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Captured by our field staff, these images of bees hard at work serve as a reminder of why we do what we do at CQG, protecting and managing ecosystems that are essential to vital pollinators like bees.

Let’s take a moment today to appreciate everything bees do for us, from supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems through to food production and so much more.

More than just one step. From desktop reviews and UAV surveys to geotechnical investigations and rehabilitation planning, CQG brings the expertise to get it right.

We’re currently putting this into action on a comprehensive closed landfill investigation, supporting our client every step of the way.

At CQG, it’s an integrated, end-to-end service.

Fish, invertebrates, and water quality assessments help provide an overall picture of waterway health and the approvals your project may require. Many native species are highly sensitive to disturbance and pollutants, making early assessment essential to inform design and mitigation measures to ensure compliance and environmental protection.

At CQG, we provide targeted aquatic surveys to help ensure important aquatic ecosystems are properly managed, and your approvals process runs smoothly.

Get in touch to find out whether your project may require a closer look beneath the surface!

admin@cqgroup.com.au 

The CQG team had a great time at the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference in Mackay this week! From insightful speakers to a buzzing expo floor, we had plenty of great conversations, especially about CQGs extensive experience in supporting the sugar industry through practical environmental, planning, and approvals expertise.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table to say hi. We loved sharing what CQG can offer and look forward to continuing the conversation!

Busy time for the CQG team with ecology surveys and geotech investigations underway in the Central Qld region.

Happy snap of team members out on the job in Gladstone with Senior Cultural Heritage Officer Trish Eggmolesse and CQG Founder Patrice Brown.

In rehabilitation projects, invertebrates are a powerful sign of site health and stability. When a diverse range of bugs choose to live there, it’s a good indication restoration is on the right track.

Want to know what your site’s invertebrates are saying about your project? Reach out to CQG.

If you come across any of the following on a job site set up an exclusion zone and give our team a call.

07 4922 9252 (head office)

❗️Asbestos materials
❗️Buried wastes
❗️Old drums
❗️Stained or oily soils

We can help you to reduce risks to human health and to the environment.

One of our scientists Michael Whitehead pictured today collecting soil samples to check for contamination.

From humble beginnings in 2003, CQG has grown into one of regional Queensland’s leading environmental and planning consultancies, driven by practical, innovative, solution‑focused services and a strong team culture.

For 23 years we’ve supported sustainable development, worked alongside First Nations communities, and employed people where they love to live.

To all our people, past and present, including our amazing teams across our regional offices who couldn’t make the photo, thank you for being part of the CQG story.

We listen. We understand. We deliver.

Cheers from the CQG team!

Overlapping regulation: A risk for some, an advantage for others.

Navigating regulation in the extractive industry isn’t getting simpler, it’s getting more interconnected.

CQG Principal Planner, Scott Lucke, presented at the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) dinner in Hervey Bay and unpacked how local, state, and Commonwealth regulators interact to shape operations.

With recent EPBC Act reforms, MNES considerations, and overlapping regulatory frameworks, these intersections are creating both risk and opportunity. Projects that don’t align early can face delays and uncertainty- but those that navigate these layers strategically can unlock more efficient pathways and stronger outcomes.

If you’re managing complex approvals or looking to turn regulatory challenges into opportunities, reach out to the CQG team, we’re here to help you navigate the path forward.

Breaking barriers starts with better conversations 🌿

The CQG team has been on the ground in Brisbane this week at the EIANZ ANET 2026 Conference, connecting with clients, stakeholders, and industry leaders shaping the future of infrastructure and ecology.

This year’s theme, “Breaking the Barriers,” couldn’t be more relevant. The best outcomes don’t happen in silos, they come from collaboration, shared insights, and genuine engagement.

That’s exactly what we’re committed to delivering across every project we support.
Great to see Rebekah Hearn and Cathee Miller here with former client Jamie Reilly.

If you’re working on projects where collaboration is key, come and connect with the CQG team, we’d love to start the conversation.

It’s not enough to talk about renewable energy, we need to actually be listening to the conversations shaping it.

Last week, CQG attended the Renewable Energy Forum in Moranbah and the Community Energy Forum in Proserpine. We heard about upcoming projects, supply chain opportunities, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
The biggest takeaway? Successful projects put people first.

From social impact assessments to community benefit agreements, meaningful engagement isn’t optional, it’s critical. This is where CQG’s stakeholder and community engagement team creates real value.

If you want your project to be set up for success, get in touch with our team, we’d love to continue the conversation.

CQG’s Peter Lynch and Cezanne Hamilton pictured with some of the Capricornia Pumped Hydro team.

What if your data could show you the story instead of just telling it?

At CQG Consulting, our GIS team transforms raw spatial data into powerful visual insights that drive smarter decisions. From high-precision RTK GNSS data collection to advanced 3D modelling and UAV surveying, we deliver geospatial solutions that go beyond maps, they reveal patterns, risks, and opportunities.

Our expertise spans:

• GIS mapping & cartography
• Spatial & network analysis
• UAV & LiDAR-based surveying
• Bathymetric surveys using USV platforms
• High-resolution aerial imagery & terrain modelling

We support projects with:

✔ UAV volumetric surveys for stockpiles & landfills
✔ Multi-temporal erosion monitoring
✔ Detailed terrain and surface models
✔ Bathymetric mapping of water bodies
✔ Structured spatial datasets for planning & monitoring

The result? Clear, accurate, and visually compelling outputs that empower better planning, stronger site intelligence, and confident decision-making.

Because when you can see your data clearly, you can act on it decisively.

Please reach out to CQG if you would like to discuss these services for your project.

CQG Consulting provides specialist respirable dust and silica monitoring services to support worker health and safety and environmental compliance across construction, mining and quarry projects. Our monitoring is delivered in line with Australian Standards and regulatory requirements, helping clients meet compliance obligations with confidence.

