It seems as if April has flown by, but there’s always plenty of exciting activity across the region and at TSBE.
This month we welcomed Shamus Garmany to our team as the Education Manager, which is a new role to help connect schools to industry to grow our own local workforce. We look forward to officially launching TSBE Education soon and highlighting to students the great careers that are on offer in this region. I’d also like to thank the local schools who have joined or renewed as TSBE Members, allowing us to embark on this important venture, including Toowoomba Anglican School, St Joseph’s College, Wilsonton High School, St Mary’s College, The Glennie School and Toowoomba Grammar School.
Our April Enterprise Evening attracted more than 160 people to hear from BHQ Joint Venture, the design and construction partner for Inland Rail’s 162km Northern Civil Works Program between Whetstone and Gowrie. It was great to have so many business leaders in the room, learning about ways they can prepare to be involved in this mammoth project that will transform our region into a transport and logistics hub.
This week, the USQ Business School partnered with TSBE on a focus group to discuss ways that the region can attract and retain talent. There were some great suggestions from across the table, aimed at growing our regional workforce to drive industry growth and performance – watch this space for future outcomes.
There are some big events coming up soon including our Enterprise Evening in Chinchilla on 12 May, and the 400M Agrifood Innovation Forum on 23 – 25 May. I’d encourage you to secure your tickets as these events are selling fast.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact TSBE if we can help link your business with an opportunity and I’d like to thank all of our members for your continued support.
Ali Davenport TSBE CEO |
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| Following on from a busy month of regional project announcements, the Energy & Infrastructure team has been out and about looking at innovative solutions that are shaping the future of industry in our region. Our recent visit was to Morpheus Energy Services, which is a Toowoomba based business that have introduced the first semi-automated rig to the Australian market. Morpheus Energy saw an opportunity to improve on current rig designs through the integration of technical solutions, focused on improving productivity and safety outcomes. The rig is expected to reach the Santos Roma site in the next few weeks. |
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May Enterprise Evening - Chinchilla
Our next Enterprise Evening is coming up on 12 May in Chinchilla. Attendees will hear from Powerlink, Stanwell and Cubico Sustainable Investments Australia who will be speaking about the Wambo Wind Farm project, particularly the important milestones and supply chain opportunities.
Cubico Sustainable Investments Australia is excited to be supporting local Queensland industry by building the Wambo Wind Farm with maximum local input. More information or register here. Supply Chain Mapping TSBE has partnered with Cubico Sustainable Investments Australia to undertake a supply chain mapping exercise to understand the opportunities that will be available across the supply chain on the Wambo Wind Farm project which is due to start construction later this year.
This project is expected to create up to 200 jobs during the construction phase with 20 ongoing for maintenance operations. The development of the Wambo Wind Farm questionnaire which was live on the TSBE Supplier Portal, saw 163 businesses participate. The report and business directory will be released soon by the Cubico Sustainable Investments team.
If you missed out on completing the questionnaire but would like to express interest on the project, please email wambowindfarm@tsbe.com.au with a short business summary. Development Status Report
The E&I team have been working behind the scenes on the latest version of the Toowoomba Development Status report which will be available to our members in the months to come. This report is updated every two years to capture the latest projects In Toowoomba and surrounding communities, it is a great resource for businesses to keep up to date with Toowoomba’s activity and to build their pipeline of work. Stay tuned for updates on this report via our social media network and email communication.
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| Southern Queensland Hydrogen Industry Institute
History will be made along the Warrego Highway in early May when a hydrogen vehicle makes its first drive outside of Brisbane. The 120km trip is a significant milestone in Queensland’s clean energy story and aims to accelerate the awareness of renewable energy for transport. TSBE will be joined by media and the central agency for hydrogen adoption and awareness in region, NERA. The vehicle is a Hyundai electric vehicle with a hydrogen fuel cell with a travel range of 660 kilometers. This road trip will be a moving demonstration of what Queenslanders can expect to see on the roads within a few years. Our expansive road transport networks lend itself to heavy vehicle adoption for long haul trips and investment in refuelling infrastructure.
