27 November, 2008

Ombudsman busy but no complaints

The Queensland Ombudsman has reported an increase of 25 per cent in the number of people who contacted his Office for assistance last year compared to the year before.
   Releasing his Annual Report for 2007-08, the Ombudsman, David Bevan said that of the 15,000 people who contacted his Office, around 7,000 lodged a complaint about the decisions and actions of State and Local Government Agencies.
   “There were 4,268 complaints about State Government Departments and Agencies,” Mr Bevan said.
   “Complaints about local councils decreased 2.4% to 1,843.”
   Mr Bevan said he received complaints about a wide variety of matters such as refusals by Agencies to issue licences, and conditions imposed by Local Councils on development applications.
   He said many of the issues were resolved informally by working with the complainant and the Agency concerned, and he made 183 recommendations to Agencies to resolve complainants’ concerns and help them improve their systems and processes.
   “Our recommendations help ensure that Agencies put procedures in place or take other steps to prevent the same type of complaint arising in the future,” Mr Bevan said.
   He said most of the 25% increase in contacts was due to people trying to lodge complaints outside his Office’s jurisdiction.
   “We referred these people to the most appropriate Agency to help them with their particular concerns,” he said.
   Mr Bevan said he reported to Parliament on two major investigations during the year – The Councillor Code of Conduct Report and a report on the Regulation of Mine Safety in Queensland.
   He said both reports contained extensive recommendations to improve decision making in the Council and State Department concerned and provided a useful guide for all Councils and Government regulators.
   Copies of the Ombudsman’s Annual Report could be found at www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au

27 November, 2008

Cooperation drives commitment to roads

Nineteen new Regional Roads Groups have been formed as Queensland’s Councils, Main Roads and the Local Government Association reconfirm their commitment to work together to improve the State’s roads.
   Minister for Main Roads and Local Government, Warren Pitt said the new RRGs replaced previous groups and took account of the Council changes that followed reforms at the Local Government level.
   “The RRGs are structured around new Councils and Main Roads regional boundaries to best enable State and Local Government to jointly deliver on regional road priorities,” Mr Pitt said.
   “RRGs are the primary decision-making bodies of the Roads Alliance and influence the planning and management of the Local Roads of Regional Significance network.”
   In most cases, he said, they comprised regional groupings of Councils and Main Roads representatives and were formed with consideration of regional economic, social, environmental and geographic characteristics.
   President of the Local Government Association of Queensland, Paul Bell said confirmation of the new RRGs followed the signing of the 2008-2013 Roads Alliance Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 2 September at the LGAQ annual conference in Cairns.
   “The MoA and the new RRGs formalise the ongoing commitment of Main Roads, the LGAQ and local government to collaborative decision-making through the Roads Alliance,” Mr Bell said.
   “The Roads Alliance board will also consider the wider participation of Indigenous Councils in the Roads Alliance at its next meeting, following an expression of interest from Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council.”
   He said te Roads Alliance was a commitment by Main Roads and local government (represented by the LGAQ) to deliver better roads sooner across Queensland, co-operatively manage the LRRS network and improve capability and efficiency.
   He said the LRRS network was comprised of roads of similar function including lower-order state-controlled roads and higher-order Local Government roads.

27 November, 2008

WA gropes at savings by cutting back PS

The Western Australian Treasurer has set up a committee to slow the growth of the State’s Public Service which he said was increasing by 5,000 new Public Servants a year.
   Treasurer, Troy Buswell, said the new Economic Audit Committee had been established to identify ways to cut recurrent expenditure in the PS.
   He would not say if it was a ‘razor gang’ or not.
   “We can't continue to employ 20 full-time equivalent staff every working day,” Mr Buswell said.
   He would not confirm whether Public Servants would face job losses or if Agencies would be closed, but said he would wait until the Committee released their report in March next year before commenting.
   “For too long now the Public Sector of WA has effectively been gathering moss,” he said.
   “It's time to take a serious look at how public services are delivered in WA.”
   Mr Buswell said the committee would help conduct a four-month review of finances and the processes of Government.
   “It's important we act now so we don't find our State in three or four years time in the situation that States like New South Wales are in today,” he said.
   “It's about doing the responsible thing, no matter how hard, and taking the steps necessary to keep our heads above water in difficult times ahead.”
   Mr Buswell said initial State Government cuts of 3 per cent across the Public Service were “belt-tightening”.
   “There will need to be subsequent rounds of belt-tightening to help Western Australia deal with the financial issues which currently confront the State,” he said.
   Opposition leader, Eric Ripper, said Mr Buswell had inherited one of the “strongest set of finances that any incoming Government had inherited in the past”, and needed to do his job to ensure money was spent wisely.

27 November, 2008

Asbestos brochure is breath of fresh air

The Department of Employment and Industrial Relations has released a brochure on dealing with asbestos when cleaning up storm damaged houses and buildings.
   Entitled How to handle asbestos safely after a storm, the brochure says houses and workplaces built before 1990 were likely to contain asbestos, but anyone who suspected they may be dealing with it must assume that it is asbestos and treat it as such.
   “It is essential to protect yourself and others when removing debris particularly when asbestos is concerned,” the brochure says.
   “Everyone must take great care, as asbestos fibres can be released through sawing, drilling or breaking up of asbestos products.”
   It says asbestos would be highly unlikely in a house built after 1990, likely if built between the mid 1980s and 1990 and more than likely if built before the mid 1980s.
   The brochure said the most commonly found household building materials that could contain asbestos were flat or corrugated sheeting (commonly called ‘fibro’ or ‘AC sheeting’), water or flue pipes, roof shingles, flexible building boards, imitation brick cladding, plaster patching compounds, textured paint, vinyl floor tiles and backing of linoleum floor coverings.
   “Asbestos fibres may also be found in a few older forms of insulation used in domestic heaters and stoves, and in ceiling insulation products,” it says.
   “Ceiling insulation containing asbestos was generally used in commercial buildings.”
   It says anyone removing asbestos from their own home should be extremely cautious, as it posed a health risk during removal, packaging, transport and disposal.
   It says friable asbestos (easily broken) was extremely dangerous and must only be removed by a licensed professional.
   The brochure says that to handle asbestos safely, one must refrain from using high-speed, abrasive or pneumatic tools such as angle grinders, sanders, saws or high-speed drills, use only non-powered hand tools or low-speed battery tools and fibro should be wet gently with water to settle the particles. It warns against cutting into or breaking a fibro sheet.
   “Wear disposable coveralls and gloves,” it says.
   “Wear an approved particulate respirator in the work area… ordinary dust masks, such as those with a single strap are not effective in preventing the inhalation of asbestos fibres and dust and therefore should not be used.”
   It says asbestos should be stacked, wrapped and clearly labelled, removed immediately and disposed of through the local authority to remove asbestos waste.
   Copies of the brochure could be found at www.deir.qld.gov.au

