A program of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Government’s transport fleet is on track to meet or exceed its targets.
Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten said the QFleet ClimateSmart Action Plan, introduced on 1 January 2008, set out a number of strategies to reduce greenhouse emissions from the Government’s fleet of almost 14,000 passenger and light commercial vehicles.
“Through the Action Plan, the target has been set to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 per cent by 31 December 2010, compared to emissions at 30 June 2007,” Mr Schwarten said.
“QFleet is powering toward this target and, by the end of March 2009, a reduction of 11 per cent had already been achieved.”
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister, Kate Jones said the Action Plan showed the Government was leading by example.
Mr Schwarten said a key strategy in achieving these results had been the introduction of minimum emission standards for vehicles, based on the Greenhouse Ratings from the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.
“The Greenhouse Ratings differentiate vehicles based on their carbon dioxide emissions – that is, the lower the emissions, the higher the rating,” he said.
The Action Plan set the standards at 5.5 for passenger vehicles and 3.5 for light commercial vehicles and by the end of March 86 per cent of the passenger fleet, and 95 per cent of the light commercial fleet, were compliant.
“As the Action Plan implementation continues I expect to see increased numbers of hybrid, small and light vehicles and vehicles with advanced engine technology such as new generation diesel engine passenger cars,” the Minister said.
“The 2010 target of a 15 per cent emissions reduction is challenging, but the achievement of 11 per cent in the first 15 months shows we are well on our way.”
28 May, 2009
IT deal gets with
the program
The Government has entered an arrangement with local IT firm, Longhaus to commercialise some of its official technology information.
Announced by the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Robert Schwarten, the deal is the first of its kind in Australia and will allow Longhaus to publicise Government IT buying plans to industry.
Mr Schwarten said it would allow local and international ICT vendors to plan better and match their product offerings to the Government’s needs.
The aim of the five-year partnership is to provide an endorsed ICT profile, assisting the Government’s move towards greater transparency of Government information in line with the new Right to Information regime.
“We are confident these commercialisation arrangements will create real opportunities for forging better partnerships between industry and the State Government,’ Mr Schwarten said.
“The Longhaus Baseline will provide insights into the overall spending across the Queensland Government, including key aspects of the Government’s business application and technology assets.”
Managing Director of Longhaus, Peter Carr said the Longhaus Baseline represented Australia’s most comprehensive commercially available longitudinal ICT research on any public sector enterprise.
“Our research indicates that ICT vendors want to know about Government initiatives, forward procurement plans, products used, ICT budgets and spending,” Mr Carr said.
He said the Longhaus Baseline suite of targeted analysis included reports, briefings and advisory services.
28 May, 2009
PS staff reach finals
of Queenslander gong
Two Public Servants are among the six finalists for the 2009 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year, announced by Premier, Anna Bligh.
They are the Queensland Police Service’s Regional Cross Cultural Liaison Officer, Metropolitan South Region, Sergeant Dimitrios (Jim) Bellos, and the Clinical Director of the Inala Indigenous Health Service, Associate Professor Noel Hayman.
Sergeant Bellos’s citation said the Metropolitan South Region in Brisbane had experienced a rapid increase in the number of new residents speaking over 150 different languages and practising over 130 different faiths.
“In response to the issues associated with this change, Sergeant Bellos formalised links between the communities and the police to instill trust, understanding and harmony,” the citation said.
“ Sergeant Bellos formulated community consultative groups, multi-faith dinners, information sessions and, most notably, the award winning youth sporting program ‘For the Love of the Game’, to encourage interaction and improved understanding of more than 6,000 youths from diverse backgrounds.”
Since the formulation of the program there had been a noted decrease in youth crime in the region.
“Sergeant Bellos has gained the respect and trust of local community leaders and residents and has received three national and State awards for the ‘For the Love of the Game’ and six national and State awards for his own outstanding contribution,” it said.
Professor Hayman Noel had worked tirelessly for the last 19 years to improve Indigenous health within Queensland.
“ He has developed successful Indigenous-focused initiatives and projects, including improved access to mainstream health services, improved infant nutrition, a teaching unit for the University of Queensland, contributed to Indigenous policy at both State and national level and wrote the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Nutrition Survey 2002,” his citation said
“Noel is currently lobbying to create a Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Primary Health Care at the Inala Community Health Centrewith the intention to improve health, research and teaching.”
Other finalists for the award are Bill Bristow (Fortitude Valley), David Conry (Bardon), Heather Nancarrow (Mackay) and Vanessa Seekee OAM (Horn Island).
Finalists for the 2009 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Awards are Chiu-Hing Chan (East Brisbane), Alan Huynh (St Lucia), Sophee McPhee (The Gap), Andrew Northcott (Milton) and Timothy (Tim) O’Shea (Gordon Park).
28 May, 2009
Government stumps up
for pole plantation
A shortage of timber power poles has prompted the State Government to grow its own, and it plans to produce a million of them.
In partnership with Ergon Energy, the Government has embarked on the ambitious project, launched by the Minister for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson by planting seedlings in a forest near Esk which will be harvested as power poles in 15 to 20 years.
“This is a very exciting project on a number of fronts, including sustainability, the environment, regional jobs growth and employment skills,” Mr Robertson said.
“Even after the tree is harvested as a power pole, the carbon dioxide remains locked in the pole for its lifetime.”
Mr Robertson said the Government had purchased 1,000 hectares of degraded forest land near Ravensbourne National Park, where 100,000 trees would be planted.
Ergon aims to acquire 10,000 hectares throughout Queensland for power pole forests over the next five years.
The Minister said the program would help Ergon Energy respond to climate change as every mature tree in its forests would sequester up to two tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Every year, it requires 12,000 new poles to replace ageing poles and for network expansion. By 2030, it will need double that amount,” Mr Robertson said.
“Growing its own trees for power poles will help overcome a looming shortage of supply of suitable hardwood timbers.”
He said alternative power poles, such as concrete, steel and fibre-composite poles, were suitable for use in some cases but were expensive to produce both in dollar and greenhouse gas emission terms.
Chief Executive of Ergon Energy, Ian McLeod said that to become a more sustainable company, it must find a sustainable source of hardwood timber power poles.
“I’m very proud of this project and the impact it will have in not only ensuring the network can keep pace with demand, but also the fact it has significant environmental and job creation benefits,” Mr McLeod said.
28 May, 2009
Water Commission
watered down
The Queensland Water Commission (QWC) is to be restructured.
Premier, Anna Bligh announced the overhaul saying the QWC would remain an Independent Statutory Authority but would be ‘scaled back’ to a single Commissioner and moved to the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Ms Bligh said although it was critical the work of the Commission continue the changes would achieve cost savings.
“As I announced during the election campaign, the move to cut back on the communications functions of the Commission represents savings of about $15 million over the next four years,” Ms Bligh said.
“By consolidating the corporate services and communications operations of the Commission into the Department, we have identified further savings of up to $7 million over the same period.”
The Premier said establishing the Commission three years ago at the height of the drought had been responsible
“And in the current conditions – with our water grid built, with our strategic plans for future water use in place and with Queenslanders now educated in effective water use to the point where it has become second nature - the functions carried out by the Commission remain critical for ensuring water supply security,” she said.
“This move will not involve job losses but the QWC Chair and its two Commissioners will be replaced by a single Commissioner once their contracts expired on June 18.”
She said the single Commissioner will report to the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and the Minister for Trade.
Combined South East Queensland (SEQ) dam levels currently exceed 60 per cent for the first time in five years.
Miss Bligh said history would remember the Commission for changing the very culture of Queenslanders’ attitudes toward water.
“It is responsible through its smart, clear and consistent public education campaigns for establishing an understanding that water is a precious resource and encouraging Queenslanders to treat our water supplies with care and respect,” she said.
“Three years ago the average resident of SEQ was using more than 300 litres of water a day. Through the efforts of the QWC, we have exceeded the Target 140 initiative and today Queenslanders use an average of just 134 litres a day.”
She paid particular tribute to QWC Chair, Elizabeth Nosworthy, who she said took on the role during one of the most difficult periods and was faced with an unprecedented task.
28 May, 2009
Mining registrars
surface at Roma
Two new Deputy Mining Registrars from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation are to be based at Roma.
Mines and Energy Minister, Stephen Robertson said the opening of the Surat Basin field office at Roma will help resolve land access issues that have caused friction between landholders and the resource sector.
“Issues have arisen due to the growth of exploration activity in the coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas industries in the area and locally-based staff will help sort them out,” Mr Robertson said.
“Four Mines and Energy staff from DEEDI, including two Deputy Mining Registrars and two support staff, are now working out of the Roma office.”
He said the support staff were recruited locally, one of the Registrars had returned from Melbourne to live in regional Queensland, and the other had moved from Mines and Energy’s Brisbane office.
“The Deputy Mining Registrars will give the community a local presence to resolve mining and exploration issues between landholders and explorers, to inform landholders and explorers of their rights and responsibilities, and to initiate compliance action where required,” the Minister said.
“Mines and Energy’s roving Community Liaison Officer, whom many in the agricultural and resources industry have already met, will also spend time in this office.”
Mr Robertson said the extra staff on the ground would help balance the rights of landholders and explorers.
28 May, 2009
Island museum makes
its own history
North Stradbroke Island Historical Society Museum has won ABC Radio National’s 2009 Regional Museums Award.
This year’s award focussed on the smallest, volunteer-run museums in Australia and the North Stradbroke museum was judged to have the best performance against the full range of competition criteria which included depth of storytelling, contribution to local tourism and regional development, presentation of the community to visitors, and extent of planning for the future.
It won in the face of competition from five other museums from around Australia.
National Manager of ABC Radio, Jane Connors said Australia’s regional museums had once again shown the importance of their place in their communities
“The 2009 Awards have highlighted the diversity of the collections in the care of regional museums and the extraordinary work these, mainly volunteer-run, organisations do to ensure their continued existence,” Ms Connors said.
The other finalists were Greenbushes Discovery Centre (WA), Mallala Museum (SA),
Cooee Heritage Centre Gilgandra (NSW), National Vietnam Veterans Museum (Victoria) and the Glamorgan War Memorial Community Centre – Heritage Centre (Tasmania).
The Radio National Life Matters team are expected to travel to North Stradbroke Island soon to present a program celebrating the achievements and aims of the museum, providing a national focus to the Island whose permanent population is around 3,000.
A full listing of all entrants, together with finalists in each category, can be found at abc.net.au/rn/museums
28 May, 2009
Justice overhaul is
judged a winner
Access to civil and administrative justice in Queensland is to be streamlined with the introduction of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the Tribunal will make it easier for Queenslanders with civil and administrative matters to access the appropriate support and information.
“The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal will simplify access to justice in our State, by amalgamating the jurisdictions of 23 bodies, into a single one-stop-shop,” Mr Dick said
“This change represents the most significant structural reform to Queensland’s justice system in 50 years, since the re-establishment of the District Court in 1959.”
He said QCAT will focus on resolving disputes, reviewing decisions of Government Agencies and Statutory Bodies, making guardianship and administration orders and conducting disciplinary proceedings for a range of professions and occupations.
“The creation of QCAT presents a great opportunity for this Government to deliver improved justice services to the community,” Mr Dick said.
“It has been designed to have a strong focus on providing efficient, effective and affordable justice for clients, in a less intimidating setting.”
In particular, the Tribunal would provide a more user-friendly and flexible approach to settling disputes that have previously been handled by the courts and existing tribunals.
This is a major step towards the implementation of QCAT, he said.
Pending the passing of the required legislation, the Tribunal is expected to be up and running on 1 December.
From that date a QCAT website will provide information on how to access the Tribunal. Until then the Tribunal’s review website www.tribunalsreview.qld.gov.au provides information about the project.
28 May, 2009
Bushfire quilts
spread goodwill
One of 35 quilts donated by Mt Isa quilters to Victorian bushfire survivor has been presented to a 97-year-old man.
Charlie Richardson, who has lived and farmed in and around Callignee all his working life, had his home destroyed in the February fires and was hospitalised with burns to his hands, arms, face and ankles.
He was presented with his quilt by Deputy Victorian Premier, Rob Hulls who said Mr Richardson had told him he would return to his block and live in portable accommodation with his pet cat.
