “This plan strikes a balance between population growth and the need to protect the lifestyle that residents of the coast value and enjoy,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   “It responds to the key issues facing the south east region, including continued high population growth, traffic congestion, koala protection, climate change and employment generation.”
   Mr Hinchliffe said with the population of the Sunshine Coast expected to increase to 497,000 from the current 295,000 by 2031, there was a requirement for 98,000 new dwellings through a combination of infill and broad-hectare development.
   He said the Government had listened to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and ensured the Caloundra South-Halls Creek area remained outside the urban footprint.
   “The Sunshine Coast community has voiced its preference for retaining a green space buffer between the growing urban centres of Caloundra and the Moreton Bay Regional Council,” he said.
   “Subsequently, any development in these areas would need to align with future infrastructure and transport needs and importantly, ensure the local environment is protected.”
   Mr Hinchliffe said the plan would match forecast population growth with the necessary employment opportunities.
   “The plan identifies new health, education and training areas, such as the University of the Sunshine Coast, which will provide the focus for future business clusters and also indentifies new areas for industry,” he said.
   “At Park Ridge in Logan a massive 1,586 hectares of land has now been zoned as a future employment area
   The Minister said that overall, this was a plan to ensure that South East Queensland was managed in a sustainable way by reducing the region’s ecological footprint while enhancing its economy and the quality of life of residents.
   “In future, our communities will be built and managed using contemporary measures to conserve water and energy and featuring buildings designed to take advantage of our subtropical climate,” he said.

30 July, 2009

Foster carers
answer the call

A campaign by the Department of Communities’ to attract new foster and kinship carers to Child Safety Services has recruited 841 people in just over a year.
   Minister for Child Safety, Phil Reeves said he was overwhelmed with the response from Queenslanders who had decided to help children whose lives had had a traumatic start.
   “We launched an advertising campaign on Mother’s Day last year with a target of recruiting 500 new foster and kinship carers by June 30 this year and we exceeded that with the enormous support of everyday people,” Mr Reeves said.
   “Child Safety received a tremendous influx of enquiries from people who simply couldn’t believe that parents could treat their children so appallingly.
   The success of the Department of Communities’ foster carer recruitment strategy reflected a significant contribution to the Government’s Towards Q2 target of increasing the number of Queenslanders involved in their community as volunteers by 50 per cent.
   “The Government has invested $15 million over five years to recruit, train and support foster and kinship carers,” Mr Reeves said.
   “Our efforts will not stop here - we will continue to convert those applications into real carers and we will continue to provide safe and nurturing homes for the increasing number of Queensland children whose parents will not.”
   The Minister said protecting children was the responsibility of everyone in the community.
   “The number of Queenslanders willing to come forward and put their hands up to be a foster carer highlights just how much the community has taken this message to heart - it makes me very proud to be a Queenslander,” he said.
   Mr Reeves also thanked Foster Care Queensland and the other non-Government agencies that played a significant role in promoting the recruitment campaign and converting inquiries into carers.

30 July, 2009
Capital works guide out
A new guide that lists budgeted Government capital works projects planned for this financial year is now in use
   Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten said the Queensland Government Building Projects: Industry Guide 2009-10 was an important tool for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants looking to find work on Government projects.
   “This guide, produced by the Department of Public Works each year, provides building industry participants with relevant details on each project including their location, value and the responsible Government entity,” Mr Schwarten said.
   As a measure of how much work was available, the Department of Public Works was currently managing $8.5 billion worth of capital works projects on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Advisers appointed
Lead and commercial advisers for the Government’s Renewing Queensland Plan have been appointed.
   A consortium comprising Rothschild, Merrill Lynch and the Royal Bank of Scotland were selected.
   The Renewing Queensland Plan is expected to reap around $15 billion in proceeds for Queensland and aims to ensure the State’s economy emerges from the current economic conditions in a strong position.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the complexity of the infrastructure sales process required specialist advice.

UDA scheme completed
The Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) has completed its Development Scheme for the Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area (UDA).
   The area includes more than 160 hectares of green space, new homes for up to 6,500 people, sport and recreation areas, and mixed-use residential, commercial and office precincts.
   Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the (ULDA) had taken just 12 months to complete the Development Scheme.
   Located 12 kilometres from central Brisbane, the Fitzgibbon UDA covers 295 hectares of land in the northern suburbs of Fitzgibbon, Carseldine, Bald Hills, Taigum and Deagon.

Disability awards open
Awards recognising and rewarding individuals and organisations making a positive difference to the quality of life for people with a disability, have been launched.
   The Disability Action Week Awards are seeking nominations from the public.
   Acting Minister for Disability Services, Cameron Dick said the annual awards were a chance to acknowledge the many people, organisations and businesses doing their bit to make their community more inclusive for Queenslanders with a disability.
   Nominations close on Friday 7 August.

Tourism push for TNQ
Tourism Queensland is launching a new online campaign focusing on the adventurous side of Tropical North Queensland.
   It will feature two candidates for the recent Best Job in the World competition, Greg Reynen and James Hill.
   Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said a Tropical North Queensland Best Adventure microsite had been established to feature a range of adventure-based activities and operators who were involved and supported the campaign.
   Chief Executive of Tourism Queensland, Anthony Hayes said the current focus was on sales activities specifically targeted at generating benefits for small operators.

New Electoral Division
Queensland has a new Federal electoral division, named after the late Australian poet and activist, Judith Wright.
   The division of Wright, located in the State’s south-east, was created due to Queensland’s growing population which triggered a redistribution process.
   Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn said the new division ensured the number of electors in each division did not range more than 3.5 per cent below and above the State’s projected average enrolment of 97,232 electors.
   Submissions on the proposed redistribution could be made before 21 August 2009, with further information available from www.aec.gov.au

Fraser Island census
The Department of Environment and Resource Management is working with the University of Queensland, Griffith University and Biosecurity Queensland to undertake a dingo ‘census’ on Fraser Island.
   Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said data collected over the past decade suggested the Fraser Island dingo population naturally fluctuates between about 100 and 200 animals, made up of 25 to 30 separate packs.
   “We’re due for another ‘count’ to draw together various techniques so that more accurate figures can be provided,’ Ms Jones said.
   The Department was continuing to look at ways to reduce the risk of human-dingo interaction and in the past had fenced major tourist areas and townships.

Website for mining women
The Queensland Resources Council is sponsoring a networking website for women working in Queensland’s mining and resources industry.
   The Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) website offers a new way for Queensland women working in primary resources industries to keep in touch.
   Minister for Women, Karen Struthers said the website would help to ease the isolation that women can feel working in male-dominated regional and remote areas.

New ambulance for Beenleigh
A new ambulance vehicle has been commissioned at Beenleigh Ambulance Station.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Peta-Kaye Croft, said the new vehicle and its equipment was valued at around $180,000.
   “It will provide our paramedics with the most up-to-date technology available for the delivery of patient care,” Ms Croft said.
   South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Jayne Barnes said the 25 paramedics at Beenleigh Station were committed to delivering the highest quality patient care for their community and had responded to more than 9,000 emergency cases in the last financial year.

23 July, 2009

IPAA delivers on
new PS awards

Nominations have been called for the inaugural IPAA Queensland Public Sector Excellence Awards.
   Hosted by the Institute of Public Administration Australia Queensland, the awards will be open to individuals and teams across all local, State and Federal Government Departments and Agencies and will recognise best practice and excellence in serving the Queensland community.
   Chief Executive of IPAA Queensland, Peter Rumph said the awards will offer a refreshing and innovative initiative for the public sector and will promote cross-Government relations between the three tiers of Government.
   “These are the first Awards of their kind to recognise all public sector employees across Local, State and Federal Government Agencies,” Mr Rumph said.
   “We were looking for a way to promote both individual and team excellence and also wanted to recognise the integral role they play in contributing to a flexible and sustainable public sector in Queensland.”
   Mr Rumph said the public sector had wanted an awards program that not only recognised teams, but individuals and their achievements.
   He said nominations were now open and would close at 5pm on Friday 4 September.
   They will complement the B150 and Q150 celebrations across the State, culminating in a gala night on Wednesday 7 October, which will have the theme: Reflecting on the Future: Celebrating 150 Years of Public Service to Queensland.
   “There is an Awards category suitable for everyone and I encourage all public sector professionals to nominate,” Mr Rumph said.

23 July, 2009

Reforms do justice
to justice system

Sweeping reforms to Queensland’s criminal and civil justice systems have been announced by the Attorney-General, Cameron Dick.
   Mr Dick said the reforms form part of the Government’s response to a review of the State’s criminal and civil justice systems by retired Senior Judge Administrator of the Supreme Court of Queensland, Martin Moynihan
   “Public confidence in the modern justice system is based on cases being dealt with in a fair and efficient manner,” Mr Dick said.
   “This aims to ensure the delivery of justice in our State is timely, equitable, and reflects the Queensland of the 21st Century.”
   He said the reforms would take place over two stages, focused on delivering key efficiencies.
   The first stage will include an expansion in the type of criminal cases to be heard and tried summarily in the Magistrates Court; an increase in the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court, from indictable offences with a maximum penalty of 14 years or less, to those with a maximum of 20 years; and an increase in the monetary limits for civil disputes in the District Court, Magistrates Court and Small Claims Tribunal.
   Mr Dick said under the changes, Magistrates will have the authority to complete a wider range of cases involving less serious offending behaviour, such as more minor assaults and property offences, which would currently be finalised in a higher court.
   “By allowing our highly qualified Magistrates to deal directly with a broader range of criminal offences, the District and Supreme Courts will be able to focus on cases involving more serious criminal behaviour,” he said.
   “These changes mean victims will see justice done sooner, prosecutors will have more time to focus on complex matters, and defendants will spend less timing waiting for trial.”
   Mr Dick said changes to civil monetary limits will reflect the impact of inflation and changes to the value of property in dispute, since the limits were last amended more than 10 years ago.
   He said a second stage of reforms would involve the development of a new Criminal Justice Procedure Act and uniform criminal procedure rules and forms to consolidate, modernise and streamline criminal justice procedure in Queensland.
   “These are major changes which will help to ensure the modern Queensland courts system can deliver fair and efficient justice for all,” Mr Dick said.

23 July, 2009

Staff pay out
on pay fears

Staff in the new mega-Department of Transport and Main Roads claim to be uncertain about their wages and conditions with some believing they may be being underpaid.
   The Queensland Public Sector Union (QPSU) has taken up their case with General Secretary, Alex Scott calling on the Government to clarify the situation.
   Mr Scott said the Government had yet to disclose legal advice that reportedly indicates that the PS workers in the new Department were formally employed under the Main Roads Agreement.
   He said the Government should let them know if their wages and conditions have been affected.
   “It’s unacceptable for public sector workers to be left in limbo and uncertainty four months after major Government changes,” Mr Scott said.
   “Surely the Government have considered this – they should stop sitting on their hands and publicly release this reported Crown Law advice now.”
   Mr Scott has written to the Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace as well as Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan asking them to release the advice they had received about the application of industrial agreements in DTMR.
   “Wages and conditions for public sector workers are hardly a State secret,” he said.   “Our public sector members have been impacted by this Administration’s machinery of Government changes and we are simply seeking to identify how the machinery of Government changes have affected their wages and conditions.”
   Mr Scott said he had asked Parliament’s Estimates Committee to investigate the Transport and Main Roads budget.
   He said this was the only opportunity the staff and public had to find out which industrial agreement was used when the budget was framed. He believed there was a possibility that a substantial number of workers were being underpaid.
   “On behalf of all public sector workers, we have written to the relevant Estimates Committee members and asked them to investigate and provide certainty about the wages and conditions that will now apply,” Mr Scott said.
   “Those conducting the estimates committee hearings are perfectly placed to end the industrial uncertainty that’s been dragging on.”
   Meanwhile staff of the Department in Cairns have called on their local MP, Curtis Pitt to investigate the same issues.
   Organiser of the QPSU in Cairns, Kevin O’Sullivan said it was vital that politicians like Mr Pitt find the answers.
   “Mr Pitt has seen these kinds of changes occur before in his employment in the public sector, and must know how worrying it is for workers who are kept in the dark,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
   “Cairns public sector workers can’t be certain of their wages and conditions.”
   Mr O’Sullivan said the residents of Cairns relied on the public sector to deliver important local regional transport and main roads projects.
   “These projects are too important to local families to run any risks with budgets,” he said.
   “With unemployment continuing to rise in the far north, it’s important that certainty and confidence is maximised for Cairns families,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

23 July, 2009

Vehicle fleet hits
green targets

The Queensland Government’s vehicle fleet has managed to reduce its carbon emissions by 14 per cent over the past 18 months.
   Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said the QFleet ClimateSmart Action Plan, which came into effect on 1 January 2008, aimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 per cent by 31 December 2010, compared to emissions at 30 June 2007.
   “I am happy to report that, by the end of June 2009, a reduction of 14.1 per cent has already been achieved – only 0.9 percent off the target for the end of next year,” Mr Schwarten said.
   “This means that after just 18 months of the three-year Action Plan program, our emissions savings are well ahead of schedule.”
   He said a key strategy in this achievement had been the introduction of minimum emission standards for vehicles, based on the Greenhouse Ratings from the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.
   The Greenhouse Ratings differentiate vehicles based on their carbon dioxide emissions – that is, the lower the emissions, the higher the rating.
   The Action Plan sets the standards at 5.5 for passenger vehicles and 3.5 for light commercial vehicles.
   Mr Schwarten said that by the end June this year, 87.8 per cent of the passenger fleet, and 95.7 per cent of the light commercial fleet, were compliant with those minimum greenhouse rating standards.

23 July, 2009

Planners plug into
smart eDA service

A new system of Electronic Development Assessment has been introduced by the Bundaberg Regional Council in an effort to speed up the planning application and approval process and reduce costs for the Council and industry.
   Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe, said Bundaberg was the second Local Government in Queensland to adopt the Smart eDA system.
   “The Smart eDA initiative has been developed by the State Government, in consultation with the Local Government Association of Queensland, Councils and industry stakeholders, to streamline the development assessment system,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   “Paper-based development applications are generally difficult to handle, disperse and monitor, and place significant demands on Councils in terms of staff and costs.”
   The Minister said the electronic system provided Queensland with a more efficient, transparent and consistent development assessment process that would reduce the cost of development.
   “Redland City Council has already trialled the system and is now using it successfully; Bundaberg Regional Council will be the second Council in the State to bring the Smart eDA system online,” he said.
   “Officers from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning will deliver training for industry stakeholders before the system is rolled out in the next month,” he said.
   “The Smart eDA website provides a single portal for industry and applicants to use across Local Government jurisdictions. Applicants can prepare and lodge their development applications online and also track their progress.”
   He said the system also enabled the integration of Council and State Government systems and helped to identify any applicable referral agencies.

