ECONOMIC pressure on Australian coal companies is actually sparking greater innovation within local service industries, according to WDS Energy Drilling & Completions.

Innovation comes into play with coal industry seeing a slowdown. Image: Tourism Queensland.

WDS's general manager, Declan Rooney said the mining business landscape was undergoing enormous change because of cost pressures, but that was turning out to have a longer term effect on sustainability.

"Australia's coal industry is doing it tough and controlling costs is a top priority but there is a silver lining," Mr Rooney said.

"Miners are looking for integrated suppliers in a highly competitive market so service industries and contractors are becoming more efficient and productive.

"We have responded with the introduction of our Earth to Energy concept which offers a whole suite of world-class services, allowing them to focus on their core business."

The company has trademarked its Earth to Energy concept, which focuses on listening to customers and partnering with them to come up with cost-effective services that do not sacrifice quality, according to Mr Rooney.

"For example, we have recently introduced new drilling technologies, a seismic service and reviewed our cost structures to make sure we're supporting the miners during this tough time."

Operations manager Doug Henderson said WDS Energy Drilling & Completions found adaptation was the key to dealing with a soft market.

"Our drilling business works closely with other parts of the WDS Limited group providing pipelines, fabrication, gas drainage and field services to make sure we can offer our customers a one-stop shop," Mr Henderson said.

"We have to be able to support projects from feasibility stage through development, production and site rehabilitation.

"Value for money is more important than ever but that's pushing contractors to be astute and inventive."

WDS is an Australian integrated provider of specialist development, design, engineering, construction, fabrication and maintenance services to the resources and infrastructure sectors.

www.wdslimited.com.au

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INVESTA LAND has started work on a $75 million Super Retail Group (SRG) warehouse distribution facility at its New Base Business Park at Brendale, north of Brisbane.

Super Retail Group's brands, such as BCF and Supercheap Auto, will move into a new era of distribution throuygh a state-of-the-art new hub north of Brisbane.

SRG CEO, Peter Birtles, said the new facility was part of the group's ongoing expansion, with the goal of becoming one of the five largest retailers in Australasia, taking in brands including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, Amart Sports, Ray's Outdoors and Goldcross Cycles. About 220 people will be employed at the completion of SRG's 50,000sqm facility.

"We are pleased to make this investment in Brisbane's northern corridor, which will generate growth opportunities for SRG and our associated businesses and partners," Mr Birtles said.

"Investa has been highly supportive of our expansion needs and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship across our operations."

Peter Birtles, Super Retail Group CEO.

About 400 jobs will be created during the construction and fitout at New Base Business Park.

The 10.5 hectare site on which the SRG hub is located has been acquired by Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Company's Australian Logistics Property Fund, which will build, own and manage the facility.

Welcoming the development, Investa Land CEO Cameron Holt said it marked a major milestone for the 85ha master planned estate, which was quickly becoming a key part of the industrial market on Brisbane's northside.

"Super Retail Group is one of Australia's top 10 corporate retailers, with its leading brands including BCF Boating Camping Fishing, Rebel and Supercheap Auto," Mr Holt said. "Since its founding in 1972, the Queensland-based group has grown to become a leading specialty retailer with operations in Australia and overseas.

"Importantly, the group was established in the same area by Reg and Hazel Rowe and we are very proud to welcome it back, at Investa's premium fully serviced business park."

Brendale's largest industrial development, the strategically located business precinct is the main industrial node servicing north Brisbane.

The site is situated within 24km of Brisbane Airport precinct and the CBD and serviced by three major arterial roads in the second-fastest growing council area in Australia, Mr Holt said.

Justin Sherlock, the development manager for New Base Business Park, said the site was perfectly suited to transport, logistic and retail distribution users such as SRG.

 "SRG is a perfect anchor tenant and demonstrates New Base's ability to attract blue-chip companies," Mr Sherlock said.

"New Base is rapidly becoming the industrial location of choice on the northside, with its range of flexible space solutions for smaller firms to major international businesses."

Super Retail Group is a Queensand Leaders partner, the orgnaisation fostering the next generation of leading companies headquartered in Queensland. Mr Birtles is also a Queensland Leaders board member.

www.superretailgroup.com.au

www.investa.com.au

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