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SearchArchives for October 2009
29 October, 2009
Safety watchdog pins
hopes on workplaces
The importance of keeping workplaces safe has been emphasised by the Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick, who pointed out that on average, 82 Queenslanders were absent from work every day due to workplace injuries or illness.
Mr Dick was raising awareness of the issue as part of this year’s Safe Work Australia Week.
“Every year about 100 Queenslanders die and 30,000 suffer serious injuries or work-related diseases,” Mr Dick said.
“That means that on average, 82 Queensland workers are absent from their workplace on any given day because of a serious work-related injury or illness.”
He said the financial cost of these absences had been estimated at more than $5.2 billion a year but even worse was the incalculable cost in human suffering.
“We’re working with employers and workers to build a positive zero-harm safety culture in all Queensland workplaces to reduce the number and severity of workplace incidents,” Mr Dick said.
The Minister said that Safe Work Australia Week, now in it is fifth year, was a national Week that focused attention on workplace health and safety issues.
“It aims to encourage all working Australians to get involved in, and concentrate on, safety in their workplace to reduce death, injury and disease,” he said.
“Safe Work Australia Week is for all Queenslanders – whether you’re a small, medium or large business, an office worker or labourer, an apprentice or manager, from the country or the city, or work in an office or outdoors.”
Chair of the Safe Work Australia Council, Tom Phillips said the week offered an opportunity for all Australians to get involved in making workplaces across the country as safe as possible to help reduce injury, death and disease.
“Celebrating Safe Work Australia Week can be as simple as holding a morning tea or BBQ in your workplace and talking through the issues of workplace safety and its importance,” Mr Phillips said.
He said the Week was an ideal time to become involved in the development of Australia’s new national OHS laws.
Comments on the laws would be open until 9 November.
29 October, 2009
Auditor throws book at
public corporations
Government Owned Corporations that do not publish forward plans despite being advised to in 2006 have been criticised by the Auditor-General .
In his audit of performance management systems entitled Follow-up on government owned corporation and budget sector performance measurement and reporting, the Auditor-General, Glenn Poole said without a forward plan to judge performance against, it was “difficult’ to see if the corporations had achieved their goals.
He was particularly critical of Treasury for not pushing his call for reform.
According to the Auditor-General, an audit conducted in 2006 led to a number of improvements in the financial management of Government Departments, Statutory Authorities and Government Owned Corporations and this year’s follow up was to assess their effects.
“Performance information should inform Parliament and the community what government wants to achieve, how it will be achieved and at what cost,” the Auditor-General said.
“Three years on, the GOC sector has made limited progress in implementing the 2006 recommendations.”
He said of nine recommendations made to Treasury relating to the GOCs, only one was fully implemented and six partially adopted.
“In my view, Parliament and other stakeholders do not receive an adequate standard of information on GOC performance in a number of areas,” the Auditor-General said, “(Including) a lack of disclosure on forward plans and longer term performance targets.
“This makes it difficult to determine how GOCs have performed over time and whether longer term performance objectives have been achieved.”
He said Treasury did not accept some of his 2006 recommendations due to considerations of commercial confidentiality.
“Nondisclosure of information on the basis of commercial confidentiality needs to be balanced against the prime consideration for transparent performance reporting and accountability,” the Auditor-General said.
He said Treasury had yet to develop a policy for the GOC sector that defined the objectives of State ownership and the Government’s role in managing the corporate entities it created.
“In line with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines, I had expected to see a publicly available Annual Report that aggregates the actual achievements and performance of the GOC sector.”
He said while Treasury’s Annual Report included information on the operations of the
Office of Government Owned Corporations, it did not include the achievements of the GOCs.
“The lack of transparency and disclosure of key performance information makes it difficult to provide an opinion on whether GOCs have relevant and appropriate performance measures to enable them to fairly represent their performance,” the Auditor-General said.
Responding to the audit report, Treasury said it had been working in consultation with the corporations to improve their performance monitoring.
“Due to the complexity of the recommendations and with a number of GOCs in different industries with varying requirements, this has taken some time,” the response said.
The full text of the Auditor-General’s follow-up report can be found at www.qao.qld.gov.au
29 October, 2009
No complaints on new
complaints website
A website that gives information to consumers on the various Agencies they can complain to if they have a problem has been launched by the Queensland Government.
Called ‘It’s OK to Complain’, the website covers Queensland-specific Agencies as well those who receive complaints nationally.
The website stresses that these are independent organisation, which will accept complaints about Government Departments, Local Councils or private organisations. However, there is a need to know the subjects that each Agency deals with to avoid frustration.
“When you have identified the right Agency to register your complaint, contact them to find out what is required to lodge a formal complaint. Each complaints Agency has different requirements for lodging complaints,” the website says
“Some Agencies take complaints in writing only; other Agencies are set up to take a complaint by telephone or online. Some Agencies cannot accept a complaint until the organisation or person you are complaining about has had an opportunity to resolve your concern within a fixed time. This timeframe will be dependent on the complexity of the issues.”
There are tips for writing letters and on what information is most useful. However the website urges complainants to try and resolve the issue with the organisation of concern.
“Most organisations and Agencies have a system for handling complaints and seek to resolve concerns without a formal process,” the website says.
Independent Agencies listed on the website include: Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, Crime and Misconduct Commission, Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, Health Quality and Complains Commission, Queensland Ombudsman and Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Other Agencies include: Financial Services Ombudsman, Office of Fair Trading Queensland, Energy Ombudsman Queensland, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Superannuation Complaints Tribunal, Fair Work Ombudsman, Legal Services Commission Queensland and Private Health Insurance Ombudsman.
The new website is at www.complaints.qld.gov.au
29 October, 2009
Car race revs up
Auditor-General
The decision by Queensland Auditor-General, Glenn Poole to conduct an audit of the contractual agreements relating to the A1Grand Prix component of the 2009 SuperGP car racing event has been welcomed by the Government.
Premier Anna Bligh said the Auditor-General had advised he will focus on the governance arrangements established to manage the use of State Government funding for the event.
He will also consider any financial implications from the early termination of the agreements between the Gold Coast Motor Events Company and the A1GP.
The Auditor-General’s review will complement a separate review to be undertaken independently.
“There is no question, people want answers about the events leading up to withdrawal of the A1GP from this year’s event,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Government invested $11.6 million in the staging of this year’s event and tax payers deserve to know how that contribution was used and managed by the event organisers.
I am confident the Auditor-General will be able to provide a clear understanding of the use of that funding.”
Mr Poole would also be considering the effectiveness of the current governance framework, including the roles of the Department of Communities, Gold Coast Events Co Pty Ltd, and Gold Coast Motor Events Co.
Ms Bligh said the Auditor-General is expected to provide his report to the Parliament once it is complete.
Mr Poole said the normal audit program for the Agencies concerned had been brought forward following “significant public interest’ in the withdrawal of the A1GP.
29 October, 2009
Anti sales campaigns
are hit and myth
A union campaign against Government policies to sell public assets has been met with a Government campaign entitled The Myths vs. The Facts.
Premier Anna Bligh said choices had to be made.
“My priority is to deliver the schools, roads and hospitals that Queensland families need, not building ports and rail lines that only benefit mining companies,” Ms Bligh said.
“We’re looking at a $15 billion return on the five businesses we’re selling and we will not have to invest more than $12 billion (plus interest) to upkeep them over the next five years. That’s about $30 billion of Queenslanders money.”
The Premier said she understood community concern about the process, but believed a lot of it was being driven by misinformation.
“This $1.9 million information campaign is about giving Queenslanders the facts about one of the largest structural economic reforms in the State’s history,” she said.
Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said the Government had considered many options when assessing how to address the Budget problems forced on the State by the Global Financial Crisis.
“We had a choice: sell a small portion of the Government’s total asset portfolio, or cut back our building program, slash jobs and raise taxes,” Mr Fraser said.
“This was a tough decision we didn’t want to have to make, but the alternatives would have been devastating to Queensland families and the Queensland economy.”
Queensland unions are to hit back with a television advertising campaign of their own.
General Secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions, Ron Monaghan said the campaign highlights the need to keep public assets for future generations and not sell them off as a quick fix to address Budget deficits.
“Queenslanders overwhelmingly agree with us that this decision is panicked and short-sighted. They agree that it’s not in the best interests of Queenslanders to sell public assets,” Mr Monaghan said.
“These assets are income-generating and should be kept in public hands for the benefit of future generations – not sold off to private operators intent on making a profit at the expense of jobs and services.”
29 October, 2009
Investigators fired
up after bushfires
The ranks of fire investigators combing the fire grounds around Rockhampton and Bundaberg following the blazes of recent weeks have been boosted with the arrival of colleagues from New South Wales.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said four firefighters joined investigation teams who have been working long hours in an attempt to establish the cause of blazes.
“Wildfire investigation is an extremely protracted and resource-intensive process,’’ Mr Roberts said.
“In a house, the point of origin is often easily identified but with a wildfire there are kilometres of area which need to be examined.”
He said the task had been described to him as not just finding a needle in a haystack, but finding the point at the end of that needle.
Early investigations in Mount Archer had been very promising with fire crews unearthing several leads to be passed on to police.
He said there was no information available at the time on the cause of fires or which fires might have been deliberately lit, as this formed part of a police investigation.
The team in Rockhampton was also be investigating fires at Mt Morgan and in the Stanwell area. The teams in the Bundaberg area were also investigating several blazes.
Mr Roberts urged anyone with information about the cause of the fires around Queensland in recent weeks to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
29 October, 2009
Fair Trading checks
bounce lawbreakers
A multi-industry compliance check by Inspectors from the Office of Fair Trading kicked off with a blitz of security personnel, retailers and accommodation providers at last weekend’s Gold Coast SuperGP.
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said Fair Trading Inspectors made random compliance checks on security personnel, retailers and accommodation providers.
“With the Gold Coast hosting the SuperGP and Schoolies, it goes without saying that this is a busy time of year,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Fair Trading Inspectors will be working hard through this period to ensure operators are complying with the law.”
He said the Government would not tolerate undesirable people working in the security industry.
“At large events like the SuperGP and Schoolies the security industry should be serving to protect patrons - not roughing them up,” he said.
“Queensland’s security licensing regime is one of the toughest in Australian, weeding out the rogue elements before they are licensed to operate.”
Mr Lawlor said keeping that type of person out of the industry helped reduce the risk of security providers being unnecessarily involved in violent incidents.
“As Schoolies approaches we will be ramping up our compliance activity,” he said.
“Fair Trading inspectors will conduct random checks on licensed venues, accommodation providers and retailers.
“I urge traders to make sure their complaint handling procedures are in place and that their security providers are licensed,” he said.
29 October, 2009
Minister sinks teeth
into shark controls
Shark control programs are to remain in place on Queensland beaches despite calls for them to be removed, the Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said.
He said a recent incident where a three-metre white pointer was killed on a drum line off Stradbroke Island indicated there were still dangerous sharks off the Queensland coast.
“When the contractor pulled in the dead shark he was alarmed by what he saw. There were massive bite marks that must have been another white pointer,” Mr Mulherin said.
“People have forgotten why Queensland, New South Wales, and South Africa introduced nets in the first place.”
He said during one horrific period in South Africa in the late 1950s five people were killed in three-and-a-half months and there were five fatal shark attacks in Queensland between 1958 and 1961.
“The shark control program was introduced in 1962 and in the 47 years since then there has only been one fatal attack on a protected beach,” the Minister said.
“Some critics say we should remove nets during the whale migration season – but in Queensland people swim all year round.”
Mr Mulherin said Queensland’s whale rescue teams were very efficient at releasing trapped whales.
“In the last nine years there have been 28 whales trapped and 25 have been successfully released.
“So far this year all five trapped whales have been set free,” he said.
“Let me make it perfectly clear to everyone – I am not prepared to endanger human lives by removing shark nets,” Mr Mulherin said.
29 October, 2009
Fears safety changes
could be unsound
The Queensland Public Sector Union (QPSU) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that proposed changes to national occupational health and safety legislation don’t place workers at increased risk of workplace injury.
General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said Queensland workers deserved better lives – not increased safety risks if laws were changed so employers escaped their strict duty of care to protect workers.
“The proposed changes hold important safety consequences for all Queensland workers, including tens of thousands in the public sector, and they have a right to know how their safety could be impacted,” Mr Scott said.
”Right now, there are Federal plans to reduce protection of workers and slacken employer regulations by reducing their duty of care to staff.”
Mr Scott said this could affect public sector workers, who had a right to be safe while working in Queensland’s jails, call centres, and community services.
“Every year, there are dozens of Queensland workers who are killed and tens of thousands who suffer injuries and work-related illness as a result of workplace health and safety risks and that’s unacceptable,” he said.
“Queensland workers deserve peace of mind while they get their jobs done, not a worrying working day where they are never really sure that the employer has got their safety as a priority concern.”
Mr Scott said the new national laws must ensure that Queensland public sector workers were not exposed to second-rate safety and that there was adequate national consultation to ensure that safety was improved for all Queensland staff.
29 October, 2009
Innovation award
is fresh approach
An international awards program has been launched for Public Service innovation.
The Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) said the 2010 CAPAM International Innovations Awards would recognise innovation, programs and initiatives that worked towards making the PS more effective and responsive.
The theme of the 2010 Awards is ‘cultivating innovation for the Public Service of the future’.
The Awards include four categories:
- Innovations in Public Service Management and Accountability;
- Innovations in Government Services and Programs;
- Innovations in Citizen Engagement and Dialogue; and
- Innovative Use of Technology in the Public Service.
In addition, one gold medal will be awarded to the innovation that best encapsulates and demonstrates excellence under the overall awards theme.
“Progress of any kind begins with innovators who challenge the status quo and continuously seek to change reality for the better,” CAPAM said in a statement.
“Establishing change, especially in large organisations like the Public Service, requires tact to overcome the inertia of complacency, tenacity to learn from inevitable setbacks, and commitment to sustain the task of bringing new concepts into reality.”
CAPAM said the Awards celebrated the spirit of innovation in the Public Service by recognising those who have made significant contributions to improving governance and services.
“In so doing, the Award hopes to inspire and encourage innovators to improve Public Service governance, and the quality of life of citizens, communities and nations.”
The Awards will be judged by an international panel of Public Service professionals representing at least 10 different Commonwealth countries, including Chief Information Officer of Australia’s Centrelink, John Wadeson.
Submissions close on 31 March 2010 and further information, guidelines and application forms were available from www.capam.org.au
29 October, 2009
Buy Smart students
right on the money
Winners of the 2009 Buy Smart competition, which aims to promote financial literacy among school students, have been announced.
Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the entries had been very original and he had been impressed with the imaginative use of different media to fulfill the judges’ requirements.
“The many creative and entertaining board games were complemented by the use of social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter to promote the message of financial literacy,” Mr Lawlor said.
Entries totalled 380 students from 26 schools across Queensland.
Mr Lawlor said that many young people did not understand the consequences of running up high debts.
“Credit cards and mobile phones present a financial risk to consumers who don’t know how to use them responsibly,” he said.
“It can be difficult for young people to realise that excessive spending and bad debts can lead to problems later in life and can effect applications for home or car loans.”
