VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12 | DEC 2024 SPRINGHILL FARM ROOTED IN FAMILY, GROWING WITH PURPOSE Also in this issue WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Mike Luchetta Dylan Tenbrink Contributing Writers Dan Macharia Veronica Enair Director of Production Jared Ali Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
EDITOR’S NOTES With the end of the year in full view, many organizations across the Oceania region are scanning the new business territory and prioritizing upcoming economic initiatives for 2025. With an upswing in the financial picture and many business sectors continuing to grow, there is much to celebrate as we embark on the festive season. From the bustling housing sector to booming agribased businesses, organizations in this beautiful part of the world are well-positioned to welcome a new year. We are privileged to cover some of these exciting economic developments for our December issue as we dive into what is next for these organizations. December’s issue brings you an in-depth look at some of the key infrastructure projects underway and planned in the Western Down’s region of Queensland. With the knowledge to carry out key upgrades to areas that have been earmarked for development, we interviewed the Western Down’s Council. For this month’s issue, we also featured Springhill Farms, a homegrown success story that brought the beauty of farm life into the culinary world. Springboarding from a farm open to visiting and sampling baked goods, Springhill Farm is now a household name and a full-fledged baking business displayed in grocery isles in the region. With all our profiles we hope that our valued business leaders learn a little something new about their relevant business sector as well as key developments in other industry sectors that may help drive their business model forward. As we continue to bring you features covering the very best in business developments across the Oceania region, we hope that you have a chance to unwind and celebrate the festive season with loved ones. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 11 SPRINGHILL FARM Rooted in Family, Growing with Purpose COVER SPRINGHILL FARM 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 5 OPENING LINES FOOD & BEVERAGE SPRINGHILL FARM 11 3 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
11 23 WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Innovating Infrastructure for Growth and Resilience PUBLIC SECTOR The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. SPRINGHILL FARM 4 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
BRISBANE’S HOME-PRICE SURGE FORCES TOUGH DECISIONS FOR LOCALS AND INVESTORS Source: https://www.realestate.com.au/, Caroline Riches, First published Dec 20th, 2024 Property prices in Brisbane are now the most expensive in Australia after Sydney. Locals are seeing their options shrink and investors are becoming more targeted. Angelique Simonet and her husband Shane Boseley count their lucky stars they entered the Brisbane housing market when they did. They bought their family home in The Gap, in Brisbane’s northwest, for $585,000 in September 2019. “It was the only one under $600,000 in the suburb,” Ms Simonet said. “Six months later, they were all above $700,000. Prices just blew up. The median value of houses in The Gap has risen by 16.6% in the 12 months to November to $1,282,500, with units up 12.3% to $933,750. Ms Simonet’s home is now valued at $1.1 million, which she says makes them feel “lucky”. But the price hike is also problematic, she says. “I worry for our kids; they’ll never be able to buy anything. Brisbane home prices have sky-rocketed. Picture: Getty “Plus, our community has changed; many friends have had to leave the area to buy a house. If we sold ours, we couldn’t afford to buy a new one here either. “We’d also have to move further out.” FEAR OF PANIC Hannah Attwood, 46, is renting for the first time in 20 years after separating from her husband and selling their four-bedroom house with a pool in Ipswich. Renting in the western suburb of Bardon with her three teenage children, she worries about re-entering a heated market. “Yes, renting is really expensive, but to have everything invested in a mortgage that I can barely afford… for me, is not realistic,” she said. She’s determined not to give into panic, like she’s seen so many others do in the city. “People talk about going to auctions where buyers are paying way over the asking price in cash. I’ve heard so many people say,‘if I don’t get in now, I’ll never get in’. “And I’ve seen a lot of friends make really rash purchases because of that fear.” STARTLING GROWTH Home prices in Brisbane rose 12.6% in the year to November, reaching a median value of $868,000.This increase is behind only Perth (18.7%) and Adelaide (14.6%). National annual price growth was 5.5%. In terms of median value, only Sydney ($1.112 million) is more expensive, with the Queensland capital now more costly than Canberra ($843,000), Melbourne ($792,000), Adelaide ($795,000) and Perth ($778,000). “Prices in Brisbane went up close to 80% over the past five years, and it continues to be one of the strongest performing markets,” said senior PropTrack economist Eleanor Creagh. “Adelaide and Perth are ahead, but conditions in Brisbane remain relatively strong.” Like Perth and Adelaide, the Brisbane rental market has had vacancy rates below 1% for over three years. The rates have eased slightly, with Brisbane at 1.2%, Perth at 1.1% and Adelaide at 1%. And similarly, a lack of housing stock is partly to blame. The Queensland government has responded with its 2024 ‘Homes for Opening Lines 5 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