23 July, 2009

Bell tolls for
toll collectors

Toll collectors on the Gateway and Logan motorways have collected their last tolls as cash payments are superseded in favour of free-flow tolling.
   Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said that while it was a sad day for the 130 toll collectors, they could all stand proud knowing that they had been outstanding ambassadors for the company during the past 23 years.
   “We are very proud of the great job our toll collectors have done for us and we are grateful for their support. Some of the current toll collectors have been with Queensland Motorways for more than 12 years,” Mr Wallace said
   “I have no doubt that the toll collectors will be fondly remembered by motorists, and I wish them well in the future.”
   Chief Executive of Queensland Motorways, Phil Mumford said that since the introduction of free-flow tolling to the Gateway and Logan Motorways was first announced in 2007, Queensland Motorways had undertaken extensive consultation with toll collection staff to provide them with support during the transition and assistance with career planning.
   “We have also conducted regular meetings with the Australian Workers Union in relation to the transition support measures and processes,” Mr Mumford said.
   “Some toll collectors have chosen to continue their careers with Queensland Motorways and they will be redeployed into the customer service division.”
   Mr Mumford said free-flow tolling would bring significant safety benefits for motorists using the Gateway and Logan motorways, while also reducing traffic congestion and improving travel times.
   He reminded motorists that if they did not have a ‘go via’ payment arrangement in place as they travel under a toll point, they had up to three days to pay their toll.

23 July, 2009

Traffic website
gets green light

A revamped 131940 traffic website has been unveiled promising to provide web-savvy motorists with better and faster information on traffic conditions.
   Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said the website was easier to use and provided more timely traffic and travel information to the community.
   “With up to 18.5 million hits a month on the previous website there’s certainly a lot of demand for this kind of information,” Mr Wallace said.
   “I expect the web cameras showing certain sections of State-controlled road network will continue to be the most popular features of the revamped website.”
   The Minister said it would now take just seconds for new information to be uploaded on the website.
   “Anyone will be able to access the website and have more confidence in the accuracy of the information, and plan their trip accordingly,” he said.
   “The website provides drivers with traffic information to help determine if they should find another travel route or delay their departure.”
   Information on State-controlled roads is updated on the website by trained operators at traffic management centres and departmental offices in various centres across Queensland, including Brisbane, Mooloolaba, Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba, Roma and Nerang.
   Mr Wallace said the web address remained the same www.131940.qld.gov.au
   “The Department first set up the website in 2001 to provide information on the Gold Coast Indy traffic changes,” he said.
   “The 131940 web service now provides information on planned events like road works and closures due to events, as well as unplanned incidents like crashes or flooding.”
   He said an upgrade to the 131940 phone service was also planned.

23 July, 2009

Study into safety
of safety workers

A Taskforce is to be set up to look at ways of improving the safety and working conditions of staff in the traffic control industry.
   Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said this followed the recommendations of a report into traffic controller safety and conditions.
   The report, by Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman, Don Brown identifies a range of possible measures for the Government to consider
   Mr Dick said the report provided an opportunity for Government and industry to ensure traffic controllers at road works and construction sites were working under safe and fair conditions.
   “Over the past two years this Government has taken significant steps to bolster safety and industrial conditions for this particular industry, but there is always more that can be done,” Mr Dick said.
   “I will be inviting representatives from unions, RACQ, the Queensland Police Service, and other relevant Government Departments, to work with the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland, within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, to determine what further safety and condition improvements should be implemented.”
   Mr Dick said the report highlighted a number of concerns including a culture among Queensland motorists of ignoring reduced speed zones through road work sites; a need for improved provision of toilets, fatigue breaks, safety and training, appropriate signage and avenues for complaint reporting and a need for increased responsibility among employers regarding accreditation, compliance and licensing of business operators who provide traffic control services.
   “The Taskforce will allow relevant Government Departments, employee and employer groups to work together, to ensure workers in this particular industry sector are afforded such conditions,” he said.
   “If workers are not getting appropriate breaks, and if their workplaces do not have appropriate safety measures in place, then that is something we all need to work together to address.”
   The Minister said that the Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice had been introduced last year to help reduce the risk to Queensland road workers, of death or serious injury posed by traffic.
   “Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is continuing to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, to raise awareness about the Code of Practice and general safety on road work and construction sites,” he said.

23 July, 2009

Clampers to clamp
down on fine dodgers

Tough new measures are to be put on trial in Queensland to force the State’s worst fine defaulters to meet their community obligations.
   Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) would conduct a 12 month compliance strategy trial.
   “The Government will introduce new legislation to authorise SPER officers to clamp the wheels of vehicles belonging to debtors who refuse to pay their fines," Mr Dick said.
   “Following that, if offenders still refuse to start repaying their debts, the Government will have the power to seize and sell their vehicle.”
   If necessary, the power to seize and sell assets would also apply to other property
   “These tough new measures will send a strong message to people who thumb their nose at fines – if you don’t pay up, you will lose your wheels,” he said.
   “Drivers licence suspension measures will be expanded across the State as an additional enforcement option for any unpaid fine. This option is currently only available as an enforcement option for fines related to motor vehicle offences,” he said.
   The Minister said the option of wheel clamping the vehicles of offenders whose outstanding fines exceed $5,000 will be trialed in Brisbane from January 1 next year, along with the expansion of seizure and sale of personal property to recover the cost of individual debts.
   “SPER enforcement officers will be trained in the practice of wheel clamping and clear guidelines will determine when and where it is appropriate to apply a clamp,” Mr Dick said.
   Mr Dick said the measures aimed to bolster the ability of SPER to facilitate the collection of unpaid fines in Queensland.
   “Since the introduction of SPER in 2000, the Registry has increased the collection of court ordered fines and unpaid infringement notice fines by 600 per cent,” he said.
   “The majority of this money goes into consolidated revenue – so that is millions of dollars which can be used to fund essential frontline services for Queensland.”

23 July, 2009

New land office to be
groundbreaking

A new Remote Indigenous Land and Infrastructure Program Office has been established to deliver better housing and development opportunities for Indigenous communities across Cape York and other Aboriginal communities in Queensland.
   Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Desley Boyle said the initiative would immediately create jobs and drive construction projects.
   “The new Program Office will be a one-of-a-kind, multi-agency hub that cuts through the red tape that has held back development and construction of housing and other facilities in Aboriginal communities for many years,” Ms Boyle said.
   “There is $16 billion in Federal Government money allocated for housing in remote indigenous communities. This Office will break down barriers, allow us to sort out planning and land use issues and get construction underway.”
   She said that while much of the work would be in the Far North Queensland region which was home to most of the remote indigenous communities, this was an excellent opportunity for businesses and workers.
   Applications for the Executive Director position closed on July 24.
   “We’re looking for a solution-focused person who can collaborate closely with Indigenous communities, all tiers of Government and the business sector to ensure these opportunities are realised,” she said.
   “This initiative is an opportunity also for the employment of Indigenous professionals in the planning stages and in large numbers in the construction phase which will require a variety of trades people and skilled labour.”

23 July, 2009

Cyber detective puts
byte on award

A Queensland policeman’s commitment to stamping out computer crime has won him a prestigious international award.
   Detective Superintendent Brian Hay, who leads the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group (FCCG), has been recognised with the McAfee’s Cybercrime Fighter Award.
   Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group specialised in conducting and assisting in the investigations of major fraud and computer-related crimes, including identity theft and fraud prevention.
   “Detective Superintendent Hay has been relentless in his efforts in educating the public about internet crime and has played a large part in investigating a Nigerian fraud which cost Australians millions of dollars,” Mr Roberts said.
   Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Superintendent Hay had been a member of the Queensland Police Service for 28 years, working extensively in the area of fraud and corporate crime.
   “On behalf of the entire Service and particularly police officers and staff of the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group, I am tremendously grateful to McAfee for this award which recognises Detective Superintendent Hay’s achievements and the international respect he has gained,” Commissioner Atkinson said
   “Superintendent Hay leads a team of talented and professional investigators with exceptional expertise who are dedicated to preventing members of the community from becoming victims of fraud.”

23 July, 2009

Panel to take hard
look at violence

A new panel to investigate deaths resulting from family and domestic violence has been announced by Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers.
   Ms Struthers said the Death Review Panel offered Queensland a new way to try to prevent similar deaths in the future.
   “Over the past five years there have been up to 60 domestic violence-related deaths in Queensland,” Ms Struthers said.
   “This panel is the first dedicated mechanism for investigating the circumstances surrounding these deaths - including what more could have been done to prevent a death - and identifying any gaps in services for victims.”
   She said the panel will be chaired by the Chair of the Board of Legal Aid Queensland and former Director General of the Office of Women's Policy and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and Development, Marg O’Donnell.
   Ms O’Donnell said the panel included stakeholders with extensive experience dealing with domestic violence.
   “The members of this panel have the experience to deal with the confronting, complex cases they will be reviewing,” she said.
   “We’ll report back to the Minister with our findings, which may also be used to help the Coroner conduct future inquiries.
   The four other members are Ministerial Advisory Council on Domestic and Family Violence representatives and high-profile advocates, Heather Nancarrow, Donna Justo and Ken Georgetown, and retired senior policeman, Peter Swindells.
   Ms Struthers said the Death Review Panel is the first step in a five-year plan, For Our Sons and Daughters - A Queensland Government Strategy to Reduce Domestic and Family Violence, to help stem the tide of domestic and family violence in Queensland.

23 July, 2009

New weapons nip ants

Biodiversity Queensland is employing a series of different tactics in its bid to eradicate electric ants
   The eradication program now involves a professional abseiler scaling cliff faces to search hard-to-get-at places and two Labrador dogs sniffing for the scent of the ants.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said Cairns-based abseiler Brett Jones would place lures on otherwise inaccessible cliffs, slopes and rock faces in the Smithfield area.
   “Mr Jones will be armed with hundreds of lures that will be tracked with a GPS (global positioning system),” Mr Mulherin said.
Having completed two years of treatment in the Smithfield area, Biosecurity Queensland has now begun a surveillance program in previously infested areas.
   “We want to confirm the success of the treatment program and start collecting information that will lead to declaring the area free of electric ants,” he said.
   “Once we declare an area free, we can lift movement controls on plants, soil and other material.”
   A specialist dog trainer, Craig A. Murray, was working with Biosecurity Queensland in Cairns to train the Labradors to sniff out the ants.
   “The dogs have been trained to detect the odour of electric ants in Brisbane – the next stage is to show them what electric ants look and smell like in the field,” Mr Mulherin said
   Meanwhile, the war on fire ants has turned high-tech with Queensland experts trialling remote sensing imaging that can pinpoint a fire ant mound in an area the size of a football field.
   Mr Mulherin said the equipment would contribute to wiping out the dangerous pests.
   “When perfected, this technology will give us an ability similar to being able to find a needle in a haystack – and will locate nests quickly, safely and cost effectively,” he said.
   “We’ve completed eradication operations at Gladstone and the Port of Brisbane, now it’s hoped this technology will help us finish the job and wipe them out where they remain in south-east Queensland.”

23 July, 2009

Bligh digs in over
mine treatment

Premier, Anna Bligh, has criticised the Federal Government’s assistance package for the coal industry as it moves towards a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), calling for more and better options to be added to the package.
   While the State Government broadly supported the Federal Government's emission trading scheme, Ms Bligh said she had concerns with some of its design, especially how it might impact on Queensland’s coal mining and energy industries and their job-creating capacity.
   She said her concerns included the level of assistance for mines unearthing gases through mining; the negative initial impact CPRS could have on electricity generation using waste-coal mine gas, and constraints on some mines to pass costs on to energy generating customers because of restrictive long-term contracts.
   The Premier said she had written to the Federal Minister for Science and Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, Greg Combet noting that the Commonwealth Treasury’s own modelling confirmed Queensland faced the greatest impacts from emission pricing.
   She agreed that coal should be playing its part in reducing emissions, but was concerned that CPRS would significantly reduce the competitiveness of Queensland’s coal production.
   “Some of our coal mines have extensive methane emissions and have very limited capacity to reduce them at the present time with current technologies,” Ms Bligh said
   “The CPRS needs to provide specialised assistance to these mines as a transitional measure.”

23 July, 2009

Feelgood summit
looks at wellbeing

A summit held in Brisbane on the wellbeing of Australian communities has focussed on creating the conditions for a healthier, more prosperous and better educated Australia.
   Hosted jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Community Indicators Summit was welcomed by Queensland Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers.
   “It’s fitting that Brisbane is playing host to this summit because Queensland is at the cutting edge of developing policies that enhance the wellbeing of local communities,” Ms Struthers said.
   “The Government has set a number of ambitious targets to make Queensland stronger, greener, smarter and healthier across a wide range of indicators by 2020.”
   She said the Summit’s aims - to develop a set of key economic, social and environmental indicators to provide a comprehensive measure of the well-being of Australia’s communities, and society as a whole was reflected in its theme, Measuring the Progress of Australia’s Communities.
   “We need to move beyond evaluating our wellbeing based solely on Gross Domestic Product and other economic and financial indicators,” the Minister said
   “A strong and resilient economy is an important foundation for community wellbeing and it will always be one of our main priorities, but we also need to focus on other measures.”
   These included building a better health system, improving schools, creating a cleaner environment and tackling social disadvantage.