This capability is further strengthened by our team’s ongoing training and development. Congratulations to Michael from CQG, who has recently completed the Monitoring Respirable Dust in Coal, Mineral Mines and Quarries course (BSBWHS419) through SIMTARS in Brisbane👏

If you have a project requiring respirable dust or silica monitoring, please get in touch with CQG, we’d be happy to discuss how we can support your site.

Last week we completed Intermediate Erosion Sediment Control (ESC) Training in Mackay. The timing couldn’t have been better, we learned the theory in the classroom, then watched real ESC controls in action across multiple sites during the heavy rainfall in Mackay last Friday.

Effective ESC is essential for keeping sediment out of our receiving environments. With this extra knowledge, CQG can support your project with regulatory water‑quality monitoring and reporting to help ensure your site stays compliant. If this heavy rainfall has you thinking about the controls on your site, please feel free to reach out to the CQG team for advice.

Thank you to Terry Clark from Topo for presenting and Healthy Land & Water for the incredible training.

This week our Rockhampton and Gladstone teams have been out assisting clients with ecology surveys across Central Queensland, and we couldn’t be happier to be out in the field. These snaps show exactly why this is one of our favourite parts of the job, working outdoors, protecting environments, and discovering the unique wildlife that calls CQ home.

We have teams based in Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Rockhampton, and Brisbane; all equipped to complete ecology surveys, fauna spotter catcher services and support your environmental needs.

If you’re looking for expert help, feel free to reach out – we’re always excited to assist!

Our ongoing partnership with Vet Centre Qld plays an important role in strengthening our workforce capability and compliance standards for 4WD and weed and seed inspections.

It’s great to work alongside organisations that share our commitment for safety and protection of the environment.

Thank you to Vince and the team for training our new staff from across Queensland in Rockhampton last week 🙌

Enjoyed spending an informative day hearing from John Pickering (Evidn) and Andrew Brier Board Director for Coexistence Queensland on behavioural science and effective communication.

Thanks to Katie-Anne Mulder & the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) team for hosting this event that brought together communication and engagement specialists from across Queensland to share experiences, and to hear openly about both the challenges and success stories in the renewable energy sector.

Key takeaways:
• Listen, listen, listen
• Treat people with respect
• Recognise that impacted communities are already managing other challenges
• Engage local people — not just city-based consultants — for consultation and impact assessment
• It’s not just about the money or the facts
• Behavioural science provides valuable insights into human interactions and decision-making

A valuable reminder that successful projects are built on trust, empathy and genuine engagement.

Pictured here: Andrew Brier, Patrice Brown & Roberta Moberg from CQG Consulting (CQ Environmental Pty Ltd)

Heard firsthand today from Brian Gillespie, CS Energy CEO at the Queensland Energy Club lunch about the importance of gas in securing reliable energy supply in the future ⚡️

Pictured below catching up:

Ken Bidgood – BMD Group
Roberta Moberg – Senior Environmental Planner CQG
Wendy Agar – Engaged Outcomes & CS Energy
Patrice Brown – CQG

We have officially moved into our new office in Townsville and are excited to be settling in.

Our new details:

Address: Suite 3A, 41-51 Sturt Street, Townsville

Phone: 07 4459 4759

A big thank you to Premise for generously hosting us for the past several years, their support and hospitality are greatly appreciated!

🐢Yesterday we celebrated World Wetland Day 🐢

Often called the “kidneys of the Earth,” wetlands aren’t just swamps -they include rivers, lakes, mangroves, mudflats and seagrass. Wetlands are integral to filter water, support life, and help protect communities from floods and storms.

Did you know Australia is home to 67 Ramsar listed wetlands, covering over 8.3 million hectares? This year’s theme, Wetlands and traditional knowledge; celebrating cultural heritage, highlights the important role of First Nations Peoples in caring for these ecosystems.

At CQG, we’re proud to work alongside the Traditional Owners of the areas we operate in, who share their knowledge with us to care for these vital wetlands.

Take a moment to visit your nearest wetland and appreciate the life it supports, and you might even spot some of these beautiful species that call them home!

Photos courtesy of CQG team📷

After a short break, we’re refreshed, recharged and ready to get started.

As we kick off 2026, we’re looking forward to new opportunities, exciting projects and continuing to deliver great outcomes for our clients.

Thank you for your ongoing support — here’s to a successful year ahead!

CQG environmental scientist Cezanne Hamilton has just returned from a week in Canberra, where she completed intensive AUSRIVAS macroinvertebrate training, the Australian standard for freshwater bug sampling.

Why focus on macroinvertebrates? These tiny freshwater organisms are powerful indicators of waterway health. Monitoring them helps detect pollution sources, track long term environmental changes, and is often a key requirement of Receiving Environment Management Plans (REMPs).

Throughout the week, Cezanne gained hands-on experience in field sampling, lab processing, and identifying macroinvertebrates under the microscope, skills that further strengthen CQG’s ability to assess and protect Queensland’s waterways.

A big congratulations to Cezanne on completing this nationally recognised training and bringing valuable new expertise back to the team!

This month’s Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee Inc. (LAWMAC) event, hosted by Gladstone Regional Council brought together councils, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities within the waste sector – from reducing landfill diversion to advancing circular economy solutions.

CQG Consulting was proud to once again support LAWMAC as an event sponsor and long-term member. We value the important role LAWMAC plays in fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation across Queensland’s waste and resource recovery network.

A big thank you to Gladstone Regional Council, the LAWMAC organisers, and all participants for an engaging and inspiring event.

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The team was thrilled to win the 2025 Gladstone Engineering Alliance Innovator Award.

The award is in recognition of outstanding contributions and achievements in demonstrating a track record of driving innovation that leads to business growth, transformation; industry leadership; and positive impact.

