1. QCOSS Update
1.1 Update on Queensland energy sector reform
There continues to be lots of activity in Queensland energy sector reform and QCOSS is
working to ensure there is strong consumer input into shaping the future of the electricity
market in the state. QCOSS has recently provided advice on consumer interests into a
number of review processes, including the Independent Review Panel on network costs and
the Queensland Government’s Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) on Electricity Sector
Reform.
The Independent Review Panel has been established to provide advice to the IDC on
network costs. The Panel is examining Queensland’s network businesses and considering
everything from executive staff numbers to the level of investment in ‘poles and wires’. The
Panel’s recommendations will feed into the broader review being conducted by the IDC
which is reviewing not just network costs, but also cost drivers in generation, the framework
for determining regulated electricity prices, retail competition, and community service
obligations. The IDC is due to complete its work program in early 2013.
QCOSS is also representing energy consumers in discussions with the Queensland
Government regarding the development of a 30 Year Energy Plan. The Plan will provide
stakeholders with more certainty about the government’s public policy direction over the long
term. There will be a discussion paper released for formal consultation in early 2013.
1.2 Minister seeking greater consumer focus in electricity policy
QCOSS was pleased about the Minister for Energy and Water Supply’s recent
announcement that he wants to engage with consumer groups to identify ways to enhance
the voice of Queensland consumers in setting electricity price arrangements in the state. We
have expressed our strong support for improving consumer engagement on this issue and
have formally responded to the Minister’s request for input. We have since met with the
Minister to discuss this issue specifically and look forward to further discussions with his
office over the coming months. This was also a key topic of conversation at the Minister’s
Consumer and Industry Roundtable meeting held on 23 November 2012 which was attended
by representatives from consumer groups, retailers, distributors and government.
1.3 Submissions on pricing and national market reform
QCOSS has also been busy coordinating submissions to represent Queensland consumers
in a number of important energy market reviews this month.
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The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has released an Interim Consultation
Paper for determining electricity prices for the next three years. The consultation
process is still in the early stages so outcomes are not yet clear, however based on
the Delegation from the Minister for Energy and Water Supply it is likely that the QCA
will look to increase the fixed charge component of electricity bills gradually over the
next three years. Submissions on the paper are now closed but there will be further
opportunities for consultation at public workshops to be held in December/January
before the release of the Draft Determination in February 2013. You can view the
QCOSS submission here.
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The QCA is also conducting a review of the future of solar feed-in tariff arrangements
in Queensland. An Issues Paper was released in August to get feedback from
industry and consumers on a fair and reasonable tariff for electricity exported to the
grid from solar photovoltaic systems. You can view the QCOSS submission here.
The QCA is considering submissions and will release a draft report for further
consultation in November 2012. The final report is due to the Minister for Energy and
Water Supply in March 2013.
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Also in August, the Federal Government formed a Select Committee on Electricity
Prices to obtain feedback from interested parties with views on electricity prices and
other key regulatory and market issues to identify the causes of ongoing electricity
price increases. This inquiry coincided with comments from the Prime Minister who
has recently criticised state-owned electricity networks for the steep increase in
energy prices over the past five years. Submissions to the inquiry including the
submission from QCOSS are available on the Parliament of Australia website.
The Committee tabled their report in Parliament today. It includes a range of
recommendations including actions to curb the growth in network costs, and options
for incentivising consumers to reduce their energy use during peak times. You can
download the full report here.
1.4 Budget analysis 2012-13
The Queensland State Budget was delivered on 11 September and included some
significant funding cuts that will affect vulnerable Queenslanders as well as the community
services sector. QCOSS released a detailed Budget Statement which noted the following
positive outcomes in terms of improving the cost of living for Queenslanders:
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the freezing of the standard residential electricity Tariff 11 for 2012-13;
the provision of a one-off water bill rebate to South East Queensland households;
the provision of a weekly nine journey fare cap to Go Card users of public transport;
the reduction of planned Translink fare increases over the next two years from 15 per
cent to 7.5 per cent; and
the freezing of motor vehicle registration fees for three years.
While we welcomed these measures, we noted that in some cases the investment could
have been better spent by providing more targeted cost of living assistance to support the
most vulnerable Queensland households.