Mr Lawlor said the Buy Smart competition invited students to work out the best ways of informing other young people about these issues.
“This year’s entrants have demonstrated a deep knowledge of fair trading topics and displayed an excellent grasp of financial literacy principles,” he said.
“I hope they can take what they’ve learnt and apply it as they start to earn and spend money of their own.”
He said a full list of this year’s winners could be found at www.getoutthere.qld.gov.au
29 October, 2009
Tourist authorities
are fellow travellers
The Queensland and New South Wales tourist authorities have joined forces to attract more international visitors to the east coast.
Premier Anna Bligh said the “landmark marketing partnership” would drive more international visitors to the two States.
“As far as tourism is concerned we’re on the same side,” Ms Bligh said.
“We want people to come from overseas and enjoy our two great States.”
“International visitors interested in Australia don’t recognise State boundaries – when they think of Australia they think of Sydney and the Opera House, the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef.
“They aren’t bothered which State they are in,” she said.
Ms Bligh said Tourism Queensland would work with Tourism New South Wales in a range of key countries including Japan, the United States, China, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Joint initiatives would include promotional package activities in both States such as bushwalking in the Blue Mountains and scuba diving on the Barrier Reef.
The Premier said that 44 per cent of all visitors to Australia arrived via Sydney and 30 per cent of all international visitors to Queensland used Sydney as their main gateway.
“We want them to spend as much of their holiday as possible in Queensland and it makes sense to target them when they’re making their travel decisions rather than after they arrive,” she said.
Queensland and New South Wales already attract three quarters of all international tourists and 58 per cent of all visitor nights in Australia.
29 October, 2009
University enjoys
degree of success
Griffith University has been named the winner of the Education and Training category in the 20th annual Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.
Minister for Trade, Stephen Robertson said the university had continued its proven record as a world-class provider of quality education and training for overseas students, contributing strongly to Queensland’s culture and economy.
“Griffith University deserves this recognition as it is a leading example of a Queensland institution that seeks to internationalise students’ experiences, and recognises the social and cultural benefits of international education and international students,” Mr Robertson said.
“Griffith is presently the number one university in Queensland in terms of onshore enrolments and the number one university in Queensland for study abroad.
“It is the leading Queensland university of choice in 58 significant international markets and the national leader in 27 significant overseas markets.”
He said it was number two nationally in a further 18 international markets.
The Minister also said that the university was a major job generator in Queensland, providing employment for more than 3,600 people.
In 2008, 9,780 international students made up 26.4 per cent of all students on five Griffith campuses, representing more than 123 countries of origin.
Pro Vice Chancellor at Griffith University, Christopher Madden said the university’s international activities brought in excess of $127 million in direct export income and an additional estimated $155 million in flow-on income into the economy.
“Our major export markets in 2008-09 included China, India, Korea, Canada, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the United States, Japan, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Norway and Germany,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Robertson also congratulated Hospitality Training Association, and the Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education - The University of Queensland, on being named as finalists in the awards.
29 October, 2009
Training on track for
Indigenous prisoners
A program to prepare Indigenous prisoners at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC) in Mareeba for post-release employment is targeting opportunities for jobs in the remote area.
Minister for Corrective Services, Neil Roberts said the Aurukun Throughcare Project was a mining-related vocational training program for Indigenous offenders from communities in the Western Cape.
“I am advised that Rio Tinto Bauxite’s expansion into Aurukun territory is imminent and there is a requirement that 20 per cent of the overall workforce in the Aurukun Bauxite project come from the local Indigenous communities,” Mr Roberts said.
“LGCC is in partnership with Rio Tinto Bauxite to provide meaningful employment opportunities for Indigenous prisoners.”
The Minister said 14 Western Cape offenders were currently enrolled as full-time students in the program, which alternated between theoretical and practical learning.
“LGCC has collaborated with Adult Education Vocation Employment and Training, Rio Tinto, Cape Communities, and Tropical North Queensland TAFE to develop the course structure,” he said.
“Training module selection will be reviewed to mirror the training delivered by Rio Tinto, which will allow Rio Tinto to explore direct streaming of prisoners into employment on release with the assistance of Probation and Parole staff in the communities.”
Mr Roberts said prisoners were offered a number of courses through Vocational Education Training (VET).
“Prisoners can gain certificates in areas where they are likely to gain employment after their release,” he said.
29 October, 2009
Memorial grants won’t
be forgotten
Funding is available for the restoration and recognition of local historic icons.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said this financial year the focus would be on war memorials.
The Minister said $600,000 had been made available in 2009-10 for the Community Memorials Restoration Program to assist restoring valuable community memorials.
“Through the Community Memorials Restoration Program, the Queensland Government provides dollar-for-dollar grants of up to $25,000 to Local Councils and other organisations to restore and repair significant local memorials. Up to $15,000 is offered for cemetery related projects,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Since the program started in 2004 the Queensland Government has provided $2.9 million to restore more than 240 memorials across the State.”
He said in that time the program’s funding had gone to the restoration and repair of monuments, honour boards, historical markers, community halls, park gates, obelisks, cairns, plaques, fountains, statues, memorial gardens, cenotaphs and clocks.
“Recently, the program was expanded to assist Local Government and community groups to undertake projects to research, document, re-instate, and restore cemeteries,” the Minister said.
In a further initiative, the Department of Public Works had developed an online register not only to further honour Queenslanders who died for the country, but also to serve as an excellent resource for historians.
“The Queensland Government aims to collect information about every war memorial that is the focus of local commemorative services or valued by a community,” Mr Schwarten said.
More information about the Community Memorials Restoration Program could be obtained from www.publicworks.qld.gov.au
29 October, 2009
New crab rules come
out of their shell
New rules designed to protect the sustainability of Queensland’s crab fishery have been announced by the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin.
Mr Mulherin said the changes had been designed to ensure future generations could enjoy catching species such as the famous Queensland mud crab.
“Changes to the rules include a new single measurement requirement for mud crabs – the size of the crab now needs to be measured across the top of the shell (carapace) at the widest point with a 15cm minimum size limit,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Previously fishers could measure the underside of the crab if the topside was damaged – this new measurement is irrespective of whether the shell is damaged or chipped.”
He said changes had also been made to crab pot use.
“If a crab pot is attached to a fixed object, such as a tree, it must be attached by a rope with a tag visible above the high water mark,” he said
“The tag has to bear the owner’s name for recreational fishers or boat mark for commercial fishers. All other pots must have a surface float attached measuring 15cm in all directions.”
Mr Mulherin said the use of trot line apparatus for commercial fishers was also affected by the new rules.
29 October, 2009
More time for coasts
An extra month has been set aside for public comment on coastal planning.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said she had extended the public consultation period for the Draft Queensland Coastal Plan to 30 November. It was scheduled to have finished this week.
“Some Councils and interest groups have asked for more time to analyse and comment on the new Draft Queensland Coastal Plan,” Ms Jones said.
“I want to make sure everyone gets a good opportunity to make an informed contribution.”
150th party hits highpoint
The official 150th anniversary of Queensland becoming a State will be marked on Proclamation Day, 10 December, ending a full year of celebrations.
Events will feature an F-111 after-burn boom, a 21-gun salute over the Brisbane River, and a procession through the streets of Brisbane.
It was on 10 December 1859 that Queen Victoria’s letters patent declaring Queensland a separate colony to New South Wales were gazetted and read out to the people of Brisbane by the colony’s founding fathers.
Ridge rail upgrade
A significant upgrade of the interstate rail network is taking place on the line between the NSW border and Brisbane suburb of Acacia Ridge.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese said the $55.8 million project would be funded under the Economic Stimulus Plan and included replacement sleepers and narrow-gauge access from Acacia Ridge to Bromelton and from Bromelton to Glenapp as well as the conversion of existing loops to dual gauge track.
Mr Albanese said the upgrade would lead to fewer large trucks on the road as one 1,500-metre train could replace around 100 trucks.
Rangers train
Five Indigenous young people are to train to become rangers in Cape York.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the full-time trainees would learn their skills on the ground at Jardine River National Park (including Heathlands Resource Reserve), Iron Range National Park, Cooktown and Coen.
“When finished, our trainees will be equipped with the skill set necessary to apply for positions within Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or other conservation management organisations,” Ms Jones said.
Port Douglas station opened
A new $3.2 million police station has been opened in Port Douglas.
Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said Port Douglas was among the fastest growing areas in Queensland and it was essential that local police had the necessary resources.
“The new station has been purpose-built for modern day policing and will allow for future population growth and increased staff levels,” Mr Roberts said.
Training Centre for Thursday Island
There will be more career choices for Thursday Island students when the new $1.5 Tagai Trades Training Centre is complete.
Turning the first sod on the project, Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said it will include a new technology building and upgrades to the existing centre at Tagai State College.
“The centre will offer Torres Strait students the ability to gain Certificate III-level qualifications in marine, construction and hospitality through Tropical North Queensland TAFE,” Mr Wilson said.
22 October, 2009
Transport plan is no
go for paper tickets
A five-year strategy for public transport in South-East Queensland sees the go card replacing all paper tickets by the end of 2010.
The strategy, announced by Acting Premier, Paul Lucas and Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan, would see the end of paper tickets.
“In just over 18 months since the roll out began, we’ve issued almost 450,000 go cards, had more than $120 million loaded on to them and seen 50 million trips taken using the new system,” Mr Lucas said.
“Smart cards mean faster boarding times, better on-time performance and more data to tailor the rollout of new services where they’re needed.”
He said using a go card cuts individual boarding time from around 11 seconds to just three - a time saving of up to seven minutes on an average bus service.
To promote the system next year the Government is to issue 400,000 free go cards loaded with $10 credit upon registration to encourage take-up.
Discounts, increased availability a Seniors Card that that would double as a go card and a limited-life go card suitable for occasional users and tourists were among other incentives.
Mr Lucas said TransLink would implement a new fare structure from January next year, which offered substantial discounts on go card fares compared with paper tickets.
“This new fare structure is all about encouraging people to make the switch to the go card,” he said.
Ms Nolan said the paper ticket phase-out would include a range of product options such as new off-peak discounts.
22 October, 2009
Carbon capture scheme
captures imagination
The State Government-owned project ZeroGen has been recognised internationally as one of the most important carbon geo-storage projects in the world.
The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF), representing 22 countries, has formally added the Government-owned project to its portfolio of carbon capture and storage (CCS) research projects.
Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said the listing proved Queensland was a world leader in carbon capture and storage research and development.
“ZeroGen is the only Australian project named in the new list and joins one other Australian project of international significance,” Mr Robertson said.
“On current timelines, ZeroGen is expected to be one of the first commercial-scale demonstrations of carbon capture and storage in the world.”
Mr Robertson said the project’s acceptance in such a key international forum highlighted the importance of the Queensland Government’s commitment to cleaner energy and to sustainable growth of the mining industry.
“We have long ago accepted that carbon capture and storage is not just critical technology to Queensland and Australia, but to the world, if we are to tackle the challenge of global CO2 emissions,” he said.
“ZeroGen is completing pre-feasibility studies and is at the forefront of CCS technology development because of the funding and resources from the Government and the coal industry.”
“To achieve recognition by CSLF projects must be nominated by the governments of at least two CSLF member nations.
“ZeroGen was nominated by the Australian and Japanese governments,” Mr Robertson said.
22 October, 2009
Forensic network
under the microscope
Queensland has been selected as home for the newly established Australian Future Forensics Innovation Network (AFFIN), an international alliance of forensic scientists, police, researchers and industry.
Acting Premier and Minister for Health, Paul Lucas and Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development, Andrew Fraser said the Government would contribute $2 million to the project.
Mr Lucas said research at AFFIN would be conducted in Queensland and at institutions right across the country, and would involve Australian and international experts.
“The aim of the AFFIN is to create a critical mass of forensic scientists, police, universities and industry in forensic research and development, to provide innovative new technologies for dealing with threats such as crime, terrorism and mass disasters,” Mr Lucas said.
“Improving forensic technologies also offers the possibility of shorter trials, better utilisation of laboratory resources and commercial returns back to Queensland in the form of new high-tech equipment.”
He said funding for the partnership between Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services and Griffith University, was allocated through the National and International Research Alliances Program - part of the Smart Futures Fund.
Mr Fraser said AFFIN’s close ties to industry would lead to significant commercialisation opportunities for the new forensic technology currently under development.
“Crime costs Australia approximately $32 billion a year,” Mr Fraser said. “Any measures that have the potential to reduce crime, enable police to do their jobs better and improve public safety warrant support.”
Director of Griffith University’s Forensic Science Research and Innovation Centre, Dennis Burns said the initial goals of the network were to develop technology to improve in-field forensic analysis, help speed up investigations and assist the work of forensic laboratories.
“With many crime scenes, the ability for police to be able to identify a potential offender or eliminate suspects as soon as possible is crucial,” he said.
“Improving DNA profiling in the field is also an important time saving step after natural disasters and other events involving mass casualties where identifying victims is paramount.”
Mr Lucas and Mr Fraser also congratulated three forensic scientists at the facility on their prestigious National Institute of Forensic Science Award for ground-breaking research into the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines using household products.
Forensic chemists Peter Culshaw, Sean Davis and Urs Wermuth won ‘Best Technical Article’ award from Institute.
22 October, 2009
State has numbers in
population stakes
Queensland’s population increased by 2.6 per cent in the year to 31 March, adding a record 112,666 people to the State, or one new person every four minutes and 33 seconds.
The State’s population has now passed 4,444,000.
Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said the figure, calculated by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research, meant that Queensland had the second highest growth rate of all States and Territories.
“In fact, in the past two decades we’ve seen our population grow at an annual rate of 2.3 per cent, which is almost double that of the rest of Australia at 1.2 per cent,” Mr Fraser said.
“The biggest contributors to Queensland’s population growth are overseas migration (46.7 per cent), natural increase (35.6 per cent) and interstate migration (17.7 per cent).
Mr Fraser said population growth has clear implications for the Government’s record $18.2 billion infrastructure program.
“While it’s not surprising that Queensland is such a popular choice for overseas and interstate migrants in particular, our growing population does place considerable pressure on jobs, services and infrastructure,” he said.
“It is critical that we maintain our building program to create jobs and provide vital infrastructure to cater for our growing population now and into the future.”
Queensland’s population is expected to reach five million in 2016, six million in 2028, seven million in 2042 and eight million in 2057.
The population counter is available on the Office of Economic and Statistical Research website – www.oesr.qld.gov.au
22 October, 2009
Blood to be spilled
in Red Cross test
Queensland’s emergency services are to compete against one another to see which one can donate the most blood to the Red Cross Blood Service over a two-month period.
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said staff and volunteers had until 19 December to make a donation at their nearest blood donor centre or mobile unit.
“The service with the highest percentage of staff donating blood during this time will win the ‘Battle of the Services Shield’,” Mr Roberts said.
“As 2009 is the year of the blood donor, I encourage all staff and volunteers from all the services to donate blood to support this important service.”
Mr Roberts said police, corrective services and emergency services staff saw the need for a blood service on a daily basis.