Our work in GIS, spatial analysis, un-manned aerial vehicle (UAV) and un-manned service vehicles (USV) is leading the way in innovation. Our team which includes Andrew Brown, Jason Scriffignano and Howard Johnston, has utilised the USV for hydrographic survey of water bodies using a remote controlled boat. With survey accurate GPS the position of the USV is known and can be pre-programmed as an autonomous “flight path”. The USV is fitted with sensors including a single beam sonar allowing accurate depth measurements at the required location.

In traditional bathymetric surveys, sonar equipment is deployed from manned boats. The USV can be deployed where boat access is either not possible or not permitted for safety risk reasons. Our team has successfully used the USV in landfill ponds, power station ash dams, estuaries with crocodile risks and more recently deep brine ponds.

CQG’s Andrew Brown as the driver of the USV initiative along with several other innovative solutions for our clients is pictured here receiving the award from Matt Burnett Gladstone Regional Council and Rob Williamson Alpha HPA, alongside Alison Murdoch from GEA. Gladstone Regional Council and Alpha HPA are valued clients of CQG.

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Last week, a group from CQG Consulting and Tunuba Pty Ltd completed a Venomous Snake Handling course through Australian Wildlife Encounters🐍

In Central Queensland, identifying and safely managing snakes is critical. Australian snakes fall into three main families:

• Colubrids – less common and mostly harmless
• Pythons – non-venomous constrictors
• Elapids – the venomous group, including species like the Eastern Brown and Coastal Taipan

This training sharpens our team’s ability to assess risks, handle wildlife safely, and support our environmental work across diverse landscapes.

We were thrilled to be part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and what a morning it was!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our team and community, CQG smashed our fundraising target, raising $653.00, surpassing our $500 goal! 🙌

These funds have helped provide 308 kids with vital SunSmart education, an incredible impact we’re so proud to contribute to.  Together, Aussies raised a phenomenal $12,947,655 to support those affected by cancer.

Every cuppa truly counts. 💙

This Zero Waste Day, we’re committed to sustainability by using Terracycle zero waste recycling boxes for our consumables like gloves, filters, and plastic packaging, ensuring materials are recycled and reused. Every step counts toward a waste-free future!

The team at CQG wish all our clients, our suppliers & their families a Safe and Joyous Christmas!

CQG Consulting was proud to be part of the Greater Whitsunday METS Innovation Lounge at QME, held in Mackay from 23 to 25 July, which showcased the latest technological innovations across the mining and METS sector.

The event highlighted cutting-edge virtual reality and AI technology, including a 360-degree 3D video promoting the Mackay region as a place to live, work, invest and explore, as well as the debut of an AI phone agent developed by local company A-Tech Industries. These innovations demonstrated how emerging technologies can support businesses and drive productivity across the sector.

QME 2024 was the largest event in more than a decade, attracting strong national and international interest and reinforcing Mackay’s reputation as Queensland’s hub for mining and METS. Being part of the Innovation Lounge provided CQG Consulting with a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, government stakeholders and potential clients, and to showcase the depth of capability within the Greater Whitsunday region.

CQG Consulting was pleased to stand alongside other leading local METS businesses in the Innovation Lounge and to contribute to an event that continues to play a vital role in promoting regional expertise, collaboration and growth within the mining and resources industry.

Senior Ecologist Sarah Grady and Principal Ecologist Rebekkah Hearn attended the EIANZ biodiversity offsets conference this week in Canberra.

We are pleased to welcome Oscar Dalla Pria to the CQG Team, based in our Townsville office as a Principal Environmental Scientist 🌱

Oscar is a seasoned environmental professional with over 25 years of experience in the environmental field, specialising in all matters related to contaminated land, groundwater and environmental management.

He has undertaken numerous environmental and contaminated land investigations in his career spanning across a range of industries including local and state governments, industry, mining, and the oil & gas industry.

Welcome Oscar!

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Tunuba Senior Ranger Sheldon Edmund and CQG Consulting’s Enviro Tech Luke Ellrott on the job.

Field Work in QLD requires sun safe awareness. Local knowledge is valuable to plan work schedules around the heat

CQG Consulting
Darumbal Enterprises
#Tunuba

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South East Queensland staff, Cathee Miller, Victoria Hammer and Alison Bird, recently attended the Business Decarbonisation Pathways – Working Toward Net Zero kick-off meeting in Brisbane.

This initiative was presented by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources AusIndustry Entrepreneurs’ Programme. The meeting included a presentation from keynote speaker Barbara Albert, a Q&A panel and information sharing regarding the Net Zero SMART Project. CQG is participating in the project which assists Queensland small-medium businesses with developing decarbonisation strategies, so they are ready for the future net-zero supply chains.

The team is pictured with Rod Murray and Adrienne Rourke from AusIndustry Entrepreneurs’ Programme who are supporting CQG on our journey towards net zero!

CQG Consulting stands side by side with First Nations People across Australia to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2022.

We congratulate these people and their old people, past and present, for being the oldest living culture on Earth and for their caring of this country we all share.

CQG is proud of our partnership with the Darumbal People in the formation of Tunuba, a Supply Nation business which was established over three years ago and of the many strong relationships we have with Traditional Owners throughout Queensland.

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Article Courtesy of CQ Today

We’re so proud of our Company Direct, Patrice Brown, for being a finalist for the Economic Development – Community Champion award presented by Economic Development Australia Limited.

Patrice was nominated for this award as recognition of her ongoing commitment to building Central Queensland’s economy through partnerships with local business and First Nations people.

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Pictured below with other LAWMAC members, CQG’s Andrew and Patrice Brown reinforced our commitment to Regional Councils recently attending the two day meeting in Barcaldine.

CQG Consulting features in Local Authority Waste Management Advisory Committee July 2021 Newsletter.

