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Monday 1st August 117th Edition 2011
M A G A Z I N E
RUNNING AT 80 Wet mines still not back to full speed
THE coal industry in Queensland is slowly recovering from setbacks caused by last summer’s devastating floods, and is estimated to be back at 80 per cent capacity. Seven months after the deluge, and the results are now in for the 2010-2011 financial year. The Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said what had been shaping up as a record year for coal exports, had ended up only marginally better than during the global financial crisis. Mr Roche said that based on first quarter totals, Queensland had been well on track to export more than 200 million tonnes of coal in 2010-11. “However, as a result of the record rainfall from September that extended into widespread flooding of coal-producing regions, Queensland’s annual exports fell some 40 million tonnes short of that projection,� he said. “The 163 million tonne total confirmed by port data is 21 million tonnes down on the previous year and just four million above what we were able to export during the global financial crisis.� But the industry has certainly turned the corner in recent months.
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The Partners: John Taylor - LL.B Sharon Smith - BEc/LL.B Hons Craig Worsley - LL.B Greg ĂŠ
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News CQ miner joins energy drink warning Âť page 5 News Moranbah North rescue champs Âť page 7 News Why are Central Qlders in Mozambique? Âť page 8
Around Town Country music under the stars Âť page 14
Moranbah’s littlest world champ    page 13
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Off Shift Where the bream are biting Âť page 22 Money Matters Cattle country sold to coal Âť page 26
Why should thousands of Australians lose their jobs if it makes no difference to global greenhouse emissions? For every tonne of coal Australia doesn’t export because of the carbon tax, an extra tonne will be produced by another country.
The Australian Coal Industry supports action on climate change. However the Greens and Government already know their carbon tax will cost thousands of jobs. They also know sacrificing those jobs will make no difference to global emissions from coal.
That’s because Australia produces less than 6% of world coal output, so the countries we currently export to will simply buy coal from other exporters like Indonesia and South Africa instead.
The Australian Coal Industry is already playing its part in reducing global emissions. But the carbon tax debate is led too much by ideology, without enough thought to workers and the real world effect on emissions.
So there will be no reduction in global coal usage or emissions.
Australia deserves a more rational, responsible and effective approach to carbon pricing.
Let’s cut emissions, not jobs. Authorised by R. Hillman, Australian Coal Association, Level 2, 40 Macquarie Street, Barton, Canberra ACT ACA0005/SM
CONTENTS 117th EDITION. 2011
24
BIG CATCH
22
FROM THE EDITOR
WINTER WARMERS
Vegetable and Ricotta Lasagna Serves 6 - 8
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
INGREDIENTS:
NEW FACES
THIS edition of Shift Miner Magazine is brimming with information that you need to know. Standard 11 is the new standard for health and safety requirements on coal mine sites. While it actually came into effect last October, most training providers are only now just starting to offer courses for contractors and employees. To find out what it means for you, turn to page 10. If you’re carrying a bit of extra weight around these days, it seems you’re not alone in the mining industry. In fact, three quarters of mine workers are overweight or obese, and that’s putting you at risk of type two diabetes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix 1 tbsp olive oil together the spinach and ricotta. 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 brown onion, diced Pre-heat oven to 180 oC. Using a 1 zucchini, thinly sliced rectangular baking dish and cut 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced the lasagna sheets to size. 400g diced tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste Coat the bottom of the dish salt & pepper, to taste with sauce mixture, about 1cm. 400g ricotta cheese Place one lasagna sheet on top. 250g spinach (if frozen defrost Add another coat of the sauce and remove excess water) mixture, then spoon over the 1 packet fresh lasagna sheets mixture, followed *When audited byspinach the CAB ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, grated by another sheet. Repeat this audited by the CAB * (about *When audited by the *When CAB method until dish is full 4 METHOD: to 6 layers).
11
Two CQ mine sites are trialling a new program to help miners slim down and do a bit more exercise page 12 has more details. With another major LNG project now going ahead in Gladstone, we also look at how accommodation in the region is taking shape. Calliope is going to be the base for many industry workers over the next decade, and the accommodation complexes are going up - have a look on page 9. If all you’re after is a bit of easy reading, then turn to page 22 and check out our fishing column. You’ll find an interesting theory about why fish never bite when a westerly is blowing. If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will.
Alex Graham
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Calliope’s new accommodation *When audited by the CAB
oil in a large heavy-based 10 Up Heat skilling saucepan over a medium heat.
19 PUZZLES
Spoon a light coat of the sauce over the top of the lasagna, cover with foil and cook for 30 mins.
garlic and onion and cook New Add project management degree
12 Giving generously for about 3 mins or until onion is soft.
Sprinkle lasagne with www.shiftminer.com M AMcontribution GA AG ZA I Z NI N Mining’s local Add zucchini and capsicum to E Emozzarella cheese and return to M A G A Z I N E www.shiftminer.com www.shiftminer.com
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the pan and cook for about 3 the oven uncovered for 15 mins mins. Add diced tomatoesProudly and Auditedor by until Proudly goldenAudited brownby(making Phone: (07) 4921 4333 Fax: (07) 4922 6908 angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com tomato pasteProudly and season with sure lasagna sheets are cooked). Editor: Alex Graham Advertising: Angus Peacocke 0428 154 653 Audited Proudly Audited by by the salt and pepper. Stir until Published fortnightly by Fitzroy Publishing Pty Ltd Serve immediately. information visit www.auditbureau.org.au M A Gthen A Zsimmer I NForEmore A.B.N 72122739879 PO Box 1440, Rockhampton Q 4700 well combined for For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au 10 mins or until sauce reduces. For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au
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110 Campbell Street, Rockhampton. Page 3 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
News
117th EDITION. 2011
Mining widow silences conference MORE than 200 delegates at the Bowen Basin safety conference in Mackay last week were left silent after a moving plea from a mining widow to make safety their number one priority at all times. Rachael Blee was moved to tears as she related to the audience the days, months and years that have unfolded since the death of her husband Jason at Moranbah North mine in 2007. The 33-year-old experienced miner was crushed to death underground between a wall and a shuttle car. Mrs Blee has called on industry to provide better support for families effected by mining tragedies. “I want everyone in this room to take a long hard look at these pictures and remember that this once was a man passionate about his family, his life and work,” said Mrs Blee. “He ended up making the ultimate sacrifice.” “Remember to remain safe on the job at all times, and take the approach that if it is not safe stop, re-assess, think what could happen, what you have at home, your family.” Ms Blee said the mining community needed to work together to offer a support system when a miner is seriously injured or killed. “There is no such independent service available.”
Having Rachael Blee give the first presentation for the day achieved its desired result of putting a human face to the practical realities of safety processes in Queensland mining. The conference will also include presentations from small and large companies about managing safety, and a panel discussion featuring high level executives from BHP, Hastings Deering and Rio Tinto. The one-day event was organised by the Mackay Area Industry Network’s Karen McIntyre who said it was about helping all businesses - regardless of size - manage safety. “The panel discussion was designed to bring together mining houses and SMEs to provide motivation, logic and skills to help smaller businesses address the challenges being faced, and the benefits of being proactive with safety in the workplace,” she said.
Force behind safety: Major event sponsor G&S Engineering CEO Mick Crowe and Event MC Jason Economidis
L-R: Tony Caruso & Beth Jooste - Mastermyne, John Coughan Elaine Joe - Hastins Deering, Tony Shileds - Rio Tinto, Allan Purse & Leon Du Preex - Mastermyne Austchrome, Megan Fry - Hastings Deering
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AIMEX11-AD23.indd Page 4 - Shift1 Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
30/05/11 12:14 PM
News
117th EDITION. 2011
CQ miner hospitalised after 7 energy drinks A central Queensland miner was rushed to hospital recently, after drinking seven energy drinks in less than 12 hours. The miner, who does not want to be identified, contacted Shift Miner Magazine after last edition’s front page story on the risks of drinking too many of the caffeine and taurine rich drinks. Nurse and nutritionist Tammy Farrell has called for a ban on site, with mounting evidence that excessive consumption can trigger life threatening cardiac arrests. In this instance, a Bowen Basin miner drank seven cans to keep awake on the drive home after night shift. He said he was eventually forced to pull over on the highway. “I had tingle, cramps and heart palpitations - my heart was just beating like crazy,” he said. “I thought I was dead, mate.” “I rang my missus and I was really panicked.”
The ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. The usually fit and healthy 32-year-old said it was a scary experience. “I just think it’s really important to get the message out there that these drinks are not safe.” “Tammy Farrell should be paid to go to mine sites and tell people about the dangers, because they are real.” Energy drinks do carry the warning that only one can should be consumed per day, but it seems miners who are tired often don’t stick to the guidelines. Ms Farrell said it is especially dangerous to overdo it when working in hot conditions. “While the drinks will give you an adrenalin kick, a lot of people end up severely dehydrated from it,” she said. “My advice is save your money and stick to water.”
corporate have chosen to exclude these people,” he said. “It seems foolish and arrogant given they understand what needs to be done on the mine site.” Mr Pierce said the picket line was about letting local management know what workers were concerned about. “We want them to take the message back to BHP corporate that these issues are real and they are not going away.” Talks between the parties were held last week, and a BMA spokesperson said progress was made. “Despite this, BMA continues to
Bandanna to mine? Explorer Bandanna Energy has today taken a major step towards becoming a coal producer, applying for its first mining lease in central Queensland. Bandanna has 16 coal exploration permits in the Bowen Basin, including the contentious Springsure Creek development. It has now applied for a mining lease for the Dingo West project, an open cut thermal/ PCI project near the existing Blackwater to Gladstone railway. The project is expected to produce 1 million tonnes per annum of PCI coal for the export market, and would be the closest coal mine to the Gladstone Port via the Blackwater line. .....................................................................
Earth-moving bounces back
Norwich picket line amid negotiations MORE than 200 BMA workers and their supporters joined a picket line out the front of Norwich Park mine near Dysart last week. It’s the latest industrial action during increasingly bitter negotiations between the mining giant and the unions. The parties are trying to agree on new workplace agreements for seven mines in the region. THE CFMEU’s Steve Pierce said, for the first time, local mine management had been left out of the process. “It is something we have never encountered before, but for some reason BHP
FAST NEWS
receive notices of industrial action,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “This action is unnecessary, causes financial harm and does not help to finalise an agreement.” “Employees are providing feedback to which the company is responding directly.” “BMA believes that this will assist in accelerating negotiations towards completion.” The next round of talks is still a fortnight away - scheduled for the 18, 19 August. There could be further industrial action at other mine sites across the region before then.
Activity in the Australian earth-moving sector is on the rise, according to a recent report by a key shipping agency. Skelton Sherborne, which specialises in importing heavy machinery into Australia, reported that greater volumes of mining equipment were imported during the June. “The customs value [of machinery] rose from $349 million in May to $381 million in June reflecting greater volumes of mining equipment being imported,” the report said. The importation of excavators and drag lines rose by 51 per cent, scrapers by 46 per cent, and wheeled dozers by a staggering 466 per cent. .....................................................................
Indigenous recruitment drive A recruitment drive is underway in the Bowen and Galilee Basins to attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to jobs and training opportunities. A new Coordinator has been appointed, and the Employment Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says the role will help meet the skills shortage. “There are some major projects being delivered in coal construction, including port loading facilities at Hay Point and Abbot Point, with hundreds of jobs on offer.” “We want to harness all that untapped potential – offer training opportunities, develop training and employment programs and equip local workers with the skills they need to secure a career in mining and construction.”
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Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
News
117th EDITION. 2011
Don’t wait for mining tax surprise MANY mining companies are not ready for the new mining tax, according to an experienced industry consultant. The federal government’s Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) will come into force next July. “The draft legislation is out,” said SRK Consulting’s Mike Warren. “There might be a few tweaks but the intent and the process is all there and we don’t expect any major changes.” “Companies should be preparing now.” Mr Warren said while many of the big players are well prepared, some of the
smaller players are not. “I’ve seen some small and medium sized companies sticking their heads in the sand, saying they won’t do anything until the legislation is passed.” “I think that’s a risky strategy.” Mr Warren said to be compliant with the new tax, companies would have to calculate their starting base value as of 1 May 2010, so they can calculate depreciation in working out their liabilities. “If you don’t have a solid set of data you’re not going to have a defensible argument about the value of your project and
what you might owe the government.” While the new tax only applies to iron ore and coal companies once their profit exceeds $50 million, Mr Warren said if a company thinks it could hit that benchmark within the next five years it should have its project professionally valued. Companies also need to make an irrev-
ocable decision from the start of the tax about whether to use a market value or book value of their project assets. SRK Consulting looked at those options across a dozen iron ore and coal businesses and found that market value was the way to go. “We found that for producing companies, all had a substantial differential between the book value and market value which ranged from 1.4 to 30 times, and for the exploration and development companies between zero and 55 times.” Mr Warren said companies should not expect any leniency from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) when the laws come into effect. “We know that the ATO is not going to accept sloppy work on this, they are going to make sure it is done to best practise.” “Bigger companies can expect to be audited because this has to be squeaky clean for political reasons - the government has to be seen to be doing what they said they were going to do.”
“I’ve seen some small and medium sized companies sticking their heads in the sand, saying they won’t do anything until the legislation is passed. I think that’s a risky strategy.”
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News
117th EDITION. 2011
Moranbah North top mine rescuers ANGLO American’s Moranbah North mine has taken out the seventh Queensland Mines and Rescue Service (QMRS) competition. The competition was played out at Oaky North mine - with the “home team� securing second place, followed by Crinum in third place and then North Goonyella in fourth. Moranbah North’s rescue team manager Brett Rigby said all the competition challenges had to be completed in a set
time, while demonstrating high level skills and teamwork. “The crew of seven responded to several mock emergency response scenarios, including an underground mine exercise involving securing a bad area of roof, establishing a fresh air base for the crew and using gas monitoring equipment,� Brett said. “All team members wear a BG4 (oxygen cylinder and mask) breathing apparatus for the duration of the underground
The Moranbah North team took out the QMRS Memorial Cup
The Cook team in action
simulated exercise.� “Above ground, the Moranbah North team responded to a mock surface accident with four injured passengers, having to first make the area safe and then administer first aid.� He said the team was thrilled to have won the Memorial Cup. “Although a fun environment, the competition is taken very seriously by the whole industry, as we understand the importance of establishing safe controls and the need to
Helping a “patient�
train our people in world-class emergency response processes,� said Brett. The top four teams (Moranbah North, Oaky North, Crinum and North Goonyella) will now compete in the EK Healy Cup competition at Cook Colliery on 1 September. They will be up against the four defending teams from 2010 - Southern Mines Rescue – NSW, Hunter Valley Mines Rescue – NSW, Western Mines Rescue – NSW and Grasstree West Mines Rescue – QLD.
The Crinum team aiding a “patient�
FROM PAGE 1
Flooded mines wipe 40 million tonnes off outlook Exports for the month of June were 14.7 million tonnes - the strongest result in six months, but still 19 per cent below June 2010 figures. Rio Tinto’s second quarter report reveals production has improved across the board at its Queensland mines, when compared with first quarter figures. Production of hard coking coal rose by nine per cent, with production at Hail Creek mine improving by 71 per cent after
force majeure was lifted in mid May. Despite the improvements on first quarter figures, production of hard coking and semi-soft coking coal was still down significantly when compared with second quarter figures for 2010. This could likely be attributed to continued recovery efforts from extreme weather events, as well as planned maintenance at Kestrel, which led to a 59 per cent drop in the production of hard coking coal at the mine.
“Exports for the month of June were 14.7 million tonnes - the strongest result in six months, but still 19 per cent below June 2010 figures.�
The 2010 floods devastated mines across Queensland, with almost 90 per cent of mine sites affected. Mr Roche said coal companies were investing heavily in preparations for the next wet including the construction of additional on-site water storage, pipelines, pumps and water treatment plant. Mines are also waiting to hear the findings of a review into water discharge rules. “Mines need to be in a position to manage another wet season as well as address the legacy issue of some 500 gigalitres of water stifling coal production six months after the floods,� he said.
