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SearchArchives for February 2011
24 February, 2011
Call to toughen
tender terms
The Australian Institute of Criminology has called for tougher requirements in Government tenders to help cut down the incidence of cybercrime.
The AIC also suggests Departments and Agencies should play a greater role in helping IT companies design more security-protected products.
Senior research analyst with the Commission, Raymond Choo was quoted in ZD Net as saying there was a need to “cultivate a culture of security” within Government procurement services.
“[Government should] create an environment conducive for ICT service or content providers to achieve marketing and competitive advantages if they offer products and services with higher levels and more innovative types of security,” Mr Choo said.
“There will never be enough policing resources to investigate all cybercrime.”
Mr Choo said a “one-stop 24/7 reporting website” could be established to help feed better cybercrime statistics to law enforcement agencies.
He said this would also enable coordinated action by Government and law enforcement agencies and the private sectors to have a better understanding of the frequency and extent of cybercrime incidents.
He said the difficulties in prosecuting individuals for online crime stem from a lack of consistency of legal frameworks across countries.
In order for a conviction to be successful, alleged misconduct must constitute an offence in both the country seeking prosecution and that in which the alleged offence was made.
Mr Choo said countries should establish laws to outlaw the creation of networks used for illegal purposes to crackdown on botnets and distributed denial-of-service attacks,.
He said Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United States have a relatively comprehensive legislative framework in place to deal with cybercrime.
Mr Choo said tougher measures should also be enforced to reduce abuse of the domain name system, including the creation of a stricter domain name registration regime, and ensuring domain names and IP addresses suspected of being used for cyber criminal activities were revoked.
24 February, 2011
New faces on
front bench
Premier Anna Bligh has reshuffled her Cabinet, welcoming three new members and replacing two Ministers leaving Parliament at the next election.
In sweeping changes, there are new roles for four Ministers who are being asked to take on bigger jobs in the new Cabinet to support her as Reconstruction Minister.
“I have called on my most senior Ministers to step up, as our Government and our State step up to the challenge of rebuilding after a summer of unprecedented natural disasters,” Ms Bligh said.
“This reflects the Government’s key priority of rebuilding the State.”
Deputy Premier, Paul Lucas will become Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State, the latter role dealing with emerging matters that otherwise would have come to the Premier.
Andrew Fraser will stay on as Treasurer in addition to becoming Minister for State Development and Trade.
Geoff Wilson will be the new Health Minister and Cameron Dick, who has been Attorney-General, will take over from Geoff Wilson in Education and retain his role as Minister for Industrial Relations.
The Premier said she had also asked Rachel Nolan to take on the Finance and Arts portfolios.
“As Finance Minister, Rachel will take responsibility for Government-owned corporations, Queensland Investment Corporation and Queensland Competition Authority, as well as Regulatory Reform and Insurance,” Ms Bligh said.
“The creation of the Finance portfolio means the Treasurer will be able to focus on consolidating the State’s Budget, and it’s economic and trade relations to drive Queensland’s economy as we rebuild.”
Ms Nolan’s previous Transport portfolio goes to Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten, who has held the portfolio since 1998 is to retire at the next election.
He joins Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle, a Cabinet member since 2004, who has said this term will be her last.
Ms Bligh said the State faced an enormous task of rebuilding after the dual disasters of widespread flooding and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
“This is the right team and the right mix of portfolio responsibilities to get Queensland through this massive job of rebuilding and recovery,” she said.
She said the new members of the Ministry come from diverse backgrounds.
Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt is a first first-term MP and former Public Servant who won the seat vacated by his father, Warren Pitt, who was Minister for Main Roads up to his retirement in 2009.
Yeerongpilly MP Simon Finn’s Brisbane-based electorate borders on Ms Bligh’s South Brisbane electorate, both of which were affected by January’s flooding.
Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt is a former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Tourism.
A full list of the new Ministry can be downloaded at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Award a win for
on-call staff
The Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations (PSIER) Division of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General has announced amendments to Awards affecting Queensland Public Service staff relating to on-call allowances.
The amendments are a result of direct negotiations with relevant unions and came into force on 11 February.
They provide clarity around the application of different entitlements where employees undertake out-of-hours responsibilities, staying at home, but on call.
The amendments, which affect two awards, the Queensland Public Service Award – State 2003 and the Employees of Queensland Government Departments (Other Than Public Servants) Award – State 2003, relate to the provision of advice and other responsibilities conducted over the telephone and not considered as “normal duties”.
These limited responsibilities would have the following characteristics: information only is provided, incidental to the employees’ duties as opposed to a core part of their role; calls of short duration (less than 10 minutes); no out-of-hours, continuing responsibility for the employee to coordinate a response to the call or assume responsibility for managing the issue; no expectation that further calls regarding the same issue would occur.
Employees seeking further or more detailed information should visit the PSIER website at this PS News link where the amendments will be available after their publication on the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission website.
24 February, 2011
BIIG conference
to be big occasion
The annual conference Business Improvement in Government (BIIG) network is to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre next month.
BIIG, which has almost 3,000 subscribers across the Queensland public sector, is in its eighth year.
The network aims to build capacity and capability in public sector improvement and innovation.
Manager of BIIG, Rebecca Hannan said the conference theme for 2011 was All Together Now - Insights, Opinions and Ideas for a Collaborative Public Sector.
“Improving collaboration sounds straightforward - you simply provide the means for people to connect and share information and insights while working together for better outcomes,” Ms Hannan said.
“So why haven’t we realised the level of breakthrough collaboration necessary for us to excel as a public sector?”
The conference would consider this and look at what qualities and environments best serve collaboration while asking whether collaboration was a more complex and enduring journey than originally thought.
“The BIIG Conference will provide opinions and ideas for true public sector collaboration, explore new ways of working together and challenge and inspire participants that it can be achieved,” Ms Hannan said.
All Queensland public sector staff were invited to attend the BIIG conference which would be held on 7 and 8 April.
Further information, including workshop overviews and details of speakers and facilitators could be obtained by clicking on this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
New LNG enforcement
unit cooking with gas
The new one-stop LNG Enforcement Unit has begun operations.
The unit, made up of specialists tasked with monitoring the emerging CSG-LNG industry, will be headed by Andrew Brier.
Minister for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson said its establishment resulted from a Government commitment to increase and focus enforcement capability and resources.
“The Government has put in place strong laws to manage the development of Queensland’s CSG-LNG industry,” Mr Robertson said.
“These laws quite rightly demand very high standards of this emerging industry, and we are determined to make sure that industry meets the standards that we, and the community, expect of it,” he said.
“This team is equipped with the power and the resources to make sure this industry adheres to its legislative obligations to the Queensland community.”
Mr Robertson said the unit would develop strategic compliance plans that included proactive and spot investigations, as well as monitoring the compliance reporting required of the industry.
“The unit will also investigate formal complaints from landholders and lead prosecutions where investigations provide evidence of wrong-doing,” Mr Robertson said.
“It includes environmental and groundwater experts who will form part of the team monitoring environmental impacts, groundwater quality and pressures, and will ensure environmental authority conditions are strictly adhered to,” he said.
It would be backed by the full policy, operational machinery and resources of the Department of Environment and Resource Management and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
24 February, 2011
Full speed ahead
for Main Roads
The majority of big road projects in Queensland are still on track for completion despite the recent natural disasters.
Seventy per cent of State-controlled roads cut by flooding had reopened to traffic within two days.
Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said that when it came to major infrastructure projects, Main Roads was back in business.
“The Pacific Motorway upgrade between the Gateway and Logan Motorways is on schedule for completion in August this year; the Bruce Highway upgrade between Sankeys Road and Traveston Road is on track for completion in June next year and the Douglas Arterial duplication is on schedule,” Mr Wallace said.
“The Townsville Port Access Road will be up and running at the end of next year; the intersection upgrade of Mains and Kessels Roads on the Griffith Arterial Road is still scheduled for completion by June 2014 and the Mount Lindesay Highway between Rosia Road and Chambers Flat, will also be on time,” he said.
Port Connect in the State’s south east was another major project, involving a four-lane expansion of the Port of Brisbane Motorway.
The Minister said Main Roads had embarked on the biggest reconstruction job in its history.
While road crews were busy repairing and rebuilding roads, its sights were firmly fixed on the future, Mr Wallace said.
24 February, 2011
Reinsurance could
be best policy
The Queensland Treasury is to seek expressions of interest for the provision of natural disaster reinsurance coverage for Queensland – including roads.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said most States did not have coverage for their road assets in their reinsurance policies.
“The reason we need this is clear. Damage to road and transport infrastructure for both the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi currently stands at almost half the total damage bill of $5.8 billion,” Mr Fraser said.
“As I have repeatedly stated, getting reinsurance coverage for Queensland is an entirely different proposition than it is for any other State.”
Queensland was prone to natural disasters and the decentralised nature of the population meant many Government buildings and major roads were spread across vast areas.
Minister for Finance, Rachel Nolan said the Government maintained the policy position that the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) were the primary mechanism for funding natural disaster reconstruction for every State and Territory.
“We will go to market in good faith in order to play a constructive role in this debate. That is why Cabinet has approved that we examine the State’s options,” Ms Nolan said.
“However it is important to note that this is not a commitment for the State to purchase reinsurance,” she said.
“We have an obligation to Queensland taxpayers to seek value for money outcomes, as does every other State and Territory Government.”
She said it would be a lengthy and complex process. Barring any details that were commercial in confidence, she would be releasing details of the policy options at its conclusion.
24 February, 2011
Single Department to
run Capital Territory
A review of the Australian Capital Territory’s Public Service has recommended its nine Departments be amalgamated into one and then divided into “Directorates”.
The independent study by former senior Commonwealth officer Allan Hawke, said the single-Department structure would better reflect the city-state nature of the ACT and allow greater coordination between the many areas of the bureaucracy.
ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the Government accepted the wisdom of the report in its totality and would immediately establish a high-level implementation taskforce within the ACT Public Service to work through each of the specific recommendations, advise on necessary legislative changes, timing and funding implications.
“I stressed at the outset that this review was about effectiveness, not about efficiency, and to that end I do not expect that there will be job cuts associated with the restructure,” Mr Stanhope said.
He said Dr Hawke had delivered a thoughtful and robust analysis of the structure of the ACT Public Service, which the Territory inherited from the Commonwealth at the time of Self-Government and which had remained much the same ever since.
“Dr Hawke’s review has found that while the ACT Public Service is in many respects a leader in its field, we would be better served - as a Government and as a community - by a public service designed to meet our own particular needs, taking into account the range of services provided to the community, and the kinds of challenges our city will face in the coming decades,” Mr Stanhope said.
He said the review came at a perfect time in the life of Canberra and was part of a suite of work by the ACT Government that included plans for a thorough review of the ACT Self-Government Act, the first comprehensive review of Territory taxes since Self-Government, and major improvements to methods of community consultation and feedback.
The Hawke review can be found in its entirety at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Kindergarten plan
swings into action
An additional 28 kindergarten services have been fast tracked as part of the Government’s commitment to establish up to 240 extra kindergarten services across the State by 2014.
The 28 services to be co-located at State schools were originally scheduled to open in 2013 and 2014. They will now be ready by 2012.
Premier Anna Bligh said kindergartens provided a strong educational plank to ensure children got a flying start to learning and life.
“This is part of the Government’s commitment to provide universal access to a quality kindergarten service for all Queensland kids in the year before prep,” Ms Bligh said.
“The 28 kindergarten services are in addition to the 17 services we are opening this year and the six which were set up in 2010.”
Education Minister Geoff Wilson said a total of 108 extra kindergarten services would open in State and non-State schools by 2012.
“Having co-located services means a smoother transition to prep for children because they are already familiar with the school environment,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s also convenient for parents who have school-aged children as they can do drop-offs and pick-ups at the same location.”
Further locations of kindergarten services to open at Catholic and Independent schools in 2012 will be announced in coming weeks.
24 February, 2011
Collecting staff to
come to Census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is recruiting staff to help run the 2011 Census, the 100th anniversary of the national count.
More than 43,000 jobs will be created by the Census.
A total of 3,500 casual jobs that are being recruited now are for area supervisor positions.
These officials will oversee the distribution and collection of Census forms to Australia’s 9.8 million households. In April, a further 29,000 collector positions will be advertised nationally.
Assistant Federal Treasurer, Bill Shorten said positions had been created in every region of Australia.
“More than ever, area supervisors are essential to the success of the Census,” Mr Shorten said.
“They help inform planning for future resources and infrastructure and ensure other community needs are placed in their towns,” he said.
“This has never been more important in those communities that have suffered the devastating effects of the recent natural disasters.”
Area supervisors will receive between $4,300 and $7,500 for the part-time position and will be employed from 18 April until 7 October.
More information is available online at this PS News link.
Key Census dates are as follows: February, recruitment of area supervisors begins;
2 -4 March, Beyond the Count conference; early April, recruitment of Census collectors begins; 28 July, eCensus opens to the public; 9 August, Census night; 10 August - early September, collection of Census forms; June 2012, first results from the Census will be released.