27 November, 2008

Councils tread fine line on penalty units

The State’s 73 Councils have been asked to confirm they will adopt new penalty unit values which are due to come into effect next March.
   Minister for Local Government, Warren Pitt has written to them seeking advice of their intentions and informing that the value of the penalty units had been increased to $100, the first rise in almost 10 years.
   Mr Pitt said he needed to know from each Council if they intended adopting the planned increase or if they planned to seek an exemption.
   “The reforms to the value of penalty units will allow Councils to recover revenue lost to the effects of inflation and strengthen the deterrent aspect of fines for those who may consider committing an offence,” Mr Pitt said.
   “The real value of penalties under Local Government legislation in Queensland has been significantly eroded since the penalty unit value was set at $75 in 1999.”
   He said it was reasonable for Councils to increase the penalty units since enforcement costs had also increased over the past 10 years and Councils were entitled to recover losses that resulted from inflation.
   Mr Pitt said Councils could also amend penalty provisions to impose lesser amounts for infringement notices, but he counselled them to considered the move carefully.
   “Feedback from Councils and the Local Government Association of Queensland indicates support for an increase in order to provide a greater deterrent for many offences,” he said.
   “That’s why I have written to all Councils seeking their advice on whether or not they wish to adopt the new penalty point value - this must surely be a good outcome for communities.”
   Mr Pitt said not applying the increase to Local Government on-the-spot infringement notices could create a “two-tiered system”.
   He said such a system would have Local Government penalty units of one value, while those of infringement notices issued by Councils, where they have delegated authority under State legislation, would be of a different value.
   “Such an outcome would leave Council officers in an operationally and administratively awkward predicament,” he said.

27 November, 2008

Outdoor living has all hands on deck

A survey commissioned by the State Government has revealed that Queenslanders living in the tropics used less power when they were out on their decks or outdoor living areas.
   Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the survey showed outdoor living areas had a significant effect on cutting the use of air-conditioners.
   “Decks have always been part of the Queensland way of life, this shows they will be an important part of our future as well,” Mr Lucas said.
   “Nearly 70 per cent of people living in the tropics and sub-tropical coastal areas turn off their cooling systems - including air-conditioners - when they’re outside. As a result, householders with outdoor living areas tend to rely less on artificial cooling.”
   Mr Lucas said the survey showed nearly 90 per cent of homes in the tropics and about three-quarters of homes in the sub-tropics had at least one air-conditioner.
   “Throughout Queensland, the energy cost savings attributed to the use of outdoor areas - and the reduced need for air-conditioning - is conservatively estimated at between $140 and $315 per household a year,” Mr Lucas said.
   “The State-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is estimated at between 940,000 tonnes and 2.1 million tonnes a year - equivalent to taking between 188,000 and 420,000 cars of the road per year.”
   The survey found more than 85 per cent of homes in the State’s tropics and sub-tropical coastal areas had at least one outdoor living area, such as a veranda, deck or patio.
   It found 70 % of householders in the tropics and subtropical coastal areas used outdoor living areas frequently, particularly in summer.
   “Many outdoor areas are used several times a day - at breakfast, lunch, after school, at dinner and into the evening,” Mr Lucas said.
   “In the State’s western regions, people tend to use outdoor living areas less and are more inclined to leave their internal cooling systems on when outdoors.”
   Other survey findings included:

Most houses were single-storied detached dwellings
Much of the housing was relatively old, with almost half being built before 1980
The majority of houses had three bedrooms or less
Most homes had relatively lightweight walls, for example weatherboard or fibro
Most homes had metal roofs, with many insulated but rarely ventilated
About half the houses in the subtropical and warm temperate zones had a northern orientation. This dropped to 1 in 3 houses in the tropical and hot arid zones
Most households had electric storage hot water systems and intended to replace them with more energy-efficient systems such as solar, when the time came.

Mr Lucas said the State Government was now considering the survey results, along with public feedback on the Improving Sustainable Housing in Queensland discussion paper.
He said 90% of respondents supported a key proposal in the discussion paper that all new houses be built to a 5-star (out of 10) energy equivalent rating from early 2009.

27 November, 2008

Airport sale funds fly into hospital

Money from the sale of the Mackay Airport is to be used to rebuild the Mackay Base Hospital, the Treasurer has announced.
   Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the $208.8 million proceeds of the sale would go directly to the hospital, returning a great result for the people of the region.
   “This is an excellent outcome for the future of health services in the area,’” Mr Fraser said.
   “I have said all along that I believe Governments should be in the business of managing hospitals, not owning airports.
   “This hospital is absolutely essential not only for the current Mackay residents but also to support future population growth.”
Mr Fraser said that the airport operating company would be sold to a consortium comprising The Private Capital Group’s Infrastructure Fund which was managed by Hastings, Perron Investments and Westpac Banking Corporation, with Queensland Airports Limited as a specialist advisor, following the successful conclusion of a competitive bid process.
   He said the sale was a great outcome for Queensland taxpayers, particularly in the current economic climate, and reflected the quality and growth prospects of Mackay Airport.
   “The successful consortium also has a strong track record of successful airport operation in regional Queensland – with existing interests in Gold Coast, Townsville and Mount Isa airports.”
   Under the terms of the sale agreement, the consortium would operate the airport under a long-term lease from the State, which would continue to own the land and airport infrastructure.
   “I congratulate the consortium on the success of their bid and I am confident in their ability to grow the airport for the benefit of the tourism and mining industries, other business travellers and the people of Mackay.”
   Mr Fraser said the sale of Mackay Airport followed the successful completion of the sale of the State’s interest in Brisbane Airport earlier this month for $289.4 million.
   “The sale of these two airports reflects the high quality of these assets and shows that investors still have confidence in the long term growth of Queensland.”
   Mr Fraser said that the Cairns Airport sale process, which was running in parallel with Mackay, was also well advanced.

27 November, 2008

Feds in hard drive for computer sales

The Federal Government has invited local Councils to reduce the costs of their Information and Communications Technology equipment and services by taking part in the Commonwealth’s whole-of-Government procurement arrangements.
   Federal Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner said the Government’s ‘holistic’ approach, had already been partially adopted by some NSW Government Agencies and took full advantage of the public sector’s buying power.
   Speaking at a meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government, Mr Tanner said he expected significant advantages would flow to Councils who accepted the invitation.
   “There is no barrier in principle to Councils in a sense piggy-backing on our collective buying power and our ability to drive a good deal,” Mr Tanner said.
   ICT Industry market researcher Intermedium said this was not a new position as Government Agencies have been able to buy off whole-of-Government contracts in place in other jurisdictions for some time.
   It said NSW schools and not-for-profit organisations, amongst others, bought from a wide range of Period Contracts (also known as Standing Offer Arrangements) and that a large number of Government and non-Government organisations could purchase from the contracts, including:

Government trading authorities
Public sector agencies of the Commonwealth or any other State or Territory Agencies
Local Government bodies
Schools, colleges and universities – public or private
Hospitals – public or private
Other approved users such as community-based non-profit organisations or charities.

Mr Tanner said in some cases, Councils could prefer to buy locally or believed that the potential savings were not justified in the national scheme, and he conceded there was still much thought to be put into how the plan would work.