or four or five bedrooms with a pool and great community in Ipswich – and grammar schools at a third of the cost,” she said. “We look at the market and think, ‘Wow, that’s just unbelievable’, and then it’ll spike again.” Queensland’s first home owner grant threshold moved to $700,000 on 1 July, fueling demand for properties under that price, she added. And accessing the CBD from the outer suburbs just got cheaper.There are now 50-cent flat fares on all Translink services across Queensland plus local buses, trains, ferries and trams. Investors, especially from southern states, are also snapping up homes around Ipswich due to their affordability, and represent around 20% of the buyer pool, said Ms Frank. FUELLED BY MIGRATION The tropical Queensland capital will continue to attract buyers from southern states, experts predict. Since Covid hit in 2020, Queensland’s population has grown by 6.6%, compared with 4.7% for Australia as a whole, according to the ABS. “Brisbane was a significant beneficiary of the population flows north that we saw throughout the pandemic, ahead of Perth and Adelaide,” said Ms Creagh. “Queensland has always been the retirement destination of choice,” added Mr Kuestenmacher.“Remember that old joke,‘he died so young. He hadn’t even moved to Queensland yet’. That will continue to ring true.” Agent Tom Lyne from Ray White New Farm said inner-north riverside suburbs like New Farm and Teneriffe are main beneficiaries of interstate movers. “We get a huge amount of interstate inquiries. New Farm and Teneriffe are the best-known cosmopolitan locations in Brisbane.” The median value of houses in New Farm has risen by 2.9% to $2.65 million in the year to November; Teneriffe houses by 9.8% to $4.1 million. However, high property prices and interest rate rises have reduced yields, deterring investors and causing existing ones to pull out. This has further reduced rental stock in a pattern reflected across the city. Mr Kuestenmacher believes overseas migrants, potentially numbering 250,000 each year, will continue to boost demand in the inner suburbs of our capitals. “In the next decade, the main game is growth in the city centre and the urban fringe,” he said. Brisbane will also benefit from the ‘Olympic effect’, he added. “It’s all about reputation both in Australia and overseas, making people want to move there.” Growth starting to slow Signs suggest growth may be slowing in Brisbane. Home prices rose by 0.3% in November, down from 0.4% in August and 0.5% in June. Ms Creagh believes affordability constraints will cool the market. “The relative affordability advantage has deteriorated significantly after Brisbane’s strong growth in recent years. We’re starting to see an easing in those population flows,” she said. But it will be interesting to see how Brisbane reacts to anticipated lower interest rates next year, she added. “I’d expect to see a more muted response to lower rates compared to previous cycles, given the current affordability issues.” Queenslanders’ plan, which aims to fast-track 900,000 new homes, including over 2,000 social dwellings annually until 2046. FRINGE BENEFITS Ms Creagh noted that prices have risen the most in Brisbane’s more affordable areas as buyers are pushed down the cost curve. “It’s the affordable end of the market that’s recording stronger growth,” she said. Ipswich, in the city’s southwest, and Logan, in its south, have been top performers in the past year. Ipswich’s population is expected to double from 254,000 to 533,000 by 2046, the fastest projected growth in southeast Queensland. Demographer Simon Kuestenmacher predicts increasing demand for family-sized houses on Brisbane’s urban fringe, driven by millennials moving out of one- and two-bedroom apartments in the city. “The baby boomers in Brisbane aren’t downsizing; they’re hogging the three- and four-bedroom homes in the suburbs. These won’t be available to the younger generation until the mid-30s, a decade away,” he said. “So millennials will look to the urban fringe for family-sized homes. That’s why Ipswich and Logan will go gangbusters.” Ipswich median house prices rose 39.1% and units 24.2% in the year to September, while Logan Central saw 28.4% growth for houses and 30.7% for units. Both areas saw softer growth in the November quarter – but growth none the less. Agent June Frank from Walkers Real Estate in Ipswich sees this trend in action. “People in their 30s, with or planning to have children, are moving to Ipswich. With $1.3 million, you get a tiny post-war wreck in Brisbane 6 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
