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QRC CEO Ian Macfarlane laments the New Acland court decision

THE Queensland Resources Council is "very disappointed" by the Queensland Land Court decision to reject New Hope’s Stage 3 New Acland coal mine expansion project.

That was the statement issued today by Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane.

Given the rigorous government assessment processes the project has already passed, including examination by the Independent Expert Scientific Committee as part of the federal government’s approval earlier this year, the decision today by the Land Court is surprising.

This project is vital to the Darling Downs and would create up to 260 construction jobs and ongoing direct employment of up to 435 jobs and indirectly 2,300, worth about $12 billion in economic benefits over the life of the project.

Such a significant amount of job losses will have devastating flow-on effects to such a small community and the surrounding businesses that rely on the mine.

The New Acland Stage 3 Project has been in limbo for 10 years, including spending the last 18 months in the Land Court, spearheaded by the taxpayer-funded Environmental Defenders Office (EDO).  

www.qrc.org.au

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MDBA to appear at water use efficiency hearing

THE House Agriculture and Water Resources committee will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Thursday, 1 June for its inquiry into water use efficiency in Australian agriculture.

The Committee will hear from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

Public hearing details: 12:15pm - 1:30pm, Thursday 1 June, Committee Room 1R2, Parliament House

The hearing will be broadcast live in audio format at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website.

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Discussing the future of electricity networks

THE House of Representatives Environment and Energy Committee will hear from Energy Networks Australia on Thursday at a public hearing for the inquiry into modernising Australia’s electricity grid.

The Chair of the Committee, Andrew Broad MP, said the Committee was looking forward to hearing about the changing role of transmission and distribution networks in the grid.

“The Committee is keen to hear how network businesses are adapting to the transition underway in the electricity system, and whether further changes are required to ensure that the system can deliver secure, affordable, and sustainable electricity into the future,” Mr Broad said.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee, Mr Pat Conroy MP, said the Committee would also be interested in hearing about the potential for transmission and distribution networks to reduce costs for consumers.

“The Committee is aware that network costs make up about half of the average electricity bill. The hearing is an opportunity for the Committee to discuss how a modern grid can achieve better outcomes for households and businesses,” Mr Conroy said.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee is encouraging members of the community to share their views on the electricity system via an online questionnaire.

Further information about the inquiry, including a submission from Energy Networks Australia, is available on the inquiry website, at www.aph.gov.au/moderngrid.

 

Public hearing details: 10:00 am – 10:45 am, Thursday 1 June 2017, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website.

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Securing the future of Australian and children’s screen content

THE Turnbull  Government has today released terms of reference for a review into Australian  and children's screen content.

The review was  announced as part of the Government's comprehensive package of reforms to  support Australia's broadcasting sector.

The objective  is to provide policy options to Government on the most effective support  mechanisms for the Australian production sector. Specifically, mechanisms to  support Australian drama, documentary and children's content and the Australian  Screen Production Incentive will be reviewed.

The review will  be jointly conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, the  Australian Communications and Media Authority and Screen Australia to leverage  the expertise in all three organisations. It is expected to conclude by the end  of 2017.

The Government  invites contributions to the review. More information, including the terms of  reference, is available at: www.communications.gov.au/contentreview.

Further information on the Government's package  of reforms for supporting the broadcasting sector is available at: www.communications.gov.au/bcrp

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Business Forum 2017: How conscious capitalism creates flourishing communities

FORMER Whole Foods Market Co-CEO Walter Robb leads a discussion in Sydney next week, on how conscious capitalism creates thriving businesses, and flourishing communities.

Mr Robb led with this philosophy, as he helped the retail grocer to unprecedented growth - rising from 12 stores to 464, across three countries.

The principle of conscious capitalism is about instilling your business with a purpose, and thinking beyond your organisation and making decisions based on the community, employees and all stakeholders.

Walter Robb will headline Day Two of Business Forum 2017, which is being run by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. 

“I think purpose is the ultimate why question. Both for an individual and a company, it gets to the heart of why you’re even here,” said Mr Robb.

The forum is looking at the business case for Purpose Beyond Profit and will be a gathering of leaders in innovation, disruption and change.

Jeana Abbott, CA ANZ’s Head of Education, said, “just like technology, business is evolving and the sole purpose of an organisation needs to be about more than just profit.

“In this changing environment, many businesses struggle to survive if they don’t connect with their communities.

“This forum is bringing together leaders from around the world to discuss how you make that connection happen.

“It’s about coming up with a model which serves your business, your community, employees, and investors.”

The conversation will also be led by Brazil-based President of Semco, Ricardo Semler, who’s become famous for restructuring relationships with staff, to empower employees and drive performance.

Organisational development consultant and author, Zach Mercurio, will explain why it’s important to clarify, develop and instill a purpose within your business.

Simon Griffiths, social entrepreneur and founder of Who Gives A Crap, will detail the ten lessons learnt from purpose-driven product implementation.

Hundreds are expected to attend the two-day forum which will be held in Sydney on June 5 and 6, and in Auckland on June 8 and 9.

For more information on the full list of speakers, and package prices, visit charteredaccountantsanz.com/businessforum. Join the conversation #businessforum17.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents 119,000 financial professionals.

 

Visit charteredaccountantsanz.com/businessforum.

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