Union tops class in schools fight
The Queensland Public Sector Union has claimed victory in its battle to keep cleaners and schools officers in new schools as Government employees.
The Union had campaigned to protect the status of the workers which was threatened under plans to build and run new schools along Public Private Partnership lines which could have seen the jobs contracted out.
The union has thanked its members and supporters for getting behind its “positively public” campaign.
According to the QPSU, the Government has agreed that cleaners and schools officers in all new schools to be constructed in Queensland would remain Government employees.
On 16 June, Education Queensland Director-General Rachel Hunter wrote to our union, confirming that the public private partnership (PPP) scheme as proposed by the Government will be amended to ensure that schools officers and cleaners remain public employees,” The QPSU said.
It said they would remain covered by public sector awards and collective agreements.
“(This is) a major turnaround by the State Government and a clear victory for our campaign.
“We can all be proud of this achievement in protecting the conditions of workers in schools.”
The QPSU said the victory was proof that when workers came together to protect other workers and improve their workplaces, they could make real gains.
“The positively public campaign has been successful because of the efforts of thousands of union members.”
It said the campaign included a rally by cleaners and schools officers outside State Parliament, the lobbying of MPs by local Parents and Citizens associations and meeting with MP’s in regional areas.
“All this meant that the Government simply could not afford to ignore our concerns.
“The fact that schools officers and cleaners have succeeded in keeping their jobs positively public means that the threat of contracting out of basic services is reduced across Government.”
The union said campaign had brought the unions for schools officers and school cleaners, the QPSU and LHMU, together in constructive partnership.
“Contracting out of basic government services hurts both workers and the community.”
The union said the win was one for all workers across the Public Service.
26 June, 2008
Climate report warns stormy times ahead
An official report into the future impact of climate change on Queensland has prompted a Government warning to brace for change in the years ahead.
The report Climate Change in Queensland: What the Science is Telling Us was compiled by the State Government Office of Climate Change and identified potential negative impacts that could cost the State dearly if they came true. Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change, Andrew McNamara, said change was a reality and society would have to change with it.
“The report brings together the latest science on climate change, and outlines the projected impacts for Queensland,” Mr McNamara said, “so we can all understand the situation and respond appropriately.”
He said no part of the Queensland community would be untouched by the impact of global warming and its effect on climate.
“Queensland has one of the most naturally variable climates in the world, and our climate is projected to become more variable and extreme in the future,” Mr McNamara said.
“Icons like the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics are at risk of reduced biodiversity with a consequent decline in tourism benefits.”
He said Queensland was particularly vulnerable to climate change because many of its important industry sectors were climate-dependent, most of the population lived on the coast and were at risk of extreme weather and rising sea levels and the State’s ecologically rich areas, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics, were vulnerable to significant loss.
“Queensland is getting hotter, rainfall is decreasing and the incidence of extreme weather events is increasing,” Mr McNamara said.
“Since 1950, Queensland’s annual average temperature has increased at a faster rate than the national average. Across Queensland annual average temperatures are projected to increase with inland areas expected to warm more rapidly than coastal areas.”
He said annual average temperatures in Queensland’s coastal areas were projected to increase by up to 1.2 °C by 2030 and inland areas by up to 1.6 °C.
He said these were mid-range emissions estimates.
“By 2070, annual average temperatures across the State are projected to increase by up to 5 °C if greenhouse gas emissions remain high.”
Mr McNamara said most of Queensland had experienced substantial rainfall declines since 1950, with some coastal areas suffering declines of more than 50mm per decade.
“A greater proportion of total rainfall now falls in extreme events, and there are longer periods between rainfall. Increased intensity of tropical cyclones is likely, but total numbers of cyclones may decrease.”
Mr McNamara said climate change was one of the most significant environmental, economic and social challenges facing the world.
He said the Government has responded to the challenge by implementing two key strategies of action:
- ClimateSmart 2050 which worked towards a low carbon future; and
- ClimateSmart Adaptation 2007-12 which included specific initiatives to increase resilience.
26 June, 2008
Hotline turns heat on gas, electricity
A telephone hotline service for consumers needing help with their electricity and gas bills attracted around 6,500 callers in its first 12 months.
Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson, said the special Energy Ombudsman hotline was set up a year ago to give consumers someone to turn to and was used by thousands of Queenslanders in need of assistance.
“It’s a one-stop shop that looks after the rights of consumers,” Mr Wilson said.
“It offers free, fair and independent services to help consumers who are unable to resolve complaints with their energy retailer.”
He said as a result of the calls, the Energy Ombudsman investigated more than 2,500 electricity and gas complaints.
“All of those investigations have been resolved. Importantly, most of them were resolved quickly,” he said.
Mr Wilson said the most common complaint was from customers querying fees and charges.
“Other complaints related to energy contracts, the behaviour of some retailers trying to sign up new customers, disputed accounts and general enquiries about the new competitive energy market.”
He said many callers were advised to raise their problems with the electricity retailer in the first place, and then if it was still a problem, to bring it to the Energy Ombudsman.
“We’re on the side of the consumer,” Mr Wilson said.
“That’s why, when we found out that some retailers had incorrectly charged their customers, we called in all of the electricity retailers, read the riot act to them and told them to lift their game.”
He said Energy Ombudsman Offices had been established in Cairns and Rockhampton as well as Brisbane and all offices employed staff who could work directly with consumers and energy suppliers to help resolve complaints.
The Energy Ombudsman hotline was at free call 1800 662 837 or the office could be contacted via www.eoq.com.au
26 June, 2008
Schools to see light on solar power
Solar power is to be connected to all the State schools in Queensland in a national-first program expected to cost $60 million.
Premier Anna Bligh said the Government would install solar panels and other energy efficiency measures in every Government school in the State over the next three years.
Ms Bligh said the program would start with 10 schools of varying sizes and in different regions of Queensland from July.
“Over the next three years, we’ll install solar panels on the roofs of all our 1,251 State schools,” she said.
“We will also replace light fittings with more energy efficient bulbs, install smart meters to monitor energy usage and timers on power circuits to turn off non-essential power at night and weekends.”
Ms Bligh said each solar panel would reduce the school’s electricity bill by around $800 per year.
“The solar panels will be paid for over time through the savings they, and the other measures, will generate,” she said.
“$37 million will be spent on energy efficiency measures in State Schools including improved lighting technology to reduce electricity consumption.”
Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the project would deliver significant educational benefits to Queensland students through the installation of ‘smart meters’ and their inclusion in the curriculum.
“Our students will be able to see first-hand the benefits of solar power in the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Welford said.
“The new ‘smart meters’ will measure energy generated by the solar systems, the amount of energy being consumed by each school, and the resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Welford said over 500,000 school students would learn about solar power and energy efficiency, and would be able to take their knowledge back to their homes and communities.
He said the program would complement the State’s existing Solar Schools Program, which had resulted in the installation of solar power systems in 94 schools.
26 June, 2008
Tree planting scheme hits new heights
Reaching the environmental milestone of planting 500,000 trees has prompted Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten to highlight Greenfleet’s partnership with QFleet and the steps the Government has taken to reduce or offset greenhouse emissions from its vehicle fleet.
Mr Schwarten said QFleet had been a committed supporter of Greenfleet, the national not-for-profit and Federally-accredited organisation, since 2002.
“Since then, trees have been planted across the State including at Springbrook, Bundaberg, Ingham and here at Ipswich where the 500,000th tree has been planted,” Mr Schwarten said.
“When QFleet’s trees are fully grown, it’s estimated that they will have negated approximately 150 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to taking more than 38,000 cars off the road for one year.”
Mr Schwarten said QFleet was currently the largest subscriber to Greenfleet and the first single supporter organisation to reach the 500,000 milestone.
“Greenfleet’s vision is to plant permanent, biodiverse forests,” he said. “Only tree species native to a particular area are used and where possible, seedlings are sourced locally.”
Mr Schwarten said the planted trees helped to re-establish native ecosystems, provided fauna with increased habitats, assisted in maintaining water quality and helped to build soil salinity.
“It’s fitting that we planted our 500,000th tree in the Purga Nature Reserve at Ipswich, where 10,000 Swamp Tea-trees (Melaleuca irbyana) sometimes called the Bush-house Tea-tree, are the key species being planted,” he said.
“The Swamp Tea-tree forest is a valued ecosystem and only occurs in south-eastern Queensland where it has been listed as ‘critically endangered’. This new planting will help guarantee its survival.”
Mr Schwarten said QFleet would play an integral role in achieving the Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart 2050 target of offsetting 50 per cent of its greenhouse emissions by 2010, and 100 percent by 2020.
He said QFleet was working to achieve the Government’s plan to slash car emissions.
“Two weeks ago I farewelled the last V8 from the passenger fleet,” he said, “and QFleet is adding more diesel, hybrid, micro, light and small vehicles to the passenger fleet as part of our plan to cut emissions by 15 per cent over the next three years.”
Mr Schwarten said he planned to cut emissions by 25 per cent in five years and 50 per cent in 10 years.
“Based on current annual carbon dioxide emissions for the QFleet fleet this would result in a reduction from 79,300 tonnes per annum to approximately 39,000 tonnes per annum, which is the equivalent of taking approximately 10,000 vehicles off the road for one year,” he said.
Mr Schwarten labeled the plan “ambitious” but said it was essential if it was to help lessen the impacts of climate change.
Greenfleet CEO, Sara Gipton, applauded QFleet’s actions.
“As a not-for-profit organisation our aim is to make a difference, not a profit, and our philosophy revolves around a combined effort to avoid, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Gipton said.
“QFleet’s lead is one that every Queensland business should follow.”
Mr Schwarten also announced that all QFleet vehicles auctioned, as well as some in the Government vehicle fleet were wearing red noses to show support for the annual SIDS and Kids Red Nose Day. He said around 6,000 QFleet vehicles would display magnetised red noses in the lead up to Red Nose Day, one of the country’s highest profile and best loved fundraising events.
26 June, 2008
Stars out to stay in National Parks
Overnight adventures in national parks are being organised by rangers from the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the State’s Centenary of Parks celebrations.
Staring on 15–16 August at Idalia National Park in the central west and then through Lochern, Welford and Diamantina national parks over the following week and a half, the adventures offer people the chance to see areas and wildlife not normally part of the visitor experience, in the company of EPA rangers.
According to EPA Senior Ranger, Andrew Kingston the adventures were as much about people as they were about park management.
“These events are about people coming outback, seeing and learning new things, meeting the people behind the parks and having a fun experience together,” Mr Kingston said.
“At Idalia, participants have the opportunity to spot endangered bridled nailtail wallabies. We will be visiting the enclosure plots so people will get to see what we do to protect this species.
“At Lochern on 18–19 August and Welford on 20–21 August, we’ll be taking people birdwatching at some of the parks’ beautiful waterholes, hosting BBQ dinners and slideshows, and taking tours of some of our historical sites.
“And at the last event, we’ll take people spotlighting to find some very special species on Diamantina National Park. We’ll be looking for dunnarts, hopping mice and two endangered species - kowaris and bilbies.”
Mr Kingston said on the last days at Diamantina on 23 and 24 August, visitors would be taking a closer look at a bilby burrow complex, and see some of EPA’s management and monitoring activities under the Pest Arrest program.
“We remind people that bookings are limited and these parks are remote,” he said. “We want everyone to enjoy their time, so please book ahead and come well prepared for outback travel.”
For more information about the adventures or to book a place, call the EPA’s Longreach office on (07) 4652 7333 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
26 June, 2008
Tenants urged into bonding sessions
Tenants across Queensland have been reminded to check the Residential Tenancies Authority website to see if there were any unclaimed rental bond refunds owing to them.
Housing Minister, Robert Schwarten urged anyone who had rented a property in the past 10 years to check the website as the RTA was trying to return more than $3.6 million worth of unclaimed bonds to their rightful owners. Mr Schwarten estimated that more than 22,000 tenants could be entitled to bond refunds that were lying unclaimed and in trust with the RTA.
“The $3.6 million has accumulated over the past decade or so as a result of people either forgetting to cash their bond refund cheques or moving premises without notifying the RTA of their new address,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The RTA has tried to refund the money, only to have cheques returned.
He said the Authority could only send notices of rental bond claims and cheques to a tenant’s last known address and if the tenant failed to contact it with a current address, the bond money would be classed as unclaimed.
“I hate to see millions of dollars in unclaimed money sitting there,” Mr Schhwarten said.
“All the RTA wants to do at the end of the day is to return the money.”
He said many people didn’t realise they were eligible for a bond refund so didn’t provide a forwarding address to the RTA when they moved on.
He said a full list of the names of people owed bond money was on the RTA website at www.rta.qld.gov.au
Anyone finding their name on the list should contact the RTA on 1300 366 311 to arrange for their bond to be refunded into their bank account.
Mr Schwarten warned however that callerswould be asked to verify a number of key details to confirm for RTA staff that they were in fact the person to whom money was owed.
26 June, 2008
Campaigner campaigns against campaign
The Commonwealth Minister for Human Services has taken aim at a misinformation campaign making false claims about the entitlements paid to Australian refugees.
The Minister, Queensland Senator Joe Ludwig, said the internet-based campaign was creating confusion and discontent in the community, alleging refugees were receiving significantly more financial support than other social security recipients.
He urged people not to be sucked in by the campaign.
“These claims are completely false and deliberately try to divide our community by gutter wedge politics,” Senator Ludwig said.
The campaign, which operates through the internet, emails, blogs and chat rooms, claimed that refugees received $2500 in welfare payments each month and suggested senior Australians would be better off as refugees.
“The claims have been repeated in numerous media stories over the past year and the urban legend even has its own Wikipedia page outlining the campaign’s origins in Canada and the United States.
“I’m very disappointed people are continuing to perpetuate these myths – it’s only causing unnecessary concern and angst among both refugee groups and age pensioners.”
Senator Ludwig said refugees to Australia did not receive higher rates of payment than age pensioners and there were no separate rates of payment for refugees and they were not eligible for more assistance from Centrelink than any of its other clients.
“As with any Centrelink customer, the rate of payments available to a refugee depends upon individual circumstances,” Senator Ludwig said.
“As an example, a refugee who qualifies for Age Pension, would receive exactly the same rate as an Australian citizen whose income, assets and relationship circumstances were the same.”
Senator Ludwig urged anyone receiving the campaign messages to reply and tell the sender they have been the victim of a hoax.
He said the false allegations detracted from the spirit of National Refugee Week, which ran from 15 to 21 June which had as its theme this year “A Place to Call Home”.
He said since the end of World War II Australia has provided a safe haven to more than 700,000 refugees
“It’s never easy to pack up and start a new life in a country where you don’t know the language or culture, even more so if you’ve suffered torture and trauma,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Centrelink and its teams of specialists such as the Refugee Servicing Team and Multicultural Service Officers understand the challenges faced by refugees.
“Many of these officers have themselves arrived in Australia as refugees from war-torn countries,” he said.
In the meantime, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans denied reports in the media that illegal immigrants were to be paid the dole.
“There is no proposal before Government and no consideration being given to paying
Centrelink benefits to illegal immigrants,” Senator Evans said.
26 June, 2008
Councils to be rated for report awards
Local Councils have been reminded that time is running out for them to enter the inaugural Minister’s award for Best Practice in Community Reporting. Local Government Minister, Warren Pitt said the Government was on the lookout for Councils that were leading the way in communicating important issues to their communities and that the new award was designed to encourage excellence.