“Their work at accident and disaster sites has underlined for them the importance of donating blood,” he said.
“While there will be intense rivalry between the services, all staff understand the most important aspect of the challenge is saving lives.”
Operations Manager of the Red Cross Blood Service in Queensland, Tony Bourke said that one in three Australians would need blood at some point in their lives, but just in one in 30 give.
He said the challenge was a great way to support the Red Cross Blood Service as it celebrated its 80th year of collecting blood in Australia.
22 October, 2009
Kindy changes not
kidding around
Up to 100 long day child care centres are to be funded to provide kindergarten services in a pilot program planned to kick off in 2010.
Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the funding was another step on the road towards universal access to kindergarten.
“We want all children to have access to a quality early childhood education program delivered by a qualified teacher,” Mr Wilson said.
“More than half of Queensland’s kindy-aged children attend long day care centres, but just seven per cent of them are taking part in a kindergarten program taught by a qualified teacher.”
He said the introduction of funding to private sector LDCs would increase the options for parents who wanted to send their children to a kindergarten program.
He said there would be no obligation for centres to provide a kindergarten program but those that choose to would receive $1,200 for each eligible child to help offset the cost of providing the extra service.
President of Childcare Queensland, Gwynn Bridge said the child care sector strongly supported the introduction of funding for kindergarten programs in long day care centres as a significant step forward.
“Our members provide long day care services for thousands of kindy-age children and many services are already well positioned to introduce kindergarten programs as part of the pilot next year,” Ms Bridge said.
Mr Wilson said the Government was also establishing up to 240 extra kindergarten services around the State, providing even more opportunities for parents to access kindergarten programs.
“Most of these services will be co-located on school sites and run by C&K, a well respected, not-for-profit organisation with a proven track record in providing high quality early childhood education,” he said.
22 October, 2009
Computers log on
to tree project
Primary industry researchers have enlisted the power of computers to help determine the most efficient ways of killing unwanted trees.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin said ground-breaking technology was being used to monitor sap rates.
“Sap is the lifeblood of plants and, just like a heart rate in humans, the sap flow through a plant peaks and troughs over a 24-hour period,” Mr Mulherin said.
“By learning when a weed is most active we can advise people on the best time to apply herbicides.”
A pilot program was being conducted at a remote 10-kilometre stretch of creek bank, at Mingela, west of Townsville, infested with Captain Cook Tree.
“Captain Cook Tree is a pest weed that has spread from gardens and is thriving in riparian areas at several locations in north Queensland,” the Minister said.
“It is choking majestic she-oaks and other native trees and establishing thick infestations that limit mustering and stock access to waterways.”
Preliminary data from the computers indicated the maximum sap flow rate for adult tree in March, occurred between midday and 6pm.
Research leader, Faiz Bebawi said the sap monitoring technology would allow the team to come up with recommendations for landholders about the best season and the optimum time of day when the plant would be most responsive to chemical control methods.
22 October, 2009
Paramedics take sting
out of stingers
North Queensland paramedics were the big winners at the State Australian Safer Communities Awards.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts praised Palm Island paramedics, Ian Day and David Kain as deserving winners for their development of a program to decrease the number of marine stinger attacks on the island.
The Palm Island program, which included community education, vinegar stations and making stinger suits available at a discounted price, had reduced the number of marine incidents from 25 to five from one season to the next, he said.
“To have decreased the number in one community in one year by such a huge amount is phenomenal,” Mr Roberts said.
The Palm Island project is now a finalist in the national awards to be judged later this year.
“The Australian Safer Communities Awards recognise best practice, and innovation by organisations and individuals that help to build safer communities across Australia,” he said.
“The awards are an initiative of the Australian Government’s Attorney General’s Department - covering all aspects of emergency management including risk assessment, research, education and training, information and knowledge management and prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.”
Highly Commended awards in the Local Government Category were made to the Moreton Bay Regional Council and Logan City Council for road safety projects.
The Street Angels project which targets and provides support for at risk young people and intoxicated and/or distressed young adults on the Sunshine Coast was also received a Highly Commended award in the Volunteer Organisations and Community Groups category.
22 October, 2009
Australia Post staff
get stamp of approval
Australia Post is paying tribute to its employees by issuing a stamp series featuring 10 staff members.
In a statement, Australia Post said its employees played a vital role in serving customers and their local communities.
“This is the first time Australia Post has honoured its staff, contractors, licensees and agents on a stamp,” it said.
“The 10 people featured on these stamps are representative of all Australia Post employees, who, everyday, make important contributions to the wider community and the success of the business.”
The employees come from a wide range of roles and were selected from the 256 recipients of the Bicentenary Medal which is awarded to employees who have made an outstanding contribution to Australia Post’s businesses, community and customers.
“Representing every State and Territory*, they reflect Australia Post’s role in servicing all geographic areas of Australia,” the statement said.
“They are also the faces of their communities. Outside work hours they are to be found championing community causes and building a better future for all Australians.”
Those celebrated in the stamp series are:
- Patricia Crabb, Postal Manager, Virginia, Queensland;
- Shirley Freeman, Agent, Avoca, Tasmania;
- Vinko Romanik, Parcel Contractor, Netley, South Australia;
- Valda Knott, Licensed Post Office Manager, Trayning, Western Australia;
- Gordon Morgan, Postal Delivery Coordinator, Thornleigh DC, New South Wales;
- Vongpradith Phongsavan, Logistics Officer, Melbourne Parcels Facility, West Sunshine, Victoria;
- Norma Thomas, Mail contractor, Coraki Post Office, New South Wales;
- John Marsh, Manager M&ND, Northern Territory;
- Anne Brun, Marketing Manager, Financial and Agency Services Group, HQ, Melbourne, Victoria; and
- Russell Price, Delivery Operations, Perth airport, Western Australia.
22 October, 2009
Outback water plan
is boring work
A program of capping and piping uncontrolled artesian bores in the outback is now saving almost 170,000 megalitres of water a year, a result the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy described as “outstanding.”
The Minister, Stephen Robertson said the program showed that the Government’s attempts to protect natural resources and create a greener Queensland were succeeding.
“The Great Artesian Basin continues to be of vital importance to outback Queensland because in these areas, water from the Basin is often the only available supply for towns, properties and many industries,” Mr Robertson said.
“There is now a growing recognition that the sustainable management and use of Great Artesian Basin water is critical for the long-term economic future of many rural and regional communities.”
He said the Government had increased its financial commitment to the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI), providing $22.9 million funding for Stage Two projects which were completed on time on June 30.
The Commonwealth contributed $22.7 while the contribution from landholders was $19.3 million.
“This brings the total expenditure for GABSI Stage Two in Queensland to approximately $65 million,” Mr Robertson said.
“In the past 12 months, some 22 bores have been repaired and 985 kilometres of bore drain systems have been replaced.”
22 October, 2009
Boundary redrawn
in planning move
The boundaries between two Local Government Areas have been adjusted to avoid landholders needing to deal with more than one Council.
Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle said revising the boundaries between Southern Downs and Scenic Rim Regional Councils was a win for both the Councils and property owners.
“This was common sense – having to deal with two Councils on rates, services, roads and building approvals was obviously going to be a problem and that is why the State Government has worked with the parties involved to make this change,” Ms Boyle said.
“I would like to congratulate both Councils and the property owners for working together on a sensible solution and applying to the Local Government Electoral Boundary and Review Commission for an amendment.”
Ms Boyle said minor changes to Council boundaries, like this one, were initiated when landholders and Councils were in agreement.
She said following negotiations, the entire area of Lot 19 is now incorporated into the Southern Downs Regional Council area and the entire Lot 49 will become part of the Scenic Rim Regional Council area.
Ms Boyle said the independent Local Government Electoral Boundary and Review Commission, part of the Electoral Commission of Queensland, was established to review and provide advice on boundary-related matters.
22 October, 2009
History program
making history
A series of free workshops is to be held in Townsville’s CityLibraries to encourage residents to trace their Indigenous family histories.
Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Desley Boyle said tracing one’s family history could be extremely rewarding.
“The level of information in records about a person can be quite a surprise and accessing genealogical information can have very positive outcomes,” Ms Boyle said.
“For example, it can assist with native title by tracking continuous occupation and it can identify and locate living relatives, as well as re-unite people who have been lost for generations.”
There were many records created by governments, religious and other organisations, as well as information in births, deaths and marriages records, books and manuscripts.
Trawling through these sources could be daunting but the workshops would show people how to access information and use the free Community and Personal Histories Service offered through the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities.
Government Archivist, Kathy Frankland would be taking the workshops and would discuss how to use the collections.
Ms Boyle encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including those some distance away, to register for the workshops.
“Last time a similar event was held in Townsville it attracted about 150 people. This year’s workshop series will no doubt be as popular,” she said.
22 October, 2009
Feral cat researchers
start from scratch
A project by Biosecurity Queensland to determine how many feral cats there are in Queensland is to use remote sensing cameras in its efforts to find out.
Minister for Primary Industries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre estimated there were 18 million feral cats in Australia.
“However, we don’t know how many there are in Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.
Biosecurity Queensland researchers were trialling remote sensing cameras at Moonie, 100 kilometres southwest of Dalby, as a tool to gauge feral cat numbers.
“In addition our team has attached GPS logging collars to feral cats to investigate what parts of the landscape they spend most of their time in and how they move around,” the Minister said.
“Their tendency to avoid being seen makes estimating how many there are very difficult.”
While feral cats performed good service during mice plagues, mice numbers fluctuated and when numbers were low cats turned to native animals – some endangered.
“The simplest way to keep stray and feral cat numbers down is not to feed or provide shelter for them,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Feeding feral cats can incur a fine of up to $4,000 for individuals and higher penalties for corporations.”
Invasive Pest Researcher for Biosecurity Queensland, James Speed said he had found a large range of native species in the stomach contents of the feral cats.
“I found a number of native birds, reptiles and mammals including various species of planigales and dunnarts (small marsupials resembling mice) from our cat stomachs collected from Moonie,” Mr Speed said.
22 October, 2009
Job plans put
to work
Ten heritage conservation projects in Queensland are to be funded by the Commonwealth under a job creation program which is part of the economic stimulus package.
Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage, Peter Garrett announced the $3.8 million funding for the projects which will create 153 jobs.
“Heritage conservation not only becomes a point of pride among communities, it has a ripple effect in local economies, encouraging job growth, training and tourism opportunities,” Mr Garrett said.
“The projects funded today will enhance some of our most prominent heritage icons and protect and rehabilitate some of our lesser known heritage assets.”
He said a project to build an elevated boardwalk in the Mossman Gorge in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area would receive $1.16 million and create 20 jobs. The boardwalk would allow people with disabilities to discover the Gorge’s rich showcase of primitive plants and animals.
Protection of a major tract of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area would be funded with $424,000.
Another project would direct over $725,000 towards conserving Charters Towers’ most photographed building, the 1888 Stock Exchange Arcade.
Mr Garrett also announced $447,000 for Quetta Memorial Church on Thursday Island for priority conservation works, including restoration work to the bell tower and stained glass. The Church was built in 1893 to commemorate the sinking of the Quetta in 1890.
Mr Garrett said this was the largest investment ever made in Australian heritage conservation.
“It recognises the crucial role that heritage conservation can and does play in stimulating the economic health of communities, and in turn, the nation,” he said.
22 October, 2009
Noxious list has
fish on the nose
Seventy-one new species have been added to the State’s noxious fish list and released for public comment.
Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin issued the list of proposed additions.
“In August this year, 70 species of fish from 47 different groups were added to the national noxious fish list, and subsequently to the Queensland legislation,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We are now looking to add a further 71 species, but we want to ensure stakeholders, such as the ornamental and aquarium industry, have a say on what will be added.”
He said the Government was continuing to review the noxious species list to protect freshwater habitats and Queensland’s native fish stocks.
“That means some ornamental fish species, in the future, may no longer be legally traded,” he said.
“Among the species of fish we banned in August were alligator gar, African pike, giant cichlid, squarehead catfish, the marble goby and silver carp.”
The Minister said it was an offence to possess or catch fish that were already declared noxious and penalties up to $200,000 could apply.”
The public consultation period for the additions to the national noxious fish list will close on 30 November 2009.
22 October, 2009
Funds go bush for
regional program
An extra $1 million in the Queensland Events Regional Development Program (QERDP) is expected to add 45 new events for regional areas across the State.
Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said the latest round of funding would be shared between a number of regional locations and would boost tourism, create jobs, and foster local economic activity.
“This wave of recipients will include a mix of iconic, well-established events like the Rathdowney Heritage Festival and some newer, more innovative events, like the Heart of Gold International Film Festival at Gympie,” Mr Fraser said.
“The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and the International Rally of Queensland will both be elevated to Significant Regional Event Scheme status, which means both events will benefit from a $150,000 investment over three years.”
Mr Fraser said recipients would use the funding to employ staff, produce promotional material and websites, and hire infrastructure.
“We are seeing many events utilise QERDP funding to better plan for the long term, develop alternative income streams and embrace ecologically responsible practices,” he said.
“The 45 events being funded under Round 17 bring the total of funded events since the beginning of the scheme in 2001 to 645. So far, the Government has invested $13.6 million through QERDP.
“The value and success of the program is wide-reaching, and I look forward to these events continuing to bring social and economic benefits to Queensland,” Mr Fraser said.
Further funding announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
22 October, 2009
Trawl fishing plans
trawl for comment
Public comment has been invited on the future management of Queensland’s trawl fishery.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the State’s trawl sector, worth about $80 million, was a key supplier of seafood not only within Queensland but to the rest of Australia.
“Queensland seafood taken in the trawl sector such as prawns, bugs and scallops are some of the most iconic products in the country. We need to ensure this industry remains viable and sustainable,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We currently have a management plan in place for this fishery but it is nearly 10 years old.”
The Minister said that in a changing world the challenges faced by commercial fishers are different to a decade ago. In addition to proposed changes to legislation, the review was also looking at how the trawl industry could be developed throughout the supply chain.
“The review incorporates an opportunity for stakeholders to help contribute to an industry development plan,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The plan will be aimed at improving the viability of the commercial fishing industry along the entire supply chain focusing on all activities from fisher to consumer.”
Stakeholders would be able to provide feedback online or though a number of port meetings.
“Feedback will be considered in developing a regulatory impact statement, which will follow on from this first round of consultation,” he said
“This regulatory impact statement will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to comment on specific management options for the fishery.”
22 October, 2009
Courthouse upgraded
The Southport Courthouse complex is to receive a $4.5 million upgrade, including three more courtrooms.
Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the upgrade would generate up to 30 jobs and would be completed next year.
He said the project also included expansion of the main arrest courtroom on the ground floor and the installation of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
Touring fund for arts
A new touring fund of $1.9 million will bring new productions and fresh opportunities for Queensland’s performing arts in 2010 and 2011.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the vision for the touring fund was to ensure that a selection of the very best in arts experiences would be available to communities across the State.
The fund was an initiative from the Coming to a Place Near You: Touring Strategy for performing arts in Queensland 2009-2014 which reviewed gaps in services and emerging priorities.
