Debtset – Bailiff-Sheriff Aust MEMBER Login
Surat Basin Mining and Energy Expo triples in size - attracts Asia, US, European companies
SOUTHERN Queensland's largest event for the resources industry, the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, is back for its third year on June 19 and 20 - and it is almost triple the size of the inaugural event, attracting interest from companies as far afield as Asia, Europe and the US.
Innovative Toowoomba-based company Easternwell is the platinum sponsor of the Surat Basin Energy & Mining Expo.
Event organiser Bob Carroll attributed the escalating interest in the expo, both locally and internationally, to the frenetic activity happening in the region as well as high profile infrastructure announcements like the Surat Basin Rail project. "Companies from as far as the US, Asia and Europe are enquiring about presenting their products and techniques as they're looking to establish themselves in boom areas," Mr Carroll said. "The Surat Basin Rail project will be the key to further development of the Surat Basin." Oklahoma-based GEFCO Inc, a world leader in the design and manufacture of portable drilling rigs, is Queensland-bound to display its wares at the event. GEFCO's head of marketing, Heidi Gore said the company wants to continue its expansion into areas where the durability and productivity of their rigs are a necessity. They identified that sites in the Surat Basin would benefit from the use of their drilling rigs. "We'll be promoting the world's most advanced Energy-Mineral Exploration rigs, including the GEFCO 500K and GEFCO 200K models, at the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo," Ms Gore said. Closer to home, event organisers expect to attract large numbers of industry personnel from across the country looking to relocate and take advantage of the attractive work and lifestyle combination that Toowoomba and the wider Surat Basin region offer. With $200 billion worth of resource-related investment slated for the Surat Basin, projected to generate 16,000 new jobs, many of the visitrs through the door will be looking for information on employment and career opportunities. Mr Carroll said the expo also offers an invaluable networking platform for the Surat Basin area and an opportunity for key stakeholders do business face to face. Encompassing all facets of energy and mining in the district, the expo provides an opportunity for both global and local visitors to seek employment within the mining sector, to develop new business relationships and source services and equipment. He said the 2013 event will exceed last year's record which saw the expo attract the participation of 438 companies occupying 520 exhibitor sites, 7000 visitors over two days, and sales of an estimated $54 million. "Events such as this expo are pivotal to the Surat Basin reaching its full potential, not only by offering the chance for exhibitors to showcase their wares, but also to stay informed and educated about development in the region," Mr Carroll said. INDUSTRY FORUM The expo will be preceded by an industry forum designed to inform companies attending the event about resource and infrastructure projects underway in Toowoomba and the Surat Basin. The forum will be held on the eve of the expo on Tuesday and will include presenters such as Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps. The Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) is sponsoring the Mayoral Welcome Breakfast on the opening day of the Expo. Mr Carroll said this would be an exciting opening to the event with the WDRC expected to present their much-anticipated Business Capability Study. "Our delegate registrations are up, exhibitors are excited, and this is shaping up to be the leading energy and mining event in the country," Mr Carroll said. One of the 500-plus exhibitors in 2013 is platinum sponsor for the third consecutive year, Easternwell, one of Australia's leading integrated energy and mining services provider and the organization credited with developing the innovative drilling systems that have opened up Australia's coal seam gas industry. Easternwell operates continuous contracts with some of Australia's largest exploration companies and provides the convenience of integrated services for the energy and mineral sectors by providing a one stop shop for their clients. Other key supporters of the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo include gold sponsors Hutchinson Builders, Itac Services and Onsite Rental group, and the University of Southern Queensland is a silver sponsor. The Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo runs on Wednesday, June 19 from 9am-5pm and the following day from 9am-4pm. Pre-registration if free, through the website, or entry on the day is $10. ends |