“We are now entering a new era in Local Government – one that is focused on integrity, accountability and transparency for the benefit of all Queensland communities,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring Councils have the capacity and resources they need to meet changing community needs and expectations.”
Mr Pitt said the Best Practice Award for Community Reporting would recognise Councils that achieved higher standards of accountability and transparency through their Council newsletters.
He said the award, which was open to all Queensland Councils, would be determined by assessing newsletter contents against their community involvement; Councillor performance; financial performance; and complaints processes.
Mr Pitt said the award would be presented to the Council that best demonstrated how it used community reporting to inform and involve the community in key decisions.
“Our aim is to encourage and congratulate those Councils who are thinking ahead,” he said.
Mr Pitt said the submission deadline was 30 June 2008 and that more information could be obtained from www.dlgsr.qld.gov.au or by contacting the Department of Local Government on (07) 3225 8660.
26 June, 2008
Brisbane banks on Visitor’s Centre
A new Visitors’ Centre has been opened on Brisbane’s South Bank.
Premier, Anna Bligh officially opened the Centre saying visitors to South East Queensland’s most popular precinct now had improved access to information and services.
She said the new Centre was more visible for visitors to parkland and the precinct and included a range of new services and merchandise.
The Centre is on the ground floor of South Bank House in Stanley Street Plaza.
“The Visitor Centre has always provided guests with detailed information on everything South Bank has to offer,” Ms Bligh said, “including cultural activities, holiday accommodation, restaurant and event information.”
She said South Bank Corporation was always on the look-out for ways of improving the visitor experience and had implemented a number of new initiatives with this in mind.
“One is the upgrade of the pools to include further water saving measures; improved lighting and landscaping, and most importantly, the inclusion of a disabled access ramp,” she said.
The Premier said with the Mater Hospital close by and the new Children’s Hospital soon to be built in the precinct, the pool access ramp would become a welcome addition for families.
“The Corporation is hoping to purchase a suitable pool wheelchair in time for summer.”
Chairman of the South Bank Corporation Board, Steve Wilson said the Visitor Centre, which was previously known as the Visitor Information Centre, had been providing services to the precinct’s residents, visitors and workers since the Parkland’s was created in 1992.
“The Centre had previously been located in the beautiful heritage-listed Allgas Building, also located in the Stanley Street Plaza,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Centre’s visibility is much improved in this new location.”
He with more than eight million visitors to the Parklands each year, it was important they had an easily-found one-stop-shop for all of their requirements, needs and questions.
Mr Wilson said the new Visitor Centre would provide information on events, tours, accommodation and dining experiences, not only on South Bank, but Brisbane and South East Queensland as well.
26 June, 2008
Queensland rivers as fit as trouts
Queensland rivers that form part of the Murray-Darling Basin have been identified as the healthiest in the system.
Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace welcomed the finding, made by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission in its first-ever rating of all 23 river ecosystems across the four states that made up the system.
Mr Wallace said the Paroo River in Queensland was given a good bill of health, while the Border Rivers and Condamine Rivers were found to be in moderate shape and were ranked equal second.
He said the only other Queensland catchment, the Warrego, was ranked equal third and found to be in poor shape due to less than expected results in fish and macro-invertebrate numbers.
He said the Government was committed to working with the Commonwealth and other States to address the needs of the Murray Darling Basin.
“This is a time to put aside state boundaries and work towards ensuring better outcomes for the entire Murray Darling system,” Mr Wallace said.
“However, it is gratifying that the three highest rated river valleys in the report are in Queensland.”
He said the report’s findings showed the State Government’s natural resource management approaches were working.
“Maintaining and improving the health of our rivers and waterways is an important priority,” he said.
The ratings were based on the assessment of fish, hydrology and macro-invertebrates such as crayfish and snails.
He said additional elements such as the physical form of rivers and the condition of associated vegetation would be included in future assessments.
Mr Wallace said there was still work to be done to improve river management approaches on a number of fronts, especially in light of climate change.
He said he was particularly concerned about one aspect of the report.
“The incidence of alien fish in our waterways is a cause for concern,” he said.
“Queensland is working with regional natural resource bodies and other groups to alleviate this problem including the re-stocking of native fish and education programs.”
Mr Wallace said the State was interested in the science underpinning the sustainable rivers audit and supported the continuation of the program.
“It provides a very useful assessment of the current condition of the rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin and will build upon knowledge and understanding of river health in Queensland,” he said.
26 June, 2008
Sports Centre an Olympic winner
State of the Art sports training and rehabilitation facilities have been opened at the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Recovery Centre in time for Olympic athletes to use them prior to the Beijing Olympic Games.
Sport Minister, Judy Spence, said the $10 million centre provided athletes with the facilities they needed to help fix injuries and for quick recovery after intense training sessions.
“This is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the training and rehabilitation of athletes and it is the only facility of its kind in Australia,” Ms Spence said.
“While other States and Territories have some combined facilities, the Queensland Academy of Sport is unique in having such a large range of facilities all under one roof, for the exclusive use of our athletes.”
Ms Spence said the centre would be essential for the 100 Queensland athletes participating in the Olympics.
She said the centre included a four lane 25m cross training pool, a wet therapy area incorporating ice baths, hot spa with massage jets, sauna and cold plunge pool, and a dry therapy area for massage and physiotherapy.
“Our athletes will now be able to go straight from an intense training session on site, into a recovery session – increasing the rate of recovery and reducing the incidence of injury, muscle soreness and fatigue,” she said.
Ms Spence said sport science staff could use the facilities to improve athlete technique and performance.
“The swimming pool has underwater viewing windows which allow coaches to watch from below as their athletes train, so they can identify where adjustments in technique can be made to improve results,” she said.
Ms Spence said plans to install cameras along the viewing windows to allow comparative studies were also on the drawing board.
She said all QAS athletes would be able to use the facilities, and anticipated that during peak times, the centre would accommodate between 250 and 300 individual visits per week.
Ms Spence said the centre had set new benchmarks in environmental design, with environmentally sustainable design principles incorporated to maximise energy efficiency, and reduce water consumption.
“For example, the semi-translucent shell over the entire facility provides natural daylight, prevents condensation and increases the energy efficiency of the facility,” she said.
“The high level of insulation minimises heat transfer and the need for mechanical air-conditioning.”
Ms Spence said to maximise water efficiency pool backwash water was recycled for reuse in toilet cisterns and rainwater and storm water catchments were collected and stored for pool top ups, toilet flushing and irrigation.
She said the water and energy use for the centre was expected to be 55 per cent below the surveyed results across Australian Council public pools in 2007.
Ms Spence said the Government provided $10 million to the QAS every year to ensure world-class facilities and support services.
“By providing our athletes with strong support and world class facilities, we ensure they have every chance of achieving their sporting dreams, and we continue to cement Queensland’s reputation as a hub of sporting excellence,” she said.
26 June, 2008
ACCC puts house on new mortgage website
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has added a new page to its website to help homeowners suffering problems meeting their mortgage repayments.
ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel, said the Commission was aware of the increased pressure on families resulting from higher mortgage commitments.
Mr Samuel said he was concerned about reports that some businesses were employing unscrupulous practices to take advantage of vulnerable home owners.
“The ACCC has received reports that some businesses are targeting home owners struggling to meet mortgage repayments with the promise of a quick sale at prices below market value,” he said.
Mr Samuel said the Managing Your Mortgage web page aimed to provide some practical steps home owners experiencing financial difficulties could take before considering selling.
He said key tips included seeking independent financial advice; talking to the lender to discuss options; checking the terms and conditions of new loans before deciding to refinance; and arranging a number of house valuations if a sale was necessary.
“The information contained on the Managing Your Mortgage page is general guidance only and recommends that home owners seek independent advice as soon as possible if they are experiencing financial difficulties,” Mr Samuel said.
He acknowledged the assistance provided by consumer groups including Kildonan Uniting Care, Consumer Action Law Centre, the Australian Financial Counselling and Credit Reform Association and the Consumer's Federation of Australia in the preparation of the material.
Mr Samuel said the page was located on the For Consumers pages of the ACCC website, www.accc.gov.au
He said the page provided links to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission consumer website FIDO where home owners could find in-depth guidance on managing loans and mortgages and protecting wealth in the family home.
26 June, 2008
Mt Tamborine firemen shake off challenge
Mt Tamborine auxiliary firefighters have taken out the 2008 South-East Regional Firefighting Championships.
The team came in ahead of Birnam Rural Fire Brigade which came second. According to the Queensland Fire and Rescue service, 11 teams fought out the Championships at Limestone Park in Ipswich, but it was Danny Edser, Daniel Coupe, Matt Given and Gary Larter of the Mt Tamborine crew that won first place.
“Bill Purvis, Cameron Butt, Mark Harding-Smith and Noel Quince made up the second-placed Birnam team, with Harding-Smith and Purvis also claiming the joint-Champion Firefighters prize,” QFRS said in a statement
It said both first and second placed teams would now go on to represent the south-east region in the 26th Annual Queensland State Firefighting Championships in Toowoomba in August.
“Coming close, but just missing out on a place in the state competition, was the third-placed Composite Team made up of firefighters from Beenleigh, Jimboomba and Mt Tamborine stations.”
The QFRS said the winning team from the State Firefighting Championships in Toowoomba would go on to represent Queensland in the Australasian Firefighting Championships to be held in Rotorua, New Zealand, next year.
26 June, 2008
Councils counselled on rate rise policy
Local Government Councils have been warned not to use recent Local Council mergers as an excuse for increasing rates.
Local Government Minister, Warren Pitt said he was concerned that some Councils could look on the mergers as a ‘smokescreen’ to justify rate increases.
Mr Pitt has advised ratepayers in amalgamated council areas that the mergers should not result in rate increases.
“I am concerned by some of the reports I am hearing about rate increases being necessary because of the Council mergers,” he said.
“There is no need at all for this to happen. It would be completely unjustified.”
Mr Pitt said if anything, ratepayers should be asking if they would receive a rates rebate.
He said he would raise the matter with the Local Government Association of Queensland after they reportedly commented that Councils could be forced to increase rates partly due to the mergers.
“This really is getting to the ridiculous stage,” Mr Pitt said.
“There has been quite a lot of nonsense sprouted about the costs resulting from Council mergers. Most of the cost estimates wither and wilt under the merest scrutiny.”
He said the State Government had provided Councils with $27.1 million to assist with amalgamation costs, which was more than the LGAQ had asked for.
“There is absolutely no justification for Councils to raise rates to cover amalgamation costs,” he said.
Mr Pitt said the Government had introduced legislation to give Councils in amalgamated areas four years to align their rating systems.
“We believe this is adequate, but if it isn’t the Government has invited Councils to submit details of the extra costs they claim,” he said.
Mr Pitt said he asked Councils to also include estimates of the savings they were making as a result of being part of a larger Council.
“To date, I have not received one formal submission,” he said.
Mr Pitt said in other States, amalgamation had resulted in a two to three per cent recurrent annual saving, which would equal millions of dollars of savings in Queensland’s larger regional councils.
He said most Councils faced the prospect of having to increase their rates to address the current challenging economic situation and rising construction and fuel costs.
“Already we have seen some non-amalgamated Local Governments make the difficult decision to introduce significant rates rises, most notably in Brisbane, where the average rise is nine per cent, and in Redland City, where the average is 11 per cent,” he said.
“Amalgamation cannot be blamed for these increases and it would be irresponsible for other Councils to use the Local Government reform process as a scapegoat for rate rises,” Mr Pitt said.
26 June, 2008
Iconic icons added for land protection
The number of the State’s “Iconic Places” has increased by two with the Government adding parts of the central Capricorn Coast and the Blackall Range to its list of areas to be protected from inappropriate development.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, said the two areas would join the former Noosa and Douglas shires under the Iconic Queensland Places Act.
“These are unique areas that help define Queensland’s character and the local communities want to make sure they’re protected,” Mr Lucas said.
He said over a thousand expressions of support were received for the Blackall Range declaration and the MP for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, had been vocal in his support of the area.
“Twenty-one sites for protection have been identified in the former Livingstone Shire on the central Capricorn Coast, between Keppel Sands and Farnborough,” Mr Lucas said.
“The Blackall Range area of the former Maroochy Shire includes the towns of Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton.”
He said the iconic places laws recognised the natural and built character of the areas and required them to be well cared for under the planning schemes of the former shire Councils.
He said they didn’t affect small developments such as “putting up your garden shed”, and only dealt with large or controversial developments.
“This is about making sure that protection isn’t eroded under the much larger amalgamated regional Councils,” he said.
“The iconic places laws do not add to, remove or replace these existing local planning schemes; development that was possible under the existing schemes is still possible.”
Mr Lucas announced the makeup of the independent development assessment panels for the former Noosa and Douglas shires.
He said the panels—each comprising five people, including people with community experience, technical experts and a Councillor—would have the option of deciding on development applications for premises in the iconic places.
“Locals with a true understanding of exactly what makes Noosa and Douglas so special make up the majority of both panels,” Mr Lucas said.
“Four of the five people on the Noosa panel are locals, including Peter Bycroft and John Mainwaring, some of the fathers of Noosa as we know it today.”
Mr Lucas said he was confident the panel members had the skills to decide large development applications and would be beyond reproach when they did so.
“All members will be required to avoid potential conflicts by adhering to a code of conduct and declaring their interests on a members’ register,” he said.
“The panels will now meet as required to determine whether or not they will decide particular development applications instead of Councils.”
The Noosa Panel included Peter Bycroft, John Mainwaring, Russell Green, Peter Wood and Leo Jensen.
The Douglas Panel included Ken Dobbs, Gary Hunt, Julia Leu, Peter Wood and Leo Jensen.
Mr Lucas said public nominations would be sought for panel members for the central Capricorn Coast and Blackall Range areas.
26 June, 2008
qconnect expands
The qconnect system responsible for standardised bus fares, more services and a user-friendly public transport system has been introduced to Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen.
Transport Minister, John Mickel, said the new system was put in place to ensure adequate services were available to all Queenslanders, no matter where they lived.
Mr Mickel said the system had been introduced to the three areas on 23 June.
BIO award for Beattie
Former Premier, Peter Beattie, has received the 2008 Biotechnology Industry Organisation's first-ever International Award for Leadership Excellence.
The award was established to honour individuals who demonstrated transformative leadership and advanced biotechnology within their community.
Mr Beattie was selected for his commitment to the development of the biotechnology industry in Queensland.
River consultation
Community consultation has begun on whether to declare the Lockhart, Stewart and Archer river basins as wild rivers.
Minister for Natural Resources, Craig Wallace, said consultation about the move would consider preserving the rivers for future generations while still allowing local communities to prosper.
New SDA announced
A new State Development Area is to be declared at Abbot Point, near Bowen.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, said the 16,230 hectare area had the potential to become an industrial powerhouse with huge economic benefits.
Mr Lucas said establishing the Bowen area as Queensland’s newest industrial powerhouse would foster the growth of industry across the northern half of the State over the next 50 years.
Child support meeting
The Child Support Agency is to conduct a free Community Information Session in Toowoomba on Monday, 30 June between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
CSA staff will be on hand to talk to parents and answer questions as well as distribute a range of free helpful tools.