Training facility for Townsville
A joint venture between the Department of Transport and Main Roads, RoadTek, Abigroup, Seymour Whyte and Construction Skills Queensland has resulted in the opening of a training facility for construction workers in Townsville.
The $300,000, purpose-built Practical Induction Training facility gives construction workers an opportunity to practice working in high-risk situation such as from heights or in a confined space, while remaining in a safe environment.
It will also provide hands-on emergency management training.
Electoral changes announced
Decisions on 30 Federal electoral divisions have been made by an augmented Electoral Commission for Queensland.
Presiding member of the Commission, Peter Heerey said that it had adopted the redistribution proposed and already published by the Redistribution Committee for Queensland with some minor changes.
Other members of the augmented Commission included the Australian Electoral Officer for Queensland, Anne Bright, the Assistant Director-General Land and Vegetation at the Department of Environment and Resource Management, Chris Robson and the Auditor General for Queensland, Glenn Poole.
New station for Crestmead
A new $5 million police station has been opened to service the Crestmead local area.
Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said Crestmead and surrounding suburbs were among the fastest growing areas in South East Queensland, and the station was needed to service the community.
Mr Roberts also opened a new $11.6 million police station for the Whitsunday area. He said the station has been purpose-built in consultation with operational police, allowing for future population growth and increased staff levels.
Indigenous grants available
Applications have been invited for grants from a new fund dedicated to growing Indigenous theatre in Queensland.
Minister for the Arts, Paul Lucas said the $259,000 Indigenous Theatre Fund was a one-off initiative focused on providing theatre companies, playwrights, directors, actors and theatre professionals with the opportunity to produce new work for presentation in Queensland.
The Fund is a joint initiative of the State Government through Arts Queensland and the Theatre Board of the Australia Council for the Arts.
Young miners supported
A new partnership between the Department of Communities and BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is to benefit the mining communities of Moranbah and Blackwater.
Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers said new youth services would be established in Moranbah and Blackwater under a $60,000 sponsorship agreement with BMA.
The funds would also be used to employ youth workers in the two mining communities.
Solar farm lights up
A new solar farm has been officially opened in the Outback town of Windorah.
The first of its kind in Queensland, the farm will generate power that would otherwise come from a diesel-powered generator.
The farm will produce around 300,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually and reduce diesel consumption in the town by more than 100,000 litres a year, cutting the town’s carbon footprint by an estimated 300 tonnes of greenhouse gas per year.
Scientists share career advice
The Queensland Government and the University of Queensland have staged an event in which young scientists reveal their career secrets to hundreds of high school students at the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Toowong.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin said there were career opportunities awaiting agricultural science graduates.
“The number of young people entering agricultural science careers is declining. If the trend continues there won’t be enough agricultural scientists to keep up with the worldwide demand for food, so this trend needs to be reversed,” Mr Mulherin said.
Resources grants open
Applications have opened for the 2010 Natural Resources Awareness Grants.
The grants are offered to fund activities and projects which promote the importance of natural resources, while encouraging more Queenslanders to become involved in their protection.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available to groups such as Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare and Waterwatch, and up to $10,000 will be considered for projects where there is a genuine collaboration between two or more organisations.
15 October, 2009
Retirements deliver
on rejuvenation plan
Up to 250 Senior Officers and SES staff in the QPS are to be offered Voluntary Early Retirement in a scheme aimed at rejuvenating the Queensland Public Service and improving front-line delivery.
Premier, Anna Bligh, announced the scheme saying it offered senior staff the chance to move on and create opportunities for younger people at lower levels.
Only senior staff under age 65 in business or corporate support roles are being offered VER and will have two weeks to decide whether to take it up.
“There are no forced redundancies,” Ms Bligh said.
“For each senior executive and senior officer who accepts the offer and retires early, their Department will redirect resources to create a new graduate or school leaver level job in service delivery.”
She said the areas being targeted for VER were finance, human resources, information management, information technology, assets and facilities, communications, marketing, law, planning, policy, internal audit, evaluation, review, performance management and reporting and executive administration.
A Guideline issued by the Public Service Commission says eligible staff have until 16 October to lodge an application for VER with their Department and the Department has until 26 October to pass it to the PSC for action.
Successful applicants will leave the QPS on or before 20 November.
The Guideline says approved applicants will receive severance pay of two weeks salary for every year of service up to a maximum of 52 weeks as well as their accrued recreation and long service leave.
Some staff may also be offered an extra incentive payment of 10 weeks salary to leave early.
According to the PSC, if more than 250 staff apply to leave they will be prioritised on a length-of-service basis. If fewer than 250 apply, additional offers may be made before September 2010.
Ms Bligh said the scheme would cost between $20 million and $27 million and pay for itself in two years.
The Queensland Public Sector Union offered cautious support for the scheme calling on the Government to ensure the new jobs were created before the retirements kicked in.
“Public sector workers are steadfastly opposed to any reduction in public sector jobs and services,” the General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott, said.
The PSC guideline can be accessed at www.psc.qld.gov.au
15 October, 2009
No bugs found in
virus response
Officers from Biosecurity Queensland responded rapidly and effectively and in accordance with State and national plans and procedures during the Hendra Virus emergency at Cawarral according to an independent review.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said Biosecurity Queensland engaged Dr Nigel Perkins to conduct the independent study in August which took the form of an audit of procedures being used at Cawarral.
“This is a direct response to one of the recommendations in the Perkins review of the 2008 Hendra incident response,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Dr Perkins is an experienced veterinary epidemiologist and he led the independent review into Hendra cases at Redlands and Proserpine last year. He has vast experience in the control of disease.”
Mr Mulherin said it was significant that the report found Biosecurity Queensland was on site within 90 minutes of being first notified of a suspect case on 8 August.
“Quarantine was declared the same day to immediately minimise any risk of further exposure of horses and humans to the virus,” he said.
He quoted the report as saying ‘the response activities being undertaken by Biosecurity Queensland staff are being undertaken in a professional, timely and competent manner.’
Mr Mulherin said the report made three recommendations which Biosecurity Queensland had already considered and would address.
“One relates to increasing the capacity of the Emergency Management Unit within Biosecurity Queensland and there are already plans in place to do this,” he said.
“The second recommendation relates to workplace health and safety matters during a response, many of which are not the responsibility of Biosecurity Queensland.”
He said that once the current responses to Hendra virus incidents are concluded, Biosecurity Queensland would convene a meeting of relevant Government Agencies, the Australian Veterinary Association and horse industry groups to discuss workplace health and safety matters.
“Although the report found staff from Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health communicated at the local and policy level, the third recommendation is that process be formalised,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The two Agencies had already agreed to meet to debrief once the current Hendra incidents have been resolved.”
The Minister emphasised the importance of taking appropriate safety measures, including wearing personal protective equipment when dealing with sick horses.
“While Biosecurity Queensland will always respond in a rapid and professional manner to Hendra Virus incidents it is incumbent on horse owners, industry and vets to be aware of the risks and always implement good personal biosecurity processes,” he said.
15 October, 2009
Accomplished staff
accomplish mission
Thirty-six officers from Queensland Urban Search and Rescue had contributed their skills and abilities to communities devastated by the recent Indonesian earthquakes and were now preparing to return home.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said a further 10 USAR Officers would remain in Samoa, helping with the aftermath of the tragic tsunami which hit the country on 30 September.
“We have been officially informed by the Indonesian Government that rescue operations have now ceased and that all crews deployed for the purposes of rescue operations are no longer required,” Mr Roberts said.
The USAR team in Indonesia would now begin the process of packing and coordinating arrangements to return home.
“With their expertise they have been able to assist the people of Sumatra with the very difficult task of locating those victims of the earthquake who may have been trapped in the rubble,” the Minister said.
"They have been magnificent in their response - being deployed into these countries with just a few hours' notice.”
He said team members had made a real difference to the devastated locals in the areas, treating the injured, consoling those who had lost loved ones, helping search for survivors and supporting the recovery effort."
He said the Samoan team would continue to play an important role in supporting the local population for a few more days.
15 October, 2009
Vaccine injections
straight to the point
The rollout of the human swine flu vaccine has begun in Queensland
Speaking at the Princess Alexandra Hospital where the rollout began, Premier, Anna Bligh said the State’s most vulnerable populations would be the immediate priority.
“We’ll be utilising GPs and our existing health network to target the most vulnerable populations first, including Indigenous people, health care workers, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic disease,” Ms Bligh said.
“This means we’ll be taking the opportunity to vaccinate people attending chronic disease outpatient clinics, pregnant women and new parents, as well as our health care workers.
Ms Bligh said the Commonwealth Government, was funding the purchase of 21 million vaccines nationwide which would be offered to all Australians over the coming months.
More than one million doses of the vaccine have already been ordered for Queensland.
“This is a massive program, which will roll out across the State over the next few weeks and continue over coming months,” she said.
Queensland Health had developed a targeted plan to meet the needs of local populations.
“We’ll be making the most of our extensive regional and remote health presence and in some cases will employ mobile nursing teams travelling to the more remote Indigenous communities,” she said.
The Commonwealth Government had contracted the vaccine company, CSL, to transport the vaccines, in consultation with Queensland Health, to more than 800 GP practices and 180 Queensland Health facilities across the State.
15 October, 2009
DERM flushes out
creek pollution
Measures to stop the contamination of Warrill Creek have been worked out between the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and the Department of Defence.
Acting Regional Services Director for DERM, Glen Brown said discharges from the Department of Defence sewage treatment plant at Amberley were believed to have led to the contamination.
“Defence has agreed to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the contamination in Warrill Creek, the risk to downstream users and will identify the remediation actions they will undertake,” Dr Brown said.
“It has agreed to carry out whatever actions are needed to be undertaken to remediate the waterways and prevent further contamination.”
He said Defence would submit a report to DERM by 30 November.
Dr Brown said test results indicated the presence of elevated levels of cadmium and nickel in Warrill Creek downstream from the Amberley RAAF Base sewage treatment plant discharge point.
“This could be consistent with industrial waste Defence puts into the sewerage system,” he said.
“Cadmium and nickel occur naturally, however at high concentrations they can potentially be harmful to humans and aquatic life.
He said the results had been provided to Queensland Health and DERM would be working closely with it to determine any potential human health impacts.
Biosecurity Queensland would be conducting further testing in the area to determine any impacts on livestock drinking the water.
15 October, 2009
Compo changes claim
increased payouts
New legislation which will increase the maximum amounts available for personal injury compensation in Queensland has been introduced.
Attorney General, Cameron Dick said the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill would increase the maximum caps, for the first time in six years, on general damages available under the Civil Liability Act 2003 for personal injuries.
“These amendments ensure Queenslanders continue to receive compensation that is fair and which reflects current standards of living,” Mr Dick said.
“The increase in the amount of general damages is recognition of the pain and suffering an individual can experience as a result of a devastating personal injury.”
While money could not truly compensate for injuries of this type, the Government would ensure compensation levels were reflective of the current costs of living.
“These amendments will afford injured persons the monetary compensation they need to help them get on with their lives,” Mr Dick said.
“They also ensure a de facto partner of an injured person is now able to claim for loss of earnings.”
He said the amendments would also abolish the statutory limitation period for dust-related disease claims including asbestosis, mesothelioma and silicosis.
“The removal of the statutory limitation period for dust-relates diseases will deliver significant benefits to sufferers, by improving their access to justice and reducing the costs and stress associated with pursuing a claim,” he said.
“While the dangers of asbestos are now well known, the harmful effects on individuals, families and society continue.”
The new caps on general damages would apply to injuries arising from 1 July 2010. The amendments also ensure that going forward the caps will be annually indexed to average weekly earnings.
Under the new legislation the maximum damages available will increase from $250,000 to $294,500.
15 October, 2009
Union takes time off
for holiday campaign
The Queensland Public Sector Union has called for a more even distribution of Queensland’s public holidays.
The QPSU wants the Queen’s Birthday public holiday moved from the first half of June to the first Monday in October.
General Secretary of the union, Alex Scott said moving the Queen’s Birthday public holiday would ensure an improved distribution of public holidays throughout the year.
“We could do worse than creating a long weekend for the National Rugby League grand final in the future, particularly if the big game’s held in the evening,” Mr Scott said.
He said there were eight public holidays in Queensland during the first half of the year to June, as opposed to just two in the second half, and they didn’t fall until Christmas.
“From both the public and private sector perspectives we believe it would make sense to shift this particular public holiday,” Mr Scott said.
“Like everyone else, public sector workers enjoy public holidays and acknowledge the importance of marking the Queen’s Birthday.
He pointed out that Queen’s Birthday fell at a time when many in the public sector were helping formulate the annual State Government Budget.
“Any public sector worker will tell you that every single work day counts in the lead up to the delivery of the Budget, which is a task that requires dedication and precision to ensure good outcomes for our community,” he said.
One less public holiday in the first half of the year would support the Budget objective.”
“Importantly, the National Retailers’ Association has already publicly supported shifting the Queen’s Birthday Holiday, a move the industry has advocated for about 30 years so perhaps it’s a move that’s long overdue,” Mr Scott said.
15 October, 2009
Access competition
to open 2.0 gates
The Federal Government’s Gov 2.0 Taskforce has launched a contest to find innovative uses of Public Service information and ways to improve public access to it.
The contest, MashupAustralia, challenges members of the public to combine Government and other datasets in innovative, economical and socially beneficial ways, while a ‘mash-up camp’ will allow Web 2.0 enthusiasts to collaborate and share ideas.
Commonwealth Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said the contest would allow the Federal Government to take advantage of the ideas and experience of Australia’s online community.
“At the same time it provides an opportunity for innovators to showcase their ideas and potentially be rewarded for their efforts,” Mr Tanner said.
The best mashups across a range of categories including people’s favourite and student acknowledgement will receive prizes of up to $10,000.”
He said Government Departments had already released some information of interest to the public in datasets available for download at data.australia.gov.au
Over 15 Federal Agencies and State and Territory Governments have released datasets on the website, which is similar to the data directory released by American President, Barak Obama earlier this year.
Mr Tanner said the Government 2.0 Taskforce was established in June 2009 to examine ways to expand the uses of Public Service information, drive innovation and improve Government engagement with citizens.
The Taskforce has commissioned various projects related to its six key areas of interest which include enhancing the discoverability and accessibility of government information; addressing barriers within Agencies to adopting Government 2.0; Government Web 2.0 practices; copyright and intellectual property barriers to open data sharing; semantic web-tagging datasets to enable sharing and re-use of data; and open access to public sector information held in cultural institutions.
The MashupAustralia contest is open from 7 October to 6 November 2009 and more information is available at www.mashupaustralia.org
15 October, 2009
Pest watchdog
bites exotic pets
A number of exotic animals have been seized from their owners by Biosecurity Queensland.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the Authoritys had seized seven red eared slider turtles, two American corn snakes, a Burmese python, two boa constrictors, a Hermann’s tortoise and a number of rabbits this year so far.
“It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to and the money they will pay just to have an unusual pet,” Mr Mulherin said.
“There is big money in the trade of banned, exotic species. We also know that criminal gangs like to have prohibited animals as mascots.”
The Minister said the vast stretches of uninhabited Queensland coastline provided opportunities for smugglers.