27 November, 2008

Farmers grow rights in Code of Conduct

A single Code of Conduct has been introduced to strengthen the rights of farmers when dealing with mining and exploration companies.
   Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas said the Code was among a range of new measures that represented an important step towards managing potential conflicts between farmers and mining companies.
   “All Queenslanders stand to gain from the resources boom in these uncertain economic times, but it also presents new challenges,” Mr Lucas said.
   “I understand there is considerable concern amongst those on the land that their livelihood and lifestyle could be threatened by exploration and mining.”
   He said agriculture was of immense importance to Australia and the Queensland Government was committed to making sure farmers received a fair go when dealing with resources companies.
   He said the new Code of Conduct would reflect modern agricultural issues such as measures to control the spread of weeds, chemical contamination and standard operating practices for farmers. It would be developed by the Land Access Working Group (LAWG) in conjunction with AgForce and Queensland Resource Council.
   Mr Lucas said the LAWG was established earlier this year and comprises representatives from agriculture, mining and gas peak bodies.
   He said a standard set of provisions for the compensation agreement would be developed with peak bodies and while it might not be applicable for all circumstances, it was expected to fit most situations and be valuable to all parties.
   Mr Lucas said the Government would investigate the establishment of common infrastructure easements to contain, for example, utilities, transport and telecommunications infrastructure.
   Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson said mining and farming had co-existed for many generations and there was no reason why they could not continue for generations to come.
   “Both of these industries are equally important to Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.
   “One gives us the food and fibre we need for our daily lives. The other is a key economic driver of the State’s strong economy.
   “That’s why we’ve taken this action. We’re mindful of the rights of all parties. That’s why we’re working towards a solution that is in everyone’s best interests.”
   Mr Wilson said a new joint Surat Basin District Office for the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Mines and Energy would be established in Dalby or Roma.
   “We’ll have staff in there with their sleeves rolled up ready to help sort out any potential problems,” he said.
   “Landowners will be able to talk to them, face to face.
   “It’s a step in the right direction and is the first of many.”

27 November, 2008

Parks blossom at planning conference

An international conference that would shape the future management of national parks and other protected areas across Australia was being hosted by the State Government on the Sunshine Coast this week.
   Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said experts from across the Asia-Pacific region had gathered for the 2008 Australian Protected Area Congress, the theme of which was Protected Areas in the Century of Change.
   “Through field trips, prominent keynote speakers, workshops and a panel discussion, APAC08 will encourage debate and future thinking about protected area management,” Mr McNamara said.
   “The conference will explore the values, benefits and increasing importance of protected areas for Australia in a world that’s changing more rapidly than ever before.”
   He said the conference presented a unique opportunity for Government, research institutions and community conservation groups to share the most up-to-date knowledge and thinking on terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected areas.
   “This is particularly important this year as we celebrate 100 years of national parks in Queensland,” he said.
   “Apart from their intrinsic value, there is a growing awareness that protected areas also have a substantial economic value.”
   He said a recent study showed spending by tourists who visited Queensland national parks as part of their holiday amounted to more than $4.4 billion or 28 per cent of total tourist spend in the State.
   Keynote speakers at APAC008 included the Chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Nik Lopoukhine; Chair of the Indigenous Land Corporation, Shirley McPherson; Director of IUCN’s Global Program on Protected Areas, David Sheppard; Regional Vice Chair for Australia/New Zealand with the World Commission on Protected Areas, Penelope Figgis; and Bob Abbot, the Mayor of Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
   APAC08 was hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency with partners the World Wildlife Fund, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, University of Queensland, and Tourism Queensland.
   The conference was sponsored by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

27 November, 2008

Fair trading pulls rug out from cots

The Office of Fair Trading has acted to have four baby’s cots withdrawn from sale after they were deemed unsafe.
   Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine said routine checks by the Office of Fair Trading found the cots had failed mandatory safety tests because the labelling about the recommended size of the cot mattress was incorrect.
   “The cots were sold in Toys ’R’ Us stores nationally between 1 May 2007 and 10 October 2008 and have now been withdrawn from sale,” Mr Shine said.
   “Toys ‘R’ Us has changed the adhesive labels and issued a national public notice to ensure any affected consumers are advised of the problem.”
   Mr Shine said the recalled cots included the Bruin Heirloom Cot, the Bruin Roma Sleigh Cot, the Bruin Marbella Cot and Bruin Vogue Cot.
   “Parents who have already purchased any of these cots should immediately check the mattress insert to ensure it is a snug fit,” he said.
   “The mandatory safety standard requires that all cot mattresses are tight fitting with no gaps more than 20 millimetres when the mattress is centred in the cot base.”
   He said although these cots were sold without a mattress, they failed the mandatory safety standard because the recommended mattress dimensions printed on the cots were inaccurate.
   “If a consumer were to use the recommended mattress size then a potentially unsafe gap would be left between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot,” he said.
   “This could create a hazard as a baby could become wedged in the gap between the cot and mattress.”
   Mr Shine said if customers wanted a mattress with a tighter fit they should return the mattress with proof of purchase to their nearest Toys ’R’ Us store for an exchange.
   “Consumers should contact their local Toys ’R’ Us store or call the dedicated toll free number on 1800 241 390 to organise an exchange,” Mr Shine said.
   He said Fair Trading product safety officers would continue to carry out regular spot inspections and compliance checks on different products, including toys, cots and bunk beds throughout the year.
   Mr Shine said heavy penalties applied for companies caught breaching the Fair Trading Act 1989, including fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.
   For more information about product safety standards, visit the Office of Fair Trading website on www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.

27 November, 2008

Parents law stays as grown-up punishment

The law that punishes parents for excessive violence towards their children is to be maintained following a major review by the Justice Department.
   Premier Anna Bligh said that the review of more than 200 cases showed that the controversial section 280 of the criminal code - which allows “reasonable force” to be used for disciplining children - does not operate as a loophole protecting violent parents.
   “What this exhaustive review has shown conclusively is that the current system works,” Ms Bligh said.
   “There is no excuse for using excessive violence towards a child and under Queensland law there is nowhere for violent parents to hide.”
   Ms Bligh and Attorney-General Kerry Shine said the review showed that section 280 of the Queensland Criminal Code was rarely used as a defence.
   “I am confident that parents who assault their children will face the full force of the law,” Ms Bligh said.
   “At the same time, this review revealed some shocking cases involving parents using weapons or their fists to discipline or slapping their children about the head. This, of course, is a far cry from giving your child a smack on the bottom.”
   Such behaviour was not discipline, Ms Bligh said.
   “It is assault and appalling behaviour from any parent, and police and the Courts have responded accordingly,” she said.
   “That was reflected in the Court decisions where these parents were either found or pleaded guilty and were punished for their actions.”
   The Premier said the Justice Department review showed that parents who used excessive force were being charged and penalised accordingly.
   “There were some very genuine community concerns that Section 280 of the Code was able to be used by parents who had physically abused their children to claim that they did so in the course of disciplining them,” Ms Bligh said.
   “But the review shows unequivocally that this is not the case. It shows the opposite in fact – that section 280 is not relied on to any significant degree as a defence.”
   She said the review studied almost 200 cases where parents were charged during 2006-07 and found that Section 280 could have been possibly raised as a defence in just three cases.
   “Not one of these three cases actually made it to court,” she said.
   Mr Shine endorsed the Premier’s comments.
   “Clearly if you use excessive force to discipline your child it is a criminal act, not to mention morally bankrupt, and what we have found is that parents guilty of this behaviour are punished,” Mr Shine said.
   “It’s just not acceptable to hit a child about the face or the head or belt them with an instrument. Children are our most vulnerable citizens and assaults against them should be treated accordingly,” he said.