We also expressed disappointment in a number of budget measures, including the removal
of state funding for one-off emergency relief for people in financial crisis, and noted that
tenants (many of whom are on low incomes) will not benefit from the water rebate as it will
go directly to the landlord. We also expressed concern about the proposal to cap the Taxi
Subsidy Scheme to $400 per person per year, however we are pleased to see this decision
has since been revised. (See 3.5 Queensland Government reviewing Taxi Subsidy
Scheme.)
1.5 Bring Your Bills events
QCOSS has participated in a number of ‘Bring Your Bills’ events held in various locations
across Queensland in recent months. Local residents are encouraged to bring their bills
along to receive advice and assistance from a mix of government, industry and community
organisations including QCOSS, LegalAid, the Energy and Water Ombudsman, Office of
Fair Trading, MoneySmart, Mission Australia Employment Services, The Salvation Army,
Queensland Urban Utilities, Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman and many more.
‘Bring Your Bills’ events have been running successfully in other states for some time and it
is great to see growing support and attendance at these events in Queensland. Events have
so far been held in various locations including Logan, Nambour, Hervey Bay, Deception Bay
and Laidley. The next one is in Gympie on 23 November 2012 (See 5.3 Calendar.)
1.6 Water update
It has been an interesting few months in the water sector as we await the outcomes of the
Queensland Government’s review of the sector. One major activity in the sector was the
formal dissolution of Allconnex and return of its distributor-retailer functions to the Gold
Coast, Redlands and Logan City Councils. The water sector is also waiting to hear the
outcome of the proposed merger of bulk water providers, any Government directives
regarding water pricing and any other proposed changes. With the folding of the Queensland
Water Commission into the new Department of Energy and Water Supply (DEWS), and the
final winding down of the Commission from 1 January 2013, QCOSS has sought to have
input into any new policy directions as a result of strategic initiatives within the Department.
We have also continued to work as closely as possible with the distributor-retailers in order
to ensure that the interests of low-income consumers are being represented. This includes
our involvement with customer reference groups for Queensland Urban Utilities and
Unitywater.
As part of the Six Month Action Plan, the Queensland Government is developing a 30 year
strategy for water. It is a difficult process as the direction of policy will be dependent on
rainfall and other acts of nature over the coming decades. Outside South East Queensland,
many arrangements exist for the delivery of water to customers and it is a complex reality for
policies to address. The discussion paper is expected to be released in December and to be
open for comment for three months.
QCOSS has finalised a formal water policy paper including recommendations for
government, regulatory bodies and industry on key aspects of water policy affecting
consumers. This paper is available here on the QCOSS website in draft form for review by
our members. Please contact Jenny Ostini on [email protected] or (07) 3004 6915 if
you would like to provide comments on the policy paper.
FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the 30 year strategy for water and to register to
receive notification of the release of the discussion paper, click here.
1.7 Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP)
QCOSS submitted an Expression of Interest to the federally funded LIEEP program earlier
this year. We were one of 27 organisations across Australia that was invited to submit a full
tender for the program. QCOSS is the lead partner for a consortium that proposes to deliver
energy efficiency information and training to new settlement clients in Queensland through
our key partner, the Multicultural Development Association (MDA). If we are successful we
will be working closely with a number of organisations to deliver the tender. Our goal through
the program would be to walk alongside refugee clients in their settlement journey to help
them to adopt positive consumer behaviours for their future.
Successful tenders are expected to be announced in December or January.
QCOSS is also a partner in a consortium led by CitySmart, a company created by Brisbane
City Council to make Brisbane a sustainable city.
1.8 Other QCOSS consumer advocacy work
QCOSS attended the Minister for Energy and Water Supply’s Consumer and Industry
Reference Group meeting on 23 October 2012. This is the second meeting held by Minister
McArdle this year and offers a great opportunity for energy stakeholders to discuss issues
related to the sector and provide feedback to government to inform their current review
processes. One of the key items on the agenda was for stakeholders to discuss ways to
ensure greater consumer involvement in energy market reform, and how to better engage
consumers in electricity issues.
QCOSS is busy planning for the upcoming National Consumer Roundtable on Energy
meeting which we will host in Melbourne on 8 and 9 November. The roundtable meeting is
an opportunity for consumer advocates from around the country to share their work and
collaborate on energy-related consumer issues. One of the sessions includes a visit from
federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson who has agreed to come along
and discuss energy consumer issues with participants.
