It was a pleasure to be invited to the Dayboro Debutante Ball.  My family and I enjoyed the Ball and were overwhelmed by all the beautiful ladies and their proud families.

Thank you for inviting me to such a fantastic event, I think I can safely say that a good time was had by all.
SOLAR HOT WATER PROGRAM
Installations under the Bligh Government’s Queensland Solar Hot Water Program have begun following the appointment of the Program’s first supplier.
The Government has entered into a Standing Offer Arrangement with Conergy Australia, while negotiations continue with other shortlisted suppliers.
We aim to roll out up to 200,000 solar hot water systems over the next three years for just $500 for eligible Queenslanders and $100 for eligible pensioners.
This program can not only save Queenslander’s up to $300 a year on a typical electricity bill, but will also contribute to our Toward Q2 goal of reducing Queensland’s carbon footprint by one-third by 2010.
This program relies on the Federal Government’s solar rebate and to be eligible applicants must be able to claim this Federal assistance.  This program is a major industry development initiative designed to help industry meet the future demand that will be created by the phase-out of electric storage hot water systems for 2010.
With the first supplier on board, we are now in a position to begin matching successful applicants with installers in their local area.
This program aims to triple the current rate of solar hot water installations in Queensland and share this opportunity for growth across a panel of suppliers.
The invitation to Offer process will be regularly re-opened to provide companies with new opportunities to become involved in the program.
The Office of Clean Energy is also investigating ways of linking smaller installation businesses with suppliers to help spread work across the industry.
All products installed under the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program are tested and certified as meeting relevant Australian Standards.
Over the next few weeks the Office of Clean Energy will contact approved applicants to provide them with the contact details of their supplier and the next steps they need to take.
The Office of Clean Energy has already received more than 10,000 completed applications and more than 40,000 registrations of interest from Queenslanders wanting to participate in the program.
The Queensland Solar Hot Water Program is targeted at early replacement of electric storage hot water systems in existing homes to help curb greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland.
Queenslanders must be eligible for Federal assistance and be willing to reimburse to the Queensland Government the Commonwealth’s $1600 solar hot water rebate.
We are only targeting one sector of the Queensalnd hot water industry - this program is not available for new homes, commercial or emergency replacements, or homes with existing solar or gas hot water systems.
Information about the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program is available from my office by ringing 3205 6779 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
INSTALLING ROOF INSULATION CORRECTLY WILL REDUCE DOWNLIGHT FIRE RISK
Downlights are one of the most popular design elements in homes today but builders and renovators need to be aware that extra care should be taken when installing roof insulation around light fixtures to avoid fire hazards.
Since 2001 there have been 29 fires caused by electrical lamps and lights in Queensland - six of which can be attributed to insulation material covering a light fitting.
The safety message comes as a timely reminder as the Australian Government offers free ceiling insulation to all Australian home owner-occupiers of currently uninsulated homes.
Downlights don’t need to be a fire hazard if insulation around downlights is installed correctly and the correct method of installing insulation around downlights is set out in Australian Standard AS 3999.
Reducing the risk of fire can be relatively simple, but it’s important that homeowners understand the differences between the insulation products that are available.
Special guards are required around downlights and should be regularly checked to ensure they haven’t moved.
Preferably, fully enclosed downlight covers should be installed.
When insulation is correctly installed it is the single most effective way of improving energy efficiency in the home and makes home life much more comfortable.
When properly installed, insulation is a low cost, safe and beneficial material that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers heating and cooling bills.
For more information about insulation visit
www.deir.qld.gov.au/electricalsafety/workaround/downlights/index.htm