27 November, 2008

Research project for jolly good fellows

A $20 million fellowship program to attract the best and brightest clinical researchers to Queensland has been launched by the Minister for Health, Stephen Robertson
   Mr Robertson said the new clinical research fellowships would be funded via the Smart State Health and Medical Research Program.
   “We need to provide incentives for researchers to work in areas of Australia’s most urgent health and medical needs so their results produce maximum benefits for Queenslanders,” Mr Robertson said.
   He said the fellowships would position Queensland at the forefront of cutting edge research, development and innovation, further stimulating Queensland’s research potential.
   “These senior clinical research fellowships are worth more than $20 million, making them Australia’s most generous health research fellowship program,” he said.
   “They’re designed to attract elite clinical researchers to Queensland, with the six fellowships each worth up to $850,000 a year over five years.”
   He said the innovative Smart State strategy had already resulted in some of the world’s leading researchers coming to Queensland.
   “It has resulted in 36 new research institutes and more than 230 research fellowships and scholarships being awarded,” he said.
   “We’re confident this flow of elite clinical researchers will continue to grow in the coming years.”
   Mr Robertson said fellowship recipients would be required to deliver clinical care in addition to undertaking research.
   These fellowships would deliver a number of important benefits to Queensland, including:

Raising Queensland’s health, medical and research profile;
Increasing the appeal of careers in health and medical research;
Attracting and retaining more clinicians and researchers beyond the fellowship recipients themselves;
Stimulating research which would ultimately lead to improvements in patient care and the health of Queenslanders; and
Creating links with industry to stimulate investment, generating economic benefits and knowledge jobs for Queenslanders.

27 November, 2008

Mine mapping task gets down and dirty

The latest imaging technology has been put to work to complete the first major mapping upgrade of mines in the resource-rich north west of the State.
   Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the technology had come a long way from the black and white aerial photos of the 1950s and did a great deal more than just take pretty pictures.
   “It has the potential to unlock rich new sites for mineral and geothermal energy resources,” Mr Wilson said.
   More than 62,000 square kilometres of one of the world’s richest resource regions has been remapped.
   “Geologists from my Department used cutting-edge technology to map the rocks of the north west for explorers to tap into the region’s hidden mineral potential,” he said.
   “They’ve already uncovered new areas for explorers who are keen to make their mark in mining. We’re talking about a new generation of geoscience data.”
   Mr Wilson said today’s explorers had much more information at their finger tips and mapping techniques were more refined. He said age-dating of rocks had also improved.
   “There’s new high-tech geoscience data available, along with seismic surveys that have already revealed faults deep in the earth’s crust,” he said.
   “These faults provide pathways for deep fluids to penetrate to the surface and that spells resource potential. It’s very exciting.”
   The Minister said age-dating had helped define new areas with rocks equivalent in age to the Mt Isa group which hosts the giant Mt Isa and George Fisher deposits.
   “The geologists also believe the new seismic surveys could reveal geothermal energy or ‘hot rocks’,” Mr Wilson said.
   MP for Mt Isa, Betty Kiernan said the potential for new discoveries in the north west would further strengthen the region’s economy.
   “This is Q2 at its smartest,” Mrs Kiernan said.
   “We’re looking beyond the horizon and planning for the future – a cleaner, greener energy future for Queensland.
   “These potential discoveries herald exciting times ahead for renewable energy in Queensland,” she said.

27 November, 2008

New Murri Court judged a winner

Queensland’s newest Murri Court has been opened in Mackay, enabling Indigenous Elders and respected persons to provide advice to the Magistrate on cultural issues and provide background information about an offender.
   Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine welcomed the official opening of the Court and said it would give Indigenous offenders who pleaded guilty the opportunity to have matters heard before a Magistrate and local Indigenous Elders.
   “Murri Courts play a significant role in reducing the over-representation of Indigenous offenders in the criminal justice system,” Mr Shine said.
   “These Courts aim to improve attendance rates in Court, decrease re-offending and reduce the number of Court orders breached by Indigenous offenders.”
He said Murri Courts were an important initiative for Queensland’s Courts and played a significant role in addressing Indigenous justice issues.
   Mr Shine said sentencing options focused on culturally appropriate justice outcomes that concentrated on the rehabilitation and reintegration of Indigenous offenders into their community.
   MP for the area, Tim Mulherin said the introduction of a Murri Court was a welcome addition to Mackay.
   "These Courts have worked well elsewhere and I'm keen to see Mackay benefit from successful initiatives," Mr Mulherin said.
   “Proceedings of a Murri Court are often less formal and allow for the offender’s family and local community justice group members to be involved with the sentencing process.”
   Chief Magistrate, Judge Brendan Butler, said the opening of a Murri Court in Mackay was a positive initiative.
   “An Elder may question the offender or their support person to assist the Court to gain a better understanding of the offender’s circumstances and needs, and may also act as a liaison with and within local Indigenous communities,” Judge Butler said.
   “The involvement of the Indigenous community, through the participation of Elders, provides an opportunity for the magistrate to review all possible options to manage the offender’s behaviour.”
   Judge Butler said the process would not be available to offenders who had committed more serious or violent offences.

27 November, 2008

Guide on lung disease to clear the air

Queensland Health has joined forces with the Australian Lung Foundation to produce a new resource for people affected by Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.
   Health Minister Stephen Robertson said Better Living With COPD - A Patient Guide would serve as a valuable resource for those affected by the chronic condition.
   Mr Robertson said Better Living With COPD was a collaboration between the Queensland Government and The Australian Lung Foundation and was available to patients online from The Australian Lung Foundation’s website.
   “The patient resource, Better Living With COPD, is an important step in addressing the enormous burden imposed by this disease,” Mr Robertson said.
   “Better Living With COPD is a patient’s roadmap to keeping well and getting the most out of life, despite their condition.”
   In addition to giving practical advice to improve the wellbeing of COPD sufferers, he said the guide would also act as a resource tool for health care professionals, particularly those living in regional and remote areas.
COPD is a long term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath and includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
   The launch of the resource coincided with World Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease Day, with COPD patients also taking part in the annual Catch your breath – Walk for COPD event at Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands.
   Chief Executive of The Australian Lung Foundation, William Darbishire said COPD was one of the biggest health problems currently facing Australia.
   “It carries an enormous cost to Government, the taxpayer, and to people with COPD, as well as their families and carers,” Mr Darbishire said.
   “If nothing is done now to acknowledge and address this chronic disease, around 4.5 million Australians may have COPD by 2050.”
   Mr Robertson said COPD was costing Australian taxpayers $9 billion annually in direct costs and up to $90 billion indirectly.
   “About 400,000 Queenslanders have COPD,” Mr Robertson said.
   “By 2050, it’s estimated 5 million people in Australia will be affected by the condition, which is why it’s essential to increase public awareness about its consequences,” he said.
   “While there is no cure for COPD, there are things people can do to manage their symptoms and therefore improve their quality of life.”
   People with COPD and their carers can contact The Australian Lung Foundation for information about the Patient Guide and for further information, help and support call 1800 654 301 or visit The Australian Lung Foundation website at www.lungnet.com.au