The meeting will also be attended by representatives from Centrelink, the Lone Fathers Association, Relationships Australia, the Family Court of Australia, and other local community service providers.
Personal appointments will also be available the following day between 9am and
4.30pm. Parents are invited to call 131 272 to make an appointment.
Gladstone air monitored
The first of three new air monitoring stations for Gladstone has been put into action.
Minister for Sustainability, Andrew McNamara, said the station at Boat Creek was a major milestone in the Clean and Healthy Air for Gladstone project.
Mr McNamara said the other two stations would be commissioned within the next couple of months, one in the Boyne area and the other in the city centre.
Existing stations at Targinie, Clinton and South Gladstone would be upgraded.
The air monitoring stations would be linked to the EPA website so residents could see for themselves what was being measured at any time of the day or night.
More protection for reef
The Federal Government has acted to provide more protection to the Great Barrier Reef
Commonwealth Environment Minister, Peter Garrett said new legislation would recognise the World Heritage status of the Reef, apply a new environmental impact assessment process to it, improve the enforcement and compliance regimes and address gaps in emergency management.
The changes also reinstate a requirement the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have at least one Indigenous member.
Townsville dust OK
Initial tests for metal concentrations in Townsville dust have not revealed any cause for concern.
Minister for Sustainability, Andrew McNamara, said the first test results for April showed nothing to worry about, but the program was a 12-month one and results might vary over time.
Mr McNamara said cadmium, arsenic and nickel were not detected in the tests and concentrations of lead, copper and zinc were all well within internationally accepted guidelines.
He said the monitoring program would also test for beryllium, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, antimony, selenium, and vanadium which could be expected from the industry in Townsville.
Mining industry popular
Queensland’s mining industry has attracted a number of mining graduates from New South Wales, a sign that the current mining boom was a magnet for jobs among qualified graduates.
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said a survey conducted by the University of New South Wales revealed that Queensland was the destination of choice for new mining recruits with more than half the graduates from their 2007 Mining Engineering program heading to Queensland for jobs.
19 June, 2008
PS Commissioners
hit desks running
Queensland’s new Public Service Commissioners have started work on their reform agenda although they don’t officially start work until 1 July.
The nine Commissioners who have been appointed from the ranks of the private sector, non-government organisations and Government have already met with officials from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and in a couple of weeks will knuckle down to re-shaping the Queensland Public Service in a reform program billed as the most significant in a decade.
According to the Government, the new Commission plans to focus on performance and human resource management as it merges the work and responsibilities of the Office of the Public Service Commissioner and the Service Delivery and Performance Commission.
The commissioners will oversee the amalgamation and reform processes as wll as advise the Government on initiatives to make the Public Service more professional, responsive and flexible.
According to DPC’s Executive Director for Public Sector Reform, Christine Castley the new Commissioners bring with them a broad range of perspectives, fresh thinking and new ideas about human resource and performance management
“They'll help us to think differently, and do business differently,” Ms Castley said.
Among the new Commissioners is the former Chief Executive of Qantas and now Chairman of Woolworths, James Strong.
“I was very pleased to accept the Premier's invitation to help drive a new approach to public sector management in Queensland,” Mr Strong said.
“I have a real interest in both the thinking behind the reforms, and in helping to create a new culture and new standards of performance.”
Other reforms announced by the Premier, Anna Bligh included a review of all Government boards and statutory bodies, a new Civil and Administrative Tribunal, a new Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet to control PS spending and a productivity dividend to redeploy funds to frontline services.
Ombudsman has dig at mines watchdog
The Queensland Ombudsman has found that the State’s mine safety watchdog, the Queensland Mines Inspectorate (QMI), could do better and be more independent.
Prompted by years of criticism of mine safety in the media and academic circles, Ombudsman David Bevan launched his own investigation into QMI to see if it was adequately performing its role.
“My investigation revealed that the Inspectorate’s regulatory practices are generally appropriate and in line with the objectives of the State’s mine safety legislation,” Mr Bevan said, “but that improvements should be made in certain areas.” He said he found that QMI was not recording much of its informal compliance activity at mines and that meant it had an incomplete picture of the performance of individual mines on safety.
The Ombudsman thought this could lead to some safety concerns not being followed up.
He found that because the QMI was housed within the Department of Mines and Energy which has responsibility for promoting and encouraging mining in Queensland, there was a perception that it was being influenced by the mining industry.
He found this was not the case but recommended the Inspectorate be operationally independent from the rest of the Department and its head report directly to the Minister on mine safety issues.
“I have also recommended that a new position called the Commissioner for Mine Safety be established to chair the existing advisory councils, advise the Minister on mine safety matters and report to Parliament on the QMI’s performance,” the Ombudsman said.
Among other recommendations to come from the investigation were that the QMI:
- be given access to a broader range of compliance options;
- ensure greater consistency in the decisions of its inspectors;
- take a greater role in investigating incidents that result, or could have resulted, in serious injury, and
- implement better record keeping practices.
“Some of the deficiencies identified in this investigation are similar to those described in our Tips and Traps for Regulators report, which was prepared as a resource for public sector regulators, based on our findings over several years in investigating other regulators,” Mr Bevan said.
Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson, welcomed the Ombudsman’s report and said many of the recommendations made had already been implemented.
“I will carefully examine the rest of them," Mr Wilson said.
The Ombudsman’s report is publicly available from his website www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au
19 June, 2008
Atherton soil tests fail to dig up dirt
Further testing of the soil and environment around the Atherton Fire Station has failed to find a reason for a reported outbreak of cancer cases at the facility.
Studies of air and soil by the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS) has found no pesticides or metals above acceptable levels at the Station in the State’s far north.
Testing on the site was commissioned by Queensland Health after five cases of cancer were reported among current and former firefighters at Atherton.
Acting Emergency Services Minister, Andrew Fraser said there had now been two separate rounds of testing on the station with radiation tests also failing to identify issues of concern.
Mr Fraser said the scientific reports had been released and were available on the Department of Emergency Services website www.emergency.qld.gov.au
“SIMTARS investigated 17 pesticides and 19 metals in soil and wood, and 43 ‘volatile organic compounds’ in the air,” Mr Fraser said.
“There were either no detections, or detected levels were ‘within acceptable concentrations for the land use category of the fire station’.”
He said SIMTARS had concluded that no further investigations of pesticides or metals in soils, or volatile organic compounds in the air were necessary.
“Lead was detected in paint in the old disused fire officer residence on the station site which is consistent with other buildings of its age.”
Mr Fraser said the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service reaffirmed its commitment to re-open investigations if new information became available in the scientific literature about the causes of brain cancer or if there were new concerns about particular environmental hazards associated with Atherton Fire Station. He said this was in line with the Queensland Health report recommendation.
“The priority for the QFRS was to undertake a study into the incidence of cancer among firefighters in Queensland, and seek support from interstate fire services for a national study,” he said.
“Queensland will be represented a meeting of fire services and the United Firefighters’ Union in Melbourne ... to discuss a nation-wide study into the incidence of cancer among Australia’s firefighters. “Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts has already committed Queensland to lead that study and he has sought support from interstate authorities.”
19 June, 2008
Mt Isa steals show at
Corrections Awards
The 2008 Corrective Services Excellence in Corrections Awards have been announced with top honours going to Departmental staff in Mt Isa.
Minister for Corrective Services, Judy Spence, presented the highest award, the Minister’s Bursary, to Mt Isa District Probation and Parole officers for their outstanding work within remote communities in the Lower Gulf.
Ms Spence said the Minister’s Bursary awarded $10,000 for learning and development opportunities.
She said the Mt Isa Office managed an area of 385,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the South Australian and Northern Territory borders.
“Through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy, Queensland Corrective Services has built new offices and increased services to Lower Gulf communities such as Doomadgee, Mornington Island and Normanton,” she said.
“With more Probation and Parole officers on the ground, we’ve been able to build stronger relationships with local community justice groups and other organisations.”
Ms Spence said the staff at Mt Isa were closely managing Indigenous offenders and assisting victims of crime in those communities.
“As a result of their work the Courts are now more confident in using community-based orders as an alternative to prison,” she said.
“In the long term this should help reduce crime and strengthen those communities.”
MP for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan, welcomed the recognition of the Mount Isa District Probation and Parole Officers.
“From day one the community has really embraced these increased services and there is excellent work being done,” Ms Kiernan said.
“In fact these improved services are changing and turning lives around.”
Eleven other awards were presented over six categories in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by work units within the Agency.
Award recipients would be nominated for the Premier's Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management.
The 2008 Corrective Services Excellence Award recipients included the Warwick Work Camp; the Palm Island Rejuvenation Project; Emerald Probation and Parole District Office; Lotus Glen Correctional Centre; the Mount Isa District Office; Townsville Correctional Centre Tailor Shop; the Wolston Correctional Centre Education Team; the Department’s Adult Education, Vocational Education and Training Branch; Inala Probation and Parole District Office case managers; Maryborough Correctional Centre Prison Industries; and the Temporary Mackay Work Camp Team from Darling Downs Correctional Centre.
19 June, 2008
Agent Orange claim
squeezed by Defence
The Department of Defence has rejected claims it conducted trials of the chemical defoliant Agent Orange in and around Innisfail in the 1960s.
The Department said the claims were “unfounded.”
It was responding to a request by Health Minister, Stephen Robertson to investigate media reports that the dangerous chemical had been used near the town during the Vietnam War. Mr Robertson said while there was no evidence that cancer rates in Innisfail were any higher than anywhere else in Queensland, the people of Innisfail deserved to know if Agent Orange was tested in their town.
After delving into its files the Department of Defence has assured the Government and the residents of Innisfail, that the alleged trial did not take place.
It admitted however running a small-scale project in the Gregory Falls area near Innisfail in 1966 aimed at evaluating the performance of herbicides in controlling the growth of tropical vegetation.
“During that trial, small quantities of commercially available herbicide chemicals diquat, picloram and dimethyl sulphoxide were used,” the Department said.
“None of these chemicals constitute Agent Orange.”
It said the quantities of commercial herbicides used in the trial were much smaller than the amounts used by farming and forestry industries throughout Australia to control vegetation today.
“No trials under the codename ‘Operation Desert’ were conducted in the Innisfail area as also alleged in media reports,” the Department said.
“Defence considers that there is no basis to the allegations about the use of Agent Orange.”
19 June, 2008
Ian sinks teeth
into beef job
After just three months in the job, north-west beef industry development officer, Ian Gray has already made a notable impact.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, singled out Mr Gray for special mention, saying he had introduced plans for the region that would benefit it well into the future.
Mr Mulherin said Mr Gray, who was employed under the Future Beef initiative, had been assembling a group of beef producers to help determine the systems and processes needed to produce cattle that met the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) compliance standards. “This will enable cattle producers to implement the eating quality program, which is expected to deliver a greater return and provide consumers with a better product,” he said.
“I understand that JBS Swifts for example has recently introduced MSA grading at its Stuart plant and are offering a 10 cent per kilogram premium for cattle which meet MSA specification.”
Mr Mulherin said Mr Gray had visited Mt Isa and helped producers relocate drought-affected stock in Cloncurry as a part of a series of workshops being coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries throughout regional Queensland.
“Ian has also thrown himself into the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS), and is investigating its uptake on local properties and promoting the on-farm management benefits,” he said.
“He has held numerous on-property meetings with producers already to emphasise the importance of individual cattle identification to assist producers to optimise their herd management processes.”
Mr Mulherin said Mr Gray was making himself known to the people of the north-west by attending events such as the Richmond Field Days, and by focusing on opportunities to demonstrate to producers the benefits of semen assessment on bulls.
He said Mr Gray had been helping the Department to investigate the effectiveness of practical vaccination protocols for reproductive wastage in north Australian breeder herds, which was being funded by the Meat and Livestock Association.
19 June, 2008
Teachers’ ethics
score top marks
A new code of ethics for Queensland teachers has been released for comment.
Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the code was based on high-standard values and ideals which were a hallmark of the teaching profession and he urged interested teachers and others to register their views on it.
Mr Welford said the new code would give families and students confidence that teachers were working to the highest standards.
“Teaching is one of the most highly-regarded professions in terms of ethics and honesty and this new code of ethics will reflect and reinforce those values,” he said.
“Teachers around the state have the opportunity to comment on the draft code of ethics, which outlines the values of integrity, dignity, responsibility, respect, justice and care.”
Mr Welford said the new code would replace the previous code which was developed by the board of Teacher Registration before the Queensland College of Teachers was established in 2006.
He said the Queensland College of Teachers was established as part of a major overhaul of teacher registration.
“Teachers now have to renew their registration every five years,” he said, “and to gain renewal they have to show they’ve maintained their professional skills through ongoing professional development and recent teaching experience.”
He said the development of a new code of ethics was the next step towards ensuring the professionalism of Queensland teachers.
He said all teacher and community feedback on the code would help shape the final document which was expected to be available in the second half of the year.
Mr Welford said the code would be integrated into induction programs and teacher counselling, and would be used as a guide for the ethical behaviour of teachers and to stimulate discussion among teachers.
He said teachers could comment in an online survey on the Queensland College of Teachers website, www.qct.edu.au by the 20 June deadline.
19 June, 2008
Public submission
on privacy issue
An interstate Privacy Commissioner has cautioned the Queensland Parliament’s Travelsafe Committee to place stringent restrictions on any scheme that used number plate reading technology to collect information about motorists and cars.
Victorian Privacy Commissioner, Helen Versey, has made a submission to the Committee warning that Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems (ANPR) could be a powerful tool for good traffic management, but could also be very easily misused to invade people’s rights to privacy.
In her submission, Commissioner Versey drew on overseas experience which showed ANPR systems linked to large numbers of databases and being used for many more purposes than just policing speeding, tracking unregistered vehicles and assigning toll payments.
“While ensuring the safety of the public is obviously a matter of public interest, there are numerous and very significant countervailing privacy issues related to ANPR that also need to be taken into account,” Commissioner Versey said.
“Data collected by ANPR is a potentially rich source of information for a wide range of users.”
She said by linking the information collected by number plate readers to a wide variety of databases, a great deal of information could be obtained about a car and its driver.
“The information collected for a specific purpose on a short term basis can be shared with other Agencies (including Federal and State law enforcement bodies, welfare and tax Agencies), analysed by those bodies through matching with their data sets and stored by them.”
She said in the United Kingdom, ANPR was being used for a range of purposes, few of which were envisaged when it was first introduced.
“Cameras can spot drivers speeding, making illegal turns, driving in designated bus lanes or driving into the centre of London without paying an £8 congestion charge,” she said.
“Violators discover that they have been caught only after they have received an infringement notice in the mail.
She said this violated the fundamental privacy principle that individuals should be given notice of what their personal information was being collected for and the purposes to which it would be put.
“In essence, ANPR combined with camera networks turns a number plate into an ID number. “The whole concept of an individual’s right to anonymity is sacrificed.”
She said to protect the privacy of Queensland motorists, an ANPR system introduced into the State should identify specific, limited purposes for which the data collected could be used or disclosed and to whom; impose strict time limits on its storage; and set severe penalties for its misuse.
She also recommended that a complaints scheme be established through which individuals affected by privacy breaches could seek redress.
Commissioner Versey’s submission is at www.privacy.vic.gov.au
19 June, 2008
Bligh checks traffic
at full speed ahead
Premier Anna Bligh has visited traffic control facilities in New York in a bid to gather advice on the management of urban congestion.