“What many people don’t seem to realise, or don’t care about, is the threat many of these exotic species pose to our native wildlife, our primary industries and our environment,” he said.
“The owner of the Burmese python was just about to release it when a wildlife carer became aware of it and alerted Biosecurity Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said he was worried the confiscated animals were just the tip of the iceberg.
“These animals are all prohibited in Queensland for good reason. If they become established they can cause great damage to industry, the environment and our way of life. It’s frightening to think what animals some people are harbouring in their homes,” he said.
“We have to invest considerable time and funding in investigating, tracking down, seizing and destroying these animals.”
15 October, 2009
Minister sinks teeth
into croc warning
Crocodiles will be a problem in North Queensland with the coming of warmer weather.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the animals become more active with warmer weather and the approach of the wet season when they prepared to mate and nest.
“As Queensland’s population increases around crocodile habitat, a chance encounter becomes more likely,” Ms Jones said.
“I urge people living in these areas to take care and keep your distance. This is the time when people are at most risk when entering croc country.”
Ms Jones warned against complacency saying some people insisted on placing themselves and others at risk by doing things like dumping fish scraps at boat ramps and fishing too close to the water’s edge.
“Our rangers also commonly see and hear of people knee-deep in croc habitat casting bait nets,” she said.
Warning signs were installed throughout crocodile country where people were more likely to encounter crocodiles such as at boat ramps and waterside parks.
“However, the absence of a sign does not mean that the area is free of crocodiles and in croc country, the public should always presume that a croc may be present,” she said.
“Where it is determined that a crocodile’s behaviour or location poses a threat to human safety or wellbeing, it is classified as crocodile of concern and targeted for removal from the wild.”
15 October, 2009
Bushfire protection
not growing on trees
New building standards aimed at making homes more resistant to bushfires are being introduced seven months ahead of schedule.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said Queensland was leading the nation in adopting new national bushfire standards for residential buildings.
The national deadline for the introduction of the new Australian Standard is 1 May 2010.
“These new building standards are the result of the latest research into fire-resistant construction and we want Queenslanders to benefit from this research as soon as possible,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
The new standards will be incorporated in the Building Act 1975,which regulates building development in Queensland and replaces those that have been in force since 1999.
Mr Hinchliffe said the new measures include non-combustible doors, non-combustible gas and water supply pipes and bushfire shutters.
Different standards apply to different homes and depend on a variety of conditions including construction materials, the gradient of the site and the proximity to vegetation.
“Generally, the new standards require the use of non-combustible materials. These materials are not entirely fire resistant, but protect against burning embers and certain levels of radiant heat,” the Minister said.
“While owners may face some increase in building costs to comply with the new standards, it will be money well spent.’’
Mr Hinchliffe said his Department had conducted training sessions across the State to inform stakeholders about the new regulations.
He urged Local Governments to ensure their bushfire maps are up to date by undertaking regular analysis of designated bushfire-prone areas.
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning will continue to review some aspects of the standard that may need further refinement to reflect Queensland’s varied climatic conditions and vegetation,” the Minister said.
15 October, 2009
Consumer warning
hits dangerous cord
Urgent checks on the safety of blind and curtain cords have been recommended by the Office of Fair Trading.
The renewed measure follows the death of a two-year-old girl in Geelong, Victoria.
Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the danger of hanging blind and curtain cords was not well understood by parents and caregivers.
“Since 2000 13 children have died in Australia after being strangled by cords,” Mr Lawlor said.
“In the United States, more than 170 children have died from injuries associated with curtain and blind cords since 1991.”
Window covering cords should hang no lower than 1.6 metres from the ground, and should be tied up against a wall using hooks or cleats.
Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading had recently launched a safety campaign, supported by blind and curtain industry, to raise awareness about the dangers of blind cords.
“As part of this campaign we are giving away free safety toggles to help parents and carers reduce the risk of hanging cords in their homes,” he said
“These devices enable any looped cords to break apart when pressure is applied, which removes the strangulation threat to young children.”
Mr Lawlor said while the Queensland Government introduced strict mandatory safety standards governing window covering cords in 2006, products older than this would still pose a danger.
“Realistically there would be millions of unsafe blinds in consumer’s homes that remain a serious risk to young children,” he said.
15 October, 2009
Tourism projects on
the beaten track
A total of 16 high-priority tourism projects for Central Queensland have been announced by Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor.
Mr Lawlor said the projects had been identified as part of the Central Queensland Tourism Opportunity Plan.
“The plan has been more than 12 months in the making and has been developed as a partnership between Tourism Queensland, Capricorn Tourism and Gladstone and Area Promotion and Development Pty Ltd,” Mr Lawlor said.
“The Plan identifies new tourism product and investment opportunities across the region and the infrastructure needed to support them.”
He said a broad range of Government, industry and community stakeholders had been consulted throughout the process.
“This plan looks at what is already there and lists ‘catalyst investment’ projects which will take the region into the future,” the Minister said.
“An ambition for a fourth Queensland team in the National Rugby League has renewed discussion of the important role of sports to the region but for this to happen, the region needs more infrastructure such as accommodation and public transport.”
He said in the year ending June 2009, 126,000 international visitors spent time in Central Queensland, around half of whom were backpackers.
“Around 300 backpackers pass through the region each day heading either north or south and the aim is to get them to hop off their bus or out of their car and stay for a while,” Mr Lawlor said.
Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Queensland, Anthony Hayes said the project partners worked with around 100 stakeholders to identify a range of projects which would build on Queensland’s four key themes of natural encounters, adventures, islands, beaches and the reef, and Queensland lifestyle.
“The extensive consultation process has identified that these projects are needed to increase the region’s tourism credentials while being feasible and viable,” Mr Hayes said.
“The Central Queensland Tourism Opportunity Plan is a roadmap for tourism development in our region for the next 10 years and places the region in a better position to attract infrastructure funds and alerts private investors to projects that have the support of State and Local Governments.”
15 October, 2009
Solar city is
shining example
The first anniversary of Townsville becoming a Solar City has been marked with a celebration.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett joined project leader Ergon Energy and Townsville Council representatives to celebrate the landmark in the $32 million joint initiative.
Townsville is one of seven cities in the Australian Government's $94 million Solar Cities program. It is delivered by a consortium led by Ergon, with Townsville City Council, Honeycomb Property Group, Delfin Lend Lease and Cafalo Pty Ltd.
Mr Garrett said he was excited to return to Townsville to see the Solar City's achievements, having launched the innovative project in September last year.
"When I was here in 2008 I know the community was looking forward to putting energy-saving ideas into practice, reducing their electricity bills and helping the environment," Mr Garrett said
"Anticipation has been turned into reality, with so many achievements in the first year alone - 1445 Smart Meters and around 70 photovoltaic systems generating 160 kilowatts of electricity are in place, while hundreds of residents and businesses have received free energy assessments.”
Mr Garrett said electricity consumption on Magnetic Island - which was rising before the Solar City project began - was three per cent lower than it was a year ago, or nine per cent lower than where it would have been without the project.
"It's fantastic to see local communities, businesses and all levels of government working in partnership to come up with smart solutions to our climate challenge,” he said.
15 October, 2009
Glass controls
lead to cutback
Show cause notices are to be issued to 41 licensed premises which have recorded incidents of glass being used as a weapon over the past year.
They will be asked to give reasons why they should not be ordered to switch from regular glass to tempered glass or plastic.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the Government was determined to crack down on glassing incidents which had become more prevalent at late night venues.
“Glassing destroys lives – it is a disgraceful, cowardly act which often results in the permanent disfigurement of victims,” Ms Bligh said.
”Unfortunately these incidents are occurring with increasing regularity in Queensland’s licensed premises. Over the past year, there have been 55 incidents involving glassings in these 41 premises and that’s unacceptable.”
The Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice and Safety was examining the issue of alcohol-related violence.
“I also announced the use of regular glass would be banned in high risk venues by the end of the year,” the Premier said.
”This week we are making good on that commitment and will introduce amendments to the Liquor Act for urgent consideration by the House.
Ms Bligh said the Parliamentary Inquiry would be given a specific reference in relation to transitioning other pubs and clubs to tempered glass or plastic, possibly over the next two years, in close consultation with the industry.
15 October, 2009
Defence bomb website
launched with a bang
The Department of Defence has revised its website that provides information and advice on unexploded bombs and other military weapons.
According to the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Mike Kelly the website enhancements would provide a “one-stop shop” for members of the public seeking more information on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) which is ammunition that has malfunctioned and is potentially dangerous.
“UXO is never too old to be dangerous, as such any item found that is suspected of being a UXO must not be disturbed; simply leave it alone and report it to local police who will arrange for Defence experts to attend and deal with it,” Dr Kelly said.
“This is a free service provided by Defence.
“Public safety is of paramount importance to Defence and all reasonable measures are taken to prevent unauthorised access to land which Defence controls and which it knows or suspects to be contaminated with UXO.”
Dr Kelly said if UXO were found on land not owned by the Government, Defence would consult with the appropriate controlling authority.
“Defence provides advice to land management authorities and landowners on the management of UXO sites and makes available specialist Defence personnel to render safe any items of UXO as they are discovered and notified to Defence,” he said.
Dr Kelly said an ongoing public information campaign on UXO was conducted by Defence, including the annual distribution of over 380,000 notices directed at the public, and in particular, child safety.
The updated site was available from www.defence.gov.au/uxo
15 October, 2009
Forum explores PS integrity
A public forum has been hosted by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Queensland) to discuss the practicality of ethics and integrity in the public sector.
The event came about following Premier, Anna Bligh’s recent green paper which aimed to provoke public discussion on legislation that would increase public confidence in the integrity of the Government.
Facilitated by former Federal Court Judge, Doug Drummond, theseminar discussed the open consultative process undertaken by the State Government in light of the green paper and the range of community submissions received.
OSR moves
The Office of State Revenue’s counter services will now be provided by the new Queensland Government Service Centre (QGSC) on the Upper Plaza level at 33 Charlotte Street.
The QGSC will provide counter services for multiple Government Agencies and be open from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Health Commission launches newsletters
Two quarterly e-newsletters have been launched by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission (HQCC).
The Loop (community news) will keep healthcare consumers and community organisations informed of HQCC events, consultations and initiatives to help improve patient safety and the Pulse (industry news) will be targeted at healthcare providers and industry groups who want to receive the latest news, consultations and project information from the HQCC.
Coloola plans create interest
An invitation for submissions on the future management of the Cooloola area, north of Noosa has resulted in 150 public submissions being made.
The submissions included a wide variety of suggestions relating to the proposed boundary of the recreation area, additional options for the vehicle access permitting system and priorities for future management and conservation.
The public comment was in response to a regulatory impact statement announced by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones in July.
Ms Jones said a management plan was necessary to prepare Cooloola for World Heritage nomination.
Island fire contained
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has brought a large fire on Fraser Island under control.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones thanked rangers for taking control of the wildfire and called on members of the public living or holidaying on Fraser Island to take care, and to heed the warnings of rangers and other fire control staff.
Fish stocks damaged
Queensland’s fish stocks are being damaged by a number of illegal actions according to the Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin.
Mr Mulherin said these actions included unauthorised pontoons and boat ramps and mangrove vandals.
“In the past two years there has been a total of 25 fines or prosecutions undertaken in Queensland for unlawful development and removal or damage of marine plants,” Mr Mulherin said.
“To date $26,010 has been taken from 18 successful prosecutions and $7,000 has been taken for seven Fisheries Infringement Notices (FINS).
Investigation completed
An investigation by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission into a child’s death will not be publicly released.
The investigation concerns two-year-old Ryan Saunders who died at Rockhampton Hospital on 26 September 2007 after a five-day illness which was not diagnosed.
The report has been provided to the Minister for Health, Paul Lucas and the Office of the State Coroner, but cannot be released because it contains personal and confidential medical information, relevant to a matter still before the Coroner.
Station for Sippy Downs
A new $3.6 million police station has been opened at Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast.
The station has been purpose built in consultation with operational police, allowing for future population growth and increased staff levels. It will house 11 general duties officers – all newly created positions.
The newly appointed Officer in Charge of the station, Sergeant Brett Young, has more than 20 years’ operational experience.
8 October, 2009
Retirements deliver
on rejuvenation plan
Up to 250 Senior Officers and SES staff in the QPS are to be offered Voluntary Early Retirement in a scheme aimed at rejuvenating the Queensland Public Service and improving front-line delivery.
Premier, Anna Bligh, announced the scheme saying it offered senior staff the chance to move on and create opportunities for younger people at lower levels.
Only senior staff under age 65 in business or corporate support roles are being offered VER and will have two weeks to decide whether to take it up.
“There are no forced redundancies,” Ms Bligh said.
“For each senior executive and senior officer who accepts the offer and retires early, their Department will redirect resources to create a new graduate or school leaver level job in service delivery.”
She said the areas being targeted for VER were finance, human resources, information management, information technology, assets and facilities, communications, marketing, law, planning, policy, internal audit, evaluation, review, performance management and reporting and executive administration.
A Guideline issued by the Public Service Commission says eligible staff have until 16 October to lodge an application for VER with their Department and the Department has until 26 October to pass it to the PSC for action.
Successful applicants will leave the QPS on or before 20 November.
The Guideline says approved applicants will receive severance pay of two weeks salary for every year of service up to a maximum of 52 weeks as well as their accrued recreation and long service leave.
Some staff may also be offered an extra incentive payment of 10 weeks salary to leave early.
According to the PSC, if more than 250 staff apply to leave they will be prioritised on a length-of-service basis. If fewer than 250 apply, additional offers may be made before September 2010.
Ms Bligh said the scheme would cost between $20 million and $27 million and pay for itself in two years.
The Queensland Public Sector Union offered cautious support for the scheme calling on the Government to ensure the new jobs were created before the retirements kicked in.
“Public sector workers are steadfastly opposed to any reduction in public sector jobs and services,” the General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott, said.
The PSC guideline can be accessed at www.psc.qld.gov.au
8 October, 2009
No bugs found in
virus response
Officers from Biosecurity Queensland responded rapidly and effectively and in accordance with State and national plans and procedures during the Hendra Virus emergency at Cawarral according to an independent review.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said Biosecurity Queensland engaged Dr Nigel Perkins to conduct the independent study in August which took the form of an audit of procedures being used at Cawarral.
“This is a direct response to one of the recommendations in the Perkins review of the 2008 Hendra incident response,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Dr Perkins is an experienced veterinary epidemiologist and he led the independent review into Hendra cases at Redlands and Proserpine last year. He has vast experience in the control of disease.”
Mr Mulherin said it was significant that the report found Biosecurity Queensland was on site within 90 minutes of being first notified of a suspect case on 8 August.
“Quarantine was declared the same day to immediately minimise any risk of further exposure of horses and humans to the virus,” he said.
He quoted the report as saying ‘the response activities being undertaken by Biosecurity Queensland staff are being undertaken in a professional, timely and competent manner.’
Mr Mulherin said the report made three recommendations which Biosecurity Queensland had already considered and would address.
“One relates to increasing the capacity of the Emergency Management Unit within Biosecurity Queensland and there are already plans in place to do this,” he said.