“I am honoured to present Mr Richardson with a quilt, which is a gift from the Mount Isa community who felt compelled to help Victorians affected by the fires,” Mr Hulls said.
A local Mt Isa business produced embroidered labels for the quilts which contained an image of the city’s stacks and hills, and the words: ‘Made by unknown friends from Mount Isa’.
Each quilt was in a calico bag containing details about Mount Isa, a welcome pack and a letter from Mt Isa Mayor, John Molony.
Mr Hull described the gesture as “very generous and touching” from the people of Mount Isa, who in January and February were experiencing floods while Victorians were coping with the Black Saturday bushfires.
He said it was heartening that during times of such tragedy, people from opposite ends of the country reached out to each other.
Mr Hulls had visited the Traralgon South Community Service Hub, which covers the communities of Traralgon South, Koornalla, Callignee and Leroy where 175 houses were lost in the Churchill Jerralang fires.
28 May, 2009
Swine flu schoolkids
told to ‘sty’ away
Queensland students will be asked to stay away from school for seven days if they’ve visited countries or areas affected by Human Swine Flu recently.
Premier Anna Bligh said the Government had decided to adopt the national policy on advice from the Chief Health Officer.
"Our first priority is to protect students and staff from the risk of this illness," Ms Bligh said.
“As was the case for the SARS outbreak in 2003, the Chief Health Officer advises that it is sensible to introduce this measure to minimise risk of transmission in the school community.”
The Premier said the Chief Health Officer’s advice would be crucial when determining what steps needed to be taken in relation to schools and Education Queensland and Queensland Health would continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure every precaution was taken.
Education Minister, Geoff Wilson said all parents have received letters from Education Queensland outlining steps that will be taken if a confirmed case of Human Swine Flu is detected at a school.
"In this situation the Chief Health Officer may advise that the school be closed,” Mr Wilson said.
"The information provided outlines the need for parents to make alternative arrangements for supervision of their child if their school is closed as well as providing alternative programs to ensure they can keep up to date with classroom work during any closure.”
The Minister said Education Queensland’s eLearning programs were able to provide an online classroom for students in which they would potentially be able to interact with their teachers over the web if necessary.
28 May, 2009
Big wheels attend
transport summit
A joint initiative between Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Transport and Storage Industry Sector Standing Committee, has resulted in a summit being held in Brisbane to address a worrying level of injuries being reported in the State’s transport industry.
Industrial Relations Minister, Cameron Dick said the Government was committed to ensuring the health and safety of all Queensland workers, whether they drive a truck, or work in a factory, behind a desk or in a shop.
Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Simon Finn who opened the summit said that in 2007-08 the Queensland transport and storage industry had 22.4 serious injury claims per 1,000 workers, well above the State average of 14.9 claims.
A focus for the meeting was the high rate of musculoskeletal disorders within the industry.
“After fatalities, the biggest challenge for the transport and storage industry is reducing these types of disorders,” Mr Finn said.
“The majority of musculoskeletal disorders in the transport and storage industry are due to the manual lifting and handling of goods, followed by slips, trips and falls and being hit by moving objects. The most common injuries are to backs, shoulders and knees.”
Mr Dick said the pressures of the Global Financial Crisis on all industries meant the health and safety of Queensland workers had never been more vital.
“Overall, total workplace incidents cost the Queensland economy more than $5.2 billion a year, with the average cost of a single workplace injury estimated to be almost $40,000,” Mr Dick said.
“In these tough economic times, this is a cost no one can afford. Everyone needs to work together to make our workplaces safer.”
The summit’s keynote speaker was the Commissioner for the National Transport Commission, Ian Johnston who has worked in transport and transport safety since 1966.
28 May, 2009
Tourism tutor shows
students the way
Tourism Queensland has produced an online educational tool for high school teachers and students.
Tourism Minister, Peter Lawlor said the tool My Tourism Tutor, would provide a series of tourism-related modules for teachers to work through with their students.
“It’s an innovative resource for teachers of tourism-related subjects including vocational education and training-accredited tourism units, school-based tourism units for grades 11 and 12, studies of society and environment units and enterprise education units,” Mr Lawlor said.
“The program facilitates learning about tourism-related issues such as sustainability and the environment, tourism trends, Queensland destinations and products.”
He said My Tourism Tutor was free and easy to use by anyone, anywhere, any time, but was specially tailored for high school teachers and students.
“Tourism is a key economic driver for Queensland, with more than 18.7 million domestic and international visitors spending more than $19.6 billion in 2008,” he said.
“These visitors directly support more than 119,000 Queensland jobs, so educating students about tourism is a priority.”
Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland had been working closely with the Queensland Studies Authority to create the program to ensure students had access to up-to-the-minute information about tourism and were informed about career opportunities in the industry.
“With tourism such an integral part of the Queensland economy, it is important to ensure our high school students are aware of the range of career opportunities within the industry,” he said.
28 May, 2009
Fisheries Centre is
catch of the year
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries’ Bribie Island Research Centre (BIRC) has been opened.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said the location of the new multi-million dollar facility would allow collaboration between aquaculture and wild fisheries research in South East Queensland.
“BIRC’s status as one of the State’s elite aquatic research centres is boosted by the capabilities of this new facility,” Mr Mulherin said.
“It will help us achieve our goals of sustainably managed fisheries and productive aquaculture industries.”
He said scientists at the Sustainable Fisheries Research Facility were also investigating habitat management, maintaining native species in the wild and ways of eradicating pest fish species.
“The freshwater fisheries research group, relocating from QPIF’s Southern Fisheries Centre to BIRC, will continue to focus on the control of pest fish, including carp and tilapia,” he said
“These pest fish pose a significant threat to our native fish and their fisheries and the challenge of eradicating pest fish requires smart, technical approaches.”
General Manager of Animal Science at QPIF, Greg Robbins said the work by QPIF scientists regarding fresh water fisheries would help restore and maintain natural biodiversity in Queensland’s inland waterways.
“This work needs the combined efforts of aquaculture scientists and fisheries specialists and the co-location of QPIF aquaculture and fisheries scientists together at the Bribie facility will greatly assist this collaboration,” Dr Robbins said.
28 May, 2009
Fleet drivers drive
road safety message
The drivers of State Government vehicles joined others from all over Australia to take a safe driving pledge on “Fatality Free Friday” which was held last week.
Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten said QFleet was sponsoring the nationwide campaign, now in its third year.
"QFleet is dedicated to improving road safety and is proudly sponsoring Fatality Free Friday, which is effective and achievable,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Through our involvement we hope to get more members of the community – including drivers of Government vehicles – actively thinking and talking about road safety.”
Organisers of the campaign asked drivers to go to their website, print out and sign a written pledge to ‘go safely’ on the road.
Mr Schwarten said approximately 1,600 people died on Australia’s roads each year, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday statistically the worst days of the week.
Fatality Free Friday highlighted the need to improve road safety and lower, if not eliminate, the number of deaths.
Mr Schwarten said QFleet and the Queensland Government’s dedication to improving road and driver safety extended beyond sponsoring his year’s campaign.
“Late last year QFleet released a new online Safe Driving Guide for Government drivers to access and gain a better understanding of road and driver safety,” he said.
“The guide highlights the important role drivers have, the different situations drivers face, as well as providing general information on road safety and driver behaviour.”
28 May, 2009
Police dial up new
phone powers
Queensland Police and officers of the Crime and Misconduct Commission can now add phone taps to their law enforcement arsenals following the passage of special legislation through Parliament.
The Telecommunications Interception Act 2009 will enable the Police and the CMC to apply for telecommunications interception warrants, to assist in the investigation of serious crime in Queensland.
Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the legislation ensured that the fundamental rights and liberties of Queenslanders were protected, through the inclusion of the Public Interest Monitor.
“These powers assist Officers investigating serious crimes such as drug trafficking, paedophilia, organised crime, serious pre-meditated violent crimes, and corruption,” Mr Dick said.
“This Government has long supported the introduction of phone tapping powers, but we have been unwavering in our commitment to getting the balance right, through the inclusion of appropriate safeguards, to ensure these highly intrusive powers cannot be exploited.”
Mr Dick said the applications would be subject to questioning by a Public Interest Monitor who was an independent barrister representing the public interest by testing the applications against the statutory criteria, by cross-examining witnesses where necessary and making submissions to a Judge.
“This Government is committed to providing our Police and law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to crack down on serious criminal activity, but not at the expense of what we see as the fundamental rights of Queenslanders,” he said.
“These laws will ensure that an appropriate balance between law enforcement and privacy is maintained in the application process.”
28 May, 2009
Building body to
build better health
A new taskforce is to be set up to tackle health issues in the construction industry.
A study of more than 1,000 Brisbane and Gold Coast construction workers showed that many had a false sense of security about their health and recorded high levels of obesity, smoking and problem drinking.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the study showed builders drank, smoked and ate too much.
“This isn’t about being a wowser, this is about educating people about health risks they face,” Ms Bligh said.
“The idea is to do our best to make sure they don’t die of skin cancer, they don’t drink themselves to death and they don’t die of a stroke or a heart attack before their time.”
She said the Government had launched the Toward Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland plan in 2008 and one of its key targets was to cut obesity, smoking, heavy drinking and unsafe sun exposure by one third by 2020.
“I intend to work hard to achieve that target and this report shows that our builders and other outdoors workers are a good place to start,” she said.
The report showed that 66 per cent of construction workers were overweight or obese compared with the Queensland average of 61 per cent.
Around 64 per cent drank alcohol at risky or high risk levels compared to 13 per cent for the general population and 17 per cent had at risk cholesterol levels.
The Premier said the taskforce, consisting of Government, union and employer groups, would report back to Cabinet by the end of October with recommendations for a health promotion blitz among outdoor workers.
28 May, 2009 Blockbuster for Art Gallery The newly refurbished Queensland Art Gallery is to host a world exclusive exhibition ‘American Impressionism and Realism: A Landmark Exhibition from the Met.’
The exhibition, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, will be on display from May 30 until September 20.
The unusually large loan of 71 works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries has only been made possible due to the renovations currently underway on The Met’s American Wing.
It is the latest world-exclusive for the Queensland Art Gallery following the success of ‘Andy Warhol’ and ‘Picasso and His Collection’.
CSIRO manages mine risk The CSIRO has signed an agreement with Mining Logic Solutions of Mackay to develop the Nexsys real-time risk management system.
Nexsys allows underground coal mines to interrogate vast amounts of digital information from a variety of sensors and systems throughout the mine, which normally do not communicate with each other.
The system analyses this integrated data to provide real-time risk management and decision support for control room operators, including automatic triggering of response plans if it discovers a hazardous condition.
CSIRO Exploration and Mining Chief, Mike McWilliams said the agreement continues to demonstrate how new technologies developed collaboratively by CSIRO and its partners can benefit the mining industry.
Search for gurus launched The Golden Gurus program, aimed at Queenslanders over 50 with business skills, has been officially launched.
The volunteer program encourages older Queenslanders to offer their expertise to not-for-profit community organisations.
Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers said people with skills, knowledge and experience in areas such as finance and accounting, human resources, risk management, governance, event management, information technology or public relations can become Golden Guru volunteers.
“Golden Gurus are needed right now to provide mentoring or advice, or work on a short-term project to help community organisations across Queensland,” Ms Struthers said.
Indigenous gathering Twenty participants in the Young Indigenous Leaders Forum have met in Queensland.
Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers said the young people were spending four days learning leadership skills and working with leaders from business and Government.
“These bright young men and women are passionate about making a difference and I hope their participation in the leadership forum ignites a new passion – a passion for politics,” Ms Struthers said.
“True reconciliation will not be achieved until Indigenous people take their rightful place in Parliament.”
Koreans on tour A Tourism Queensland campaign has resulted in 30 of Korea’s most popular bloggers touring and photographing Tropical North Queensland.
Tourism Minister, Peter Lawlor said the trip was part of a partnership with Korean company Samsung, which will see the bloggers’ photographs of Tropical North Queensland printed on Samsung credit cards.
“Following the success of a similar campaign brokered by Tourism Queensland last year, Tourism Queensland and Samsung have teamed up again to develop new customer-designed credit cards that feature images of our Tropical North,” Mr Lawler said.