QCOSS has started work on a research project comparing energy concessions frameworks
from Australia and other countries to determine best practice approaches. QCOSS has long
expressed concerns about the poor targeting of concessions for Queensland electricity
consumers – in particular the fact that the Queensland electricity rebate is not available to
low-income Health Care Card holders as it is in all other Australian states. Given the
likelihood there will be future developments in the energy market over the coming years, we
believe it is timely to undertake this research to provide some examples of innovative
approaches to concessions going forward.
We have also begun work on the fourth instalment of our six monthly Cost of Living report.
The report tracks three example households to provide an indication of how cost of living
pressures are affecting low-income Queenslanders over time. The report will be released
later in the year.
FIND OUT MORE: Click on the links above to access media releases and submissions. For
more information on the Low Income Consumer Advocacy team’s work or to provide
feedback on consumer issues, please email [email protected] or phone 07 3004 6900.
2. Campaigns and Actions
2.1 CHOICE Take the Power Back Campaign
The high cost of energy infrastructure has been a main instigator in the escalation of
household electricity bills. In response, CHOICE has launched their Take the Power Back
Campaign. Consumers are encouraged to email their state and federal energy ministers
and request that they reform our electricity system to create a more cost-effective scheme.
FIND OUT MORE: Click on the link above to find out more or click here to email your
minister directly.
2.2 ACCAN Consumer Perceptions Survey
The results of the first annual ACCAN Consumer Perception Survey were presented at their
annual conference in Sydney last month. The survey revealed that Australians are reluctant
to switch providers with almost half having been with their provider for five years or more;
there is a gap in the attitudes and behaviours of smartphone users and non-smartphone
users; and just over half of the people surveyed said they do not monitor their data usage.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here for more information.
2.3 ACCAN’s It’s as Easy as ABC Campaign
ACCAN, Blind Citizens Australia and Vision Australia have joined to form the It’s as Easy as
ABC Campaign. The Campaign encourages support of the continuation of a trial run by
ABC1 that provides access to television for Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
The trial is due to finish on 4 November 2012 and people are encouraged to send a special
campaign postcard to Communications Minister, Senator Conroy and ABC Managing
Director, Mark Scott requesting that the service continue indefinitely beyond this date.
FIND OUT MORE: For more information please visit http://www.audiodescription.com.au/
If you would like postcards sent to your office for distribution, please contact Wayne
Hawkins, ACCAN Disability Policy Advisor at [email protected] or call (02)
9288 4000.
Follow @ADonTV for campaign updates.
3. Consumer News
3.1 Door- to-door marketing
There has been much activity in regard to consumer protections against door-to-door
marketing in recent months. In a positive outcome for consumers, a Federal Court decision
has found that salespeople who ignore visible ‘Do Not Knock’ stickers are breaking the law
and their actions could result in fines of up to $50,000. The Federal Court ruled that the
stickers represent an official request to leave and fined the two energy companies that failed
to comply with the stickers a total of $1 million for illegal door-to-door selling practices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a report on
the door-to-door sales industry in Australia. The report reveals that of the 1.3 million door-todoor sales conducted last year, approximately one million were related to energy services.
The report also found that door-to-door salespeople often work on commission which can
encourage dishonest tactics to secure more sales. The ACCC has released a number of
resources to help consumers protect themselves against unsolicited salespeople, including a
consumer guide, Do Not Knock stickers and door hangers for consumers to display on their
front door or fence.
In related news, a private members bill to establish an opt-in Do Not Knock Register (similar
to the Do Not Call Register) was rejected by the Federal Parliament in September. The
Parliamentary Committee cited better consumer education and more focus on Do Not Knock
Stickers as a more cost-effective way to address the problem.
FIND OUT MORE: You can download the ACCC report and consumer materials here, or
visit www.donotknock.org.au for more information.
3.2 Report: Going Without – Financial Hardship in Australia
The National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of
Canberra has released a report detailing the depth of poverty and financial hardship in
Australia, particularly for those relying on NewStart and job-seeker Youth Allowance
Payments. The research finds that unemployed households experience much greater rates
of poverty and financial stress and that unemployment benefits are particularly low for single
people. The research findings were commissioned by four Major Church Providers –
Anglicare Australia, UnitingCare Australia, The Salvation Army and Catholic Social Services
Australia.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here to view the report.