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Article Courtesy of LAWMAC

CQG is pleased to sponsor the Queensland Resource Council Annual Luncheon for 2020.

If you’d like to hear the Premier of Queensland & Minister for Trade, the Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, the QRC CEO, Ian MacFarlane’s or QRC’s President or Brent Gunther  presentations, follow this link.

https://webcast.gigtv.com.au/Mediasite/Play/0838b129122d441889e78bb7d9c947d41d

Podcast interview with Company Director Patrice Brown

This Cast Covers:

• Providing environmental advice to existing industries and developers
• An increase in business in the last few years due to an increased global focus on environmental conservation
• Generating revenue from a consulting model that fits into every client’s needs
• From the sugar and timber industry, into environmental work then finally into business ownership
• How she started out managing big projects as the sole employee and grew to employ up to 40 people
• The lessons she learned from surviving the downturn that almost took them out of business
• Beating huge competitors to secure a major contract with the Department of Defence and other moments of pride
• The different ways that different business owners measure success and the holy grail that is time
• The importance of understanding the kind of customers you’re targeting so you can come up with an effective marketing strategy
• Taking immediate action to start a business without overcommitting financially
• Recruiting slowly to get the right staff and investing in them to ensure they deliver their best
• The difficult experience of losing staff members to competitors and other industries
• Getting personal satisfaction from being able to create a career pathway for young people
• Realizing that thriving in business is all about delivering personalized service, coming up with practical solutions, building a great team, and providing value for money
• Allocating time and Investing in personal health and wellness to survive in the world of business
• Allowing, fostering, and encouraging innovation without micromanaging staff
• Her passion for continual learning and how it has helped her progress over the years
• The value in engaging with both older and younger mentors
• The challenge most people have in mastering the confidence to start a business
• Believing in yourself: The most valuable tool you have as a small business owner

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Beautiful weather and a deserted beach were a perfect mix to inspire ideas for CQG’s 2020 Strategic Planning sessions.

Here are a couple of shots of some of the CQG team enjoying sunny Queensland!

EIANZ is a professional association for environmental practitioners.  The Environment Institute is a not-for-profit, professional association for environmental practitioners from across Australia and New Zealand.

Our Managing Director Patrice Brown has just been made a fellow.

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Article Courtesy of EIANZ

Graduate Environmental Scientist, Nikki Kilpatrick conducting a pre-clearance survey at the Gladstone-Monto Road Floodway Restoration Project, in the Boyne Valley.

Nikki is identifying resident flora and fauna species and marking habitat trees, prior to clearing required for road widening works.

An experienced and licensed fauna spotter/catcher from CQG Consulting will be on-site to oversee the clearing activities and relocate any wildlife impacted.

What is Carbon Farming?

Carbon farming is the process of optimising agricultural practices and land use to increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil and vegetation (sequestration). The program is intended to assist people on the land to tell their stories and to implement ways in which to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from grazing and farming.

As approved advisors under this program, CQG’s scientists can provide scientific and technical advice to landholders to explore new potential business opportunities offered by carbon farming and to provide specialist advice for landholders to better understand opportunities associated with carbon farming, particularly those offered by the Land Restoration Fund.

CQG’s Director Patrice Brown, Senior Environmental Scientist Jason Edwards and Environmental Scientists Amelia Elgar and Kurt Sengstock have recently been accepted as Approved Advisors under the Carbon Farming Advice Rebate (CFAR) program administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

CQG supports CQ first because we live and work in the region and are passionate about the environment of Central Queensland.

Time for Nature With a focus on its role in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development

These days, in a more environmentally aware society, it is commonplace to hear about the contemporary, controversial and noticeable environmental issues we face.

After a recent season of relentless heatwaves, devastating bushfires, years of drought, and now worldwide pandemics, the environment is at the forefront of our minds more than ever.

Undoubtedly the greatest minds of our time are working to chart humanity’s course though these unprecedented times.

But in the meantime, how can we, as individuals, businesses and industries make a difference and promote change for the benefit and the environment?

Let’s take a stroll back in time and look at when the small things made a difference.  Last century the world was focussed on ecologically sustainable development.

Unfortunately, in my experience, development is neither beneficial to the ecology of a place, nor sustainable.  Want we need, what we should aim for, is a balanced approach.

As development spreads across the globe, the built environment is the clear winner over the natural environment.  So where is the balance? How did we get here in the first place?

We still design and build infrastructure the same way we did last century, we still teach our children the same way we did last century, we still treat the environment the same way we did last century.

Did we learn from our own mistakes? Why is the environment an afterthought, an impediment to development?

I think it is imperative that we all take the time to look into the past to shape our way into the future.  Australia is a prime example of a country that pushes the boundaries of what our environment can handle.

From cane toads to coral bleaching, weather extremes to water shortages, bushfires to bulldust – we live in an already extreme environment.  Yet we continue to develop out into marginal lands and nothing seems to change.

Australia can change – and it all starts with us.  Better decisions need to be made, based on the adoption of better techniques, changes in design, and improvements to training.

Hopefully, these better decisions can deliver small but important steps towards a balanced environment.  If we spend the time look back at our past mistakes and invest in the small changes, the payoff could be big!

Dave Waterson

03/06/2020

Last week, Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) issued notification of important vegetation mapping updates. The new maps include the most recent Queensland Herbarium scientific updates to the Regulated Vegetation Management Map, regional ecosystems, wetland, high-value regrowth and essential habitat mapping.

To see if your property is affected by these changes, you can request a free vegetation map or view online with Queensland Globe.

If you require assistance with the interpretation of what this means for your property you can call the Department, or if you require assistance with conducting surveys or reporting to validate the mapping on your property, contact us to find out how we can help.

Tunuba – a proud Darumbal business and joint venture partner of CQG Consulting – is proud to be sponsors of the deadly CQ Capra’s Women’s Team!