In the United States on a trade mission, Ms Bligh visited a number of sites dealing with traffic issues and while in NY looked over Lincoln Tunnel Traffic Management Centre and its Advanced Incident Management technology.
“The three 1.5 mile (2.4 km) tubes of the Lincoln Tunnel, under the Hudson River, connect midtown Manhattan with New Jersey,” Ms Bligh said.
“The tunnel carries about 120,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the busiest vehicular tunnels in the world.
She said her visit included a tour of the New Jersey Emergency Garage which housed emergency equipment used by Lincoln Tunnel staff when responding to tunnel incidents.
“Specialised ‘bulldozer’ pick up trucks clear accidents from roads just minutes after minor accidents happen,” Ms Bligh said.
“We have seen recent examples where one accident on a major arterial like the Gateway motorway can bring the city to a halt - this equipment could change that.”
Ms Bligh also visited The Transportation Operations Coordinating Committee (TRANSCOM) Regional Incident and Traffic Management Centre in New Jersey where she saw how traffic incidents were detected and managed via state-of-the art technological and operator systems.
“TRANSCOM is a cooperative effort of the 16 major transit, highway and police Agencies in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metropolitan region,” Ms Bligh said.
“They have designed and implemented a number of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
She said these systems integrated the transportation management systems of member Agencies and then distributed the information among them and to the travelling public.
“It is one simple coordinating system with a strong focus on clearing the roads quickly.”
Ms Bligh said tackling urban congestion was a top priority for her Government and she was keen to see if any of the projects or systems in New York could be applied in Queensland.
19 June, 2008
Enrol to Vote week
on AEC’s books
The Australian Electoral Commission has announced that national Enrol to Vote Week would be held in secondary schools across Australia from 28 July to 3 August this year.
Electoral Commissioner Ian Campbell said last year’s Enrol to Vote Week was successful in contributing to young Australians being correctly enrolled at the close of rolls for the 2007 Federal election.
“Enrol to Vote Week received strong support from secondary schools last year and we are looking forward to their assistance again this year,” Mr Campbell said.
“This year we are reminding students that being enrolled to vote is an ongoing right and responsibility.
“Between Federal elections there are State and Local Government elections and young people who delay enrolling may miss out on having their say.”
Mr Campbell said one in four 18 year olds were not enrolled to vote, and many 17 year olds were not aware that they could enroll early so they were able to vote as soon as they turned 18.
More than 1750 secondary schools and colleges from around the country participated last year and the Electoral Commission was hoping to register all the schools who held an Enrol to Vote Week last year, plus others.
“Schools will soon be receiving invitations to participate in Enrol to Vote Week and we encourage them to register to be involved as soon as possible,” Mr Campbell said.
A search could be made see if a local school was participating, or schools could register on the Enrol to Vote Week website, http://enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au
19 June, 2008
Police band a
golden oldie
The same year that Elvis Presley joined the Army, Johnny O’Keefe scored his first chart and Michael Jackson was born, a small group of Queensland Police Officers formed the first Queensland Police Pipes & Drums.
The year was 1958 and now, 50 years later, Police Minister Judy Spence congratulated the QPPD on half a century of entertaining Queenslanders and representing the State’s police service.
“Our police pipe band is considered one of the most prestigious pipe bands in the world,” Ms Spence said.
“It performs for around 350 Queensland audiences a year and is proud to be the only Australian band to have performed before the Queen at Balmoral Castle with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Ms Spence said she had seen the band in action at many Queensland Police events, and it always ensured a special atmosphere was achieved.
She said celebrating its golden anniversary this year, the band continued in the footsteps of its founders - marching through official engagements with precision and ease, piping and drumming up excitement and joy at school and community events.
To mark the occasion QPPD was inviting everyone to a gala fundraising concert, Echoes of Edinburgh, at Brisbane City Hall on 27 June.
“This is an event not to be missed,” Ms Spence said, “with performances from the Australian Army Band, Thistle Highland Dancers and tenor Greg Moore, to name but a few.
“It is not everyday that Queenslanders have the chance to see a world-class band like our pipe band in action – and I urge people to make the most of this exciting opportunity.”
Officer-in-Charge of QPPD, Senior Sergeant Peter Flexman, said the band had proven itself to be one of the most powerful tools the Queensland Police Service had to use to connect with the community.
“Often community members only see police in trying times and the band allows the police service to be seen in positive circumstances,” Senior Sergeant Flexman said.
“And while the band has won numerous state and national championships in its field, it’s our ability to perform a variety of music from rock concerts, to community group receptions, to formal proceedings that makes us distinct.”
He said whether it was creating interactive and entertaining musical activities for children or poignant and earnest performances for those remembering lost loved ones, the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums always evoked an array of emotion.
Ms Spence said tickets to the Echoes of Edinburgh concert cost $25 (concessions and children $20) and a matinee started at 2pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm.
Tickets were available from the band by phoning 3253 3800.
19 June, 2008
Customer report
delivers the goods
A report into how Governments can improve their customer service performance has found that catering to the ‘customer experience’ can not only significantly reduce costs but also improve effectiveness.
Conducted by accounting firm Deloitte, the report One Size Fits Few: Using Customer Insight to Transform Government includes case studies, methods and tools that could be used to convert an idea on customer experience into actual service enhancement while reducing operational costs at the same time.
The report demonstrated how public managers could utilise leading customer management practices to increase decision-making capabilities and enhance the Government’s ability to execute major program and policy initiatives.
Author of the report, Bill Eggers said making effective use of the approaches meant public managers had to understand the full range of tools and techniques available to them.
“The study illustrates how leading Governments are examining the challenges they face from the user’s perspective, drawing from a robust customer experience toolkit as warranted, to improve the delivery and effectiveness of public services,” Mr Eggers said.
Deloitte Government Services Consulting Partner, Simon Cook, said the global research demonstrated that leading businesses had trained people to expect high quality, personalised service standards which people were now applying to Government.
Managing Director, Global Public Sector with the company, Greg Pellegrino, said customer strategy was at the heart of the next wave of government transformation.
“A more customer-focused approach actually reduces costs,” Mr Pellegrino said, “and improves the level of service they offer to their clients simply by adapting some of the reforms pioneered by leading commercial companies.
“Fuelled by the success of consumer-oriented companies, more public sector leaders are revolutionising their approach to service delivery,” he said.
The report could be accessed at www.deloitte.com.au
19 June, 2008
New competition for
PS innovators
Queensland Public servants are eligible to take part in a $50,000 Federal Government competition for Young Innovators that could also significantly boost their career.
Winners in the 2008 Australian Agricultural Industries Young Innovators and Scientists Awards will receive up to $20,000 each to explore an emerging scientific issue or innovative activity over a 12-month period.
One winner will also be recommended to receive the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Award, valued at an additional $30,000, to advance their research outcomes and career.
Projects can relate to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food and natural resource management industries.
Funding may be used for a research project, an industry visit, further study into a specific area or attending a conference.
Applications are open to anyone between 18 and 35 years of age with an innovative idea that would help boost the competitiveness of Australia's agriculture, fisheries or forestry industries.
All eligible applications would be assessed against the following criteria:
- the project is related to an innovative or emerging scientific issue in an agriculture, fisheries, forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management;
- the project demonstrates dedication to the future of rural and regional industries with a commitment to promoting science and innovation as an integral part of that future;
- the project is likely to provide long-term benefits to the related industry ;
- the project is likely to provide benefits to the applicant; and
- the project activities represent good value for money.
This award is to give extra recognition to the overall most outstanding project and the criteria for winning it are the same as those applicable to the Industry Awards.
Further information and application forms are available at www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards or by contacting the Awards Coordinator on (02) 6272 5039.
The awards are restricted to Australian citizens or permanent resident visa holders.
Applications close on 14 July.
19 June, 2008
US mine visitor to work down under
International interest in working on Queensland mine safety has attracted a graduate student from the United States to spend her summer holidays working in the State’s mine safety research facility.
Mines Minister, Geoff Wilson, said Jennifer Massie would join the team at the Safety and Mines Testing and Research Station SIMTARS for three months to complete practical work as part of her Environmental Health/Industrial Hygiene degree at the University of Michigan.
Mr Wilson said the international interest in working with Queensland on mine safety was a sign of the State’s reputation as a world leader in the field.
“Queensland has one of the best mine safety records in the world and the best mine safety legislation in the country,” he said.
“But it must continue to be strongly enforced on the ground, mine by mine, worker by worker, as well as through research.”
Mr Wilson said Ms Massie’s placement reflected the quality and expertise of the specialists working at SIMTARS and strengthened the link between the facility and the US.
He said the United States was home to the largest concentration of occupational hygiene specialists in the world.
“We hope that Jennifer will be the first of many graduate students from the University of Michigan to take up work experience at SIMTARS during their summer break,” Mr Wilson said.
He said she would be working in the Occupational Hygiene, Environment and Chemistry Centre at SIMTARS performing duties such as workplace health and safety management; assessment of fibrous and mineral dusts; chemical and gas analysis and testing; and noise measurement.
Mr Wilson said Ms Massie was the second US student to join SIMTARS this year, following PhD student Jessica Patterson’s research into changing human behaviour to prevent accidents in mining and quarrying.
19 June, 2008
Ownership manuals show home truths
Information manuals produced by the Department of Natural Resources have been designed to help Indigenous people in Queensland own their own homes on community land.
The first in a series of manuals is to be released next month and follows passage in Parliament of new 99-year residential and commercial leases on indigenous land.
Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace said the Government was producing the manuals and procedures to help communities take advantage of the new leases.
“We are planning for the future for Indigenous communities by helping people own their own homes,” Mr Wallace said.
He said the manual would cover residential leases on Indigenous Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) land and that manuals providing information for other tenures and types of leases would follow.
“Leases can be for residential, infrastructure or commercial purposes, so information will be prepared about each of these purposes and for potential lessees,” Mr Wallace said.
“The manuals will continue to be improved over time as experience with administering the new Act improves understanding of the processes involved.”
He said training workshops for trustees would be offered across the State from late July or early August to help make sure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Amendment Act 2008 realised its full home ownership potential.
“Reform of land tenure is a vital first step to improve housing and other community infrastructure in Indigenous communities,” he said.
“Leases of up to 99 years for home ownership, public infrastructure, public housing and commercial purposes will provide stability for individuals, families, communities and businesses.”
Mr Wallace said the Government was implementing projects to improve the survey network in Indigenous communities and was developing methods to determine a value for Indigenous land and houses.
“Other assistance is also available to Indigenous people looking to take advantage of the extended lease arrangements now on offer,” he said.
Mr Wallace said Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) provided affordable loans to Indigenous people for housing and commercial purposes and that a special loan package was available for Indigenous community residents.
He said this included a grant of up to $13,000 towards costs such as surveys, legal fees and insurance.
According to IBA, people with a good rental history might also be eligible for up to $50,000 Good Renter’s Discount off the sale price.
IBA General Manager, Ron Morony, said the organisation was committed to working with the Government to enable home ownership and economic development in Indigenous communities.
19 June, 2008
UN’s PS day next week
Next Monday, 23 June, has been designated Public Service Day by the United nations.
The UN encourages all Governments to mark the day by recognising the contribution made by public services in all parts of the world to improve the lives of citizens.
In many places the Day is marked by the appearance of promotional materials such as posters, stickers and leaflets and is often used to announce new PS policies and initiatives.
Form guide at OFT
The move of the Office of Fair Trading to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General has meant that a number of important forms need to be updated.
Among them were the following forms required under the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003
- Home owners' information document Form 1 - Version 3
- Site Agreement Form 2 - Version 3
- Termination notice - by home owner within 28 days of entering site agreement Form 3 - Version 3
- Termination notice - by mutual agreement Form 4 - Version 3
- Termination notice - by home owner Form 5 - Version 3
- Notice to remedy breach Form 6 - Version 3
- Notice of proposed sale and assignment Form 7 - Version 4
- Form of assignment (transfer) Form 8 - Notice 3
- Selling authority Form 9 - Notice 4
- Notice to consumer: Cancelling a door-to-door contract Form 1 - Version 5
- Cancellation form: Door-to-door sales in Queensland Form 3 - Version 5
Union wants workers
The Queensland Public Sector Union is recruiting workers with a sense of social justice to help build a stronger union.
The Union has temporary work opportunities available in its organising teams and advocacy/advice area where individual members experiencing workplace problems are assisted.
Most Agencies offer extended leave for staff to work in the union office and more information is available from Danielle Cohen at the QPSU at dc@qpsu.org.au or fax, 3017 6231.
Designs on climate change
The State Government has declared house design the new front in Queensland’s battle against climate change.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas said the paper, Improving Sustainable Housing in Queensland detailed a number of new sustainability measures for homes and had been released for public comment.
Mr Lucas said inefficient housing design and outdated building codes were costing money in energy costs and the environment.
He said the paper could be downloaded from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website www.dip.qld.gov.au or ordered by phone on 1800 153 262.
Submissions would be accepted until 12 September 2008.
Graduates wooed
International university graduates who studied in Australia were being encouraged to work in Queensland.
Regional Development and Industry Minister, Desley Boyle said a new campaign targeted the graduates at a recent Australian Universities Alumni Convention in Singapore.
Ms Boyle said Australia was already a popular destination for international students and the next phase of the Smart State strategy was to attract the world's best minds to local research centres, institutes and laboratories.
Canine captives
Prisoners at the Darling Downs Correctional Centre are to be required to care for four new puppies as part of the “Pups in Prison” rehabilitation program.
The puppies, the second group to arrive at the prison, were presented to the centre by Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) Chief Executive Officer, Richard Lord.
The prisoners will care for the puppies for 16 months, when they will be returned to ADA and trained to work with people with disabilities.
Putting ‘art’ in partnership
A new partnership between Queensland and the Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York has been formed under the Smart State strategy.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the partnership would allow Queensland teacher to study design education in New York and learn how to integrate design and creativity into Queensland classrooms.
Ms Bligh said the new fellowship would build on the relationship already developed by the Queensland Government with the Smithsonian’s many museums and research and education centres.
CASA takes off
Brisbane staff of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority have moved to offices closer to the airport.
The move created disruption for CASA clients with its Service Centre closed from lunchtime last Friday to lunchtime Monday and the International Operations Office uncontactable by email from Friday to Sunday night.
Jolly good fellows at Unis
A new Fellowship Agreement between the University of Queensland and the University of Washington would provide funding for student exchanges and expand the links between the two institutions.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the universities would inject up to $150,000 over three years to support the Fellowship which represented an exciting opportunity for talented students and researchers in both jurisdictions.
Ms Bligh said plans were also underway to send 20 Queensland Year 11 students to Seattle in early December as part of a pilot program which would see them participate in a four-day workshop at the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute BioQuest Academy.
New look PS on way to renewal
A round of new appointments at the top of the Queensland Public Service has been announced by Premier Anna Bligh as part of a PS renewal process.
The appointment of Deputy Director-General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Dave Stewart as Acting DG of Transport and the transfer of incumbent Bruce Wilson to the new Public Service Commission, would help create a more modern and effective Public Service in Queensland, Ms Bligh said.
She said she expected Mr Stewart to use his new position to relieve traffic congestion for Queensland’s motorists and to help resolve issues related to continued urban growth.