“These credit cards will remind every holder of the beauty of the Tropical North each time they open their wallet, increasing exposure and awareness across Korea.”
Pool safety meetings Two public meetings in Brisbane will debate proposed changes to pool safety laws.
The meetings will consider whether there should be a single set of fencing regulations for swimming pools, mandatory inspections and tougher laws for portable pools.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said new rules were needed to better protect Queensland children.
Public feedback on the proposed changes is vital,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Rest areas upgraded Plans have been announced for an upgrade of rest areas on the Mitchell Highway.
The $500,000 project is aimed at helping heavy vehicle drivers combat fatigue.
Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace said the upgraded rest areas will better accommodate heavy vehicle drivers who travel along the highway between Cunnamulla and Augathella.
“Heavy vehicle rest areas play an essential role in helping all drivers manage fatigue, and are integral to the ongoing safety of the road network,” Mr Wallace said.
“This upgrade to the existing rest areas near Wyandra and Charleville will be funded from the State’s Safer Roads Sooner Program, which is specifically aimed at reducing road trauma on Queensland roads.”
21 May, 2009
Call Centre workers
make call for reform
Government call centre workers are calling for an overhaul of their code of practice to ensure that workplace health and safety measures are properly in place.
General Secretary of the Queensland Public Service Union, Alex Scott said workers had launched a petition supporting the bid.
“Government call centre workers want their employer to understand every day they face real challenges, like abusive calls from some clients…it can take a shocking toll over time,” he said.
This had led to some workers suffering depression, cardiovascular problems and other serious health problems.
“This new petition calls on the Queensland Government to conduct an urgent review of the Government Call Centre Code of Practice and introduce workplace health and safety provisions that have real teeth and deliver genuine improvements for thousands of Queensland Government call centre workers,” Mr Scott said.
“Government call centre workers stand ready to work with their employer on Code of Practice improvements and see that enforceable workplace health and safety provisions are added to it but they can’t do it alone.”
He said public sector call centres employed thousands of workers who were located in places like Cairns, Townsville and Emerald as well as Brisbane.
“These workers are providing vital services for Queenslanders and clearly it’s not right for so many of them to be left struggling under difficult burdens of stress that in the long term can cause them illness,” Mr Scott said.
21 May, 2009
PS volunteers are
paid compliments
Disability Services staff from the Department of Communitieshave been presented with certificates for their contributions as volunteers as part of National Volunteers Week celebrations.
Disability Services Minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated the Public Servants and three other volunteers at the ceremony, for dedicating their time and efforts to make a positive difference to the lives of North Queenslanders.
“The theme of National Volunteer Week this year was ‘Everyday People, Extraordinary Contribution’, which aptly describes the people recognised today,” she said.
Recipients of the certificates included Amy Clark, Vanessa Stevenson, Cathy Jones, Merryn Ison, Linda Robinson, Claire Rasmussen, Patricia Mallon, Candy Rawnsley, Donna Curro, Sharyn How Lum, Susan Eldred, Michelle Johnson, Melissa Welland, Fiona Huggett and Rob Grant.
Ms Palaszczuk said their volunteer work ranged from interpreting for the deaf community through to cooking barbecues at Cloncurry Lions Club community events.
She said the Government’s Toward Q2 strategy was committed to boosting the proportion of volunteers by 50 per cent by 2020.
“This is good news as we all know volunteers are an extremely valuable resource and more volunteers will help to create and support safe and caring communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said,
She said to find out more about volunteering people could visit www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au
For more information on how the Department of Communities was making a difference for people with a disability, people with a mental illness, or people who were ageing visit: www.disability.qld.gov.au
21 May, 2009
Security conference
gets clearance
Australia’s three major integrity agencies are to hold a national conference in Brisbane in July.
Delegates from the Crime and Misconduct Commission (Queensland), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (NSW) and the Corruption and Crime Commission (Western Australia) will attend the conference, which is sponsored by the Queensland, NSW and West Australian Governments.
Chairman of the Crime and Misconduct Commission, Robert Needham said the conference would be a great opportunity for public officers and other professionals in the integrity field to learn about recent anti-corruption trends and how to avoid the slippery slope to corruption.
“It’s fitting that this conference coincides with the 20th anniversary of the release of the Fitzgerald Inquiry report into corruption in Queensland,” Mr Needham said.
“Twenty years ago when Tony Fitzgerald handed down his recommendations, the need to fight corruption was fresh in the minds of most people around Australia. However, there is a very real risk that that memory has faded.”
He said he didn’t believe systemic corruption existed in Queensland, but he had seen some “slippage” in the public sector and Police Service.
NSW Commissioner on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Jerrold Cripps QC, said the conference would focus on the need for public agencies to take responsibility for corruption in their own workplace and to fight complacency.
“Recent ICAC investigations in NSW, such as those involving RailCorp, have shown the depth of systemic corruption that can occur when complacency and a lack of responsibility in the public sector workplace are allowed to flourish,” Mr Cripps said.
Commissioner of WA’s Corruption and Crime Commission, Len Roberts-Smith QC said the conference would be an extremely important event for senior public officers.
“Corruption in public office undermines good Government. It destroys the confidence the people have in Government, and without the confidence of the people, a Government is ineffective,” he said.
The conference will be held from 28 to 31 July and more information is available from www.apsacc.com.au
21 May, 2009
PS serious about
Corporate Games
The Queensland Government team in the recent Corporate Games event totalled 1,517 competitors – a world record and almost a third of all participants..
Sport Minister, Phil Reeves said the Queensland Government team competed in 15 sports under the Find Your 30 banner.
Mr Reeves said it was encouraging to see such a strong turnout since more than 650,000 Queensland adults and 250,000 children were either overweight or obese.
“As obesity rates continue to rise, it’s essential we focus on practical initiatives to help people of all ages to adopt a healthier lifestyle,” he said.
“We’re leading the charge to help get Queenslanders active with the Find Your 30 campaign which encourages Queenslanders to find 30 minutes of activity each day.”
The team took out a number of gold, silver and bronze prizes, coming first and second in mixed basketball and women’s netball, first in mixed softball and mixed touch and first in the team, men’s and women’s singles for 10-pin bowling.
Mr Reeves said all the Public Servants who participated did so in their own time.
“The Corporate Games provides a valuable opportunity to get involved with physical activity, test individual skills, create employee unity and pride, as well as build team spirit both within Government and across the corporate sector,” he said.
21 May, 2009
Federal guarantee is
security for States
Details of the Commonwealth’s offer to guarantee State and Territory borrowing have been released by the Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan.
The Guarantee is to be administered by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The Commonwealth announced the Guarantee in March to protect infrastructure development from the ravages of the global financial crisis by providing a time-limited, guarantee over State and Territory borrowing.
According to Mr Swan, the measure recognised that pulling back on nation-building infrastructure investment under current circumstances would hinder a recovery from the global recession, resulting in slower growth and higher unemployment into the future.
Mr Swan said that as most States and Territories provided their own guarantee over borrowings of their issuing entities, the Commonwealth would guarantee the obligations of the States and Territories rather than the obligations of the issuing entities directly.
He said the guarantee would be voluntary and unconditional but would not be able to be applied to borrowings of non‑Government owned entities.
Mr Swan said the States and Territories would have 28 days from the date they first apply to guarantee new issuances to decide whether to cover existing securities, allowing them to assess market conditions and determine whether they need to use the Guarantee.
He said the Guarantee would cover bond lines of up to 15 years including indexed securities and those with cross default clauses.
“This will cover the majority of the States and Territories' actively traded stock and will support liquidity in the secondary bond market.”
He said the Guarantee would commence once an Appropriation Bill to be introduced into the Federal Parliament during the Winter sittings receives Royal Assent and a Deed of Guarantee is executed.
The Treasurer said the Government was working closely with the States and Territories to finalise the Deed of Guarantee and the Scheme Rules.
He said the arrangement would operate until market conditions normalize and full details of the Guarantee could be found at www.stateguarantee.gov.au
21 May, 2009
Fire staff heat up
for burns victims
Queensland Fire and Rescue officers are riding bicycles from Rockhampton to Brisbane to raise funds for children with burn injuries.
The 2009 Bike for Burns charity ride will finish at the Royal Children’s Hospital on 26 May.
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts said the initiative by the 37 staff members showed a great sense of community spirit and compassion for some of Queensland’s youngest patients.
“The Bike for Burns charity ride has raised more than $55,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation in the past two years,” Mr Roberts said.
“These funds have helped the Royal Children’s Hospital Burns Research Group with a number of important projects such as funding the treatments that prevent scarring.”
MP for Rockhampton, Robert Schwarten said Rockhampton was a fitting location to start this year’s ride.
“The residents of Rockhampton experienced a lot of heartache last year with a number of families losing loved ones and many others losing their homes,” he said.
“It’s great to see the firefighters in the Rockhampton community banding together with their comrades around the State to not only spread vital fire safety messages to prevent disasters in the future, but also to help make the lives of burn patients more comfortable.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Karenlee Spillane said burn injuries were one of the most traumatic conditions.
“Thanks to this fantastic support we will be able to truly work wonders for these sick kids.” she said.
21 May, 2009
Water agreement
to make a splash
SEQ Water and the CSIRO have joined forces to monitor the Lake Wivenhoe catchment.
The catchment, which spans an area about the size of the city of Brisbane, supplies water to the region’s1.5 million residents.
Approximately 120 nodes, using CSIRO's smart wireless sensor network technology – FLECK - are monitoring environmental conditions on the lake and its surrounding catchment.
CSIRO Senior Research Scientist, Matthew Dunbabin said it was hoped that these sensors could provide the platform for the next generation of water quality monitoring systems.
“This is about real-time data collection from the storage to the shore with a level of speed and detail not seen before,” Dr Dunbabin said
He said the sensor nodes operated in a meshed network, which meant they recorded environmental variables and cooperated with each other to set up an ad hoc network to wirelessly transfer data.
“This gives us the capacity to monitor ‘events’, such as high rainfall, droughts or contaminants entering the waterway,” he said.
“If the network detects an ‘event’, it can autonomously advise the boat to sample in more detail.”
Principal scientist with SEQ Water, James Udy said the network was a cost-effective way of integrating different measures such as water quality, event flows, weather and pasture conditions, as well as cow movement.
21 May, 2009
Washington pact
is capital idea
Queensland has extended its Memorandum of Understanding with the American State of Washington for a further four years.
Trade Minister, Stephen Robertson said the renewed MOU would enable Queensland businesses and institutes to continue to collaborate with leading Washington-based partners, enabling faster access to markets.
He said almost $10.5 million had been spent by the Government in collaborative projects with Washington State and this money has been matched by contributions from Washington-based research institutes and interests.
“We see great value in maintaining and building on our close ties with Washington State,” Mr Robertson said, “with whom Queensland shares areas of research expertise and a commitment to developing knowledge-intensive industries like biotechnology, life sciences, ICT and aviation.”
The Minister also launched a Queensland-Washington website designed to accelerate collaboration between the two States.
He said one important partnership which had resulted from the MOU had been the K-12 project, which focused on pre-school to Year 12 trans-Pacific student interaction, undergraduate and post graduate student exchange and teacher education.
“Earlier this year 10 Queensland secondary students attended Seattle’s BioQuest Academy where they learnt about infectious diseases and the emerging challenges in global health,” he said.
“By working with Washington State we will continue to raise Queensland’s profile and strengthen linkages between key stakeholders, which is particularly important during these challenging economic times.”
Mr Robertson was speaking at a meeting of the Queensland Washington Alliance Group, which had been established under the MOU.
21 May, 2009
Students learn in
work program
An ‘Adopt a School’ program by industry will assist high school students to find worthwhile jobs.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the Transport and Logistics Adopt a School program links an industry employer, a school, and a training organisation to offer 15 to 17-year-olds recognised qualifications in logistics and warehousing, and the prospect of further training or employment.
“Adopt-a-School provides the industry with a strategy to meet future skill needs, gives employers access to a diverse talent pool and allows young people to gain hands-on experience,” she said.
“It also showcases how effective partnerships between Government, industry and the education sector can produce skilled young workers and trainees.”
MP for Inala, Annastacia Palaszczuk represented Ms Nolan at the launch of the latest program at Allied Pickfords new facility at Richlands.