23 July, 2009

Wrinkles ironed out
of seniors program

A cross-Government study into social isolation among seniors has identified the extent of the problem and will help develop responses and supportive policies according to the Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers.
   Ms Struthers said the Queensland Cross-Government Project to Reduce Social Isolation of Older People included community consultation, evaluating trial programs, and distributing project findings in a bid to bring about real change in communities.
   “Social isolation is an issue facing many older people, whether they live in the city or not, with studies linking it to depression and even suicide,” Ms Struthers said.
   The research showed that while most older people were socially connected, life experiences such as leaving the workforce, physical disability or ill health, loss of relationships and transport contributed to a sense of loneliness.
   “Encouraging volunteering, strong social networks and buddy systems among older people were found to be particularly effective in increasing social engagement,” the Minister said.
   “We need to ensure we are at the forefront of developing programs and solutions that prevent social isolation for a range of age groups — particularly in Queensland where people over 65 make up the fastest-growing age group.”
   Ms Struthers said the Government already supported a number of important programs such as the Older People’s Action Program, 60 and Better Program and two older men’s groups.
   The social isolation project was led by the Department of Communities’ Office for Seniors with input from a range of Government agencies, the Queensland Seniors Council, and the Australasian Centre on Ageing at the University of Queensland, and funding from Queensland Health and the Australian Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
   There are plans to distribute an evaluation report, DVD and best practice guidelines to help service providers develop and implement projects to reduce social isolation.

23 July, 2009
Oil spill ban
The company behind the Moreton Bay oil spill disaster, Swire Shipping, may be banned from work with the Queensland Public Service.
   The Courier-Mail has reported the company has resisted paying for the damage the oil spill caused, estimated at $34 million and the Government intended applying pressure.
   The paper said the ban would preclude Public Servants from flying on Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline in which Swire holds a majority shareholding.
   The company also holds Australian interests in cold storage and transport businesses as well as rural properties in Queensland, where it produces cotton, wool, beef and wheat.

Excellence awards close
Nominations for the 2009 Premier's Awards for Excellence in Public Service Delivery close this Friday.
   The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of project teams and work units across the Queensland public sector who exhibit exceptional service delivery.
   The awards will recognise projects and initiatives across five individual categories: Strong - creating a diverse economy powered by bright ideas; Green - protecting our lifestyle and environment; Smart - delivering world-class education and training; Healthy - making Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people; and Fair - supporting safe and caring communities.
   More information from www.premiers.qld.gov.au

Ambulance trial
A trial of a new diversion system aimed at reducing unnecessary demand on frontline ambulance officers is to be implemented by the Queensland Ambulance Service.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the pilot of the Secondary Triage and Referral (STAR) system would take place in the Brisbane region communication centre.
   “Too many people call Triple Zero when they don’t need an emergency ambulance response,” Mr Roberts said.
   “The trial of the STAR system will further assist in our quest to only send ambulances to genuine, medical emergencies.”

1000th home under way
Work on the 1000th home under the Australian Government’s $6.4 billion social housing stimulus package, is under way at Woolloongabba in inner Brisbane.
   Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Queensland Minister for Housing, Karen Struthers, inspected the home, part of a $4 million project.
   The home is one of 18 one-bedroom apartments being developed by Sunshine Coast based company Rockwood Imports. The project is employing 17 small businesses, six apprentices and up to 15 trade sub-contractors.

Blind checks urged
Parents are being urged to check their window blinds and curtains in case they represent a danger to children.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said blind cords were a hidden hazard in the home and most people would not be aware of the dangers.
   “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 introduced in 2006 there would be hundreds of thousands of potentially unsafe blinds still in people’s homes.”

Springbrook expands
A total of 43 properties have been purchased by the Government in order to add to the Springbrook National Park on the Gold Coast.
   The Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the Government had spent $40 million purchasing a total of 684 hectares.
   “Springbrook National Park and surrounds is an area of significant biodiversity and part of a World Heritage Area,” Ms Jones said.
   “However, the existing national park is fragmented and efforts to ‘join the dots’ have been a priority for the Government.”

Work Safe awards open
Entries for the 2009 Queensland Work Safe Awards and the inaugural Return to Work Awards close at the end of July.
   Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said companies and individuals leading the way in injury prevention and rehabilitation should consider entering.
   “There’s still time to get an entry in - It would be a pity to see businesses that are achieving great workplace health and safety results miss out on well deserved recognition,” Mr Dick said
   The Queensland Work Safe Awards reward the achievements of business operators and workers in ensuring safer workplaces by preventing accidents.

Kiwi campaign a success
The ‘Open for Business’ campaign aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to continue visiting the Sunshine Coast following March’s oil spill has been an outstanding success for Tourism Queensland.
   Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said preliminary results from the campaign indicated that it had generated an additional 1,336 room nights for operators in the region.   “This fantastic result is then multiplied when you consider the money spent by international visitors when in the region and equates to an approximate expenditure of $700,000 in Queensland, with the majority being spent in and around the Sunshine Coast.”

16 July, 2009

Gov’t builders to be
waste watchers

Building contractors taking on Government work will be expected to lift their rate of recycling under a new whole-of-Government policy released by the Minister for Public Works.
The benchmark is 40 per cent of building material that would otherwise be disposed of in land fill, the Minister, Robert Schwarten, said.
   He said the policy only applied to Government projects identified as having significant recycling opportunities.
   “Contractors undertaking Government projects are now required to ensure that all practical and cost-effective opportunities for recycling or reusing materials are taken,” Mr Schwarten said.
   “They need to recognise the importance of managing our natural resources through recycling wherever possible.”
   The Minister launched the project at the Kangaroo Point TAFE demolition site. He said the site had been set a 60 per cent target recycling target for building material and the indication was that this would be exceeded.
   “The site offered many challenges for the contractor, Rosenlund Contractors Pty Ltd, who is to be congratulated for the success of the project to date,” Mr Schwarten said.
   “The project will now involve demolition materials from the previous buildings – including concrete, steel, bricks and aluminum – being recycled or reused.”
   The site would be transformed into a new public park on the edge of Kangaroo Point cliffs, with work scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.
   Under the new policy, all Queensland Government Departments are required to report on building and infrastructure recycling activities and achievements against recycling targets in their annual reports.
   Contractors on Government projects will also be required to keep detailed records of materials that are reused, recycled or disposed of to indicate whether the target is being met.

16 July, 2009

Tourism Queensland
a winner both ways

Tourism Queensland has been judged the Best National Tourist Office in a national awards scheme conducted by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
   It was the second year in a row the office has won the award.
   Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said the latest success came shortly after Tourism Australia had won a world record number of prestigious Cannes Lions Awards for its Best Job in the World Campaign.
   “The AFTA Awards are voted for by travel agents on the basis of who they believe provides the best and most professional service,” Mr Lawlor said.
   “Recognition by one’s peers is one of the greatest accolades that any industry can receive, and to be awarded it for the second year running during a very tough time for the industry is an even greater achievement by Tourism Queensland.”
   Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Queensland, Anthony Hayes said the award recognised Tourism Queensland’s continuing relationship with the travel trade.
   "This year we are continuing a strong focus on retail activity to get immediate results for the tourism industry across the State in these challenging times," Mr Hayes said.
   Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland worked closely with the travel trade through a variety of avenues such as running travel agent familiarisations and workshops.
   “If travel agents have good first-hand knowledge of a destination and its products and experiences they are much more passionate about selling it,” he said.
   “The tourism industry and its willingness to work with Tourism Queensland in hosting and working with travel agents, played a key role in this recognition.”

16 July, 2009

Phone tap powers
now on line

The Federal Government has declared the Queensland Police Service and the Crime and Misconduct Commission ‘interception agencies’ under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, clearing the way for them to carry out phone tapping and other interception activities to help solve crimes.
   Minister for Police, Neil Roberts and Attorney-General, Cameron Dick welcomed the declaration. Mr Roberts said the interception of telecommunications was an effective means of fighting serious and organised crime.
   “The declaration means both organisations can apply to monitor a range of telecommunication mediums such as landlines, mobile phones and the Internet, which are used by criminals involved in serious, major and organised crime,” Mr Roberts said.
   “Previously, both organisations had to enter into joint arrangements with other Agencies to gain access to telecommunications intercepts.”
   He said the new powers could be used in the investigation of serious criminal offences including murder, kidnapping, serious drug offences, terrorism and corruption.
   Mr Dick said the passing of the Telecommunications Interception Bill 2009 in the Queensland Parliament in May, enabled the Federal declaration to occur.
   “The people of Queensland can be pleased that the use of these powers in Queensland will not be without appropriate safeguards,” Mr Dick said.
   “Our laws include a role for the Public Interest Monitor (PIM). As an independent barrister, the PIM can provide advice to the court when police apply for phone tapping warrants, to ensure there is a level of oversight to prevent these highly intrusive powers from being abused or exploited.”
   He said Queensland was the only State to have included this safeguard.
   “It is essential that we provide our law enforcement officers with the powers and tools they need to fight crime and keep the community safe, but we also want to ensure we protect the fundamental rights of Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.
   Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the specialised oversight regime recognised the longstanding commitment the Queensland Government had given to monitor Queensland law enforcement agencies.

16 July, 2009

Boating behaviour
buoyed by study

Figures compiled by Maritime Safety Queensland revealed an overall improvement in the safety of boating in the State in 2008.
   The Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said the State recorded 757 marine incidents compared with 768 reported in 2007.
   “This represents a small improvement in terms of the number of reported incidents over the previous year, but given the corresponding growth in vessel registrations and boating activity, it is a solid performance by the State’s boating community,” Ms Nolan said.
   “Sadly, nine fatalities were still recorded in 2008, though this is a decrease from the 15 in 2007.”
   A further 32 people required hospitalisation for marine incident-related serious injuries, continuing a decline that began in 2005.
   Ms Nolan said about a third of all marine incidents reported in Queensland in 2008 occurred in the Brisbane region where two fatalities and 10 serious injuries, were reported.
   Queensland had just over 229,000 recreational and 5,700 commercial registered vessels at the close of 2008, while the Brisbane region had just over 96,000 recreational and 1,400 commercial registered vessels.
   “State-wide there was an annual increase of 8,500 recreational vessels in 2008 with no growth in commercial registrations,” the Minister said.
   “Most of the growth in recreational registrations was in motor boats, which added about 7,000 registered vessels in 2008.”
   Investigators found that more than 70 per cent of incidents occurred on smooth or partially smooth waters and about the same number occurred in clear weather and good visibility.
   "Maritime Safety Queensland will continue to promote safe practises on our waterways," Ms Nolan said.
   “At the end of the day though, boat operators and their passengers need to understand that they are responsible for their actions and if they do the wrong thing, there can be a terrible price to pay.”

16 July, 2009

QPIF harvests
software tools

A new pilot website to assist primary producers run their business has been launched by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF).
   Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the pilot economics web portal www.agbiz.com.au featured 100 tools for cropping and livestock industries in Queensland.
   “This is part of my plan to deliver 50 per cent of QPIF services online by 2012,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “The QPIF has produced economic and financial management tools for many years as part of its extension services, but until now hasn’t been able to provide them as a coordinated package.”
   As part of the move to correct this the Department did an audit of its agribusiness software tools and identified more than 600 pieces.
   “Many of these are used by staff, but our external clients and other staff don’t know about them,” the Minister said
   “This new website will make the tools more accessible and raise their profile so we can maximise their use.”
   Assistant Director-General Regional Services for QPIF, Tony Rayner said the website supported the Department’s ‘Fresh Approach’ initiative aimed at modernising service delivery.
   “This is the first step in developing an economic support network that will eventually include an information library of technical papers, reports, fact sheets and manuals, as well as training and extension services delivered statewide,” Mr Rayner said.
   “The pilot is running in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, which will also help to build the final web portal.”

16 July, 2009

School discipline
hits its straps

A Statewide review of student disciplinary processes has been ordered by the Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson in an effort to step up the fight against violence and bullying.
   Mr Wilson said new data showed schools were already taking stronger action to combat an increase in bullying and violent incidents.
   "We know that a substantial number of school disciplinary absences are the result of unacceptable behaviour such as physical violence, verbal abuse and persistent disruptive behaviour,” Mr Wilson said
   "The Government strongly supports principals taking a tough stance on bad behaviour and it's clear from these numbers that schools are cracking down.”
   However, the data also showed that these types of incidents appeared to be increasing, which was a worrying trend.
   "I am very concerned about the level of violence in our schools, reflected in the increase in suspensions of students occurring in all 10 education regions,” Mr Wilson said.
   "During my first three months as Education and Training Minister I've spoken with many parents, teachers and principals about the issues they see as most critical to improving education standards.”
   During these consultations student behaviour was often raised as a concern. As a result, he was convening a special meeting of the Statewide Behaviour Committee to discuss the possibility of giving principals stronger powers when it comes to managing behaviour.
   "I'm also asking all schools to review their Responsible Behaviour Plans, which set behaviour standards and consequences for failing to meet them,” the Minister said.
   “They have to be updated to deal with the spread of cyber-bullying often through the prevalence of social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace, or though mobile phones.”
   The Minister said he would also engage a bullying expert to help develop better Statewide strategies to deal with these issues.
   "This work will feed into the Responsible Behaviour Plan reviews so the updated plans can be in place at all schools for the start of the new school year," Mr Wilson said
   The Government would invest more than $28 million in behaviour support programs in 2009-10.
   "We have 15 Positive Learning Centres throughout the State, along with more than 90 alternative learning programs and over 300 behaviour management teachers working in our schools,” the Minister said.

16 July, 2009

Flu warning not
to be sneezed at

Queensland Health has issued a warning to students returning to school after the holidays to make sure they don’t take swine flu with them.
   Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young said as this was first pandemic for more than 30 years, students and parents were not certain about their roles in the outbreak.
   “Parents need to be vigilant about whether their children are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, particularly with younger children who may not be alert to articulating such matters,” Dr Young said.
   “For those with older children, have the conversation now - if you haven’t already done so – let them know how important it is to tell somebody when they are unwell.”
   Dr Young said parents should be aware their children should stay at home and only return to school and other activities when they are completely well, or when at least 24 hours had passed since their fever had resolved, whichever was the longer.
   “Some groups within the community are more vulnerable than others if they catch the flu, so everyone should do the right thing and not go to school, or work, if they feel like they have the flu,” she said.
   “Most schools will have students and teachers who fall into this vulnerable category, and for these people, the flu can lead to serious medical complications. So this is not about what it suits people to do, it’s about what people should do.”
   Vulnerable people included pregnant women, Indigenous Australians, and people with respiratory disease (asthma, COPD), heart disease, diabetes, renal and liver disease, morbid obesity and immunosuppression.
   Dr Young said the best way to prevent flu is still by following good old-fashioned hygiene practices.
   “This means washing your hands, coughing or sneezing into tissues, avoiding people with flu or flu-like symptoms and seeing a doctor or health care professional as soon as possible if you feel unwell,” she said.