OPENING LINES OCEANIA’S TRAVEL & TOURISM SECTOR COULD BOOST REGION’S ECONOMY BY US$112BN OVER THE NEXT DECADE Source: https://wttc.org/, news, First published Oct 10, 2024Nicholas Finch, First published Oct 21, 2024 A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that Oceania’s Travel & Tourism sector could inject an additional US$112BN to the region’s economy by 2034, bringing the total contribution to a record-breaking US$ 336BN. According to the report, in collaboration with VFS Global and launched today at WTTC’s 24th Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, this boost could also support an extra 1.1 million jobs, raising the total employment in the region supported by Travel & Tourism to 3.5 million by 2034. The report, “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Oceania”, outlines the transformative potential of the region’s sector if strategic investments are made. According to the global tourism body, Oceania, a region which includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, could become a global leader in sustainable travel, while significantly boosting its economy. However, unlocking this economic and social boost requires targeted action in a number of key areas. These include: • Investing in sustainable infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and enhancing connectivity across the region • Enhancing air connectivity • Streamlining visa processes • Promoting eco-friendly tourism practices that protect Indigenous communities For this growth to be realised, the report also advocates for a comprehensive policy package to include expanding airports across the region and developing renewable energy sources for tourism infrastructure. Streamlining visa facilitation is also critical to unlocking this potential growth and would allow for a more seamless travel experience between Pacific islands. VFS Global, a world leader in innovative visa solutions, is well-positioned to support these efforts 7 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
by enabling more efficient visa processes, which could drive increased multi-country travel across the region. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Oceania has an unparalleled opportunity to grow its Travel & Tourism sector in a way that not only drives economic growth but sets the standard for sustainability. “By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and supporting Indigenous communities, the region could become a global leader in eco-conscious, inclusive tourism.” Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said: “We are delighted and honoured to collaborate with WTTC on this comprehensive report that highlights the immense potential of the travel and tourism industry in Oceania. “As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global works with 69 governments worldwide with a presence in over 150 countries. Since establishing our presence in the Oceania region in 2008, we are now the trusted partner of 26 governments, serving 15 cities across 8 countries in the region. “VFS Global is committed to playing a pivotal role in harnessing the region’s potential, along with upskilling the workforce, a crucial component in the tourism sector. Together, we aim to unlock new opportunities and support long-term resilience and success of the sector.” Sustainability is central to the region’s long-term success. The report highlights the need for eco-friendly infrastructure, including renewable energy solutions for resorts and climate-adaptive projects, which will not only reduce the sector’s environmental footprint, but also attract the growing market of environmentally conscious travellers. Indigenous-led tourism is also critical in this transition, providing authentic cultural experiences while ensuring local communities benefit directly from tourism revenue. A LOOK AT 2024 By the end of this year, Travel & Tourism in Oceania is forecast to grow by 16.5% above pre-pandemic levels to reach US$224 billion, and employment supported by the sector is expected to exceed prepandemic figures by 4.8%, employing 2.3 million people. However, international visitor spending is projected to remain 4% below 2019 levels, with a full recovery not expected until 2025. 8 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
SPRINGHILL FARM ROOTED IN FAMILY, GROWING WITH PURPOSE food & beverage 9 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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ROOTED IN FAMILY, GROWING WITH PURPOSE SPRINGHILL FARM AT A GLANCE SPRINGHILL FARM WHAT: A family-owned business producing healthy, plant-based snacks with a focus on quality, sustainability, and community engagement WHERE: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia WEBSITE: www.springhillfarm.com.au 11 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
Springhill Farm is where I grew up,” begins Fiona Whatley, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Springhill Farm. Reflecting on the farm’s beginnings, she recounts how her parents, Ray and Jo, combined their skills, her father as a farmer and her mother as a kindergarten teacher, to host schoolchildren on the farm in the 1980s. “It’s funny when we look back on the photos from the farm visits, and how so much has changed since the 1980’s. Farm visits would Expertly creating healthy and delicious plant-based snacks while staying true to its family roots. 12 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
look very different these days, but the kids, parents and teachers alike all had a wonderful day. We still have the thank you books which children would send, which are great to look back on.” The visits offered children hands-on experiences, from milking goats and collecting eggs to seeing how wheat was milled into flour. “At the end of the day, they’d all sit on hay bales before heading home and have a muesli slice,” she explains.“It was a very early paddock-to-plate concept—showing kids where their food comes from and how it’s grown and produced.” The muesli slice quickly became more than just a treat for farm visitors. “It was such a new product back then,” Fiona says.