Many mines are still working around water that fell during the summer deluge
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Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
News
117th EDITION. 2011
Hard road for local steel Mozambique calling DESPITE being on the door step of one of the largest mining and industrial booms in Australia’s history, the outlook for central Queensland steel merchants and fabricators remains bleak. According to the Australian Steel Association’s Jack Howard, a soft non-mining economy and the steady growth in direct steel imports are squeezing the sector. As a result, the demand for steel is at below normal levels. “There is no real demand for steel at the moment,’ said Mr Howard. “No one is travelling that well in terms of those who supply the market, and even residential demand seems to have declined.� In what’s now a familiar problem for retailers, he said many customers are bypassing local businesses and buying directly from overseas. “People are now importing farm gates
and other similar finished products, and that is making it very difficult for local steel merchants.� The mining and construction boom are not providing many opportunities either, with local steel merchants and fabricators bypassed in the large supply contracts. Mr Howard said the strong Australian dollar and the labour cost advantages of countries like China made it very hard to compete with overseas suppliers. When Mr Howard last spoke to the Shift Miner six months ago, he warned Australia was increasingly sending its raw minerals overseas to be processed - and then buying the product back again. “As an example, at the Gorgon project in Western Australia they will need 260,000 tonnes of steel, and I believe that all of it is being shipped in as pre-fabricated steel,� he said.
“People are now importing farm gates and other similar finished products, and that is making it very difficult for local steel merchants.�
African opportunities for CQ MOZAMBIQUE is like the Bowen Basin without the infrastructure or the carbon tax, according to one industry leader in Mackay. The Mackay Area Industry Network (MAIN) managing director Narelle Pearse made the observations in the wake of a recent tour of the African country. “There is a lot of work to be done, it is like the Bowen Basin 35 years ago,� said Ms Pearse. “They have just started mining there, Vale have an 11 million tonne per annum (mtpa) mine, Rio Tinto have a four mtpa mine.� “But they they are still building wash plants, railway and all the other infrastructure needed.� “I think our coal quality is better, but they do have a lot of thermal and coking coal resources.� MAIN management and three member companies took part in the state government trade and investment tour to gauge what opportunities might exist for local businesses who have proven experience in the Bowen Basin. Ms Pearse said while the opportunities were enormous, they were also long term prospects. “The biggest advantage is that Mozambique is a medium to long term proposition.�
“This might fit well for companies who are focusing, in the short term, on the local demand for coal production services in Australia,� she said. “We don’t know what long term effects the carbon tax is going to have here, so it might be worth looking at Mozambique as an opportunity for the future.� Ms Pearse said a lot of Australian companies are already looking to supply expertise during the construction phase. In terms of political security, Ms Pearse said she had felt safe during her trip, despite the country being on high alert. She said the government saw the coal deposits as a key source of future wealth, and was therefore focused on making it safe for people to do business. “I think the thing with us going over there is to meet the right people, so if local companies want to explore opportunities they can do so and we can help them with contacts.� “We will do a fair bit of follow up and look at the tender opportunities going forward, with another possible delegation in 12 months time.�
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Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
IN MOZAMBIQUE: Steve Porter, Narelle Pearse, Debbie Porter, Edem Birdie, Paul O’Hanlon & Pierre Viljoen
“We don’t know what long term effects the carbon tax is going to have here, so it might be worth looking at Mozambique as an opportunity for the future.�
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117th EDITION. 2011
Calliope workers’ digs going up THE supply of single person accommodation in Gladstone is rising fast as a number of major complexes take shape to service the growing construction workforce. One of the most advanced projects is the $140 million, 2200-room complex being developed by the Maroon Group at Calliope. Maroon Group general manager, Grant Smith, says they are just months from opening up another couple of hundred rooms. “There will be 240 more rooms up and running on 23 September,” he said. “That will mean we have about 672 rooms operating out of a possible 2265, and we have another 750 rooms under negotiation.” Most of the rooms already under contract are for the construction workers running the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal project. However, the rooms currently being negotiated will most likely be for LNG developments in the city. “It’s probably commercially sensitive at the moment, so I can’t say exactly who we are negotiating with,” Mr Smith said. “But it is related to two of the bigger projects that are going on in Gladstone.”
GOING UP: The region’s newest accommodation complex in construction
Despite the temptation to look overseas, the Maroon Group has chosen to use an Australian supplier for its modular accommodation blocks. New South Wales based company Build Smart Modular Homes is the supplier, and Mr Smith said has been a good relationship. “The volume of supply has been pretty good, and we are getting about 24 rooms a week,” he said. “We decided to use an Australian sup-
plier, because there are a number of risks involved with using an overseas supplier.” “While they may have been cheaper overseas, you have to pay for everything up front, and if anything goes wrong there is limited recourse for getting them fixed.” “We are very happy with the supply arrangement we have, these are 4-star permanent motel class facilities.” Meanwhile the Mac Services Group (MAC) is pushing ahead with its develop-
ment of an accommodation village at Calliope as well. According to the MAC, stage 1 will include the development of 300 en-suited rooms with kitchen and dining facilities, gym, meeting rooms and office. The 50-hectare site could, in theory, be expanded to accommodate more than 3000 workers in the future. Across the water at Curtis Island, tenders have gone out for the construction of accommodation facilities to house a maximum of 6000 construction workers. However, a severe shortage of beds is anticipated on Curtis Island with four LNG projects in the pipeline, each with a workforce far bigger than their allocated 1500 rooms. FROM ABOVE: The Maroon Group site at Calliope takes shape
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Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
SHIFT
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GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
Standard 11 and you - are you up to speed?
INEXPERIENCED people, or those not already working in the resources sector, will find it more difficult to get work at Queensland coal mines, under new competency requirements known as Standard 11. Previously, two competencies - completed off the job - were required by contractors and inexperienced workers, to be able to gain a passport. Under the new Standard 11, six will be required. The biggest change is that “on site�
MACHINE OPERATORS – OPEN CUT COAL We currently have a large number of opportunities for experienced operators to work in numerous sites throughout the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland and in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. What We Offer: • Great hourly rates • Variety of rosters and locations • Opportunities for full time work Who We Need: • Production Excavator Operators • Hydraulic Face Shovel Operators • Dozer Operators • Electric Dump Truck Operators • Mechanical Dump Truck Operators • Trainer Assessors/Coordinators • Production Supervisors and Leading Hands Requirements: All applicants must have or be willing to obtain a coal board medical, generic or BMA induction and have competencies/ authorisations for relevant machines. Register Your Interest: Email your resume and supporting documents to jobs@onekeyresources.com.au or fax to 07 3257 0324
assessment and/or validation is now a must, according to SGS Occupational Health and Safety manager Peter Hillbrich. “Previously, contractors working on a coal mine site, including inexperienced people without a current job, completed a two day induction and could then go and work on site,� he explained. Now, a three day program is required for all contractors. Once that is completed, their employer will have to verify and validate that they
can apply those skills on the job. It means that inexperienced workers - or cleanskins - will not be able to reach competency until they have gained employment in the industry. “Basically, they would be given a statement of completion, meaning they have the underpinning knowledge and skills but not the on site experience,� said Mr Hillbrich. “They would need to work on site and complete the requirements within a reasonable time frame, probably something like three months, however this may need to be determined on a case by case basis.� The new competencies will also apply to those already in the industry, and will kick in when current passports expire. The senior site executive (SSE) at each mine will now determine which competencies are required on site, and training providers or site trainers will then fill those gaps where required. “If workers feel they already have
“If workers feel they already have the competencies through work experience and prior learning they can submit their evidence and we will assess where they stand in relation to Standard 11 and whether they meet the requirement.�
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Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
the competencies through work experience and prior learning they can submit their evidence and we will assess where they stand in relation to Standard 11 and whether they meet the requirement,� said Mr Hillbrich. “If they have the majority of skills then it may be as simple as sitting a one day skills demonstration, to prove they have the underpinning knowledge, skills and experience.� “Most mine employees are already well positioned to meet the requirements, it is the contractors who will need to attain the new competencies from registered training providers to be able to work on the mine sites.� Despite the changes coming into effect last October, it is only recently that new programs have been developed to meet Standard 11 competencies. SGS began running Standard 11 courses earlier this month, and Mr Hillbrich said the program will be continually updated as needed.