24 February, 2011
Mine safety is
dug in deep
The latest annual Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report shows that the State has one of the safest mining industries in the world.
The report finds improvements across most key measures of safety and health.
Minister for Mines, Stephen Robertson said the State had the toughest mining safety laws in the world and was committed to minimising risk so that every worker returned home safe at the end of every shift.
Queensland suffered one fatality in the industry during 2009-10 – a vehicle-related accident in a quarry – compared to four industry fatalities the previous year, the report found.
Work-related injuries in the mining industry also fell in key performance areas of severity, duration and days lost to injury.
Medical treatments dropped from 924 to 546 injuries while lost time injuries fell from 301 to 285. There were 413 disabling injuries, down from 417 the previous year.
“A most important safety and health indicator – the lost time injury plus disabling injury duration rate – fell from 41.4 days to 28.1 days per injury,” Mr Robertson said.
“The lost time injury plus disabling injury severity rate was also down, from 337 to 239 days lost per million hours worked.”
The Minister said that while the number of high potential incidents rose from 1,022 to 1,751, this demonstrated better reporting of such incidents by industry operators.
“The State Government Mines Inspectorate has made a concerted effort to ensure industry reports these incidents so their causes are fully investigated to ensure they do not reoccur,’’ he said.
“Mines inspectors conducted nearly four times as many audits during 2009-10 (243) compared to the previous year (65), and the number of inspections increased from 1,508 to 1,535. “
In a further attempt to improve safety, the Mines and Energy Department’s Mining Safety and Health Division was working closely with the industry to implement proximity detection systems into vehicle fleets to reduce the risk of vehicle-related accidents.
24 February, 2011
State still in
Games race
The appointment of Peta-Kaye Croft as Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games has showed the Government is determined to press ahead with its bid for the 2018 event on the Gold Coast, the Premier said.
Anna Bligh rejected suggestions that following the natural disasters the bid should be abandoned.
“It’s too important for the Gold Coast and for Queensland – and no-one knows the Gold Coast better than Peta-Kaye Croft,” Ms Bligh said.
“She’ll do a great job assisting me in promoting the Coast as the ideal location for the 2018 Games.”
The Premier said it was worth pointing out some lessons from history in relation to floods and Commonwealth Games.
“The 1982 Commonwealth Games [in Brisbane] were eight years after the 1974 floods,” Ms Bligh said.
“We had put the floods behind us and the Games were seen as a real coming of age for the city and for Queensland,” she said.
“The 2018 Games would be eight years after the 2010-11 floods. By then the State’s massive rebuilding effort will be over and the Gold Coast Games will be a big shot in the arm for the Coast and for Queensland.”
Ms Croft said she was delighted with the new position as Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Premier on the Gold Coast and Commonwealth Games.
“A successful bid would mean millions of dollars in new infrastructure for the region and would create thousands of jobs,” Ms Croft said.
“It would set the Gold Coast up for decades to come. This is a tremendous opportunity and I will do everything I can to help push our bid.”
24 February, 2011
Tourism targets
big ticket items
A five-year incentive travel strategy with the aim of promoting the State as one of the world’s top travel destinations has been launched by Tourism Queensland.
Performing the launch at the Asia Pacific Incentive Meetings and Events convention in Melbourne, the outgoing Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said incentive travel was one of the most lucrative travel markets, based on unique and luxury experiences that were used as rewards for companies’ top performing staff.
“In the year ended September 2010, 1.7 million Australian and international visitors undertook an incentive experience in Australia, spending over $1 billion,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Of these, 830,000 spent at least one night on their incentive trip with international incentive visitors spending an average $249 per night and domestic incentive visitors spending an average of $229 per night.”
Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland was partnering with Queensland’s convention bureaux on a collaborative global incentive strategy which aimed to position Queensland as the Asia Pacific’s leading incentive destination.
By launching the new strategy, which includes a dedicated incentive website – www.queenslandincentives.com – Tourism Queensland hopes to secure a larger share of the lucrative market.
The website will also be produced in six languages – English, Chinese (traditional),
Chinese (simplified), Japanese, Korean and German.
Mr Lawlor said the strategy aimed to increase incentive houses’ and companies’ knowledge of Queensland’s unique destinations and experiences.
“This five-year collaborative strategy will enhance the great work that is already being done by the State’s convention bureaus to promote Queensland,” he said.
24 February, 2011
WHSQ clears air with
asbestos warning
The risks involved in cleaning asbestos “fibro” roofs with high pressure water blasters have been stressed by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).
Senior Director, Service Delivery at WHSQ, Jim Carmichael said it was illegal to clean asbestos roofs with a high pressure water blaster as it damaged the roof surface which might cause the release of dangerous asbestos fibres.
“These fibres can become a serious health hazard not only for the people doing the work but also for others in the vicinity,” Mr Carmichael said.
Builders, contractors, tradespeople, business and home owners were urged to familiarise themselves with workplace asbestos handling procedures or face heavy clean-up costs and prosecution.
“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advises that fibro roofs, which are also known as “super 6” and “fibro cement”, do not pose an increased risk to human health if they are in good condition and not disturbed,” he said.
“Cleaning of such roof surfaces, which have been submerged by flood water, may be carried out using general water hoses but the surface should be checked during the cleaning process to ensure it is not being damaged.”
Mr Carmichael said using high pressure water cleaners, rather than domestic garden hoses, increased the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
“Cleaning up asbestos debris from improperly cleaned roofs often requires extensive clean-up which must be undertaken by licensed asbestos removal specialists at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars,” Mr Carmichael said.
“The affected properties may also not be able to be accessed for weeks,” he said.
“Well maintained asbestos cement roofs are not a risk to human health unless they are physically disturbed or being worked on,” he said.
“They can be left alone until they are no longer water tight.”
24 February, 2011
Rail savings
steam ahead
Taxpayers are expected to benefit from a $171 million saving following a competitive tendering process for the Springfield Rail Project.
TrackStar Alliance has been awarded the $475 million Richlands-to-Springfield section of the project now due for completion in 2013, two years ahead of schedule.
The announcement comes after the Government’s decision to open the $800 million first stage of the project, from Darra to Richlands on 17 January during the flooding disaster.
Premier Anna Bligh said the project was a massive investment for public transport in the Western Corridor region, and would reduce the number of vehicles on the Centenary Highway.
The project includes: two state-of-the-art train stations at Springfield Lakes and Springfield; a 9.5-kilometre dual track rail line from Richlands to Springfield; an auxiliary city-bound lane on the Centenary Highway between Springfield Parkway and Johnson Road; two crossings under the Centenary Highway from Springfield Station to the Orion Shopping Centre and a pedestrian and cycle path connecting Richlands to Springfield.
In addition there will be park’n’ride spaces at both Springfield (100) and Springfield Lakes (200) and bicycle lockers and racks, kiss’n’ride bays, disability access and CCTV coverage of all areas.
“During morning peak the new rail line could potentially take up to 2,500 cars off the Centenary Highway with the trip from Springfield to Brisbane taking approximately 40 minutes,” Ms Bligh said.
24 February, 2011
Travel corridor
shows way ahead
The final route for the Sunshine Coast’s 23-kilometre green transport corridor has been announced.
Bus travel times between Caloundra and Maroochydore will be cut by up to 13 minutes, and pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit along the CoastConnect corridor.
Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said the Government would now begin protecting the corridor so a mix of bus priority intersections, bus lanes, and shared bike and pedestrian ways could be built.
“CoastConnect will provide faster and more reliable transport options and is an important part of the Government’s long-term plan to meet the Sunshine Coast’s increasing transport needs,” Ms Nolan said.
The community had played a key part in finalising the corridor and in developing the project and feedback had been incorporated, including minimising impacts on Alexandra Parade and Aerodrome Road, increasing car parks, and fast tracking the Maroochydore Bus station.
“As already committed last year, the busy Alexandra Parade will remain as four lanes only, with bus priority at key intersections,” she said.
“We’re extremely grateful to the community for their input and patience throughout the planning process.”
Construction is planned to begin in 2014 with completion between Caloundra and Maroochydore scheduled for 2019, as part of the Government’s $13 billion boost to green transport on the Sunshine Coast over 20 years.
24 February, 2011
Directives to be reviewed
A review of three Directives is being undertaken by the Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations Division of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
The Directives 1/06 – Overtime Meal Allowances; 10/07 – Field Staff; and 18/09 – Special Leave are to be reviewed.
Feedback about difficulties interpreting or applying the Directives as well as any comment on improving them is welcomed.
Comments should be made to psier@justice.qld.gov.au by 4 March.
Asbestos clean-up
A team of 25 QBuild workers has begun helping with the removal of suspected asbestos-containing material from cyclone-damaged properties at Tully Heads and Hull Heads.
QBuild staff will do a walk-through inspection of public lands and residential sites to collect suspected asbestos-containing material.
Representatives also attended a public meeting at Tully Heads inform the local community of progress.
Uni guide on iPhone app
A student-developed iPhone application will assist visitors to the University of Queensland.
UQnav is a free application that contains searchable maps of the university’s campuses.
It is the first in a series of mobile phone applications which will be rolled out by the university over the coming months.
Super Clinic underway
Construction has begun on a GP Super Clinic for the Bundaberg region.
The clinic will provide a range of services in the Bundaberg community, including additional GPs, nurse practitioners, a physiotherapist, psychologist, dietician and audiologist.
The Federal Government has provided $5 million to establish the clinic, which will be one of 16 GP Super Clinics to be located in Queensland.
Help for charities
Grants for eligible charitable businesses and not-for-profit organisations following the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi have been announced by the Federal Government.
These grants will help not-for-profit groups in affected areas get back on their feet to once again provide important local-based services like counselling, medical care, child care, family counselling, job-training and employment.
Organisations seeking further information about the grants should contact the Queensland Department of Communities on 1800 173 349.
Consultation on quarry
Public consultation has opened on the draft Terms of Reference for the environmental assessment of a proposed Gold Coast quarry.
The release of the Terms of Reference follows the declaration of the proposed quarry as a Significant Project.
Submissions must be lodged by close of business on 1 April.
17 February, 2011
Archives on record
for saving documents
Queensland State Archives has issued advice on the recovery of public records that may have been lost or damaged in the recent floods and cyclone.
The advice includes a number of do’s and don’ts as well as new forms to notify archives of lost files and documents.
It includes advice such as not taking unnecessary risks, and never to assume that records are unsalvageable.
“Records may look worse than they are – consult with a commercial salvage provider or Queensland State Archives if you are unsure. Remember your obligations under the Public Records Act 2002,” the Archives said in a statement.
Evidence of damage should be collected as quickly as possible with photos, videos, and/or written reports. If possible, damaged records should be identified even if only at a broad level, such as personnel files.
“Identify if electronic back-up of records exists as this will help you prioritise any salvage efforts. You may need to contact your IT Department for advice,” the Archives said.
In response to the recent disasters the Archives have developed two forms and a tool for listing damaged or lost public records.
The Notification of Lost Public Records form is to assist public authorities in formally notifying the State Archivist of lost records.
The Application to Dispose of Damaged Public Records form requests the State Archivist to consider authorising the disposal of public records that may not be able to be salvaged as the result of a disaster.
Finally, a listing and description of damaged or lost records must be completed and submitted with the forms.
17 February, 2011
Premier takes lead in
reconstruction task
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will be overseen by Premier, Anna Bligh who has given herself the additional title of Minister for Reconstruction.
The Reconstruction Authority will report directly to the Premier.
Ms Bligh said the rebuilding effort was central to the future prosperity of the State which must emerge better and stronger than before.
“These natural disasters have turned lives and communities upside down right across the State and the recovery effort will touch every sector of Government,” Ms Bligh said.
“As Premier, I have a wide-ranging brief and am best placed to oversee the Authority as Minister for Reconstruction,” she said.
“This authority will have wide-ranging powers to cut red tape and get the job done quickly and effectively.”
A Parliamentary Bill establishes the Authority to coordinate the Government’s program of reconstruction.
Its powers will include the declaration of designated reconstruction areas where rebuilding can be fast tracked; the ability to intervene in regulatory or approval processes to get things moving; slashing red tape to begin rebuilding as soon as possible, and to actually undertake reconstruction or development works as soon as possible.
Ms Bligh said the recovery task was immense, but not impossible.
“We fully recognise the primary and vital role of Local Governments in the reconstruction task, particularly for land use and building approvals, and the Authority will work together with Local Government to expedite reconstruction works in the first instance,” she said.
“But the Authority’s powers will ensure it is also able to intervene where necessary to get the reconstruction moving.”
17 February, 2011
FNQ gets the works
from Public Works
The Department of Public Works has moved staff and equipment into Cairns to help Far North Queensland get back on its feet.
Sixty-six QBuild workers from Brisbane, 73 extra Government vehicles, 2,500 beds and stretchers, 150 pumps and 54 generators have been sent to the city to help communities recover from Cyclone Yasi.