She said Mr Stewart would bring extensive experience in delivering civil infrastructure projects to his new job.
“I want him to bring that knowledge to the management of the multi-billion dollar Transport Department and think outside the square to develop innovative solutions to the pressures of urban congestion resulting from our massive population growth,” Ms Bligh said.
She paid tribute to Mr Wilson who was the longest serving Director-General in the QPS.
“Bruce has done a terrific job and was recognised on the weekend with an AM in the Queens Birthday honours,” Ms Bligh said.
“However there is now a chance for renewal and the appointment of Dave Stewart will ensure one of my top priorities - tackling urban congestion - remains at the top of the Public Service agenda.”
Ms Bligh said Mr Wilson would be given the task of leading the new Public Service Commission, which was an amalgamation of the Office of the Public Service Commissioner and the Service Delivery Performance Commission.
“Bruce brings vast experience in the Queensland public sector to his new role and will play a key role in my aim to improve the management of Government business and our capacity to deliver it,” she said.
“I also want him using this experience on other special projects including the restructure of QR and the operation of the new TransLink Transit Authority.”
In other appointments, Ms Bligh said Mick Reid would take up his position as Director-General of Health on 23 June and Michael Walsh had been appointed inaugural Chief Executive of the Major Hospitals Project Office.
“Michael is currently the Deputy Director-General for Strategy and Governance in the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and will bring the experience of managing the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan to his new role,” Ms Bligh said.
“He will focus on our massive investment in new health infrastructure allowing Mick to focus on our people and patients as well as the delivery of our $10 Billion Health Action Plan.”
12 June, 2008
Fixed term PS jobs prompt loose reply
A proposal that employment contracts for the Chief Executives of Government Departments and Agencies be timed to expire with each election has been criticised by the State Government and public sector unions.
The plan, suggested by Opposition Leader, Lawrence Springborg, was labeled “absurd” by the Government and a “disaster” by the Queensland Public Sector Union.
They each said it would politicise the Public Service.
Premier Anna Bligh told Parliament the proposal would hamper good government and amounted to a ‘hit list’ of senior staff who would be removed after each election.
“This is absurd,” Ms Bligh said.
“It goes against established tradition where an independent Public Service provides frank and fearless advice to Government.”
She said if the QPS was to attract quality staff, it needed to offer certainty, which it couldn’t if contracts were to be offered for just a couple of months.
“(It) is completely impractical and would significantly hamper ongoing operation of government.”
General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said limiting contracts to the term of a Government was “anathema” to the Westminster system of democracy and would jeopardise the independence and smooth functioning of the Public Service.
“We would see ‘Saturday Night Massacres’ every time a Government loses office,” Mr Scott said, “where not only chief executives, but also those workers responsible to them, would be turfed out immediately to be replaced by mates of the incoming Government.”
“This would be a disaster for Government accountability.”
He said PS workers were accountable not only to their Ministers but also to the general public for the services they delivered.
He said the proposal would make Government favouritism in high appointments a matter of law.
“It’s hard to imagine that ordinary Queenslanders could benefit from a plan that institutionalises favouritism, gravy trains, and jobs for mates while ordinary Government services are neglected”, he said.
Mr Springborg in turn said he was concerned that new laws creating the Public Service Commission could themselves politicise the QPS.
Services recognised in honours list
The hard work and commitment of many Queensland Public Servants are once again highlighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
A summary of those who were rewarded for their public (and sometimes private) service, including officers to receive the Public Service Medal, are listed below.
PS News congratulates each one on their award:
AM
MEMBER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
DODDRELL, Emeritus Professor David Michael
Pullenvale
Appointed for service to science in the field of magnetic resonance as an academic and researcher.
Emeritus Professor Doddrell was Professor of Magnetic Resonance at the University of Queensland from 1986 to 2006.
GREENHILL Dr Robert Stirling
Kangaroo Point
Awarded for service to public sector dentistry, particularly through the development of specialist orthodontic services and interdisciplinary management of patients with cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies, to dental education, and to professional organisations.
Dr Greenhill was appointed to Queensland Health between 1970 and 2002.
GRIERSON, Malcolm John
Robertson
Awarded for service to the community, particularly through contributions to the development of major infrastructure and public works facilities in Queensland.
Mr Grierson has been Director-General of the Department of Public Works since 1998.
WILSON, Bruce Gilmore
Coorparoo
Awarded for service to transport planning, infrastructure development and reform, and to land management policy, particularly in Queensland, and through contributions to advisory bodies.
Mr Wilson has been Director-General of Queensland Transport since 1995;
PSM
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
BIDGOOD, Mr Dennis Wayne
Blackbutt
Awarded for outstanding public service to the housing sector by streamlining administrative processes and delivering significant cost savings.
Mr Bidgood provided 24 years of outstanding leadership and expertise in the Department of Housing as he established internationally recognised programs that significantly streamlined departmental processes.
RAINBOW, Susan Lynette
Childers
Awarded for outstanding public service to education, mentoring and program development for the Indigenous community of the Wide Bay Burnett region.
As Parent Development Officer at Maryborough State High School, Mrs Rainbow has provided outstanding service to both the Indigenous and non-indigenous communities of the Wide Bay Burnett region and has helped bridge the cultural gap between the two groups.
SKEHAN, Terence Joseph
East Brisbane
For outstanding public service to Queensland particularly in the field of special education.
Mr Skehan has devoted over 25 years to Education Queensland through a variety of challenging roles, and has established himself as a highly respected and admired role model within the education sector.
STEVENSON, Gary John
North Rockhampton
Awarded for outstanding public service and leadership within local government, particularly through local government reforms.
Mr Stevenson has raised staff teamwork and community confidence with his strong leadership and `best practice' initiatives during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Rockhampton City Council.
WELSH, Allan William
West Chermside
Awarded for outstanding public service to the development of arts and cultural infrastructure in Queensland.
In a 40 year career with the Queensland Government and Arts Queensland, Mr Welsh oversaw the development of two of Queensland's most significant cultural infrastructure projects as the manager of the Millienium Arts Project and the Heritage Trails Network.
APM
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL
BRENNAN, Sergeant Arthur William
CRAWFORD, Detective Superintendent Peter
DORGE, Detective Sergeant Kathryn Clare
GUILD, Superintendent Peter
POINTING, Assistant Commissioner Brett Michael
AFSM
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
DABEA, Ilikena
Palm Island
van KLAVEREN, John Frederik
Ferny Grove
ASM
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL
ELKS, Dr Eric Desmond
via Stanthorpe
STEEL, Leslie Joseph
Kelso
ESM
EMERGENCY SERVICE MEDAL
FRASER, Rhys William
Toowoomba
HUNT, Horace Vickers
Elimbah
12 June, 2008
FOI reforms filed in re-submit
A fundamental shift in the State’s Freedom of Information laws has been supported by the Government in response to a 400-page report by an independent FOI review panel.
Premier Anna Bligh has welcomed the report The Right to Information: Reviewing Queensland’s Freedom of Information Act which made 141 recommendations to change the 15-yerar-old system.
“This report proposes a sweeping and bold reform of FOI,” Ms Bligh said.
“I support the general thrust of the report and will work to ensure that Queensland will have a more transparent, open and accountable system of government as a result of the work by the Independent Review Panel,” she said.
Almost 600 copies of a discussion paper prepared by the independent panel were circulated to Agencies, interested people and members of the public and it was also made available through the internet.
More than 60 organisations, including the Queensland Government, and individuals made submissions on the paper, many of them offering advice and information.
Ms Bligh said the most fundamental shift recommended by the panel was that new laws should ‘push’ information into the public eye rather than wait for people or organisations to use the law to ‘pull’ information from Government and other organisations.
“Building a new architecture and framework for our State’s information laws will take time and a serious change in the processes and culture of government and organisations which interact with the public sector,” she said.
“Modernising our FOI laws, including a reassessment of existing Cabinet exemptions, is a major undertaking and will require substantial changes and adjustments right across the public sector.”
Ms Bligh said Cabinet had agreed to provide a detailed response to the report’s recommendations within 8 weeks.
“I want the community to be able to consider and comment upon an exposure bill of the new laws before the end of 2008, with legislation to be debated in the Parliament in the first half of 2009.
The independent review panel was chaired by Dr David Solomon and included members Simone Webbe and Dominic McGann.
The full report can be accessed at www.foireview.qld.gov.au
12 June, 2008
Premier bears teeth against traffic snarls
The challenge of maintaining traffic order on Brisbane’s roads could lead to the introduction of special “bulldozer-style” trucks to clear accidents and free up traffic much sooner than normal.
A proposal to this effect is reported to be under consideration by Premier, Anna Bligh.
Ms Bligh’s visit to United States is expected to include a session on transport and traffic initiatives and demonstrations of how they do it in the US are on the cards.
According to Ms Bligh, about 25 percent of congestion on busy roads is caused by traffic incidents.
“This proposal will have a major impact on clearing incidents, especially at notorious hot spots like the Gateway Motorway, Pacific Motorway and the Logan Motorway,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the policy was about looking at new ways to tackle congestion and manage the road network better.
“During my trip to the United States I will experience this open roads policy in operation in New York.”
She said a ‘fun’ part of the proposal would be to name the congestion-busting trucks after famous Queensland Rugby league players.
“I think most Queenslanders would like the idea of trucks named “Big Artie”, “The King” “The Axe” or “Gordie” using a bit of muscle to free up our roads,” she said.
“The legislation that I propose will see these trucks pushing cars or trucks off to the side of the road if they have to.
“We will also consider ways to recover costs from the owners of the vehicles that caused the incident.”
Ms Bligh said she was committed to doing whatever was in her power to ensure a reliable journey so people could get to work on time or spend more time with their families.
“You don’t have to be Einstein to understand the positive effect that clearing incidents more quickly will have on our network,” she said.
“It sometimes takes hours to clear these accidents and we are looking at ways to speed up that process.”
She said the proposal, if adopted, would involve a lot of planning and a lot of co-ordination among the response Agencies.
She said the aim would be to clear all accidents within 90 minutes of the arrival of the first traffic response or police officer at the scene.
12 June, 2008
Car fleet monsters run out of grunt
The last remaining 8-cylinder car in the State Government’s vehicle fleet has been consigned to the scrap-heap.
Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten farewelled QFleet’s last 8-cylinder model, saying it demonstrated the Government’s commitment to a greener, cleaner fleet of vehicles.
Mr Schwarten said the the Government had been phasing out its petrol-guzzling vehicles since October 2005 when the Premier of the day, Peter Beattie, introduced a range of measures to reduce the cost of managing the Government’s motor vehicle fleet.
“At that time QFleet had around 218 eight-cylinder passenger vehicles,” Mr Schwarten said.
"The Premier, Ministers and CEOs were moved into six-cylinder and smaller vehicles as the leases on their V8s expired.”
He said the last of those leases had now expired so it was ‘goodbye’ to V8s.
Mr Schwarten said the Government’s ClimateSmart 2050 policy for its car fleet had now shifted focus in vehicle selection from the number of cylinders to the extent of greenhouse emissions.
“QFleet will now apply the Commonwealth Government’s Green Vehicle Guide greenhouse ratings to compare the environmental performance of vehicles,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The Greenhouse Rating system converts each carbon dioxide measurement into a simple rating on a scale of one to 10.
“The higher the Greenhouse Rating, the lower the greenhouse emissions.
He said a minimum Greenhouse Rating of 5.5 would now apply to passenger vehicles offered by Qfleet and the overhaul of the fleet would lead to increasing numbers of diesel, hybrid, micro, light and small vehicles.
“Our goal is to cut emissions for the entire fleet of 14,000 vehicles by 15 per cent in three years, growing to 25 per cent in five years and 50 per cent in 10 years,” he said.
“Based on current annual carbon dioxide emissions for the QFleet fleet, this would result in a reduction from 79,300 tonnes per annum to approximately 39,000 tonnes per annum.
“This is the equivalent of taking approximately 8,000 vehicles off the road,” Mr Schwarten said.
12 June, 2008
Pat on the back for maternity leave
The Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency has joined calls for a national paid maternity scheme to encourage women’s participation in the workforce and remove disparities between jobs and industries.
The Agency pointed to higher return-to-work rates in organisations that provided paid maternity leave as a condition of service such as the ANZ bank, Macquarie University and Overnewton Anglican Community College, compared to those organisations that didn’t.
EOWA’s submission to the Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave Inquiry recommended that once the initial period of maternity leave had been provided for women to recover from childbirth, all other kinds of leave should be referred to as Parental Leave and be accessible to either parent.
The submission recommended significant weight should be placed on ‘workplace attachment’ as improved attachment would improve gender equity by increasing women’s workforce participation.
The Agency’s submission acknowledged the role of fathers in the shared caring of children, with particular regard to gender equity and workforce participation.
It highlighted the rate of increase in the provision of paid paternity leave was less than that for paid maternity leave with 61.5 per cent of organisations failing to provide paid leave to fathers in their employment.
“The overwhelming employer bias is that men belong at work and women caring for their children,” the submission said.
EOWA has encouraged the adoption of a leave model that would allow either parent to take paid time off after the leave given to women to physically recover from childbirth.
The Agency released figures showing the provision of paid maternity leave had increased from 23.7 per cent in 2001 to 48.9 per cent in 2007 among medium to large organisations.
The figures, based on information collected in an EOWA survey, showed there were significant disparities across industry sector occupations and organisational size.
Conducted 2007, the survey was sponsored by Alcoa of Australia and examined paid maternity and paternity leave, flexible workplace practices and part time work in Australia.
The full survey results and detailed analysis are to be published and released in August but the EOWA submission is available at the EOWA website www.eowa.gov.au
12 June, 2008
Honour offer in PM’s PS Awards
Public Service Departments and Agencies across Australia are being encouraged to enter the seventh annual Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management.
The aim of the Awards is to encourage and recognise better practice and innovation in all levels of Government in Australia with the Awards designed to honour the achievements of public sector work groups, units and teams rather than individuals.
The Awards also place a particular focus on specific projects, initiatives or change processes.
The Awards are an initiative of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT Division) and are supported by the Australian Public Service Commission, the Australian National Audit Office, SAI Global Professional Services and the ACT Government.
In urging PS organisations to nominate for the Awards, the IPAA said there were many benefits to be gained. It said these included helping to maintain a focus on outcomes and results; using the preparation of the nomination as an opportunity to review a major project; receiving comprehensive feedback on a project; and identifying areas for improvement.
It said Agencies that achieved recognition also enjoyed the added benefit of public recognition of the work their teams performed and a raised profile for the organisation.
“However, given the considerable amount of effort required in preparing a nomination, Agencies should have a clear idea of their primary motivation for applying,” the Institute said.
“This will help them get the most out of the nomination process and also from the feedback report that they will receive at the end of the assessment process.”
It said nominations were evaluated by teams of assessors with the highest scoring entries submitted to a panel of judges.
“Any work unit, group or team within the Commonwealth, State or Territory and Local Government Public Sectors may nominate for the 2008 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management.
“Whilst the nominating organisation must be the leading organisation, initiatives that involve other organisations, private sector and community based organisations are also eligible.” It said cross-Agency initiatives were also eligible to be nominated.
“Initiatives can be large in scale and impact across the entire organisation (or multiple organisations), or they can be small in scale and impact at a more local level,” the IPAA said.