27 November, 2008
Holiday pay on-line
Wageline has released information for employers and employees on the Christmas to New Year Day holiday period.
   The information it released included details of the official public holidays over the period, employees’ entitlements, overtime, annual leave and annual close downs and could be found at www.wageline.qld.gov.au

Disaster response
Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements assistance has now been activated in 13 Local Government areas following storms and associated flooding in recent weeks.
   The joint State and Commonwealth-funded NDRRA can provide personal hardship assistance and recovery of costs for restoring public assets, such as roads, and for costs of local councils’ extraordinary disaster management activities.

Statement put off
The Government’s planned Major Economic Statement, incorporating the Mid-Year Review, has been delayed.
   The Treasurer had intended delivering the statement on 2 December, but the upheaval caused by the storm damage and the COAG meeting scheduled for 29 November have necessitated the statement being delayed, he said.

QPSU elections off and running
Nominations for 144 positions in the Queensland Public Sector Union have been called.
   The elections will be for the QPSU Council and regional organising committee Presidents and if there are fewer nominations than positions available, or an equal number, no elections would be necessary.
   If a election is required, the Electoral Commission of Queensland will conduct a secret postal ballot of eligible members.
   More information on the election and voting processes can be found at www.qpsu.org.au

Housing poser
Social housing tenants on the Gold Coast have been warned about a man posing as a Department of Housing employee to get access to their homes.
   They have been advised that the Department’s officers wishing to gain access to social housing properties must show official staff identification prior to entering a property.
   Anyone in the Labrador or wider Gold Coast area approached by a person claiming to be a Department of Housing staff member but unwilling to provide identification were advised to contact their local police station and the Department of Housing area office.

Sport cleans up with $1M
A $1 million funding package to help sport and recreation clubs with clean up and repairs from the storms in South East Queensland has been announced.
   Minister for Sport, Judy Spence said that sport and recreation clubs with damage to playing fields, clubhouses or other property, incurred as a result of the storms were eligible to apply for assistance grants of up to $5,000 to replace damaged equipment and up to $20,000 to repair infrastructure.

LGA boss steps down
Queenslander Paul Bell has finished his four-year term as President of the Local Government Association and, according to its constitution, after serving two two-year terms, was ineligible to stand again.
   Mr Bell, who has been a Councillor in his home town of Emerald since 1985, has successfully represented the interests of Councils within Australia at the Federal level, both as President and, before that, as Vice-President.

Energy talks
Official talks have been held with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Nobua Tanaka, one of the world’s leading think tanks on clean energy.
   Mr Tanaka was in Queensland as the keynote speaker at the Clean Energy Conference on the Gold Coast and the Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson took the chance to meet him and “let him know that Queensland is open for clean energy business”.

Mine is significant project
The proposed $900 million expansion of Rio Tinto Aluminium’s Weipa bauxite mining operations South of the Embley River has been declared a ‘significant project’ and would now undergo a rigorous environmental assessment process.
   Coordinator-General of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Colin Jensen said he would develop a draft terms of reference for the environmental impact statement, which would cover the South of the Embley project’s potential environmental, economic and social impacts.
   He said the draft terms of reference would be released for public comment and the public would have a second and more significant opportunity to comment when the EIS was released.

Comment call on marine precinct
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has called for submissions on the proposed Townsville Marine Precinct Project.
   Releasing the draft Terms of Reference, Coordinator-General Colin Jensen called on interested parties to comment on the terms that would shape the Environmental Impact Statement.
   Mr Jensen said that the Port of Townsville was proposing to provide a dedicated marine precinct for commercial and recreational use at the mouth of the Ross River.
   He said submissions could be made online at www.dip.qld.gov.au until 22 December.

Turtle returns to EPA
Researchers with the Environmental Protection Agency at Mon Repos Conservation Park near Bundaberg, have been reunited with a flatback turtle who has been monitored for 31 years.
   The EPA’’s Dr Col Limpus said flatback turtle X8473 was first recorded nesting in 1977, and despite run-ins with sharks and boat strikes, had come back for her 15th recorded breeding season.
   “Despite more than three decades of records, we still don’t know where she lives,” Dr Limpus said.
   “In the time we’ve been recording her, she has been hit at least twice by boats and survived, and carries healed fractures on her shell, and in the 1996 nesting season she was mauled by a shark.”

20 November, 2008

Audit finds records are right on tune

A number of Departments have received positive reports from the Auditor-General after he revisited a 2006 audit to follow-up progress on recommendations from a Performance Management Systems Audit of fees, charges and capital works.
   On his recent return visit, the Auditor found the Departments of Corrective Services, Education Training and the Arts, Health, Housing, Emergency Services, Transport and Primary Industries and Fisheries had either implemented or made substantial progress towards implementing the recommendations he made in 2006.
   In his report, Auditor-General Glenn Poole said he was pleased to find that all Departments had accepted his recommendations and had seen the value in improving their systems.
   “Six of the seven Departments reviewed have implemented all recommendations addressed to them in the 2006 audits,” Mr Poole said.
   “DPI&F is yet to action one of my recommendations regarding the Department’s fees and charges policy, however substantial progress has been made and the Department has confirmed its commitment to full implementation.”
   Mr Poole said that since 2006, DPI&F had undertaken a comprehensive review of all its fees and charges and related methodologies and procedures, and was using the results to improve consistency across the Department.
   He said although all Departments had either implemented or made substantial progress towards implementing the recommendations, four of the seven Departments showed no evidence of a formal process to follow up the audits.
   “Given the value of independent review and the commitment made by the Accountable Officers to implement PMSA recommendations, it is essential that Departments have in place an effective formal method for monitoring implementation,” he said.
   Mr Poole also said another important aspect of good governance was a quality assurance system, which included policies and procedures, internal review and reporting frameworks.
   He said such systems were an important tool used by management to ensure that legislation and Government guidelines were complied with.