The 66 QBuild staff will join 24 extra staff in Townsville and 160 local QBuild workers, bringing total QBuild staff to 250.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said QBuild was on the ground from Cairns to Townsville, including “ground zero” communities such as Innisfail, Silkwood, Mission Beach, Tully and Cardwell.
“They are doing damage assessments and maintenance on schools, TAFEs, residences and other Government infrastructure,” Mr Schwarten said.
Assistance from the Department of Public Works included: the letting of 65 contracts to remove trees and other vegetation; working on around 180 repair projects in the region including schools, TAFEs, police stations, Government residences and health facilities; an urgent engineering inspection for Cairns Hospital allowing it to be reoccupied, and health facilities at Innisfail, Babinda, Gordonvale, Edmonton and Yarrabah inspected to confirm they were safe to reoccupy.
Mr Schwarten said the Department was busy providing assistance behind-the-scenes including planning for the accommodation of a workforce of 650 Ergon/Energex personnel in the Cassowary Coast Region; working closely with Microsoft to create a national donations register for goods and services and managing the logistics of moving Government personnel to and from Townsville and Cairns during the emergency.
17 February, 2011
Lower water level
is dam good idea
The level of the Wivenhoe Dam is to be reduced to 75 per cent for the remainder of the wet season in light of the extreme floods in January and the current supply of water available for South East Queensland.
The release has been recommended by Seqwater after its recent hydrology analysis and is a precaution given that the second strongest La Nina pattern in history continues to influence the current wet season.
Minister for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson said Seqwater made its recommendation recognising the extreme January event that left the catchments soaked and the water tables full.
“While we can’t be certain about what rain is yet to come in this wet season, this measure reflects an abundance of caution,” Mr Robertson said.
Water Grid Manager for South East Queensland, Barry Dennien said he had advised Seqwater a reduction to 75 per cent would be manageable from a water security perspective.
“With Wyaralong full, other dams full around the region and the grid in place, Wivenhoe Dam can be operated at a lower level for the rest of the wet season without impacting on water security,” Mr Dennien said.
Chief Executive of Seqwater, Peter Borrows said he expected to implement the release later this week to reduce the drinking water storage capacity of Wivenhoe Dam from 1,165 million megalitres down to around 874 million megalitres.
“We are likely to begin the transition by next weekend, with a slow release rate over about nine days discharging around 30,000 megalitres each day,” Mr Borrows said.
“We will adjust the release to take into account any rainfall and tides as usual and this slow release will ensure no significant downstream impacts,” he said.
17 February, 2011
Staff inundated with
flood gratitude
Staff from the Department of Communities have been publicly thanked for their dedication and commitment shown during the Rockhampton flood recovery effort.
MP for Keppel, Paul Hoolihan said hundreds of staff from the across the Central Queensland region had helped out during the recovery effort and there was still a long way to go.
“We know a lot of people are doing it tough and we’re doing what we can to help,” Mr Hoolihan said.
“Community Recovery staff have been doing a great job in the Rockhampton area for many weeks and I thank them for that,” he said.
;“I’m talking about people who sacrificed time with their families or put aside their own recovery efforts to make sure people in Rockhampton were receiving the help they needed.”
Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers said it was also important to remember the many people who came from outside the region to work in community recovery, key staff who stayed in local offices to keep them running and Community Recovery Partners like Red Cross and Lifeline.
“I know people in rural Queensland are resilient but they need to remember they’re not doing this alone,” Ms Struthers said.
“Community Recovery workers are there to guide and refer people to important help like RentConnect and other housing services that will continue to run as Rockhampton rebuilds,” she said.
17 February, 2011
Enforcement decisions
put off by disasters
The decision to delay enforcement of new pool safety laws for six months was a common sense measure according to the Premier, Anna Bligh.
Statutory land valuations will also be postponed for three months in the aftermath of the floods and Cyclone Yasi.
Ms Bligh said the State had been through a terrible experience and now was not the time to stick rigidly to the rules.
“This is about giving people the breathing space they need to concentrate on putting their lives back together,” Ms Bligh said.
Under legislation introduced on 1 December 2010, all dwellings with a non-shared pool must have a valid pool safety certificate before a rental agreement can be entered into.
There were fears the new measures could cause delays as the demand for rental properties increases in the aftermath of the current crisis.
“People with extensive damage to their homes need to be re-housed until they can move back in, and we need to accommodate people who are assisting in the recovery efforts,” Ms Bligh said.
“We cannot afford rental properties to remain vacant while owners wait for a pool safety certificate.”
The Premier said the decision was made following consultation with the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland and the Pool Safety Council, including Hannah’s Foundation.
Ms Bligh said that Queensland’s statutory land valuations, due to be issued next month, will be delayed until the effects of recent extreme weather events could be fully assessed.
17 February, 2011
Asbestos clouds
clean up effort
Asbestos removal experts have been sent to Tully Heads and Far North Queensland to help Councils, residents and businesses clean up after Cyclone Yasi.
The officers include asbestos experts from the Department of Public Works and inspectors from the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said asbestos-containing materials were likely to be present in many older buildings in northern Queensland because of widespread use there in the past.
“We have sent four inspectors to Far North Queensland, bolstering our complement of more than 40 Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and Electrical Safety Office inspectors based in Townsville, Innisfail and Cairns,” Mr Dick said.
“Extra resources will be deployed if needed in coming weeks,” he said.
State Government inspectors will also work with Local Councils to help plan the removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos material.
“Inspectors will visit damaged properties to give residents free advice on the safe handling and disposal of asbestos,” Mr Dick said.
“Any sheds or buildings built before 1990 are likely to have some asbestos-containing materials in them so if they’ve been damaged, be very cautious when cleaning up.”
The Mayor of Cassowary Coast, Bill Shannon said suspected asbestos contamination had stalled the clean-up effort at Tully Heads.
Residents reported they were unable to clean up rotting food, sodden furniture and sewage because of suspected asbestos contamination.
Public Works Minister, Robert Schwarten said Public Works field staff were asbestos-removal trained and they had pre-qualified contractors at their disposal.
“We will put them into action to clean this up,” Mr Schwarten said.
17 February, 2011
Building Authority
sets up in Tully
The Building Services Authority (BSA) has opened a new office in Tully and is planning rebuilding information seminars for Far North Queensland as part of post-cyclone recovery measures.
The office will be situated in Bryant Street, next to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council office.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said the BSA’s presence in Tully was a timely boost to the cyclone-hit region and a valuable addition to its existing offices in Innisfail and Cairns.
Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle said the BSA would also be holding a number of post-cyclone rebuilding information seminars for contractors and consumers in the far north.
“The BSA has been running a series of well-attended post-flood information seminars in South-East Queensland, with almost 300 contractors at one of the seminars in Brisbane,” Ms Boyle said.
“Dates and venues for the Far North Queensland seminars will be announced by the BSA in the near future and I urge anyone with questions about repairs and rebuilding to attend,” she said.
Ms Boyle advised consumers to always ask to see a contractor’s BSA licence before hiring them. She also urged consumers not to pay cash upfront or for work that had not been completed.
“With regards to building and construction work, consumers should use only BSA-licensed contractors,” Ms Boyle said.
“Any residential work worth more than $3,300 must be done with a contract and the appropriate Home Warranty Scheme premium must be paid,” she said.
17 February, 2011
Cassowary food drops
are for the birds
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has launched a program of emergency food drops for cassowaries left stranded and hungry following Cyclone Yasi.
Staff from the Department of Environment and Resource Management will make the drops to supplement the cassowaries’ natural diet, with fruit donated by Far North Queensland retailers.
Two on-the-ground feeding stations have also been set up in rainforest near Mission Beach, with more stations to be put in place over the weekend.
Minister for Sustainability, Kate Jones said the feeding stations would provide important alternative food supplies for the rare cassowaries, after much of their normal food sources were destroyed by Yasi.
“The two stations near Mission Beach have been put in place to immediately assist cassowaries in the hardest hit areas,” Ms Jones said.
“More stations will be installed and stocked, with some in locations used during the Cyclone Larry recovery,” she said.
“DERM staff are also investigating new locations in areas south of Mission Beach, and will use helicopters to drop fruit into more remote and inaccessible areas.”
It was important people did not feed cassowaries – for their own safety and so the birds did not become dependent on human feeding.
“Cassowaries that come to expect food from humans can become aggressive and very dangerous,” she said.
Ms Jones said DERM had set up a Cassowary Response Team to work with the community to develop a coordinated response and fully assess the damage to important cassowary habitat.
17 February, 2011
Memorials to grow
from flood damage
The Government will fund permanent memorials to flood victims, if local communities want them.
Premier Anna Bligh said there was still an enormous amount of grief being worked through in communities which had lost loved ones.
“It’s understandable that people want some kind of permanent memorial as a sign that the victims of this tragedy will never be forgotten,” Ms Bligh said.
“Therefore, where there is agreement in a local community that a permanent memorial is appropriate, we will provide funding,” she said.
“We will work with the families of victims, Local Government, local MPs and community members to determine the design and location of memorials.”
Ms Bligh said communities in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley would be consulted about separate memorials for the flood victims in their areas.
“This was an event that will be etched in our history, and dignified and fitting memorials would permanently honour those who died,” she said.
“Such memorials will provide a focal point for communities in the years ahead as they remember friends tragically killed.”
Ms Bligh said she understood this was a sensitive issue and agreement was needed from local communities to proceed.
“At all times we will respect the wishes of the families who lost loved ones,” Ms Bligh said.
17 February, 2011
Defence retreats
from Yasi cleanup
The Department of Defence is drawing down the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contingent working on recovery operations in the wake of Cyclone Yasi.
The rapid nationwide response following Yasi saw approximately 1,500 ADF personnel working to assist affected communities and the State Emergency Services.
Commander of the Joint Task Force 664 leading the operation, Brigadier Stuart Smith said ADF personnel had successfully completed the tasks requested of them by civilian authorities.
“Emergency services and public utilities have future restoration tasks well in hand for those areas hardest hit by the cyclone,” Brigadier Smith said.
Troops from Townsville are returning to their base to regroup for rapid response readiness, and some will be preparing for deployment to Afghanistan later this year.
Brigadier Smith said their families would welcome their return.
“Many personnel deployed to assist as the winds abated haven’t been home since the cyclone struck,” he said.
He expressed his admiration for the tenacity of the North Queenslanders affected by the cyclone.
“The people of the region face a challenging time ahead, but as a community they will rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. The resilience of the local people is outstanding. I greatly admire their spirit,” he said.
The decision to draw down the ADF assistance came after close consultation with Emergency Management Queensland, State authorities and local officials in the affected areas.
ADF specialist support will remain at local bases to assist emergency services if required.
17 February, 2011
Dangerous strollers
walk on the wild side
Two models of strollers have attracted the attention of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
The Office has serious concerns about the stability of the Phil & Teds Sports v2 and Vibe strollers when fitted with an additional seat. Independent testing had found the strollers failed safety requirements.
Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said that with both models there was a risk of injury to children if the child in the front was removed before the child in the back.
“People should strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions which state parents should never place a single child in the rear seat, and in the case of two children, always unload the child in the back seat first,” Mr Lawlor said.
Mr Lawlor also warned parents to be cautious of the Phil & Teds Sports v2 and Classic v1 models’ hinge after a number of serious finger injuries had been reported to Fair Trading.
“Fair Trading contacted Phil & Teds about injuries parents had sustained when opening or closing the Sports v2 stroller,” he said.
“As a result, Phil & Teds issued an international safety recall on both its Sports v2 and Classic v1 strollers due to the risk of finger injury, and will supply a free hinge guard to help prevent any further injuries,” he said.
17 February, 2011
Mascots enlist in
Police Force
Two new mascots for the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Adopt-a-Cop program have been revealed.
Now the QPS needs help to name them.
A police horse and dog were selected for the program as these animals were actively involved in policing duties and were affectionately identified by children.
Assistant Commissioner Brett Pointing said the mascots would provide an identity to the program and help engage preschool and primary school aged children by appearing on student worksheets and other program resources.
“Adopt-a-Cops are police officers who volunteer to educate school students about a range of topics including the role of police, personal safety and road safety,” Assistant Commissioner Pointing said.
“These mascots will form part of the teaching resources police officers and teachers use when talking about these topics with students.”
The naming competition is open to children aged 13 years or younger and the two winners will receive $100, with an additional $100 awarded to the school with the most entrants.
The competition closes on Friday, 25 March and the winner will be announced before the end of Term One.
Assistant Commissioner Pointing said entries can be submitted via post, facsimile or email. Children wishing to enter can download the entry form available at the Queensland Police Service website.
17 February, 2011
New tourism profile
just the ticket
The Queensland tourism industry now has access to the latest regional market intelligence with the publication of Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10.
Federal Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry said the profiles had been developed as a tool for business in 81 regions throughout Australia to give local tourism businesses the information they needed to drive investment and tourism development in their communities.
He said the profiles provide detailed tourism data on the 12 tourism regions in Queensland including the number of arrivals, tourism’s contribution to local economies, consumer profiles and a breakdown of reasons for travel.