“The Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Department, Agency, Authority or Office must endorse each Award nomination (and) this endorsement signifies agreement to the conditions of the Awards.”
A nomination kit containing the necessary instructions to enter the Awards could be obtained from www.act.ipaa.org.au
12 June, 2008
Ballot bullet for confused Council
The Director-General of the Department of Local Government, Michael Kinnane has been asked to contact the Chief Executive of the Gold Coast City Council to explain the law following the Council’s request that media outlets submit reports of their expenditure on the March Local Government elections.
Minister for Local Government, Warren Pitt made the request after labelling the Council’s action as “nonsensical” and having “no basis in law.”
Mr Pitt said the Council had misinterpreted the Local Government Act.
“I’m not sure where this hare-brained idea has come from,” Mr Pitt said, “but it needs to be knocked on the head quickly.”
He said he was “astounded” to be advised that the Council had written to media outlets asking them to provide details of their expenditure in connection with the elections.
“The legislation expressly applies to third parties who incur expenditure for political purposes,” he said.
“Media outlets make money for business purposes by writing stories and publishing information – they don’t incur expenditure for political purposes.
“It is not and never has been the intention of the legislation that media outlets are required to declare the information sought by the Gold Coast City Council.”
Mr Pitt said it wasn’t, nor had it ever been, the Government’s policy that newspapers and other media outlets should need to submit third party expenditure forms.
“I can’t imagine how or why the Gold Coast City Council would think that the legislation should be applied in the way they have tried to do,” he said.
He accused the Council of “barking up the wrong tree,” and called on it to withdraw the requests.
12 June, 2008
Finance courses right on the money
Teachers throughout Queensland are to get extra training and support material to deliver a new Federal Government program for students on the topic of financial literacy.
Queensland Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford has welcomed the program saying teachers would receive training in teaching financial literacy to help implement the National Consumer and Financial Literacy Framework in Queensland schools.
“Every day we see more and more evidence of young Queenslanders being caught in debt traps,” Mr Welford said.
“Mobile telephone contracts, easy access to credit cards and difficulty reading and understanding the fine print all contribute to this situation.
“The more we learn about youth debt, the more alarm bells are ringing.”
The Commonwealth Minister who announced the package, Senator Nick Sherry, said it had been developed because “financial literacy is an absolutely vital life skill for young Australians”.
“It's critical that young people get the chance to learn money skills at school so they're better equipped to make informed consumer decisions," Senator Sherry said.
Mr Welford said research results had shown that more than half the debtors in Australia were younger than 35 years.
He said they also showed that 28 per cent of Australians aged 18 to 34 expected to use their credit card during the June quarter for purchases they could not afford.
“In addition, about one in 10 young people also expected to miss a bill repayment during the June quarter this year.
“We know it’s a problem, but we are also doing something about it.”
Mr Welford said the professional development workshops would be conducted around the State over the next six months for both State and non-State school teachers.
“Queensland strongly supports this latest Commonwealth funding initiative and my Department is delighted to coordinate these professional development workshops.
Senator Sherry consumer and financial literacy would be incorporated into core subjects, including English and maths over 2008, and across all years from Kindergarten to Year 10. Topics for study include basic budgeting, banking, credit cards and mobile phone plans.
More information about consumer and financial literacy in schools was available from www.understandingmoney.gov.au/content/education
12 June, 2008
Parks open gates to community input
Community input into the management of a number of National Parks across Queensland has been invited by the Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara.
Mr McNamara said park management plans for 21 parks were being reviewed and would be available for public comment until 27 June 2008.
“Of the 21 parks, 20 already have existing management plans which are now under review,” Mr McNamara said. “The Bowling Green Bay Conservation Park requires a new management plan.”
He said the new plans would guide how the parks were managed for the next 10 years.
“More than 7.5 million hectares of Queensland’s finest, most spectacular and important natural regions are protected in our national parks, forest reserves and other areas of special merit,” he said.
“National parks also provide a setting for people to relax, rejuvenate and admire our unique natural environment.”
He said among the issues to be considered for the future were the impacts of climate change, increasing population and commercial activity, as well as protection of threatened wildlife and plants, protection of cultural heritage and managing visitor numbers.
“Community consultation and involvement is crucial to this process,” he said.
“I invite everybody to have their say about the future management of these national parks.”
Mr McNamara said a guide to providing submissions, current management plans and more information about the parks was all available on the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au or by calling the EPA Customer Service Centre on (07) 3227 8185.
He said the parks under review were:
Auburn River National Park
Bowling Green Bay National Park
Bowling Green Bay Conservation Park
Brook Islands National Park
Culgoa Floodplain National Park
Djilgarin Conservation Park
Family Islands National Park
Forty Mile Scrub National Park
Goold Island National Park
Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Horseshoe Lagoon Conservation Park
Jalum Conservation Park
Mariala National Park
Mount Bauple National Park (Scientific)
Mount Coolum National Park
Orpheus Island National Park
Tarong National Park
Tregole National Park
Triunia National Park
Undara Volcanic National Park, and
Wondul Range National Park
12 June, 2008
Prisoners gang up for health checks
About 450 officers and prisoners from Lotus Glen Correctional Centre have had their vital statistics assessed when about 20 health service providers and community organisations set up a healthy life expo at the centre.
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence said the expo focused on Indigenous health issues and included information stalls for diabetes, mental health issues, cancer, sexual health, hepatitis C and drug and alcohol abuse.
"It complimented rehabilitation programs run at the centre,” Ms Spence said. “Many prisoners come to jail with drug and alcohol-related problems.
“This event reinforced our existing education packages which teach prisoners about healthy lifestyle choices and the dangerous effects of smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Ms Spence said the expo was part of the Department’s throughcare strategy which was aimed at reducing re-offending by giving prisoners integrated support as they worked to turn their lives around.
Assistant General Manager at LGCC, Phil Mannion said the expo gave prison personnel the chance to introduce prisoners to services that would be available to them in the community after release.
"Access to such services after release is vital in preventing re-offending," Mr Mannion said.
"Correctional staff were assessed for blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, height and weight and issued with a "roadworthy" certificate by the Mareeba Hospital's Community Health ‘Pit Stop’.”
He said a psychologist from Cairns Base Hospital was also on hand to teach relaxation techniques for staff and LGCC Health Services Coordinator, Chris Rowan coordinated the event.
Mr Mannion said it was planned to make the health expo an annual event.
12 June, 2008
Privacy Awards not kept secret
Government Departments and Agencies have been urged to enter the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards 2008 before the nomination period closes on 9 July.
Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has invited public and private organisations to show off their privacy initiatives and possibly be honoured with recognition, acclamation and reward.
“No-matter what size your organisation is or the scale of your privacy initiative, we encourage you to enter the Australian Privacy Awards,” Commissioner Curtis said.
She said the Awards offered organisations the opportunity to be publicly recognised for their good privacy practices and enhance their reputation and raise their profile.
“You never know - you may be chosen as a finalist or a winner and you could well become a privacy role model for thousands of other organisations in the years ahead!” she said.
Commissioner Curtis said the awards would be presented in four categories.
There would be a Large Business Award for businesses with over 100 employees, an award for businesses with less than 100 employees, a community and Non-Governmental Organisation award for not-for-profit organisations and a Symantec Government Award for Government Agencies at a local, State or national level.
Commissioner Curtis said an overall Grand Award would be presented to the most outstanding entrant.
The awards, which were sponsored by Symantec, Microsoft, Clayton Utz and Australian Finance Conference, would be presented at a gala dinner on 27 August.
More information could be found at www.privacy.gov.au/about/awards
12 June, 2008
Teachers plug in to IT training
Queensland’s teachers are to get new opportunities to develop their proficiency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under a new Commonwealth Government initiative.
The Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard has announced that $650,000 would be spent on professional development activities for teachers over the next 12 months.
These would include two-day workshops on using ICT in maths, English and the sciences in 50 urban, rural and remote locations; creating on-line professional learning resources for teachers; and supporting ICT-related master classes to be run by present and past national award-winning teachers.
“A world-class education system needs well-trained and dedicated teachers, with access to the best classroom facilities,” Ms Gillard said.
“ICT is now indispensable in today’s teaching and learning, and this investment will be crucial for the successful implementation of the Digital Education Revolution.”
She said almost $12 million would be directed, through States and Territory Governments, to professional development in information and communication technology.
“The Federal Government is also providing $32.6 million over two years to supply students and teachers across Australia with online curriculum tools and resources for the classrooms of the 21st century,” Ms Gillard said.
She said assistance would be available to schools to make the best use of ICT with the development of support mechanisms, with funding of $10 million over three years.
“Under the $1.2 billion National Secondary School Computer Fund the Federal Government will be working with universities and educators to ensure the next generation of teachers is equipped to maximise the potential of computers as a learning tool,” she said.
“This partnership will provide professional development for teachers to make effective use of ICT in how and what students are learning in our schools.”
The announcement was made at the 2008 Australian Government National Awards for Quality Schooling held at Parliament House, Canberra, which recognised individuals for their contribution to learning in schools.
Further information on the Digital Education Revolution was available at:www.digitaleducationrevolution.gov.au
12 June, 2008
Heroic help for veterans’ children
Twelve Queensland students whose fathers fought in the Vietnam War have been awarded Long Tan Bursaries.
Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said they would receive up to $9000 each to help them complete their tertiary education, in recognition of the challenges they faced due to their parents’ Vietnam War service.
“The Long Tan Bursary scheme aims to help hard working students from Vietnam veteran families to take up the challenge of tertiary education and achieve their long-term study goals,” Mr Griffin said.
“The bursary is awarded to students, including mature age students, who have achieved good academic results and who have overcome personal challenges to successfully complete their secondary education.
“These students have proven their ability and determination to pursue their careers and I am pleased the Australian Government has been able to support them in their studies.”
Mr Griffin said Long Tan Bursaries were presented to 53 students across the country and the 12 in Queensland were:
- Brooke McKeever of Albany Creek, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, UQ
- Marion Angel of Burpengary, Bachelor of Nursing, QUT;
- Bronwyn Lyall of Wishart, Bachelor of Creative Industries, QUT;
- Krystelle Watts of Taringa, Bachelor of Photography, Griffith University;
- Katrina Brown of Gatton, Bachelor of Applied Science, UQ;
- Rebecca Cassidy of Townsville, Bachelor of Music, Qld Conservatorium of Music;
- Khamla Mott of Coolum Beach, Bachelor of Applied Science, UQ;
- Arabella Haig of Allora, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Commerce, UQ;
- Colleen Bell of Robertson, Bachelor of Education, Griffith University;
- James Ridgwell of Victoria, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, James Cook University;
- Isobel Larkin of Alstonevale NSW Diploma of Dance, Queensland Conservatoire of Ballet.
- Another recipient has asked to remain anonymous
12 June, 2008
Integrated transport produces fare result
A new system to standardise bus fares and provide a user-friendly transport system has been launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Gary Fenlon.
At the launch in Innisfail, Mr Fenlon said qconnect was designed to provide a high standard of public transport services to regional Queensland.
“The system is about ensuring adequate services are available to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” Mr Fenlon said.
He said for Innisfail residents, bus fares would be charged according to a new qconnect zonal system.
He said the qconnect fare and ticketing charges would provide more equitable fares across the State with an integrated ticketing system which meant only one ticket was needed to move between services.
Mr Fenlon said modern air-conditioned buses and bus stops accessible by people with disabilities and an upgrade of existing signage and timetables would also be important aspects of the new system.
He said bus services would be redesigned to ensure better connections between services and mainland rail services and qconnect would improve the coordination of long-distance air and coach services with regional city bus services.
He said the program would be introduced in Innisfail from 16 June.
12 June, 2008
Court shows constitution
The Supreme Court of Queensland and the National Archives of Australia have joined forces to mark the ongoing importance of the Australian Constitution to the people of Queensland.
To be held this week, a lecture series and an exhibition have been arranged featuring the personal 1891 draft of the Australian Constitution by Queensland’s major representative in the negotiations to draft the Constitution, Sir Samuel Griffith.
The events will be held in the Supreme Court library.
Motorists to report
Motorists with medical conditions will soon be required to report them to Queensland Transport.
A new law will also entitle QT to inform a person’s doctor that they have registered their condition.
It will cover such medical conditions as dementia, stroke, epilepsy, sleeping disorders and angina.
Ambulance recruits a record
The Queensland Ambulance Service has exceeded its record target of recruiting 255 additional ambulance officers this financial year.
The recruitment effort had been so successful that QAS was on track to recruit another 40 officers by the end of this month, bringing to 295 the additional ambulance officers it had engaged over 12 months.
QAS has been funded to buy 145 new ambulance vehicles in 2008-09.
Child support session
The Child Support Agency is to conduct a free Community Information Session on Wednesday 18 June in Mackay.
Parents will be able to talk to CSA staff and learn more about child support and the services available with representatives from Centrelink, Medicare, the Family Court of Australia, Legal Aid, Community Legal Services, the Lone Fathers Association, the Dispute Resolution Centre, Lifeline, Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre, Relationships Australia and other community service providers also invited to attend.
The session will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Souths Leagues Club in Milton
Rescue teams take on biggest
Officers from the Queensland Fire and Rescue service have tested their skills by climbing and abseiling on the world’s tallest residential building on the Gold Coast.
Performing a mock rescue, the QFRS personnel climbed into the Q1 spear and abseiled 280 metres down the building.
Rescue Coordinator at Gold Coast South, Paul Beck said the Q1 was the largest building they could test their equipment and skills on.
Fast-tracked building
Seventeen greenfields building sites in South-East Queensland are to be fast-tracked for development in a bid to improve housing affordability
Premier, Anna Bligh said the Government would remove any regulatory hurdles that slowed down the development process on the sites.
Among those to be developed were Meridian Plains at Maroochydore, Market Drive and North Lakes in Moreton Bay, Upper Kedron and Rochedale in Brisbane, Coomera and Helensvale on the Gold Coast, Springfield and Redbank Plains in Ipswich and Kinross Road and South-East Thornlands in Redlands.
Further sites at Palm View and Caloundra South on the Sunshine Coast, Flagstone in Logan, Oxley Wedge in Brisbane and Ripley Valley in Ipswich would also be given priority.
Library winners named
The winners of the State Library of Queensland Awards have been named as the Winifred Fisher Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Cherbourg and the Nambour Chronicle Digitisation team.
The Winifred Fisher IKC won the $5000 Library Board of Queensland Award for its services to the Cherbourg community and the digitisation team, the $5000 John Oxley Library Award for creating an online library of issues of the Nambour Chronicle from 1903–1955.
The $20,000 John Oxley Library Fellowship for 2008 was awarded to heritage conservation expert Gordon Grimwade.
Auction fraud cracked
A Queensland Police initiative developed in partnership with eBay to crack down on online auction fraud is achieving results.
Twenty-Three Queensland-based fraudsters have been identified with 416 matters reported sine an on-line reporting system went live last year.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the use of online reporting had saved around 30,000 police reporting hours and significantly fast-tracked the investigation.
Marine infrastructure studied
A $500,000 study has been launched into the current and future infrastructure needs of boaties and marine-related industries on the Gold Coast and southern Moreton Bay.
The study area stretches from the Southport Broadwater to the southern part of Moreton Bay (near Coochiemudlo Island), and upstream of the Coomera, Albert and Logan rivers, back to the Pacific Motorway.