3.3 Energy pricing and consumption data for Queensland
St Vincent de Paul has released a report and spreadsheet tool which tracks electricity and
gas tariffs in Queensland from July 2009 to July 2012. Four workbooks have been
developed to allow consumer advocates and policy makers to track changes as they occur
and conduct analysis on pricing trends to assess the effectiveness of market competition in
the state.
The recently launched YourPowerQld website (see 4.3 Energy Saving Resources YourPowerQld and the Positive Payback Program) includes a Research Library which is a
useful source of energy statistics including consumption data, regional breakdown and
figures on solar photovoltaic installations.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its quarterly Australian Social Trends report in
September, which includes a feature article on national household energy use and costs, in
some cases broken down to a state level.
FIND OUT MORE: The St Vincent de Paul report and related spreadsheets are available for
download here. To access the Ergon Energy and Energex data visit the YourPowerQld
Research Library.
3.4 ACMA Report: Telco Customers – Credit Management and Financial
Hardship
The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a report that
investigates the incidence and nature of unexpectedly high bills, difficulty paying bills and
use of spend management tools and payment arrangements among telecommunications
customers. The study builds on earlier ACMA research that examined the dimensions of
mobile phone ‘bill shock’ and takes a closer look at consumers’ experience with credit
management and financial hardship arrangements in telecommunications.
The research is intended to provide a point of reference for understanding the extent of
unexpectedly high bills and credit management issues in telecommunications before the new
provisions of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code came into force in
September 2012. This work will provide a snapshot to help assess how effectively the new
code provisions deal with telecommunications credit management practices.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here to view the report.
3.5 Queensland Government reviewing Taxi Subsidy Scheme
The Queensland Government has scrapped plans announced in the 2012-13 Budget to cap
Queensland’s Taxi Subsidy Scheme at $400 per person. This is great news for many people
with a disability who rely on taxis for transportation because they cannot use or afford public
or private transport.
However, the government is continuing with plans to appoint an expert committee to review
the scheme and make recommendations about its future. The panel will be seeking advice
from taxi operators and disability and community groups who represent users of the scheme,
to assist in informing their recommendations to government. As a result, community groups
are continuing to campaign to ensure the Taxi Subsidy Scheme continues to be available to
Queenslanders who rely on the service. Last week Queensland Advocacy Inc. (QAI)
presented a petition to Parliament House to show support for the continuation of the
Scheme. Outcomes of the review are due to be finalised by mid-2013.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here to read the media statement about the review, or here to view
the QAI petition.
3.6 Housing stress and energy poverty – a deadly mix?
A new report has found the well-being of low-income Australian households is being
undermined by the increasing cost of housing and electricity. According to the research,
many low-income households are making sacrifices to meet the higher costs of housing and
energy. Some households are going without meals, while others are unable to heat their
homes or are cutting expenses that limit opportunities for social inclusion. Some households
are also experiencing increased anxiety and depression as a result of their financial situation
and there is growing evidence that the combination of housing and energy stress can have
serious impacts on health.
FIND OUT MORE: For more information, refer to this article on the Conversation website, or
click here to download the full report.
3.7 Warning from the Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman regarding
Credit Repair Agencies charging for telco complaints
Consumers who have telco complaints or wish to have the fairness of telco charges or
default listings examined are being encouraged to contact the Telecommunications Industry
Ombudsman (TIO) directly. Credit Repair Agencies should only be engaged as a last resort.
A recent review of complaints to the TIO has found that one in ten are submitted by a Credit
Repair Agency acting on behalf of a consumer. Credit Repair Agencies who use the TIO to
resolve consumer issues then charge the consumer for their trouble, even though the TIO is
a free service. While telecommunications service providers are required to inform consumers
about the TIO as a free dispute resolution service, there is no such requirement on Credit
Repair Agencies.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here to view the full TIO warning. To lodge a telco complaint call
1800 062 058 or visit the TIO website.
3.8 Caught Short: Exploring the role of small, short-term loans in the lives of
Australians
Borrowers, lenders, financial counsellors and regulators in New South Wales, Victoria and
Queensland collaborated with a university consortium that studied people’s experiences with
short-term loans. One of the main reasons for people taking out loans was having insufficient
income to meet basic living expenses. Many borrowers supported the existence of the
short-term lending industry because it increases their options for meeting living expenses
even if they don’t like the industry in general. Lenders felt in general that they were offering a
“service of choice, rather than a service of last resort” and strongly argued their integrity and
professionalism. Financial counsellors focused on the wider “structural problems of poverty
and precarious employment” that created demand for payday services.