“Local tourism businesses and investors now have region-specific information on growing tourism market segments and consumer insights into why people travel to Queensland,” Senator Sherry said.
“The Australian Government developed the profiles after the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy and the Jackson Report identified the need for more accurate regional data to assist both Government and the private sector with future planning.”
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said that information in the profiles would give Queensland tourism businesses a vital information resource to help them target their investments after the recent natural disasters.
“Queensland business can use the data to better target their investments, spending money where they are more confident of getting the best return,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Around half of the visitor expenditure occurred in the flood-affected regions of the State with domestic visitors spending $7.9 billion and international visitors spending $1.8 billion in these areas.”
Senator Sherry said the data would be an important resource to help tourism businesses direct their investments and disaster recovery efforts.
17 February, 2011
Ministers team up to
tackle sport fixers
Queensland will play its part in developing a national approach to match-fixing in sport.
Speaking after a meeting of Sport Ministers in Adelaide, Minister for Sport Phil Reeves said protecting the integrity of sport and the fairness of results was paramount.
“This is a top priority for all Australian Governments and we agree that a consistent approach is the best way to tackle this issue,” Mr Reeves said
The meeting had agreed to develop a national framework to tackle the problem.
It will develop a nationally-consistent approach to deterring and dealing with match-fixing; support a nationally-consistent approach to legislation relating to the criminality of match-fixing; support information-sharing and the development of better networks between governments, major sports, betting operators and law enforcers and develop a consistent national code of conduct.
Mr Reeves said Queenslanders were passionate about their sports, routinely following their favourite teams as they competed on the national and international stage.
“National competitions require a national approach and match-fixing is no different,” Mr Reeves said.
“The spirit of a level playing field is the fundamental tenet of sport in this country and therefore, there is no place for match-fixing,” he said.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Sports Ministers on developing this framework and protecting the integrity of sport.”
17 February, 2011
Numbers up on
Bruce highway
The Bruce Highway is to get 13 new exit numbers to make it easier for drivers to find their way to Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast.
Work has begun at 13 major interchanges, which would be numbered according to their distance from the NSW and Queensland border via the Gateway and Pacific Motorways.
Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said each exit between Caboolture and Cooroy would have a unique number motorists could identify, making finding the right exit a lot easier.
“Because it’s distance rather than a sequential numbering system, it means we can simply add new numbers when we build more interchanges without having to change existing exit numbers,” Mr Wallace said.
The number system was introduced on the Gold Coast a few years ago and had proven to be highly successful.
“We have received positive feedback from Gold Coast business owners saying their customers find it simpler to indentify numbers instead of names,” Mr Wallace said.
“We encourage the Sunshine Coast and Moreton business communities to embrace the new system by quoting the exit numbers when giving directions and promoting their businesses.”
Installing the new numbers will cost $450,000. They will be included in future editions of street directories, touring maps and navigational equipment.
17 February, 2011
Crime link rejected
The Crime and Misconduct Commission has rejected media reports of links between organised crime and the State’s Health payroll system.
Queensland Health notified the Commission about alleged fraudulent claims for interim payments by staff who claimed hardship following the rollout of the Department’s new payroll system.
Individual payments to some staff are being examined to determine their legitimacy and the Department is also implementing a number of processes to tackle the issues identified. The matter is continuing.
Achilles Operation wins
The Queensland Police Service’s Operation Achilles, has been recognised for its significant contributions to reducing and preventing crimes against children.
The team has just been named the winner of the International Law Enforcement Cybercrime Award 2011.
Operation Achilles began in January 2006 and closed in February 2008 with the execution of warrants and arrest of offenders in Australia, the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Queenslanders called
Nominations of remarkable people or groups that have made a significant contribution to Queensland are wanted.
Queensland Greats is an awards program which honours Queenslanders whose long-term or lifetime achievements have played a significant role in the history and development of the State.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 18 March.
Cultural Centre re-opens
The Cultural Centre at South Bank, Brisbane has reopened.
Flood waters inundated the lower-lying facilities of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum South Bank, Queensland Art Gallery, State Library of Queensland and the Gallery of Modern Art.
The five buildings sustained minor damage, particularly to the complex electrical and mechanical systems, which has now been repaired.
Unsung women wanted
Nominations have been called for unsung Indigenous women to make up a special online gallery for International Women’s Day.
The Everyday Women, Extraordinary Lives gallery will showcase the stories and pictures of the women.
Ten women will also be chosen from the gallery to attend an event with Premier Anna Bligh on International Women’s Day, March 8.
For information on how to nominate visit this PS News link.
SkillsTech helps in floods
Basic home-maintenance evening courses are being offered by SkillsTech Australia.
The courses will take place at the Acacia Ridge and Yeronga Training Centres and will assist flood-affected or cyclone-devastated homeowners to make their homes liveable again.
For further information visit this PS News link.
Cooper Creek a wild river
Cooper Creek Basin residents have been invited to attend a series of consultation meetings on the proposal to declare the basin a wild river area.
Officers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management will travel throughout western Queensland in February to meet residents.
The planned consultations follow the Queensland Government’s nomination of the Cooper Creek Basin as a wild river area on 14 December 2010.
10 February, 2011
QBuild on the job at
Government offices
Almost 1,200 QBuild staff have been hard at work restoring and repairing more than 160 Government buildings in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and Brisbane Valley areas.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten announced the tasks, saying more than 35 of the buildings were schools and TAFEs.
Mr Schwarten said QBuild had also undertaken about 50 structural assessments of private residences on behalf of the Department of Communities.
“QBuild trades people and contractors in Brisbane and Ipswich are working tirelessly repairing infrastructure more than two weeks after flooding devastated the region,” Mr Schwarten said.
“QBuild has been in the front ranks of the huge clean-up, repair and recovery effort and it will continue to be there,” he said.
Major projects included the Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson; the Commissariat Stores on William Street; the Queensland Theatre Company building; the Neville Bonner Building; and Oxley Creek Common.
Mr Schwarten said a significant volume of work had already been undertaken to allow properties, whether it be schools, TAFEs or community residences, to be reoccupied as soon as possible.
“In many instances the majority of works have been completed. In other cases remaining work, such as replacement of floor coverings and joinery works, will continue after buildings have been reoccupied,” he said.
“The work has included full cleans and debris removal, electrical checks and the assessment and repair or replacement of floor coverings, cupboards, kitchens, doors, other joinery, landscaping, fences, internal walls, hot water systems, pump systems, lifts and air-conditioning condensers.
10 February, 2011
Authority sets up
northern office
A dedicated office for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority will be set up in the north of the State.
The office will have the responsibility of supporting communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
Premier Anna Bligh said the southern floods and the North Queensland cyclone areas required different recovery efforts.
“The recovery from Yasi in the North is best run from the North. We need the support of a dedicated North Queensland office and someone on the ground who knows the region,” Ms Bligh said.
Chief Superintendent Mike Keating will be seconded from the Queensland Police Service to head the dedicated office.
His police experience includes more than 20 years in North Queensland working in communities such as Cairns, Innisfail, Cardwell, Tully and Townsville.
The Premier said Chief Superintendent Keating would be Director of Cyclone Recovery, reporting to the Chief Executive of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Graeme Newton.
Major General Mick Slater will chair the Authority, which will be established under special legislation to be introduced when Parliament resumes on 15 February.
Ms Bligh said the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, tasked with rebuilding and reconnecting the more than 60 communities affected by the floods, would now include North Queensland in its mammoth reconstruction task.
“While we are slowly getting back on our feet in Southern and Central Queensland, we now need to renew our recovery efforts in the devastated North,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Authority will work specifically with Local Governments and communities in the North to ensure we can get the recovery and rebuilding process underway as quickly as possible.”
10 February, 2011
BSA nails down
building seminars
Twelve seminars and five shopping centre information booths are to be organised by the Building Services Authority (BSA) to help homeowners and trades people rebuild flood-devastated homes.
The sessions will be held in flood-damaged cities and towns including Ipswich, Gatton, Emerald, Rockhampton, Dalby and Brisbane.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said the seminars would help homeowners and trades people with basic information they would need to repair and rebuild Queensland homes.
This would include when repair work should begin; choosing a contractor and the importance that the contractor is licensed; the importance of homeowners signing contracts and paying Home Warranty Insurance; dealing with asbestos; the BSA’s new Natural Disaster Repairs Contract and drying requirements in relation to specific building elements.
Also on the agenda would be dealing with timber framing, wood products, lining and cladding issues; floor and wall finishes and products; septic tanks and effluent systems; electric and gas installations; building planning and approval and plumbing approvals; types of construction and available products.
Mr Schwarten said BSA staff and industry experts would be present to answer questions and representatives from the Department of Communities would also be in attendance to provide advice on Government housing assistance.
Industry groups attending the seminars would include Timber Queensland, Master Builders Queensland, Electrical Safety Office, Master Electricians Australia, and the Office of Workplace Health and Safety.
BSA technical staff will also visit a number of southeast Queensland shopping centres to answer questions and distribute information about post-flood repairs and rebuilding.
10 February, 2011
Air cleared over
disaster funding
Treasurer Andrew Fraser has moved to dispel misunderstandings about funding for disaster recovery, making clear that reinsurance arrangements for natural disasters had nothing to do with the Commonwealth Government meeting its share of the costs.
Mr Fraser said the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) were exactly the same for all States and Territories.
“Under the long-standing NDRRA between the States and the Commonwealth Government, the Commonwealth funds 75 per cent of the cost while the State picks up the remaining 25 per cent,” Mr Fraser said.
He was unaware of any State having an insurance policy which would cover the scale of the disasters in Queensland.
“Claims that other States would be covered need checking – roads are generally excluded, while costs of Local Government are also not subject to any State insurance policy,” he said.
“These costs amount to $4.5 billion of the estimated $5 billion in flood infrastructure damage.”
Mr Fraser said the Queensland Government Insurance Fund (QGIF) had provided extensive coverage for State Government assets.
“This long-standing fund currently has more than $700 million in funds in reserves,” he said.
“This fund meets claims for damage caused by fire, vandalism and other acts. The Government does not reinsure the QGIF with a commercial reinsurer. Our fund has sufficient reserves to meet claims.”
It meant that taxpayer funds were not going to pay large premiums to global reinsurance companies.
10 February, 2011
Ombudsman unlocks
case study library
The Queensland Ombudsman has launched its online case study library containing examples of complaints that are now free for the public to view.
The cases highlight issues that affect ordinary Queenslanders and illustrate the steps taken to solve complaints.
Newly appointed Ombudsman, Phil Clarke said the case study library was a valuable tool for members of the public and Government officers alike.
“Making the results of our investigations accessible online will help ensure Government Agencies are accountable for their decisions,” Mr Clarke said.
“The online case study library will assist potential complainants to understand the work of my Office and help public sector officers to improve their administrative decision-making.”
The case study library features investigations into the decisions of State Government Departments, Local Councils and universities.
Each case study includes background information, the findings of the investigation and recommendations made to Agencies.
In the interests of privacy, complainants are not identified and some cases have been de-identified as well. Users can search the case library by Agency, year and keyword.
Case studies featured in the library include $4.5 in refunds to 128,000 Queenslanders who were unfairly charged late fees by Queensland Transport; re-location of a sex offender who was released back into his home town without authorities notifying his victims and water charges cut and money refunded after a Council software error.
The case studies library can be reached by entering the Ombudsman’s site at this PS News link and clicking on Case Studies.
10 February, 2011
Medals pin down
PS excellence
Public Sector staff across Queensland joined hundreds around the nation in being presented with Australia Day Achievement Medallions for 2011, acknowledging their outstanding dedication, commitment and performance in their public service.
Administered by the National Australia Day Council, the medallions are normally presented at special functions associated with Australia Day.