“It was even featured in Vogue Living as part of the ‘new vogue of snacking.’”Though commonplace now, in the 1980s, muesli bars and slices were groundbreaking. “The question kept coming up: ‘Where can I buy this?’” she says. This unanticipated demand opened the door to selling the slices at health food stores and markets. The family’s shift from farming and teaching to baking was gradual but transformative and Springhill Farm slowly became a full-fledged baking business. As production outgrew their home kitchen, they began renting space. “Initially, they hired a corner of a waffle factory,” Fiona reflects. Later, they moved to a converted abattoir with custom-built food-grade rooms. In 2008, the family made a significant leap. “We decided to buy a block of land and build what would be the home for Springhill Farm moving forward,” Fiona explains. The factory they built now serves as the heart of their operations.“Today, we have 90 staff and three production lines,” she notes. The business continues to expand, with a new warehouse added last year. With its roots firmly planted in family and tradition, Springhill Farm’s journey is now guided by the next generation, who are continuing to grow the business while staying true to its core values. KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY For Fiona and her husband, James, taking over Springhill Farm meant carrying forward a cherished family tradition. “Ray and Jo transitioned out of the business officially about 10 years ago,” Fiona comments, joining the business herself 16 years ago, with James following three years later. Their transition into the business was driven by both necessity and opportunity. “We were looking for a change from our careers, I was a physio by trade,” Fiona shares.“James had studied Agricultural Science and Commerce.” Initially, she worked part-time at the 13 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 SPRINGHILL FARM
farm while practicing physiotherapy, but balancing both roles proved difficult after the birth of their first child. Today, the couple’s complementary roles form the backbone of the business. “James oversees the operational side of things—production scheduling, pricing, logistics—while I handle sales, marketing, and product development,” she explains.“99% of the time, that works really, really well.” Though her parents have stepped back, they remain involved in small ways.“Ray and Jo are our landlords now,” Fiona notes. “They are still involved in the business in that way and are supporting from the sidelines, they’re big supporters.” FROM NOSTALGIA TO NEW FRONTIERS Staying competitive at Springhill Farm means balancing innovation with tradition. “From a development point of view, it’s been a crazy 12 months for us,” Fiona shares, highlighting the launch of eight new products into the Woolworths health food aisle. One of their most exciting developments is the Boodles brand, a modern reimagining of nostalgic treats.“Boodles was a really new and innovative idea that came to market two years ago,” she explains. “They’re a 50% less sugar chocolate confectionery, a 21st century healthy chocolate crackle.” The brand’s success has seen it expand to major retailers, along with outlets such as Ampol, Officeworks, and Viva. This year, Boodles introduced Lunchbox Clusters, designed with health-conscious families in mind.“It’s a five health star, source of fibre, source of protein, gluten-free, plant-based product for kids,” Fiona says. The flavors—vanilla sprinkle, cocoa crunch, and strawberry—underwent rigorous taste-testing by the family’s youngest members.“The thing with having four kids at home is that they’re brutally honest with the feedback,” she explains.“They want to make sure that whatever we bring out is up to standard and something they can be proud of.” Alongside the boodles brand, Springhill Farm also has a range Slice’s which is an extension of the original muesli slice that was enjoyed on the hay bales nearly 40 years ago. This range continues to thrive as a go-to food service product, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. In addition to their own brands, Springhill Farm collaborates with smaller businesses as a comanufacturer. “From a co-manufacturing point of view, we’ve found a niche,” Fiona says. “There are really big manufacturers out there and really small ones, but not many in the middle. That’s where we 14 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
sit.” By offering manageable batch sizes, in-house product development, and sourcing assistance, they provide a “one-stop shop” for growing brands. CRAFTING SNACKS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Springhill Farm’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond the snack aisle. The company has built partnerships with prominent organizations, ensuring their products reach diverse audiences while aligning with meaningful causes. Their signature Slice range is a familiar treat for travelers and donors alike. “You will find it in flight on airlines like Qantas, Rex, Jetstar,” Fiona says. “You’ll find it after donating blood at Lifeblood— one of those sweet snacks that you get afterwards.” The range also features prominently in corporate catering and loyalty gift programs, while recently moving into retail. A key motivator behind their recent innovations is a desire to encourage healthier lifestyles for kids.Their new Slice for Busybodies range promotes healthy snacking and active play to combat childhood obesity “What’s truly unique about these products is they actually have little images on the top—like running, playing basketball, or juggling—to make movement fun,” Fiona reveals. Early feedback suggests the concept resonates.“Kids at home are doing the hula hoop or skipping on the spot after pulling out a snack with those images.” “So what we’re hoping to encourage is exercise for children, but also healthy eating, because, we’re not anti snacking, we love snacks, clearly, we make a lot of them. It’s about finding that balance and making sure that you’re ticking both boxes,” she asserts. The goal is simple yet profound: inspire healthy snacking habits while making exercise enjoyable. Springhill Farm’s ethos is underpinned by its emphasis on authenticity and storytelling.“We need to put a lot more emphasis on telling our story,” Fiona says. “Our story is unique and real, which is 15 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 SPRINGHILL FARM
