Big step for Nambour, giant leap for environment
Published Tuesday, 17 March, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
EMBARGOED 2:30PM 17/3/2009
What: Photo/interview
Where: South East Regional Office, Maroochy Research Station, 47 Mayers Road, Nambour
When: 2.30pm, Tuesday 17 March, 2009
Nambour is one step closer to reducing its carbon footprint with today’s opening of the first Queensland Government environmentally friendly office building at the Maroochy Research Station.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ (DPI&F) new South East Regional Office is expected to save between 15 and 20 per cent on energy and 50 per cent on water annually, compared to a typical office building.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin officially opened the office and said environmental sustainability was vitally important to the success of the department’s business.
“This new building sets a benchmark for environmental standards that are in keeping with the State Government's Towards Q2 ‘green’ aspirations, with a 2020 target to cut Queensland’s carbon footprint by one-third,” the Minister said.
“This office reflects our future direction as an eco-conscious organisation, and one that is intent on protecting our lifestyle and environment.”
Mr Mulherin said the role DPI&F played in the southeast was just as important as its role in any other part of Queensland.
“Many people might be surprised to learn that this region currently accounts for 25 per cent of Queensland’s total farm-gate turnover,” Mr Mulherin said.
“This office plays a critical role in ensuring the services we are providing in the region are as efficient as possible and are meeting the needs of primary producers.”
DPI&F Regional Services Manager, Southeast, Paul Grealy, said the office rationalised the location of DPI&F staff in the Nambour area.
“The DPI&F is taking a fresh approach to the way it delivers information and the co-location of the Maroochy Research Station and this office will further enhance our service to the primary producers in the area,” he said.
“With 25 staff, the office will work across the areas of industry and regional development, Biosecurity Queensland, and research, development and extension services.”
Designed by Project Services, in the Department of Public Works, the $2.2 million regional headquarters features controls for ventilation, lighting levels and glare; translucent cladding for more natural light and raked ceilings.
Pollution is minimised through reduced flows to the sewer and stormwater system, less dependence on coal-fired electricity for ventilation and lighting, and operational waste minimisation.
Minister Mulherin said the office was a reflection of the department’s approach to modernise services.
“We aim to meet the challenges presented by a changing primary industries sector in order to accelerate future growth,” he said.
“The office will meet the region’s demand for services that contribute to, among other areas, the southeast’s number-one rating for horticulture production.”
The southeast region spans Bundaberg in the North; to Gayndah, Kingaroy and Gatton in the south-west; and to the NSW border in the south.
For more information on the South East Regional Office and its services, go to the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
Media enquiries: DPI&F Kristal Hargraves (07) 3239 3014
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120
What: Photo/interview
Where: South East Regional Office, Maroochy Research Station, 47 Mayers Road, Nambour
When: 2.30pm, Tuesday 17 March, 2009
Nambour is one step closer to reducing its carbon footprint with today’s opening of the first Queensland Government environmentally friendly office building at the Maroochy Research Station.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ (DPI&F) new South East Regional Office is expected to save between 15 and 20 per cent on energy and 50 per cent on water annually, compared to a typical office building.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin officially opened the office and said environmental sustainability was vitally important to the success of the department’s business.
“This new building sets a benchmark for environmental standards that are in keeping with the State Government's Towards Q2 ‘green’ aspirations, with a 2020 target to cut Queensland’s carbon footprint by one-third,” the Minister said.
“This office reflects our future direction as an eco-conscious organisation, and one that is intent on protecting our lifestyle and environment.”
Mr Mulherin said the role DPI&F played in the southeast was just as important as its role in any other part of Queensland.
“Many people might be surprised to learn that this region currently accounts for 25 per cent of Queensland’s total farm-gate turnover,” Mr Mulherin said.
“This office plays a critical role in ensuring the services we are providing in the region are as efficient as possible and are meeting the needs of primary producers.”
DPI&F Regional Services Manager, Southeast, Paul Grealy, said the office rationalised the location of DPI&F staff in the Nambour area.
“The DPI&F is taking a fresh approach to the way it delivers information and the co-location of the Maroochy Research Station and this office will further enhance our service to the primary producers in the area,” he said.
“With 25 staff, the office will work across the areas of industry and regional development, Biosecurity Queensland, and research, development and extension services.”
Designed by Project Services, in the Department of Public Works, the $2.2 million regional headquarters features controls for ventilation, lighting levels and glare; translucent cladding for more natural light and raked ceilings.
Pollution is minimised through reduced flows to the sewer and stormwater system, less dependence on coal-fired electricity for ventilation and lighting, and operational waste minimisation.
Minister Mulherin said the office was a reflection of the department’s approach to modernise services.
“We aim to meet the challenges presented by a changing primary industries sector in order to accelerate future growth,” he said.
“The office will meet the region’s demand for services that contribute to, among other areas, the southeast’s number-one rating for horticulture production.”
The southeast region spans Bundaberg in the North; to Gayndah, Kingaroy and Gatton in the south-west; and to the NSW border in the south.
For more information on the South East Regional Office and its services, go to the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
Media enquiries: DPI&F Kristal Hargraves (07) 3239 3014
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120