The Queensland achievers recognised with medallions in 2011 were:
Barcaldine Regional Council (Alpha/Jericho District)
Kelly Gray - Sport/Sports Administrator
Colin Louden - Volunteer of the Year
Barcaldine Regional Council (Barcaldine District)
Connor Jones - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Tammy Scott - Sport/Sports Administrator
Beryl Thompson - Cultural
Sam Welsh - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Colin Whitfield - Volunteer of the Year
Jean Williams - Citizen of the Year - Senior
Barcaldine & District Historical Museum Train Fest 2010 - Community Event
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council (Blackall District)
Sara Aspinall - Sport - Junior
National Campdraft Titles Blackall Campdraft Association - Community Event
Gladys Hayward - Citizen of the Year
Lesley Heatley - Cultural
Peter Ossipow - Sport
Ashlii Timms - Citizen of the Year - Young
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council (Tambo District)
Selina Courtice - Cultural
Myles MacDonnell - Citizen of the Year - Young
Connor Richardson - Sport - Junior
Maria Richardson - Sport
Sidney Rodman - Citizen of the Year
Tambo Teddy Bears Picnic Tambo Tourism and Business Assoc Inc - Community Event
Darren Webb - Achievement
Brisbane City Council
Donald Barton - Achievement
Beth Bolt - Achievement
James Cockerill - Achievement
Rowland Cowan - Achievement
Elizabeth Drysdale - Citizen of the Year - Young
Elizabeth Gomba - Achievement
Caroline Hamilton - Achievement
Suzanne & Warwick Harris - Achievement
Graham Hastie - Achievement
Marjory Hayes - Citizen of the Year - Senior
Glen Higgs - Achievement
Andy Huang - Lord Mayor’s Green Heart Award
John & Carolyn Lister - Achievement
Adam Lo - Achievement
Gary Mason - Achievement
Graeme Morton - Cultural
James Morton - Citizen of the Year
Dianne Ruffles - Achievement
Peter Truasheim - Sport
Audrey Wise - Achievement
Parkinson Ward Multicultural & Dragon Boat Festival - Community Event
Peaks to Points Festival - Lord Mayor’s Green Heart Event
Bulloo Shire Council
Anita Crawford - Citizen of the Year
Molly O’Connell - Achievement
Jackson Woods - Sport - Junior
Hungerford Progress Association - Community Event
Burdekin Shire Council
Paul Clark - Citizen of the Year
Ray Collinson - Sport - Senior
Tony Felesina - Sports Administrator
Renee Hudson - Citizen of the Year - Young
Renee Hudson - Cultural - Junior
Ricky Romeo - Cultural - Senior
Brianne Rossato - Sport - Junior
Home Hill Harvest Festival - Community Event
Charters Towers Regional Council
Roma Bailey - Sports Administrator
Colin Coleman - Citizen of the Year
Kevin Gardner - Sport - Senior
Zachary Santo - Sport - Junior
Shirley Symes - Cultural - Senior
Luke Thomas - Citizen of the Year - Young
Charters Towers State High School Stage and Concert Band - Cultural - Junior
Isolated Childrens & Parents Assoc 2010 Conference - Community Event
Cloncurry Shire Council
Phillip Gibson - Citizen of the Year
Marshall Hudson - Sport - Junior
Mitchell Hudson - Citizen of the Year - Young
Mick Hughes - Achievement
Amy Smith - Achievement
Chris Waters - Sports Administrator
Raeleen Waters - Achievement
David Watt - Achievement
Robyn Watt - Achievement
Kieran Wheeler - Sport - Senior
Gail Wipaki - Cultural
“Curry Day” - Community Event
Department of Community Safety
Danielle Avery - Appreciation
Michael Clarke - Appreciation
Marshall Cox - Appreciation
Stacey McCarthy - Appreciation
Ailsa Mullins - Appreciation
Michael Sullivan - Appreciation
Australian Red Cross - Appreciation
Brisbane Central Homelessness Project Team - Appreciation
Caboolture Lions Recycle for Sight Australia Inc - Appreciation
Cairns Base Hospital - Appreciation
Diamantina Shire Council - Appreciation
Fernvale Homestead - Appreciation
FOCUS Personal Health and Therapy - Appreciation
Fraser Coast Regional Council - Appreciation
Friends of Lagoon Creek Group Inc - Appreciation
Gympie Regional Council - Appreciation
Interact Australia - Appreciation
Ipswich Traffic Branch, QPS - Appreciation
J & I Ziebarth RACQ Garage Gatton - Appreciation
Palmer River Roadhouse - Appreciation
Queensland Police Service - Burleigh Heads Criminal Investigation Branch - Appreciation
Richmond Health Centre - Appreciation
Richmond Shire Council - Appreciation
South Burnett Regional Council - Appreciation
St Vincent de Paul Beaudesert - Appreciation
STEPS Participate in Prosperity - Appreciation
Suncoast Natural Therapies Clinic - Appreciation
Department of Education and Training
Christopher Andersen - Teaching and Learning
Karen Campbell - Student and School Performance - Teaching and Learning
Peter Campbell - Student and School Performance
Jasen Johnson - Training and Skilling Queensland
Rhonda Livingstone - Early Childhood Education and Care
Angela Long - Student and School Performance
Cam Mackenzie - Teaching and Learning - Policy Development
Robert Mander - Workplace Reform
Carolyn Mcilwaine - Student and School Performance
Estelle Muller - Workplace Reform
Helen Nicholas - Teaching and Learning
David Peate - Infrastructure
Margaret Pethiyagoda - Student and School Performance - Policy Development
Victoria Pinches - Teaching and Learning
Robert Robe - Teaching and Learning
Michael Tathem - Student and School Performance
Kendall Yates - Student and School Performance - Teaching and Learning
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Denise Amies - Achievement
Donna Andrews - Achievement
Mike Batch - Achievement
Mike Goodman - Achievement
Clara Ho - Achievement
Rebecca Lowndes - Achievement
Jill Martin - Achievement
Liz Pini - Achievement
Pat Thorpe - Achievement
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Dr Owen Arndt - Achievement
Brian Balwin - Achievement
Alison Bennett-Roberts - Achievement
Kirsty Birgan - Achievement
Anna Carroll - Achievement
Tina Casaubon - Achievement
Cameron Castles - Achievement
Todd Everitt - Achievement
Craig Gardner - Achievement
Keith Land - Achievement
Gordon Lee - Achievement
Dr Judith Lloyd - Achievement
Cindy Male - Achievement
Brett McKenna - Achievement
Klaus Michalowitz - Achievement
Mango Murphy - Achievement
Doc Ovenden - Achievement
Andrew Robertson - Achievement
Carol Stewart - Achievement
Maria Tegan - Achievement
Noel Thompson - Achievement
Dr William Weeks - Achievement
Russell Witt - Achievement
Arthur Yates - Achievement
Etheridge Shire Council
Gregory Fitzgerald - Citizen of the Year - Young
Brett Jenkins - Citizen of the Year
Emma Terry - Sport - Junior
Mt Surprise Sports and Recreation Club Inc - Community Group
Fraser Coast Regional Council (Hervey Bay District)
Amber Clayton - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Denis Dack - Citizen of the Year
Rebecca Darby - Sport
Jessica Hopgood - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Christian Wilson - Sport - Junior
Ellen Wood - Cultural - Junior
Easter Family Fun Day - Community Event
Fraser Coast Choruses Inc - Cultural
Fraser Coast Regional Council (Maryborough District)
Barry Banney - Sport
Patrick Banney - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Abbey Black - Sport - Junior
Gloria & Vince Chay - Citizen of the Year
Jan Downman - Cultural
Megan Landgraf - Cultural - Junior
Maryborough Technology Challenge - Community Event
Fraser Coast Regional Council (Tiaro District)
Marilyn Connell - Citizen of the Year
Jeannette Davis - Cultural
Nelson Hands - Cultural - Junior
Alanie Joseph - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Trevor Keightley - Sport
Glenwood Swap Meet - Community Event
Fraser Coast Regional Council (Woocoo District)
Bill Brand - Sport
Dianne Carruthers - Cultural
Alice Dombrow - Citizen of the Year
Tahlya Jensen - Cultural - Junior
Lucy Kinbacher - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Corrine Rockemer - Sport - Junior
The Over 60’s Day - Community Event
Goondiwindi Regional Council (Goondiwindi District)
Sean Cairns - Sport - Senior (over 18)
Chloe Lowe - Sport - Junior (under 18)
George Sloss - Citizen of the Year
Lesley Syme - Sports Administrator/Coach
Tenille Wright - Citizen of the Year - Young
Encanto Ensemble - Cultural
Gundy Youth Studio - Community Event - Group Award
Goondiwindi Regional Council (Texas District)
Jason Edmonstone - Sports Administrator/Coach
Nikki Hoey - Sport - Junior (under 18)
David Thompson - Citizen of the Year
Aaron Williams - Citizen of the Year - Young
Texas Historical Society - Cultural
Texas Show Society - Community Event - Group Award
Longreach Regional Council (Ilfracombe District)
Dane Bradley - Sport - Junior
Cathy Hitson - Community Volunteer
Tony Nielsen - Citizen of the Year
Longreach Regional Council (Isisford & Yaraka District)
Wendy Bailey - Citizen of the Year
Longreach Regional Council (Longreach District)
Lisa Clarke - Sports Administrator
Callum McFadyen - Sport - Junior
Michelle McFadyen - Sport - Senior
John Searles - Citizen of the Year
Deck the Halls - Community Event
McKinlay Shire Council
Charli Curr - Sport - Junior
Tania Curr - Sports Administrator
Margaret Hughes - Volunteer of the Year
Mary Scholes - Cultural
Caitlin Tait - Cultural - Junior
Peter Woodhouse - Citizen of the Year
Sedan Dip Pony Club Camp - Small Community Event
Sedan Dip Races/Campdraft/Rodeo - Community Event - Large
North Burnett Regional Council (Biggenden District)
Mark Elliott - Citizen of the Year - Young
Tracey Geisler - Citizen of the Year
Anne Keogh - Cultural - Senior
Shannon Trigger - Sport - Junior
Coalstoun Lakes State School Centenary - Community Event
North Burnett Regional Council (Eidsvold District)
Giorgia Bayles - Sport - Junior
Craig Dodd - Sport - Senior
Doug D Drinkwater - Citizen of the Year
Lucy Thompson - Citizen of the Year - Young
RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre Opening - Community Event
North Burnett Regional Council (Gayndah District)
Aimee Davina - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Joanne Dowling - Citizen of the Year
Ashley Harris - Sports Administrator
Danny McColm - Sport - Junior
Ray Savage - Cultural - Senior
C & K Gayndah Kindergarten - Minute to Win It Challenge - Community Event
North Burnett Regional Council (Monto District)
Josephine Howell - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Reece McGregor - Cultural - Junior
Tyrone O’Rielly - Cultural - Senior
Kate Wedemeyer - Sport - Junior
Walter Wilkes - Citizen of the Year
Kerri Williams - Sports Administrator
Monto Fire Brigade - Sport - Senior
Monto Magic Tourism Action Group “Bicycle Queensland” - Community Event
North Burnett Regional Council (Mount Perry District)
Georga Jones - Citizen of the Year - Young
Chelsea Klassen - Cultural - Junior
Hunter Stephensen - Citizen of the Year - Young
Greg Wallace OAM - Sports Administrator
Rae Watson - Citizen of the Year
Mt Perry Garden and Flower Show - Community Event
North Burnett Regional Council (Mundubbera District)
Alex Kolo - Cultural - Junior
Sandra Read - Sports Administrator
Lynette Vicary - Citizen of the Year - Junior
Jane Augustine - Sport - Senior
David Holleran - Citizen of the Year
Roslyn Kugel - Cultural - Senior
Adrian Taylor - Sport - Junior
Allison (Sally) Wells - Special Service
The Mundubbera State School P-10 Musical - Community Event
Redland City Council
Simon Baltais - Citizen of the Year
Lynn Roberts - Environment Award
Robyn Tennant - Local Hero
Pam Tranter - Citizen of the Year - Senior
James Williamson - Citizen of the Year - Young
Bayside Harmony - Cultural
Cleveland Air Magic - Sport
North Stradborke Island Youthlink - Community Organisation
Richmond Shire Council
Clay Ferguson - Sport - Junior
Ross Ievers - Citizen of the Year
Debbie Lawson - Sport - Senior
Leadlight Window - Cultural Event
October Moon Festival - Community Event
South Burnett Regional Council (Kingaroy District)
Marie Shaw - Citizen of the Year
Rachel Winter - Citizen of the Year - Young
South Burnett Regional Council (Murgon District)
Peter Laughton - Citizen of the Year - Young
Heather Purser - Citizen of the Year
South Burnett Regional Council (Nanango District)
Val Goodman - Citizen of the Year
Danica Miller - Citizen of the Year - Young
South Burnett Regional Council (South Burnett Disctrict)
Roslyn Gregor - Citizen of the Year
Colleen Gunn - Sport - Senior
Lauren Hume - Sport - Junior
Elaine Madill - Cultural
James Mangan - Cultural
Keiran Snow - Citizen of the Year - Young
Kumbia Kindergarten - Small Communities
Wondai Garden Expo - Community Event
South Burnett Regional Council (Wondai District)
Benjamin Bird - Citizen of the Year - Young
Arthur Hoffman - Citizen of the Year
Buddy Thomson - Citizen of the Year
Torres Strait Island Regional Council
Steve Foster - Citizen of the Year
Daisy Kabay - Citizen of the Year - Senior
Michael Laza - Achievement
Maipele Morseu - Sport
Cr Philemon Mosby - Cultural
Silver Jubilee ‘Island of Origin’ - Badu - Community Event
10 February, 2011
New HD Directive
for high flyers
The Minister for Industrial Relations has issued a new Directive on higher duties.
Directive 4/11 Higher Duties sets out conditions for the payment of higher duties allowance when an employee assumes the duties and responsibilities of a position at a higher classification.
The Directive applies to all staff, including temporaries but not casuals, and took effect on 31 January this year.
It was published in the Gazette on 28 January and supersedes a 2005 Directive of the same name.
According to PSIER, the new Directive clarifies its application to ‘general’ employees, redefines ‘higher classification level’ to include higher salaries under s.122 contracts and adds a clause recognising higher duties across awards.
