News Monitor Archive
Issue 84 - 10 April 2012
Top 10 business website mistakes
For most businesses, their website is their front door – unfortunately, the majority of them don’t work! On the bright side, your website can be different if you keep in mind the following pitfalls and ways to avoid them. read more
Little black book a weapon against scams
In the fight to keep themselves safe from scammers, small business owners have access to a newly refined weapon – The little black book of scams. read more
New Commissioner announced to help small business
Australia’s small businesses will soon have access to the nation’s first Small Business Commissioner – due to be appointed by the Federal Government in the second half of this year. read more
Issue 83 - 2 April 2012
New line-up to lead Queensland
Sitting Member for Condamine Ray Hopper and sitting Member for Warrego Howard Hobbs will both retain their seats in the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) whitewash of the Queensland State election. Despite their lengthy service, neither MP has been favoured with inclusion in the cabinet line-up announced last week by new Queensland Premier Campbell Newman. read more
Wandoan Coal Project moving ahead
The $6 billion Wandoan Coal Project has moved another step forward following a Queensland Land Court decision last week recommending that the State Government approve Xstrata Coal’s Mining Lease Applications for the project. read more
Protect your business from scams
These days, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and will go to almost any lengths to deliver a scam to your business. read more
Issue 82 - 26 March 2012
A crystal ball on Australia’s economy
While the Australian economy started well in 2012, the remaining months of the year are expected to contain their fair share of surprises and a more than usual number of pitfalls for economic forecasting. read more
Scams costing Australians more than $85 million
With scammers costing Australians many millions of dollars each year, business owners and consumers alike need to be increasingly on the alert for ever evolving scams. read more
How teleworking can work for your business
With the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), teleworking will become a viable option for Western Downs business and their workers – an option now being strongly encouraged by the Australian Government. read more
Issue 81 - 19 March 2012
Queensland a winner in race for growth
The resource rich states of Queensland and Western Australia are outpacing other Australian states in the economic stakes due to a rapid growth in spending in recent times. read more
No get out of jail free card on workplace health and safety
With Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 now in force for a little over two months, business owners need to have a full understanding of the new legislation to avoid the risk of prosecution. read more
Funds available to train workers in areas of demand
The resource sector has been identified as a priority area under the current round of funding available through the Federal Government’s National Workforce Development Fund. read more
Issue 80 - 12 March 2012
Pioneering program to grow Western Downs business
The local business sector has been propelled into a new era with the launch last week of the Western Downs Economic and Innovation Zone (WDEIZ). read more
Skilled advisors to assist local business
Potential and existing business owners in the Western Downs Region now have the support of three highly skilled Business Advisors to assist them in developing new ideas or expanding existing operations. read more
Two-speed economy continues to plague Queensland businesses
Despite some promising signs of recovery, not all businesses are benefiting from the boom in the mining and resources sector, with a two-speed economy continuing to be ever present in Queensland. read more
Issue 79 - 5 March 2012
$3.5m workforce development program to help regional businesses
Western Downs businesses have been targeted for support under a new workforce development program designed to attract apprentices and trainees to Queensland regional businesses outside the coal seam gas industry. read more
Need help sorting out a dispute with a mining or gas company?
Legal support provided through the Toowoomba-based legal aid service has been extended to provide better coverage for Central Queensland landholders seeking assistance in their dealings with resource companies. read more
March calendar of events promotes local business
The Western Downs Region will be a hive of business activity this month with a range of events earmarked to support and promote the local business sector. read more
Issue 78 - 27 February 2012
Major transformation planned for Warrego Highway
A 20 year long Warrego Highway Upgrade Strategy has been unveiled by the Queensland Government that provides for extra overtaking lanes, upgraded intersections, widened stretches of road and heavy vehicle bypasses in the Western Downs Region. read more
$652 million coal project moves ahead
A $652 million coal development proposed by Cockatoo Coal Limited – the North Surat-Collingwood Coal project – has been declared a ‘significant project’ by the Queensland Government. read more
Work on APLNG pipeline to start at Miles
The Western Downs region will be taking centre stage as Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) begins construction of its 530 kilometre long gas transmission pipeline. read more
Issue 77 - 20 February 2012
New environmental and noise guidelines for resource activities
New guidelines have been released spelling out the obligation for petroleum and gas activities, including coal seam gas, to meet new requirements for notification of environmental damage, as well as noise management. read more
What can innovation do for your business?