16 July, 2009

Symposium on-side
with local sport

A one-day symposium on community sport has been hosted in Brisbane’s Parliament House by the Minister for Sport, Phil Reeves.
   Mr Reeves said the symposium encouraged interaction between professionals and volunteers working in the sport and recreation industry.
   A key focus of the day, which included representatives from industry groups, sporting organisations and Local and State Government, was future sport development and affordability of junior sport.
   Guest presenters, included sporting identities Shane Webcke, Tony Shaw and Leigh Matthews, who shared their knowledge based on many collective years of industry experience.
   Mr Reeves said presentations and case studies from a range of industry experts included: volunteers and management solutions; affordability of junior sport; facility management and pathways for elite athletes, volunteers and officials.
   The Minister said sport and healthy lifestyles were values at the core of Queensland’s cultural identity.
   “For our children, sport teaches important values and life skills including respect and teamwork, as well as the importance of setting and achieving goals, and how to handle success and defeat,” Mr Reeves said
   “In times of financial uncertainty, many families are grappling with the cost of keeping their children playing sport.”
   He said one of the key issues the symposium considered was the affordability of sport.
   “As a Government, we recognise that participating in sport and recreation is essential to building vibrant and livable communities,” the Minister said.
   “We can achieve this by continuing to provide support for programs, projects and facilities which helps kids and families to participate in active recreation.”

16 July, 2009

Workplace safety
is no accident

A trial of free workplace safety consultations is being conducted by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors in Caboolture and north Brisbane.
   The trial involves 60 organisations with the aim of improving injury and illness rates in the State’s 7,000 medium-sized businesses.
   Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said medium sized businesses help to keep the State’s economy strong and generate thousands of jobs for Queenslanders, but unfortunately had a relatively high incidence of workplace injury.
   “While employees in medium-sized businesses make up 20 per cent of the Queensland workforce, they account for more than 30 per cent of all workers’ compensation claims,” Mr Dick said.
   “This initiative is about working with medium-sized business to turn these figures around.”
   Mr Dick said there had been a good response to the safety initiative.
   “I’d urge any other local medium-sized business which is looking to improve its workplace safety to take advantage of this free initiative,” he said
   “Information kits are available to be mailed to businesses inviting them to register their interest in a free workshop, industry group information session or one-on-one consultation with a WHSQ expert.”
   Mr Dick said the free consultations were a chance for WHSQ and businesses to work together to identify health and safety issues in a collaborative way and not as a result of an accident. Feedback would help to tailor the campaign before it was implemented throughout the State.
   “Each year nearly 100 Queenslanders die as a result of a workplace incident and nearly 30,000 workers are seriously injured requiring more than five days off work. This costs the Queensland economy $5.2 billion dollars a year,” the Minister said.
   “This campaign is part of the Government’s commitment to reduce workplace injuries by 40 per cent and fatalities by 20 per cent by 2012.”

16 July, 2009

Scientists have
winning formula

Two scientists who have worked together in Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) for the past 50 years have been thanked and congratulated on their service by the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin.
   Mr Mulherin said David Lloyd and John Thompson both began their careers as bonded students in 1959 with the then Department of Agriculture and Stock.
   “They are still working together with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) improving the productivity and profitability of field crops and pastures in Australia,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “David Lloyd is a principal pasture agronomist whose service to agriculture has resulted in the release of more than 20 improved forage legumes and grasses.”
   Mr Lloyd had played a major role in breeding the innovative lucerne varieties Trifecta and Sequel in the 1980s – varieties that are now widely used throughout Australia
  “Throughout his career he has mentored many secondary school and university students, and supervised Honours, Masters and PhD students,” the Minister said.
   Dr Thompson had had a distinguished career as a principal soil microbiologist, working on soil microorganisms and microbial processes both beneficial and pathogenic to wheat and other crops.
   “A major part of his research has been devoted to combating Long Fallow Disorder which can lead to reduced yields in grain crops,” Mr Mulherin said
   “Another significant achievement is his involvement in developing Pelsart, the first wheat variety in the world to be bred for tolerance to the root lesion nematode.”
   Acting General Manager of QPIF Plant Science, Paul Grieve congratulated both men for their professional longevity and their achievements.
   “They have both been outstanding in their service and leadership in the field of plant science research, which has increased both the profitability and sustainability of farming systems throughout Queensland and Australia,” Dr Grieve said.

16 July, 2009

Queensland law fit
for health model

Public comment has been invited on a proposed national register and accreditation scheme for health professionals developed along the lines of model legislation from Queensland.
   Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Paul Lucas said the scheme sought to establish for the first time a consistent set of national standards and processes for registering individual health professionals.
   “Queensland will be providing the model legislation all other Australian health jurisdictions will use to introduce the registration and accreditation scheme by 1 July 2010,” Mr Lucas said.
   “We know from past experience that requirements for registration vary across jurisdictions and the professions required to be registered to practice also differ.”
   With health professionals constantly moving from one State to another or coming from overseas, a single system of checks across Australia would make moving more straightforward.
   “A consistent approach offers greater protection to the general public by ensuring all registered health practitioners are suitably trained and qualified to practice – so there is just one set of rules,” the Minister said
   “We’ve seen from past tragedies throughout Australia that health practitioners who are disciplined in one State or overseas can sometimes escape checks and start in a new State; which is a serious threat to patient safety.”
   Parliament will debate the Bill later this year and on 1 July 2010 10 professions will transfer into the scheme – nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, dentists, dental prosthetists, therapists, and hygienists, psychology, optometry, osteopathy, chiropractic and podiatry.
   From 1 July 2012 three other professions will also transfer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice, Chinese medicine; and medical radiation practice.

16 July, 2009

Strategy hits out at
family violence

A new five-year strategy to combat domestic and family violence has been announced by Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers.
   Ms Struthers said she hoped a key part of the strategy, $2.7 million two-year trial in Rockhampton, would build on the ground-breaking work of local Magistrate, Annette Hennessey.
   “Another key initiative will be to invest $660,000 over the next year in the Safety Upgrades Program, which aims to help victims get on with their lives through such measures as increasing security at their homes including changing locks and installing security screens,” Ms Struthers said
   “This program also includes crisis accommodation for perpetrators who have had ouster conditions imposed by a magistrate, and access to behaviour change programs.”
   The strategy also included a Death Review Panel to look at domestic violence-related deaths, and find out what more could have been done to prevent the death and identify any gaps in services for victims.
   Minister for Child Safety, Phil Reeves said local staff would form a case-coordination team to lead the trial.
   “The team will include police, Child Safety staff and a specialist domestic and family violence worker,” Mr Reeves said.
   “The Rockhampton courts will support the trial by continuing to have specific days for domestic and family violence cases, support for both parties during the court process and a court liaison officer, employed to work with the case co-ordination team.”
   Member for Keppel, Paul Hoolihan said the strategy followed last year’s extensive consultation, which generated 140 submissions.
   The Rockhampton Case Coordination Team is expected to work with its first families by November and a full report on the trial’s results is due back to the Government by 2011.

16 July, 2009

Arts partnership
in the frame

The Australia Council for the Arts and Queensland Conservation Council have entered a partnership to offer mentorships to young and emerging artists to tackle environmental challenges in their work.
   The mentorships will involve artists being mentored by environmental activists to learn about issues ranging from climate change to biodiversity conservation.
   The aim will be for the artists to develop a work which brings together the environment, community and art. Artists will also receive support from community art organisation, Feral Arts, based in Brisbane.
   Queensland Conservation Executive Member, Ryan Dillon said the Healthy Environment Leadership Mentoring Arts (HELM-Arts) project would help develop a new generation of artistic leadership.
   “This project will expose, train and support young artists and shape them into effective leaders who can advocate for a sustainable world through their art,” Mr Dillon said.
   “Queensland Conservation, the peak body for more than 60 environmental groups in Queensland, is well placed to build closer links with the art sector.”
   He said he hoped nominations would come from a broad range of artists, geographical locations and ethnic backgrounds.
   “We created the term HELM-Arts as we feel it is up to young people to take the helm and lead the way with environmental change,” he said.
   Expressions of interest close on 3 August and further information is available online at www.australiacouncil.gov.au

16 July, 2009

Park expansion
grows on trees

The Conway National Park in the Mackay-Whitsunday region is now 20 per cent bigger following the addition of 4,540 hectares of forest reserve near Airlie Beach.
   Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the expansion meant a total of 14,340 hectares of National Park had been created in the Mackay-Whitsunday region in just eight months.
   West of Mackay, the new 1,800 hectare Bluff Hill National Park was created and 8,000 hectares were added to Eungella and Mount Martin National Parks.
   “This is a big win for conservation in the beautiful Whitsunday region,” Ms Jones said.
   “By bringing this land into the National Park estate, the Government is guaranteeing that it is locked away for future generations to enjoy.”
   Ms Jones said Conway now joins other recent national park additions to meet the Government’s target of protecting 50 per cent more land for nature conservation and public recreation by 2020.
   “Around 75 per cent of the extended area contains regional ecosystems classified as ‘of concern’. That’s why the Government has stepped in to ensure it’s protected and not disturbed,” the Minister said
   “It includes habitat of the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby – a species unique to the Whitsunday region – and habitat suitable for the vulnerable glossy black cockatoo.”
   The Minister said there were also three vulnerable plant species and 11 rare plant species in the area.
   Ms Jones also used the visit to congratulate the Department of Environment and Resource Management staff on Whitsunday’s Whitehaven Beach taking out the Resource Recovery Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful National Clean Beach Awards 2009.

16 July, 2009

Sports program
reaches maturity

A joint project between the Home and Community Care program and UQ Sport is expected to improve the health and wellbeing of many frail and elderly people in Brisbane.
   Minister for Disability Services, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Strengthening Aged Care home visits program had been developed by UQ Sport and HACC to give older and frail Queenslanders more independence and ease the burden on the health system by improving their fitness levels and overall health.
   “Accredited exercise physiologists will visit the homes of eligible frail and older people up to five times for free in St Lucia and surrounding suburbs to develop suitable exercise programs and monitor their progress,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “These visits and exercise programs will increase participants’ physical activity levels, mobility and fitness which will lead to an improvement in their overall health.”
   In the longer term, this would decrease participants’ medical and community care costs, while increasing the likelihood of them staying in their own home for longer.
   Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland Health had provided $111,048 towards the project.
   “The issue is that the vast majority of our older population does not have sufficient support to practice a physical and healthy lifestyle. This project will help to address this shortfall,” the Minister said.
   “I’m particularly pleased that the program is home-based as it makes it easier for frail and older people to access the program and maintain a level of independence in their own home and community.”

16 July, 2009

Water reform plans
taken on board

Water reforms proposed by Councils in South East Queensland have been supported in principle by the State Government.
   The reforms follow a request to the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) to put forward an alternative water industry structure, after the Council suggested it could save money on implementing reforms.
   Minister for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson said the Government had agreed in principle on a new framework for the institutional reform of urban water service delivery, specifically in respect of the delivery of retail and distribution services.
   “Both the State Government and the Council agree that reforms are necessary to increase economies of scale across larger networks, improve price regulation and improve regional approaches to planning and performance management,” Mr Robertson said.
   “We have taken on board the key concerns of Councils and accepted their preference that retail functions, like customer management, should continue to be provided by the same business that maintains and operates the pipe network.”
   Mr Robertson said the Government would now work with Councils to deliver the establishment of three geographically separate, vertically integrated retailer-distributors which will be owned by their constituent Councils.”
   The new entities would cover Brisbane, Scenic Rim; Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands; and Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer.
   “The COMSEQ model delivers on the Government’s original water reform objectives – a smaller number of stronger water entities servicing a larger area and able to respond to the demands of growth in South East Queensland,” the Minister said.
   “While we may previously have had different views on aspects of the structure, the State and Local Governments have agreed there are better ways to manage this $10 billion sector.”

16 July, 2009

Emergency Centre
is hot property

A new, $20 million state-of-the-art Emergency Services training facility has been officially opened at Whyte Island.
   The $20 million Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) is a purpose-built facility designed to provide emergency personnel with multi-disciplinary training simulations and world-class teaching facilities.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said QCESA was the single most important training infrastructure project ever undertaken by the Department of Community Safety.
   “Every aspect of this cutting-edge facility has been constructed to provide emergency services personnel with the opportunity to experience first-hand the range of real-life crises that they will face in their working life,” Mr Roberts said.
   “The Academy is a unique concept in design and sits at the forefront of training facilities available to Fire, Ambulance and Emergency Services personnel anywhere in the world.”
   Mr Roberts said that for the first time Emergency Services trainees would be able to fully test, in a near life-like situation, the cooperation and teamwork that will be required of them on the job.”
   QCESA included a four-storey ship’s hold simulation for vertical rescue training as well as a specially designed “scenario village” built to support a comprehensive range of simulated situations.
   “The scenario village includes a service station, café, warehouse, a two-storey dwelling and a bank, all set amongst a life-like road system complete with working traffic lights,” Mr Roberts said.
   “This will allow for large-scale multi-disciplinary incidents to be staged, testing the skills and response of our emergency services personnel.”
   The Minister said Queensland communities would directly benefit from the quality training delivered at QCESA and it will enhance the reputation of emergency services in Queensland, both locally, nationally and internationally.
   The Government would continue to invest in the State’s Emergency Services in 2009-10, with more than $560 million allocated to capital works for the newly-formed Department of Community Safety.

16 July, 2009
Boardwalk reopening
Brisbane's City Reach boardwalk is to reopen in time for this year's Riverfire event.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said runners, walkers, cyclists and tourists would again be able to enjoy an uninterrupted journey along the riverside.
   "Some further works on this section will be continuing until September, but being below the deck, these are not expected to inconvenience people using the boardwalk,” Ms Bligh said
   Repairs have included fixing concrete deck panels, fixing deteriorated concrete piles, replacement of inadequate bracing on steel piles, and the replacement of corroded bolts on supporting beams under the boardwalk.

New airport fire station
Airservices Australia has announced that the Sunshine Coast Airport will receive a state-of-the-art fire station.
   The Aviation, Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) building is part of a $4.95m upgrade of airport fire services and equipment nationally.
   ARFF General Manager, Andrew Rushbrook said contracts have been signed for construction of a purpose-built facility.
   “We commenced the provision of Aviation Rescue and Fire-Fighting services at the Sunshine Coast Airport in 2004 from a temporary facility but the construction of a purpose-built fire station will allow us to better meet international and environmental regulations,” Mr Rushbrook said.