Strong role models are important for our community and we look forward to the team’s journey and their positive influence on and off the sports field!

CQG Environmental scientist Karly Fowler happened upon an amazing find whilst conducting a pre-clearance survey this week– a huge female Goliath Stick Insect! A few happy snaps were taken with this gentle giant before she was delicately returned to her thick vegetation. Goliath stick insects (Eurycnema goliath) are one of Australia’s largest stick insects, primarily found from the NSW coast through to the central highlands of Queensland.

Andrew Brown, CQG’s Principal Engineer, participated in a Local Authority Waste Management Advisory Committee (LAWMAC) workshop in Ingham on 23 August. Seen here in discussion with Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environment Management, Trevor Evans, who provided an insight into the Federal Governments new initiatives to improve Australia’s waste management performance. LAWMAC members provided honest and constructive feedback for the minister to some of the key issues from a North Queensland perspective.

CQG’s ecologists have been out and about across Central Queensland in recent weeks conducting flora and fauna surveys.

Senior environmental scientist Jason Edwards seen here with ecologists Karly Fowler, Nikki Kilpatrick and environmental technical officer Emilie Zurvas checking plant species at the end of a long day in the field at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

On 31 May 2019 the Queensland Government released an updated version (Version 7) of the Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Areas mapping (which can be downloaded from the DES website or accessed via QldGlobe) which now includes more areas than the previous version. The mapping has gone from the original “blue circles” to green areas of all shapes and sizes.

The protected plants flora survey trigger map identifies ‘high-risk’ areas where endangered, vulnerable or near threatened (EVNT) plant species listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) are present or are likely to be present. The mapping, which is updated annually, is derived from records held by the Queensland Herbarium and buffered with a 2-kilometre radius.

This Queensland Government mapping requires landholders arrange for flora surveys to be undertaken by a suitably qualified person to assess the presence or absence of ENVT plants prior to any clearing activity within a high-risk area, unless the activity falls under an exemption (such as clearing for firebreaks within certain parameters).

The change affects any person undertaking vegetation clearing (developers, local governments, mining and other industry), not just the agricultural sector.

More information can be found here – https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/protected-plants/clearing

Mapping can be accessed here – https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/map-request/flora-survey-trigger/

If you need to have a survey done please call 49229252. CQG’s regionally based ecologist have plenty of experience conducting protected plant and vegetation surveys & can help you through the maze of permitting.

Over the last couple of weeks our Senior Planner, Scott Lucke, attended a short course on Coastal Hazard Management at the Gold Coast and Byron Bay via Griffith University. This was a professional development course designed to improve the understanding of coastal dynamics and impacts on settlements, infrastructure and ecosystems, and to develop skills for coastal hazards and climate change adaptation.

The short course gave a good insight into a lot of the beach restoration works Andrew and Scott have been working on over the last couple of years and gave Scott a better understanding of natural coastal processes such as the importance of longshore sediment transport vs natural processes interrupted or exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and their associated impacts on the coastline.

If you are interested in having a chat about coastal hazard management feel free to get in touch with Scott on 07 4922 9252.

Nikki is in her final year studying a bachelor of Environmental Science majoring in water management at CQUniversity.

In her spare time Nikki loves to spend her days with her family being outdoors, fishing, beach combing, gardening and caring for their animals.
Nikki is excited to learn from the experienced team at CQG and put her newly acquired knowledge to the test.

With a Bachelor of Science (Environment) degree and a passion for working on challenging and meaningful environmental projects, Nina is sure to enjoy her role at CQG. Nina has held operational and laboratory roles with Mackay Sugar and has previously worked for an environmental consulting firm.

She has hands-on experience working on a range of natural resource management projects including, rehabilitation, soil and land assessments as well as conducting weed,  flora and fauna surveys and managing community revegetation projects.

Nina’s practical land management skills come in handy on her family property controlling weeds, being involved in reforestation and the operation and maintenance of field equipment.

She has travelled extensively overseas and within Australia and seeks out adventure and meeting people from diverse backgrounds.

Nina is thrilled to have joined the CQG Team and is looking forward to working on a variety of projects.

CQG is pleased to welcome Amelia Elgar to our team. Amelia has a Bachelor of Science degree and an Honours in Ecology and Conservation and is an experienced fauna spotter with skills in wildlife rehabilitation. She has conducted flora and fauna surveys across a diverse range of habitats from Cape York to the South East Queensland, often in remote and challenging environments.

Amelia’s project experience includes trapping and radiotracking of endangered mammals species. She also has well developed skills in vegetation monitoring and bio-condition assessments as well as first aid and 4WD skills. Amelia has also completed dog handler training in the detection of fauna.

“One of my most enjoyable projects was working with dogs at Saddler Springs assisting specialists in the detection of Northern Quolls on the Mt Emerald Wind Farm project, Walkamin, Atherton tablelands in North Queensland. I’m excited about being part of the CQG team because of the diverse range of projects we work on and the opportunity to learn from other scientists and ecologists in the company who have experience in impact assessments and identifying ways in which to protect environmental values”.

Since 2003 we have helped numerous clients with their environmental permits and approvals, redesigned proposed developments to reduce potential impacts on environmental and cultural values, assisted several local governments post natural disasters and delivered hundreds of practical and innovative solutions.

With staff spread across regional Queensland and clients throughout Australia and South-East Asia  CQG’s brand is well known and highly regarded.

Our success is reflective of our culture, our people, our business suppliers and our trusted  relationships with government agencies and Traditional Owner groups.

Thank you for being part of a network that is keeping Queensland owned firms like CQG stay in business.

Some of our CQG employees spent Sunday morning participating in Clean Up Australia Day with Rockhampton Regional Council. With 2 wheelie bins full and over 8 bags of rubbish collected, in just a small area along our riverbank, we were very happy with our efforts!

CQG’s Andrew Brown (front row orange) back in action with another natural disaster clean-up.