She said the program had multiple benefits for participants and the local community.
“It will provide great opportunities for our young people and it will help stimulate the local economy and, in turn, create more jobs,” she said
“It’s a credit to the continuing growth of our region that Allied Pickfords have taken on the Adopt a School program in Richlands.”
Allied Pickfords worked successfully with Forest Lake Secondary College and the Bremer Institute of TAFE in a pilot program in 2008, and now hosts two graduates from this program: one school-based trainee and one full-time apprentice.
The company is currently working with the pilot project partners again on a second program with Forest Lake Secondary College students, to start in July 2009.
The Adopt a School program has so far resulted in five school-based trainees being offered full-time apprenticeships at two industry locations, and there are currently seven school-based trainees. More than 57 students will be involved in the program this year.
21 May, 2009
No tiers for Senator
in nation reform call
The Leader of the National Party in the Senate, Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce has called for reform of Australia’s three tiers of Government.
In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra, Senator Joyce said the inability by some States to manage their affairs meant they were untenable.
“More and more the affairs of our Nation are run by the Federal Government,” Senator Joyce said.
“Whether we like this or not, it has become the natural course of the political stream.
“In the near future, States for all intents and purposes, will be irrelevant.”
He said there were Australian States who were “effectively bankrupt” and had lost the capacity to deliver basic services which was their core function.
He said it was only the Federal Government’s underwriting of those troubled States that kept them viable.
While Senator Joyce said he supported the Federal Parliament’s upper and lower House structure, he thought changes were needed to ensure better representation in the Senate.
He said Senators should be selected to represent regions within a State, rather than the whole State.
Senator Joyce criticised the current system, pointing to Tasmania’s 12 Senators and comparing them to the Gold Coast which had roughly the same population but no Senators based in the region.
He said regional Australia would be better served if each region selected two Senators.
“If New York can only have two Senators, the same as Montana, then Brisbane can have two Senators and North Queensland [can] have two Senators and four other regions in Queensland two each as well, elected at each election,” he said.
Senator Joyce also called for Constitutional recognition of Local Government as essential in keeping the “spread of power” in Australia.
He said the Federal Government should directly appropriate Councils for the provision of certain services, with strong oversight to stop “nepotism and corruption” at the local level.
21 May, 2009
Digital data is way
to go for tourism
Tourism Queensland has produced a digital marketing breakthrough allowing iPhone users to download maps overlaid with accommodation and other tourism information.
Tourism Minister, Peter Lawlor said the initiative was a first in Australia.
“For example if you’ve located an attraction in Cairns using the map, and want to search for the nearest hotel or transport provider, the iPhone application can show you,” he said.
“This is also great news for participating Queensland tourism operators, helping to drive business to products and supporting the more than 200,000 Queensland jobs reliant on the tourism industry.”
Mr Lawlor said there were more than 16 million iPhone users globally, which allowed the Queensland tourism industry to tap into a growing holiday market.
“The key feature of the application is the overlaying of holiday products on to maps, anywhere in Queensland,” he said.
“In addition to the useful mapping service, the iPhone application displays “Top 10” lists of the most accessed Queensland holiday products and destinations. “
The Minister said the creation of the iPhone application meant Tourism Queensland had been able to take the lead in the development of a location-aware application that delivered maps and useful Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) links, in real time and on location.
Tourism Queensland was entering an unprecedented technological phase, engaging in modern digital technology such as YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, Twitter and more recently the iPhone application
“The launch of iPhone application is a great example of how Tourism Queensland has recently extended its reach into the digital environment,” he said.
“We’re reaching both today and tomorrow’s visitors to Queensland through these new, popular technological platforms.”
21 May, 2009
Trainee pilots
get flying start
Queensland student pilots, all from Toowoomba, have taken out three of the four learn-to-fly scholarships offered by Airservices Australia.
The scholarship holders will now have financial support to train as pilots.
The scholarships, made available in conjunction with the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia (RFACA) are aimed at generating interest in aviation as a career and identifying the next generation of pilots.
To enter, members of the public simply took an introductory flight with an RFACA member, were assessed for their suitability to receive formal training and the top 10 per cent of suitable applicants placed into a barrel draw.
Each winner will now receive $6,000 to subsidise the cost of obtaining a Private or Commercial Pilot’s Licence.
Airservices Australia spokesman, Rob Walker said the scholarships offered a terrific opportunity to showcase the industry and supported the sustainability of the general aviation community during a difficult time.
“We are very pleased to support the RFACA as a ‘breeding ground’ for the future of Australian aviation,” he said.
“It’s important we continue to promote entry paths into the industry during the current downturn.”
Scholarship recipients are Bradley Childe, Andrea Ruth and Arthur Waters from the Darling Downs Aero Club at Toowoomba and Samuel Simpson from the Aero Club of Southern Tasmania in Hobart.
21 May, 2009
Minister drinks to
alcohol campaign
The Government’s Every Drink Counts campaign has returned good results.
Minister Responsible for Liquor Licensing, Peter Lawlor said research into the campaign showed that two thirds of Queensland men aged 18-to-21 clearly understood the message to drink responsibly.
“However this is just the first stage in a long term strategy to change the drinking culture in Queensland,” Mr Lawlor said
“We have to start increasing awareness and getting a message through to Queenslanders that great harm can flow from binge drinking or drinking to excess.”
The Minister said it was a difficult and complex issue, with a culture of binge drinking entrenched in parts of society.
“I am personally concerned about the alcohol fuelled trends such as glassings [attacks using broken glasses or bottles] and driving in overcrowded cars while intoxicated,” he said
“Many of these incidents result in tragic incidents and unnecessary loss of life.”
The Minister said that given the attitudes and behaviour towards alcohol exhibited by 18-to-21-year-old males, the Every Drink Counts campaign had performed well in reaching 66 per cent of this target demographic.
“The next step is to build on the awareness with a strategy to change behaviour,” he said.
“I am particularly pleased to note that the visibility of this campaign was particularly strong for young males.”
Mr Lawler said it was certainly relevant that young men drinking large volumes of alcohol correctly identified themselves as the target of the advertising.
“This is a good start but we cannot stop until we have reached every young Queensland drinker,” he said.
21 May, 2009
Inspectors defuse
dangerous products
Bans on a number of potentially dangerous products previously on sale in Queensland are to be made permanent.
Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the products had been subject to a temporary ban while Fair Trading officers conducted investigations.
“These investigations have found that these products are not appropriate for sale, so I have had them banned permanently,” the Minister said
“Permanent bans of unsafe products ensure that Queenslanders – and children in particular – are protected from the risk of injury or death.”
The five permanently banned products were:
Bindeez Beads:
A number of children became seriously ill in 2007 after they ingested the beads, which can cause drug-like symptoms.
Fire Foot Bags:
The bags have a potential for injury when used by someone without the suitable skills.
Amazing Jumbo Light Up Ball:
This toy was supplied with a pump resembling a hypodermic syringe. In the hands of a child there is the strong potential for injury.
Small Expanding Toys:
These toys, which often come in the shape of an animal, can expand dramatically in size, potentially representing a hazard if they are swallowed.
Toothpaste: Toothpaste obtaining more than 0.25 per cent by weight of diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is a cheap substitute for glycerin, one of toothpaste's main ingredients, and is toxic under certain levels of exposure.
The Minister said that in addition, a mandatory labelling standard would require warning labels to be placed on treadmills, alerting users to the danger of friction burns from the moving belt to young children.
21 May, 2009
Youngsters green on
environment issues
A survey conducted by the Queensland Youth Environment Council has found that the environment and climate change are a priority for young Queenslanders.
The report also found that most young people make an effort to recycle, save energy and conserve water.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said young people were acutely aware of the key environmental issues and were ready and willing to act.
“Almost 60 per cent of 12-to-17-year-olds and 72.3 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds are quite a bit concerned or very concerned about the environment,” Ms Jones said.
“In addition, 55 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds are concerned or very concerned about climate change.”
Other results from the Youth and the Environment Survey, which involved 4,540 young people, showed that the availability of water was ranked the most important environmental issue followed by climate change, land clearing and the extinction of animals and plants.
Recycling was the most common pro-environmental action, followed by saving energy and conserving water amongst 18-to-24-year-olds.
Ms Jones said a gender breakdown showed female respondents were more concerned about the environment and climate change and more committed to the environment than males.
“The majority of respondents believe Governments could increase the supply of renewable energy to help protect the environment,” she said.
“In addition, what this report clearly shows is that our young people become more concerned about the environment and climate change and more committed to take action as they grow older.”
The Youth Environment Council was appointed by the Government to give it an insight into what young people think on issues surrounding the environment and sustainable living.
21 May, 2009
New direction for
road safety campaign
A new road safety campaign, Here for Life, has been launched.
Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said the aim of the campaign was to remind all Queenslanders of the reasons why they needed to take responsibility and drive safely.
“This campaign has taken a different direction to previous road safety campaigns by personally highlighting the fact that road safety is a community issue and it is the personal responsibility of each Queensland road user to make our roads safe,” Ms Nolan said.
“The campaign is supported by an interactive website where people can share images, stories and road safety information with others and actively demonstrate their support for safe driving.”
She said users will also be able to share their stories, pictures and information and send the road safety messages out to all Queenslanders.
“Via the new website, Queenslanders have been given another opportunity to actively make road safety a priority in their lives and help reduce the road toll,” Ms Nolan said.
The Here for Life campaign follows the success of the Share My Story campaign and website launched in January this year.
The Here for Life campaign contains a social networking website which expands on the Share My Story website, providing Queenslanders with a continuing portal to share their images and record their stories on how they have been affected by road trauma and search for road safety information.
21 May, 2009
Disease centre in
healthy condition
A new centre for disease research has been established at the University of Queensland.
Trade Minister, Stephen Robertson, said the Centre for Biomarker Research and Development will be formed at the University’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).
The Minister said the Centre will focus on the early diagnosis and tailored treatment of diseases like cancer, and will unite AIBN’s innovative nanotechnology researchers with leaders in the fields of medicine and molecular biology.
He said biomarkers were molecules specifically associated with particular diseases that when present in the body, may indicate the onset and status of the disease. It is anticipated biomarkers will be used to identify and treat diseases far earlier.
“Such early diagnosis leads to faster, far better treatment and therefore improved health for Queenslanders,” Mr Robertson said.
“The new Centre will focus on discovery, validation and utilisation of molecular-based biomarkers in medicine.”
The Minister said if diseases such as cancer could be caught earlier, treatments could be far more successful.
“The establishment of this centre is a strong endorsement of the success of the Memorandum of Understanding between Queensland and Washington State which has been extended a further four years,” he said.
21 May, 2009 Winter fire warning The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s winter fire safety campaign has been launched.
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts said 41 per cent of the lives lost in structural fires in 2008 occurred during the winter months of June to August.
“These lives may have been spared if people took the necessary steps to protect themselves, their families and their properties against the risk of fire,” he said
“As the winter chill approaches and people start to use heaters, electric blankets and candles, the risk of fire increases dramatically.”
Kids looked after A responsible officer was present at every school during the Queensland State teachers strike according to the Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson.
Mr Wilson said the officers were all staff members - Principals, registered teachers or teacher aides.
He regretted the disruption to parents and students the industrial action had caused.
”I’m disappointed that the Queensland Teachers Union chose to take this action, but we will continue to negotiate and I remain positive about the prospect of ultimately reaching an agreement,” he said.
Speed cameras fixed Six new fixed speed cameras have been set up on Queensland’s roads.
They are on Nicklin Way at Warana; the Sunshine Coast Motorway at Mooloolaba; the Gold Coast Highway at Labrador and Broadbeach and the Warrego Highway at Rosewood and Muirlea.
Announcing the move, Premier Anna Bligh said the sites, which were selected using speed-related and non-intersection crash data from Queensland Transport’s crash database, will be operational by July.
“Too many lives are being lost on our roads because some motorists are choosing to put their lives, and the lives of others, in peril by speeding,” she said.
Information Centre turns 1 The Transport Information Centre at King George Square Station has completed a year of operation.
Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said the Centre, known as the TIC, was funded two-thirds by the Queensland Government and one-third by Brisbane City Council and had assisted more than 200,000 people in understanding their active and public transport options.