20 November, 2008

Staff support plan paying dividends

A long-term strategy to support child safety workers better was paying dividends with staff separations dropping by 8 per cent.
   Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said the retention of staff was a major challenge for child protection agencies across Australia.
   “Supporting staff has been my number one priority since I became Child Safety Minister just over a year ago,” Mrs Keech said.
   “I never accepted that we could not improve our retention rate.”
   She said since becoming Minister she had made improving support to staff a priority – “and we are now starting to see the results.”
   Mrs Keech said staff turnover was, in part, reflective of the demographics of the Child Safety workforce, which was approximately 86 per cent female and 45 per cent under 35 years of age – in contrast to the Public Sector average of 66 per cent female and 26 per cent under the age of 35 years.
   “Our frontline officers work in the face of threats and abuse from parents – the same people whose abuse and threats caused us to intervene in their families in the first place,” she said
   “Despite that, 85 per cent of those who have left say they would return to the Department. In fact, 105 have rejoined since July 2007.”
   Mrs Keech said a number of initiatives had and were being implemented to reduce separations.
   She said these included the creation of a new Staff Support Branch; workload reduction strategies; incentives and accommodation support for those working in rural and remote areas; better on-the-job and leadership training; mentoring of inexperienced staff and improving career paths.
   Mrs Keech said almost one-third of frontline CSOs had been promoted from PO2 to PO3 level, thanks to a special budget allocation of $2.2 million this financial year that will put up to $315 extra in CSOs’ pockets.
   Entry qualifications have been expanded to diversify the workforce and the Department was working with the Queensland Public Sector Union to provide a more flexible workplace and better work/life balance for staff.
   “The Government is confronting the challenge head-on by valuing and supporting our child safety staff,” Mrs Keech said.
   “We are looking over the horizon to build a better child protection system and a more stable workforce.”

20 November, 2008

Disaster plans rise in wake of storm

Disaster assistance programs have been activated in the south-east of the State in the wake of the severe storms that struck last weekend.
   The joint State and Commonwealth-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) were invoked for Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Somerset, Logan City and the Sunshine Coast Local Government areas.
   Premier Anna Bligh also spoke to Acting Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, about these arrangements.
   Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said it was clear that many people would need help to recover from the severe storm.
   “SES have received calls for help from Queenslanders who have lost their roof, had their homes flooded, lost power and had property damaged,” Mr Roberts said.
   “More than 200 SES volunteers have worked throughout the night to assist residents in need and I thank them for their efforts.”
   Minister for Police and Corrective Services Judy Spence also approved the deployment of 60 police recruits and selected 20 low-level security prisoners to assist with storm clean-up work.
   Ms Spence said the police recruits in the field had been deployed to the SES Windsor depot, and had assisted with the clean-up of vegetation and debris around fallen powerlines.
   Mr Roberts said the NDRRA would provide immediate financial assistance to those experiencing personal hardship as a result of the storm.
   “Personal hardship grants of $165 per person and up to $765 per family may be available for directly impacted residents who have been unable to recover via their own means,” Mr Roberts said.
   “Mean-tested essential household contents replacement and building repairs grant assistance may also be available of up to $10,100 for eligible individuals and up to $13,600 for eligible couples or families.”
   Mr Roberts said personal hardship assistance to individuals and families was administered by the Department of Communities which could be contacted on 1800 173 349.

20 November, 2008

Emergency award is in safe hands

An Administrative Officer with the Brisbane City Council has been named the State Emergency Service’s Member of the Year.
   Jan Irons of the SES Brisbane Unit won the award after nearly 30 years of volunteering.
   Ms Irons’s service was most notable for her experience when she was one of only two women who were external rescue crew members with the helicopter rescue team.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts presented the Award to Ms Irons saying that despite the high standard of nominations for this year’s annual State Emergency Service Week Award, she was still a stand-out nominee.
   “Jan is regarded throughout the State as one the most dedicated and hard-working members of the SES,” Mr Roberts said.
   “She is the kind of volunteer who gives 100 per cent, 100 per cent of the time. She has always been an inspiration to her colleagues and richly deserves to be awarded this honour.”
   He said Ms Irons was awarded the Australia Day Emergency Services Medal five years ago for her bravery, having placed herself in very real personal danger to assist people in need as a member of the helicopter rescue crew.
   “Jan is committed to developing disaster plans and awareness in the community, and contributes significant time each week to provide leadership and training to groups around the Brisbane area,” Mr Roberts said.
   He said she had taken her dedication to the SES to the next level through her tireless involvement in other SES-related activities such as the SES State Rescue Competition.
   Other State awards presented at the ceremony were Queensland’s SES Unit of the Year and Queensland’s SES Operational Response of the Year.

20 November, 2008

Nature parks close after nature’s visit

The Environmental Protection Agency closed all national parks and forests in the south-east region and Gold Coast hinterland following the destructive storms that hit the area last weekend.
   Regional Manager for parks and wildlife, Jason Jacobi said the wild weather caused major damage to a number of the parks, forcing all walking tracks, campgrounds and information centres to be closed.
   Mr Jacobi said protected areas around Brisbane’s western and northern suburbs were hit hard - Brisbane Forest Park, Samford State Forest, Bunyaville Forest Reserve and D’Aguilar Range including Mt Mee State Forest and Forest Reserve.
    “Lamington and Springbrook national parks in the Gold Coast hinterland have also been severely affected by the storms,” Mr Jacobi said.
   “Initial assessments indicate there has been extensive damage from tree falls over walking tracks and roads, phone and electricity lines are down and only intermittent mobile phone service is available in some areas.”
   He said clean-up work to remove the storm debris would be done as quickly as possible but repairs to damaged infrastructure may take a little longer.
   “All areas and facilities will be checked to ensure they are safe before they reopen,” he said.
   Mr Jacobi said some wildlife and vegetation species may have been affected, but storms were a normal part of the Australian environment and most would bounce back.
   He said information about Parks closures and affected areas was available at www.epa.qld.gov.au

20 November, 2008

Mayors link up for assault on Canberra

An alliance of Mayors from North Queensland travelled to Canberra to push the region’s case for infrastructure funding at the recent Australian Council of Local Government forum.
   Mayors representing the Greater North Queensland region presented a funding submission detailing $5 billion in priority infrastructure projects in communities from Mackay in the north and Mount Isa in the west.
   Spokesman for the Northern Mayors Alliance, Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell, said he presented the infrastructure submission to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia, Gary Gray.
   Councillor Tyrell said the list of essential rail, road, port, water and energy infrastructure projects emerged from the meeting of northern Mayors in Townsville last month.
   “This is a great opportunity to put our case to the Minister in person,” Councillor Tyrell said.
   “There are a lot of committed mayors in North Queensland who have come together to join this fight for a better deal for our communities.”
   He said the Alliance’s submission included upgrades to major roads, particularly the Bruce Highway to all weather status; improvements to the Mount Isa to Townsville rail line; a base load power station; dams; and environmental and transport infrastructure.
   He said Northern mayors formed the Alliance after research released at the Northern Economic Conference in Townsville showed Governments were under-funding infrastructure and development in North Queensland by up to $2 billion a year.