What do Queensland’s fastest growing small and medium sized businesses have in common? According to the Queensland Government, the answer is innovation. read more
New deal boosts APLNG project
A revised deal on the Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) project in the Surat and Bowen basins further secures Queensland – and with it, the Western Downs Region – as a leading export hub for LNG in the Asia-Pacific region. read more
Issue 76 - 13 February 2012
Resource sector a bright spot on economic horizon
The thriving resource sector and related services appear to be the one bright spot on the horizon, with financial experts and business groups predicting that other parts of the economy will continue to struggle. read more
Ten top tips to develop IP strategy for your business
Local businesses that make the most of their intellectual property (IP) will have a definite edge in the future following the region’s move into a new era through the creation of the Western Downs Economic and Innovation Zone (WDEIZ). read more
Changes in the air for resource development
Mergers and acquisitions within the resource sector could change the face of development within Australia, including in the Western Downs Region. read more
Issue 75 - 6 February 2012
Awards showcase strength of Miles business sector
The significance of local businesses to the regional economy was highlighted last Saturday night at the annual Miles Business Excellence Awards hosted by Miles and District Chamber of Commerce. read more
How can innovation work for your business?
With its focus on encouraging and supporting innovation by businesses and community enterprises, the Western Downs Economic and Innovation Zone (WDEIZ) complements moves by the Australian Government to increase international competitiveness and productivity through innovation. read more
Surat Basin framework highlights future direction for Western Downs
Practical priorities for the future direction of the Surat region have been identified in the Queensland Government’s Surat Basin Regional Planning Framework. read more
Issue 74 - 30 January 2012
A new era for business in the Western Downs
The Western Downs business sector will be moving into a new era with the launch in February of the Western Downs Economic and Innovation Zone (WDEIZ). read more
Spotlight on Western Downs at International Gas Symposium
The challenges and opportunities facing the Western Downs through its position as the ‘energy capital of Queensland’ were highlighted last month at a world first congregation of international leaders and experts from the new coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas industry. read more
Review supports policy for sustainable resource communities in Queensland
Ongoing implementation of the Queensland’s Sustainable Resource Communities (SRC) Policy – which resulted in funding of $27.95 million for projects in the Surat Basin in 2010 – has been supported in a draft review of the policy. read more
Issue 73 - 23 January 2012
Better broadband services for Western Downs Region
Western Downs businesses and households will have access to faster, more competitive broadband services with the opening of Australia’s longest-ever fibre optic link. read more
New strategy to deliver affordable housing in the Western Downs
An ambitious new housing strategy has been developed for the Western Downs Region in a bold move to ease increasing pressure on the region’s housing sector caused by the energy resources boom. read more
Plan to meet Surat Basin’s growing workforce needs
With employment in the Surat Basin forecast to grow by more than 70,000 within the next two decades, a wide-ranging workforce plan has now been developed to meet the significant challenge of filling the area’s future labour needs. read more
Issue 72 - 16 January 2012
The start of a new year is a great time for businesses to put their operations under the microscope and lay plans for their future. read more What will 2012 hold for your business?