Ms Nolan said the TIC delivered sustainable transport information to commuters and provided timetables, detailed travel planning advice, Go card sales and information plus ongoing support for travel behaviour change programs such as TravelSmart.
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman said the TIC provided information and raised awareness of sustainable modes of travel such as walking, cycling, public transport and carpooling.
Speed limits lower The speed limits on roundabouts on the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns are to be reduced.
Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said the move was part of a program of works being rolled out by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to improve road safety on the Highway.
The Department had conducted a speed review at roundabouts on the Captain Cook Highway to determine the suitability of existing speed limits.
“As a result of this survey, the Department has decided to reduce the speed limit at all nine roundabout approaches between Cairns and Kewarra Beach from 80km/h to 60km/h,” the Minister said.
Busway’s birthday The first birthday of the Inner Northern Busway has been marked with approximately 11.5 million passenger trips completed.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said recent figures showed that patronage was up 57 per cent on 26 key routes that use the Busway compared to the month before it opened.
“With more than one million passenger trips occurring each month in March and April this year, the success of this critical piece of transport infrastructure is obvious,” Ms Nolan said.
“When you consider that the Inner Northern Busway saves commuters up to 20 minutes on their journey, it is no wonder people are flocking to these services.”
More police on beat Another graduation class from the Oxley Police Academy will see 99 first-year constables take up positions around Queensland.
Welcoming the new Officers, Police Minister Neil Roberts said 23 would be deployed in the Metropolitan North region; 21 in each of the Metropolitan South, North Coast and South Eastern regions and 18 will be deployed to the Southern Region.
“Today’s induction takes the number of recruits inducted into the Queensland Police Service in the past two weeks to 159,” Mr Roberts said.
Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the public can be confident in the calibre of men and women who police Queensland’s communities.
14 May, 2009
PS Commission sets
scene for EEO report
The Public Service Commission has published a policy outlining its expectations of Agencies when reporting their equality of employment opportunity (EEO) activities.
Entitled Annual Equality of Employment Opportunity Reporting to the Commission Chief Executive, the Policy applies to relevant EEO agencies as defined by the Public Service Act 2008 and the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993.
It covers reports to the Commission the Agencies are required to make to ensure discrimination does not take place when recruiting, promoting or transferring employees.
The Policy outlines the Commission’s requirements relating to the data the agencies are required to supply at the end of each financial year. It is to apply for the first time this financial year.
According to the Policy, the Act requires EEO Agencies to enable members of EEO target groups to compete for recruitment, selection, promotion and transfers and to pursue careers as effectively as people who are not members of those targeted groups.
“Unlawful discrimination about employment matters by an Agency or its employees against members of EEO target groups must be eliminated,” the Policy says.
It defines four target groups:
Aboriginal people or the descendants of the Indigenous inhabitants of the Torres Strait Islands;
Migrants to Australia whose first language is not English, and their children;
People with disabilities, whether the disability continues to exist or not; and
Additional groups defined by Regulation.
It says that EEO Agencies are required to give the PS Commission Chief Executive a report of their actions in this regard each year.
The Policy indicates there are no groups currently identified under the fourth target heading above.
Full details of the Policy can be obtained from the Commission website www.opsc.qld.gov.au
14 May, 2009
Hotline hailed
for taxi service
A customer complaints hotline has been established by Queensland Transport for people who have concerns about the State’s taxi services.
Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said the new hotline would serve two purposes.
“First, it will give taxi passengers a guarantee that their complaints will be dealt with,” she said.
“With this hotline, the taxi company will still have the first opportunity to respond, however, Queensland Transport will act as an informal ombudsman if customers still have concerns.”
The hotline would also provide the Government with information that would enable it to act on training and service standards.
She said the Government had taken a very strong role in ensuring a safe taxi fleet for Queenslanders.
“The current issues raised in the media relate to the quality of service provided by some cab drivers,” she said.
“I have met with the Taxi Council of Queensland on this matter and have sought its views.”
The Minister said it might be that the Government needed to set higher training standards, including requiring a tougher course before a Driver Authority is approved, and refresher training.
Most taxi drivers work incredibly hard and provide a tremendous community service,” she said.
“There is no doubt that in recent years of low unemployment there has been an influx in less experienced drivers from overseas. The upside of that – as the industry itself has recognised – is that they have filled gaps which may well have led to driver shortages and longer waits for cabs.”
Ms Nolan said she was looking for genuine community feedback and was willing to make changes on training standards as required.
“However, this all needs to be kept in perspective and I am determined this doesn’t become a racial issue when it’s really an issue about service standards,” she said.
The hotline number is 1800 183 673.
14 May, 2009
Shires recruit HR
management scheme
A Regional Human Resource Management System is to be established for two of Queensland’s more remote Shires.
Minister for Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said funding for the program was part of the Government’s Blueprint for the Bush, Our Place Our Future initiative, and followed an application from Flinders Shire Council to share human resource management with Richmond Shire Council.
“Joining forces to seek financial support for a project to establish a Human Resource Management System will serve both Shires,” he said.
“This project will help attract and retain staff and sharing human resource management will deliver considerable benefits for both Shires. Blueprint for the Bush is a 10-year partnership plan between the Queensland Government, AgForce and the Local Government Association of Queensland to foster and support sustainable, livable and prosperous rural communities in Queensland.
MP for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan said the program introduced new strategies for rural infrastructure and services, and strengthened existing measures.
“Rural Queensland plays a key role in industry and is a key focus of the Blueprint for the Bush, with a number of Government and industry programs initiated to promote a thriving rural sector,” she said.
“Other Local Government authorities could learn and benefit from this program, which is projected to cost $378,000 over two years.”
She said it could help contribute to make rural communities more sustainable.
14 May, 2009
Road builder makes
way to awards
An employee of the Department of Roads has been named as the State’s top apprentice.
Twenty-year-old Ronald Kris, who works for RoadTek, took out two awards at the Civil Contractors Federation-Boral 2009 Construction Training Awards.
He was named Boral Civil Construction Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Queensland Road Construction and Maintenance Trainee of the Year.
Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace said Mr Kris came from the Torres Strait and had English as a second language.
“He has shown maturity beyond his years, is always keen to learn, has a great attitude and is currently learning the skills to become a junior supervisor,” the Minister said.
“He recently completed his Certificate III in Civil Construction with flying colours and has rapidly acquired the skills and knowledge needed out in the field.”
Mr Wallace said the awards recognised and rewarded trainees who had shown exceptional talent in the construction industry.
Mr Kris said the award ceremony was a great way to celebrate the investment the Department made in its apprentices and trainees.
“RoadTek really enables apprentices to gain valuable on-the-job training,” he said.
He had worked on major projects for RoadTek including Peninsula Developmental Road in Far North Queensland, the upgrades of the Captain Cook Highway and Desailey Range on the Mulligan Highway, both situated north of Cairns, as well as a number of minor works projects in North Queensland.
Brett Russell from RoadTek Asset Services (North) was also a finalist in the Queensland Road Construction and Maintenance Trainee of the Year category.
14 May, 2009
Bogus solar callers
in hot water
The Office of Clean Energy (OCE) has received reports of misrepresentation of the Government’s Solar Hot Water Program.
The OCE said people who registered their interest in the program have been telephoned and wrongly told that the program’s 200,000 solar or heat pump hot water systems had already been allocated.
Energy Minister, Stephen Robertson urged Queenslanders to report any incidences of misrepresentation.
“I want to make it clear to all Queenslanders that our program hasn’t begun yet. That means there are 200,000 systems yet to be installed from July 1 onwards,” he said.
“The Office of Clean Energy had not authorised anyone to contact the people who had already registered for program information”.
He said people who had received these calls should report them to the program hotline on 1800-243-585 so they could be investigated.
The Minister said the Office of Clean Energy would continue seeking registrations of interest from Queenslanders who wanted more program information.
“People can call the program hotline weekdays between 8am and 5pm and register their contact details to receive authorised, written updates about the program or register online at the Office of Clean Energy website at www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au to get more program information,” he said
14 May, 2009
Councils collect
future leaders
An initiative of the Local Government Managers Association (Qld) - The Future Leaders Forum- aims to identify and develop the senior officials of the future.
Local Government Minister, Desley Boyle said the Forum, held last week, was open to people from all industries and backgrounds who aspired to a career in Local Government.
“Importantly, it provides them with the professional development and networking opportunities that are so rare in today’s corporate world,” Ms Boyle said.
“Now in its seventh year, the Forum continues to be incredibly popular within the industry and a regular on the professional development calendars of many future Local Government leaders.”
She said Local Government was one of the few industries giving people from all backgrounds a chance to make a real difference in their communities.
“But the world is changing so quickly that our Councils need to be similarly adaptable to ensure they can continue to serve the needs of their communities,” Ms Boyle said.
The Minister nominated seven key characteristics for people wanting to make Local Government their career: flexibility, intelligence, people skills, honesty and integrity, a commitment to getting it right and enthusiasm.
One issue that was raised with the Minister was the perpetual paper warfare, much of it in association with State Government agencies.
14 May, 2009
Teachers to chalk up
strike days off
A dispute over a new enterprise bargaining agreement will result in a 24-hour strike by more than 34,000 State school teachers.
The strike, scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May, comes after the expiration of the old agreement.
While there have been talks between the State Government and the Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) for a new agreement, the Union says the new pay offer is inadequate.
The Union says teachers want a wage increase to bring their pay into line with other States.
It says more than 90 per cent of members voted in favour of industrial action to support their campaign.
The State Government has offered a 12.5 per cent pay rise over three years, but the Union says that would still leave Queensland behind other States.
QTU President, Steve Ryan said the overwhelming teacher support for the stoppage was unprecedented.
"For the first time ever we actually had a majority of teachers voting to take industrial action across the State and that's a very, very strong outcome," he said.
“Teachers are angry the State Government's wage offer came a week after their previous agreement expired. “
Mr Ryan said the 12.5 per cent pay offer over three years would see the Queensland pay scale slip further behind teachers in other States who have already negotiated salary increases.
If it goes ahead it will be the first general teachers strike in Queensland for nine years.
14 May, 2009
Court celebrates
benchmark
Members of the Queensland legal fraternity have gathered for a ceremony to mark 50 years since the District Court of Queensland was restored to the Queensland justice system.
A sitting of the Banco Court was attended by Attorney-General, Cameron Dick, Chief Judge, Patsy Wolfe and the Presidents of the Queensland Law Society and the Bar Association of Queensland.
Mr Dick said it was an appropriate moment to reflect upon the moments in history and the elements of society that had made Queensland what it was today.
“For the past 50 years, the District Court of Queensland has played a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of a fair and just legal system in our State,” he said
The Attorney-General said the District Court was first established in 1865, but was abolished in 1922.
“It wasn’t until 1959 that the District Court was reinstated, to help manage the huge rise in the number of cases before the Supreme Court of Queensland, as a result of population growth,” he said.
“At the time, Queensland’s population had surpassed 1.4 million and the Supreme Court was unable to cope with the growth in demand for its services.”
He said that since then the court had gone from strength to strength, expanding throughout the State.
“The modern District Court of Queensland now deals with around 7,000 criminal cases and 5,000 civil cases a year,” Mr Dick said.
“There are 38 District Court Judges, who sit in 47 locations across the State, including remote locations such as Normanton, Mornington Island, Doomadgee and Burketown.”
He said that while many Queenslanders would never have to set foot in a courthouse, their lives were still affected by the District Court and the decisions made by the judiciary who served within it.
“Every day, our State’s District Court judges are responsible for considering the facts of each case, and making decisions that may change the lives of the individuals before them forever,” he said.
The ceremony also marked the beginning of Law Week 2009 during which courts all around the State opened their doors to the public, offering tours and providing information about Queensland’s justice system.
14 May, 2009
Lead levels report
for weighty issue
The Department of Environment and Resource Management’s (DERM) Mount Isa Lead Management report has been released.
The release coincides with the launch of a cutting-edge air monitoring machine for the city
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister, Kate Jones said the Government’s approach to lead exposure in Mt Isa consisted of three key steps:
There was public education about living safely with lead in Mount Isa; tighter regulation of Mount Isa mines to reduce emissions and greater and more transparent monitoring of air quality, she said.