20 November, 2008

Spinal education has plenty of backbone

An education program promoting spinal injury prevention was on track to reach the major milestone of 80,000 students by the end of the year.
   Minister for Disabilities Services, Lindy Nelson-Carr said Disability Services Queensland had provided funding of $90,000 over three years for the Spinal Injuries Association program which informs young people about spinal cord injury and how to prevent it.
   “The program targets young ones and raises their awareness about preventing spinal cord injuries before they enter the highest risk time of sustaining an injury, between 15 and 30,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
    “We know young adults are at higher risk of spinal cord injury than any other group, with the top three causes being road trauma, falls or crushes, and water-related accidents.”
   She said it was important to get the prevention message out as far and as wide as possible.
   By the end of September, the Association’s Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) had visited some 324 schools and addressed some 55,000 children.
   “This team’s wonderful volunteers, who have a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair, go to schools to share their real life experiences which is a powerful way to deliver this education message across the State,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   “I pay particular tribute this week to the program’s longest-serving presenters – Wayne Leo, 57 (River Hills), who has been with SEAT from the start and has presented to some 225,000 students, and presenter of 15 years Robert Spencer, 50 (Bridgeman Downs), who this year celebrated presenting to 75,000 students.”
   Mr Leo sustained a spinal cord injury in a motorbike accident in 1984.
   “I was hit by a car while travelling home from work. The car didn’t stop, so there wasn’t much I could do as far as prevention goes,” he said.
   “But by joining the SEAT program back in 1987, I found I could do something to prevent the preventable – particularly among young people, and young males more specifically, who are at a higher risk.”
   He said SEAT presentations were tailored for primary and secondary school students and were highly personal, which really hit home with younger audiences.
   “With the majority of Queenslanders who sustain a spinal cord injury aged between 15 and 30, we’re out there sharing valuable injury prevention and safety messages directly with people who are in – or near – the high-risk age group,” Mr Leo said.
   Ms Nelson Carr said the SEAT program was an investment in the safety of Queensland’s young people.
   “The team is working hard to reach its target of speaking to 80,000 children by the end of the year – that’s an incredible milestone worth celebrating.”

20 November, 2008

Councils rated in Treasury report

Queensland Treasury Corporation has issued its final report into the financial health of the State’s Local Government sector prior to the recent amalgamation.
   The report has been welcomed by Local Government Minister, Warren Pitt.
   Mr Pitt said QTC’s Financial sustainability in Queensland Local Government – findings and recommendations report showed the need to build a stronger Local Government sector for Queensland’s future.
  He said of the 109 Councils reviewed, 38 per cent were either ‘weak’, ‘very weak’ or ‘financially distressed’.
   “In particular, concerns were once again raised about an over-reliance on rates revenue, under-utilisation of appropriate debt funding for capital projects and the lack of financial forecasting beyond three to five years,” Mr Pitt said.
   “The results of the financial sustainability reviews carried out by QTC were one of the indicators supporting the Local Government reform program – and the release of the final report today has confirmed this decision.”
   He said the findings aligned with a national report in 2006, which showed Councils across the country faced major financial sustainability challenges and, without reform, up to 30 per cent might not be sustainable.
   He said Local Government had changed significantly since the March 15 elections this year, and Local Government was now better equipped to manage Queensland’s growing population, and better placed to tackle the challenges of planning over a 10 or 20-year horizon.
   Mr Pitt said QTC had also developed an evidence-based methodology, which would facilitate continued research and development into future financial sustainability of Councils.
   “As part of its review of the financial position of councils in Queensland, QTC has developed a set of indicators tailored to the unique requirements of Local Government,” he said.
   “There has been significant interest in this methodology from Local Governments in other states as, like Queensland, they work towards better long-term planning and financial sustainability.”

20 November, 2008

Cold hard facts on global warming

Queensland has committed itself to playing a role in the national response to climate change by joining the Federal Government's carbon pollution reduction scheme.
   Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson made the commitment saying the State faced an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to come to terms with the tough challenges that lie ahead.
   "We will play our part in a national response to tackle climate change through the Federal Government's carbon pollution reduction scheme," Mr Wilson said.
   "But one option is undeniably clear: the long term future for Queensland and the world does not include business as usual. We cannot keep doing what we were doing. We owe it to future generations.”
   Mr Wilson said the Commonwealth Treasury had predicted its carbon pollution reduction scheme would come at a price, and could add up to 17% or $7 a week to average household electricity and gas costs.
   He said the price rise was not welcome news and the Government would continue to support those households in need.
   "We've had electricity increases in recent years and we've stepped in to help the battlers,” he said.
   “We increased our electricity rebate for pensioners and seniors from $145 to $165 a year, we established a $3 million scheme for people in financial hardship who had trouble paying their bills and we gave households and small businesses in regional Queensland more than $600 million in subsidies last year - that's around $1,000 per household.”
   Mr Wilson said the independent Energy Ombudsman gave electricity consumers somewhere to turn to.
   He said an independent market regulator is expected to release a draft decision for next year's price change next month and their consultants had flagged a 10 per cent increase.
   "We will take up the fight for consumers as we've done in the past,” he said.
   “And make no mistake, we will put a strong case to the Federal Government, arguing for the maximum compensation for Queensland energy consumers.”

20 November, 2008

AFL kicks goal in stadium deal

The planned new AFL team on the Gold Coast will have the chance to play in front of its home supporters and the Brisbane Lions are to get upgraded facilities following an agreement being reached between the Queensland Government and the Australian Football League.
   Sport Minister Judy Spence said it was a good outcome for the Government, the AFL and for the State’s Australian football fans.
   “It’s a win for the AFL and the Brisbane Lions in that it delivers enhanced facilities for the club and visiting AFL teams,” Ms Spence said.
   “It’s a win for the Gabba in that it will allow for the venue to expand its already impressive facilities.”
   Most importantly, she said, it was a win for the AFL fans in Brisbane with the prospect of two more AFL games a year and a Blockbuster Easter Thursday fixture in Brisbane.
   AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the agreement was a great result for all parties.
   “The AFL acknowledged there was an agreement in place in respect of the Gabba and we have always said we do not walk away from our agreements,” Mr Demetriou said.
   He said the AFL was excited about the ongoing development of the game in Queensland and continuing its discussions with Local and State Government regarding an appropriate stadium development on the Gold Coast.
   As part of the new agreement reached with Stadiums Queensland, Mr Demetriou said the fit-out of the change rooms in the recently constructed final section of the Gabba would be completed, and additional games would be scheduled to help the venue recover some of the $260 million total cost of the Gabba redevelopment.
   “In this case the settlement we have reached will meet the costs of fitting out these rooms, which can then be used by visitor teams when playing the Lions as well as enhancing the facilities used by the AFL at the Gabba,” Mr Demetriou said.
   “Also, the Brisbane Lions will be able to expand their football department into the area previously used by visiting teams, giving them the additional space they have been seeking for some time.”
   Ms Spence said the new agreement reached between Stadiums Queensland and the AFL also provided that:

The new Gold Coast team would play its home games against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba up until 2015;
The Brisbane Lions had the opportunity to bring an additional AFL Premiership round game to the Gabba, by contracting with another team (as it did for a number of years with Melbourne Football Club) up until 2020;
An Easter Thursday blockbuster game would be scheduled for the Gabba each year up until 2020 (subject to cricket commitments); and
The AFL and new Gold Coast team would have the option to schedule additional games at the Gabba as it wished, to take advantage of its 40,000 seating capacity.