In the wake of the first anniversary of Queensland’s devastating floods, the Queensland and Australian Governments have issued a reminder that financial assistance and support are still available for business owners in affected regions. read more Door still open to support for flood affected businesses
A total of 83 projects in the Darling Downs and South West have been identified as key priorities for continued support and investment in the final version of the Queensland Infrastructure Plan. read more State plan identifies key projects for Darling Downs and South West Region
Issue 71 - 9 January 2012
With site works now underway for the $104.7 million Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project, Western Downs businesses are being encouraged to register their interest in working on the project. read more Opportunities for local businesses at Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project
Queenslanders are invited to nominate their energy, water and waste savings projects for the 2012 Premier’s ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards. read more ClimateSmart awards a boost for business
Meeting local needs, attracting investment and creating employment are the focus of a comprehensive plan for the Surat Basin developed by the Queensland Government to capture economic opportunities and build a resilient, diverse and strong economy. read more Surat Basin strategy to build local economy
Issue 70 - 3 January 2012
After the busy pre-Christmas shopping period, businesses will be faced with the unfortunate but unavoidable post-Christmas period of dealing with the return of faulty goods. read more Know your consumer guarantee responsibilities
The start of a new year is a good time to review your record keeping practices, not only to help you make sound business decisions in the future, but to make sure you meet your legal requirements. read more Good record keeping is good business practice
Help is at hand for small to medium-sized businesses working through the minefield of important workplace issues through a series of Best Practice Guides available from the Fair Work Ombudsman. read more Help for business on workplace issues
Issue 69 - 19 December 2011
Following the passing of key regulations for the Clean Energy Future Plan, the Australian Government has launched the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) with the aim of providing new economic opportunities for landholders. read more New opportunities for landholder under Carbon Farming Initiative
A comprehensive report on the economic and business conditions for the Western Downs has revealed that the region is batting above the state average when it comes to productivity, Gross Regional Product, unemployment and growth in personal income. read more New profile reveals strengths of Western Downs Region
With the busy Christmas trading period now underway for many businesses, and others planning temporary shutdowns for a well-earned break, business owners are being cautioned to place a high priority on security. read more Top tips to keep your business safe
Issue 68 - 12 December 2011
A state-wide campaign has been launched by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland targeting civil construction sites. read more Queensland construction sites target of WH&S campaign
Christmas parties are a great way to celebrate and show appreciation to hard working staff, but they can turn into a major New Year headache for the unprepared employer. read more Avoid New Year headaches this Christmas
1st January 2012 will herald more than a new year for Australian suppliers and manufacturers – it will also bring new requirements on the provision of ‘voluntary’ warranties. read more New rules for voluntary warranties
Issue 67 - 5 December 2011
Queensland businesses are now only a little more than a month away from plunging into a new era in workplace health and safety, with all businesses being required to comply with new national legislation from 1 January 2012. read more Executive officers to bear the brunt of new health & safety laws
The new Clean Energy Bill – heralding the introduction of a carbon price in July next year – brings a whole new set of challenges for Australian businesses. read more The reality of a carbon price
Summer is now upon us and the hot weather of recent weeks has brought a timely reminder to business of the need to protect workers from sun exposure. read more Keep the heat off your business
Issue 66 - 28 November 2011
While the energy resource sector in Queensland may be booming, Western Downs businesses gaining work with major development projects in the region are in the minority, according to a survey conducted by Advance Western Downs last week. read more Major development projects – who is getting the work?
With the state of the Australian economy having a lot riding on the global outlook, Western Downs businesses were given the small piece of good news last week that global growth is, at least, not expected to undergo any further marked deterioration. read more Western Downs businesses given the goods on global economy
At this time of year – with Christmas just around the corner – individuals and businesses alike are turning their thoughts to the act of giving. While generosity is to be admired, businesses need to aware of the tax implications of making gifts. read more Top tips to stop being taxed by giving gifts
Issue 65 - 21 November 2011
For many business owners in the region, 'local' to them would mean just that – their local town or, at a stretch, the Western Downs Region. However, in reality, it is not that simple. read more Working out ‘local’ can drive businesses ‘loco’
Upgrading of the Warrego Highway has been earmarked by the State Government for inclusion in its submission to the Federal Government for Infrastructure Australia funding. read more Funding sought for Warrego Highway through Infrastructure Australia
The passing of the Clean Energy legislation by the Senate has raised fears that farmers will bear the brunt of Australia’s new carbon tax. read more Farmers fear impact of carbon tax
Issue 64 - 14 November 2011
The strength of local businesses was on show last Saturday night when Surat Basin Homes was announced as Business of the Year against a top line-up of competitors in the 2011 Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry (CCCI) Business Excellence Awards. read more Chinchilla’s top businesses in the spotlight
A new Waste Reform Bill passed by the Queensland Government last month will see businesses hit with additional charges of $35 per tonne for commercial and industrial waste, as well as construction and demolition waste. read more New State Government waste charges to hit business
The Federal Government’s new Clean Energy legislation has come under fire for ignoring the pleas of Australian businesses, with Queensland predicted to suffer the greatest impacts from the introduction of a carbon price. read more Queensland businesses brace for impact of carbon tax
Issue 63 - 7 November 2011
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Rapid growth is part of many successful business cycles and can happen as a result of a well-executed growth strategy or in response to an unexpected opportunity. read more Is your business prepared for rapid growth?
Sending out Christmas cards to clients and customers is smart business, as long as you follow some simple rules, according to business etiquette experts. read more Business Christmas cards are smart business
Issue 62 - 31 October 2011
As we hurtle towards the end of 2011, we are only weeks away from the start of a new regime of “national harmonisation” in workplace health & safety commencing 1 January 2012. read more National workplace health & safety harmonisation – have we really got our Act together?