The region is further cementing itself as the energy capital of the state, with the construction of a hydrogen demonstration plant at Kogan Creek near Chinchilla. Our first internal project is to undertake a mapping exercise for businesses to nominate their interest and capability for the hydrogen sector, and is closing on 16 May. Undertake the questionnaire here.
The goal is to identify who in the supply chain can carry out specific advisory, design, supply of products and services for a hydrogen project development.
On the national front, TSBE's Reagan Parle attended the National Hydrogen Forum, held in Sydney recently representing Southern Queensland interests. The takeaways were there is a growing depth in expertise around hydrogen production and development, with the two newly commissioned projects in NSW and South Australia highlighted. Currently each State Government's are approaching regulatory and development conditions separately, with some States more advanced than others. TSBE and its Hydrogen Institute welcomes enquiries from members regarding any interest or supply chain questions around hydrogen. |
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400M Agrifood Innovation Forum: 23-25 May
This year we have lined up three days of value for attendees of the 400M Agrifood Innovation Forum. On day 1 at the Queensland TAFE Rural Centre of Excellence, attendees can join trade exhibitors who are bringing their innovative solutions to our industry challenges. The Agtech and Logistics Hub will be wrapping up its first Accelerator Program and many of the participants will have their technology on display at the trade shows. Day 2 is the main conference which will feature engaging and topical presentations covering supply chain innovation, sustainability, robotics, and automation. Speakers are coming from all over Australia with a focus on hearing from producers who have made innovative changes to their businesses and the lessons they have learned along the way.
In the evening, we have a pitch night planned where Innovation Architects have selected a group of innovators who are ready and pitching for investment.
On the final day, attendees can join a tour of three of our most innovative agribusinesses in the region, as well as a visit to the Agtech and Logistics Hub.
Early bird discounts are currently available here. Or view the program here.
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| Cyber Security Meet Up in conjunction with the Agtech and Logistics Hub
On 26 April, TSBE facilitated our first hybrid Meet Up at the Agtech and Logistics Hub, with the topic of Cyber Security up for discussion. With presentations from UQ, USQ and Aliva, the attendees were able to engage in deep conversations regarding the current, and emerging threats of cyber security. As a key take away, the attendees were told that the digitalisation of our businesses is absolutely required to survive in the new business environment, however with this comes the ever increasing cyber security threat.
The first, and key course of action any business should take is staff awareness and training on the basics of cyber hygiene. Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment Project
TSBE continues to work with water users, industry groups, local and state government on the Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment Project. The project is designed to look holistically at the regional water needs and create a pathway to business cases for key projects within our region. Funded by the State Government, the project is fully encompassing of industrial, agricultural, civic and other water users, now and into the future. If you would like to have input into this project, please reach out to Bruce McConnel at bruce@tsbe.com.au
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Advocating for the region: Meeting with Andrew Metcalf, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment On 11 and 12 April, the TSBE team met with senior staff of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, in Toowoomba.
The opportunity to speak on behalf of our members to key federal bureaucrats is something we never take lightly here at TSBE, and it was a great opportunity during these meetings to speak through the matters currently facing our regions. Of key focus was labour, market access and FTA’s, water infrastructure, and the burden of red tape. The team have made a commitment to travel regularly to the region over the next 12 months to build on this relationship, and we look forward to having members directly involved in these discussions in the future.
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| Chief Entrepreneur Visit
On Wednesday 13 May, the TSBE team met with the new Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, Wayne Gerard. It was a great chance to understand what Wayne’s focus is during his tenure and how our region can play a part.
Of key interest was Wayne’s comments on making the Government procurement process simple and easy for innovators to gain opportunities, growing the impact of the 2032 Olympics, and getting the regional innovation ecosystem closely linked to the activities in Brisbane.
We look forward to further work with the Queensland Chief Entrepreneurs office in the coming months. |
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Meatstock a great success for the region
TSBE was proud to assist in bringing Australia’s largest BBQ event, ‘Meatstock’ to our region during April. Together with the Toowoomba Regional Council, the Australian Government and local beef companies, TSBE worked with the organisers in 2021 to ensure this event could land in our region.