Water quality group
A new high-level advisory group has been formed to improve the water quality in the Fitzroy River Basin.
   Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the Fitzroy Water Quality Advisory Group, consisting of prominent stakeholders, Councils and Departments would meet in early August.
   Organisations invited to be members of the group are: AgForce, Banana Regional Council, Capricorn Conservation Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Central Queensland University, Fitzroy Basin Association, Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee, Fitzroy Food and Fibre, Fitzroy River Fish Stocking Association, Isaac Regional Council, Queensland Conservation Council, Queensland Health, Queensland Resources Council, Rockhampton Regional Council/Fitzroy River Water, Stanwell Corporation Limited and SunWater.

Dugongs protected
The dugong population around Facing Island off the coast of Gladstone is protected by new conservation laws.
   Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said the rules came in on 1 July and followed extensive community consultation.
   The new rules require fishers to be within 200 metres of the net at all times whereas in the past fishers had set their nets during the day and gone home, leaving the nets set overnight.
   This has resulted in animals drowning before they could be released.

Fish study
The Noosa Fish Health Investigation Taskforce is to investigate a case of fish abnormalities including two-headed embryos and one three-headed embryo.
   Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said the Sunland Fish hatchery had reported that the abnormalities involved mullet.
   “The incident will be included in a broader investigation into any links between fish health problems at the hatchery and the local Noosa River ecosystem,” Mr Mulherin said.
   Chief Biosecurity Officer, Ron Glanville said more fish will be sourced from the Noosa River and spawned at Biosecurity Queensland’s Bribie Island facility to assist with the investigation.

Journalists to sue
Journalists serving as temporary employees at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before 1996 are being urged to contact a law firm preparing a class action to recover superannuation payments believed to be due following a recent High Court decision.
   More information may be available from Andrew Rich on (07) 3220 2555.

Youth Week vacancy
The Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is encouraging young Australians to apply for a role with the National Youth Week Planning Group for 2010.
   The successful applicant will help increase Indigenous participation at the event.
   Candidates must be aged between 15 and 24, and be an Australian citizen. Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply.
   For more information go to: www.youthweek.com/getinvolved.html

Fishery feedback
Feedback on the future direction of Queensland’s fisheries is to be provided by all sectors of the fishing community.
   Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said every year in Queensland almost one million people fish for a living, for recreation, or for traditional and customary purposes.
   “We want feedback from all of these groups on the future direction the Government proposes to take in managing Queensland’s fisheries.”
   The consultation period is open and continues until 31 July.

9 July, 2009

National wage case
comes to nothing

The Australian Fair Pay Commission has decided to leave Australia’s minimum wage unchanged at $543.78 a week.
   Australian Pay and Classification Scales will also remain unchanged at their present levels throughout 2009.
   Commission Chairman, Professor Ian Harper said this year’s decision, the last before the body is replaced by Fair Work Australia, has been a most difficult one.
   “These are uncertain times for the economy and for the Australian labour market, and in the Commission’s view caution is warranted at this time in the setting of minimum wages,” Professor Harper said.
   “This is not the time to risk the jobs of low-paid Australians by increasing minimum wages.”
   The Commission noted that in previous economic downturns the recovery in employment was weak and unemployment took a long time to return to its initial low rate.
   Professor Harper said a lesson from this experience is that decision-makers should act early to limit the increase in unemployment and support employment.
   “While some commentators are pointing to the ‘green shoots’ of a recovery, even these observers agree that unemployment will rise further before it begins to fall,” he said.
   “We note that the Reserve Bank, the Australian Treasury, the OECD and the IMF all believe unemployment in Australia will rise further over the next 12 to 18 months.”
   Professor Harper said the 2009 decision was set in a very different economic climate to the Commission’s previous three wage decisions.
   “On each previous occasion the economy was robust with evidence of strong growth and rising demand for labour,” he said.
   “Any minimum wage increase was readily absorbed and any negative employment effect was short-lived. As a result, the Commission was able to announce real wage increases for Australia’s lowest paid workers.”
   There was far greater potential for an increase in minimum wages this year to adversely affect employment given the number of Australians in work was falling and unemployment rising.
   Since the Commission’s first wage-setting decision in 2006, the combination of minimum wage increases and tax and transfer changes has resulted in the disposable incomes of low-paid Australians increasing by one-and-a-half to nearly twice the rate of inflation.
   Professor Harper said that the Commission’s minimum wage-setting successor, Fair
Work Australia, would have an opportunity six months from now to again review minimum wages in Australia.
   “Hopefully the economic picture will be clearer by then and the economy in a better position to sustain an increase in minimum wages,” he said.
   The pay decision was greeted with anger by the Queensland Public Sector Union with General Secretary Alex Scott describing it as unfair and unjustifiable.
   “The decision to block a wages increase, even as the cost of living remains high, will hurt working Queenslanders and their families,” Mr Scott said.
   “Essentials like food, rent, and medicine have all risen over the past 18 months. Workers and their families have to struggle with rising costs.”

9 July, 2009

QPWS’s Herbie
playing possum

‘Herbie the possum’ has been rescued by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
   Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the State Government would be keeping the iconic Herbert River ringtail possum branding for the QPWS.
   “Queenslanders can be assured that Herbie is in no danger of extinction,” Ms Jones said.
   “All 800 of our rangers will continue to don the same uniform with the same branding.”
   Ms Jones said the badge, which had become one of the State Government’s most recognisable symbols, would be retained in the new Department of Environment and Resource Management.
   “All staff were advised of this decision in April as the new Department was taking shape. The service will keep its own identity within the new Department,” she said.
   “I understand that many rangers have a strong affinity with Herbie and, like me, wear the symbol with pride.”
   The Minister said research had shown that many Queenslanders recognised Herbie as the brand for QPWS and felt reassured to see uniformed rangers protecting the State’s parks and wildlife.
   The possum had been the symbol of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service since 1976.
   “The distinctive possum is restricted to Queensland, living only in the tropical upland forests between the Herbert River Gorge and Cooktown,” Ms Jones said.
   “It is rarely seen as it is nocturnal and moves around in the highest branches of the forest.”
   It was dependent for its survival on careful conservation of the environment, and was a symbol of the need and responsibility to care for Queensland’s natural heritage.”

9 July, 2009

Coast clean-up costs
not ship-shape

The Premier and the Federal Government have confirmed that the owners of the ship that fouled Moreton Bay with oil in March are backing off meeting the full cost of the environmental disaster.
   Hong Kong company Swire Shipping’s lawyers wrote to the Premier, Anna Bligh, refusing to cover all the costs associated with the clean-up effort.
   Ms Bligh attacked the company for trying to shirk its responsibilities despite making repeated public assurances it would do the right thing in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
   “This ship spilt 270 tonnes of heavy fuel oil onto the pristine beaches of Moreton Island, Bribie Island and the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Bligh said.
   “The clean-up comes at a cost – currently estimated at $34 million – and we have always said the polluter must pay. Taxpayers should not be left with the bill.”
   International maritime conventions refer to a cap on clean-up payments of$ US17 million ($A21.4 million) but Swire has repeatedly accepted full responsibility and said it would cover the full cost.
   In a statement reported on 13 March, the company said: “We will be liable for all of the clean-up costs and all of the costs of the incident, which we will then seek to recover from our insurers.”
   However, the Premier said the company had now back flipped, saying it will “have regard to the limitation of liability available to them at law”.
   Federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese said the company should do the right thing.
   “We expect Swire to cover the full cost of cleaning up the pollution and the environmental damage caused by one of its ships,” Mr Albanese said.
   “There is an Australian precedent for a ship owner meeting clean-up costs in excess of its legal liability.”
   Mr Albanese said in 1995 the BHP-chartered bulk carrier, Iron Baron, grounded on Hebe Reef off the coast of Northern Tasmania, spilt 300 tonnes of bunker oil. The company covered the full cost of the clean-up which was in excess of its legal liability.
   “Swire’s own website says ‘protection of the environment is an integral part of Swire Shipping's business philosophy’, he said.
   “Now it’s their chance to put their money where their mouth is and pay the full costs of this terrible spill. Their reputation as a good corporate citizen is on the line.”

9 July, 2009

Taser trial results
no knock-out

The Queensland Police Service has released a report on a 12-month trial of stun-guns by its officers.
   The report found the ‘Tasers’ were an effective use-of-force option but identified a number of issues with their use.
   Police Minister, Neil Roberts said he and Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson wanted to ensure the report was released before the completion of a review into a Taser incident at Brandon.
   The 12-month trial started on 1 July 2007. Use of the device was initially confined to senior operational police in South East Queensland, but was extended to all operational Officers in the Dutton Park Division in April.
   According to the report there were a total of 170 deployments of Tasers during the trial. In 41 per cent of incidents, the threat of using the Taser was enough to resolve the situation. In more than 80 per cent of incidents, Tasers were effective in allowing officers to gain control of the situation.
   Officers involved in the trial also identified a lower risk of injury to themselves and subjects as a key benefit.
   However, the report highlighted issues identified during the trial that needed to be addressed, including a higher usage of the stun mode, and multiple deployments.
   Commissioner Atkinson said lessons learnt during the trial and practical operational experience, combined with ongoing experience by QPS Officers had led to significant changes being made to policy and training for the roll out of Tasers that began on 1 January 2009.
   “Training has a stronger focus on decision-making in relation to the stun mode with continuing emphasis on situational threat assessment and consideration of the range of use-of-force options including, for example, tactical communication, OC spray and withdrawal from situations,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
   Mr Roberts said the joint QPS-Crime and Misconduct Commission review of Taser operational policies and training, announced on 15 June, was continuing.

9 July, 2009

Public transport
on right track

Some 70 per cent of commuters in regional Queensland are satisfied with public transport services a survey has found.
   Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said accessibility, safety and security of public transport topped the list of what most Queenslanders liked about travelling by bus, train, ferry and taxi.
   The survey of almost 5,000 Queenslanders took in respondents from areas serviced by TransLink in South East Queensland, and qconnect in regional Queensland.
   It found that 67 per cent of respondents were likely to recommend public transport and 69 per cent were likely to use it again. For users of public transport in regional Queensland the figures were higher at 79 per cent and 81 per cent respectively.
   “This is good news for public transport in regional Queensland as it’s an indication that while we still have work to do to increase passenger numbers, we’re on the right track,” Ms Nolan said.
   Survey respondents identified more frequent, regular services, more direct routes and a more user-friendly system as ways to improve public transport.
   Ms Nolan said this feedback was invaluable.
   “More people are catching bus services in urban regional Queensland than ever before with 11 million passengers expected to have been carried in 2008-09 – an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year,” she said.
   “This increase is mostly due to the Government's qconnect initiative that has resulted in easier-to-understand fares and in many cases reduced fares.”
   Ms Nolan said she expected patronage in regional Queensland to exceed 12 million passengers in the new financial year.
   “In South East Queensland, public transport use has a mode share of 16 per cent, which is well above the State average of nine per cent,” she said.
   “This shows that more and more South East Queenslanders are using the public transport system regularly, which is why commuters will continue to be a priority for TransLink.”
   The survey found that ferry users were the most satisfied commuters, followed by bus and train users.

9 July, 2009

Brisbane plans are
blueprint for future

The Government has approved the Northshore Hamilton and Bowen Hills Urban Development Area (UDA) planning schemes in Brisbane.
   The plans outline how the areas will develop over the next 20 to 30 years.
   Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the development schemes provide a long-term vision as well as a blueprint for how these visions could be achieved.
   “These two sites are part of the State’s ongoing delivery of the Government’s Housing Affordability Strategy,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.
   “The Bowen Hills Development Scheme shows how the area can be changed from an unattractive, under-utilised area into a vibrant, inner-urban locality.”
   The Minister said the scheme would accommodate a wide range of uses including high-rise commercial, retail and residential development centred on an upgraded Bowen Hills Railway Station, comprising a variety of housing options, including affordable housing, as well as a network of pedestrian and bicycle paths.
   The redevelopment was expected to create 2,000 jobs a year.
   Chief Executive of the Urban Land Development Authority, Paul Eagles said the area would utilise existing and future transport facilities, such as a rapid bus transit corridor, and would include a network of paths and parks to provide continuous public access to the waterfront.
   “There will be more residential, retail and commercial development, providing a vibrant urban community and greater employment opportunities in the area,” Mr Eagles said.
   He said a significant factor in preparing the schemes was community consultation.
   “The community engagement program has included local newsletters, community information days and regular updates about the progress of the schemes,” he said.

9 July, 2009

Online crime is
hung out to dry

The leadership of Queensland Police in the field of countering hi-tech crime has been demonstrated at a symposium in Brisbane.
   Police Minister Neil Roberts said advances in technology had provided opportunities for offenders to prey on vulnerable members of the community with the offence of fraud ‘reinventing itself’.
   “While the Internet is a powerful communication and resource tool, offenders have adapted to it quickly and are now using it en masse to target victims,” Mr Roberts said.
   “As offenders become more savvy, their scams become more sophisticated.”
   Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson said the impact of fraud on the community was often underestimated.
   “We see victims suffer not only embarrassment and humiliation but many are losing their home and life savings - everything,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
   “Additionally, we see that corporate entities are becoming more often the individual focus of highly skilled hackers and cyber criminals.”
   The Fraud and Corporate Crime Group had a number of initiatives aimed at preventing these crimes and educating the public on how to avoid becoming a cyber victim.
   “Cyber crime is a global phenomenon that can be expected to continue to rise exponentially around the world as the internet continues its roll out,” the Commissioner said.
   “It is for this reason that significant effort has been made to bring together an ensemble of national and international speakers and presenters to gain a broader appreciation of a unique crime environment.”

