The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18, Issue 3

Ambassador

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Indonesian Ambassador, Siswo Pramono discusses the history of the Mount Morgan Mine hooter during his visit to the town on Thursday, 22 February 2024.

It was an auspicious occasion on Thursday, 22 February 2024 when the Indonesian Ambassador, Mr Siswo Pramono visited Mount Morgan’s Historical Musuem.

The visit recognises the important role Jakarta-based mining technology company, GreenGold Technology, has played in recommissioning the Mount Morgan Mine.

The Ambassador was given a brief tour of the Museum whereby volunteer Lyn Toby spoke about her and Mount Morgan’s Gangulu ancestors. This was followed by a brief tour through the museum led

by Gwen Scott, before the group was given a traditional welcome by Rosie Hoffman-Toby and a smoking ceremony by “Flip” Toby. (pictured left).

The Ambassador’s entourage included Mukhamad Najib (Professor - Education Attache) and Winandriyo Kun Anggianto - Second Secretary Economic Affairs).

Heritage Minerals (who instigated the invitation) were represented by Malcolm Paterson and Mount Morgan Mine Manager, Shane Charlton.

“Indonesian investment in the Queensland mining and METS sector is growing, including in copper, gold and coal,” Mr Charlton said.

“Two-way trade links between Australia and Indonesia are a top bilateral priority,” he said.

After visiting the mine site, the ambassador joined Heritage Minerals in a panel discussion in Brisbane on trade and investment links in relation to the battery metals value chain.

The ambassador also took the opportunity to call on the Rockhampton mayor, Tony Williams, and also meet with Central Queensland University.

Ambassador Pramono, participates in the smoking ceremony.

Museum volunteers with the visiting dignatories.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER

The Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right to alter, omit, reclassify or postpone publication of articles, photographs or advertisements in the Mount Morgan Argus. MMPAD takes all possible care with the publication of news, names and other information sourced by MMPAD representatives. It does not, however, take responsibility for erroneous information or spelling supplied by external sources. Please take care and ensure that information is correct and names are spelt correctly before submitting any items to this publication. MMPAD Executive

Bringing Mirani To Mount Morgan

After months of promising to open an office in Mount Morgan, Mirani MP, Stephen Andrew has delivered, officially opening the office on Tuesday, 20 2024.

Delays caused the opening of the Office to take longer than expected.

The new electorate office will help service the southern half of the 72,534 km2 Mirani electorate.

The new office, located in the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms (18 Morgan Street) will initally be open between 9 am and 2 pm each Tuesday.

Further dates and times will be published in due course.

Mr Andrew said residents in the southern part of the Mirani Electorate would not need to drive as far to visit one of his offices.

“The electorate starts from Raglan Creek to the south, Gogango to the west, Stanage Bay to the east and Eungella to the north whilst taking in all the towns and regional localities in between,” Mr Andrew said.

An Assistant Electorate Officer, Dana Answer, has been appointed and is currently scheduling community meetings.

To schedule an appointment to discuss concerns phone 0436 009 181.

Boulder Creek Wind Farm moves closer

Development at the Boulder Creek Wind Farm is set to commence in mid-2024 with pre-construction works such as road upgrades, starting earlier.

Construction is expected to take up to 36 months. The project will support local economic development including generating up to 300 jobs during peak construction.

Current land is pastoral land use with predominantly cattle grazing which will continue after construction of the project.

The Boulder Creek Wind Farm will be situated approximately 5 km west of Mount Morgan and 40km Southwest of Rockhampton. (See location map).

The project has both State and Commonwealth approvals in place to enable the development to progress. The first stage of the project will include the construction of 38 turbines with a capacity of 229MW.

An Industry Briefing Session held in Rockhampton on 31 January, 2024 provided an opportunity for businesses within the Rockhampton Regional Council area to become involved.

While throughout the “windfarm” journey several

Left to right – David Burgess (Aula Energy), Angus Russell (Advance Rockhampton), Mayor Tony Williams (Rockhampton Regional Council) and Harriet King (Aula Energy). Photo: Advance Rockhampton.

companies have been involved, it will be Aula Energy who will develop the project.