The attraction of this event to Toowoomba was a boom for accommodation providers and many others just when we needed to see activity in our regional tourism sector after the struggles with COVID, floods and other impacts. With over 13,000 people attending the event, it was a great success and we look forward to welcoming Meatstock back to the region in 2023. |
iTrazo Feedlotters Lunch
On 4 April, TSBE hosted an engaged group of feedlot managers in a challenge discovery session. This event was facilitated by Reeanjou Ram (CEO – iTrazo Tracetech) and our Agtech and Innovation Manager, Stephen Dummett. The key learning from the workshop was that the businesses had far too many disparate systems which lacked integration. Some businesses had opted to develop their own in-house solutions, whilst others are interested in looking at cross industry solutions. Integrity of data and being able to identify the key numbers was the group's shared aspirational goal.
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Trade and Investment Queensland Lunch and Learn Boardroom Session
Please save the date for the SQ Export Hub’s upcoming boardroom briefing session with TIQ State Director Denise Kreymborg for the New Market Funding program, on Friday 6 May at TSBE’s office starting at 11.30am. The briefing will provide an overview of the program, focus for the current funding round, requirements for a successful application, insights on the program assessment and suggestions on best practice applications. The 2-hour session will also provide a great opportunity to get feedback on your application and meet Denise Kreymborg who manages TIQ's funding programs across the State. Places are limited, so please RSVP to Molly Wagner molly@tsbe.com.au by COB Wednesday 4 May.
To be eligible for the New Market funding program, businesses need to have exported in the last 3 years, are seeking access to a new market and have developed an approved client action plan. There is between $2,500 and $30,000 available in funding for matched contribution from successful applicants. |
| Participant Engagement Program Delivery
The SQ Export Hub is calling on all regional food & agribusinesses and oil, gas & energy resource businesses interested in participating in the 2022 program. The SQ Export Hub program is an initiative developed and delivered by TSBE, in partnership with the Australian Government and growth centre partners NERA and FIAL. The 12-month program is designed to help small to medium businesses grow, export, and generate local Australian jobs, through a collaborative export culture. Our industry experienced Export Managers will work with businesses in an intimate group setting to build their skills and know-how to harness domestic and global opportunities.
We encourage any business to apply and welcome diversity of all exporting levels. If you are interested in participating in the 2022 SQ Export Hub Program, please contact Justin Heaven justin@tsbe.com.au or Reagan Parle reagan@tsbe.com.au. |
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A-UK Free Trade Agreement Breakfast Briefing sponsored by Bollore Logistics
Join TSBE’s SQ Export Hub at our upcoming A-UK Free Trade Agreement Breakfast Briefing on 25 May, held in conjunction with the 400M Agrifood Innovation Forum, in Toowoomba sponsored by Bollore Logistics.
Being the first FTA signed since Brexit, the Australia-UK FTA contains commercially significant commitments that will strengthen diversification and COVID-19 recovery for both countries. The Australia-UK FTA is about creating new export opportunities and jobs for business by eliminating tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australian exports to the UK.
TSBE’s Southern Queensland Innovation in Export Hub (SQ Export Hub) will be hosting a public briefing on the new FTA, with guest presentations by representatives from Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and British Consulate General Brisbane.
The Toowoomba, Western Downs and Maranoa regions are home to an assortment of businesses that are invited to attend this briefing to hear what opportunities are available for SME’s, tech entrepreneurs and innovators and the food industry. Register here. |
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New Zealand Business Breakfast sponsored by Trade and Investment Queensland
Earlier this month the SQ Export Hub hosted over 70 delegates at our New Zealand Business Breakfast on 6 April, in Toowoomba. The morning provided insights from TIQ and Austrade’s in-market representatives with a great Q&A panel featuring local exporters Wagners and Kialla Pure Foods. If you are interested in further exploring opportunities in the New Zealand marketplace, please reach out to our SQ Export Hub team via Justin Heaven justin@tsbe.com.au or Reagan Parle reagan@tsbe.com.au.