“There is no cost impact associated with this change,” the Directive says.
“In fact, there may be a cost saving brought about by limiting employees who take up higher duties across awards to paypoint 1 of the higher level, whereas previously they could negotiate any paypoint if they were on a temporary contract.”
The Directive sets a minimum acting period of three consecutive days in cases where the employee on HD exercises 75 per cent or more of the higher position’s duties and responsibilities, and three consecutive weeks when the percentage is less that 75.
Leave while on higher duties is paid at an employee’s substantive rate if the acting period is less than 12 months and at the higher rate if it is for a longer period. Exceptions apply for exam and study leave, jury service and parental leave.
“The Public Service Commission Directive Recruitment and Selection is to be complied with where an employee is directed to assume the duties and responsibilities of a ‘higher classification level’ for 12 months or more,” the Directive says.
It says public holidays during the HD period are to be paid at the higher rate unless they fall at the very beginning or end of the period.
According to PSIER, the Directive also benefits from general editing and redrafting which has improved its readability.
Directive 4/11 Higher Duties can be accessed at this PS News link.
10 February, 2011
No more hang-ups
on phone locations
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has changed its rules to allow telephone companies to tell police, fire brigade and ambulance services the location of a mobile phone used to call the Triple Zero emergency number.
Acting Chairman of ACMA, Richard Bean said the rules required mobile carriers to provide emergency service organisations with the most precise mobile phone location information available for emergency calls made from mobile phones, in situations where a Triple Zero caller was unable to verbally report their location.
“Locating callers quickly and with confidence is clearly a crucial element of the Triple Zero emergency call service,” Mr Bean said.
“The ACMA’s new rules enable emergency service organisations to access the most precise location information that is currently available on the mobile networks and also to automatically capture the benefits from any future developments in location-based services offered by the mobile carriers.”
He said mobile phones accounted for about 63 per cent of calls made to Triple Zero but unlike fixed landline phones did not automatically give emergency service organisations accurate details about a caller’s whereabouts.
Mr Bean said this was not an issue for the vast majority of mobile calls where the caller could tell the emergency operator where they were located, but there were times when people were too distressed or unfamiliar with their environment to report their location.
Mr Bean said the new Determination required mobile carriers to: provide the most precise location information they had available on request from an emergency service organisation; resolve emergency call location queries with the highest possible priority; ensure emergency service organisations were provided with a designated contact point and telephone number for location queries, or have a dedicated process for location queries; and assist an emergency service organisation to identify the relevant mobile network carrying the emergency call.
Mr Bean said the Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2011 (No. 1) would commence on 20 April.
10 February, 2011
Council computing
up in the cloud
Miscrosoft’s Windows Azure cloud platform has been adopted by Brisbane City Council.
Cloud computing is location-independent computing, whereby shared servers provide resources, software and data to other computers and other devices on demand, acting rather like an electricity grid.
The City Council has become one of the first Australian public sector organisations to adopt a public cloud service while State and Australian Governments are still considering its implications.
Microsoft is using the Brisbane City Council case to advocate cloud computing, saying the City Council has adopted contract management software from Melbourne-based independent software vendor (ISV) Open Windows.
“Not only has Open Windows been able to take Brisbane City Council to the Azure Cloud but Council has embraced it in a big way, already creating over 11,000 user profiles in the system, and looking to take the application to their whole organisation,” Microsoft said in a submission to the Australian Government Information Management Office’s draft cloud strategy paper.
Brisbane Council’s adoption had helped it to implement the required management software at a lower total cost while it retained the ability to expand at a future date.
Microsoft is now pushing for what it describes as a “rigorous and complete decision framework” from the Australian Government before it acquires any cloud services.
That follows similar moves from the South Australian Government, which plans to use current trials of public cloud services to reconsider its risk framework.
10 February, 2011
No complaints from
new Ombudsman
Phil Clarke has been appointed Queensland’s sixth Ombudsman.
A Public Servant with more than 25 years service, Mr Clarke said he was proud to be appointed to head one of the State’s key integrity Agencies.
He took up his duties in January, saying his top priority was to continue to provide an independent and fair investigative service that improved decision-making in the public sector.
“The community expects Government to be transparent and accountable,” Mr Clarke said.
“We ensure that public Agencies act fairly and make the right decisions for all Queenslanders.”
The new Ombudsman served as director of several TAFE institutes, General Manager in the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations, and Executive Director of the Department for Emergency Services.
Immediately before his latest appointment, Mr Clarke was Acting Director General and Deputy Director General of the Department of Justice and the Attorney-General.
During his tenure, he oversaw the establishment of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and widespread reforms to the civil and criminal justice system in Queensland.
“I want to make a contribution to the public sector, and this office has a great capacity to do that,” Mr Clarke said.
He graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in 1980 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) and began his career as a cadet surveyor.
He worked as a surveyor and manager for various companies before joining TAFE Queensland.
10 February, 2011
National curriculum
making the grade
Development of Australia’s first National Curriculum has taken another step with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) releasing Geography and Languages papers.
Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett said the Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Geography paper would be used to guide expert curriculum writers in the drafting of the Australian Curriculum for Geography, while the draft Languages paper would be available for comment until 7 April.
“Our diverse, multicultural community has shown lots of interest in a broad variety of commonly used languages being represented in the National Curriculum,” Mr Garrett said.
“ACARA’s draft shape paper on languages covers a comprehensive list of significant community languages for development in the National Curriculum, including Modern Greek, Chinese, Italian, Arabic and Vietnamese.”
He said ACARA had developed the papers following public consultation on the draft geography shape paper in mid 2010 and national forums on the Australian Curriculum – Languages and Geography.
“The years to which the study of geography should be compulsory is among a number of significant issues that will be determined by Australia’s education ministers in light of the feedback received to the geography shape paper,” Mr Garrett said.
“I encourage everyone, whether they’re a teacher, academic or parent, to use this opportunity to have their say on the curriculum and the development of the languages curriculum.”
He said the papers had been developed by ACARA, in consultation with education authorities and curriculum experts as well as teachers, principals and subject area experts.
“The release of these papers for geography and languages marks the historic next step in the development of the Australian Curriculum following on from the education ministers’ endorsement of the curriculum for English, mathematics, science and history in December last year,” Mr Garrett said.
The shape papers for geography and languages are available at this PS News link.
10 February, 2011
Assessors assessed
as needed in north
QBuild workers from Brisbane have joined the recovery effort in North Queensland.
The almost 90-strong party has joined160 local QBuild field staff already helping with the recovery effort on the ground from Cairns to Townsville including the hardest hit communities of Innisfail, Silkwood, Mission Beach, Tully and Cardwell.
They are doing damage assessments and maintenance on schools, TAFEs, residences and other Government infrastructure.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said that other assistance from the Department of Public Works included 1,500 beds, 1,000 stretchers and 150 pumps, which would be sent to Innisfail from the Department’s Sales and Distribution Service.
Public Works was also helping to organise the hire of 54 generators to assist with the extensive power outages within Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
QFleet had provided 87 additional motor vehicles to assist with recovery efforts.
Mr Schwarten said Public Works was working closely with Queensland Health to provide structural assessments of health facilities.
“In addition to recovery efforts, the Department of Public Works has, for many years, supported the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station,” Mr Schwarten said.
“We are sponsoring research into building design, construction materials, water penetration caused by wind and identifying ways to reduce or eliminate these problems.”
Information provided from this research had been instrumental in assisting the Department to develop the Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Cyclones, Evacuation and Shelter Guideline.
Public Works was providing $100,000 for research, including the resilience of housing and engineered buildings to severe winds, in the current financial year.
10 February, 2011
Asbestos warning
dusted off
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is warning that extra care should be taken by residents, workers and volunteers who might come into contact with asbestos in the clean-up after Cyclone Yasi.
Cyclone-affected buildings could contain damaged asbestos-containing materials.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said any sheds or buildings built before 1990 were likely to have some asbestos materials in them and it was impossible to tell if materials contained asbestos just by looking at them.
“It’s best to err on the side of caution, assume that asbestos is present and treat it as such by wearing protective gear, keeping the material damp and handling it with care, as fibres can be released into the air through sawing, drilling or breaking it up,” Mr Dick said.
Asbestos-containing materials posed no threat when in good condition but could become dangerous when damaged or handled.
“If you have any doubts or questions, you should contact your Local Council about how it can help dispose of suspect materials,” he said.
Mr Dick said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s flood clean-up safety advice hotline had been extended to help cyclone-affected employers and workers stay safe.
The 7am to 7pm hotline, operating daily, is 1800 177 717.
Information is also available at this PS News link, this PS News link, or by calling 1300 369 915.
10 February, 2011
Flood funds spread
out to cover cyclone
Money from the Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund, initially set up for flood victims, will be extended to cover damage caused by Cyclone Yasi.
Premier Anna Bligh said Australians had shown remarkable generosity in their response to the flooding crisis.
“The flooding disaster grew into something absolutely unprecedented in our State and now North Queensland has faced nature’s fury,” Ms Bligh said.
“The generosity of Australians to date has been incredible and…I want to reassure them that the Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund will be there for [North Queensland] just as it is for the victims of flooding in other regions across the State.”
Ms Bligh said the fund now stood at $192,470,566 and called on Australians to dig deep again to help those in North Queensland.
“I know they have been digging deep, but my message once again is that we need you to keep digging,” she said.
“The Government is encouraging people donating to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal to give online or in person to free up call centre staff and phone lines for emergency calls.
Donations can be made on the Queensland Government website at this PS News link and also in person at any Queensland branch of the Bank of Queensland, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB, Suncorp, St George Bank, Bank West, Bank SA, Australian Central Credit Union and the Savings and Loans Credit Union.
People can also make donations at Coles Supermarkets and cheques can be made out to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
10 February, 2011
Flood damage funding
brought to the boil
Victims of Cyclone Yasi will be assisted by the activation of the joint State and Federal Government-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
The activation covers 19 Local Government areas – Burdekin, Burke, Cairns, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Croydon, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Mackay, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, Whitsunday, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.
Premier Anna Bligh said activating the arrangements meant those people who had been directly impacted by Yasi could now get the assistance they needed to begin to put their lives back together.
“The State and Federal Governments are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the community as it starts to recover from Yasi’s fury,” Ms Bligh said.
The Premier said assistance had also been activated for Local Councils to cover the cost of operations designed to counter the disaster.
“This ensures that Local Councils are not burdened with the cost of preparing for and responding to this unprecedented weather event,” she said.
Ms Bligh said the Queensland Government would not hesitate to activate further assistance measures in additional Local Government areas should the need arise.
“We have started to see just how much damage Yasi has caused in North Queensland communities and there’s no doubt the damage bill from this event will continue to rise,” she said.
10 February, 2011
Housing plans off
the drawing board
Proposed development schemes for the Moranbah and Blackwater Urban Development Areas (UDAs) have been opened for community comment.
Residents affected by the schemes can have their say on the draft plans for the provision of affordable housing in each region.
Minister for Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said community consultation was essential to guiding plans for generating additional housing in Moranbah and Blackwater, which had both suffered housing stress as a result of the resources boom.
“Being able to afford to buy or rent a home gives people a chance to put down roots, generate a sense of belonging and foster community spirit,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“These UDAs will ensure key workers continue to provide valuable services in the communities they choose to call home,” he said.
“The new residential developments will cater for a range of housing types and prices to deliver housing choices for low to moderate income families, key workers, singles, couples, first home buyers, retirees and non-resident workers.”
The Minister predicted that the new homes would also generate jobs – in construction and, in the long term, in retail and commercial precincts.
Development will occur in phases over the coming 10 to 15 years starting with the construction of a 12-unit development in Blackwater and a nine-hectare residential development in Moranbah.
Development in Blackwater and Moranbah is expected to begin in April and August respectively.
Chief Executive of the Urban Land Development Authority, Paul Eagles said community meetings would be held to allow residents to discuss the proposed development schemes.
10 February, 2011
Healthy outlook for
GP Super Clinic
Health professionals have joined residents on the Sunshine Coast to discuss the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon said that the consultation had ensured the Sunshine Coast GP Super Clinic would meet local needs.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ for GP Super Clinics…the Sunshine Coast is a growing community with diverse health needs and a GP Super Clinic will help take pressure off the local hospital,” Ms Roxon said.
Queensland Senator, Claire Moore said that it was important to work closely with the local community to make sure the GP Super Clinic offered the right services for the people of the Sunshine Coast
“These information and consultation sessions also offer communities a great opportunity to ask for general information about the GP Super Clinics program and funding processes,” Senator Moore said.
She said the Australian Government would provide up to $15 million to establish the Sunshine Coast GP Super Clinic as part of the funding for 28 additional GP Super Clinics provided in the 2010-11 Budget.
A register of interested parties has been established to help people to receive further information as it becomes available.
Requests to be included on the register should be e-mailed to gpsuperclinics@health.gov.au.
Further information is also available at this PS News link.