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not always the case.” As a second-generation family business rooted in regional Australia, the company prides itself on employing locals and crafting its own products—something rare in today’s food industry. “There are a lot of brands who never actually touch their products. For us, the fact that we make our own products is a key point of difference,” she notes. “Right now, we need to consolidate all of the work of the past 12 months, and really make our new ranges a success, before we embark on our next challenge.” EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY Springhill Farm is dedicated to supporting its local community through initiatives such as encouraging staff to donate blood, offsetting their time from a wage perspective, and contributing to the local Soup Bus. “Next year we are going to be supporting the Ballarat Marathon, so we will be focusing on kids activities for that,” Fiona notes. They also support local groups with food donations and hampers while boosting the regional economy through employment. 17 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 SPRINGHILL FARM
Springhill Farm has embraced cutting-edge technology to streamline operations and promote sustainability.The company transitioned to NetSuite in 2015 to improve visibility across the business.“We wanted a product in the cloud that gave us a much better view of our operations,” explains Director James Whatley.This cloud-based system powers key areas of the business, from accounting and sales to CRM and purchasing. They also use RFSmart warehouse software to handle picking, packing, and inventory control. A significant shift has been moving towards a nearly paperless manufacturing process, with most recordkeeping now done via tablets. The company is also working to implement realtime data capture on production lines to further enhance efficiency and reduce errors. By integrating advanced technology into operations, Springhill Farm continues to innovate while reducing waste and increasing efficiency. A FOCUSED PATH TO FUTURE GROWTH Springhill Farm is entering a new phase of growth after a rapid expansion, with 40 new staff members added in just two months. “We feel like we’ve just had a really rapid growth period,” says Fiona. “Right now, we need to consolidate a little bit… and really make [our new ranges] fly.” Springhill Farm is set to launch into the Coles bakery in February. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to collaborate with an international 1300 97 88 55 | inboxgroup.com.au | sales@inboxgroup.com.au Designing and delivering custom packaging solutions to enhance the protection and presentation of your product. 18 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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brand, and to put our twist on some new and exciting products.” With a continued focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, the family business is committed to driving growth while staying true to its values. Looking ahead, Springhill Farm is poised to build on its legacy and make an even bigger impact in both the local and global food landscape. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Lineage Group www.lineage.group At Lineage Group, we leverage family dynamics as a competitive advantage. With extensive experience and networks, we understand the unique positions of business families and family offices and create tailored solutions for family, business, and investments – minimising business distraction and family disharmony. In short, we help clients protect, grow, and enjoy family legacies for generations to come. n Inbox Group www.inboxgroup.com.au Inbox Group, proudly Australian-owned and family-operated with over 35 years of experience, delivers custom packaging solutions designed to protect, promote, and enhance your products. From shipping cartons through to premium packaging, we create innovative, high-quality designs that make your brand unforgettable. 20 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL INNOVATING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GROWTH AND RESILIENCE public sector 21 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL DRIVING REGIONAL GROWTH WITH INNOVATIVE WATE THAT SUPPORT RESILIENT, THRIVING COMMUNITIES. AT A GLANCE WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL WHAT: L eading regional development through innovative infrastructure projects, including water supply management and road recovery programs. WHERE: Western Downs Region, Queensland, Australia WEBSITE: www.wdrc.qld.gov.au INNOVATING INFR FOR GROWTH AN 23 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
