Conference to Reveal Regional Potential

Pick up any newspaper and it seems the Surat Basin is at the centre of business news as some of the world’s biggest energy players continue to invest in the region.
Global energy demands are driving the development with international companies from Asia, United States and Europe all clamouring for a piece of the Surat Basin action.
Last year Origin sold a 50 percent stake of its Queensland coal seam gas ground to US oil giant Conoco-Phillips for $US8 billion, BG bought Queensland Gas for $5 billion while Santos/Petronas and Arrow/Shell have invested in large scale projects within the region.
Just how this investment will affect our community, what needs may arise and how to make the most of ensuing business prospects will be the focus of a three day conference held at the Dalby Showgrounds August 19-21.
The 2009 Surat Basin Conference aims to provide an update on regional developments and promote avenues for tapping into resulting opportunities.
The conference targets not just the resource sector but the entire Surat Basin region and how anticipated growth will affect the needs of evolving regional communities.
Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is hosting the event on behalf of the Surat Basin Corporation which focuses on facilitating positive outcomes from increased regional investment.
DCCI president Michael Webber believes it is important for business and community groups to realise the potential of the conference to support their interests.
“For every 1000 jobs generated by new development another 4000 are created and this flow-on will affect every business in the region.
“This is a rapidly evolving region and Dalby is a major centre capable of delivering the goods and services demanded by regional expansion.
“With such a positive economic future assured for the area it is important for all communities and commerce groups to attend.”
The conference is designed as a tool for creating a general understanding of what is going on in the region’s industry sector and could prove useful to existing businesses or those investigating business potential.
Mr Webber says, “We need to be aware what future developments are going to be happening and plan effectively for this.
“Delegates should identify who they need to talk to and what they need to know in order to take full advantage of economic growth.”
The central content of the conference aims to reveal the current and future plans of industry leaders and includes updates on the scope of development and investment.
Organisers aim to attract key players within industry, government, academia and the local community who are leading the region’s economic growth.
The conference program begins with a social day and orientation of the region followed by an overview of regional developments and incorporates workshops covering alliances, succession planning, carbon trading, IT across the region, quality management, workplace health and safety, inductions and blue cards.
Confidential lounge areas will be available to facilitate discussion and a trade display expo will showcase the capabilities of suppliers.
Conference highlights include guided bus tours of Surat Basin mining and energy projects, local business and agriculture while light aircraft flights will deliver an aerial perspective on regional developments.
Fun social activities such as a golf day, historic Jimbour Station cocktail party, Outback Spectacular Remote Conference Dinner and partner pamper day form part of a full program.
Mr Webber believes there is also potential for the conference to promote Dalby’s modern country lifestyle to a wide audience.
“The conference has the ability to highlight the wonderful lifestyle we enjoy here in Dalby and demonstrate the opportunities that are available.
“Having a large number of visitors to our town allows businesses to showcase their capacities and ability to offer services.
“It will highlight to all of Australia what this region has to offer in terms of resources, business and lifestyle.”
The Dalby conference follows a successful energy conference held in Chinchilla last year. Although there are some similarities to last year’s program Mr Webber says the 2009 event targets a broader range of commerce and industry opportunities.
Registration is required by June 30 and sponsor packages are available.
For more information contact the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 07 4662 4050, email manager@dalbychamber.com.au or visit www.suratbasincorporation.com.au.