The report takes a very strong stance that “equal access to affordable credit should be a
moral and legal right for all Australians.” Read the full report here to see if you agree.
3.9 Telecommunications services for vulnerable Australians to be improved
The Federal Government announced in August that it will be accepting all recommendations
from the Review of Access to Telecommunication Services by People with a Disability, Older
Australians and People Experiencing Illness. Key recommendations highlighted by the
Government included exploration of new ways to improve the National Relay Service;
increasing consultation between communities and other stakeholders; improving information
for vulnerable customers about their options for using telecommunications and finding ways
for stakeholders to identify and communicate emerging issues for users.
FIND OUT MORE: The media report can be accessed here and the full report here.
3.10 Has unit pricing helped consumers?
The Consumers Federation of Australia recently reported on research undertaken by
researchers from the University of South Australia and the University of Technology on
whether the presence or absence of unit pricing on signage influenced purchasers’ choice of
product. The conclusion was that most consumers paid more attention to the main selling
price than to the unit price. People are very positive when asked about unit pricing because
it is seen as a “good thing” i.e. to have a positive social value and to be socially approved.
The research has been criticised by some for using a simulated online supermarket
shopping experiment. However, at least when purchasing hypothetical spaghetti and
handwash, the lack of prominence of unit pricing combined with its small print means that
people don’t really pay much attention to it when making purchases.
FIND OUT MORE: The Consumers’ Federation report is available here.
3.11 Low Carbon Lifestyles: A Practical Guide for Households, Queensland
ClimateWorks Australia in conjunction with CSIRO and Origin has been releasing a series of
reports on practical household guides for energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction
for individual states. The guide for Queensland was released in October. As advertised, the
guides take a very practical approach based on three lifestyle models: people living in
apartments, small houses and large houses. For each of these scenarios the top 5 actions
for saving money and for saving carbon dioxide are listed. The easy-to-read guides also
provide a list of actions for each scenario ranging from small equipment and behaviour
change through to large capital intensive changes with their associated costs and savings.
The approach is useful in that it accommodates the fact that people may be concerned about
different aspects of energy usage and have different capacities to make changes to their
lifestyle.
FIND OUT MORE: The full report for Queensland may be downloaded here or you may
contact ClimateWorks directly to request a hard copy by telephoning (03) 9902 0741.
4. Consumer Resources
4.1 Second round of energy efficiency funding announced
The Federal Government have announced a second round of funding for three energy
efficiency grants programs to encourage smarter energy use by businesses, local
governments, households and communities. The programs are:
 The Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) is to help local government and
not-for-profit community organisations undertake energy efficiency upgrades to
community infrastructure. Applications close on 7 February 2013.
 The Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) is for applicants seeking to
demonstrate smarter energy use and provide practical advice and assistance to low
income households across Australia. Applications close on 13 December 2012.
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Energy Efficiency Information Grants (EEIG) is to support small to medium-sized
businesses and community groups by providing tailored information and advice on
saving energy and cutting costs with smarter energy choices. Applications close on
20 December 2013.
Click here to find out more about the package of energy efficiency grants programs.
4.2 Phones and the Internet: Your Rights in Australia – Resources for
Refugees and New Migrants
The Footscray Community Legal Centre has developed a range of education materials
designed to help refugees and new migrants understand the telecommunications market in
their first six months of residing in Australia.
The project, Phones and Internet: Your Rights in Australia, comprises a DVD containing
PowerPoint lesson plans using photos and simple explanations suitable for CALD clients.
The lessons are designed to be delivered in workshops and contain introductory information
about concepts such as pre-paid and post-paid mobiles, internet data usage, what to
consider when signing up to a new service, as well as information about consumer rights
and where to go for help.
The DVD is available to community legal centres and financial counsellors around Australia.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here for relevant contacts or to download the education material
from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) website.
4.3 Tips and tools to track spending
MoneySmart and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have
developed a range of tools to help Australians take control of their spending. The tools
include:
 a free smartphone app called Track My Spend available on iTunes;
 a Managing Your Money booklet; and
 an online Budget Planner available on the MoneySmart website.