When completed, a master plan will provide a 20-year blueprint for marine-related development on land and water.
PS counts response to Gov’t pay offer
State Public Servants have been offered a 3.25 per cent wage increase over the next three years.
The Queensland Public Sector Union expected the offer would be rejected by members
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, said Public Servants deserved a fair pay rise as they performed vital and important work.
“The Government believes Public Service remuneration is fair and reasonable,” Mr Mickel said.
“Queensland Public Sector wage rates have grown faster than Queensland private sector wage rates in the past 10 years.”
He said the pay offer would match estimated average inflation over the next three years.
But the General Secretary of the Queensland Public Sector Union, Alex Scott said he expected the offer to be knocked back and believed it could lead to industrial action.
“It’s outrageous that in the middle of a fight with electricity workers who’ve rejected a 4.5 per cent increase, the Queensland Government would ask other workers to ignore their increasing costs of living and accept a 3.25 per cent increase,” Mr Scott said.
“This wage offer doesn’t come close to meeting the expectations of our members.”
Mr Scott said the QPSU would stand with other unions such as the Australian Workers Union and the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union to demand a wage increase that ensured members could maintain their living standards against a backdrop of rising fuel and grocery prices.
“The State Government needs a wake-up call,” he said.
“Front line service workers are overworked, overstrained, and being asked to do more and more with less.”
Mr Scott said it was difficult to see how the proposed increase was not a “signal for a long and bruising industrial campaign”.
Mr Mickel said if the Government and the community did not to work together to moderate inflation through wages and spending, the Reserve Bank would do it by further increasing interest rates.
“We are now in an environment where governments and the community must work together to moderate inflation through wages and spending,” Mr Mickel said.
“Our employees enjoy job security, generous superannuation benefits superior to most employers including other governments and a range of workplace entitlements and flexibilities including 14 weeks' maternity leave,” he said.
5 June, 2008
Heated audit for fire management
The Auditor-General has found that the viability of Rural Fire Services in Queensland is at risk due to a lack of forward planning and inadequate management systems.
In his report Management of Rural Fire Services in Queensland the Auditor General, Glenn Poole, said while the rural fire service currently provided effective management of fires within rural communities, it faced a risk of becoming unsustainable.
Mr Poole said the key finding of his report was that risk management processes and systems designed to assess the funding and resource requirements of the brigades within the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service were not up to scratch.
He said effective decision making was hindered by inadequate performance measurements.
Mr Poole said the “deficiencies” became even more critical in the light of potential increases in wildfire incidents as a result of climate change, urban encroachment, and the difficulties in recruiting and training new volunteers.
He said he could see that QFRS recognised the sustainability issues and had taken a number of positive actions toward addressing them.
“This audit highlighted however, that QFRS needs to improve its existing management systems to not only provide an appropriate level of governance and accountability now, but to ensure issues affecting the continuation of this service are identified and included in future planning,” Mr Poole said.
He said urgent clarification of the financial accountability framework of rural fire brigades was needed as they appeared to be managed and operated independently of QFRS.
“Legislation provides for brigades to be part of the QFRS structure, with QFRS responsible for the liabilities of these brigades,” he said.
Mr Poole made 16 recommendations based on the key findings of his report.
Among the recommendations he suggested QFRS implement a forward planning process specific to rural fire management; that it establish a structured risk management process to enhance decision making processes; that it determine the performance information needed to support decisions; and that it facilitate the accreditation of volunteer trainers to address training and recruitment issues.
5 June, 2008
Disease site gets clean bill of health
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency's testing of the site of the Atherton Fire Station has uncovered no causes for concern despite a higher than normal incidence of cancer cases among current and former staff employed there.
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts reported that staff at the Station had been briefed on the results of the testing, which was recommended by Queensland Health.
He said the results of further testing were still to come in.
"While the ARPANSA testing has identified no issues of concern, the results of the SIMTARS testing on the site have not been received,” Mr Roberts said.
“Once received, these results will also be provided to staff and released publicly."
He said the ARPANSA report found that extremely low level magnetic fields at the site were “low in comparison with levels found in homes and offices" and that levels of electromagnetic radiation from external sources were also “low in comparison with levels found in capital cities and very far below Australian and international health standards".
It was unable to find any naturally occurring radon gas “indicating levels considerably less than the average value in Australian homes" and gamma-ray dose rates were “consistent with natural background radiation from the ground and from building materials” and were “generally low.”
Mr Roberts said the study did manage to find an exception to the generally low level of emissions "in the south-west corner of the lecture room where a modest increase in level was observed".
He said this increase was "traced to an obsolete smoke detector, probably containing radium, kept for demonstrations." The smoke detector was disposed of in accordance with ARPANSA recommendations.
Mr Roberts said studies into the incidence of cancer among firefighters in Queensland and across the country were progressing.
A meeting of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council is due to be held this month and consider a proposal from Victoria’s Monash University that a national study into the incidence of cancer among firefighters be conducted. Queensland has already indicated its support for this proposal.
"I can also advise that Monash University is being consulted about the methodology for the Queensland study," Mr Roberts said.
"The Government takes this issue very seriously and we are committed to implementing all recommendations from the Queensland Health study."
He said a copy the ARPANSA report would be published on the Department of Emergency Services website www.emergency.qld.gov.au
5 June, 2008
Inspectors expected for more monitoring
The Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson has announced that four new specialist safety staff were to join the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate to boost industry monitoring, inspections and audits.
Mr Wilson said $550,000 had been set aside in the Budget to expand the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate.
"The funds will pave the way for three inspectors in central and southern Queensland and a senior licensing officer in Brisbane," Mr Wilson said.
He said the petroleum and gas industry, particularly coal seam gas, was a booming industry in Queensland.
"We need to boost the petroleum and gas inspectorate to keep up with surging exploration and development activity and ensure the industry's safe operation,” he said.
“Over the last three years, the rapid increase in coal seam gas production, drilling, new pipelines and downstream gas use has had a significant impact on the workload of the Inspectorate.”
He said it had over 3,400 different locations on its database.
"The demand for safety inspection services is set to continue with strong growth in drilling and production, underground coal gasification, the number of proposed gas to liquid projects and proposed new transmission pipelines," Mr Wilson said.
"There has also been significant growth in gas distribution networks and LPG storage and distribution facilities.
He said there were around 3000 megawatts of gas-fired power stations on the drawing board, a number of liquefied natural gas projects, and growing demand for domestic and automotive gas services.
"Gas is a vital path to a cleaner energy future and it's in abundance in the Surat Basin.”
He said the Surat Basin was set to rival the Bowen Basin as the State's economic powerhouse.
"It's going full steam ahead,” Mr Wilson said.
5 June, 2008
Heavy criticism for lead critic
The Minister for Sustainability has rejected accusations by a scientist from the Charles Darwin University that the Government had covered up information about lead levels at Mt Isa.
The Minister, Andrew McNamara, said claims by Dr Neils Munksgaard that reports on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website were incomplete had been proven false by his own University.
Mr McNamara said the head of the Mineral Program at Charles Darwin University, Professor David Parry had contacted the EPA to confirm that Dr Munksgaard’s claims were unfounded.
Dr Munksgaard had said that a report of the Mount Isa Mines Panel Assessment Study on sulphur dioxide published on the EPA website did not include metal concentration and isotope data produced by the University's laboratory.
Mr McNamara said Professor Parry had emailed the EPA to say there had been a “degree of misunderstanding”’ surrounding the whole issue.
"The email supports the EPA's original response that Dr Munksgaard's investigation was separate to the one from which he claimed his results were excluded,” Mr McNamara said.
“The EPA was involved in conducting a Panel Assessment Study into sulphur dioxide emissions, and the scope of the report did not include lead or other metal levels.”
He said Professor Parry was the senior author of the separate report referred to by Dr Munksgaard - Metals in soils and surface water in the vicinity of Mt Isa - which was done for Mt Isa Mines Limited.
"Professor Parry also scotched suggestions of selective editing of the Emissions and the Environment Report prepared by University researchers for the MIM Panel Assessment Study, which has been on the EPA website since 2001.
“Professor Parry said the published version of the Emissions and the Environment Report which is an appendix to the Panel Study, is a complete and accurate copy of the original report that was submitted to the Panel Assessment Study.”
Mr McNamara said he was committed to ensuring all relevant documents were available when considering the best response for dealing with the issue of lead in Mount Isa.
"I find it regrettable that unfounded allegations were made that the EPA hid a document,” he said.
5 June, 2008
Councils counselled on further reforms
Reforms to Queensland’s Local Government sector were continuing with Local Government Minister, Warren Pitt said the process was far from over.
Following structural reform of the Councils, the Government was now focussing on building better capacity, accountability and transparency.
Mr Pitt said the 2007-08 reforms were the most significant in Queensland's history and had delivered a stronger and more sustainable Local Government sector that was better placed to deal with the challenges of a growing State.
"However, the reform process is far from over,” Mr Pitt said, “and in the coming year we will be turning our attention to legislative reform, performance management and capacity building.”
He said the Department of Local Government was already working closely with Councils on the next stages of reform and would complete its review of the Local Government Act 1993 to reduce its complexity and give Councils a more flexible framework for the delivery of services.
"We will continue to work with Councils to develop and implement enhanced performance evaluation systems,” Mr Pitt said, “which will help them to operate more effectively and to establish better long-term planning linked to better services for their communities.
"We will also strengthen transparency and accountability across the sector by requiring Councils to develop community reports to keep their ratepayers advised.”
He said the Department's capacity building program would focus on developing 'best-practice' processes.
“This will include providing a suite of specialist and generalist programs targeted at three broad categories of Councils - large regional, rural and remote, and Indigenous."
Mr Pitt said the reform program was important to ensure the future sustainability of Local Government in Queensland.
He said an important aspect of the reforms would be a stronger presence by the Local Government Department in regional Council areas.
He foreshadowed significant organisational change across the Department, with Brisbane-based staff reorganised into five regions - Far North, Northern, Central, South-West and South-East - from 1 July.
“My Department reviewed its structure with a view to better servicing Queensland's new Councils and the communities they represent.
"The reorientation moves the Department from being predominantly Brisbane-based to a truly statewide, regional service delivery organisation."
He said during the next 12 months, service delivery positions from Central Office would be moved to the regions.
"The Department has already established a Far North regional office in Cairns and plans are underway to establish an Ipswich office in the South-East Region."
5 June, 2008
Parole Board gets time off to decide
Queensland’s Parole Board may be allowed more time to make decisions on the release of prisoners.
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence said the Government was considering extending the Board’s deadline for decisions to ensure it can examine all matters related to its work adequately.
“At present the Parole Board must make a decision within 120 days of receiving a parole application,” Ms Spence said.
“The critical issue here is to make sure that the Board has had the time to carefully and properly consider each application.”
She said community safety must be the “absolute priority” of the Board.
"When considering a parole application the Parole Board often requires further information such as a suitable home assessment, psychological report or exit report from a program before it has sufficient information to decide on an application.,” she said.
"If the Parole Board believes it requires more time to consider a case then the Government will consider changing legislation.
“We are not going to have a situation where prisoners use the legal system to frustrate justice.”
Ms Spence said she was also examining changes to the law that would ensure a recent Supreme Court decision did not affect the validity of Parole Board decisions made after the 120 day deadline.
5 June, 2008
Posties to walk new stamping grounds
Australia Post is to introduce ‘walking posties’ to another 60 Queensland communities following the success of a trial in Ipswich.
The walking rounds have been introduced to overcome a recruitment crisis which saw the need for a motorcycle licence severely restricting the number of postie recruits Australia post was able to find.
State Operations Manager for Australia Post, William Wilson said the walking posties initiative had been a great success and was met with enthusiasm from jobseekers and the general public.
“Queenslanders love the concept,” Mr Wilson said, “our new recruits are enjoying their rounds and we are therefore expanding this highly successful delivery method.”
He said Australia Post was seeking more new staff.
“The postal corporation faces significant recruitment challenges and we need to alleviate the demands on our workforce.”
He said an increasing population and business growth meant the postal network was expanding.
“In coming months we will be bringing walking posties to the following areas – Cleveland, Acacia Ridge, Logan City, Stafford, Virginia, Crestmead, Goodna, Richlands, Rocklea, Loganholme, Yatala, Sandgate and Tingalpa,” he said.
Mr Wilson said Cleveland would be the first area to initiate the program, and six new staff were needed to work out of the Cleveland Delivery Centre.
“The walk rounds will be approximately 12 kilometres long, servicing 450 delivery points per round,” he said.
“That equates to 16.75 hours work per week.”
He said workers would use an innovative ‘postie pram’, a baby stroller re-engineered as an all terrain mail buggy to carry the mail. The buggy had low ongoing maintenance costs and was compact and easy to transport.
“Our clever engineers have continued to fine tune the buggy throughout the trial and we will continue with modifications as necessary,” he said
Mr Wilson said the buggy carried the same mail items normally carried on a motorcycle, was easy to manoeuver, offered left or right hand operation and was environmentally friendly.
He said the hours on offer for the new mode of delivery appealed to stay-at-home Mums, Dads and retirees.
“It also has the added attraction of helping our workers keep fit.”
Mr Wilson said posties were provided with a full Australia Post uniform including shirts and trousers, hats, joggers, wet weather gear, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Induction training was provided and there was no age restriction on applicants.
Mr Wilson said interested people could contact the Australia Post Customer Relations Centre in Brisbane on 13 13 18 or email recruitment.qld@auspost.com.au for more information.
5 June, 2008
Poms and ceremony at UK migrant show
The joys of living and working in Queensland are being shown to the people of the United Kingdom in a joint campaign to attract skilled migrants to the State.
Minister for Regional Development and Industry, Desley Boyle said the campaign was showing UK migrants how they could improve their employment and lifestyle opportunities in Australia and was a combined effort of the Governments of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria with the assistance of the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Ms Boyle said Trade Queensland was promoting Queensland on behalf of Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland.
She said the participating States were working together to provide intending migrants with overviews of each of the States’ unique features, benefits and migration opportunities.
“The fact is Queensland has the strongest economic growth of all Australian states, our industries are going gang-busters, and we are fairing very well in comparison to the other States, amid the global credit crunch,” Ms Boyle said.
“On top of that, I’d say that we have a great climate, the most dynamic and innovative industries and the largest infrastructure investment of any State.
Ms Boyle said Queensland’s location and geography were major draw cards.
“And don’t forget our beautiful regions – they really are the jewel in Queensland’s crown,” she said.
“From the vast open plains and endless blue sky in Queensland’s west, through to the reef and the rainforests of the north, and of course our strong industrial and employment centres in central Queensland.”
Ms Boyle said she believed prospective migrants should see Australia for themselves.
“You’ll fall in love, like we have, and you simply won’t be able to resist our fantastic employment and lifestyle opportunities,” she said.
“The secret is well and truly out of the bag – Australia, and in particular Queensland, is the place to be,” she said.
5 June, 2008
ACT pushes borders on PS job transfers
The Public Service of the Australian Capital Territory has launched a media campaign to attract staff from other Public Services around Australia.
Aimed primarily at personnel from the Australian Public Service concerned at Federal cost cutting and workload increases, the campaign is a response to a long-standing skills shortage in the national capital.
According to ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, there had never been a better time to move to the ACT.
“The combination of a strong economy and skills shortage means that there is a wealth of opportunity here,” Mr Stanhope said.