“Mount Isa is the first Australian city to operate this revolutionary new metals monitor and its information will be continuously collected and displayed on DERM’s website.”
She said the monitor provided a highly responsive and immediate environment for DERM officers to act on any prolonged periods of high levels of lead and other metals in the air.
“The machine’s readings from the past month show the average levels of several elements in the air to be within national standards,” she said.
Member for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan said the monitor, located in the city centre, would provide continuous monitoring and reporting of lead, zinc, copper and arsenic. Over time, cadmium would also be reported.
“The new technology also means DERM officers will be able to act more quickly if they see elements increasing to dangerous levels and identify the major contributing sources for the Mount Isa mines operator, Xstrata, to rectify if necessary,” she said.
The Mount Isa Lead Management Report found that Xstrata is meeting its lead emission legislative requirements.
However, it also found levels of lead were at times higher than the national standards.
Ms Jones said that even though Xstrata had complied with legislation, national standards had tightened over time.
“That’s why our Government acted to amend legislation in May 2008 so that Xstrata’s operations are assessed on the same playing field as other mining and industrial activities across the State,” she said
Ms Kiernan said she would continue to chair the Living with Lead Alliance, consisting of DERM, Queensland Health, Mount Isa City Council and Xstrata to continue to educate the community about living with lead safely and further reduce elevated lead levels found in some children.
14 May, 2009
Consumer paper out
for consumption
A discussion paper on the future direction of consumer research and advocacyhas been released by the Federal Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen.
The paper, entitled Consumer Voices, Sustaining advocacy and research in Australia’s new consumer policy framework, is part of a national program aimed at fostering more effective consumer advocacy and research.
Mr Bowen said it was prompted by a 2008 Productivity Commission recommendation that the Commonwealth, in consultation with the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs, move to provide additional funding for the purpose.
“The Australian Government, with the States and Territories, is undertaking the most far-reaching changes to Australia’s consumer laws for a generation,” Mr Bowen said.
He said new consumer law reforms, including a national Unfair Contract Terms provision would soon be introduced into the Federal Parliament.
“The Council of Australian Governments has wasted no time in developing and beginning to implement a single, national consumer law,” he said.
“Effective consumer advocacy and research highlights the issues that affect and concern consumers and assists in ensuring that Governments can make sound and timely consumer policy interventions.”
Mr Bowen encouraged interested parties from the consumer movement and industry to make a submission by 17 July 2009.
14 May, 2009
High-tech down-load
is guide to Brisbane
A hi-tech audio guide to Brisbane’s historic Government Precinct can now be downloaded free from the internet.
The guide, which is compatible with personal MP3 players, has been produced as part of Queensland’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten and said the Colonial Brisbane Heritage Walk Guide covered a string of historic locations in George, William and Alice streets.
“This audio guide uses 21st-century technology to keep our city’s history alive in cyberspace,” he said.
“You can make your way along the mapped out route at your own pace, learning about some of our wonderful old buildings like the Commissariat Store, the old Treasury Building (now the casino), the original State Library and Old Government House. “
He said it was a project close to the hearts of Public Works staff, who took great pride in maintaining the historic buildings.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister, Kate Jones said the State Government had produced the guide through a partnership between the Department of Public Works and the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) with the support of local historical organisations.
“There isn’t anything like this available for visitors and residents in Brisbane at present and we hope it sparks real interest in this historic part of our city,” she said.
The audio guide’s script was written by DERM staff with support from the Royal Queensland Historical Society, the National Trust of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology and David Gibson from Newstead House.
14 May, 2009
Mackay workshop
digs in for compost
A workshop in Mackay has advocated the increased use of composting as a way of saving space in landfill sites.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin said that 60 per cent of the rubbish Australians put in the bin could be used in the garden as compost, or to improve the soil quality of agricultural land.
“Composting is not new, it has been used in crop production for over 4,000 years,” the Minister said.
“Artificial fertilisers have only become available in the past century, and while the record-high fertiliser prices of last year have eased, inorganic fertilisers are still costly for a lot of farmers.”
Mr Mulherin said the workshop could help farmers to save money on fertiliser costs and help reduce the impact of nutrients on the environment.
The workshop was staged by Advanced Nutrient Solutions Pty Ltd (ANS) with the aim of reducing input costs and improving the health of soils.
“ANS has been successful in obtaining funding for a PT 120 compost turner and more recently, funding to develop a sub-surface compost applicator,” the Minister said.
“Composting creates healthier soils and could help reduce Queensland’s carbon footprint through the capture of carbon in the soil.”
He said Australia was an old, eroded continent suffering from land degradation.
“Composting reduces soil erosion, improves soil structure and promotes plant growth,” Mr Mulherin said.
14 May, 2009
Nurses tuck in for
thank you ceremony
The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital has thanked nurses and midwives for the crucial roles they play in the health of their communities.
The recognition came at a ceremony to mark International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day.
The hospital’s Executive Director of Nursing, Sue Cadigan, said it a good time to pause and reflect on the monumental role these professionals played every day in every corner of the globe.
She said nurses and midwives formed a cornerstone of health service delivery.
“For example, in our State alone, some 29,089 nurses are employed by Queensland
Health, caring for everyone from the newly-born – and indeed the unborn - to the most frail and elderly,” she said.
“Midwifery-led models of care, rural maternity initiatives, caseload midwifery practices, State-wide neonatal retrieval services, birthing on homelands, research and drug therapy protocols for practising midwives are just some of the ways that excellent health care is being implemented and sustained.”
The theme for International Nurses Day was ‘Delivering Quality, Serving Communities.
“This highlights the many nurse-led projects and innovation in our hospitals, clinics and in the community, as nurses work to come up with practical solutions to the challenges and demands of health care today,” she said.
Minister for Health, Paul Lucas noted that International Nurses Day fell on the birthday of pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale.
“Every week thousands of nurses are out there working hard to deliver high quality services to sick Queenslanders,” he said.
14 May, 2009
Beauty industry to
get the treatment
The Federal Workplace Ombudsman plans to target more than 350 Queensland hairdressers and beauty salons with random audits.
Over the next four months inspectors will scrutinise the books of the employers throughout the State to ensure they are complying with workplace laws.
Part of a national campaign, inspectors will check employment records to ensure businesses are maintaining proper time-and-wages information, issuing pay-slips correctly and paying workers their minimum hourly rates, allowances and penalty rates.
Queensland Director of the Workplace Ombudsman’s Office, Julie Wade said the beauty industry was the subject of numerous complaints to her office.
“The focus will be on educating employers about their workplace obligations and making sure workers are receiving their full entitlements,” she said.
“Many of the workers in the industry, such as young people and trainees, are vulnerable, so it is important we make sure they are being treated fairly.”
She said education was a big part of the Workplace Ombudsman’s role and inspectors would be working with employers to help them address any issues identified and facilitate back-payments to any workers who may have been underpaid.
‘It is important all businesses recognise that inspectors from the Workplace Ombudsman have wide powers to demand company records,” Ms Wade said.
She said a Western Australian company had been fined $4,500 in court for refusing to provide employment records to inspectors.
14 May, 2009
Students sing out
to be in concert
Queensland’s biggest variety show, Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage 2009 is to feature 29 of the State’s most talented students.
Part of Queensland’s 150th birthday celebrations, the show will be staged at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Queensland Day, Saturday 6 June.
Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the 29 featured vocalists will work with vocal coaches and professional artists throughout the lead-up to the show.
“These performers went through a lengthy audition process to be selected to star in this exciting show and have participated in a three-day workshop where they shared industry insights with some of Australia’s leading performers including Simon Gallaher and Ingrid James,” Mr Wilson said.
“They are the cream of the crop when it comes to young creative talent, it will be a real treat for audiences to experience their vocal abilities in a host of musical styles including rock, jazz and opera at this jam-packed event.”
Mr Wilson said the fifth annual Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage 2009 would also feature many leading Queensland performers.
A total of more than 2,500 performers, including professional artists and State school students, will celebrate the Q150 theme of Our People, Our Places and Our Stories, he said.
14 May, 2009
Oily birds caught
by the DERM
Pelicans affected by the Moreton Bay oil spill have recovered at the State Government’s David Fleay Wildlife Park and will soon be released back to their island home.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister, Kate Jones said the13 birds were clean, fit and healthy.
“They are the last of the birds affected by the oil spill to return home, other species already been released,” she said.
“Rangers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and Queensland Wader Study Group volunteers observed more than 20,000 birds around the oiled beaches but only about 100, or less than one per cent, were found to have had contact with oil,” she said.
The majority of those affected had minor oiling on their legs and feet and only required short-term attention, but those that were heavily oiled were taken into care.
“They’ve received excellent treatment at David Fleay’s and I congratulate staff and volunteers on facilitating a full recovery,” the Minister said.
“DERM wildlife carers initially cared for the birds at a Lytton facility set up specifically to cater for oiled birds,” she said.
“All DERM rangers directly involved in caring with the wildlife received training in oiled wildlife response and the experience they have gained has been invaluable.”
14 May, 2009 Charity ride for 37 Thirty-seven Queensland Fire and Rescue Service staff are to take part in the 2009 Bike for Burns Charity Ride from Rockhampton to Brisbane on 19 May.
They will set out on the 855km cycling journey with the aim of raising much needed funds for some of Queensland’s youngest burns patients.
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services, Neil said the charity ride had raised more than $55,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation in the past two years.
“These funds have helped the Royal Children’s Hospital Burns Research Group with a number of important projects such as funding the treatments that prevent scarring,” he said
Walkers encouraged School students, parents and carers have been urged to support a healthy lifestyle on Walk Safely to School Day on 15 May.
Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said it was a great opportunity for parents to spend some value time with their children while teaching them one of the most important messages in life – road safety. .
"At the same time, the exercise will get more parents thinking twice before jumping into their cars,” she said.
“If school is too far away from home to walk, combine the walk with public transport, or try leaving the car at least one kilometre from the school and walk the rest of the way.”
Qantas in maintenance deal An agreement between Qantas and its workers at the Brisbane Heavy Maintenance Base has secured the future of 510 jobs.
The facility was established in 2005, at a cost of $85 million. Currently, heavy maintenance on the Boeing 767 fleet is carried out at the site.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce said that flexibilities agreed upon with the facility’s employees meant that, while heavy maintenance on the airline’s A330 fleet had been previously performed overseas, the capability would now be established by Qantas Engineering in Australia.
He said the outcome would provide a steady workload for the Brisbane Heavy Maintenance facility into the future.
Park re-commissioned A Townsville park named in honour of one of the city’s most respected community leaders, has been re-commissioned.
Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace said the Ben Bloom Memorial Park had undergone a dramatic facelift over the past 14 months and was now a fitting tribute to a true Queenslander.
“The park was redesigned as part of the North Ward Road upgrade, enabling us to improve park facilities and make the area a more personal memorial to a man who typified community spirit,” Mr Wallace said.
Ben Bloom was an alderman for the Townsville City Council and chairman of the North Queensland Electricity Board. He was also President of the Queensland Hotels Association.”
Garden for Kilcoy A new public garden has been announced for Kilcoy
Local Government Minister, Desley Boyle said the $12,000 State Government-funded garden in Taylor Street would be a wonderful addition to the town.
Ms Boyle said the funding was part of the Government’s $10 million Rural Living Infrastructure Program aimed at improving community facilities and ensuring the sustainability of rural towns.
“Queensland’s Rural Councils do not have the financial resources of larger City Councils, so it is vital the State Government gives them a helping hand by supporting local community projects in this way,” she said.
Ayr station opened The new Ayr Police Station has been officially opened.
Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said the $9.2 millionfacility would better enable Police Officers in Ayr to serve the local community.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the new station would strengthen the foundations for a strong relationship between the Queensland Police Service and the Ayr community.
“The Ayr Police Station is a modern facility that will allow the Queensland Police Service to continue to protect life and property, preserve peace and safety, prevent crime and uphold the law to the very best of its ability,” he said.
Best Job winner The winner of the ‘Best Job in the World’ competition is Ben Southall from the United Kingdom.
Premier Anna Bligh said the 34 year-old had beaten more than 34,000 applicants to be offered the role.
“The Best Job in the World campaign has had people from all corners of the globe talking since its launch in January and has become arguably the most sought-after job in the world,” Ms Bligh said.