“The second recommendation relates to workplace health and safety matters during a response, many of which are not the responsibility of Biosecurity Queensland.”
He said that once the current responses to Hendra virus incidents are concluded, Biosecurity Queensland would convene a meeting of relevant Government Agencies, the Australian Veterinary Association and horse industry groups to discuss workplace health and safety matters.
“Although the report found staff from Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health communicated at the local and policy level, the third recommendation is that process be formalised,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The two Agencies had already agreed to meet to debrief once the current Hendra incidents have been resolved.”
The Minister emphasised the importance of taking appropriate safety measures, including wearing personal protective equipment when dealing with sick horses.
“While Biosecurity Queensland will always respond in a rapid and professional manner to Hendra Virus incidents it is incumbent on horse owners, industry and vets to be aware of the risks and always implement good personal biosecurity processes,” he said.
8 October, 2009
Accomplished staff
accomplish mission
Thirty-six officers from Queensland Urban Search and Rescue had contributed their skills and abilities to communities devastated by the recent Indonesian earthquakes and were now preparing to return home.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said a further 10 USAR Officers would remain in Samoa, helping with the aftermath of the tragic tsunami which hit the country on 30 September.
“We have been officially informed by the Indonesian Government that rescue operations have now ceased and that all crews deployed for the purposes of rescue operations are no longer required,” Mr Roberts said.
The USAR team in Indonesia would now begin the process of packing and coordinating arrangements to return home.
“With their expertise they have been able to assist the people of Sumatra with the very difficult task of locating those victims of the earthquake who may have been trapped in the rubble,” the Minister said.
"They have been magnificent in their response - being deployed into these countries with just a few hours' notice.”
He said team members had made a real difference to the devastated locals in the areas, treating the injured, consoling those who had lost loved ones, helping search for survivors and supporting the recovery effort."
He said the Samoan team would continue to play an important role in supporting the local population for a few more days.
8 October, 2009
Vaccine injections
straight to the point
The rollout of the human swine flu vaccine has begun in Queensland
Speaking at the Princess Alexandra Hospital where the rollout began, Premier, Anna Bligh said the State’s most vulnerable populations would be the immediate priority.
“We’ll be utilising GPs and our existing health network to target the most vulnerable populations first, including Indigenous people, health care workers, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic disease,” Ms Bligh said.
“This means we’ll be taking the opportunity to vaccinate people attending chronic disease outpatient clinics, pregnant women and new parents, as well as our health care workers.
Ms Bligh said the Commonwealth Government, was funding the purchase of 21 million vaccines nationwide which would be offered to all Australians over the coming months.
More than one million doses of the vaccine have already been ordered for Queensland.
“This is a massive program, which will roll out across the State over the next few weeks and continue over coming months,” she said.
Queensland Health had developed a targeted plan to meet the needs of local populations.
“We’ll be making the most of our extensive regional and remote health presence and in some cases will employ mobile nursing teams travelling to the more remote Indigenous communities,” she said.
The Commonwealth Government had contracted the vaccine company, CSL, to transport the vaccines, in consultation with Queensland Health, to more than 800 GP practices and 180 Queensland Health facilities across the State.
8 October, 2009
DERM flushes out
creek pollution
Measures to stop the contamination of Warrill Creek have been worked out between the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and the Department of Defence.
Acting Regional Services Director for DERM, Glen Brown said discharges from the Department of Defence sewage treatment plant at Amberley were believed to have led to the contamination.
“Defence has agreed to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the contamination in Warrill Creek, the risk to downstream users and will identify the remediation actions they will undertake,” Dr Brown said.
“It has agreed to carry out whatever actions are needed to be undertaken to remediate the waterways and prevent further contamination.”
He said Defence would submit a report to DERM by 30 November.
Dr Brown said test results indicated the presence of elevated levels of cadmium and nickel in Warrill Creek downstream from the Amberley RAAF Base sewage treatment plant discharge point.
“This could be consistent with industrial waste Defence puts into the sewerage system,” he said.
“Cadmium and nickel occur naturally, however at high concentrations they can potentially be harmful to humans and aquatic life.
He said the results had been provided to Queensland Health and DERM would be working closely with it to determine any potential human health impacts.
Biosecurity Queensland would be conducting further testing in the area to determine any impacts on livestock drinking the water.
8 October, 2009
Compo changes claim
increased payouts
New legislation which will increase the maximum amounts available for personal injury compensation in Queensland has been introduced.
Attorney General, Cameron Dick said the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill would increase the maximum caps, for the first time in six years, on general damages available under the Civil Liability Act 2003 for personal injuries.
“These amendments ensure Queenslanders continue to receive compensation that is fair and which reflects current standards of living,” Mr Dick said.
“The increase in the amount of general damages is recognition of the pain and suffering an individual can experience as a result of a devastating personal injury.”
While money could not truly compensate for injuries of this type, the Government would ensure compensation levels were reflective of the current costs of living.
“These amendments will afford injured persons the monetary compensation they need to help them get on with their lives,” Mr Dick said.
“They also ensure a de facto partner of an injured person is now able to claim for loss of earnings.”
He said the amendments would also abolish the statutory limitation period for dust-related disease claims including asbestosis, mesothelioma and silicosis.
“The removal of the statutory limitation period for dust-relates diseases will deliver significant benefits to sufferers, by improving their access to justice and reducing the costs and stress associated with pursuing a claim,” he said.
“While the dangers of asbestos are now well known, the harmful effects on individuals, families and society continue.”
The new caps on general damages would apply to injuries arising from 1 July 2010. The amendments also ensure that going forward the caps will be annually indexed to average weekly earnings.
Under the new legislation the maximum damages available will increase from $250,000 to $294,500.
8 October, 2009
Union takes time off
for holiday campaign
The Queensland Public Sector Union has called for a more even distribution of Queensland’s public holidays.
The QPSU wants the Queen’s Birthday public holiday moved from the first half of June to the first Monday in October.
General Secretary of the union, Alex Scott said moving the Queen’s Birthday public holiday would ensure an improved distribution of public holidays throughout the year.
“We could do worse than creating a long weekend for the National Rugby League grand final in the future, particularly if the big game’s held in the evening,” Mr Scott said.
He said there were eight public holidays in Queensland during the first half of the year to June, as opposed to just two in the second half, and they didn’t fall until Christmas.
“From both the public and private sector perspectives we believe it would make sense to shift this particular public holiday,” Mr Scott said.
“Like everyone else, public sector workers enjoy public holidays and acknowledge the importance of marking the Queen’s Birthday.
He pointed out that Queen’s Birthday fell at a time when many in the public sector were helping formulate the annual State Government Budget.
“Any public sector worker will tell you that every single work day counts in the lead up to the delivery of the Budget, which is a task that requires dedication and precision to ensure good outcomes for our community,” he said.
One less public holiday in the first half of the year would support the Budget objective.”
“Importantly, the National Retailers’ Association has already publicly supported shifting the Queen’s Birthday Holiday, a move the industry has advocated for about 30 years so perhaps it’s a move that’s long overdue,” Mr Scott said.
8 October, 2009
Access competition
to open 2.0 gates
The Federal Government’s Gov 2.0 Taskforce has launched a contest to find innovative uses of Public Service information and ways to improve public access to it.
The contest, MashupAustralia, challenges members of the public to combine Government and other datasets in innovative, economical and socially beneficial ways, while a ‘mash-up camp’ will allow Web 2.0 enthusiasts to collaborate and share ideas.
Commonwealth Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said the contest would allow the Federal Government to take advantage of the ideas and experience of Australia’s online community.
“At the same time it provides an opportunity for innovators to showcase their ideas and potentially be rewarded for their efforts,” Mr Tanner said.
The best mashups across a range of categories including people’s favourite and student acknowledgement will receive prizes of up to $10,000.”
He said Government Departments had already released some information of interest to the public in datasets available for download at data.australia.gov.au
Over 15 Federal Agencies and State and Territory Governments have released datasets on the website, which is similar to the data directory released by American President, Barak Obama earlier this year.
Mr Tanner said the Government 2.0 Taskforce was established in June 2009 to examine ways to expand the uses of Public Service information, drive innovation and improve Government engagement with citizens.
The Taskforce has commissioned various projects related to its six key areas of interest which include enhancing the discoverability and accessibility of government information; addressing barriers within Agencies to adopting Government 2.0; Government Web 2.0 practices; copyright and intellectual property barriers to open data sharing; semantic web-tagging datasets to enable sharing and re-use of data; and open access to public sector information held in cultural institutions.
The MashupAustralia contest is open from 7 October to 6 November 2009 and more information is available at www.mashupaustralia.org
8 October, 2009
Pest watchdog
bites exotic pets
A number of exotic animals have been seized from their owners by Biosecurity Queensland.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the Authoritys had seized seven red eared slider turtles, two American corn snakes, a Burmese python, two boa constrictors, a Hermann’s tortoise and a number of rabbits this year so far.
“It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to and the money they will pay just to have an unusual pet,” Mr Mulherin said.
“There is big money in the trade of banned, exotic species. We also know that criminal gangs like to have prohibited animals as mascots.”
The Minister said the vast stretches of uninhabited Queensland coastline provided opportunities for smugglers.
“What many people don’t seem to realise, or don’t care about, is the threat many of these exotic species pose to our native wildlife, our primary industries and our environment,” he said.
“The owner of the Burmese python was just about to release it when a wildlife carer became aware of it and alerted Biosecurity Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said he was worried the confiscated animals were just the tip of the iceberg.
“These animals are all prohibited in Queensland for good reason. If they become established they can cause great damage to industry, the environment and our way of life. It’s frightening to think what animals some people are harbouring in their homes,” he said.
“We have to invest considerable time and funding in investigating, tracking down, seizing and destroying these animals.”
8 October, 2009
Minister sinks teeth
into croc warning
Crocodiles will be a problem in North Queensland with the coming of warmer weather.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the animals become more active with warmer weather and the approach of the wet season when they prepared to mate and nest.
“As Queensland’s population increases around crocodile habitat, a chance encounter becomes more likely,” Ms Jones said.
“I urge people living in these areas to take care and keep your distance. This is the time when people are at most risk when entering croc country.”
Ms Jones warned against complacency saying some people insisted on placing themselves and others at risk by doing things like dumping fish scraps at boat ramps and fishing too close to the water’s edge.
“Our rangers also commonly see and hear of people knee-deep in croc habitat casting bait nets,” she said.
Warning signs were installed throughout crocodile country where people were more likely to encounter crocodiles such as at boat ramps and waterside parks.
“However, the absence of a sign does not mean that the area is free of crocodiles and in croc country, the public should always presume that a croc may be present,” she said.
“Where it is determined that a crocodile’s behaviour or location poses a threat to human safety or wellbeing, it is classified as crocodile of concern and targeted for removal from the wild.”
8 October, 2009
Bushfire protection
not growing on trees
New building standards aimed at making homes more resistant to bushfires are being introduced seven months ahead of schedule.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said Queensland was leading the nation in adopting new national bushfire standards for residential buildings.
The national deadline for the introduction of the new Australian Standard is 1 May 2010.
“These new building standards are the result of the latest research into fire-resistant construction and we want Queenslanders to benefit from this research as soon as possible,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
The new standards will be incorporated in the Building Act 1975,which regulates building development in Queensland and replaces those that have been in force since 1999.
Mr Hinchliffe said the new measures include non-combustible doors, non-combustible gas and water supply pipes and bushfire shutters.
Different standards apply to different homes and depend on a variety of conditions including construction materials, the gradient of the site and the proximity to vegetation.
“Generally, the new standards require the use of non-combustible materials. These materials are not entirely fire resistant, but protect against burning embers and certain levels of radiant heat,” the Minister said.
“While owners may face some increase in building costs to comply with the new standards, it will be money well spent.’’
Mr Hinchliffe said his Department had conducted training sessions across the State to inform stakeholders about the new regulations.
He urged Local Governments to ensure their bushfire maps are up to date by undertaking regular analysis of designated bushfire-prone areas.
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning will continue to review some aspects of the standard that may need further refinement to reflect Queensland’s varied climatic conditions and vegetation,” the Minister said.
8 October, 2009
Consumer warning
hits dangerous cord
Urgent checks on the safety of blind and curtain cords have been recommended by the Office of Fair Trading.
The renewed measure follows the death of a two-year-old girl in Geelong, Victoria.
Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the danger of hanging blind and curtain cords was not well understood by parents and caregivers.
“Since 2000 13 children have died in Australia after being strangled by cords,” Mr Lawlor said.
“In the United States, more than 170 children have died from injuries associated with curtain and blind cords since 1991.”
Window covering cords should hang no lower than 1.6 metres from the ground, and should be tied up against a wall using hooks or cleats.
Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading had recently launched a safety campaign, supported by blind and curtain industry, to raise awareness about the dangers of blind cords.
“As part of this campaign we are giving away free safety toggles to help parents and carers reduce the risk of hanging cords in their homes,” he said
“These devices enable any looped cords to break apart when pressure is applied, which removes the strangulation threat to young children.”
Mr Lawlor said while the Queensland Government introduced strict mandatory safety standards governing window covering cords in 2006, products older than this would still pose a danger.
“Realistically there would be millions of unsafe blinds in consumer’s homes that remain a serious risk to young children,” he said.
8 October, 2009
Tourism projects on
the beaten track
A total of 16 high-priority tourism projects for Central Queensland have been announced by Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor.
Mr Lawlor said the projects had been identified as part of the Central Queensland Tourism Opportunity Plan.
“The plan has been more than 12 months in the making and has been developed as a partnership between Tourism Queensland, Capricorn Tourism and Gladstone and Area Promotion and Development Pty Ltd,” Mr Lawlor said.
“The Plan identifies new tourism product and investment opportunities across the region and the infrastructure needed to support them.”
He said a broad range of Government, industry and community stakeholders had been consulted throughout the process.
“This plan looks at what is already there and lists ‘catalyst investment’ projects which will take the region into the future,” the Minister said.
“An ambition for a fourth Queensland team in the National Rugby League has renewed discussion of the important role of sports to the region but for this to happen, the region needs more infrastructure such as accommodation and public transport.”
He said in the year ending June 2009, 126,000 international visitors spent time in Central Queensland, around half of whom were backpackers.
“Around 300 backpackers pass through the region each day heading either north or south and the aim is to get them to hop off their bus or out of their car and stay for a while,” Mr Lawlor said.
Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Queensland, Anthony Hayes said the project partners worked with around 100 stakeholders to identify a range of projects which would build on Queensland’s four key themes of natural encounters, adventures, islands, beaches and the reef, and Queensland lifestyle.
“The extensive consultation process has identified that these projects are needed to increase the region’s tourism credentials while being feasible and viable,” Mr Hayes said.
“The Central Queensland Tourism Opportunity Plan is a roadmap for tourism development in our region for the next 10 years and places the region in a better position to attract infrastructure funds and alerts private investors to projects that have the support of State and Local Governments.”
8 October, 2009
Solar city is
shining example
The first anniversary of Townsville becoming a Solar City has been marked with a celebration.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett joined project leader Ergon Energy and Townsville Council representatives to celebrate the landmark in the $32 million joint initiative.