“We have a number of programs aimed at attracting workers from interstate and overseas.”
He said the information campaign would create awareness of the many jobs available in the ACT Public Service, across a wide range of occupational groups.
“The campaign will also benefit the private sector which has, for some time, had difficulty in attracting suitable numbers of employees,” he said.
“Our low levels of unemployment, combined with the strong ACT economy and record high level of investment places increasing demands on our labour market and it highlights the need for us to be proactive about keeping workers here in Canberra.”
Mr Stanhope said the campaign would be supported by a website www.jobs.act.gov.au and by a specialist human resources officer who will be on hand to provide personal customer service by answering any HR questions.
5 June, 2008
Workplace study to bridge advantage gap
A report into Aboriginal and migrant involvement in the State’s workforce has revealed that more needed to be done to bridge gaps in the workforce participation rate.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel said the report Labour Force Utilisation in Queensland with Special Reference to Indigenous and Non-English Speaking and Overseas Born Backgrounds would be used as a guide for future strategies to help disadvantaged job seekers.
“This report has given the Queensland Government better insights into the make-up of our workforce.” Mr Mickel said.
“This is critical if we are to improve our efforts to help those who have traditionally struggled to find work.”
He said the report, by University of Queensland’s Professor John Mangan, found some groups had a greater tendency to move out of disadvantage and into stable work.
“For example, Asian-born Queenslanders from India, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka match or exceed the State average in employment/population ratios, participation and average hours worked.”
He said the report found Indigenous Queenslanders had the lowest labour force participation rate with a 23 per cent higher likelihood of being in ‘low hours’ employment.
He said the report found that generally, Indigenous men had higher rates of labour participation than Indigenous women, but that the average hours worked across the region were still between 40 to 50 per cent less than the regional average.
The report said participation in the Commonwealth Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) boosted employment rates in the Northern, North West and Far North by 28 per cent, 27 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
Mr Mickel said the report’s findings were important if the Government was to meet its goal of halving the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade.
“The report confirmed lower education standards are linked to job disadvantage,” he said.
“At the moment Indigenous Queenslanders are less likely to hold a degree, diploma or trade qualification.”
He said the Government was actively working to increase workforce participation through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Mr Mickel said while unemployment was at a low 3.6 per cent in Queensland, the ageing workforce would mean the community would have to engage as many workers as possible.
He said this financial year around 17,000 unemployed or underemployed people would build up skills and impressive resumes through job related assistance projects, accredited training and on-the-job experience.
A copy of the report could be found at www.deir.qld.gov.au
5 June, 2008
School favourites are teacher ‘pets’
The Minister for Education and Training has congratulated 39 teachers who have been recognised as the State’s ‘favourites.’
The Minister, Rod Welford, said the 2008 “My Favourite Teacher” winners had been recognised for their exemplary work as a part of State Education Week celebrations.
Mr Welford said over 4,800 nominations had been received from students from around the state.
“With 2008 being the Year of Physical Activity in Queensland State schools, teachers were nominated for encouraging students to be more active,” he said.
“I join with the students in giving all our teachers the recognition and praise they truly deserve.”
Mr Welford said the Year of Physical Activity highlighted Government commitment to acting on child obesity by encouraging all young Queenslanders to enjoy lifelong good health.
“In conjunction with the Year of Physical Activity we have rolled-out the Smart Moves program which requires State primary school students to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every school day,” he said.
“Secondary school students are being active for at least two hours a week.”
Mr Welford said through these initiatives teachers were helping students establish healthy habits that would stay with them for a lifetime.
“Queensland teachers are the backbone of schools, tirelessly working to educate our students,” he said.
“I congratulate them for their commitment to this important initiative—they all deserve applause for their hard work.”
Mr Welford said the 2008 My Favourite Teacher awards were run in conjunction with State Education Week and gave students and the community an opportunity to publicly thank their teachers.
State Education Week was celebrated from 26 to 30 May.
Queensland’s favourite teachers were: Sarah Jane Ash from Gaven State School; Abdulah Bakharia from Claremont Special School; Roger Boum from Wynnum State High School; Margaret Bowman from Wooroolin State School; Lyn Brassington from Augathella State School; Faye Brealy from Kelvin Grove State College; Hamish Curness from Moorooka State School; Paul Dunn from Moreton Downs State School; Terry Ericson from Karalee State School; Kimi Eteru from Tagai State College Secondary Campus; Adrian Fenney from Pozieres State School; Wendy Fergus from Drillham State School; Philippa Garlick from Milpera State High School; Cassandra Glasser from Dalby State School; Lyle Gothmann from Blackwater North State School; Brooke Hern from Strathpine West State School; Clayton Kearney from Browns Plains State School; Graeme Lamperd from Tolga State School; Natalie Marhinin from Aspley State School; Stuart MacArthur from Banksia Beach State School; Graeme McIntyre from Glenview State School; Di Menzies from Birkdale South State School; Nina Mitchell from Kurwongbah State School; Craig Nunn from Wellington Point State High School; Jane Oates from Pacific Paradise State School; Katie O'Kelly from Mundubbera State School; Fiona Patterson from Grand Avenue State School; Ray Pitman from Port Douglas State School; Collette Proud from St George State School; Michele Ridge from Mount Isa School of the Air; Leigh Rintoul from Heatley State School; Jacki Robertson from Everton Park State School; Penny Rogers from Alpha State School; Anthony Schmidt from Cooktown State School; Diana Schultz from Cannon Hill State School; Tracy Shaab from Windaroo State School; Melissa Swindale from Algester State School; Brendon Thorpe from Ilfracombe State School; and Rosalind Woodard from Beaudesert State High Special Education Unit.
5 June, 2008
Library workers book place in finals
Finalists in the Library Board of Queensland and John Oxley Library awards have been announced by Arts Minister Rod Welford.
Mr Welford said the awards acknowledged individuals and organisations that had contributed to the preservation and appreciation of Queensland’s history.
“They also recognise excellence in working for and supporting libraries across Queensland, from major cities to remote areas,” he said.
“The State Library of Queensland plays a leading role in recognising the important work achieved by libraries and the value in appreciating Queensland history.”
Mr Welford said as the custodian of Queensland’s documentary heritage and a partner with the State’s public libraries, it was important for the State Library to foster the search for excellence in those areas.
He said the $5,000 John Oxley Library Award and the $5,000 Library Board of Queensland Award would be presented at the State Library on 5 June at a gala dinner.
“The winner of the 2008 John Oxley Library Fellowship, worth $20,000, will also be named at this event,” Mr Welford said.
He said the John Oxley Library Award recognised contributions to social, political, economic and cultural life in any part of Queensland.
Finalists for the 2008 awards were Remember When … Memories of Ipswich Project Team; Nambour Chronicle Digitisation Team; and Thuringowa Branch, Citilibraries Townsville.
The Library Board of Queensland Award recognised the achievement or support of work done by libraries through developing collections and services, developing partnerships and the education and training of library workers.
Finalists for the 2008 award were Joan Keating for her contribution to the development of resources for the study of Australian literature; and the Winifred Fisher Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC), for services to the Cherbourg community.
5 June, 2008
Pat on the back for spinal injury DVD
The Minister for Main Roads has launched a new DVD to help reduce the incidence of spinal cord injuries.
The DVD was produced by the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) which recently entered a three-year sponsorship deal with Main Roads to improve the safety message and run a preventive program.
The Minister, Warren Pitt, said the DVD profiled four Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries.
“It explores their personal journeys, providing viewers with an insight into the life of a person with a spinal cord injury as well as imparting strong injury prevention messages,” Mr Pitt said.
He launched the Nobody’s Bulletproof DVD in front of Gordonvale High School’s year 12 students.
Mr Pitt said senior high students fell within the highest risk age category for spinal injuries, which was between 15 and 30 years old.
He said the DVD included a profile on teenager Amber Van Dam who was travelling in the boot of a speeding car when it crashed only days before her year 12 exams.
“This is a tragic case about a peer that students can relate to and which helps send the message that nobody is bulletproof,” Mr Pitt said.
SEAT, a program run by the Spinal Injuries Association has given presentations to over 1.1 million Queensland children and has been providing information on how to keep safe in the classroom, on the roads, in the water, on the sports field and at home for 21 years.
Mr Pitt said the team of 14 volunteers, all of whom have paraplegia or quadriplegia and used wheelchairs to get around, had made thousands of visits to education facilities throughout the State.
“Main Roads' contribution will help the team achieve its goal of sharing their powerful spinal injury prevention messages with 80,000 children in 2008,” he said.
He said statistics from the past 20 years had shown motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause of spinal injuries in Queensland.
Mr Pitt said the increased funding for SEAT would mean volunteers and the Spinal Injuries Association could reach even more children to spread the safety message.
On hand to help launch the DVD was Gordonvale resident Ian Chill, a former Navy officer who was also profiled in the DVD.
Mr Chill fell down a cliff while on a peace-keeping mission in the Solomon Islands.
5 June, 2008
Firefighters burn for burns research
A group of firefighters have completed 19 days of cycling 1800 kilometres along the Queensland coast as a way of raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Burns Research Group.
The cycling firefighters, who started their “Bike for Burns” ride in Cairns, were welcomed to Brisbane by Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts.
Mr Roberts said the riders left Cairns on 12 May and were expected to raise over $30,000 for the cause.
He presented them with a $500 donation on behalf of the Queensland Government’s Department of Emergency Services.
“Our firefighters are dedicated to protecting our community and property from fire, and they do an excellent job,” he said.
Mr Roberts said the firefighters and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service staff had shown their commitment to helping children suffering from burn injuries.
He said the Royal Children’s Hospital treated over 500 children with burns injuries each year.
“The funds raised will make an incredible difference to the lives of young Queenslanders,” he said.
“Young burn patients often need hours of painful rehabilitation and surgery to help the burnt skin stretch as their bodies grow.”
Last year riders raised $21,000.
Support for the event was still being welcomed, and contributions could be made by visiting the Royal children’s Hospital website www.workingwonders.com.au
5 June, 2008
Awareness rescued at emergency open day
A community awareness day on the Sunshine Coast to promote the work of emergency service organisations has been welcomed by the Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts.
Mr Roberts said the Operation Rescue day highlighted the important work of emergency service organisations.
He said Operation Rescue was a joint initiative of the Energex Community Helicopter Service and students from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“Emergency services touch the lives of thousands of Queenslanders every day,” Mr Roberts said.
“By ensuring the community is aware of the emergency services and what they can do to help, we can better ensure that those services are used to the greatest benefit.”
He said on average last financial year, the Queensland Ambulance Service responded to over 2,200 cases each day, while the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service responded to almost 180 call-outs daily.
“While the Queensland Government provided record funding for emergency services, it was essential that their use was for emergencies and that Triple-0 was not called for trivial or non-emergency reasons,” he said.
“In that respect, community awareness is invaluable.”
Mr Roberts said community members could support emergency services by installing smoke alarms, only using Triple-0 for emergencies, learning the State Emergency Services Hotline number (132 500) and putting evacuation plans in place.
He said it was important to support and encourage volunteers who worked with the emergency services.
“In 2006-07, SES volunteers provided on average more than 170 hours of operation each day or 64,000 hours in total over 12 months.”
He said the Service received $3.565 million of funding from the Government, and also sought community, corporate and Local Government sponsorship to deliver services to the community
Operation Rescue was held at Stockland Park, Kawana on 1 June.
5 June, 2008
Milestone for news
The readership of PS News set a new milestone in May with readers clocking up over two million hits for the month.
Editor, Frank Cassidy welcomed the result saying it took two years to reach the first million-a-month traffic figure last November and the just another six months to double it.
In addition, independent net management company Rotapix reported that PS News now ranked No. 1 on the world’s three largest search engines for Public Service news.
Go card goes further
The go card system has expanded to allow air travellers to use their card to travel to and from Brisbane airport on the privately owned Airtrain.
Minister for Transport, John Mickel, said the move would help improve access to the busy airport and allow airport users to travel across public and private rail networks with minimum fuss.
Mr Mickel warned commuters to ensure they touched off at the end of a journey as Airtrain had set a $25 fixed fine penalty.
OHS comments called
Public submissions have been called on an issues paper relating to the National Review into Model Occupational Health and Safety Laws.
In developing the issues paper, the review panel undertook preliminary consultation with key stakeholders in all States and Territories and the paper includes many issues that stakeholders see as central to the review.
Written submissions will be received by 11 July.
DPI&F on the whales
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is gearing up for the whale migration season with some whales already spotted off the coast.
About 9500 whales were expected to migrate along the coastline this year but fears were held that some may become entangled in shark control equipment.
DPI&F Shark Control Program Manager, Tony Ham said entanglements generally occurred late in the migration season around August and September when young, inexperienced whales were on their way back from the northern breeding waters.
He said a range of measures were in place to ensure entanglements were infrequent but when they did occur the whales that were caught had the best possible chance of being freed quickly and unharmed.
Volunteers rewarded
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts, has recognised nine Rural Fire Service volunteers from the Sunshine coast region for over 180 years combined service to their local fire brigades.
Couple Ken and Rozanne Thomas were awarded a national medal along with Peter Garrett, Anthony Welsh, Bill Anderson, Tony Hook and Michael Prior.
Bill Carson and Howard Prentis were awarded a national medal and clasp.
Schools go up
Two new primary schools and a high school are to be built on the Gold Coast in the coming year.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the three new schools, two in Ormeau and one in Oxenford, would support the educational needs of families in the rapidly-growing Brisbane-Gold Coast corridor.
Flu warning
Queenslanders most at risk of flu have been urged to have themselves vaccinated in preparation for winter.
Queensland Health’s Senior Director of the Communicable Diseases Branch, Dr Christine Selvey, said people over 65 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and kidney conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 had the highest risk of serious complications from the flu.
Dr Selvey said the vaccine was free for many people who fell into the high risk category and more information could be found at www.health.qld.gov.au
Greenhouse wins gold
The University of Queensland’s Research Greenhouse at Gatton has been awarded a Regional Commendation at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Architecture Awards.
The Award jury said the building was a high-tech research tool complemented by the intricate balance between its form, spatial enclosure and materials.
The building is able to replicate up to four diverse climates simultaneously.
Coastal radio movement
Sunshine Coast radio station, ABC Coast FM has been relocated.
Set up in 1992 to provide a radio service to the Sunshine Coast and hinterland region, the station has now moved to new studios in Maroochydore and the Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Maurice Newman was on hand to officially open the station’s new home.
The new facility has two state of the art broadcast studios, a purpose-built edit and production booth and digital work stations.
Energy essay open
Young Australians under 31 are invited to enter The Warren Centre’s National Energy Essay Competition with their ideas for potential solutions to Australia’s energy demand and supply future.
The major prizes, The Babcock and Brown Power/Wind Partners Prize and the Sumitomo Australia Prize are each worth $20,000.
Entries close on 22 August and more details can be found at www.neec.org.au
Architects get benchmark
Queensland’s architects have been invited to use a free online benchmarking tool which would allow them to measure their success against their peers.
The Creative Business Benchmarker was being run by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology to target Queensland's creative industries with architects first in line.
The Benchmarker will gather information from participating companies and report back to them, highlighting trends and opportunities on areas including employment, exports and intellectual property.
Architects could access the Benchmarker at www.benchmarker.org.au