With the skills shortage in the area and the low pool of skilled labour to draw from, local businesses may be turning to contractors to undertake work for them. read more Employees or contractors – what’s the difference?
The Western Downs Region is cementing its position as the Energy Capital of Queensland, housing more than 20,000 petajoules (PJ) of the state’s estimated 27,992 PJ of proved and probable reserves of coal seam gas (CSG). read more Western Downs at centre of growing CSG industry
Issue 61 - 24 October 2011
With critical skills shortages straining many local businesses, last week’s Western Downs Skilling Solutions Symposium has paved the way for the development of regional strategies to meet current and future labour needs. read more Symposium paves the way for skilling solutions
Plans by Origin Energy to launch its $1.5 billion Ironbark Project near Tara will result in the Western Downs Region housing one of the biggest domestically-focussed coal seam gas developments in Australia. read more Growing energy demand fuels $1.5b Western Downs gas project
More than 200 kilometres of roads across the Darling Downs will be reconstructed under a joint Federal/State Government $1.1 billion flood recovery package. read more $435 million for Darling Downs roads reconstruction
Issue 60 - 17 October 2011
The vital importance of local businesses to the Western Downs Region’s economy came under the spotlight last Friday at the 2011 Dalby Business Excellence Awards. read more Dalby award winning businesses a sign for the future
In keeping with a long and impressive history in Australia for advancing the interests of business, chambers of commerce in the Western Downs Region are providing a vital link in developing a prosperous future for their business communities. read more Chambers getting down to business in the Western Downs
With the energy sector moving full steam ahead in the Western Downs Region, local communities and businesses are being kept up to speed through a non-stop round of information sessions, symposiums, field days and conferences. read more Calendar of events opening doors for business
Issue 59 - 10 October 2011
With increasing temperatures and evaporation, lower rainfall and more extreme climate events predicted in the future for the Western Downs region, residents are being asked to have their say on the impact of climate change on their communities and businesses. read more Moves to weather the storm of climate change
New taxation measures will provide businesses with greater scope to invest in research and development to help grow their operations. read more Tax moves to encourage R&D investment
Finding the right information and the best tools to work with are essential for success in the business world - whether you are planning to start a new business or grow an established operation. read more Find the right tools for your trade online
Issue 58 - 3 October 2011
With its reputation firmly established as the ‘Energy Capital of Queensland’, the Western Downs Region is preparing for an economic boom that will pave the way for local businesses to ride the wave of the energy sector explosion. read more Keep track of the Western Downs’ energy sector boom
The Western Downs Regional Council is on track to create a vibrant workforce to meet the growing needs of the region through the newly established Western Downs Jobs and Skills Task Group. read more New task group to address Western Downs’ skills needs
The Bligh Government is set to introduce laws to protect the state's best cropping land into Parliament in late October, as much as two months earlier than expected. read more Agricultural land laws on the fast track
Issue 57 - 26 September 2011
A $28 million funding package has now been announced by the Australian Government to support training for 7500 workers from small, medium and large businesses, including more than 1500 new workers in the critical industry sectors of resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy. read more Skills shortages targeted by national and regional strategies
The Murray Darling Association has delivered the message to federal and state governments that local communities must be trusted to effectively and efficiently manage water at the local level. read more Role of local communities critical in Murray Darling Basin Plan
In a welcome boost for Western Downs community groups and sporting clubs, an Apprentice Work Teams (AWT) project has been initiated in the region to help them improve their local facilities. read more Free workforce on offer for community and sporting groups
Issue 56 - 19 September 2011
In a ground-breaking move, Australia Pacific LNG has now joined forces with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) to build the 6,000 strong workforce required for the construction phase of its CSG to LNG project in the Surat and Bowen basins. read more New partnership to build 6,000 strong workforce for energy project
With total investment in the construction phase of the Queensland CSG/LNG industry over the next ten years estimated to be as high as $30 billion, a CSG/LNG Industry Construction Workforce Plan has identified the key areas of priority skills demand for the industry. read more Workforce Plan identifies CSG/LNG industry labour demand
Queensland businesses are facing the prospect of adjusting their operations around additional public holidays under proposals now under consideration by the Bligh Government. read more Extra public holidays proposed for Queensland