Townsville is one of seven cities in the Australian Government's $94 million Solar Cities program. It is delivered by a consortium led by Ergon, with Townsville City Council, Honeycomb Property Group, Delfin Lend Lease and Cafalo Pty Ltd.
Mr Garrett said he was excited to return to Townsville to see the Solar City's achievements, having launched the innovative project in September last year.
"When I was here in 2008 I know the community was looking forward to putting energy-saving ideas into practice, reducing their electricity bills and helping the environment," Mr Garrett said
"Anticipation has been turned into reality, with so many achievements in the first year alone - 1445 Smart Meters and around 70 photovoltaic systems generating 160 kilowatts of electricity are in place, while hundreds of residents and businesses have received free energy assessments.”
Mr Garrett said electricity consumption on Magnetic Island - which was rising before the Solar City project began - was three per cent lower than it was a year ago, or nine per cent lower than where it would have been without the project.
"It's fantastic to see local communities, businesses and all levels of government working in partnership to come up with smart solutions to our climate challenge,” he said.
8 October, 2009
Glass controls
lead to cutback
Show cause notices are to be issued to 41 licensed premises which have recorded incidents of glass being used as a weapon over the past year.
They will be asked to give reasons why they should not be ordered to switch from regular glass to tempered glass or plastic.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the Government was determined to crack down on glassing incidents which had become more prevalent at late night venues.
“Glassing destroys lives – it is a disgraceful, cowardly act which often results in the permanent disfigurement of victims,” Ms Bligh said.
”Unfortunately these incidents are occurring with increasing regularity in Queensland’s licensed premises. Over the past year, there have been 55 incidents involving glassings in these 41 premises and that’s unacceptable.”
The Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice and Safety was examining the issue of alcohol-related violence.
“I also announced the use of regular glass would be banned in high risk venues by the end of the year,” the Premier said.
”This week we are making good on that commitment and will introduce amendments to the Liquor Act for urgent consideration by the House.
Ms Bligh said the Parliamentary Inquiry would be given a specific reference in relation to transitioning other pubs and clubs to tempered glass or plastic, possibly over the next two years, in close consultation with the industry.
8 October, 2009
Defence bomb website
launched with a bang
The Department of Defence has revised its website that provides information and advice on unexploded bombs and other military weapons.
According to the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Mike Kelly the website enhancements would provide a “one-stop shop” for members of the public seeking more information on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) which is ammunition that has malfunctioned and is potentially dangerous.
“UXO is never too old to be dangerous, as such any item found that is suspected of being a UXO must not be disturbed; simply leave it alone and report it to local police who will arrange for Defence experts to attend and deal with it,” Dr Kelly said.
“This is a free service provided by Defence.
“Public safety is of paramount importance to Defence and all reasonable measures are taken to prevent unauthorised access to land which Defence controls and which it knows or suspects to be contaminated with UXO.”
Dr Kelly said if UXO were found on land not owned by the Government, Defence would consult with the appropriate controlling authority.
“Defence provides advice to land management authorities and landowners on the management of UXO sites and makes available specialist Defence personnel to render safe any items of UXO as they are discovered and notified to Defence,” he said.
Dr Kelly said an ongoing public information campaign on UXO was conducted by Defence, including the annual distribution of over 380,000 notices directed at the public, and in particular, child safety.
The updated site was available from www.defence.gov.au/uxo
8 October, 2009
Forum explores PS integrity
A public forum has been hosted by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Queensland) to discuss the practicality of ethics and integrity in the public sector.
The event came about following Premier, Anna Bligh’s recent green paper which aimed to provoke public discussion on legislation that would increase public confidence in the integrity of the Government.
Facilitated by former Federal Court Judge, Doug Drummond, theseminar discussed the open consultative process undertaken by the State Government in light of the green paper and the range of community submissions received.
OSR moves
The Office of State Revenue’s counter services will now be provided by the new Queensland Government Service Centre (QGSC) on the Upper Plaza level at 33 Charlotte Street.
The QGSC will provide counter services for multiple Government Agencies and be open from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Health Commission launches newsletters
Two quarterly e-newsletters have been launched by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission (HQCC).
The Loop (community news) will keep healthcare consumers and community organisations informed of HQCC events, consultations and initiatives to help improve patient safety and the Pulse (industry news) will be targeted at healthcare providers and industry groups who want to receive the latest news, consultations and project information from the HQCC.
Coloola plans create interest
An invitation for submissions on the future management of the Cooloola area, north of Noosa has resulted in 150 public submissions being made.
The submissions included a wide variety of suggestions relating to the proposed boundary of the recreation area, additional options for the vehicle access permitting system and priorities for future management and conservation.
The public comment was in response to a regulatory impact statement announced by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones in July.
Ms Jones said a management plan was necessary to prepare Cooloola for World Heritage nomination.
Island fire contained
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has brought a large fire on Fraser Island under control.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones thanked rangers for taking control of the wildfire and called on members of the public living or holidaying on Fraser Island to take care, and to heed the warnings of rangers and other fire control staff.
Fish stocks damaged
Queensland’s fish stocks are being damaged by a number of illegal actions according to the Minister for Fisheries, Tim Mulherin.
Mr Mulherin said these actions included unauthorised pontoons and boat ramps and mangrove vandals.
“In the past two years there has been a total of 25 fines or prosecutions undertaken in Queensland for unlawful development and removal or damage of marine plants,” Mr Mulherin said.
“To date $26,010 has been taken from 18 successful prosecutions and $7,000 has been taken for seven Fisheries Infringement Notices (FINS).
Investigation completed
An investigation by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission into a child’s death will not be publicly released.
The investigation concerns two-year-old Ryan Saunders who died at Rockhampton Hospital on 26 September 2007 after a five-day illness which was not diagnosed.
The report has been provided to the Minister for Health, Paul Lucas and the Office of the State Coroner, but cannot be released because it contains personal and confidential medical information, relevant to a matter still before the Coroner.
Station for Sippy Downs
A new $3.6 million police station has been opened at Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast.
The station has been purpose built in consultation with operational police, allowing for future population growth and increased staff levels. It will house 11 general duties officers – all newly created positions.
The newly appointed Officer in Charge of the station, Sergeant Brett Young, has more than 20 years’ operational experience.
1 October, 2009
Investigators warned
on PS objectivity
Public Service Investigators have been warned to take a “step back” when making professional decisions.
This was the message given by John Clarke, the former corruption commissioner who conducted the investigation into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s national Good > Better > Best – Changes in public integrity conference in Canberra, Mr Clarke emphasised the importance of objectivity in the Public Service.
“Decision makers need to step back for some moments and reflect on what they’re going to do and consider if it’s right,” Mr Clarke said.
“Too many decision makers don’t do that and that’s why we get such a proliferation of mistakes.
“In the Haneef case, the person making the decision got too close to the action and got suspicions which, frankly, weren’t justifiable. I know that he thought Haneef was guilty but that, in my view, is because he lost his objectivity.”
Speaking for the first time about his inquiry into the Dr Haneef case, Mr Clarke said conducting a public inquiry into a matter relating to national security had been challenging.
“I recognise that lawyers, judges, everyone who was involved in considering the Haneef case thought hearings in public are the Holy Grail, and I wanted to have a hearing in public, but I only got anywhere when I went to ground and did it privately,” he said.
“Also matters of national security should not be investigated by an investigator with no powers.
“It’s sheer luck if the investigator gets there, and they’re put under enormous pressures. I am concerned that anyone else be as foolhardy as I was to undertake a national security investigation without any power.”
Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said problems could arise when multiple Agencies were required to cooperate.
Professor McMillan pointed to the Access to Justice report, which was published by the Attorney-General and recommended an Ombudsman role in developing a Charter of Good Administration, a project he said was already underway.
“The report favours a new approach to resolving disputes – one that I strongly support – that places less emphasis on formal justice processes, and more emphasis on prevention and affordable, informal mechanisms for people to resolve disputes,” he said.
1 October, 2009
Bushfire plan fights
fire with fire
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has conducted 280 planned burns on 717,000 hectares of parks and forests since February as part of its plan to reduce the bushfire fuel load in readiness for coming fire season.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said 280 planned burns had been carried out on 717,000 hectares of parks and forests since February.
“Our Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has done a great job so far in building up our fire resistance in protected areas,” Ms Jones said.
“Heavy rains this year resulted in a larger than normal build-up of fuel, and predicted high temperatures meant it was essential the build-up of fuel was cleared to try and prevent severe wildfires.”
Ms Jones said the major focus of the QPWS planned burn program was to protect human life and property, as well as to reduce the risk to park infrastructure and the overall environment.
“Preparations have also included upgrading a further 1,000 kilometres of high-priority fire breaks and access roads,” she said
“This has brought the total upgrades to 4,000 kilometres in the past three years.”
The Minister said the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) had a $6.5 million fire management program.
“Funding is used for training staff, buying and maintaining equipment, constructing fire breaks and access roads, and fire management planning,” she said.
DERM managed the fire risk on more than 12.5 million hectares of parks and forests across Queensland.
“Factors such as the build-up of natural fuel and its moisture content, temperature and wind conditions are taken into account before a fire is lit,” Ms Jones said.
1 October, 2009
Jury’s out on
jury campaign
A new campaign urging more Queenslanders to turn up for jury duty has been launched by the Chief Justice and Attorney-General.
Attorney-General Cameron Dick said juries were an essential part of Queensland’s legal system, allowing every member of the community the opportunity to actively participate in the work of the courts and the legal system.
“Jury duty allows every adult from students to professionals and retirees to gain an insight into how our justice system really works,” Mr Dick said.
“While the time spent participating in jury duty is short, the contribution to the justice system and the community is significant.”
Chief Justice Paul de Jersey said juries were vital to democracy and helped ensure Queensland’s court system remained fair and equitable.
“It is an unfortunate reality that many people receive a notice for jury duty and instantly begin to think of ways to seek an excusal,” Chief Justice de Jersey said.
“By launching this campaign we hope to change this attitude and see more Queenslanders actively being part of the justice process.”
Chief Justice de Jersey said more than 600 criminal trials involving a jury were held throughout Queensland in the past financial year.
“We needed more than 7,000 jurors for those trials and many others are required for the jury pool,” he said.
Chief Justice de Jersey said jurors would attend court one to two times a week for a couple of hours if they were summonsed.
“Typically, if you are not on a jury, you can return to work or other activities after about 11am,” he said.
“If you are selected to sit on a trial, you will only be in court for an average of three and a half days.”
Mr Dick said legislation passed in September 2008 allowed jurors to return home to their families each night unless the judge ordered them to remain together for deliberations.
“These new laws have created a more flexible system that is compatible with modern life, and allows jurors to go about their lives with minimal interruption,” Mr Dick said.
1 October, 2009
Review to tip scales
on marine animals
A review of marine mammal management plans has been announced to determine best practice for boats interacting with whales, dolphins and dugong.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the review would look at how far boats should keep their distance from the animals and ways to avoid entanglements and reduce underwater noise, among other matters.
She released a discussion paper to get the consultation process under way. Queenslanders would have until 13 November to provide their feedback.
“Queensland is blessed to have some of nature’s most wonderful creatures roaming our waters. They’re not only an awesome sight up close, but they give us a thriving eco-tourism industry that pumps millions into our economy,” Ms Jones said.
“But with these valuable natural assets come great responsibility and it’s important that we safeguard these animals from as many threats as possible to ensure they remain part of the coastal Queensland lifestyle we all love and an attraction for visitors.”
She said Queensland led the way in looking after marine mammals with two carefully laid out conservation plans under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 for their continued well-being.
There were currently thousands of humpback whales navigating Queensland’s coastal waters as part of their annual migration.
“It’s estimated that this population grows by about 10 per cent every year so there may now be up to 12,000 whales visiting from autumn to spring each year,” she said.
“So as more whales pass through, issues involving boats and entanglements will become more pressing. Some of our rarest dolphins also live in coastal waterways where boating and development is increasing.”
Another issue involved growing concerns that dugong numbers were being threatened by boat strikes.
The discussion paper is available at www.derm.qld.gov.au and submissions can be emailed or mailed to the Department.
1 October, 2009
Koalas branch out
onto DET land
A stretch of land owned by the Department of Education and Training has been handed to Redland City Council to be used as a protected koala habitat for future generations.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the 5.6 hectare site was owned by the Department of Education and Training. It was a strategically significant koala habitat in South East Queensland and needed to be preserved.
“This is an important part of our strategy to increase koala habitat in South East Queensland by 2020,” Ms Jones said.
“The State Government is also drafting a State Planning Policy for koalas - the first of its kind in Queensland - after public comment ended last month resulting in 99 submissions.”
The draft policy would be the centrepiece of Government efforts to halt declining koala numbers.”
Member for Capalaba, Michael Choi said he had asked for the land to be transferred to environmental reserve to be managed by the Redland City Council.
“I have petitioned long and hard to protect this land and I’m delighted with the result. Locals know the land is one of the few remaining bush land corridors offering protection to our koalas and it was vital that it be preserved,” Mr Choi said.
Ms Jones said the Queensland Government’s recent mapping of koala habitat values throughout South East Queensland showed that the land contained mature bushland koala habitat.
“It provides an important linkage to adjacent parkland and bushland with studies by the Department of Environment and Resource Management showing that the site is actively used by koalas,” she said.
1 October, 2009
Flu injections come
straight to the point
The roll-out of human swine flu vaccine has begun across the State.
Acting Premier, Paul Lucas said Queensland had undertaken extensive planning for the vaccine’s roll-out with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registering the new Panvax® H1N1 vaccine and distribution throughout the State to be undertaken by CSL.
Mr Lucas said Queensland would focus on vaccinating groups at higher risk of exposure as an immediate priority, including people most vulnerable to more severe outcomes and health care workers.
“Vaccinations will be rolled out through public hospitals and community service providers throughout the State, and vaccine is also being supplied to around 800 General Practices across Queensland,” Mr Lucas said.
“Providing vaccines to Indigenous and remote communities will be a key priority, and we will also use our existing chronic disease networks to maximise the roll-out of the vaccine to help protect people who tend to become sickest if they do contract human swine flu.”
Mr Lucas said Queensland Health had plans in place in each region to ensure the roll out was tailored to the unique needs of the local area.
While the emphasis would be on targeting vulnerable groups, anyone who wished to protect themselves from pandemic influenza was also encouraged to be vaccinated, including friends, family and carers of people in vulnerable groups.
Vulnerable groups include Indigenous people; people in remote and isolated communities; pregnant women and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma and other lung diseases, cancer, obesity, diabetes, kidney and liver disease and neurological disease.
Parents and guardians of infants up to six months old and children aged 10 and over in special schools will also be a high priority for vaccination.
Vaccinations for children under the age of 10 will begin once TGA approval is given for the vaccine to be used in this age group.
1 October, 2009
Tenants’ money is
bond bonanza
The Residential Tenancies Authority is looking for the owners of $5 million in unclaimed bond money.
Minister for Community Services and Housing, Karen Struthers said the unclaimed bond refunds were being held by the RTA.