Andrew and CQG’s Jason Edwards & Scott Lucke are helping Townsville City Council with the coordination of local contractors to collect flood damaged goods & waste following the recent devastating floods in the region.

CQG’s Howard Johnston is taking care of the tracking of the collection using GIS mapping. All mapping is updated regularly at https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/community-safety/recovery-information

LAWMAC newsletter August 2018

The LAWMAC Newsletter for August 2018 has just been released! Find it here.

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Article Courtesy of Gladstone Observer

CQG Consulting is proud to now be a part of Femeconomy.

“Companies with female leaders are not only more profitable, which means more opportunity for everyone. But they are less likely to have a gender pay gap, which means more money for the whole family and more workplace flexibility, which helps women and men.”

femeconomy.com

On 8 March 2018, the Queensland Government introduced the Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 to Parliament which proposes to deliver changes to the Vegetation Protection Management Act 1999 (Qld), Planning Act 2016 (Qld), Planning Regulation 2017 (Qld) and Water Act 2000 (Qld).

The Amendment Bill proposes to change some unregulated areas of vegetation (currently mapped as Category X on the Regulated Vegetation Management Maps) to regulated areas subject to an accepted development vegetation clearing code (proposed Categories R or C).

Areas shown as Category X on a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) will continue to be exempt from vegetation management requirements on freehold, indigenous, agricultural and grazing leasehold land.

If the Bill becomes law, the following regulations will be made retrospectively effective from 8 March 2018:

• Category C regulations proposed for high value regrowth on leasehold, freehold and indigenous land and occupational licences; and
• Category R regulations proposed for regrowth riparian vegetation within 50 metres of a watercourse in the Burnett-Mary, Eastern Cape York and Fitzroy Great Barrier Reef catchments.

Additionally, the Amendment Bill will:

• Amend the definition of high value regrowth to be vegetation that has not been cleared for 15 years;
• Reintroduce provisions in the Water Act 2000 (Qld) to require landholders to obtain riverine protection permits for clearing vegetation in a watercourse;
• Provide an option to landholders to request an area mapped as a Category X area to be converted to a Category A area, where the area contains remnant vegetation or high value regrowth vegetation on the ground;
• Remove high value agriculture and irrigated high value agriculture as a relevant purpose under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld). This will remove the ability to apply for a development approval for clearing for high-value and irrigated high-value agriculture, and remove supporting provisions such as relevant purpose decision making criteria;
• Provide enhanced compliance measures that will assist with enforcement of vegetation management laws consistent with other similar contemporary natural resource legislation; and
• Support the implementation of the revised accepted development vegetation clearing codes (accepted development codes) including changes to area management plans.

The Bill will now go through the committee process, with a report due back in parliament by 23 April 2018.

CQG’s Patrice Brown is looking forward to delivering the key note address to SEQWater’s International Womens Day 2018!

Click here to view SEQWater International Womens Day 2018 Gest Speakers

CQG’s Principal Planner Peter Stanley recently joined a delegation led by the Advance Rockhampton General Manager Tony Cullen and Senior Executive for Trade and Investment Young Beamish of the Rockhampton Regional Council to visit Huizhou in Guangdon Province, southern China.  The Council was invited by the Huizhou Municipal Government to send a delegation to join local businesses at the Huizhou Agriculture Expo.

The Council has identified a need to identify and support the development of investment ready agricultural projects and improve irrigation capacity in the region. Council believes that it is necessary for it to take a more direct and prominent role in bringing strategically important projects in priority areas to fruition.

CQG is currently working with the Council to define, assess and document the investment readiness of targeted sub-sectors in the region’s agricultural industry.  The delegation discussed partnership prospects between the two regions to develop horticultural projects, investment potential, and opportunities for information sharing.  The trip provided CQG with a valuable insight into the potential for investment in the region’s agricultural industry from China.

CQG congratulates the Rockhampton Regional Council on this initiative and is pleased to support the Council in its efforts to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy.

Cyclone season is almost upon us again.  It is timely to consider what you can do to prepare your waste operations.

CQG Consulting’s Principle Engineer, Andrew Brown, recently presented at the WasteQ conference in Mackay and told the story of the benefits realised by Mackay Regional Council and Rockhampton Regional Council in their engagement of local civil contractors to collect natural disaster generated wastes and the importance of robust data collection for natural disaster funding applications.

Some of the actions your teams can undertake in the lead up to the cyclone season include:

• Checking and updating your Emergency Response Plan
• Reducing your stockpiles of waste scrap
• Checking and updating your contractor and equipment supply contact list
• Ensuring your induction materials are in place
• Having your internal Council contact lists updated, uploading on internal website and distributed internally
• Check your emergency equipment – pumps, generators, signs, lights, trailers, PPE, etc
• Ensure your signage at remote facilities clearly state what can be accepted and advise that asbestos and hazardous material are not be disposed of at the facility
• Identify on a map your preferred temporary bin and green waste collection sites

If you need assistance with any of the above or setting up for NDRRA reporting contact the team at CQG at admin@cqgroup.com.au or 0419760411.  With staff in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Brisbane and plenty of experience in the coordination of waste management and emergency planning, CQG’s team is readily available to assist.

CQG’s Company Director, Patrice Brown, recently participated in Aurizon’s Sustainability Reporting stakeholder workshop held in Brisbane as a business owner representative from Central Queensland.

The workshop was interactive and covered a range of matters.  See the full report in the following link and CQG’s comment on page 9.

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Our founder and Company Director Patrice Brown won the Queensland State titles at the Brisbane City Hall for the Owner/Entrepreneur category in the Australian Leadership Awards for the Institute of Managers and Leaders.

Under Patrice’s leadership our team is committed to leading the way through working with clients to find smarter ways to solve challenges and to influence where we can, sustainable economic developments.