10 February, 2011
Pool fence push
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning says residents and other pool owners in cyclone-damaged areas should give priority to repairing damaged pool fences.
Swimming pools without the protection of adequate fencing posed a real and present threat to life, the Department said.
Owners of pools located within private residences, hotels, motels, backpacker hostels, home-stay accommodation and caravan parks were responsible for ensuring pool barriers were maintained and damaged fencing or barriers fixed immediately.
Trading hours relaxed
Queensland Police Superintendent Col Campbell has made a declaration that some major retailers in cyclone-affected areas will be permitted to trade outside their current restrictions until further notice.
The declaration follows consultation between the Department of Community Safety and the Retailers Association and relates to Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores in Ingham, Ayr and Charters Towers.
Giving nominated stores the ability to trade outside their normal trading hours gave the community more opportunity to purchase essential items and re-stock their food supplies, Superintendent Campbell said.
Flooded events supported
Two major regional events hit by floods will receive extra Government funding.
They are the Chinchilla Melon Festival and the Gympie Heart of Gold Film Festival.
The extra assistance will be channelled through the Events Queensland Regional Development Program, which has also extended its deadline for applications under its next round of funding by three weeks to 4 March.
3 February, 2011
PS redundancies flow
from flood package
A voluntary separation program for Queensland Public Servants is among a number of strategies announced to pay for the flood recovery effort.
Premier, Anna Bligh and Treasurer, Andrew Fraser unveiled the plan as part of the revamped Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review.
The PS redundancy program would generate $175 million in savings by 2012-13.
Mr Fraser said 3,500 non-frontline public servants would be able to access the new voluntary separation program.
“Each year we need more police, more teachers, more ambulance officers, more firies, more child-protection workers, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals,” Mr Fraser said.
“This program is all about ensuring our resources are where they are needed most,” he said.
Mr Fraser said the Government would consult with public sector unions and he made a commitment that the plan would not result in a single forced redundancy.
The flood recovery funding package includes a boost for the tourism sector, funding for damaged sports facilities and a cash injection for the Jobs Assist program.
The Premier said the task of rebuilding would take years.
“This is by no means the final bill – experience tells us many communities will be counting the costs for some time to come,” Ms Bligh said.
This was a flood recovery funding package aimed at getting Queensland back on its feet, she said.
Other sections of the package included a measure to fund the Queensland Reconstruction Authority from the proceeds of the long-term lease of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.
Also in the package, plans for a Brisbane Cross-River Rail Project to begin in 2013 would now be delayed by at least two years.
The Queensland Public Sector Union said that the 3,500 voluntary redundancies and an increase in the size of the public sector “efficiency dividend” to $500 million over three years was short-sighted policy.
“We will be seeking more information on what process will be followed in relation to proposed redundancies,” the union said in a statement.
“We will also be seeking assurances that workloads in all Agencies will be monitored and managed appropriately,” the union said.
3 February, 2011
Disaster managers
recalled for cyclones
The State Disaster Management Group (SDMG) has been re-activated in response to tropical cyclones affecting Queensland.
The Group was originally activated on 21 December in response to Tropical Cyclone Tasha, which crossed the North Queensland coast near Gordonvale on Christmas Day.
It continued its work during the flooding emergency and after a short stand-down, for Tropical Cyclone Anthony.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the SDMG would work with and support local disaster management groups in each Local Government area to ensure preparations for any weather eventuality were underway.
“Deputy Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart has been re-appointed as the State Disaster Coordinator to oversee our preparation and response,” Ms Bligh said.
“Like all Queenslanders, I would like nothing more for Queensland to be free of adverse weather so we can get on with the job of rebuilding after what has been a devastating start to the wet season,” she said.
“However, the Bureau of Meteorology warned in October last year of the potential for this wet season to be one of the busiest since the 1970s.”
She urged all Queenslanders to maintain their vigilance and preparedness for wild weather.
Acting Assistant Director General of Emergency Management Queensland, Warren Bridson said often the most significant impact from tropical cyclones or tropical lows was flooding, but the potential for a devastating impact was very real.
“Impact zones will vary and the widespread effects of cyclones can be felt for thousands of kilometres,” Mr Bridson said.
3 February, 2011
Revenue to be hit
by flood impact
The Queensland Budget will be hit by massive revenue write downs in areas such as royalties, transfer duty and GST.
The total taxation and royalty revenue write down across the forward estimates is projected to be more than $1.5 billion. Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said this would add to the $1 billion write down from the GST contained in last year’s Commonwealth Budget update.
Over four years the key revenue lost comprises royalties $159 million; transfer duty $1.4 billion and GST $1 billion.
Mr Fraser said royalty income would be hit hardest this year.
“Royalties will take a bath. Lost production and a rampant Aussie dollar have delivered a $286 million write down this year, before we make up ground from strong demand in the future,” Mr Fraser said.
“The floods are expected to put further strain on a housing market already under pressure from tight credit conditions with transfer duty now forecast to be lower than last financial year.”
Mr Fraser said the challenge was compounded by a large write down ($344 million) in transfer duty this year from a soft property market.
He announced planned changes to transfer duty and royalty collection arrangements, aimed at ensuring the State’s revenue base is protected into the future.
Mr Fraser said that from 1 July, royalties would be collected through the Office of State Revenue with a move towards collection on a monthly basis proposed.
“Further efforts to harmonise the State’s stamp duty regime will ensure simplified rules and reduce the scope for tax avoidance,” he said.
“This is not a revenue raising measure– this is about ensuring our system is robust and taxpayers can’t avoid their obligations.”
3 February, 2011
Builders warn on
building contracts
Home owners have been reminded by the Building Services Authority about the importance of following correct procedure when entering into a repair or rebuilding contract.
It made specific reference to the retention of the five-day cooling-off period.
General Manager of the BSA, Ian Jennings, said home owners should not sign waivers on building or repair contracts that would remove the cooling-off period.
“The cooling-off period gives home owners breathing space to ensure they are happy with their quote and it allows them time to obtain additional quotes to check that the original quote is a competitive one,” Mr Jennings said.
The General Manager urged home owners to obtain at least two quotes before signing a contract, to use only licensed contractors and to check the contractors’ licence numbers with the BSA’s free online licence search.
He also warned consumers about paying money in advance.
“I cannot emphasise too strongly the importance of not paying money upfront and not paying for incomplete work,” Mr Jennings said.
“I understand people want to get repairs and reconstruction started as soon as possible but taking your time now when engaging a contractor could save time and expense later.”
The Building Services Authority is assisting Queensland communities to recover from natural disasters by providing technical and general advice on a wide range of rebuilding issues.
Visit this PS News link for more information and assistance with the recent Queensland flooding.
3 February, 2011
Queen recognises
more for excellence
The Queen’s Australia Day Honours List recognised the dedication and commitment of a number of people in public service in Queensland over and above those named last week as recipients of the Public Service Medal, Australian Police Medal, Ambulance Service Medal and Emergency Services Medal.
Governor-General, Quentin Bryce announced that the following had been awarded honours in the Order of Australia awards.
COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AC)
Penelope Anne WENSLEY AO AC
Brisbane
For contribution to the people of Queensland, and to Australia’s international relations through senior diplomatic representational roles and as a key contributor to initiatives of the United Nations.
Her Excellency has been Governor of Queensland since July 2008.
OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Professor Owen Peter COALDRAKE AO
Teneriffe
For service to higher education through a range of academic and executive roles, as an advocate for professional standards, to public sector policy management and reform, and to Australia-America relations.
Professor Coaldrake has been Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology since 2003 and chair of Universities Australia since 2009.
Zoe Scott RATHUS AO
Nathan
For service to the law, particularly through contributions to the rights of women, children and the Indigenous community, to education and to professional organisations.
Ms Rathus is a co-director of Clinical Legal Education at Griffith University’s Griffith Law School, a founding member of the Women’s Legal Service and supporter of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal and Advocacy Service.
MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Emeritus Professor John Montague SIMMONS AM
Indooroopilly
For service to engineering and education, particularly through innovative approaches to curriculum reform and the development of the international student market.
Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland’s School of Mechanical Engineering since 2007, Professor Simmons was named in the top 100 most influential engineers in Australia in 2004.
MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)
John Francis CLARK OAM
Charters Towers
For service to education in rural and remote areas, particularly through on-line learning initiatives.
Mr Clark has been Principal of Charters Towers School of Distance Education since 1989.
Matthew Joseph O’RILEY OAM
Cairns
For service to education through the provision of teaching programs to Indigenous communities.
Mr O’Riley was District Inspector for Gulf, Cape and Torres Strait District, Queensland Department of Education, from 1988 to 1991.
He taught extensively in Queensland, Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait islands, and produced 14 video films on mathematics/language for Professional Development Programs and supervised the development and assessment of these programs through the Far North Queensland Schools Development Unit.
Aladin RAHEMTULA OAM
St Lucia
For service to librarianship through the Supreme Court of Queensland, and to the community through the preservation of legal heritage.
Details not available at the request of Mr Rahemtula.
Dr Spencer James ROUTH OAM
Bardon
For service to the library and information sciences sector, particularly through the University of Queensland.
Dr Routh was a Reference Librarian at the University of Queensland Library from 1959 to 1997 and has been a member of the Queensland Working Party for the Australian Dictionary of Biography since 1975.
Ronald Edward STORE OAM
Townsville
For service to library and information services, and to education.
Mr Store was co-manager of the Thuringowa Library Service (now Townsville Library Service) from 2001 to 2007, manager from 2007 to 2008 and convener of the Queensland Public Libraries Association/Public Libraries Australia joint conference in Townsville in 2009.
Dr Francis Patrick SULLIVAN OAM
Ascot
For service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology.
Dr Sullivan was Clinical Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery, University of Queensland from 1960 to 2001.
He is a visiting ophthalmologist at Royal Brisbane Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital, and was President of the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists from 1988 to 1989.
Associate Professor Marianne VONAU OAM
Brisbane
For service to medicine in the field of neurosurgery as a clinician, educator and mentor.
Associate Professor Vonau has been Executive Director, Critical Care and Clinical Support Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, since 2006. In 2003, she was inducted into the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame as the first female neurosurgeon trained in Australia.
3 February, 2011
New leadership team
built up for Planning
A new leadership team has been appointed to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP).
Chief Executive of Growth Management Queensland, Paul Low has been named as DIP’s Acting Director-General.
Former Chief Executive Officer of WaterSecure, Keith Davies is the new Coordinator-General.
The announcements follow the appointment of previous Director-General and Coordinator-General, Graeme Newton as head of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Mr Low reports to Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe.
Mr Low will be responsible for the State’s planning and growth management agendas as well as providing support for the Local Government sector.
Mr Davies will work across the whole of Government on independent environmental assessments for many of the State’s biggest projects.
He will also facilitate major projects for economic activity, social development and new jobs.
Ms Boyle welcomed the appointment of Mr Low, an experienced planner and Public Servant, to the Department’s top role.
Mr Low has spent the past 18 years working in both the private and public sectors, including the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Before his current role, he was Associate Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Mr Davies has more than 35 years experience in the water and energy industries in Australia and the United Kingdom.
He has been nominated by Engineers Australia as one of Australia’s top 100 influential engineers for the last two years.
3 February, 2011
Storage project
puts store in UQ
The Australian Government’s $50 million Research Data Storage Infrastructure project will be led by the University of Queensland.
The project aims to develop a national network of data stores where research data can be readily accessed, analysed and re-used.
Its three key components will identify, strengthen and develop research data centres; identify research data holdings of lasting value and importance and contribute funding to their development; and provide the widest possible range of general data sharing and movement infrastructure suitable for data-intensive research activities.
Nick Tate has been appointed full-time Project Director and will lead the team running the project. Previously, Dr Tate was Associate Director of the Australian Research Collaboration Service.
He said the project’s goal was to develop a coherent and integrated national research data environment, building on the strengths of different providers.
“It aims to ensure a coordinated and collaborative use of these resources. This will support enhanced research outcomes through greater access to, and sharing of, research data,” Dr Tate said.
Consultations with the sector would continue during the first half of 2011 as the project office is established at The University of Queensland.
“It is expected that a sector-based project board will be appointed by 1 March, to guide the project’s further development,” he said.
“After a formal consultation process, a first call for node proposals is expected to be released to the sector by the end of June.”
3 February, 2011
Coal gas trial
peters out
The Underground Coal Gasification trial plant near Kingaroy will not be allowed to recommence.
The Minister for Sustainability, Kate Jones, said Cougar Energy could not demonstrate to the Department of Environment and Resource Management and the independent Scientific Expert Panel that it could recommence its operations without an unacceptable risk of causing environmental harm.
Ms Jones said the Government took the protection of the environment very seriously and any company that wanted to do business in Queensland would have to meet its environmental obligations.
“The trial has not been able to operate while the investigations have been under way,” Ms Jones said.
“The only activity that Cougar will be authorised to undertake in the future is the full rehabilitation of the site.
“This has been a thorough and rigorous investigation and I would like to acknowledge the patience of the Kingaroy community.”