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Uni tailor makes project management degrees CQUNIVERSITY has produced a new project management degree geared at manning the massive projects earmarked for central Queensland. A rapid response team of academic leaders has spent the past four months piecing together the new program, which will offer qualifications at the graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters levels. CQUniversity senior lecturer Richard Egelstaff has been involved in the process, and was also a pivotal in pulling together the consortium behind the billion-dollar Nextgen project. “We don’t have a monopoly on resources,� he said. “If we cannot execute a project efficiently and effectively within the constraints then we’re in trouble.� “These projects can’t be run remotely from interstate or overseas.� “We need people on the ground who know how to run them with high-level thinking at a local level.� Mr Egelstaff said sophisticated project management skills are vital for Australia to compete internationally. “If we get it right we can guarantee Australia’s prosperity.� “If not, the good times could come to and end within a decade or so.� Information evenings for HR managers will be held in Mackay and Gladstone next month, and for Rockhampton in September. The program will be launched in September and the first intake of students will be in November.
SHIFT
MINER ladder
GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
SHIFT
MINER ladder
GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
Welcome to Shift Miner Magazine’s Ladder Our dedicated recruitment section For employees It’s the place to go to search for jobs that are relevant to your skills set and industry experience.
Your message will be in front of your target audience - tradespeople, engineers, supervisors and skilled operators.
We’ve listened to your feedback, and we know you want a dedicated jobs section.
Don’t waste your time with expensive advertising campaigns that don’t work in publications that don’t target the mining community.
Ladder will bring you what opportunities are on offer in the region, and further afield.
Take your message directly to the people you want working for you.
For employers It’s the place to go to find the skilled workers you need to keep your project on track.
For enquiries call 4921 4333.
Clermont’s apprentices - local, older and on site THE first intake of apprentices and trainees at Rio Tinto’s Clermont mine is a little unusual. The company interviewed not just high school graduates, but also people who had spent at least five years in the workforce. That’s how 34-year-old Robert Love ended up among the seven apprentices and one trainee that began work at the mine recently. “Since I finished year 12, I’ve worked as a plasterer, baker, painter, and now I’m ready to further my career in the mining business, which is going to help set up my family’s future,” he said. “I guess I’m living proof that you can start a new career at any age and it’s definitely not a barrier to trying new things.” Eighteen year old Stephen Davidson finished school last year and is looking forward to starting a diesel fitter apprenticeship. “Both my parents work in the mining industry, as do many of my friends,” he said. “They all love what they do so I’m really looking forward to getting started.” It’s the first intake of apprentices at the
mine, which only began operating last year. All apprentices had to live locally, another deliberate move by their employer Rio Tinto. “In this way, we’re helping to build the skills capacity in the local community and we’re contributing to the development of a strong and sustainable future for this region even after mining finishes,” said Clermont region general manager operations Dawid Pretorius. Robert Love & Stephen Davidson are two of the new apprentices at the Clermont mine
Who will man the Gladstone boom? LOCAL businesses are capitalising on the coal seam gas boom - but not without frustrations, according to a peak engineering group. For much of its history, Gladstone has largely been an aluminium town, with the the town’s large alumina refineries driving the local economy. However, the final investment decisions of a number of giant CSG operators has signalled a whole new world of opportunity for the region. Gladstone Engineering Alliance general manger Carli Hobbs says local business-
es are getting a piece of the action. “We are seeing a lot our larger companies such as McCoskers, John Holland, Goldings, they are definitely winning some of these tenders,” she said. “The other thing we are seeing is that some of our smaller members are making new alliances, and working with other companies to give themselves the opportunity to put in for some of these work packages.” “But still, there are not as many [tenders] going to local companies as we would like.”
Ms Hobbs said the tender process itself was also throwing up difficulties with the scope of work often changing on short notice. She said that meant companies were constantly having to re-submit quotes. “I know there is some frustration in regards to tenders and work packages being released, and then the work package being changed,” she said. “Then companies are being given a very short time to re-submit their tender.” “I know of one LNG company that changed a particular tender five times and some of the
time frames were just not reasonable.” Ms Hobbs said another frustration was that decisions on contracts are not being announced. “Sometimes we have known that a local company has won a tender, but because it hasn’t been officially announced all the subcontractors and third, fourth and fifth tier businesses don’t know where they stand.” So far, most of the tenders won locally have been for the larger civil projects. Ms Hobbs said there is still a lot more work to come, but projects are not at the point of putting it out to tender yet.
Why not consider a career in health and aged care? · Flexible work rosters · Excellent career prospects · Industry leading pay · Across all mining areas · Seeking medical officers, including Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone, midwives, nurses, carer’s, Allied Health Professionals Bundaberg and Yeppoon
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Go to www.mercycq.com/careers or call our recruitment team on (07) 4931 7478
Page 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
News
117th EDITION. 2011
Generous miners funding CQ
AMID all the debate around the FIFO issue, not to mention the carbon and mining taxes, there is often little acknowledgement of some of the good being done by miners in central Queensland communities. Each year, millions of dollars are donated from major mining houses to community projects, sports groups, cultural events and other local initiatives. Here is an example of the some of the funding programs going on in the Bowen Basin at the moment:
Clermont aerodrome upgrade The airport upgrade is a partnership between the Isaac Regional Council and Rio Tinto. Isaac mayor Cedric Marshall said it was an example of how collaborative projects can deliver for local communities. “Developing positive and honest relationships with all major industry stakeholders is very important,” he said. “By working together, we can deliver the best outcomes for our communities and our residents.” The project has impressed Barcaldine mayor Rob Chandler.
“The project manager said he had never worked on a project that ran so smoothly and that was because council and the mining company work together to solve problems and manage issues.” “With the development in the Galilee Basin, Barcaldine Regional Council is dealing with a range of new challenges.” “We are actively seeking to understand what works well and what doesn’t from councils in the Bowen Basin and other mining areas.” The upgrade is expected to be finished early this month.
• A new, family-friendly all abilities park • Development of a sport and recreation master plan • A co-management plan for the Blackdown Tableland National Park • Refurbishment of the Blackwater Tiny Tots Daycare Centre
Dysart school’s helping hand BMA has also donated more than $800,000 to help upgrade sporting facilities at Dysart State High School.
The new oval and sporting complex will be built before the end of the year. The donation represents more than 70 per cent of the total $1.09 million upgrade cost. Dysart High principal Scott Whybird said the upgrade meant students would be able to train for many different sports. “The sporting complex will offer quality facilities to not only our students, but to surrounding schools who currently lack the opportunity to compete and train on a quality surface,” he said.
Blackwater’s $4.5M community funding BMA held a lunch in Blackwater recently to acknowledge the work of local community groups and organisations. The mining giant, and the region’s biggest employer, has donated $4.5 million to Blackwater groups this year to improve existing facilities - and open some new ones - for residents. Highlights of this year’s investment include: • Upgrades to the Blackwater Aquatic Centre • Expansion and upgrade of the C&K Community Childcare Centre
CLERMONT AIRPORT: Barcaldine mayor Rob Chandler with his CEO Des Howard, Rio Tinto’s Samantha Faint and project manager Richard Ashwood look at the project
Chubby miners target of diabetes program
LIFESTYLE CHANGE: Paul Stringer has lost 21 kilos which has meant he can drop back his doses of medication
A pilot program has been launched in the Bowen Basin to try and reduce the number of miners with type two diabetes. More than three quarters of mine workers are overweight or obese, according to Diabetes Queensland, and that makes them more at risk of developing the condition. A new awareness program, being trialled at New Hope Coal and Macarthur Coal mine sites, will eventually be rolled out across the region. It’s targeting miners just like New Hope employee Paul Stringer, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 18 months ago.