According to MoneySmart, Australians spend almost $70,000 per year on everyday
expenses. The new app is designed to be used on the go and help Australians deal with
“spending leakage” where small purchases such as coffee, a block of chocolate, lunches or
the occasional drink can add up to almost $3000 per year. You can use the app to set
targets and track purchases to avoid spur-of-the moment purchases adding up to significant
amounts.
FIND OUT MORE: Click here for links to money management tips and resources, or to
download the iPhone app.
4.4 Energy Saving Resources - YourPowerQld and the Positive Payback
Program
Energex and Ergon Energy have developed a new website to help Queenslanders manage
their energy use and save money on bills. While there is a lot of energy efficiency
information available online, the YourPowerQld website is designed specifically for
Queensland households. It offers useful information about electrical appliances, economy
tariffs, heating, cooling and more. It includes easy-to-use energy calculators that show you
how much you can save, as well as links to tips on comparing market contracts and
information about the latest energy rewards and rebates in your local area.
Energex has also launched their Positive Payback program designed to help customers
manage peak demand. Positive Payback rewards customers who connect energy intensive
appliances to economy tariffs or who install technologies that make their equipment operate
more efficiently during peak demand events. Rewards of up to $750 are available for
customers with an air-conditioner, pool or hot water system.
FIND OUT MORE: For energy saving strategies and statistics, visit the YourPowerQld
website, or click here to find out more about the Energex Positive Payback program.
4.5 ACCAN Guide to TCP Code Rights – Making the Right Call
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has released Making
the Right Call - a guide for consumers to explain their rights in relation to mobile phone,
landline, internet and pay TV services. The report summarises what rights consumers have
under the newly registered Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code and
other laws, regulations and industry codes. The guide provides information on:
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The information you should receive before you sign up or buy
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What to expect when you’re signing up or buying
What should happen after your purchase
What to do if something goes wrong
FIND OUT MORE: Click here for more information or to download the consumer guide.
4.6 Links to grants and assistance programs
The following programs provide energy related assistance to individuals or grants for
community organisations. Click on the links below for more information.
State programs:
Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme
Electricity Rebate (and Reticulated National Gas Rebate)
Electricity Rebate for residential home parks and multi-unit residential premises
Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme
Electricity Life Support Concession Scheme
Solar Bonus Scheme
Federal Programs:
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
Low Income Supplement (available where other household assistance measures are not
sufficient to meet the impacts of the carbon price on living expenses)
Home Energy Saver Scheme
Energy Efficiency Grants Programs
Brisbane City Council:
EzyGreen Energy Reduction Program
Water
Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme (South East Queensland only)
UnityWater Haemodialysis Rebate Policy
Queensland Urban Utilities haemodialysis rebate (Contact QUU for more information)
For community organisations
Energex Sustainability and Environment Fund
Logan City Council – EnviroGrants program
Toowoomba Regional Council – Environment Grant
5. Events and Calendar
5.1 Regular interaction between Ergon Energy and community advocates in
Rockhampton and Townsville
Ergon Energy representatives want to gauge interest on regular catch ups, possibly every
two months, at locations in Rockhampton and Townsville. The content or activity during
these regular meetings would be up to the participants.
Suggested objectives are:
 Share scenarios to gain feedback
 Share Ergon Energy hardship processes to gain feedback
 Keep up to date with what is happening in our community
 Networking to build relationships
FIND OUT MORE: For those interested in commencing a regular catch up in Rockhampton,
contact Chris Samuelsson on 49327359 or 0400 767341 or email
[email protected]. In Townsville contact Neville Hoehne on 49275770 or
0488 376208 or email [email protected]
5.2 Green Heart Fair
Brisbane City Council’s biannual Green Heart Fair will be held in Carindale on 28 October.
This free event will feature more than 40 displays and workshops, all day family
entertainment including Mental as Anything and Dorothy the Dinosaur and friends, children’s
activities, free native plants and other giveaways and prizes, and more.
When: Sunday 28 October, 9am – 2pm
Where:
Carindale Recreation Reserve, Cadogan and Bedivere Street, Carindale
FIND OUT MORE: Click here for more information.
5.3 Calendar
28 October
Green Heart Fair, Carindale
23 November
‘Bring Your Bills’ Gympie
29 November
‘Bring Your Bills’ Maryborough