Shell QGC Emerging Exporters Program 2022
It is the final call for food and agribusinesses across the Western Downs interested in participating in the 2022 Emerging Exporters Program. Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program is delivered by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE). The social investment program, supported by Shell’s joint venture partners Tokyo Gas and CNOOC, contributes to a strong and diverse economy within the Western Downs. Expression of Interest applications are closing shortly. If you are interested in applying, please contact Justin Heaven justin@tsbe.com.au.
E-Ag: Advancing Agriculture Online
TSBE is proud to be working with the Queensland Government and Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) on connecting food and beverage suppliers to international markets via an online virtual catalogue that showcases the nation’s food industry. Local SME exporters have recently used FIAL’s new Queensland Food and Beverage Export Catalogue in their recent Virtual Trade Mission to the Middle East. This new online platform helps Queensland food and beverage exporters develop key contacts with overseas buyers from the major supermarket chains, importers, and distributors, while removing uncertainty when entering a new market. The full State Government media release can be found here.
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| Welcome to TSBE's new Education Manager, Shamus Garmany
TSBE has recently employed Shamus Garmany as our Education Manager . TSBE Education will be working with our member schools to connect them to industry to help grow our regional workforce. He believes education is the cornerstone of economic growth potential and invites opportunities to link industry with educators to create rewarding employment outcomes and an enabling skilled workforce – welcome Shamus.
Study Toowoomba Welcome Event Study Toowoomba hosted their International Student Welcome Event on 25 May at the Toowoomba Show. Growing our student population in the region will help with our long term workforce requirements. |
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| Local Medical Association TSBE Health attended the Local Medical Association networking event on 28 April. The event was well attended by local doctors and it was a great opportunity to introduce new doctors to the region. |
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Business Navigator Western Downs is a business growth and innovation advisory service for start ups and small businesses with growth potential, supported by Shell’s QGC business. |
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The eCommerce Peer Group came together for the second time in 2022 this month to talk about email marketing.
All at different stages of their business journey with their collection of emails and automations, business owners learnt the power of the customer email list and what it can equate to in monetary value.
Delivering the highest ROI for marketers, this group is ready to jump in and start planning their email strategy. To join our group please email ailsa@navigatorwesterndowns.com.au
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KC Ridge Farm are now delivering their pastured eggs on a regular basis direct to customers from Roma to Toowoomba.
With consumers increasingly concerned about food safety, traceability, and the increasing demand for animal welfare, KC Ridge are signing up customers on egg subscriptions.
Have your KC Ridge pastured eggs delivered from their farm on a regular basis. The Family Tray of 30 eggs are proving the most popular. Check out their shop here:
https://kcridgefarm.com.au/shop |
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Congratulations to Black Toyota!
For more than 30 years the friendly staff at Black Toyota have been selling and servicing new and used vehicles in the QLD region. Their state of the art modern showroom and large display areas allow customers to casually browse the great range of Toyota Vehicles.
Their friendly staff are specialists who are proud of their association with Toyota Australia, and look forward to assisting you when searching for your new or used or Toyota vehicle. |
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Agbot is excited to be launching Australia’s most versatile and cost-effective tank level monitor at TSBE’s 400M Agrifood Forum in May. There are currently opportunities to get early access to free trial periods and the next production run at a discounted rate. For more information visit agbot.tech
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training has announced Round 3 of the QLD Business Basics Grant. This grant program provides $5000 funding for eligible businesses.
Round 2 Opening Date: 9am 4th May 2022. More information here. -
Jubri's Hideaway are excited to launch their new corporate marketing flyer. The venue based in Dalby is able to host the community for corporate meetings or events. View the flyer here.
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The Western Downs Regional Business Summit is coming up on 12 May in Chinchilla. The conference is all about empowering people with knowledge, so they can make financial decisions that are integral to their lives and businesses. More information or book here.
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In 2022, Western Downs Regional Council will deliver a brand new initiative, Accelerate Manufacturing: Western Downs Manufacturing Conference. This free, first ever event will be held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at Dalby Events Centre, Dalby. Book here.
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Contact Us P: (07) 4639 4600 F: (07) 4639 3416
E: info@tsbe.com.au |
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Postal PO Box 658
Toowoomba, QLD
4350 |
| TSBE ABN: 85155004523 ACN: 155 004 523 |
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