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“I had not been feeling well for some time but just didn’t find the time to go to a doctor,” he said. When Paul finally did go - he ignored the advice to change his lifestyle. “It wasn’t until I decided to lose weight for different reasons that I noticed a remarkable improvement in my wellbeing and also a substantial drop in my medication needed to control blood sugar levels.” Paul has now lost 21.5 kilos and walks four kilometres every day; his goal is to lose another 13 kilos and continue exercising. “I feel much different now, sleep-
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Page 12 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
ing right through the night, am not drowsy during the day, not thirsty all the time and generally have a feeling of well being that I have not had for quite a few years,” he said. Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said the program encouraged workers to make better food choices and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. “Research shows that people working long hours, and those working in regional areas, are more likely to be overweight or obese which means that mine workers are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and its long-term health complications.”
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What’s happening in sport in your town?
If your local club has any news or photos it wants added to this page, you can submit your articles to angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com
ATHLETIC POWER
Ashley Powter competes in the NQ Zone Championships
BMX BANDITS MORANBAH riders proved they were a force to be reckoned with during the recent North Queensland Zone Championship. Hosted by the Moranbah club, the event was open to riders from Walkerston, Sarina, Mackay, Prosperpine and Moranbah. The event was a ‘must do’ for riders hoping to gain points towards their entry into the prestigious Identified Development squad, from which riders are selected to compete as part of the Queensland BMX team. Local rider, Dion Bromley, demonstrated her sophisticated racing style by coming first in all but one race. Despite a dramatic fall which led to a DNF in race 6 of her 11 -12 years Cruiser event, Dion dusted herself off and went on to blitz the finals in two events; 11-12 Years Cruisers and 12 Years Girls. Not to be outdone, the talented squad of Moranbah riders took out the Team Trophy, with an impressive 31 NQ title plates won from a total of 147 entries. This included six NQ 1 plates and five NQ 2 plates and eight NQ 3 plates from the 23 events; a commendable result for the comparatively small club. Club President Paul Powter thanked major sponsors BMA, Breathe Easy Air Filters and Ackerman Electrical for their continued support of the club. “We are very fortunate to live in a community where large and small businesses are willing to generously support clubs like ours,” he said. Mr Powter also thanked the army of volunteers who made the event possible and the long list of sponsors who donated raffle prizes and money for the event. Dion Bromley now heads to Denmark to race in the World Titles. Dion currently holds a World 2 plate in her 11 year division and World 7 for Cruisers.
THE Moranbah Atheletics Club has only been in existence for less than six months - but it already has 90 members. The new club is the perfect fit in a mining town - it is a flexible and family friendly and can work in around work rosters and other sporting commitments. Training is held on Tuesdays for seniors and Thursdays for juniors, and club day is on Sunday. But it is not a team sport, and competitors are competing to beat their own “personal bests” - which means if you miss the odd Sunday it is not the end of the world. “My husband Jeff [who is also Club President] works night shift and occasionally can’t be there,” said Peita. “But we just work around that and people’s rosters, and try to give people enough notice for events where they might want to take time off.” All track and field events are on offer, and the club is using Moranbah State High’s grounds at the moment. “Personally I think that athletics is the base for any sport - everyone can learn how to run better or throw better,” said Peita. The club has a focus on families, and parents are very hands on with the running of club days. The MAC Services Group has just donated a new marquee the club will use when it competes at carnivals in other towns across CQ. “It’s excellent because now we have something we can take away with us - and our initials Moranbah Athletics Club and the MAC are the same so that is a bit of a coincidence!” The cost to join the club is $90, which includes a team shirt; for more information phone Peita on 0417 713 533.
The portable marquee donated to the Moranbah Atheletics Club by the MAC
MIDDLEMOUNT GALLOPS AHEAD A decision by the Middlemount Race Club to make some changes to the format of its annual race meeting has paid big dividends with all pre-sold tickets already snapped up. Around 500 tickets have been pre-purchased for the Middlemount lounge and family area, although tickets can still be purchased on the day for the public areas and bars. The five-race event will start around midday this Saturday [6 August] with over $34,000 in prize money. There is also $4000 worth of prizes for the fashions in the field.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be part of the Clermont, t,, Emerald, Capella, Nebo and Mackay communities. We are pleased to partner with Pioneer State High School and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy to support
Toolkit for Girls This initiative is providing pathways towards careers in mining for female students at Pioneer State High School. More than 20 students from years 10, 11, and 12 recently heard from Hail Creek Mine professionals, visited a simulated underground coal mine facility, and tried their hand at practical mining activities.
Zoe, Cameron and Kira Jaenke show off their NQ Zone plates Secretary for the Middlemount Race Association Nicole Matheson says the new format is designed to make the event more family friendly. “What we are trying to do is make it a family race day and an opportunity for people working in and around
Middlemount to get together.” “The day is really like our Melbourne Cup day, and it’s a great opportunity for Middlemount to show that it can provide a race event as good as you would find in any of the big centres.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Event details
date
venue
start
Event Details
Date
Venue
Time
Horse Racing
Middlemount Races
6/8/11
Middlemount
Afternoon
Rugby league
Clermont v Emerald
6/8/11
Clermont
Afternoon
Rugby league
Tieri v Middlemount
6/8/11
Tieri
Afternoon
Rugby league
Springsure v Dysart
6/8/11
Dysart
Afternoon
Rugby League
Blackwater v Bluff
6/8/11
Blackwater
Afternoon
Rugby Union
Moranbah v Capella
6/8/11
Moranbah
Afternoon
Rugby Union
Clermont v Rolleston
6/8/11
Clermont
Afternoon
CLUB CONTACTS
PERSON
CONTACT
Dysart Bulls RL
Gavin Reid
gavreid1961@bigpond.com
CQ Cruisers
Clinton Saunders
clintonselina4@bigpond.com
Blackwater Basilisks RUFC
Kerry Lee Katchel
klkatchel@curragh.com.au
Emerald Tigers RL
Jay Edwards
0448 154 231 jayedwards10@hotmail.com
Emerald Brothers Cowboys RL
Damon Walsh
emeraldcowboys@hotmail.com (07) 4987 4610
Moranbah Bulls RUFC
Joel Hunter
0429 575 276 joel.hunter@bmacoal.com
Moranbah Raceway
Darby Salmon
0424668 934
Moranbah Classic & Muscle Car Club
Ross Brackley
0428 259 367
We support a range of local projects through the Clermont Region, Kestrel Mine, and Hail Creek Mine Community Development Funds. For more information about the Funds contact: •C Clermont Region Community Relations Specialist Samantha Faint on 0447 599 990, • Kestrel Mine Community Relations Specialist Maureen Tutton on 07 4984 7694, or • Hail Creek Mine Community Relations Specialist Fiona Kruger on 07 4951 6402.
Five students will complete a Certificate I in Resource and Infrastructure Operations, which includes a work placement at Hail Creek Mine. www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au
Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
around town 117th EDITION. 2011
A TOE TAPPING TIME...
Moranbah and district residents were treated to a star-studded country music festival under the stars recently. Held at Town Square, the free event provided families with the perfect reason to don their winter woolies and throw down the picnic blanket for a night of fun, food and classic country music. Australian music legends Graeme Connors, Adam Harvey, Melinda Schneider and Catherine Britt joined Queensland’s leading chamber orchestra, Camerata of St John’s as the headline acts. Pre-concert entertainment was provided by local artists Brooke Schubert and 14 year old Taila Gouge: Two stars in the making!
Billy Turpin-Polsen and his Grandmother enjoyed the star studded performance
Adam and Andrea Levison
Moranbah and Disctrict Services (MDSS) promoted their ‘Moranbah: Just lovin it’ program
Jeanne and Keeley Ball
Will Simmons and Adam Baker
Many people rugged up for the outdoor event
Staff at Café 17 dressed up in their country finest
Town Square businesses were encouraged to set up their own VIP functions for the event.
Brielle Mellor, Tania Mellor and Cooper Hannay
The Jimenez Monsalve family enjoyed the entertainment on offer
Chloe, Kim and Alicia Kerr model some of the glow in the dark items that were Adam Harvey wowed the crowd with his Andrea McCosker and Fiona Gordon available to purchase on the night vocal talent and cheeky sense of humour Holding a social event you want photographed? Call the Shift Miner office on 4921 4333 to let us know. You can also give our office a bell if you’d like a copy of any of the photos in this edition.