20 November, 2008

Housing paper is door to sustainability

New figures

Improving Sustainable Housing in Queensland

95 per cent support for mandating minimum energy ratings for air-conditioners
95 per cent support for prevent household covenants restricting energy efficient design
91 per cent support for star ratings for pool pumps.
90 per cent support FOR minimum 5-star energy ratings for new units
90 per cent support for 5-star housing
82 per cent support for better recognition for outdoor living areas in building codes
70 per cent support for mandatory declarations of a property’s sustainable features during marketing for sale

20 November, 2008

Traffic camera net spreads to Roma

Queensland’s network

www.mainroads.qld.gov.au

20 November, 2008

Diabetes warning intended to needle

World Diabetes Day

20 November, 2008

Road upgrade to drive tourist plan

Preliminary roadworks

20 November, 2008

Smartcard technology drives new licences

Queensland Transport

20 November, 2008

Crime pays off in continuing trend

Crime levels in Queensland

Queensland Police Service 2007-08 Annual Statistical Review

20 November, 2008

Concessions directive updated

A revised Directive

Leave and Travel Concessions

www.psier.qld.gov.au

Memorial register being collated

The Department of Public Works

Queensland power tops

Demand for power

Carbon demonstration plant

Construction has commenced

Waterwise at Gatton

Gatton State School

Fraudsters remanded

Two former

Reef protectors meet

Canegrowers and graziers

Smoking outlawed

Tough new laws

Tourism tours Europe

Twenty-five Queensland tourism operators

Queensland on Tour

Traders take Middle East route

Thirty-eight representatives

Tropical images on credit cards

A unique partnership deal

Jobseekers skilled

Twelve disadvantaged jobseekers

Germans see reef images

Images of the Great Barrier Reef

13November, 2008

Treasurer rolls over on PS super scheme

State Treasurer Andrew Fraser

13November, 2008

Energy giveaway is shining light

A program

13November, 2008

Ombudsman notes whistleblower study

Queensland Ombudsman David Bevan

Whistling While they Work: Enhancing the Theory and Practice of Internal Witness Management in Public Sector Organisations

http://express.anu.edu.au/whistleblowing_citation.html

13November, 2008

Local groceries are out of the box

Queensland’s independent supermarkets

www.grocerychoice.gov.au

13November, 2008

Hospitals working at breakneck speed

Queensland hospitals

13November, 2008

Inspectors recover wages of sin

Inspectors with the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations

13November, 2008

Mapping software finds way to award

An innovative software program

13November, 2008

Police wrap up early Christmas presence

Queensland police

13November, 2008

Emergency database no website disaster

A new internet database

13November, 2008

Disaster practice is mine of information

A mock disaster

13November, 2008

Emergency week ready for action

Queenslanders have been urged

13November, 2008

Paradise not lost on disease control

Biosecurity experts

13November, 2008

Joint project is in for the skill

A joint program

13November, 2008

Election reform gets vote of confidence

The Queensland Parliament’s

www.parliament.qld.gov.au/LCARC

13November, 2008

Safety programs secure awards

Two lifesaving safety programs

Mitigating the adverse impacts of cyclones: Evacuation and Shelter

13November, 2008

Clever network is smart idea

The Noosa Clever Networks project

www.dbcde.gov.au/clevernetworks

13November, 2008

More police on the way

An extra 106 traffic police

Parks paying for their keep

A report from the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre

More emergency room in Rocky

An extra $1 million

Alcohol management to apply

Revised alcohol restrictions

Council Bill defended again

The Minister for Local Government

IT tender open to all

The Australian Defence Force

Backpacker hostels warned

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

6 November, 2008

Building awards lift roof at Public Works

The talented women

Karen Lyon Reid of the Queensland Government Accommodation Office on the Gold Coast who won the Brisbane CityWorks Crystal Vision Award for advancing and furthering the interests of women in the construction industry
Rosemary Axon of Project Services in Brisbane who took out the Department of Public Works Award for achievement in construction;
Heidi Newman of Project Services in Brisbane won the BUSY at Work Award for achievement in design;
Kerry Carmody of Qbuild on the South Coast won the John Holland Award for achievement as a businesswoman;
Allison Julian of Qbuild at Mt Isa won the Construction Skills Queensland Award;
Christine Murray, the Public Arts Built-in Manager in Brisbane won the Laing O’Rourke Award for innovation; and
Gemma Child of Project services took out the Leighton Contractors Award for achievement in sustainable development.

6 November, 2008

Crime pays for relocated police

A new incentive scheme

6 November, 2008

Setter settled as DG for DPI&F

The Acting Director-General

6 November, 2008

Testing time for Board of Examiners

The Board

6 November, 2008

New jail plan given the hard sell

Public comment is being sought

6 November, 2008

Honoured teachers are a class apart

The best educators in the State

6 November, 2008

Pay offer hosed down by firefighters

The State’s Firefighters

6 November, 2008

ASIC hits note with unclaimed melody

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission

www.fido.gov.au

infoline@asic.gov.au

www.asic.gov.au

6 November, 2008

Disability office is ready and able

A new office in Cairns

6 November, 2008

Conflict arises over new conflict rules

The Minister for Local Government

6 November, 2008

Mentor program to be looked after

The State-wide trial

Different People Working Together Pilot

Different People Working Together Mentor Pilot Program

6 November, 2008

Environment awards are being sustained

The Environmental Protection Agency’s

Corporate Sustainability Award - ALDI Australia – Loganholme;
Industrial Eco-efficiency Award - Buderim Ginger Limited – Yandina;
Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award - RedFlow Pty Ltd – Seventeen Mile Rocks;
Minister’s Award for ClimateSmart Leadership - News Limited – Murarrie, Brisbane and Cairns;
Rural Sustainability Award - Groves Grown Tropical Fruit - Yeppoon;
Sustainability Partnerships Award - Wide Bay Water and Dhugamin CDEP Pty Ltd – Hervey Bay;
Sustainability in the Built Environment Award - Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Leighton Properties Pty Ltd – Brisbane;
Resource Industries Sustainability Award - Consolidated Rutile Limited – Dunwich; and
Premier’s Award for Leadership in Business Sustainability - Martin Albrecht AC, CEO of Thiess, one of Australia’s largest construction, mining and services companies.

6 November, 2008

Call to iron out aged care wrinkles

Queensland Health Minister,

6 November, 2008

Door-to-door selling gets knocked off

New laws to stop door-to-door selling

6 November, 2008

On-the-spot fines have nuisance value

A 12-month trial,

6 November, 2008

Healthy Kids plan gets a start in life

A three-year pilot program

Healthy, Happy Kids

Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland

6 November, 2008

Shorter long service leave

The Minister for Industrial Relations

Cyclone season launched

The 2008 Cyclone Season

Behaviour Centre opened

Australia’s first

NatStats08 to meet

The inaugural NatStats08 Conference

Site licences seen to

Site supervisors

www.bsa.qld.gov.au

Solar panel is school first

Edge Hill State School

Limousines take to the road

The types of vehicles

Hendra submissions extended

The date for submissions

Strait provides heritage bodies

Torres Strait’s Masigalgal and Dauanalgaw Corporations