Director General of the Department of Environment and Resource Management, John Bradley said the Agency was not satisfied with two of the three reports the company was directed to provide after contaminants resulting from the underground gasification process were detected in groundwater monitoring bores on the Cougar site.
“The information contained in the Environmental Reports submitted to the Department by Cougar, particularly in relation to future risk management of processes on the site, was not able to provide sufficient confidence to the Department or the independent panel to allow Cougar to recommence,” Mr Bradley said.
3 February, 2011
Larry’s leftovers
diverted to flood
A total of $703,000 in funds left over from the Cyclone Larry Appeal will be transferred to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal to help victims of the recent flooding disaster.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the Cyclone Larry Appeal Fund raised nearly $22 million in donations with 3,005 grants being made to repair and rebuild homes and get families back on their feet in the aftermath of the cyclone.
“As a matter of procedure, the decision was made in November last year to donate any money remaining in the fund to an established fund which is used to contribute to future disaster relief efforts,” Ms Bligh said.
“But the Cyclone Larry Appeal Fund cannot legally be wound up until all the claims have been settled and there is one claim outstanding because of an applicant’s negotiations with their builder,” she said.
“It is simply untrue to claim the Government is sitting on donations to victims of Cyclone Larry and it is irresponsible to seek to discourage people from donating to the current fund which will be used to help the victims of the recent disaster.”
Grants to seven Cyclone Larry applicants had been held in trust with the Building Services Authority awaiting the commencement of rebuilding activities.
Six of these applicants have not been able to proceed with rebuilding and it was agreed in December 2010 that these claimants would instead receive a cash payment.
One grant to rebuild an uninsured home remains in trust with the Building Services Authority.
3 February, 2011
DERM has dig at
mine water plans
Mining companies have been urged to be proactive in managing mine-affected water and other environmental obligations.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management is working closely with the mines to ensure the discharge of excess water is done as quickly and as safely as possible.
Director-General of the Department, John Bradley said that in the past two months the Department had approved or amended 27 applications for Transitional Environmental Programs or amendments to existing applications, enabling the mines to safely discharge water.
A further 14 applications were being assessed, Mr Bradley said.
He rejected public calls from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) for a “blanket exemption” to allow their companies to discharge without assessing the environmental impact.
“The mine discharges which occurred in the Fitzroy River in 2008 show the risks of elevated salt levels in low flow environments to ecosystems and downstream users,” Mr Bradley said.
“The QRC’s proposed blanket exemption would allow mines which are storing worse-quality water in some cases to discharge into creeks which aren’t flowing.”
He said that while some mines had prepared well for the current wet season, others had not.
“Some of the issues could have been minimised or avoided through adequately addressing environmental concerns in relation to their water management planning prior to the start of the wet season,” he said.
“It is also unfortunate that, of those companies storing water onsite, only a small number sought discharge approvals in advance of significant flows and rainfall occurring, while most requests came after pits were further inundated.”
3 February, 2011
Flood papers flow
to new Authority
Three documents have been referred to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the Commission of Inquiry established to investigate Queensland’s floods disaster.
They are The Rockhampton Flood Management Study, the 2007 report by the then SEQ Water titled Provision of Contingency Storage in Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams and Seqwater’s current Manual of operational procedures for flood mitigations at Wivenhoe Dam and Somerset Dam.
The Rockhampton document’s recommendations include construction of levee banks, increased flood mapping and upgrading of the flood warning system.
The dams report finds that raising the Wivenhoe Dam wall could increase storage capacity while the operating manual contains guidelines for the management of these dams during flood incidents.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the documents had been forwarded to the Commission as possible resources it might wish to consider in its investigation.
“The Government and its Agencies will respond comprehensively to whatever the Commission requires,’’ Ms Bligh said.
The Commission is headed by Justice Catherine Holmes with Deputy Commissioners Jim O’Sullivan, a former Queensland Police Commissioner and Phil Cummins, an international expert on dams.
The inquiry, which has the powers of a Royal Commission, is expected to take public submissions from across Queensland.
Its terms of reference include, among other matters, the implementation of the operation plans for dams across the State and in particular the Wivenhoe and Somerset release strategy.
It has been asked to deliver an interim report in August and its final report by January 2012.
3 February, 2011
Tourism boost is
just the ticket
A new Tourism Industry Support Package from the State and Federal Governments will inject $10 million into the Queensland tourism industry.
The joint funding will provide a boost to the industry, hard hit by the floods and still suffering because of the negative publicity that has spread world-wide.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the money would help get the message out that Queensland was still a world class and welcoming destination.
The funding would be used to roll out an interstate and international marketing campaign to assure potential travellers that Queensland was open for business.
“This is about getting the message out to as many people as possible that most of our State’s tourism regions have been largely unaffected by floods and now is the time to take a Queensland holiday,” Ms Bligh said.
Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said the funding boost would be a shot in the arm for tourism operators doing it tough.
“Tourism contributes a massive $9.2 billion per annum to the State, directly employing 122,000 people and indirectly employing 100,000 more,” Mr Lawlor said.
“This funding will be an enormous boost for those Queenslanders who work in the industry, their families and for the Queensland economy overall.”
Mr Lawlor said the livelihoods of so many Queenslanders depend on the tourism industry and that was why the Government was sending the message out loud and clear that the State was open for tourism business.
3 February, 2011
TAFE shows skills
in flood recovery
SkillsTech Australia is helping with the task of rebuilding Queensland in the wake of devastation caused by the floods.
The lead TAFE Institute in trade and technician training is involved in various initiatives and fundraising activities including flexible training, home-maintenance courses, a staff volunteer working group, and staff sausage sizzles.
Institute Director of SkillsTech Australia, Mary Campbell said a few of the trade areas, such as building and construction and electrical, would be busy in the coming months.
“We provide a flexible training schedule to allow apprentices to continue to work onsite, which is going to be very important as we begin the immense task of repairing Queensland,” Ms Campbell said.
“We are also offering basic home-maintenance courses, two nights in duration, in painting and decorating, how to repair damaged plasterboard and floor coverings, and wall and floor tiling, which are all specifically designed for homeowners affected by the floods.”
Ms Campbell said SkillsTech Australia’s eight training centres were ready for business with 1,720 enrolments already registered for 2011.
“A staff volunteer working group is on hand to support our staff and communities, which will be deployed as required to assist over the coming months,” she said.
“SkillsTech Australia staff were deployed last week to assist our colleagues at Bremer Institute of TAFE in Ipswich with any clean-up efforts.”
3 February, 2011
Police blow whistle
on email scam
An email scam where a message is received from a person the receiver knows, has resulted in a warning from the police.
The message states that the sender is currently overseas and in some trouble.
Superintendent Brian Hay of the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said the intention of the email was always the same – to ask for money.
“This is a scam,” Detective Superintendent Hay said.
“The person who sent the email has had their email account compromised causing emails to be sent without their knowledge to their entire email list.
“An important tip for people receiving this email is to contact their friend or family member directly,” he said.
“Firstly check to see that they are safe. If they are and have no knowledge of sending you this email, it is important you tell them their account has been compromised.”
The person who had their account compromised would need to scan their computer, change their passwords and advise their entire email list they are fine and the email they received was a scam.
“We are currently looking into this further but believe the person’s account has been compromised most likely after they have opened a phishing email,” Superintendent Hay said.
“The email has then deposited a virus or keylogger on to their system allowing the scammer to take control of their email list.”
Superintendent Hay said it was an alarming scam that proved people needed to be vigilant.
“Unfortunately, it is no longer enough to just delete emails from addresses you don’t recognise,” he said.
3 February, 2011
Sunshine Coast shines
on research centre
A new Skills, Academic and Research Centre co-located with the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) at Kawana has been announced.
The $60.8 million Centre will operate as part of a Queensland-first collaboration between the University of Queensland (UQ), the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and Sunshine Coast TAFE.
The hospital will become the biggest health infrastructure project in the country once work begins in 2013.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Paul Lucas said the collaboration would ensure the next generation of health workforce on the Sunshine Coast could be trained locally.
“It’s well known that when you receive your education and training in the community you live in, you’re more likely to continue working there,” Mr Lucas said.
“Currently medical students can only complete their third and fourth years of training on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“Under this collaboration we expect medical students to be able to undertake their full degree study right here on the Sunshine Coast.”
Nursing students would also benefit from the new centre through opportunities such as enrolled nurse training at TAFE and registered nurse training with USC.
“Another example of how this new centre will benefit the local workforce is that a member of our catering staff will be able to receive their certificate qualification through TAFE Queensland, as will administrative staff who can undertake IT and business-related qualifications,” Mr Lucas said.
“This new Skills, Academic and Research Centre will make this a reality for more than 1,300 students annually.
The Centre will open in 2016 in line with the opening of the hospital.
3 February, 2011
Disabled grants to
enable Councils
Local Councils have been urged to apply for grants under the Commonwealth’s new Accessible Communities program which offers up to $100,000 to make communities more accessible for people with disability.
The small infrastructure grants, which are open to individual Councils or consortia of Councils, will help improve the accessibility of public buildings and facilities for people with disability.
This includes making improvements such as access ramps, lifts, hoists and accessible public toilets, as well as community infrastructure such as playgrounds, swimming pools, libraries and town halls.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas said people with disability and their carers deserved the same opportunities as other Australians in their local community.
“These grants will give Local Councils financial assistance to upgrade their public buildings and facilities so people with disability and their carers can participate in the local community,” Senator McLucas said
The Accessible Communities program is part of an $11 million accessibility package to support the Government’s National Disability Strategy.
The Strategy will set a 10-year reform plan for all Governments to address the barriers faced by Australians with disability and encourage greater social inclusion.
Applications for grants close on 25 February. The grants must be matched by applicants with an equal or greater amount of funding.
3 February, 2011
Car survey drops
a bombshell
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that the average age of registered vehicles is 10 years.
Tasmania had the oldest vehicles, at 11.9 years on average, while the Northern Territory had the newest at 8.8 years.
The number of vehicles registered in Australia crossed 16 million for the first time in the 2010 Motor Vehicle Census. There were 721.1 vehicles for every 1,000 Australian residents at 31 March, 2010.
Western Australia had the highest rate of all States and Territories with 818.0 vehicles per 1,000 residents. Northern Territory had the lowest rate at 589.4 vehicles per 1,000 residents.
Motorcycle popularity in Australia continued to grow at a faster rate than any other vehicle type in the 12 months to March 2010. However, the growth in the last 12 months had slowed when compared to previous years.
From 2005 to 2010, motorcycle (including scooter) registrations have had an average annual growth rate of 9.4 per cent. In the 12 months until 31 March 2010, motorcycles only grew by 5.8 per cent.
The increase in diesel vehicles has continued. Over the past 12 months, total diesel-registered vehicles in Australia rose by 10.3 per cent. Since 2005, the proportion of diesel vehicles has increased from 10.1 per cent of the fleet to 13.8 per cent, while the proportion of petrol vehicles had decreased from 87.5 per cent to 83.0 per cent.
3 February, 2011
Road projects continue
The floods will not stop planning and design work continuing on a number of North Queensland road projects, the Government has announced.
This would enable projects to hit the ground running when funds became available.
Further south, construction of the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane would have to be delayed in the face of the biggest rebuilding challenge the country had ever seen.
UQ up with the best
The University of Queensland has been found to be above world standard in more fields of research than any other Australian university.
The Excellence in Research for Australia survey ranked 21 broad fields of UQ research in the highest two ratings bands.
These included research in Biomedical and Clinical Health Sciences, BioTechnology, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Physical Science, which were ranked at “well above world standard”.
Seminars on bullying
Psychologist and anti-bullying expert, Michael Carr-Gregg will present a second series of free seminars for parents, school leaders and school staff between February and September.
The seminars will build on last year’s series with a focus on promoting self-esteem and resilience in students, and practical strategies for dealing with bullying.
Feedback from the 2010 seminars, which were attended by more than 3,000 people, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Public transport boost
Brisbane public transport network has been boosted by extra buses, drivers and two new bus routes as an alternative to the ferry terminals.
The increased services will help cater for almost 18,000 commuters who have been unable to use river services since the floods.
The Government will continue to work with Brisbane City Council with extra buses until the CityCats service can return to the river.
Reconciliation awards
Nominations are open for businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and projects that support reconciliation.
The 2011 Queensland Reconciliation Awards are open to schools and other educational institutions for the first time.
Nominations close on 11 March and award winners will be announced at a ceremony during Reconciliation Week in May.
For more information or to download a nomination form visit this PS News link.
Rail Regime Certification
The Queensland Rail Access Regime (QRAR) has been certified for the next 10 years as an “effective access regime” under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
The National Competition Council certification recognises that the regime applies certain agreed principles for regulating access, ensures a nationally-consistent approach to regulating access to significant infrastructure, and avoids duplication between State and Commonwealth regulation.
It will provide regulatory certainty to those doing business on Queensland’s key railways and will give businesses greater certainty as they look to invest in Queensland.
A copy of the certification and statement of reasons is available on the National Competition Council website available at this PS News link.
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