We are proud of our  passion for regional Queensland, our inclusive culture and our team spirit that underpins how we do business.

Patrice will be traveling to Sydney in early October to represent Queensland Owners/Entrepreneurs in the National finals.

CQG proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the 2017 Gladstone Engineering Alliance Major Industry Conference.

The 14th GEA Major Industry Conference is shaping up to be an important event for Central Queensland and now is the time to get your ticket to have direct access to project managers and CEOs with more than $500m+ in project tenders available. #CQSupplyChain #GladstoneAustraliasFuture

The conference is renowned as the event for obtaining the most current and in-depth information on project updates and supplier opportunities delivered directly from project managers and top procurement professionals.

Speakers at this year’s conference represent the region’s major industries, infrastructure providers and planners and leaders in the mineral processing and mining industry. The conference provides a forum for these proponents to showcase their project quantum, timeline and contacts.

With over $500M+ projects and tenders available, come and hear from industry professionals, CEOs and managers like Moreton Resources CEO Jason Elks (South Burnett Coal Project), Carbine Resources CEO Tony James (Mt Morgan Gold and Copper Project), Adani General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Business Development Muthuraj Guruswamy (Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project), Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Peter O’Sullivan (East Shores Stage 1B Project), Gladstone Foundation Chair Tim Griffin with CQU Associate Professor Owen Nevin (Community Health Precinct Project), Gladstone Area Water Board chief operating officer John Tumbers ($35M worth of projects), Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane, and special guest speaker and MC for the day, influential futurist and media commentator Dr Keith Suter with more speakers to be announced soon.

The 2017 GEA Major Industry Conference, Thursday, October 12, at the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre – Presented by MIPEC.

To complement the day and to celebrate industry and business in Central Queensland, don’t forget to also purchase your tickets to the GEA Gala Dinner and Industry Awards night held on the evening of the conference.

Tickets: gea.asn.au

CQG further strengthened our ties in Singapore as part of Townsville Enterprise’ Business Delegation in early September.

Meetings and functions with the High Commissioner, Austrade, TIQ, JCU and Singaporean companies wanting to do business in Queensland and with Queensland businesses in the ASEAN region was the key focus.

Our Company Director was thrilled to have had the opportunity to travel with other like minded entrepreneurial businesses as well as tour Singapore’s PSA port, one of the busiest container ports in the world!

CQG’s Principal Engineer Andrew Brown discussing the progress of Lakes Creek Road Landfill “piggy back” project with Rockhampton Recycling and Waste Reduction (RRWR’s) Craig Dunglison.  Back filling on the existing landfill site will save ratepayers millions of dollars compared to alternatives.

Andrew was instrumental in this concept which has been driven by RRWR’s team.

Prominent Rockhampton businesswoman and entrepreneur, Patrice Brown has recently been appointed to the Queensland Premier’s Business Advisory Council.

Patrice is a Corporate Environmental Advisor with 30 years’ experience in environmental impact assessments and environmental management in a range of sectors.  In 2003, she successfully established CQG Consulting as one of regional Queensland’s leading environmental, planning and engineering consultancies, with staff in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Brisbane and Mackay.

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Article Courtesy of CQUniversity

CQG Consulting’s (CQG) accredited team of disaster recovery waste management specialists are on standby to assist local governments across Queensland with post cyclone Debbie clean up.

The experienced team was commended for the expertise and essential support they provided local councils following Cyclone Marcia in 2015, working around the clock to strategically manage and implement disaster recovery waste management. To learn more about the services our dedicated team of specialists are on standby to provide, please contact 0419 760 411 or email us at patrice.brown@cqgroup.com.au or Mitch Crane at mitch.crane@cqgroup.com.au

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With hundreds of millimetres of rainfall blanketing the Queensland east coast CQG has been responding to multiple requests for rain event monitoring and sampling release waters.  Are you in need of assistance with monitoring your site waters,  responding to rain related incidents or developing systems for stormwater management?  Please contact us today for a quote.

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CQG’s Patrice Brown was out and about in the region this week catching up with the movers and shakers in Queensland while the State politicians were in CQ.

CQG Consulting (a proud partner of the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership) attended the release of the Gladstone Harbour Report Card 2016 on Wednesday 2 February 2017. CQG goes beyond consulting, we stand beside our clients and the government as financial members of Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership and the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health to help protect water quality in this region.

Full details of the Report Card can be found here on the partnerships website http://ghhp.org.au/report-cards/2016.  

Andrew Brown was the guest speaker at the Institute of Quarrying Australia dinner meeting held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on the 10th November 2016.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drones and their potential applications in the quarrying industry was the hot topic. Andrew also gave some environmental compliance tips for those who attended the event.

November is Asbestos Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and where asbestos materials could be found within your home or business.  Homeowners and tenants, do you know if your home contains asbestos?  Businesses and landlords, are you aware of your responsibilities when it comes to  managing asbestos?

 Find out more about asbestos at asbestosawareness.com.au and deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos. You can also contact CQG for professional assistance from our certified asbestos assessors.

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CQG Consulting were proud to be nominated in the local Capricornia Business Awards 2016 and would like to congratulate all the businesses that participated and won.

Presentation at the 2016 Queensland Event from the 2016 Winner of the Queensland Entrepreneur Award, Patrice Brown.

View video on YouTube

The article provided an opportunity for local business in the Gladstone region to showcase their staff.

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Article Courtesy of the Gladstone Observer

What a fantastic night at the Brisbane City Hall, where we celebrated exceptional Queensland business women.

Winners of the 2016 Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Awards are:

• Entrepreneur Award: Patrice Brown from CQG Consulting
• For Purpose and Social Enterprise Award: Penelope Twemlow from Energy Skills Queensland
• Public Sector and Academia Award: Inspector Virginia Nelson from Queensland Police Service
• Corporate & Private Award: Tracey Vieira from Screen Queensland
• Young Business Women’s Award: Pixie Weyand from The Lost Collective

And the 2016 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year is… Tracey Vieira from Screen Queensland!