The Western Downs Council is at the forefront of delivering transformative infrastructure and services across one of Queensland’s most diverse and vibrant regions. Graham Cook, General Manager of Infrastructure Services, shares how the council’s strategic projects are shaping communities while addressing both current and future challenges. BUILDING TOMORROW’S WATER SUPPLY, TODAY Water security stands as a critical challenge for the Western ER AND ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS RASTRUCTURE ND RESILIENCE 24 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
Downs region, and the council has developed a sophisticated, forward-looking approach to meet this need. Cook highlights the complex landscape driving their water management strategy. “We’re in an area where there’s huge industry growth with the coal seam gas industry,” he explains.“We’ve seen the introduction of wind farms and solar farms, so there’s a lot going on,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of the council to be on top of infrastructure requirements. Cook adds, “we’ve put a lot of work into our road network and we’ve put a lot of work into our water infrastructure specifically to make sure that we’ve been able to cater for the growth in the region right now.” The Dalby water project, planned since 2014, exemplifies the council’s proactive approach to planning.“We identified that with population growth we would at some stage be really struggling to meet our water needs,” says Cook. ”Dalby gets most of its water from the bore water supply. Originally, they were in the Condamine Alluviums, which are shallow and easily treated. The deeper you go, the harder it is to treat and more expensive to treat. We’ve also got a supply in the river, which is from the Condamine River. When it’s full, there’s no dramas, but it’s not as reliable as we’d need it for a town supply for the 14,000 people in Dalby,” Cook explains. “Prior planning identified that 2024 was about when we needed to start this project and as it turned out, that’s come to fruition,” he adds. A pivotal moment in the council’s water infrastructure journey came with a groundbreaking technological achievement. “We built the first municipal DeSAL plant in Australia to treat a town supply,” Cook states proudly. They’ve since expanded the technology to other urban areas in the region, with the latest phase treating the Great Artesian Basin. The project’s strategic considerations are comprehensive. When the existing water treatment plant was flooded in January 2011, the council saw an opportunity for strategic relocation. “We’ve had 25 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
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to spread the bores out for about 10 kilometres to avoid drawdown in the aquifer,” Cook explains. The new facility is situated on flood-free land, providing a critical 2.2 megaday emergency water supply. “It’s really been a process of working through to eliminate risks and driving which part of the project we develop,” says Cook. While the project progresses to the assessment stage, the council will soon be able to test the water supply. REBUILDING STRONGER: FLOOD RECOVERY WITH A VISION The Western Downs flood recovery program emerged 28 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
as a landmark initiative that showcased the council’s resilience and strategic thinking.Approved for $167 million, it represented the largest flood recovery program in Queensland, targeting extensive damage to the region’s critical road infrastructure. “In 2021/2022, there was a significant flood event which impacted the whole of Queensland and a lot of New South Wales as well,” Cook explains. The council’s response was both comprehensive and innovative. “We’ve had to go about planning and 29 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
trying to resource that, which is a significant amount of work because it’s got to be completed within two years.” The program’s approach was groundbreaking in its execution. “We used a hybrid model of outsourcing the scoping of the projects,” Cook notes.This strategy allowed for maximum efficiency and quality control while maintaining a strong commitment to local economic development. Cook adds,“our engagement 30 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
The MJ Smith Group is honoured to be recognized as one of the strategic partners and suppliers by the Western Downs Regional Council.This distinction underscores our commitment to contributing to the operational success and vibrant growth of the region. Our collaboration with the Council reflects a shared vision of excellence, sustainability, and innovation. As a distinguished partner, The MJ Smith Group takes pride in delivering high-quality civil construction services. Our involvement in key projects has consistently demonstrated our ability to meet and exceed expectations, solidifying our reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking organisation. We look forward to continuing our journey with the Western Downs Regional Council, driving success and innovation for years to come. The MJ Smith Group remains dedicated to forging strategic alliances that support regional prosperity in the Southeast QLD and Northern NSW regions. The MJ Smith Group is a family-owned company with over 20 years of experience working with Council and Government clients. Specialising in Civil Construction, Earthmoving, and Heavy Haulage, the company offers support for projects of any location or size, providing the necessary equipment, personnel, and expertise all while maintaining a strong focus on supporting and working with the local community. The MJ Smith Group cover all of your ground infrastructure needs, from planning and design, through to completed works. Providing a large range of services throughout the Northern Rivers of New South Wales through to South East Queensland, we pride ourselves on first class, top quality work, backed by a range of Government and private clientele. Let’s Make It Happen Our Services Quarry Materials Earthmoving Heavy Haulage Civil Construction www.mjsmithgroundprep.com.au mjsmithgroundprep@bigpond.com WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