9 July, 2009

Cactus future
spiked by QPIF

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries has found a highly-invasive cactus called Hudson Pear for the first time in the south west of the State.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin described the Pear as a Class 1 declared pest.
   “This plant comes from Mexico and its large, sharp spines can cause serious damage,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “The spines have been known to penetrate footwear and even vehicle tyres,” he said. “Finding this plant in Queensland is not good news.”
   QPIF confirmed there were at least 100 Hudson Pear plants at a site of an abandoned homestead in Charleville.
   “We believe it has escaped from the homestead garden and we’re hoping this is just an isolated infestation,” Mr Mulherin said.
   Biosecurity Officer with QPIF, Daniel McCudden said the organisation would work with the landholder and local Council to eradicate the plants with an approved chemical spray.
   Mr McCudden said Hudson Pear was spread by animals, vehicles and people and he wanted south west locals and visitors to keep an eye out for the plant.
   It grows up to one and a half metres tall and three metres wide. It has five centimetre wide pink-purple flowers and small oval fruit that are yellow when ripe.
   The extremely sharp cactus spines can grow to a length of four and a half centimetres and are enclosed in whitish papery sheaths.
   It is believed Hudson Pear was introduced to Lightning Ridge, NSW, in the 1960s, where it now covers an area of around 100 square kilometres.
   Smaller infestations have been found in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and at Mundubbera in Queensland.

9 July, 2009

Boom times ahead for
hospital parking

More car parking spaces for hospital workers on the Gold Coast who are required to work late are to be provided by Queensland Health.
   Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Paul Lucas said more than $8 million had been invested to provide more than 200 parking spaces for staff who finished their shifts at the hospital late at night.
   Mr Lucas said the Gold Coast Health Service District was putting together a strategy to ensure the additional parking spaces were used effectively.
   He said it would be developed in consultation with professional groups, unions and other key partners such as the local Council.
   Land purchases have been finalised and zoning negotiations on one block of land will now begin.
   "Afternoon staff who currently arrive for work in the middle of the day when parking is at a premium are the priority," Mr Lucas said.
   "The afternoon staff finish their shifts late at night and it is not ideal for them to be returning to their vehicles some distance from the hospital in the dark.”
   Chief Executive of the Gold Coast Health Service District, Adrian Nowitzke said the land purchase was just one of a continuing range of parking strategies being explored by the District to ease pressure on staff.
   "Staff safety is an issue we take very seriously and we are always looking for ways to improve safety," Dr Nowitzke said.
   "To this end we have improved the lighting in the onsite staff car park at Gold Coast Hospital.
   He said the District was looking once again at a park and ride system for staff and visitors. The additional parking would ease congestion in the area and take pressure off other parking locations.

9 July, 2009

New patrol cars find
safety in numbers

The Queensland Police Service has unveiled four brightly-coloured new highway patrol cars as its latest tool in the war against dangerous driving, death and injury on the State’s roads.
   Dubbed the ‘Fantastic Four’ by the QPS, the four Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo sedans – one blue, one green, one purple and one red – will patrol Queensland roads from next week and it will be the first time in recent years the Police Service has used colours other than white or red for marked vehicles.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the vehicles were also themed in line with the ‘Fatal Four’ road safety messages, displaying the words “speed”, “seat belts”, “drink driving” and “driving tired”.
   Ms Bligh said high visibility policing was the key to deterring and catching dangerous drivers who put their lives and the lives of others on the road, at risk.
   “Thanks to State Government funding, the QPS now has 21 of these high-visibility highway patrol cars in service across Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
   Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson said the vehicles would initially be deployed as a group and used in high-visibility operations in priority areas around the State.
   “The vehicles will be deployed by the State Traffic Task Force in areas that have been identified through intelligence and crash data analysis,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
   “They will be targeting all traffic offences, particularly the fatal four.”
   Police Minister, Neil Roberts said the four vehicles were yet another demonstration of the Government meeting its commitments.
   “We need motorists to change their attitudes and behaviour,” Mr Roberts said.
   “When they drive dangerously they are putting their lives, and the lives of other motorists, in grave danger.”

9 July, 2009

Planners to bear
koala protection

New planning controls currently under consideration will contribute towards the protection of koalas in urban areas.
   Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the State Planning Policy (SPP), which he wanted in place by the end of the year, would change the outcomes of new developments within urban areas and assist in halting the decline South-East koala populations.
   “The intent is that any developer who impacts on koala habitat in an urban area would have to contribute in a positive way towards the protection of koalas,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   “For example, this could include working towards new habitat areas or the rehabilitation of existing habitats.”
   Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said there was no alternative for the Government but to act now to ensure an expansion of koala habitat in the next decade.
   “The Koala Coast areas of bayside Brisbane, Redland and Logan plus Pine Rivers will be the focus in the short term,” Ms Jones said.
   Under consideration was an exchange of land for development on koala habitat areas in the urban footprint. This would allow the State to secure more land for koalas.
   Although there had been restricted SPPs before, the new policy would apply to every new urban development application, from one house to whole estates.
   “A sign of our urgency is that the SPP will be ready by the end of the year, cutting the normal two-year process to just six months,” Ms Jones said.
   “Tightening up planning controls is a great start but my Department is also working on ways to stop dogs and cars from killing the region’s koalas.”
   Meanwhile, Ms Jones said the State Government’s interim State Planning Regulatory Provision had been finalised.
   New assessment criteria are required to be submitted with development applications, which will ensure the layout and design of the development maximises safe koala movement and habitat enhancement, she said.

9 July, 2009

Students fire up for
SPARQed program

A new program to spark school students’ interest in science has been launched.
   The SPARQed (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland) program gives high school science students the chance to work alongside leading medical research scientists on real projects which could save lives.
   Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson joined former Australian of the Year and developer of the world’s first cervical cancer vaccine, Professor Ian Frazer to officially launch the program.
   Professor Frazer, who is also Director of the University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, developed the program.
   Mr Wilson said increasing the number of students studying and excelling in science was an investment in Queensland’s future, and potentially the health and wellbeing of people all over the world.
   “Around 300 secondary school students from across the State will be selected to take part in a research immersion program at the Diamantina Institute each year,” Mr Wilson said.
   He said the program complemented the Government’s investment in 100 extra science teachers and 15 ‘Science Sparks’ trainers.
   He said the Government had committed $100 million towards the cost of building a world-class biomedical research centre at the Princess Alexandra Hospital that would house the Diamantina Institute.
   “A laboratory and classroom will be purpose-built for the SPARQed program within this new facility, giving students and teachers access to state-of-the-art facilities in the best possible learning environment,” he said.

9 July, 2009

Scaffolding attracts
safety framework

New safety standards for the use of scaffolding on high-rise buildings have been introduced.
   Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said the new standards would greatly improve the safety of people working on suspended or swing-stage scaffolding in the State.
   Mr Dick said swing-stages were suspended work platforms that allowed work to be done on the exterior of buildings. They are commonly used in the construction and maintenance of high-rise buildings.
   The Minister said the tragic deaths of two workers on the Gold Coast last year highlighted to Government and industry the need to review the existing Code of Practice for this kind of work.
   “The Government acted immediately to set up an independent reference group, to recommend ways of improving the safety of workers on swing-stages,” Mr Dick said.
   “The reference group also commissioned advice from scaffolding experts, to ensure all options for further improvements to safety were canvassed.
   The Minister said he was pleased with the resulting amendments.
   “They go a long way toward reducing the risk of this kind of tragedy ever happening again,” he said.
   He announced the new safety standards on the construction site for the “Soul” residential tower and retail precinct at Surfers Paradise.
   “Swing-stage scaffolding is expected to be used at this site, as construction on the 77-storey residential tower gets under way,” Mr Dick said.
   “This will be one of the first developments in Queensland to operate under the new measures, and I’m pleased the Principal Contractor, Grocon, has shown a commitment to workplace health and safety on the site.”

9 July, 2009

Childhood education
holding lessons

The Queensland University of Technology has won a major grant to join an international research team to study the effectiveness of early education programs.
   Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the $2.2 million grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC) was one of the largest the organisation had ever awarded.
   “The research project will examine quality in early childhood education and care programs and the impact of programs on children’s development,” Mr Wilson said.
   “The Government is implementing a range of early childhood education and care (ECEC) reforms to give children a flying start in life, including an extra 240 kindergarten services over the next six years.”
   He said the project would provide invaluable insights into how ECEC programs could deliver lifelong benefits for children.
   “The research project will look at long day care, kindergarten, family day care and at-home care in communities throughout Queensland to evaluate the quality and impacts of these programs on children’s school readiness and achievement in the early years of school,” he said.
   “Up to 3,000 kindergarten-aged children in Queensland will take part in the study with their progress to be tracked through Prep to Year 3, including achievement on the national literacy and numeracy tests in Year 3.”
   The research partnership provides a funding pool of $17 million over five years.
   QUT and the Government will be joined in the project by the Victorian Government, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of London, University of Toronto, and the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. It will also study early education programs in Victoria.
   According to Mr Wilson, the outcomes of the work will position Australia on the world stage for research into ECEC, with a spotlight firmly on Queensland.

9 July, 2009

Fibre artists in
art attack

The Queensland Art Gallery is to stage a major exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal fibre art, beginning 1 August.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said Floating Life: Contemporary Aboriginal Fibre Art, at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) would run until 18 October and include up to 350 works by more than 100 established and emerging Indigenous artists from every State and Territory.
   “Floating Life is extraordinarily diverse and demonstrates the full range of fibre art-making techniques and approaches,” Ms Bligh said.
   “The Gallery’s contemporary Aboriginal fibre art collection is the most far reaching of its kind in terms of geographical scope, diversity and conceptual range and reveals the importance of fibre within Aboriginal culture.”
   The Premier said work on show included nets and traps, woven mats, conical baskets, spirit figures, dance objects, body adornment and painting and highly-coloured balmarra (thread-cross dance frames).
   “In addition to 275 art works from the Gallery collection, visitors to the exhibition will also view an unprecedented display of 75 Morning Star poles from Arnhem Land,” she said
   Director of the Queensland Art Gallery, Tony Ellwood said works by well-known artists Gulumbu Yunupingu, Shirley MacNamara, Yvonne Koomatrie, Lena Yarinkura, Regina Wilson and Jonathan Jones were among those to be featured.
   Mr Ellwood said Floating Life was curated by Diane Moon, the Gallery’s Curator of Indigenous Fibre Art, who has developed the collection since 2003 in close association with Australian Indigenous artists and their communities.

9 July, 2009

Justice Centres win
favourable judgement

A new youth justice centre has been opened at Forest Lake in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
   Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers said the Western Districts Youth Justice Service and others like it across Queensland were ‘worth their weight in gold.’
   “It’s about building up young people’s self esteem, steering them away from bad habits and situations that put them at risk so they don’t end up in the juvenile justice system,” Ms Struthers said.
   The Minister said the purpose-built service centre gives local families greater access to cultural, educational and rehabilitation programs – all aimed at preventing young people from reoffending.
   “It’s also youth friendly and it’s tailor-made for young people so that they can get the programs and services they need to help turn their young lives around,” she said.
   “Most young people are good people who do the right thing and stay on the right side of the law. That’s reflected in the latest youth crime trends.”
   In 2001, the rate of juvenile crime was around nine offences per 100 young people. It has now dropped to eight offences per 100 young people even though the numbers of young people rose by almost 50,000 in the same period.
   “The drop in youth crime is due in no small part to the Bligh Government’s youth justice services. That’s why this new service centre is so important to our local community,” Ms Struthers said.
   “It’s a great service and it’s going to make a real difference to young lives. Skilled staff are already reaching out to young people, giving them guidance and support, and encouraging them.”
   The Minister said she was impressed with the Inala Youth at Risk Network (YARN) that operates out of the centre.
   “I commend everyone who developed YARN, and for ‘going the extra mile’ to help ensure our young people reach their full potential,” she said.
   “It’s a great partnership with staff from Child Safety, Police, Education and Training, Inala Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Child and Youth Forensic Outreach Service, and Inala Youth Service.”

9 July, 2009
Signs for road safety
Six Variable Message Signs are to be located along the Bruce Highway at Black Mountain, Federal, Coles Creek, Tuchekoi, Traveston and Kybong.
   The signs are aimed at encouraging safe driver behaviour
   Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said driver behaviour such as speeding and tailgating would be detected and drivers would receive corresponding messages to slow down or watch their distance.
   “Roadway sensors will be installed on the approach and the departure points to these signs,” Mr Wallace said.
   “The system will be capable of providing an automated selection of road safety messages relating to speed, tailgating and wet weather.”

Union moves
The Queensland Public Sector Union has moved office to Level 1, 27 Peel Street in South Brisbane.
   The union said that while it had been a reasonably smooth transition, some difficulties with its 1800 177 244 number had been experienced.
   “We are working hard to ensure it operates at full capacity,” it says on its website.
   “We apologise if you do experience some difficulties and would ask if you could be patient and keep trying while we rectify the matter.”

Motorway going ahead
Construction on the $80 million Varsity Lakes Interchange (Exit 85) upgrade on the Pacific Motorway has begun.
   Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace and Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese said the jointly funded project honoured a $910 million commitment to upgrade the Pacific Motorway.
   “The Varsity Lakes Interchange is one of the busiest on the Gold Coast so this project will help improve travel times and ease congestion. It will also help to reduce queuing on the Motorway through Reedy Creek,” Mr Albanese said.

Police boat launched
A new state-of-the-art Water Police vessel has been launched on the Gold Coast.
   Police Minister, Neil Roberts said the $230,000 ‘A L Greaves’ was the first in the Queensland Police Service fleet to be fitted with an infrared unit capable of detecting body heat signatures during search and rescue operations.
   Mr Roberts said the vessel was a 7.3-metre “Noosacat” catamaran, boasting a cruising speed of 24 knots, a sprint speed of 48 knots and a maximum range of 300 nautical miles.
   It is named after Constable Anthony Lewis Greaves, a motorcycle traffic branch officer who was killed in 1991 while responding to the urgent medical escort of a critically ill child.

Fencers in training
Qbuild has engaged BoysTown to undertake fencing work as part of a jobs training program for young Indigenous men and women on the Gold Coast.
   Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers said BoysTown would give the eight young men and women the opportunity to learn new skills and get on- the-job training.
   She said participants had replaced chain fencing with timber fences at a number of Gold Coast properties.

New station opened
Mount Tamborine’s new $1.9 million ambulance station has been opened.
   Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts performed the opening and also formally handed-over two new state-of-the-art ambulances with a combined value of $360,000.
   He said the construction of the station was part of a Government commitment of more than $30 million to build, replace or refurbish 23 ambulance stations across the State.
   The station also has a new two-way radio communications tower that will provide a critical radio linking point to support the Department of Community Safety’s radio communications from the Gold Coast area to the Ipswich area.