Congratulations to all the winners. We will see you at the National Awards next month.

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Article Courtesy of Telstra Business Women's Awards

Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) has recognised three local individuals for their contributions to Gladstone industry with the presentation of the annual GEA Industry Awards.

At their annual Gala Dinner GEA presented the Forty Calis Memorial, the Wayne Peachey Memorial and the GEA Industry Hall of Fame awards.

GEA CEO Carli Homann said the awards each represented different values important to the success of the Gladstone supply chain.

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Article Courtesy of GEA

CQUniversity’s interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Hilary Winchester and alumnus Patrice Brown have both been announced as finalists in the Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards for Queensland.

Professor Hilary Winchester is Provost and Acting Vice-Chancellor at CQUniversity and champions widening participation in academia through the universities programs in regional Australia.

Professor Winchester is a finalist for the Public Sector and Academia Award.

Also named as a finalist in the Entrepreneur category, is CQUniversity alumnus and Rockhampton based entrepreneur, Patrice Brown, director of CQG Consulting.

Ms Brown graduated from CQUniversity in 1992 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Chem) before going on to establish CQG Consulting.

As well as being known as a leading Corporate Environmental Advisor with over 25 years’ experience in industrial and environmental management, she is also a member of the Central Queensland University Council.

Telstra Business Women’s Awards Ambassador, Group Executive, Media and Chief Marketing Officer Joe Pollard said that Queensland women are changing the way we do business, one brilliant business woman at a time.

“Now in their 22nd year, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards champion women from diverse industries, ensuring their achievements are given the recognition they deserve and continue to raise the profile of women in business,” Ms Pollard said.

“The 2016 Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Awards finalists demonstrate the unique combination of skills required for professional excellence: the courage to take risks, sound financial management, strong leadership skills and of course, sophisticated business acumen allowing them to thrive.”

Winners of the 2016 Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Brisbane City Hall on October 14.

One of Queensland’s well known environmental practitioners Patrice (Purcell) Brown MEIANZ CEnvP is a proud finalist in the 2016 Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Awards in the entrepreneur category.

With almost 30 years’ experience in environmental management and impact assessment, Patrice is an advocate for EIANZ, the CEnvP scheme and mentoring young professionals.

She is the company director of CQG Consulting, an environmental, planning and engineering consultancy she established over 13 years ago. Patrice is also a founding director/owner of two start-ups: Northern Ventures, a company that supports Aboriginal groups to achieve economic independence and Fortitude Infrastructure Development, a company formed to deliver green technologies. Patrice is also a director on the CQUniversity Council and the Gladstone Area Water Board and, with her siblings, runs their 2,800 hectare cattle property “Yatton” north of Marlborough.

Her early passion for education and success was encouraged by her parents the late John Purcell (OAM) and Miriam Croser who themselves took on and survived the challenges faced by many rural businesses including droughts, cattle prices, fuel costs and ever increasing legislative changes. Patrice presented to UNESCO during their mission to assess the management of the Great Barrier Reef and was one of 17 CEOs who accompanied the former Federal Minister for Trade, Andrew Robb on a trade mission to Canada last year.

Patrice and the other two entrepreneur finalists will find out on 14 October who will win this category for Queensland at a Gala Dinner event in Brisbane.

We wish Patrice the best of luck.

“Environmental practitioners have a critical role in Australia to ensure the incorporation of science and facts in decision making which can affect the sustainability of our natural environment and our economic future:

Patrice Brown Meianz cenvp

This year CQG Consulting are proud to be sponsoring the 13th Annual Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) Major Industry Conference, Gala Dinner and Industry Awards.

The conference has become known as Central Queensland’s premier industry event and we would encourage you to attend to engage with market leaders and industry specialists, learn about future opportunities in the resources sector and promote your business to potential clients.

This year’s conference will deliver stimulating content from a line-up of high calibre speakers along with industry and economic experts including:

• Craig James, Chief Economist for Commsec
• Duncan Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer for Casper Energy
• Amy Greene, Manager Economic Policy for Queensland Resources Council
• Mike O’Brien, Project Director for Metro Mining
• Tim Dwyer, Business Coach from Shirlaws Australia
• Peter Trim, District Director (Fitzroy), Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Allan Brown, Cargo Handling Operations General Manager for Gladstone Ports Corporation
• Mark Holmes, Chief Financial Officer, Gladstone Regional Council
• Gladstone Area Water Board

To register simply visit GEA’s website at www.gea.asn.au or contact GEA on 07 4972 9060. We look forward to seeing you there.

This award will be awarded to an entrepreneur/s who has displayed outstanding accomplishments.

Our Company Director Patrice Brown has been nominated for the Forty Calis Memorial Award for the second year in a row, one of three awards introduced by Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) in 2011.

The Forty Calis Memorial Award, recognises the achievements of individuals who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit to gain business success in the engineering and support sector.

This award will be awarded to an entrepreneur/s who has displayed outstanding accomplishments.

From Mabo, Native Title, Recognition and Treaty to mention of war-time expansionism, sporting mateship and even the Eurovision Song Contest, this week’s Reconciliation Week forum at CQUniversity Rockhampton North was a heady brew of ideas.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, CQUni’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Chair in Indigenous Engagement, kicked off with an ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ and ‘Overview of Reconciliation’.

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Article Courtesy of CQUniversity

A state-owned statutory water board says it is confident the Federal Government will see the business case for investing in the Rookwood Weir in central Queensland.

The Coalition has pledged to invest up to $130 million for the project on the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton, if the economic case stacks up.

Patrice Brown from the Gladstone Area Water Board said there had already been comprehensive analysis.

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Article Courtesy of ABC News