Aula Energy is a new Australian-headquartered renewable energy business dedicated to developing, building and operating onshore renewable energy projects across Australia.

Current Status

Land, Environmental & Planning

• State and Federal Government development approvals have been obtained.

• Working on addressing and complying with consent conditions (management plans, traffic etc).

Grid Connection

• Grid connection application submitted and well progressed, working

through connection agreements with Powerlink Construction

• Ongoing engagement and working with both Darumbal People and Gaangalu Nation People on cultural heritage considerations.

• Preliminary construction readiness and planning activities are being undertaken (e.g. surveys, geotech).

• Head contractor discussions commenced and engagement with local subcontractors planned as soon as a decision has been made.

Some of the key components of the project include developing site access, access tracks turbine foundations, turbine hardstands and internal overhead line.

An electrical facility to collect electricity from wind turbines to allow for connection into existing Powerlink 275kV powerlines (fully contained on site) will also be developed.

Some of the early works include local road upgrade, tree and vegetation clearing, temporary facilities and accommodation camp establishment and site drainage and erosion control.

SES PERSONNEL IN PROFILE BRAYDEN SEALY

Hearing sirens and pagers go off at all hours of the day and night is nothing new to Brayden, as his family has been involved with SES and Fire Brigade all his life. Brayden has chosen to follow in the footsteps of his parents and his uncle by joining SES.

Brayden joined the Mount Morgan SES in 2020 and has been learning new skills by completing mandatory training courses such as First Aid, Lighting/generators, Knots and Ropes, Storm Damage Operations, Communications plus many more. He also holds the qualification for Traffic Control, Working Safely at Heights and Chainsaw Operations and is working towards holding other high-risk qualifications. Brayden holds the rank of Field Operations, but is currently acting in the position of Deputy Group Leader.

Brayden said he joined the SES to help the community and to make new friends. He regularly attends training nights and weekly fundraising raffles as well as attending many community events and information days to disseminate disaster preparedness and recruitment information to the public. He has attended many activations over the years, which were mainly storm damage related after severe hailstorms hit the town and traffic control at bush fires and traffic accidents. Brayden said when he gets a message to report to headquarters, he wonders what they are going to and who may be involved, if it is a family member or someone else, he knows.

Brayden becomes concerned when attending activations as he said, “you never really know what you are going to, situations can change in an instant and you must be alert and prepared”.

This concrete structure will support the wind turbine tower. It will be largely buried with backfill._

From Gladstone to the Gemfields, Moore Park Beach to Mount Morgan, Baffle Creek to Biloela and Alton Downs to Agnes Water, regional telecommunications would have to be one of the biggest issues in the Flynn electorate no matter where you live.

In 2024, telecommunications have never been more important.

I often hear from small business owners that are losing money because their EFTPOS machine, network systems and mobile networks are down.

Many constituents have told me that banks and government departments have gone solely digital. Yet when many customers try to complete transactions or documents online, two-factor authentication is required. They are not able to complete these requests in regional Australia as often the two-factor messages do not come through.

There are further issues with the winding down the use of cheques across the banking system, with federal departments to use other payment methods by 2028. A goal has been set to end the use of cheques completely in 2030.

The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review is examining the adequacy of telecommunications in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia.

I haven written to the committee asking them to visit the Flynn electorate and hear from affected stakeholders.

I encourage businesses and residents to provide feedback about their views and experiences using telecommunications services to the committee as I, for one, know that the big telecommunications companies are letting us down.

Last week, I called for a Senate Inquiry into regional telecommunications.

Telstra is under a service obligation that they are not meeting and not acknowledging. The performance

criteria based on fixed-line and payphone standards and benchmarks made was under the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.

This criterion was made over 20 years ago and has not been changed to reflect the use of modern-day telecommunications.Mobile and internet reception is required daily to complete the most basic of tasks.

Telecommunications are also so critical in regional Australia for several reasons. Including distance and isolation, access to services, economic development, educations and skills development, healthcare access, emergency and disaster management, community connectivity and tourism and regional development.