Paramedics graduate
Forty-two advanced care paramedics have graduated from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the graduation ceremony signified a proud moment in the lives of graduates and their families, as well as a significant boost to the Queensland Ambulance Service’s ranks.
   The graduates will be deployed across the Queensland Ambulance Service’s seven regions with 12 posted to Brisbane, 10 to South Eastern, seven to Far Northern, six to North Coast, three to both South West and Central, and one to Northern.

2 July, 2009

Auditor brings
PS to book

The Auditor-General has presented his annual report to Parliament on the significant issues that arose from financial and compliance audits completed up to 30 May. The report covers public sector entities with balance dates other than 30 June 2008.
   According to the Auditor-General, Glenn Poole, the impressions gained from the 179 entities his officers audited provide him with a ‘whole-of-public-sector’ view of particular issues and allow him to make recommendations sector-wide or at the individual entity level.
   “The results of audits outlined in this report have identified a general trend where there is an absence of required policy along with governance mechanisms and coordination activity that should accompany those policy outcomes,” the Auditor-General said.
   He made a number of recommendations that called for better whole-of-Government coordination on a number of issues including project cost escalation; lease payments for land leased back to its original owners; security management systems; and the monitoring of IT security incidents.
   “For most of these issues, there is currently no Department nominated as a lead agent,” he said, “to provide guidance to other public sector entities and to ensure that these operational risks are being effectively managed.”
   Mr Poole recommended that accountability on these fronts be improved and that lead agencies be appointed.
   “The lead agencies could liaise with key stakeholders, identify emerging issues, develop whole-of-Government policy and monitor policy implementation to ensure a consistent approach,” he said.
   Among the key audit findings to come from the year’s work, Mr Poole made particular calls for:

Standardised cost escalation policies across the sector to ensure more accurate estimation of project costs;
Stronger policies to ensure that benefits identified at the beginning of a project were realized at the end;
Controls to protect governance and accountability when dealing with the fast-tracked programs under the Federal Government’s stimulus package;
Physical security management be improved at both at a whole-of-Government and entity level; and
Departments should centralise their responsibility for monitoring compliance with legislation.

   The Auditor-General also found shortcomings in the way some entities valued assets, implemented risk management practices and adopted the recommendations of past audits.
   As far as entities protecting their IT networks were concerned, he said they needed to be strengthened in most Agencies
   “Except for one entity, the audit identifies that the security level is at a level of a medium size business rather than a state government department holding and processing sensitive information.
   The Auditor-General’s full report can be accessed at www.qao.qld.gov.au

2 July, 2009

New bike facilities
wheeled out for PS

Public Servants working in Brisbane are to be tempted to ride bicycles to work following the official opening of new bike parking and change facilities at 61 Mary Street.
   Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten and MP for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace presided over the opening, with Mr Schwarten saying he wanted Government workers to lead the change to a healthier lifestyle by riding to work, a move that would also ease traffic congestion and contribute to limiting the effects of climate change.
   “This $730,000 expansion includes 298 lockers and parking for 254 bicycles, making it easier for workers to leave the car at home and ride to work,” Mr Schwarten said.
   “Coupled with the upgrade to end-of-trip facilities at the Neville Bonner Building in William Street which opened earlier this year, we’ve now added 350 parking places in total for staff who commute by bike.”
   The Minister said that with Brisbane’s population growing every year, cycling or walking to work were not only healthier options, they were greener options that would help ease urban congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
   Ms Grace said the new bike parks and lockers were located on the lower ground level next to the existing shower and change room facilities, and would be available for use by all Government employees.
   “Around 12 per cent of workers in the central business district cycle, walk or jog to work every day and we want to encourage more Government workers to follow suit by providing these wonderful facilities,” she said.
   Mr Schwarten said the Queensland Government has committed $235 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan to implement cycle networks in the south-east corner over the next 20 years.

2 July, 2009

New licence database
cashes in on checks

The Office of Fair Trading has launched an online search facility for consumers to ensure the tradespeople they engage and businesses they deal with are licensed.
   The launch comes after more than 40 people in Queensland were disciplined or prosecuted by the OFT for failing to be properly licensed.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said dealing with unlicensed operators such as motor dealers, security providers and real estate agents placed consumers and businesses at risk.
   “Licensing ensures operators meet minimum standards of competency for those industries regulated by OFT,” Mr Lawlor said.
   “There are several occupations regulated by OFT and by law they are required to be licensed before they can work in Queensland.”
   He said occupations regulated by OFT included real estate, motor dealing, auctioneers, second-hand dealers, pawnbrokers as well as security providers, travel agents and debt collectors.
   “These licences are a safeguard for consumers and businesses and ensure that those people working in the industries are reputable and operate with a high level of professionalism,” the Minister said.
   “From 1 July an online search facility of licence holders will be available on the OFT website.”
   Consumers and businesses will be able to search for a licence holder’s name or their licence number to check if they hold the appropriate registration. The facility will be available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

2 July, 2009

QCA plugs into
power probe

The Queensland Competition Authority has been directed to review the State’s retail electricity pricing regime and tariff structures.
   Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said the Government had ordered the study to instill more certainty in the sector for electricity consumers and retailers in a time of increasing usage.
   The QCA’s review will examine the current electricity pricing methodology and possible alternatives for reflecting the costs of supplying electricity, including network costs and accounting for all State and Commonwealth Government environmental obligations.
   It will also examine Queensland’s existing retail electricity tariffs and alternative tariff structures which may assist in the long-term management of peak electricity demand and provide an incentive for customers to use electricity more efficiently.
   Mr Robertson said the review would be independent and inform the Government of any amendments which may be required to determine 2010-11 electricity prices.
   “This review is all about delivering greater pricing certainty to Queensland electricity consumers and retailers alike,” Mr Robertson said.
   “Peak electricity demand in Queensland is skyrocketing as our population grows and we use more energy-hungry lifestyle products like home air-conditioners, large-screen televisions and swimming pools.”
   He said this increased usage was coinciding with sharply rising costs of producing electricity.
   “That’s why the QCA will examine whether it is appropriate to consider more contemporary tariffs which provide incentives for consumers to use electricity more efficiently,” the Minister said.
   “It is important that Queensland electricity consumers, wherever possible, have the opportunity to benefit from competition and efficiency in the market place.”
   Mr Robertson said the current methodology used by the QCA to set regulated electricity tariffs had been in operation since 2007 so a review was timely.
   The QCA is to report to the Government on pricing and existing tariff structures by 31 August, with its recommendations on alternative tariff structures due by 30 November.

2 July, 2009

SEQ has numbers
in statistics poll

South-east Queensland and parts of Western Australia have been identified as Australia's most popular places to move to in the latest edition of Australian Social Trends, published quarterly by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
   The publication showed Brisbane as the only capital city to experience substantial growth from internal migration in the five years to 2006, with a net increase of 40,000 people from elsewhere in Australia.
   Other regions of South-East Queensland also enjoyed significant growth from internal migration including Gold Coast-Tweed which netted 35,000 people, the Sunshine Coast (17,000) and Hervey Bay (7,300).
   Further north, Cairns, Townsville and Mackay also featured among the top 10 fastest -growing regions with relatively strong internal migration. Mandurah and Bunbury in Western Australia, both centres south of Perth, also grew quickly from internal migration in the five years to 2006.
   While the Bureau found that most growth from internal migration was coastal, there were a few notable exceptions, with Toowoomba one of a few inland centres around Australia to attract more residents than it lost.
   In other statistics released by the ABS, Brisbane was found to have 20 per cent of people aged 20 to 34 years living with their parents a finding roughly in the middle of the range, the highest being Melbourne and Sydney (27 per cent) and the lowest, the Northern Territory (12 per cent).

2 July, 2009

Legal meeting lays
down the law

The Directors and staff of the Department of Community Services’ Seniors Legal and Support Services came to South Brisbane from their regional offices last week for two days of professional development.
   Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers addressed the meeting and urged it to concentrate on the problem of elder abuse.
   “Elder abuse is an insidious problem that often goes unnoticed in the community,” Ms Struthers said, “but it’s an issue of growing concern that can have serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of older Queenslanders.”
   She said preventing elder abuse was a key priority for the Government.
   Ms Struthers said that in 2007, Seniors Legal and Support Services were established in Brisbane, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Townsville in response to an identified gap in the system, particularly as financial abuse of older people was on the rise.
   In the nine months from July 2008 to May 2009, the Services supported more than 1,000 clients, almost 450 of whom were new, indicating more people were aware that help was available.
   “The Services are staffed by solicitors and social workers, who help seniors in dealing with both the legal and social issues linked to elder abuse,” Ms Struthers said.
   “Their work seeks to promote the independence, safety and security of seniors and minimise the risk of further harm and they do a wonderful job.”
   The Minister said the staff helped obtain domestic violence protection orders, supported people to relocate to a place of safety, provided legal advice, advised people on how to manage assets, and provided advice on appointing or revoking a Power of Attorney.
   “Many instances of abuse remain unreported, which can be due to feelings of shame, fear of retaliation or institutionalisation, the victim’s failure to identify the situation as abusive, or even the perception that the abuse is deserved,” Ms Struthers said.
   “It can also be due to the involvements of family members as sadly, perpetrators of abuse are most frequently adult children — followed by spouses or partners.”
   Ms Struthers also urged seniors who felt they were being subjected to some form of abuse or anyone with concerns for an elderly person to contact the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit helpline on 1300 651192.

2 July, 2009

Biosecurity puts
bite on fire ants

The eradication of fire ants from the outskirts of Gladstone has won accolades for Biosecurity Queensland.
It is one of the first times in the world that the destructive pests have been cleaned out.
   Minister for Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said BQ’s eradication program had been intensive.
   “This is a fantastic achievement, not only for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, but for the people of Gladstone and surrounds who have played a major role in this success,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “Constant vigilance in the reporting of suspect ants by members of the public has helped ensure that fire ants did not escape from the sites where they were first detected.”
   He said the eradication process was begun by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries in 2006 when the first fire ant was found on industrial land to the west of the city.
   “All colonies were injected with liquid insecticide and seven rounds of broadcast bait were applied to the area over a two-year period to ensure that all the colonies were completely wiped out,” the Minister said.
   General Manager of BQ, Keith McCubbin said surveillance was carried out for a further two years after destruction of the nests to make sure there were no signs of the ants.
   “Throughout this time, the public and industry were always checking for and reporting suspect ants so this landmark achievement is a credit to us all,” Mr McCubbin said.
   The eradication means the removal of restrictions on movement of high-risk materials, such as soil, earthmoving equipment and mulch.
   Mr Mulherin warned however that the battle was far from over.
   “Biosecurity Queensland is confident it can eventually eradicate fire ants completely, but we cannot be complacent,” he said.
   “If fire ants take hold here they will undoubtedly spread throughout Australia so complete eradication is in the interests of all States - not just Queensland.”

2 July, 2009

Taxpayer to miss
CityLink bus

The Minister for Transport has confirmed that public money would not be used to prop up the ailing CityLink bus service between Ipswich and Indooroopilly
   Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said that for public transport services to provide value for money and to operate cost effectively, they must service medium to high-density areas, which is not the case for the CityLink service.
   “TransLink will consider providing urban bus services once population densities reach seven dwellings per hectare, but most suburbs on the CityLink route have a density of just 1.6 dwellings per hectare, Ms Nolan said
   “Clearly, this density is not sufficient to consider a taxpayer-subsidised public transport service of this nature, particularly in comparison to other areas across the TransLink network.”
   However, she promised that TransLink would continue to monitor the situation and should population density in these areas increase, it would again review the services provided.
   Ms Nolan said TransLink recently undertook observations of the route on two separate days and found that on average there was less than one passenger per CityLink service run over the two days.
   “We cannot justify directing funding to this service based on these poor passenger numbers and low population densities in the areas it runs, some of which fall outside the TransLink network boundary.”
   She said people could consider alternative bus services, park and rise schemes or train services.

2 July, 2009

Planning blueprint
on drawing board

The residents of North West Queensland have been invited to have their say on a draft regional plan being drawn up to guide the growth and development of their region in the years ahead.
   Launching the draft plan in Julia Creek, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said it focused on striking a balance between the region’s social, economic and environmental needs, particularly in light of the new challenges of climate change and erratic world commodity prices.
   “This far-reaching document has been prepared in consultation and cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders, including the North West Regional Coordination Committee, and the mining and pastoral sectors,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   “Agriculture and mining will continue to be the key drivers of future growth and development in North West Queensland, but we need to manage potential conflicts between the two and to meet new challenges.
   He said that while mining created jobs and attracted investment, it also had less desirable impacts on local communities.
   “These include higher rents and property prices, shortages of skilled and unskilled labour, income inequality, greater pressure on medical, dental and social services, and large numbers of drive-in, drive-out and fly-in, fly-out workers, who alter the social structure of communities,” the Minister said.
   “The plan advocates continued research to determine the full extent of this demand. It will assist Government and the community in gaining a better understanding of the social impacts of these workforces; and enable the private sector and Government to provide the infrastructure and services necessary to support them. “
   Mr Hinchliffe said the draft plan would lead to better planning and therefore better communities.
   “By identifying the North West’s infrastructure and service priorities, the regional plan, along with the existing Northern Economic Triangle infrastructure plan, will help State Agencies, Government-owned corporations, Local Governments and the private sector to better coordinate their infrastructure development programs,” he said.
   “Following the release of the final plan, a five-year action plan will be developed in consultation with the North West Queensland Regional Coordination Committee.”
   He said the regional plan would also form an important component in assisting future Government budget decisions for infrastructure.