The job is to be Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
Police lines grow Sixty recruits have been inducted into the Queensland Police Service.
The new constables will take up positions at police stations across the Central, Far Northern, Northern and South Eastern Police Regions.
Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said the 39 men and 21 women formed part of an election commitment to provide a minimum of 600 extra police officers to the Queensland community over the next three years.
The new constables come from a variety of backgrounds including the Defence Forces, professionals, trades, hospitality, other services, farming and administration.
7 May, 2009
School report for
valuable lessons
A series of recommendations aimed at lifting educational standards in Queensland Primary Schools have been released by Premier, Anna Bligh.
The recommendations are contained in a report, A Shared Challenge: Improving Literacy, Numeracy and Science Learning in Queensland Primary Schools, by an international expert in education, Geoff Masters
Ms Bligh had commissioned Professor Masters to review Queensland’s curriculum and educational standards for the State’s primary school students following poor results in the 2008 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).
"Last year’s results were a wake-up call to our schools," Ms Bligh said.
"Literacy and numeracy are the foundations of all learning and we need to lift performance to give our children the best chance.”
She said Professor Masters had undertaken a comprehensive review of the education system to find areas where immediate improvements could be made.
"In January, following the delivery of his interim report, we introduced mandatory practice tests for literacy and numeracy for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9,” the Premier said.
"More than 158,000 students sat the practice tests before 20 March, and will now be better prepared for this year’s NAPLAN tests.”
Among the recommendations in the final report is a requirement that all aspiring primary teachers demonstrate through test performances that they meet threshold levels of knowledge about the teaching of literacy, numeracy and science and have sound levels of content knowledge in these areas.
Professor Masters also urges the Government to introduce a new structure and program of advanced professional learning in literacy, numeracy and science for primary school teachers.
The report calls for additional funding to be made available for the advanced training and employment of a number of ‘specialist’ literacy, numeracy and science teachers to work in schools (and/or district offices) most in need of support.
Professor Masters suggested the Government initiate an expert review of international best practice in school leadership development with a view to introducing a new structure of advanced professional learning for primary school leaders, focused on strategies for improved school performances in literacy, numeracy and science
The report is available for public comment at http://education.qld.gov.au and submissions close Friday, 29 May.
7 May, 2009
New Biosec Council
is germ of an idea
The first Ministerial Advisory Council for Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) is about to be established.
Applications are being taken for positions on the Council which will help to cement relations between BQ and key stakeholders.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said BQ was seeking to coordinate efforts to prevent, respond to, and recover from pests and diseases that threatened the State’s economy and environment.
The Advisory Council would include applications from the grass roots community.
“It will provide independent advice on the strategic direction, priorities and balance of efforts for biosecurity in Queensland,” he said.
“It will also assist us to identify new and emerging pests and diseases.”
He said the Council would provide an opportunity for Primary Industries and Fisheries to build relationships and communicate issues with Local Government, national forums and the community, the Minister said.
“We will be able to better understand and address the local issues, thereby helping improve the Queensland Government’s capacity to respond effectively to regional issues,” he said.
“It will have an independent Chair and membership will include nine nominees from stakeholder groups including primary industries, conservation, seafood, Local Government, indigenous, parks and animal welfare groups.”
Nominations are also being sought for the position of Chair and for four positions with expertise in areas not addressed by other members such as communication, education, agribusiness, science, food safety, transport, tourism, community interests or human health.
Members will be appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of a selection panel.
7 May, 2009
Slick response to
oil spill praised
The speedy response of officers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management to a diesel spill in Mooloolaba Harbour has been praised.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the action was also a great example of a number of different authorities working together.
“Their quick work minimised the risk of environmental damage from the spill,” Ms Jones said.
“Within minutes, Officers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management and Maritime Safety Queensland were at the scene deploying floating booms to contain the diesel already in the water.”
She said absorbent matting and a sucker truck were then organised to remove the diesel from the water while Sunshine Coast Regional Council Officers worked quickly to contain the spill on land.
“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service officers were also on site to manage public safety and assist with the containment of the 800-litre diesel spill,” the Minister said.
“This was a great example of a number of different authorities working effectively together to get on top of a problem early and each of the authorities that took part should be congratulated on its efforts.”
She said preventative measures were also taken to reduce the risk of future spills and DERM will now assist the Sunshine Coast Regional Council with its investigations into the cause of the spill.
7 May, 2009
Bay zones keeping
the wraps on fish
A new zoning plan for Moreton Bay, creating ‘no go’ fishing areas, is generally being accepted by fishers.
Staff from the Department of Environment and Resource Management have been helping people get used to the zones during a grace period for fines, but have warned that repeat offenders will be penalised.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the overwhelming majority of people were doing the right thing and observing the new fishing restrictions.
“Of the thousands who visit the region each week only 64 fishers and crabbers have been given verbal warnings for breaching the new green zones,” Ms Jones said.
“The grace period finishes on 30 June, however repeat offenders will be slapped with a $500 fine.”
The plan protects 16 per cent of Moreton Bay with green zones.
Ms Jones said fishing was not allowed in the green zones but was still permitted in 84 per cent of the park.
She said the green zones were open to boats and activities such as snorkelling and scuba-diving.
She said Rangers had four possible responses when implementing the new plan - education, verbal warnings, written warnings or fines.
“All responses from Rangers to date have either been education or verbal warnings,” Ms Jones said.
“From 1 July, Rangers will start issuing written warnings and fines as appropriate, and we will be reassessing how aware the public is about the new rules.”
She said Moreton Bay was home to 750 species of fish, 120 species of coral, an abundance of dolphins, migratory whales and the world's largest population of dugong next to a capital city.
7 May, 2009
Safety awards
on a sure thing
Q-COMP, the Queensland Workers Compensation Scheme regulator, has launched the Return to Work Awards recognising outstanding efforts of employers, injured workers and Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators in getting injured workers back to meaningful, safe work.
These awards are being run in conjunction with the 2009 Queensland Work Safe Awards, run by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, to reward business operators and recognise workers’ achievements in ensuring safer workplaces.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said both awards programs supported the important message of safety at work.
“Building a safe work place has huge benefits for businesses. It improves staff morale and productivity,” he said.
“Most importantly, by ensuring Queensland workplaces are safe, we can ensure Queensland workers return home to their families each night.”
The Minister said both sets of awards encouraged employers and employees to recognise and reward safe work practices, as well as programs which helped injured workers to recover.
“Winning an award can help raise the profile of businesses in their community, so they attract more customers and build a reputation as a company that embraces and practices workplace health and safety,” he said.
“There are around 100 work-related fatalities in Queensland each year, and nearly 30,000 serious injuries and diseases which force workers to take more than five days off work.”
Mr Dick said with a cost to the State’s economy of more than $5.2 billion and in these tough economic times, it was crucial to ensure businesses were as productive as possible, to secure Queensland jobs and keep the economy strong.
7 May, 2009
ID scheme looks
at gaining access
A safer and more secure ID authentication system has been developed by Centrelink and is being offered to the rest of the PS and private industry free of charge.
According to the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, Centrelink’s Protocol for Lightweight Authentication of Identity system (PLAID) is used with ID cards for staff access to secure buildings and computer systems and allows fast, flexible, private and secure authentication as well as inter-operability within and between users.
Senator Ludwig said until the development of PLAID, existing technology in the ID field had been at risk due to hackers.
“PLAID will prevent the cracking of authentication systems and foil the cloning of smartcards and other system-access devices,” he said.
“With a vast database including millions of Australians, Centrelink takes a very serious approach to customer privacy and employee access.”
Senator Ludwig said Centrelink was making PLAID freely available on the internet for Government Agencies and private corporations concerned about staff security.
“The idea is that commercial operators will build on PLAID by developing security software and hardware for other organisations to purchase and use,” he said.
“Centrelink will save money buying an ID authentication system, rather than building and maintaining a system in-house.”
Senator Ludwig said Centrelink had around 26,000 employees and administered over $70 billion in payments and services to millions of customers annually.
“That’s why it is so important Centrelink has a reliable and strong IT system in place,” he said.
7 May, 2009
Breastfeeding plan
going for bust
A new campaign by Queensland Health is encouraging mothers to breastfeed.
The campaign literature urges breastfeeding should continue for at least 12 months.
“Breastfeeding is good for mothers and babies as it reduces the risk of babies developing both preventable illnesses like chest and ear infections, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity later in life,” Queensland Health says.
“Mothers benefit from a reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.”
The campaign quotes the 2008 Infant Nutrition Survey which found that 95 per cent of new mothers in Queensland initiate breastfeeding, which is well above the national average of 80 per cent. The campaign hopes to increase this even further.
“While these results are cause for celebration, many mothers do not breastfeed for the recommended period outlined in the National Health and Medical Research Council infant feeding guidelines,” Queensland Health says.
“It is hoped the 2009 campaign will encourage Queensland mums to breastfeed for at least 12 months.”
The launch of the campaign coincided with the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s National Mothering Week and International Midwife Day.
The campaign will provide all expectant mothers attending antenatal services in
Queensland with a breastfeeding guide, and campaign posters will be distributed to maternal and child health services across the State.
7 May, 2009
QPS in drive for new
road safety officers
The recruitment of 53 new Traffic Officers to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has been announced as part of a road safety package.
Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said the total package included 106 extra traffic branch jobs.
“So far this year 115 people have lost their lives on Queensland’s roads – nine more than at the same time last year,” Mr Roberts said.
“This is a tragic loss of life compounded by the fact that, in many cases, it could have been prevented.
“The best deterrent to dangerous driving practices is the visible presence of police.”
Mr Roberts said the 53 officers would be spread across the State, with the majority being allocated outside the Brisbane metropolitan area.
Six of the new officers will be deployed to the Central Region; four to the Far Northern Region; one each to the Metropolitan North and South regions; 14 to the North Coast; five to the Northern Region; and eight to the Southern Region.
Ten of the new officers will establish a new District Traffic Branch for the new Coomera Police District in the Service’s South Eastern Region, with the Operational Support Command receiving four extra officers.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the location of the 53 deployments was determined after detailed research was conducted by the Service.
“The QPS remains committed to doing everything within its power to help reduce the trauma on our roads,” he said.
7 May, 2009
National law puts
heat on arsonists
Attorneys-General from around the nation have agreedto strengthen the penalties for bushfire and arson offences in every State and Territory.
Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, presented the proposals for new offences which carry penalties of up to 25 years for bushfire arson causing death or serious harm.
State and Territory Attorneys-General have commissioned a report for the next meeting of their Standing Committee of Attorneys-General dealing with incorporating the offences into the Model Criminal Code.
Mr McClelland said jurisdictions which had not yet done so would also examine implementing existing model bushfire and arson offences that included up to 15 years imprisonment.
“Given the incredible damage to property and loss of life that can be caused by bushfires, it is critical that offences across Australia are consistent and effective, and those sentences reflect the seriousness of this crime,” he said.
Mr McClelland said while each State and Territory had its own laws covering arson and bushfires, there was considerable variation in the scope of the offences and penalties that applied.
“I am hopeful that the agreed program of work will make it easier to prosecute a person who lights a fire that results in death or causes serious harm to a person,” he said.
“People who deliberately light fires must face tougher penalties, particularly when those fires result in loss of life as occurred recently in the Victorian bushfires.”
The Attorneys-General also agreed to consider enabling Courts to order a person convicted of arson to pay compensation for the damage caused by their offence.
7 May, 2009
Mobile warnings keep
motorists mobile
Free SMS updates are to be sent to motorists using the Western Corridor, warning them of any traffic changes and major road works.
According to Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace this is the first time SMS messages have been used in this way, although SMS messages had been used to warn drivers in the Cairns area of long delays resulting from accidents or fallen trees on the Kuranda Range Road.
Mr Wallace said there were a number of major projects occurring in the Western Corridor that would affect traffic conditions.
“It’s essential that local residents and motorists know how changes to traffic will affect them,” he said.
“People who subscribe to the Western Corridor service will receive messages straight to their mobile phones before any scheduled traffic changes occur.”
Mr Wallace said projects underway in the Corridor included the Federally-funded Ipswich Motorway upgrade, the $366 million extension of the Centenary Highway from Springfield to the Cunningham Highway and the $800 million Stage 1 of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project.
Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said keeping traffic flowing during construction was no easy task.
“This is especially so when you consider around 90,000 vehicles are travelling through particular areas of the Western Corridor road network each day,” she said.
“These major projects cannot be constructed without traffic changes, so changes are being carefully staged to minimise disruption to motorists and the community.”
MP for Bundamba, Jo-Ann Miller said subscribing was as simple as visiting a website, selecting the relevant projects using an interactive map and then entering the details.
Once completed, the Western Corridor transport projects will improve connectivity, access and safety, support South East Queensland’s economic development and meet the future requirements of the population.
7 May, 2009
Emergency warnings
ring alarm bells
A national emergency warning system, based on the telephone network, is to be introduced across all States and Territories for use in major natural and other disasters.
The new initiative will send warning alerts by recorded voice and text to landline and mobile phones, advising the public of any looming major emergency.
The new system would add to the existing range of warning measures that included television and radio alerts, public address systems, doorknocking, sirens, signage and the internet.
Under an agreement made by the Council of Australian Governments at its recent meeting in Hobart, the new system will be operated by State and Territory authorities and developed following an open tender process.
The Commonwealth will inject up to $15 million to assist the States and Territories set it up.
According to COAG, the system will be developed to ensure it can work during periods of heavy telephone traffic but would be limited to sending alerts to mobile phones based on their billing addresses, rather than where the handset was at the time of the emergency.
A research project is to be conducted to overcome this limitation.
The Federal Government has changed the law to allow access to the Integrated Public Number Database of up-to-date telephone numbers, while protecting the identity of individuals.
7 May, 2009
Tourism is worth its
weight in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast tourism sector is crucial to the Queensland economy and ensuring it survives the global financial crisis is a major priority for the State Government in 2009.
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor made this comment when addressing a ‘Women in Tourism’ breakfast at Currumbin.
He said Tourism Queensland had already generated a number of marketing campaigns this year to boost business for local tourism operators including the 10-week Hot Hits campaign which started on radio on 19 April.
“It will primarily target Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne holidaymakers to take a post-Easter break in what is traditionally a slow period for Gold Coast tourism operators.”
The Minister said other campaigns included a partnership between Virgin Blue and Blue Holidays, Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Tourism to promote Gold Coast holiday packages in the Sydney and Melbourne markets.
“This campaign generated $862,000 in sales for a $150,000 investment,” he said.
“Earlier this year Tourism Queensland also hosted Queensland’s Bonus Breaks campaign which generated thousands of extra room nights for the Gold Coast by urging Australians to spend their Government bonuses on a holiday.”
Mr Lawlor said the Gold Coast was one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, with a population of around 500,000 and predicted to grow by 13.6 per cent by 2011.
“Tourism alone accounts for more than 28,000 jobs on the Coast and we are committed to protecting these jobs,” he said
Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland planned to run major retail campaigns this year to bring immediate sales to the local tourism industry.
“It will increase its activity in two potentially lucrative international markets – New Zealand and China,” he said.
7 May, 2009
Parliament is put
to a new youth
The State’s first-ever Indigenous Youth Parliament is planned for the end of the first sitting week of the 53rd State Parliament on 28 May.
Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers called on young Indigenous people, passionate about making a difference, to become involved in the event.
“We want to encourage more young Indigenous Queenslanders to become the decision-makers of the future,” Ms Struthers said.
“I hope the Indigenous Youth Parliament gives them a taste for politics. It will be almost like the real thing. They’ll be given the opportunity to debate a real Bill and offer their feedback to Members of Parliament to consider.”
She said it would also allow Indigenous young people to hone their public speaking and debating skills and learn more about democracy in action.
“I strongly encourage young Indigenous Queenslanders, who want to speak out on issues that mean something to them, to nominate for a place in this historic event,” the Minister said.
She said participants from regional and remote communities will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered.
According to Ms Struthers, the Indigenous Youth Parliament builds on the State Government’s success in holding the annual Young Indigenous Leadership Forum.
More information about the Indigenous Youth Parliament is available by calling 1300 55 59 54 or visiting www.communities.qld.gov.au
7 May, 2009
Rabbits living on
burrowed time
The Rabbit Management Advisory Group is launching the biggest-ever coordinated effort to track the number of rabbits in Australia.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the project, called RabbitScan, marks the 150th anniversary of rabbits being introduced into Australia.
“RabbitScan challenges communities and landholders to get out there and record sightings of rabbits and rabbit warrens throughout May,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Results from the project will help our scientists get a clearer understanding of where rabbits are in Queensland to better target our research and control programs.”
He said Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries in conjunction with Local Governments had invested millions of dollars into rabbit research and control since the 1950s when rabbit numbers were at their peak.
“Our research shows control programs have had a significant impact on the number of rabbits when targeted to a particular area,” he said.
“A previous warren ripping project targetted to the Bulloo Lakes region – known for its high rabbit numbers – resulted in a significant decline in the rabbit populations for the area. “
Mr Mulherin said rabbits were a Class 2 declared pest in Queensland requiring landholders to control them on their properties. They cost Australia’s agriculture industries up to $1 billion per year.
He called on everyone to do their bit.
“If they do, we can start to manage numbers and reduce the damage bill,” he said.
7 May, 2009
Clubs hard hit by
Ombudsman
Federal Workplace Ombudsman Inspectors are checking the books of up to 100 clubs in North and Central Queensland.
The audit has been launched after a similar campaign last year found more than half the clubs were underpaying their workers.
Clubs targeted will be in the Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and McKay regions.
Queensland Director of the Workplace Ombudsman’s Office, Julie Wade said they would include bowls clubs, golf clubs, yacht clubs, RSL clubs, sports clubs and community clubs,
The Federal Workplace Ombudsman checked the books of 87 clubs in Central and
Northern Queensland last year and found that 52 of them had underpaid 890 workers a total of $141,000.
All the money has since been voluntarily back-paid, including $56,000 to 315 workers in the Cairns Region, $34,000 for 274 workers in Rockhampton Region, $21,000 for 122 workers in Townsville Region and $18,000 for 153 workers in Mackay Region.
Ms Wade said the high number of clubs found to be breaching workplace laws during last year’s campaign was concerning and had prompted her to order more work in this area.
“We will be scrutinising employment records to check that clubs are paying workers their correct entitlements and complying with laws related to time-and-wages sheets, payslips and other book-keeping.,” she said.
“Many of the underpayments identified during last year’s campaign were the result of incorrect pay rates being used, so that is an issue we will be on the look-out for again.”
Ms Wade said it was important all businesses, no matter how big or small, understood and complied with their workplace responsibilities.
“Education is a key part of a Workplace Inspector’s role and our team will be working with clubs to educate them about Commonwealth workplace laws,” she said.
7 May, 2009
Cattle research
is no bull
A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) research project is conducting some ground-breaking research into the behaviour of cattle.
The $1.35 million project is studying whether the genes thought to cause behavioural problems in humans might also cause temperamental behaviour in cattle.
The project is looking at how to switch that gene off in a bid to boost the beef industry.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin revealed the project before attending the Beef Australia 2009 Expo in Rockhampton recently.
He said it could provide a huge boost to Queensland’s beef industry which was worth $3.7 billion a year.
“Even though cattle and humans are separated by 60 million years of evolution, we share many of the same genes,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We already know there is an association between the temperament of cattle and the tenderness of the meat – the more temperamental, the less tender.”
If scientists learn how to switch off the gene that causes irritability in cattle then more tender meat would be produced.
Leader of the project, Brian Burns, said the research centred around the new field of ‘epigenetics’ – the study of modifications to genes other than changes in the DNA sequence itself.
A QPIF Principal Research Scientist specialising in genetics and animal breeding, Dr Burns, said the aim was to breed cattle with the most desirable genetic characteristics for domestic and international markets.
“That will mean cattle with improved reproduction, growth, carcase, adaptation and behavioural traits and better end-product quality,” he said.
“This is new territory and we still don’t fully understand the various epigenetic interactions influencing some genes.”
He said what they did know was that the project would greatly improve knowledge of epigenetics and help achieve more consistent production traits and better beef quality.
7 May, 2009 Plan attracts 3000 comments Five months of public consultation on the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009 -2031 have been completed with more than 3,000 submissions received.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the plan would “shape South East Queensland over the next 20 years.
“The draft plan locks 84 per cent of the South East away from urban development and protects our green space,” he said
“Rapid population growth, climate change, job creation, housing affordability and traffic congestion pose real challenges for South East Queensland - that’s why it’s so important we get this plan right now.”
Fernvale Centre is first A new indoor sports centre at Fernvale, outside Ipswich, is Queensland’s first community infrastructure project to receive funding under the Federal Government’s $800 million Community Infrastructure Program.
The centre will receive $2.1 million towards its construction and fit-out.
Federal Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said the new facility would cost $5 million and help meet the recreational and sporting needs of a rapidly growing community.
Ombudsman open The new Brisbane premises of the Commonwealth Ombudsman have been officially opened.
The Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said the new premises, at 57 Albert Street, were co-located with a number of other complaint-handling Agencies, including the Health Quality Complaints Commission, Anti-Discrimination Commission, Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian and the Office of the Queensland Ombudsman.
He said it will provide the agencies with improved facilities to better meet the rising demand for the Ombudsman’s services.
In the last financial year, more than 6,000 approaches were made to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office by Queensland residents. So far this year there has been a 32 per cent increase.
Oration planned The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland is hosting the Mabo Oration 2009.
The oration, the third in the series, honours Eddie Koiki Mabo and celebrates his contribution to native land title and other Indigenous human rights.
It will be delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Race Discrimination Commissioner with the Australian Human Rights Commission, Tom Calma. His topic will be 'From self respect comes dignity, and from dignity comes hope: meeting the challenge of social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’.
The oration will be delivered in the Concert Hall of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Southbank on Friday, June 5 from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Quilters donate Mount Isa Quilters have made 35 quilts for Victorian bushfire victims with material donated from the community.
Accepting the gift, Victorian Deputy Premier, Rob Hulls said it was a very generous and touching gesture from the people of Mount Isa, who in January and February were experiencing floods while Victorians were coping with the Black Saturday bushfires.
“It is heartening that during times of such tragedy, people from opposite ends of the country reach out to each other,” he said.
The quilters organised a ‘Fire and Flood Quilting Bee’ and worked for two months making the quilts, with many individuals contributing two.
Agribusiness highlighted The AgInvest Forum 2009 in Townsville next month will highlight the potential of North Queensland’s agribusiness sector to domestic and international investors.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin said that while there was an economic downturn the world’s population would continue to need food, clothing and shelter.
“The AgInvest Forum 2009 aims to give an overview of the agribusiness outlook for North Queensland, from transport options to training and skilling, to Government plans to streamline approval processes for industry development,” he said.
North Queensland Director of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Primary Industries and Fisheries, Eddie Gilbert said North Queensland agribusiness would also be able to meet with investors at networking functions to coincide with the Forum.
Study contract awarded A contract to study the 4,400-hectare Curtis Island Environmental Management Precinct (EMP) near Gladstone has been awarded.
Announcing that GHD was the successful tenderer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the area would be a green space for the people of Gladstone
GHD was already at work on desktop studies of the precinct ahead of detailed field surveys.
Mr Hinchcliffe said the company would work closely with a reference group established to guide the EMP’s future, with representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, the Department of Environment and Resource Management Gladstone Regional Council and indigenous groups.
Tilt train back on track The Rail Safety Regulator has given the go-ahead for the Cairns Tilt Train service to resume.
Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan said safety concerns following last November’s tilt train crash near Cardwell had been addressed
"While the inconvenience caused by the suspension of the Cairns Tilt Train is regretted, the paramount consideration of the Government, the Rail Safety Regulator and Queensland Rail has been to ensure the highest standards of safety,” Ms Nolan said.
Green farming trialled Senior agronomist with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Derek Sparkes says trials on two Cairns cane farms could create new ground-breaking farming techniques and lead to a substantial reduction in fertiliser use without compromising sugar production.
He said if the trials were successful it would reduce the impact of farming on the environment.
Mr Sparkes said the trials were being conducted on two Aloomba district farms and involved using mill mud, ash and legumes instead of artificial fertiliser.