The recent bushfires in Central Queensland have highlighted the fact that telecommunications are not only critical but unreliable and severely lacking. Regional telecommunications are not a matter of families being able to watch Netflix every night, rather a matter of making a call in a life and death situation. Things needs to change and it’s time the big telecommunications companies start putting people before profit. Submitted by Colin Boyce, MHR.

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE NEEDED

Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Explore Centre

Do you have an interest in local history? Or perhaps would like to be involved in town promotions? Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc would like to warmly welcome all interested individuals to become a part of the team! Workforce Australia and Centrelink Mutual Obligations also available. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Eve-lyn at MMPAD on 4938 2312 or email mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au.

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB

THANKFUL – It is with great appreciation we extend a massive thank you to Taylor Builders for their generous donation of Besser blocks to the club. We will be using them to shore up areas as part of the wheelchair access to St Enoch’s, as well as within the Pioneer Garden design.

The ramps have arrived, and our materials order is placed, so some work will be commencing at the rear as availability of our working bee members allow.

If you have a trade or skills we may be able to use, or even energy and muscle and would like to contribute to bringing this building back from decay, please get in touch.

DANCE - Saint Paddy’s Dance, 7pm Saturday, 23 March at The Soldiers Rooms Hall at 18 Morgan St, Mount Morgan. Wear Green! Raffles, lucky door prize, bar open. $10 adults and $3 children….all ages are welcome!

Music generously provided by Capricornia Dance Exchange, who have been passionate supporters of so many of our dances, and bring the fun, with impromptu dance classes, traditional, ethnic, and contempory music, as well as the odd novelty moment for a laugh!

CONTACT DETAILS

SOLDIERS ROOMS - Hall Bookings 0419 605 662. Email-mountmorgansoldiersrooms@gmail.com Facebook Page – Mount Morgan Soldiers Rooms

ARTS PRECINCT: Email- mountmorganartsprecinct@ gmail.com Facebook Page - Mount Morgan Arts Precinct.

DEE RIVER OLDIES

If you have moved to Mount Morgan or been here awhile and aged over 50 years come along to the Dee River Oldies Musical Morning Tea on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024. We welcome new and existing members. There is no cost for membership.

Listen to some favourite songs while enjoying a cuppa and some delicious morning tea. The cost on the day is $5. There will be a lucky door and raffle prizes. It starts at 10 am and is held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan (Behind the Anglican Church).

You can pay your bus money of $50 at the Morning Tea to secure your seat for our bus trip down to Bauhinia House for the St Patrick Day celebrations. The bus leaves the bus stop in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan on Friday, 15 March, 2024 at 8.30 am. Morning Tea will be served on arrival and let us know what you

want for lunch. You have the choice of Irish stew OR cold meat and salad.

Members are looking forward to the day out listening to the Irish music and joining in the celebrations.

Getting our members out and about is what we like to do. Come along to our meetings and bring your ideas to the table.

Check out 'Save the Date' on the back page of the Argus for the dates and times for our meetings, morning teas and bus trip.

Stay happy and healthy.

The Steering Committee -Carol Glover 4938 1995 and Colleen Constable 0427 161 131.

MOUNT MORGAN MULTI PURPOSE HEALTH SERVICE NEWS

CAN Renewal Process: Next year our CAN Renewal Process is due to be conducted. The exact format of this is yet to be decided. Please keep an eye on upcoming editions of The Argus for more information.

Wound Care Clinic: Clinic is on Monday to Friday from 8:30am and weekends/public holidays from 10am. Bookings required, please phone 4912 5100.

Pathology: Monday to Friday only. Phone 4912 5100 for appointments.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Mondays and Wednesdays each week. Clients may self-refer, however it is preferrable to have a GP Referral.

Child Health Nurse: Clinic is on each Wednesday. Phone 4912 5100 for appointments.

Immunisation Clinic: First and third Tuesdays each month. Bookings required, ph 4912 5100.

Dental Clinic: Mondays only. All appointments are made by phoning Rockhampton Oral Health on 4920 6212 or for emergencies only 1300 782 413.

Diabetic Clinic: Clinic is on the first and third Friday each month. Referral and appointments required.