Graeme Connors
Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
around town 117th EDITION. 2011
ON YA BIKE!
Moranbah hosted riders from Prosperine through to Sarina at the BMX North Queensland Zone Championships recently. For more details on the event, and a breakdown of places, check out our sports page.
Jackson English
Adam Baker
Jacob Daniel
World 2 and World 7 title holder Dion Bromley gives it her all coming out of the gates
Walkerston rider Serena Twomey
Hayden Ormiston and Will Simmons relax before the final
Montanna Vella, Taylia Leeson and Holly Curd
Cameron Jaenke
Maggie Simmons and Hannah Radke
Cohen Bromley
Riders wait for the gate to drop for the Pro Open Men event
Mackay Pioneer rider Holly Curd
BUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT
www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together Page 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
stuff to the editor 117th EDITION. 2011
A series of mining mishaps....
Stuff to the Editor Shift Miner Magazine has received this email from a worker at Dawson mine - who is advocating for a change in rosters: Last week at Dawson Mine in Moura the question was asked of the production workers: “Would you vote for a roster change?�. The answer was a resounding YES 77per cent want the roster change. Over the last 12 months or so there has been discussion of a proposed roster change, a change that would see the elimination of the “pyjama day� or the 24 hour break that separates the day shifts from the night shifts. The proposed roster that the 77 per cent of the production work force want will be an even time on even time off. Straight days followed by straight nights, not the current day night rotations with the 24 hour gap separating them. The benefits of this proposed roster to the workforce are many including better fatigue management, health benefits, increased family time, etc. The proposed roster would effectively give the workers an extra 18 days at home with their families per year. Research shows that the proposed roster change would reduce the number of sick days taken, increase moral, increase productivity, and much more. There are a few people who belong to the minority of 23 per cent of the workforce. These people are against the proposed
emailed in anonymously
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roster change, but they have been quite vocal in their opposition, as always there is opposition to change. The questionnaire that gave the results of 77 per cent for a change and 23 per cent against a change is pretty self explanatory one would think. The same proposed roster is already being used on site by contracting fitters and they love the roster. One would think that all that had to be done was for someone to ask the contracting fitters what they think of their roster and how well it works. Anglo Coal, What do we have to do to get the message across, the majority of the workforce wants the proposed roster change?
SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVEN’T? PRIZES FOR THE BEST MINING PHOTOS. TAKE IT ON YOUR PHONE OR CAMERA AND SEND IT IN
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NEWS, TALK AND THE MUSIC YOU LOVE www.4ro.com.au
Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
Afternoons
Tune into the Michael J. Breakfast show from 7:35 am every Monday for 4RO's CQ Mining Update, with special guest Angus from Shift Miner.
Alan Jones - Weekdays 1pm - 2pm
SALES ENQUIRIES: (07) 4920 2000
FAIR DINKUM 117th EDITION. 2011
Fair Dinkum! IN THE US - A woman has been arrested after allegedly spraying police with her own breast milk after they attempted to detain her. Police responded to a domestic violence call after the woman became drunk, hit her husband several times and locked herself in a car. When officers attempted to remove the woman from the vehicle she informed them that she was a breast feeding mother, revealed her right breast, and began spraying milk at police officers. She pleaded not guilty to a string of charges, but acknowledged that she needed counselling to help address an alcohol abuse problem.
soldiers because so many caught sexual diseases from prostitutes in Paris. The problem became so bad that it prevented many soldiers from performing their front line duty. Nazi scientists developed the blue eyed, blond haired ‘synthetic comforters’ known as ‘Gynoid Dolls’ after receiving Hitler’s personal approval. The project was halted after German soldiers refused to carry the dolls from fear of embarrassment if they were captured by the enemy. Author Graeme Donald discovered the sex doll project while researching the history of Barbie, which was originally based on a post-war German sex doll.
IN AFRICA - A recent study has concluded that lions are more likely to eat humans following a full moon. The study focused on around 500 lion attacks in Tanzania between 1988 and 2009, and found that attacks occurred 30 percent more often when the moon was waning and providing little light. The theory is thought to be able to be applied to other predatory animals, such as wolves, and could explain why the full moon is considered a symbol of evil or disaster in folklore.
IN BRITAIN - One of Britain’s oldest and most intriguing historical sites, Stonehenge, just got a whole lot more mysterious. A 60 metre wide crop circle recently appeared in a field across the road from Stonehenge, and nobody knows where it came from. An English newspaper reported that this latest crop circle was just one of many that have appeared in recent weeks. The jury is still out on the origin of the design, with some claiming it’s the work of aliens, others believing that God is responsible, and of course those who think the whole thing is one big hoax.
IN GERMANY - It was revealed recently that Adolf Hitler commissioned the construction of sex dolls for German
Adolf Hitler commissioned the construction of sex dolls for German soldiers because so many caught sexual diseases from prostitutes in Paris.
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Frank the Tank’s
“Streakin” good love advice Dear Frank, I recently started playing in a covers band down at the local pub, it’s great fun and I’m really enjoying it, but there’s a problem, we’ve got no groupies. I thought being in a band would instantly attract swarms of eager ladies, but it just doesn’t seem to be happening. What can we do to change our image and drive the girls wild? Chris, Emerald You’ve got me feeling rather nostalgic Chris, longing for my days playing in a glam rock cover band. We ruled the local scene, rocking out every night in skin tight, leopard print, spandex jumpsuits which drove the ladies up the wall. Pretty soon we had a fanatical following of groupies who stalked us relentlessly, and we were more than happy to offer them our ‘services’. Unfortunately, recurring battles with venereal disease, rumours of crotch stuffing, and a number of paternity lawsuits forced our band into early retirement. Now, I must admit, I’m not really up on current musical trends, (I do however own the entire Britney Spears music video collection, but I have only ever watched it with the sound turned down and a bottle of hand lotion close by) however, one thing I am extremely skilled at is manipulating women. When I was touring with my band, Sex
Sensible Susan Chris, I think you should just enjoy playing in
Crime, I managed to convince countless women that I was a gifted fortune teller, but the only way for me to get accurate psychic readings was by taking photos of them naked. You see, Chris, only the best of the best can get women based on their musical talent alone. I’m afraid that neither you nor I will ever possess that kind of talent, therefore we must employ more devious tactics. Now, drugs and music pretty much go hand in hand, but trying to impress girls by taking drugs is old news, and won’t work. As such I recommend drugging the girls directly with some form of hallucinogen, it’ll make your music sound a lot better, lower her inhibitions, and make you seem a lot more attractive. It’s been brought to my attention (by a district court judge) that I frequently advise men to effect change in their love lives by drugging women. As part of my plea bargain, I am now required (by court order) to inform you there are a number of other options available to the aspiring rock and roll Lothario. Potential groupies often won’t notice your band unless there’s a bit of healthy competition. I recommend hiring a number “ladies of the night” to pose as your fan club, in the hope that other girls become interested and begin to compete with them for your attention. This is a foolproof plan because even if it backfires and you don’t generate any interest from other girls, you can get the authentic rock and roll experience from the women you hired, right down to that burning sensation when you urinate. Frank.
the band with your friends, and try not to worry about getting groupies. It would be extremely unusual for a cover band playing local pubs and clubs to generate the type of screaming fans you might see an international rock and roll act enjoy. My advice to you is just enjoy the music, if you manage to impress a girl in the process, then that’s a bonus. Susan.
If you have a question for Frank and Susan Email Us at: franksusan.shiftminer@gmail.com
Page 17 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
HOUSE FOR SALE SUNSHINE COAST SACRIFICE Ideal Investment. Brand New impressive 4bed 2bath DLUG. Level Fenced block room for Shed/Van. Walk shops/ schools. Nth Facing Entert Area. Fantastic Buy $419,000 0409 055 062
LAND FOR SALE Cheapest block of land at bangalee beach yeppoon Local boat & vehicle ramp onto beach Walk 15mins along Farnborough Beach to Rydges Resort for a cocktail Great fishing Ideal family, holiday or retirement location $235,000 0417 779 031
HOUSE FOR SALE Mackay 6 Chelsea Crescent Glenella 4 bedroom ensuite walkinrobe aircondioned patios double garage single bay powered shed pool close to shopping centre schools flood free good neighbourhood $565,000 0427 426 768
HOUSE FOR SALE Toomulla Beach (40Km North of Townsville) 2-bedroom, steel-framed, lowmaintenance home in peaceful suburb. Land 592m2. Seeks sea change’ dreamer. More information online. Low $200,000s. 0411 228 870.