with our suppliers has really been key to delivering successful projects. I think something like 93 or 94 percent has been delivered by local suppliers within Western Downs.” Financial management became a hallmark of the program’s success. “Because of the method of engagement with the contractors in the market, it’s looking like the delivery of the program will be about $50 million under the recognised funding, so at about $120 million. That’s where it’s landing, to the point that the Queensland Reconstruction Authority have now said that we’re now no longer the largest program by value because we’ve delivered so much under,” Cook shares. 32 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
By the project’s completion in December 2024, approximately 1.5 million tonnes of gravel will have been used to replace lost road network materials. This is particularly significant given that Western Downs boasts the second-largest road network in Australia, underscoring the magnitude of the recovery effort. LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH The Western Downs Council’s strategic projects are fundamentally about building community resilience and driving regional growth. Infrastructure is not just a technical necessity, but a critical tool for supporting a thriving, dynamic community. “We want to maintain the level of our infrastructure,” Cook states, “we need to make sure that our asset management is at its best to make sure we limit the cost of maintenance and replacement of infrastructure and the road network”. Water remains a critical priority, especially with HEAVY HAULAGE TRANSPORT SPECIALISTS QLD’s Premier Mine Transport Provider www.quarrymininghaulage.com.au 33 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
ongoing energy development and potential hydrogen projects. The council is exploring comprehensive long-term solutions, including the potential Nathan Dam project. “When it was planned, there was always going to be a pipeline back into Western Downs from the dam, which basically provided more water from the outside of this catchment,” Cook explains. This forward-thinking approach extends to other towns like Chinchilla, which has seen significant growth. Here the council anticipates water capacity challenges, similar to those seen in Dalby 10 years ago. “We’re sort of seeing that within seven years we would be required to do something to increase our water capacity in that area, we’ve got some plans of potential off-stream water supplies and maybe extra allocation out of the river,” Cook adds. The approach is comprehensive, balancing immediate requirements with long-term sustainability. Email: admin@sceqld.com.au Ph: 0437 464 734 Email: admin@sceqld.com.au Ph: 0437 464 734 34 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
“There’s a lot of things going on right now, that’s all at a planning stage,” Cook adds. With water and transport identified as two critical priorities for the region, he underscores the vital role of infrastructure in supporting and sustaining these essential sectors. SHAPING THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Western Downs Council demonstrates how proactive planning, innovative solutions, and close engagement with suppliers can transform challenges into opportunities. From securing water supplies for the future to rebuilding infrastructure with resilience in mind, the council is setting a high standard for regional development. By prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and growth, Western Downs is not just addressing the needs of 35 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Chris Buckley Plumbing and Civil melissa@chrisbuckleyplumbing.com.au Regional Queensland’s leader in Water and Sewerage Infrastructure. Chris Buckley Plumbing offers a highly experienced management team, skilled field personnel and a large range of specialist plant and equipment, with a reputation for high quality work, innovative design solutions and excellent community relations. n MJ Smith Ground Preparation www.mjsmithgroundprep.com.au MJ Smith Ground Preparation Pty Ltd is a family-owned company with modern and well-maintained plant and equipment. The company offers services across Northern NSW and SE Queensland, including earthmoving, civil construction, and heavy haulage. Regardless of the job or location, the company aims to provide satisfactory outcomes for its clients. n Quarry Mining Haulage www.quarrymininghaulage.com.au n Sullivan Consulting Engineers admin@sceqld.com.au Sullivan Consulting Engineers provides Professional Engineering and Project Management services to Clients in the private and public sector. We take the time to engineer innovative solutions to complex problems that will provide significant savings during the construction and maintenance phases of the asset’s life cycle. today—it is laying the groundwork for a prosperous tomorrow. 36 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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