Podiatry: First and third Thursdays each month. Only clients with chronic conditions and a Doctor’s referral are able to access this clinic.

Respiratory Nurse: First Thursday each month. Appointments are made directly with the clinician at SACCR (ph 4930 9009).

Mobile Women’s Health: Please phone 4912 5100 to make an appointment.

Pharmacy: The price for a general script for those clients with a concession card has risen to $7.70 per item.

Our facility has the services of a Pharmacist, who visits from Rockhampton Hospital twice a week.

Continued on Page 13

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

Rockhampton Regional Council invites local community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and sporting groups planning an event or local project to apply for round two of the 2023/24 Community Assistance Program.

The Community Assistance Program offers financial support for community activities, initiatives, and projects that deliver a positive outcome for the entire community.

During the previous round, Council allocated over $55,000 and proudly supported 20 local organisations to deliver 24 diverse projects and events.

Whether you’re envisioning a community development project, an environmental initiative, or a

MMMPHS News from Page 12

On the other days a tele-pharmacy service is available.

When a client presents to our Hospital it is best practice to ask them for their medication history. A print out of their medication history, particularly for those clients on multiple medications is encouraged.

Our Pharmacist can then engage in meaningful and informed discussions with the Client and the Medical Staff.

Various smart phones do have apps available that will track medications. Please check with your phone provider.

Have something you need printed? or laminated?

Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.

local event that fosters community spirit, there are a variety of different categories to choose from including:

• Community Development Grants

• Environmental and Sustainability Grants

• Local Community Events Sponsorship

• Regional Community Events Sponsorship

To apply, simply visit Council’s website and submit your application. Please ensure you

review the eligibility criteria and requirements before submitting your application.

Council strongly encourages local organisations, irrespective of size, to apply in the second round and fully utilise this excellent funding opportunity.

Applications for round two close on Monday 26 February 2024.

For more information about Council’s Community Assistance Program and how to apply, please contact Council on 4936 8368 or visit our website.

LIBRARY NEWS

Rockhampton Libraries year of success is one for the books

Rockhampton Regional Libraries are embarking on another exciting year following a record-breaking 2023, where participation in library events and loans soared to new heights!

Libraries not only saw an increase in overall loans and visits, but a remarkable increase in community engagement with library programs and events.

In 2023, our four library branches welcomed nearly 240,000 physical and online visits, with over 436,900 items loaned to members and nearly 68,000 reference and readers’ advisory queries answered by staff.

The surge in attendance reflects the libraries' success in fostering a safe, welcoming environment for community learning and engagement.

Courtney Abell, a loyal library member since 2016, expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing improvements in library programs, facilities, and resources, which continuously adapt to meet the needs of the community.

“I have been visiting the library frequently since the birth of my first son, participating in activities under the First Five Forever program, enjoying music sessions, taking part in computer courses, and activities during school holidays,” Ms Abell said.

“The library has provided a fun and interactive space to hang out with other parents and their children. I’ve particularly enjoyed getting to know other mums and their kids at sing-a-long story time sessions which has created many positive memories and friendships.”

In 2023, the diverse array of programs and events offered by the libraries attracted over 57,000 participants, across almost 1000 activities, marking an impressive 226.42% increase from the previous year in 2022.

Long term library member, David Sloan said his wife and family have been utilising Council’s libraries since their arrival to Rockhampton in 1996.

“When my grandchildren were young, my daughter and I would take them to baby time classes. Grandparents like myself had a wonderful time getting to know others in the group, making friends, and sharing experiences,” Mr Sloan said.

“There is so much to do at the libraries, from a foyer full of books for sale, to tables set up with chess, draughts, and checkers, a variety of books, resources, and courses available, and even a huge jigsaw for anyone to add pieces, there is something for everyone at the library.”

Rockhampton Regional Libraries' commitment to

early literacy through the First 5 Forever program achieved significant milestones in 2023, with 480 new member packs distributed to families with young children. First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.

Additionally, the Libraries extended their outreach efforts by distributing 175 kits of free books to local businesses and organizations, expanding the reach of literacy initiatives beyond the library's walls.