LAND FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE Pelican Waters Sunshine Coast Brand new open plan 4 bed + study, ensuite,media, side access, high ceilings. Great Investment. Take advantage Govt Grant. $595,000 0409 767 121
VAN FOR SALE
LAND FOR SALE
For Sale
Mission beach - 75 acres
on site caravan at over
Cleared - elevated
50s park on northern
VAN FOR SALE Diesel, Automatic, A1 condition 94,000 klms 2 single beds or double, plenty of storage, a/c, awning, shower, water pump, news strutts, CB. 3 way domestic fridge, 2 ring cooker microwave. Gas bottles, cutlery and cooking utensils. Selling due to ill health 07 4125 3341
homesite with views
Gold Coast
2 Perm creeks
solid annexe
Good fishing, 5 minutes
weather roof
to river boat ramp &
own bathroom, toilet lots of storage
beach
$50,000 ONO
$ 360,000.00 NEG 0428 277 625
0401 933 283
CRANE TRUCK FOR SALE
VAN FOR SALE Onsite caravan permanent at Capricorn Palms Yeppoon. Self contained 2brm van with hard annex cyclone roof. Overall inside 11mts x 5.4mts plus carport. Outdoor area with garden shed. $48,000 neg 0438 936 377 or junecloke@hotmail.
Nissan Atlas Crane Truck 988 model, 79,000 k 4495 GVM, Tadano 2T crane
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07 4941 7147 or 0427 824 880 HOUSE FOR SALE Perfect family home or rental Lge 4 brm brick veneer home. 44 acres. a/c. Walls & ceilings insul. 2.4m verandahs. Dbl lock up garage. 2 dams. Baffle Crk facilities 700m. Bundy 85k,G’stone 115k Prop ID: 34029 $375,000 0439 356 272
LAND FOR SALE Hervey Bay. Turtle Cove Estate. Elevated half acre flat block with 160 degree views of Fraser Island. Cannot be built out. Underground power, phone and water at front of block. 6mins to Airport 3min boatramp and barge to Fraser. About 10min to Town. $262,000 ono. 0411 098 241 CAR FOR SALE
UNIT FOR SALE
Landcruiser ute, 06
3 x 1brm s/cont units at
model, diesel, bullbar,
Haliday Bay Golf Resort.
0438866814 BIKE FOR SALE 2009 Honda CBR 125r As new condition, 1222k\’s, 1st log book service was at 1000k\’s, Lady owner, Excellent Learner bike, 6 months Qld rego upon purchase, can deliver to Moranbah (Mackay) $4,000 ono 0403 166 835 LIGHTING PLANT FOR SALE
30 mins Nth Mackay.
sidebars, towbar, a/c,
100m to stunning
cd player, uhf radio,
Four head lighting
beach & boatramp. Rent to reduce your
white, tinted windows,
plant
tax or enjoy yourself.
115000kms,
$195,000ea. Also avail
$41,500.
$10,000 ONO
for rent .
ph: 0400 543 398 CAR FOR SALE PRADO GRANDE 08 Diesel, Auto, Leather Int, S/Roof, Centre Fridge, Adj Air Susp, Sat Nav, D/Hill Assist, 3Yr Factory Ext Wty, T/Windows, Floor Covers, 75,000klm VGC $60,900 o.n.o. Mob: 0407 138 822
UNIT FOR SALE Beachfront studio apartment in Resort Complex - main street Yeppoon parking, air cond, pool, gym, island and harbour views live in or rent out ph. Daniel $175 000 0417 630 357
Ph: 0429 151 500. HOUSE FOR SALE Glendale Relocatable home, 13.2m x 7.2m, 2 x
0427 737 168 BIKE FOR SALE Harley Davidson 2005
LAND FOR SALE Very special 125 acres 1 min south Miriam Vale on Bruce Highway, beautiful house site, grow anything, creek, first time selling in 30 years, also 136 acre reserve adjoining $460,000. 0488 210 047 or 4979 184
YOUR CLASSY HERE 2 Weeks $19.50 6 Weeks $49.50 Until Sold $99.50
Items over $200,000 have a flat fee of $60 added
Reach 20,000 miners
www.shiftminer.com HOUSE FOR SALE Quality Land, House and Land Brisbane Gold Coast FIFO orINVEST 0403 124 460 www. riversidesanctuaryormeau. com.au LAND FOR SALE Piece of paradise in Morton Bay, 35k from Brisbane city Corner block on Coochiemudlo Island, 5 min walk to beach. Coochie has 3 long sandy beaches, great fishing, boat ramp, golf course, tennis court, Mains power, water and waste, excellent ferry $179,000 0431 748 494 HOUSE FOR SALE 40 acres Agnes water QLD 4 bed, 2 bath 9x12 shed. Partially cleared & fenced, waterhole and a small dam. Large deck breathtaking views. 15 km from surf beach. realestate.com.au id 107171818. $510,000 0400 797 075 HOUSE FOR SALE 3 bedroom home, fully renovated, on 1/4 acre+, 11m x 9m enclosed shed with concrete floor and 3 phase power. Optional 4400m2 leased land adjoining. 20 mins Toowoomba. $225,000. John $225,000. 0428 646 014, 07 5464 6200
YOUR CLASSY HERE
cupboards, wall oven, and ceramic glass cook top,
cut spokes, slash
raked ceiling in large lounge/dining, 2 x split system
cut pipes, burly
2 Weeks $19.50 6 Weeks $49.50 Until Sold $99.50
bars,13000km
Items over $200,000 have a flat fee of $60 added
like new
Reach 20,000 miners
bedroom, main with ensuite, plenty of kitchen
a/c, excellent cond, Rockhampton
softail deluxe,250 wide ass kit, diamond
$115,000 ono
$46,000 ono
Ph: 4926 9084 mob: 0431 197 846.
ph.0407 491 388
Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
www.shiftminer.com
k.pdf 2010
BOAT
OFF SHIFT
SHOW
DEALS
117th EDITION. 2011
NOW ON!