2 July, 2009

Fish bans to
be scaled up

Some 70 species of ornamental fish are to be banned in Queensland under legislation due to come into effect on 1 August.
   People owning these soon-to-be banned fish can keep them – but only if they apply for a permit before August.
   Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin urged fish hobbyists to check their tanks for species about to be banned.
   “The expansion of Queensland’s declared noxious fish list from 18 to more than 70 species means some ornamental fish species currently traded will be prohibited,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “These changes have been made to protect our freshwater habitats and native fish stocks from these imported and invasive species.”
   The Minister said these fish could do great damage to the environment if released into waterways.”
   “We’ve already got a battle on our hands trying to eradicate tilapia, one of the world’s most invasive fish species,” he said.
   “Our studies show that if tilapia becomes established in the Gulf of Carpentaria Catchments, they could reduce yields in the commercial barramundi fishery by 20 per cent - costing more than $2 million a year.”
   Mr Mulherin said these legislative changes would bring Queensland into line with the National Noxious Fish List.
   “They will mainly affect hobbyists and the aquarium and aquaculture industries, and we have been working closely with these groups to provide options for fish owners and traders,” he said.
   “For people who currently own these species, provisions have been put in place for the fish to be surrendered, disposed of or kept under a permit.”
   Permits would be free and allow people who currently possess a newly-banned noxious fish to retain them. However owners would not be able to trade, sell, replace or breed these fish.
   “If people don’t surrender or dispose of noxious fish or seek permits by 1 August, they can be fined up to $200,000,” Mr Mulherin said.
   A full list of the banned fish can be accessed here.

2 July, 2009

New motorcyclists get
handle on safety

A new set of safety initiatives aimed at novice motorcycle riders is the latest weapon unveiled by the Government in its campaign to cut the rising motorcycle road death rate.
   Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said the actions had been identified in the Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2009-2012 launched earlier this year.
   Ms Nolan said the number of motorcycle rider deaths had increased over the past decade with motorcyclists representing about 22 per cent of the 2008 Queensland road toll.
   The initiatives include a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAM Scheme) permitting restricted class licence holders to ride only motorcycles suitable for their level of riding ability and experience.
   Ms Nolan said the scheme aimed to make novice riders safer road users.
   “This is about giving motorcyclists what they need to become better and safer riders,” she said.
   Another key safety initiative would prohibit learner riders from carrying pillion passengers (including their supervisor) when learning to ride a motorcycle on the road.
   “Carrying a pillion passenger requires more advanced riding skills, as a passenger impacts on the bike’s balance and stability,” Ms Nolan said.
   “This new restriction will allow learner riders to concentrate on developing basic on-road riding skills.”
   She said a learner would still be required to be supervised by an appropriate licensed person when learning to ride a motorcycle, either in a sidecar or another vehicle.
   A third initiative requires provisional P1 and P2 licence holders to display P plates on the rear of the bike or moped to clearly identify themselves to other road users.

2 July, 2009

Interest taken
in rural loans

The Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) has lowered interest rates on the loans it makes to primary producers.
   Acting Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Robert Schwarten said the new fixed interest rates will be 4.23 per cent for one year, 5.09 per cent for three years, or 5.79 per cent for five years. The new rates will apply to all new loan approvals for QRAA’s Development, First Start, Resource Management and Drought Carry-On and Recovery Loans, from 1 July until 31 December.
   “The new interest rates will allow Queensland’s primary producers and commercial fishers to continue implementing value-adding initiatives to improve and expand their existing operations or assist in recovering from the effects of drought,” Mr Schwarten said.
   Chief Executive of QRAA, Colin Holden said providing low interest rates will ensure QRAA’s customers continued to receive the financial support they needed to boost productivity, profitability and sustainability.
   “Our primary producers and commercial fishers are facing unprecedented challenges from climate variability and industry changes,” Mr Holden said.
   “The QRAA Board has looked beyond this to provide eligible businesses with the opportunity to financially overcome these challenges.”
   He said all of QRAA’s loans had no fees and charges and offered flexible repayment terms, providing producers and commercial fishers with the capacity to match repayments to their cash flow.

2 July, 2009

Surveyors set marks
for Q150 celebrations

Q150 organisers have joined with the Spatial Sciences Institute to honour the land surveyors who opened up Queensland over the past century and a half.
   Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said that while there was a popular belief that rail opened up Queensland it was the surveyors of the 1840s who traversed the State through sometimes inhospitable terrain who deserved some special recognition.
   “In those days, it wouldn’t surprise me if the job description, if they indeed existed as we know them today, was a combination of explorer, swagman and surveyor,” Mr Robertson said.
   “They marked out the routes for towns, rail tracks and roads that made the development of Queensland possible.”
   He said the Government had granted $80,000 to the Spatial Sciences Institute to install up to 60 permanent survey markers in eight regions around the State.
   They will be located from Cairns to the Gold Coast, inland to Mount Isa, Longreach and Birdsville.
   Mr Robertson said visitors and local people alike would be able to reflect on yesterday’s achievers.
   “Each marker will detail a historical story of one of Queensland’s early explorers and surveyors and their contribution to settling the region,” he said.
   “With this year being Queensland’s 150th birthday year, it’s great to see the unsung heroes of yesterday honoured and the profession of surveying and spatial sciences given the credit it so deserves for giving Queensland the parameters it has today.”
   Patron of the Spatial Sciences Institute Q150 project, Neil Divett said the Institute was grateful to the Government and to Local Councils for their support in helping achieve a wide distribution of the markers.
   “We are proud that a small, dedicated group of volunteer members is marking the achievements of Queensland’s past surveyors and map makers through this project,” Dr Divett said.
   “They and their colleagues are forging a path for Queensland’s future. Their contribution is vital as the public use of spatial science, such as GPS, is more and more becoming part of our everyday world”.

2 July, 2009

Printing program
makes impression

A certification program for commercial printers will enable them to promote their green credentials.
   Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the Sustainable Green Print program would also make it easier for customers to seek out environmentally-friendly printers.
   “Printing companies can not only develop sustainable practices but can now promote their green credentials to the increasing number of customers who want to make the right environmentally-friendly choices,” Ms Jones said.
   “The certification program will also help companies realise the economic and competitive advantages in being green.”
   She said the Printing Industry Association of Australia developed the program with $59,000 in State Government funding. It established four levels of certification to recognise the differing environmental credentials of various printers.
   The standards covered key environmental impacts such as water, energy and waste management.
   Ms Jones said a number of print companies had already provided strong proof of the financial benefits of going green.
   “In just over a year, GoPrint – the official printer for the Queensland Government – has reduced its water, energy and waste-collection costs by more than $54,000 annually and cut its carbon emissions by almost 1,000 tonnes,” she said. “That’s the equivalent of taking 220 cars off the road for a year,”
   Ms Jones encouraged printing companies to embrace the program which she said would not only help the planet, but help their business as well.

2 July, 2009

Tropical tourism
is plain sailing

A new tourism strategy designed to attract visitors to the Tropical North has been launched in Cairns by the Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor.
   Mr Lawlor said the State Government had provided $20,000 to the Cairns arts industry group, Arts Nexus to develop the 117-page strategy which contains a number of recommendations to promote the region worldwide.
   “These include a targetted media campaign and an information portal which is easily accessible to visitors,” Mr Lawlor said.
   “The city of Cairns and the surrounding region have much to offer. They are a rich melting pot of cultures from Europe, Asia, Micronesia and the Pacific as well as our Indigenous communities and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”
   Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Tourism, Steve Wettenhall said that under the strategy, joint action groups would be formed with key stakeholders to introduce a range of initiatives to promote cultural tourism.
   “These could include a cultural precinct in Cairns, a regional museum, more live music and entertainment in the central business district and a higher profile for the arts and culture of Indigenous communities and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” Mr Wettenhall said.
   He said with the global recession affecting tourism sectors worldwide it was important for Queensland’s north to diversify and reposition itself in the eyes of cultural tourists.
   “The State Government’s Queensland Creative Industries Strategy estimates the value of cultural tourism worldwide to be around $267 billion,” he said.
   “We want to capture more of that market.”
   Mr Wettenhall said the Tropical North Queensland Cultural Strategy would get the message across to tourists that the region’s cultural tourism experiences were “not to be missed!”

2 July, 2009

Animal management
is new pet project

A survey of pet ownership has resulted in the introduction of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act which came into force on 1 July.
   Local Government Minister, Desley Boyle said the survey showed that 53 per cent of Queensland households owned a cat or dog.
   “Most of these households already have their pets desexed and recognise the importance of registration,” Ms Boyle said.
   "Losing a pet can be a terrible experience, but strays can also be a big nuisance and have a detrimental impact on our native wildlife.”
   She said the new laws, which Councils would implement in the coming year, were about fostering responsible pet ownership and managing the pet population better.
   "The Act puts the onus of responsibility fairly and squarely on the shoulders of pet owners but I think it is significant and encouraging for Councils to know that many pet owners are already doing the right thing," Ms Boyle said.
   "The Queensland Government is providing $650,000 in funding to rural, regional and remote Councils to help them offset the costs of implementing the legislation, such as providing resource infrastructure and vehicles."
   Ms Boyle said the funding was a part of a multi-faceted program which also included four pilot programs trialling a variety of methods aimed at increasing the number of cats and dogs being desexed and promoting responsible pet ownership and the introduction of a Voluntary Code of Practice for pet shop owners, recommending that cats and dogs were microchipped, registered and desexed before sale.

2 July, 2009
Bridge namings near
A bridge-naming initiative in the South Coast region is close to completion.
   New names for the seven bridges are being chosen as part of Queensland’s Q150 birthday celebrations.
   Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace said a panel of community representatives had reviewed ideas submitted by local residents.
   “I’m pleased with the community response, with more than 60 submissions received from across the region,” he said.

New ODPP for Cairns
Cairns has a new and expanded Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
   Visiting the office, Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said it provided the necessary space and facilities, to accommodate recent increases in the number of prosecutors and staff located in Cairns.
   “These new premises have been designed to accommodate the 25 per cent increase in Cairns prosecutors and staff, which was announced by the Bligh Government last year,” Mr Dick said.
   “Staff numbers in the Cairns Chambers have gone from 19 to 24, including an increase in the number of prosecutors from four to six.”

Payroll Tax changes
Queensland has brought itself into line with other States and Territories in adopting new rules regarding the payment of payroll tax.
   Treasurer, Andrew Fraser announced the new rules, which will apply to those employers that have staff who work in more than one jurisdiction in a month, such as in the airline industry.
   Mr Fraser said that from 1 July payroll tax would be paid to the jurisdiction where the worker resided.
   In cases where the worker did not reside in Australia, tax would be paid to the jurisdiction where the registered Australian Business Number address of the employer was located.

Air-conditioning ban
A ban on the sale and installation of inefficient air-conditioning units comes into effect on September 1.
   The legislation will mean Queensland leads the nation by requiring a minimum tested average energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 2.9 – or equivalent to four stars - on a current energy rating label to be sold or installed.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the ban would result in significant savings to the State’s electricity network.
   “Every time an air-condition unit is installed, it costs our network up to $5,000 – the more efficient we can make these units the less the costs to our network and the less it costs every electricity customer,” Ms Bligh said.

Review for Timber Act
The Timber Utilisation and Marketing Act 1987 is to be reviewed.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said it was important to ensure legislation kept pace with developments in the marketplace.
   “The Act was initially created to protect consumers regarding the quality and suitability of treated timber products,” he said.
   “This review will consider whether market interventions controlling the sale and use of certain timber are still justified, and whether there are other ways to achieve the intent of the legislation.”

Greening grants for Mt Isa
A total of 15 local recreational and environmental projects are the first to benefit from the Greening Mt Isa grants
   Local Government Minister, Desley Boyle said the projects would share $269,000 out of the $1 million fund.
   “Importantly, it will be children who will be the real beneficiaries, with projects geared to improve grounds and facilities like the Island BMX Club,” Ms Boyle said.
   “Projects will range from tree planting and landscaping, to building shade covers and seating for playgrounds, installing sprinkler systems on sporting fields and special flooring in play areas.”

Students Buy Smart
Queensland students have been encouraged to demonstrate their consumer and financial skills in the Buy Smart competition.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the competition, now in its eighth year, would give students an opportunity to learn about real issues that affect them as young consumers – and the chance to win cash prizes.
   Last year’s category winners included a children’s book about the real costs of buying a car and a board game designed to teach students about avoiding pitfalls when buying mobile phones.
   Mr Lawlor said it was vital students learned smart consumer and financial literacy skills so they could be wise with their money.

Ombudsman has prisoner issues

DPC logs onto new website

Fair Trading finds unfair pricing

Misbehaving police found out of line

Survey fishes for skills shortages

Carpooling takes off at airport

Workshops to build better Councils

Farmers’ pest guide goes all-electric

Guide smoothes ageing wrinkles

Voting no barrier to reef’s popularity

New customers for Customs House

Tourism campaign on the right track

Spray in store for national park pests

Research funding put under microscope

Long term plans set scene for future

Foster carers answer the call

IPAA delivers on new PS awards

Reforms do justice to justice system

Staff pay out on pay fears

Vehicle fleet hits green targets

Planners plug into smart eDA service

Bell tolls for toll collectors

Traffic website gets green light

Study into safety of safety workers

Clampers to clamp down on fine dodgers

New land office to be groundbreaking

Cyber detective puts byte on award

Panel to take hard look at violence

New weapons nip ants

Bligh digs in over mine treatment

Feelgood summit looks at wellbeing

Wrinkles ironed out of seniors program

Gov’t builders to be waste watchers

Tourism Queensland a winner both ways

Phone tap powers now on line

Boating behaviour buoyed by study

QPIF harvests software tools

School discipline hits its straps

Flu warning not to be sneezed at

Symposium on-side with local sport

Workplace safety is no accident

Scientists have winning formula

Queensland law fit for health model

Strategy hits out at family violence

Arts partnership in the frame

Park expansion grows on trees

Sports program reaches maturity

Water reform plans taken on board

Emergency Centre is hot property

National wage case comes to nothing

QPWS’s Herbie playing possum

Coast clean-up costs not ship-shape

Taser trial results no knock-out

Public transport on right track

Brisbane plans are blueprint for future

Online crime is hung out to dry

Cactus future spiked by QPIF

Boom times ahead for hospital parking

New patrol cars find safety in numbers

Planners to bear koala protection

Students fire up for SPARQed program

Scaffolding attracts safety framework

Childhood education holding lessons

Fibre artists in art attack

Justice Centres win favourable judgement

Auditor brings PS to book

New bike facilities wheeled out for PS

New licence database cashes in on checks

QCA plugs into power probe

SEQ has numbers in statistics poll

Legal meeting lays down the law

Biosecurity puts bite on fire ants

Taxpayer to miss CityLink bus

Planning blueprint on drawing board

Fish bans to be scaled up

New motorcyclists get handle on safety

Interest taken in rural loans

Surveyors set marks for Q150 celebrations

Printing program makes impression

Tropical tourism is plain sailing