“Anyone who has rented a property over the past 10 years should check the RTA website to see if there’s any money owing to them. They could be in for a windfall,” Ms Struthers said.
“The biggest unclaimed bond held by the RTA is around $6,000, registered to a Queensland company. The biggest privately-held unclaimed bond is for almost $4,000.”
The Minister said that over the years, unclaimed bond refunds had built up to around $5 million, still less than 1 per cent of the total bonds held by the RTA.
“The unclaimed bond money pool has grown as a result of Queenslanders either forgetting to cash their bond refund cheques, or moving house without notifying the RTA of their new address,” Ms Struthers said.
“The RTA has tried to refund the money, only to have cheques returned. They can only send notices of rental bond claims and cheques to a tenant’s last known address.”
The Minister said some might have thought they weren’t eligible for a bond refund so they had not provided the RTA with a forwarding address when they moved on.
“The RTA is encouraging tenants to have bond refunds paid directly into their bank accounts to avoid missing out on their refund,” Ms Struthers said
“I urge anyone who has ever rented a property in Queensland to check the website www.rta.qld.gov.au and see if their name is on the list. If their name comes up, they can contact the RTA on 1300 366 311 to arrange for their bond to be refunded directly into their nominated bank account.”
Last year, the RTA refunded almost 224,000 bonds worth around $250 million.
1 October, 2009
Asbestos website to
settle school dust-up
The Department of Education is to publish an online register of schools containing asbestos.
Minister for Education, Geoff Wilson, said the register would come online next term and enable parents to find out detailed information about asbestos in their schools.
Mr Wilson also said that experienced building industry professional, John Gaskin had been appointed to ensure procedures related to asbestos identification and removal remained current and that principals were vigilant.
“We believe the processes currently in place are sound but we are taking no chances, which is why we have asked Mr Gaskin to take a close look at the systems,” Mr Wilson said.
A significant program was already under way to replace vinyl floors containing asbestos in schools.
He said 122 vinyl flooring projects at 92 schools had been completed during the 2008-09 financial year at a cost of $4.3 million.
“A further $6m has been allocated in 2009-2010 from the Department of Education and Training maintenance program to test and validate an additional 429 flooring projects at 269 schools and to replace asbestos containing vinyl flooring as required,” Mr Wilson said.
In addition to this specific program, floor covering replacement work was also carried out in schools as part of capital works projects, maintenance programs and works directly managed by schools.
The condition of materials containing asbestos in schools was managed by an extensive awareness program, annual maintenance programs and three-yearly asbestos inspections by industry professionals.
“The Department of Education and Training works closely with the Department of Public Works, which is responsible for whole-of-government policy and procedures for Queensland Government buildings,” he said.
1 October, 2009
Transport strategy
on the right track
A long-term sustainable transport strategy for western Brisbane's transport network has been released as a blueprint for planning over the next 20 years.
Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said the Western Brisbane Transport Network Strategy would form a planning blueprint for all levels of government in creating an integrated transport network of rail, bus, road, freight, walking and cycling over the next 20 years.
“There is no shortage of transport infrastructure projects taking place across Brisbane but until this document there wasn’t a unifying or underlying planning blueprint to tie it altogether in the western region,” Ms Nolan said.
“Sustainable forms of transport feature heavily in the strategy but the plan also seeks efficiencies in the infrastructure we already have for environmental and economic reasons.”
She said the strategy confirmed the value of setting aside transport corridors for the future and built on current projects in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.
“If transport corridors like these had been part of transport and town planning 20 or 30 years ago, we wouldn’t now be resuming properties to build busways and we’d have billions of dollars of extra funding for services,” Ms Nolan said.
“We can’t turn back the clock but we can ensure these corridors are part of the planning landscape for the next 20 years.”
She said there were four key components to the strategy: rail, bus priority, active transport choices and a future north-south motorway.
"The strategy builds on the significant rail infrastructure projects occurring in south east Queensland in recent years,” Ms Nolan said.
1 October, 2009
Minister thunders a
storm warning
The Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts has issued a warning to all Queenslanders to start preparing for the coming storm and cyclone season.
“It is ironic to announce the start of the storm and cyclone season at a time Queensland has fire bans in place over much of the State,” Mr Roberts said.
“The reality is these events can – and do – happen at the same time in Queensland, and this highlights the need to be prepared for natural disasters.”
It was disturbing that NRMA research indicated that nearly two out of three South East Queensland households hit by storms in the past year were not properly prepared.
“What is encouraging is that 50 per cent of households surveyed by the NRMA said they would be taking more steps to protect themselves and their homes after their experience of last season,” he said.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said Queensland had a long history of storms and tropical cyclones.
Mr Roberts said community spirit was demonstrated in January and February when floods inundated areas of North Queensland and cyclones threatened the coastline.
“In fact, in the past year, more than two thirds of this State has seen disaster arrangements activated,” he said.
“The Government has committed more than $14 million in funding and resources this financial year to ensure the State Emergency Services have all they need in times of disaster.”
Mr Roberts said now was the time to prepare for the storm season.
“People should be taking steps to ensure their house and family are storm and cyclone ready,” he said.
1 October, 2009
Fence unleashed
on dingo island
Work has begun on a dingo-deterrent fence around the waste transfer station at Eurong on Fraser Island.
The $100,000 fence is a joint project of the State Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council.
It will be 1.8 metres high chain mesh with 40 centimetre anti-digging skirts, and self-closing pedestrian gates with warning signs.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the waste transfer station had been identified as a problem area for dingo-human interaction and an easy source of food.
Ms Jones said dingo-deterrent fencing elsewhere on the island had been very effective in reducing dingo-human interactions.
“Since the fencing has been erected there have been no dingo attacks within these areas,” Ms Jones said.
“The high concentration of people in townships and resorts on the island results in non-natural food being accessible, something this deterrent fence will help stop.”
She said when dingoes were fed by people or were able to scavenge rubbish, they often lost their hunting skills and start to depend on scraps and hand-outs.
“I stress that the Government has zero tolerance for people feeding or making food available to dingoes and penalties of up to $4,000 apply,” she said
It is particularly important that campers, day visitors and residents are aware of, and follow, the Be Dingo-safe recommendations.”
These are: always stay close to children, even small teenagers; walk in groups; never feed dingoes; lock up food stores and iceboxes (this also applies to boating visitors); pack away food scraps and store fishing bait correctly.
1 October, 2009
Pest control laws
to have bite
A discussion paper on Queensland’s biosecurity legislation has been released for public comment.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said Queensland’s agricultural sector was worth around $12.5 billion per year – with around $6 billion of this production exported overseas.
“Without good biosecurity, Queensland and Australia risks losing access to these critical markets which are vital to the Queensland economy,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Queensland’s current biosecurity legislation, consisting of a number of separate Acts and regulations, have operated for many years, with one Act dating back to 1915.”
The legislation had to be modernised, simplified and streamlined, particularly given the increasing number of biosecurity risks facing Queensland.
“As such, Biosecurity Queensland is developing a new single integrated Biosecurity Act, but first, I’m asking the community to contribute by providing feedback on experiences with the current biosecurity legislation and suggestions for the new Act,” he said.
Previous legislation was developed independently as the biosecurity risks emerged and in response to specific incursions.
“This has resulted in inconsistency across the Acts, which presents red tape for stakeholders and administrative burdens for Government,” Mr Mulherin said.
“This discussion paper is an opportunity for all stakeholders, industry groups and individuals to put their views and ideas forward on how to ensure Queensland has world-leading biosecurity systems and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
Submissions close 7 November 2009.
1 October, 2009
Agreement picked up
for anti-litter trial
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to trial a graffiti and litter clean-up program is to be extended for a further 12 months.
Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said the Government-funded trial had been a success along the Sunshine Motorway and sections of Steve Irwin Way, David Low Way and Eumundi-Noosa Road.
“The extended trial will also include other high-volume roads where graffiti and litter are a concern,” Mr Wallace said.
“We are working closely with Sunshine Coast Regional Council and will progressively review the scope of the trial on a needs basis to include any other high demand areas.”
The Minister said he was optimistic the strategy was working toward a long-term solution to manage graffiti and littering on the Sunshine Coast.
“This will continue to help keep the Sunshine Coast beautiful and tidy for locals and tourists alike,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate the Department and Sunshine Coast Regional Council on a job well done.”
Mr Wallace said he encouraged the community to support Government Agencies in their attempts to overcome litter and graffiti problems.
“Do the right thing and dispose of your rubbish properly. If you see someone dumping rubbish or vandalising property, report it to police,” he said.
1 October, 2009
QBuild takes tilt at
windmill project
A 19th century wooden windmill has been reconstructed by Qbuild to mark the State’s 150th celebrations.
The Tustin Economy Windmill, which took seven months to complete, has been given a permanent home at the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten launched the 13-metre high windmill, saying that nine workers – including four Toowoomba apprentices – undertook the project.
“It’s been a hugely challenging task, using recycled timber to recreate a massive structure with a tower that alone weighing about three tonnes.,” Mr Schwarten said.
“A major challenge was moving pieces due to the sheer size of some of the components – for example, the legs are 408 kilograms each, and are 6.3 metres long.”
Another challenge was that the measurements used for the reconstruction were in feet and inches, something that bemused the apprentices.
“The project has certainly introduced the apprentices to skills and techniques seldom experienced in other apprenticeships,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said timber windmills were part of the Darling Downs’ heritage and the Queensland Government was proud to support the unique Q150 anniversary reconstruction project.
“The first Tustin windmill in Queensland was imported from San Francisco by the Department of Public Works in 1875 and pastoralists followed the Department’s lead,” he said.
“This reconstructed windmill is based on one erected at historic Jimbour Station around 1880 that survived until about 1950.
The Tustin Economy Windmill joins a collection of six steel windmills at the Toowoomba campus of the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
1 October, 2009
Angle sought on
fishery issues
Stakeholders are being asked to put forward potential solutions for the management of the Gulf of Carpentaria Finfish Fishery.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said a discussion paper outlined the challenges.
"In reviewing management arrangements for the Gulf fishery we need to take into account sustainability, profitability and fair access, as well as ensuring we meet the Commonwealth sustainability accreditation requirements," Mr Mulherin said.
"It is always about striking the balance between the viability of the fishery and sustainability.”
Mr Mulherin said the key issues outlined in the paper included: grey mackerel offshore access; shark catch limits; protected species protection in relation to commercial net fishing; regulated water declarations; barramundi spawning closures, and
bag and size limits.
“Stakeholders can provide feedback on these issues through the response forms or by attending one of the public meetings,” the Minister said.
“The timing of this consultation complies with a requirement to review the Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish) Management Plan 1999, 10 years after its implementation.”
Commercial inshore and offshore net, recreational, Indigenous and charter boat fishing all took place in the area with key species taken including barramundi, king and blue threadfins, grunter, grey mackerel, mangrove jack and tropical sharks.
1 October, 2009
Teachers hit back
with bully report
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a new teaching resource to help fight cyberbullying.
The new DVD and booklet resource, Let’s Fight it Together is available to all Australian schools for free and aims to teach teenagers about ways to avoid cyberbullying. Chairman of the ACMA, Chris Chapman said cyberbullying was the “use of social networking sites, mobile text messages, instant messaging, email and other websites to bully others.”
Mr Chapman said cyberbullying could be very damaging and was becoming a significant issue for children and schools.
“Cyberbullying can be more pernicious than traditional forms of bullying: hostile messages can be sent at any time from any place; they can be sent anonymously and distributed more rapidly to wider audiences,” he said.
“For the target of the cyberbullying, there can be nowhere to run—places previously considered safe and personal are safe no longer.”
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said educational resources such as Let’s Fight It Together could empower young people.
“This new resource will help raise awareness while providing important advice and support for young Australians, teachers and parents,” Senator Conroy said.
Let’s fight It Together features a short video which presents a cyberbullying scenario derived from real experiences of teenagers who have been cyberbullied.
It includes interviews with the characters in the story - teachers, parents and young people - about their perspective on the cyberbullying scenario.
An accompanying booklet has lesson plans and activities for the classroom.
The ACMA said it already had orders from over 200 schools for Let’s Fight It Together.
Schools can order a free copy of the resource by contacting the Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176.
1 October, 2009
Second placement Directive
The Public Service Commission has issued a further Directive on the placement of tenured staff following Machinery of Government changes.
Directive 14/09 outlines additional measures that must be taken to place affected employees and includes special arrangements for Senior Executives and Senior Officers, details the steps involved in advertising vacant positions and explains grievance procedures.
It is to be read in conjunction with Directive 12/09 and can be accessed at www.psc.qld.gov.au
Committee opens Facebook
The Law, Justice and Safety Committee of Parliament has launched a Facebook page to further promote its inquiry into alcohol-related violence in Queensland.
Committee Chair, Ms Barbara Stone MP, said this was the Parliament’s first Facebook page.
She believed it was a way of reaching and engaging with young Queenslanders.
EIS for satellite city endorsed
A project to house more than 35,000 people south of Townsville has had its Environmental Impact Statement endorsed.
The Rocky Springs satellite city is proposed for a 1600-hectare site in the suburbs of Nome and Julago, 12 kilometres south of the Townsville CBD.
The project was expected to create around 1,500 jobs during the 35-year construction period, and an expected 17,000 jobs overall once the city was complete.
New home for Holland Park police
A new $7 million police station has been opened in Holland Park.
Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said Holland Park was one of the fastest growing hubs in the Metropolitan South Region.
The old police station was a timber house constructed in the 1930s, and was not purpose-built for policing,” Mr Roberts said.
“This new station has been purpose-built in consultation with operational police, allowing for future population growth and increased staff levels.”
Interest in Centaur
Significant interest has been shown by operators to supply deep-water search equipment to help find the torpedoed Australian Hospital Ship Centaur.
Acting Premier, Paul Lucas said the requirements were for deep-water search equipment including deep-tow side-scan sonar, and a remote-operated submersible vessel capable of operating to at least 3,000 metres.
AHS Centaur was sunk by a Japanese submarine off the South-East Queensland coast in 1943 with the loss of 268 lives.
Experience attracts entries
There have been more than 20,000 entries in Tourism Queensland’s Best Experience in the World competition to select three mates to assist caretaker Ben Southall explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said the competition would give the winners the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate Queensland holiday.
Entries have been received from 142 countries including Venezuela, Bosnia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Trinidad. Tourism Queensland – 07 3535 5474.
Heavy duty units on the go
Australia’s first Heavy Vehicle Recovery Units (HVRUs) are now operational.
The new specially designed HVRUs are able to move or lift trucks and semi-trailers from the road network quickly and safely.
Two HVRUs will be located at the RoadTek Asset Service at Murrarie and, when needed, the Brisbane Metropolitan Transport Management Centre will call on RoadTek to activate the vehicles.
Ambulance upgrade for Redcliffe
A replacement ambulance station has been opened on the Redcliffe Peninsula
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the $1.48 million station housed the most up-to-date facilities and technology available and provided staff with a comfortable and functional workplace.
“Work started on the new station in March this year, replacing the previous station which was built nearly 50 years ago,” Mr Roberts said.
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