The Mount Morgan Library recorded these statistics from the International Book Giving Day on 14 February 2024:

• 70 books distributed (66% increase in books distributed in February last year)

• 91 parents/bubs/others attended (54% increase in attendance to event from last Feb)

These figures underscore the vital role of libraries as dynamic community spaces, offering residents opportunities to borrow books, engage in learning, connect with others, and participate in various activities, whether in person or virtually.

Council is eager to build upon this success, further enhancing the cultural, recreational and educational landscape of our region in the years to come. Joining the Rockhampton Regional libraries is free! To become a member, contact our team at 4936 8043, visit your local library, or explore our website for more information.

Above: David Sloan and Courtney Abell.

MAY 21: Well Women’s Clinic - Phone 4912 5100 for bookings.

MAY 25: Hillbilly Hoedown - Western themed dance at Soldiers’ Rooms. 7 pm start.

JUN 8: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

JUN 9: Country Music afternoon 12 noon till 4 pm. Raffles, Lucky Door. Adults $10, children $3. Bar operating. Light refreshments available. Soldiers’ Rooms - Morgan Street.

JUL 13: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

JUN 29: Red Carpet: Hollywood Glamour at Soldiers’ Rooms. 7 pm start.

JUL 30 : Well Women’s Clinic - Phone 4912 5100 for bookings.

AUG 10: Mount Morgan Show. Mount Morgan Showgrounds.

Trash and Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Bags of clothing $5. Any donations please phone Margaretta 0428 179 604

MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH

Meets every third Monday at the Green Shed Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.

FEB 28: Dee River Oldies Group - Musical Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes. New and existing members welcome.

FEB 29: Mount Morgan RSL Sub-Branch 4pm to 7pm Social meet for members, service people & family. Chat, support, & raffles.

MAR 1: World Day of Prayer. Uniting Church, East Street, Mount Morgan 10 am. All welcome.

MAR 9: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

MAR 12: Well Women’s Clinic - Phone 4912 5100 for bookings.

MAR 14: Mount Morgan RSL Sub-Branch 4pm to 7pm Social meet for members, service people & family. Chat, support, & raffles.

MAR 15: Dee River Oldies Group - Bus Trip to Bauhinia House for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Bus leaves at 8.30 am from the bus stop in Morgan Street. Cost is $50 which includes Morning Tea and Lunch. Money to be paid at the February Morning Tea on 20 February 2024.

MAR 17: Country Music afternoon 12 noon till 4 pm. Raffles, Lucky Door. Adults $10, children $3. Bar operating. Light refreshments available. Soldiers’ Rooms - Morgan Street.

MAR 19: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).

MAR 23: Saint Paddy’s theme dance at Soldiers’ Rooms. 7 pm start.

MAR 24: CQ Junior Sand Green Championships, Mount Morgan Golf Club, starts 8.30 am.

MAR 27: Dee River Oldies Group: - Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes. New and existing members welcome.

APR 7: CQ Men’s & Ladies Sand Green Championships 8.30 am. Shotgun Start.

APR 13: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

APR 14: Country Music afternoon 12 noon till 4 pm. Raffles, Lucky Door. Adults $10, children $3. Bar operating. Light refreshments available. Soldiers’ Rooms - Morgan Street.

APR 27: Mods & Rockers 1960’s themed dance at Soldiers’ rooms.

APR 28: BMMW Shield - 9.30 register for 10 am Shotgun Start.

MAY 3: Golden Mount Festival Movie Night at the Dam, including family barbecue and fireworks.

MAY 4: Golden Mount Festival events in Morgan Street.

MAY 11: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

MAY 12: Country Music afternoon 12 noon till 4 pm. Raffles, Lucky Door. Adults $10, children $3. Bar operating. Light refreshments available. Soldiers’ Rooms - Morgan Street.

MOUNT MORGAN RSL SUB BRANCH INC

Social gathering 2nd and 4th Thursdays monthly 4pm to 7pm.

Business meeting 3rd Saturday monthly 10am 1 Cornes Street, Mount Morgan

ROTARY

OF

Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays

John on 0429 055 165

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB INC