5 minute fiction by Bernard S. Jansen
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ACROSS
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1. Wildest (of scheme)
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5. Moscow is there
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9. Heinous act
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10. Small packet 12. Perceptive
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13. Baby night bird
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14. Heredity unit
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21. Set of rules
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24. Camera bulb 25. Backpacks
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27. Antiseptic 28. Very bad 29. Brutal person 30. Infuriates
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1. Wax pencil 2. Found, came ... 3. Attract (penalty)
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4. Locate 6. Plain 7. University students
1
8. Aircraft height 11. Engrave 15. African & Indian mammals 17. Nog drinks (3,5) 18. Ventured (guess) 20. Anti-flood embankment
9
21. Humiliation 22. Mocks 23. Bible songs
MEDIUM
#7
26. Oil-bearing rock
LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS T R E ND I L A X E O L E A P F RO O L E T NO T OR I E S S R E RR S A G E C A RR I ON I I N I DUMP S C R A E K A CCORD I E T NUD I S T
Y G
C T Y S T
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R E R A N B P A S P A C L O H Y P N
C A #P6E W L E A S E R G OD K A I N A N I C G E P B C E RR Y I P E B A R E U OS I S
5 4 7 3 2 1 6 9 8
3 6 9 7 8 4 2 1 5
8 2 1 5 6 9 7 4 3
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4 7 5 9 3 8 1 6 2
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Two Year Plan
Callum and Mary had money problems. They weren’t in debt, except for their credit card, but each fortnight was a struggle. They tried not to argue about money, but sometimes they did. One Friday evening, Mary put her solution to Callum. “I think we should do two or three years in the mines,” she said. Mary had dropped hints like this before, and Callum had been able to deflect them, till now. He loved his job, and his friends were in Rocky. So were hers. “What about your friends?” he asked her. “I think we need to make a small sacrifice for a while. We can still come into Rocky to socialise, and shop, every month or so.” Mary took Callum through the numbers. “If we live on what we do now, plus a bit, we should be able to save two-thousand dollars a month. In two years, we could save seventy-eight thousand dollars; more with interest. That got Callum’s attention. He applied for six jobs from Saturday’s paper. Over the next weeks, he got three interviews and an offer with a contractor based in Moranbah. He accepted it. The plan took an early hit when they went to find a house. Rents were a little higher than they’d expected. “This is extortion,” said Callum. The property manager mumbled something about supply and demand. They paid the rent, every week, because they needed a place to live. Still, it felt dirty paying that s ort of money. The rent wasn’t the end of it. “Can you believe tomatoes cost six dollars a kilo here?” said Mary, after Callum’s first day on the job. “Is that bad?” said Callum. “It’s been a while since I bought a tomato.” “Yes, it’s bad.” It wasn’t just tomatoes that were
more expensive; everything was. The first pay-packet had some surprises, too. “Are you sure this is right?” said Callum, as he went though the pay-slip. They must be taking too much tax, surely!” They decided to sacrifice the discounted private health insurance that came with the package to save more money. It turned out that the Medicare levy surcharge – the extra tax for not having private health insurance – cost more than the insurance itself. Mary crunched the numbers again. “I think we can still save thirty-thousand in two years,” she said. The trips to Rocky didn’t really happen. The first attempt cost them just over five hundred dollars, not including the shopping. They went to Mackay to shop, but decided to try and avoid that. Still, they needed to get out of town sometimes to keep from going nuts. Other things helped, to keep them sane. Mary didn’t need much convincing to get a big flat-screen TV. They negotiated a good price on a surround sound system, to complete the home theatre setup. Sometimes Mary got her hair or nails done in town, just for something to do. When their station wagon went north of two-hundred thousand kilometres, they leased a Prado. When they finished their two years; they had saved only ten thousand dollars. “Well, we improved and upgraded a lot of things,” said Callum. “And we had our first overseas holiday.” Callum said maybe they should do another two years, and really knuckle down and save. Mary did mention the idea of going overseas, to somewhere like Indonesia, to really save some serious money, but Callum managed to avoid that subject, so far.
Bernard S. Jansen is 32, married has three young boys. He lives in Emerald, works as an engineer at a local coal mine and is active in his local church. Read more of Bernard’s writing online at surgebin.blogspot.com or email him at bernard.jansen@gmail.com GOT AN IDEA FOR A STORY? Let Bernard know - email him at bernard.jansen@gmail.com or hop on his blog surgebin.blogspot.com
Page 19 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
BOAT
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DEALS
117th EDITION. 2011
How a bike ride hopes to cure cancer
NOW ON!
DO you love the feel of lycra against your bare legs? Is having helmet hair your idea of good styling? Well, the Ride to Conquer Cancer could be right up your alley - or should that be bike lane? Earlier this year, Rio Tinto and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QMIR) struck a three year partnership in the fight against cancer. Later this month, the first ever Ride to Conquer Cancer will be held in south-east Queensland. It’s a two day cycling event that begins on August 20 and continues for 200 kilometres - you even get to camp overnight. It’s not just about getting out in the fresh air on a beautiful winter weekend, it is about raising much-needed funds for QIMR and their cancer research. Rio Tinto’s Tim Lane is one of the many participants planning to swap his work clothes for a cycling jersey to take part in the ride and support a cause very close to home.
“I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009,” he said. “If I had received that diagnosis in the 1970s I would have had a 10 per cent chance of survival.” “Thanks to the dramatic improvement in cancer treatments in the course of one generation, testicular cancer now has one of the highest survival rates, and today I am cancer free.” “It gives hope that we can actually conquer cancer, and the work of QIMR is central to this effort.” The bike ride is no Tour De France and even if you’re not Cadel Evans you’re still welcome. The event is for people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities - and there will be catered meals, stocked pit stops, medical care and massage. In fact - all you need to join is a bike and a helmet. For more info on joining the ride, or just donating to a good cause, log onto www.conquercancer.org.au or call 1300 11 RIDE (7433).
The bike ride is no Tour De France - and even if you’re not Cadel Evans you’re still welcome.
Dude, Hang Ten at 1770 and Agnes
NEARLY everybody has dreamed at some stage of quitting work, moving to the beach, and spending their days in the surf and sun. Although this is sadly not a reality for most of us, we can still get down to the beach and live that carefree surf lifestyle when we’re not working for the man. Agnes Water/1770 is one of Queensland’s best surfing destinations and is, in fact, the northernmost surfing beach on the east coast of Australia (although some contest you can still catch a good wave at Farnborough Beach or 5 Rocks near Yeppoon). Only a few hours drive from Rockhampton, Agnes/1770 has rapidly
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Page 20 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
become a tourist hot spot for surfers and beach goers alike. If you’re an experienced surfer and want to head to Agnes when conditions are at their absolute best the local surf store ‘Reef 2 Beach’ offers an extremely comprehensive daily surf report, complete with webcam footage of the conditions. If, however, your only surfing experience is on the world wide web, fear not, because Reef 2 Beach also offers surfing lessons priced at $17 for three hours, and the only thing you need to bring is a towel. If you’re looking for a place to stay check out www.accommodationagneswater.com.au There are a number of motels in the area, and plenty of beach houses for rent.
FISHING PARADISE FOUND
Calling all serious fisherman to the best fishing location on the coast. Close to mining areas (You have probably driven past the turn-off!) Fully s/c accommodation silly season & 2011 Crew bookings available
Phone: 49373145
email: stanagebaymarine@bigpond.com web: www.stanagebay.com
OFF SHIFT 117th EDITION. 2011
MOVIE REVIEW By Justin Carlos
You’d be well within your rights to expect great things from a film finale 10 years in the making, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will not leave you disappointed. The eighth and final film in the incredibly lucrative Harry Potter franchise, The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, follows Harry, Ron and Hermoine in their pursuit to destroy the dark lord Voldemort. The three young wizards travel the countryside searching for ‘horcruxes’, enchanted
BOAT SHOW
DEALS
NOW ON!
The magic touch items which Voldemort can use to resurrect himself after death. The gang systematically destroys these magical trinkets to weaken Voldemort, giving way to the ultimate showdown between the forces of good and evil. Unlike earlier films in the Harry Potter franchise this film is decidedly darker and more adult, with some scenes surprisingly violent compared to previous movies in the
series, and with a number of characters ‘killed off’ during various magical confrontations. Thankfully The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is far more watchable than Part 1, which seemed to lack direction and drag on endlessly. Having now seen the second film I’m quite convinced that parts one and two could easily have been condensed into one three hour film. Having said that, The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 does an exceptional job of tying the previous
seven films in the series together to give viewers who may not have read the novels a better understanding of the Harry Potter universe. The special effects in the film are nothing short of outstanding, the penultimate scene in the film in which the wizards of good and evil do battle is visually thrilling to say the very least. The film does, however, end on a rather bizarre note flashing forward in time 19 years to see what Harry and the gang are getting up to. I find it mildly puzzling that the director expected me to believe that Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Rupert Grint (Ron) had aged 19 years just because they had five o’clock shadows, but it is only a very minor part of the movie. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter franchise then I’m quite certain that you won’t need my recommendation to rush out and take in The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but for those of you reading this review who may not be fans of the series, I would recommend checking this film out. The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 can be enjoyed as a stand alone film, and with its darker, more dramatic themes and motifs it has definitely shed the reputation as a ‘kid’s franchise’, which may have deterred some viewers from previous films.
*Entry Form available at the gate upon ticket purchase or online at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au. Terms and Conditions apply. A copy of the terms and conditions are available at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au
Page 21 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
BOAT
OFF SHIFT
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DEALS
117th EDITION. 2011
B ait YEPPOON EVER wondered why the fish don’t bite when a westerly is blowing? If you’ve been trying to fish off Yeppoon lately you might be asking that very question, and Adrian from The Secret Spot might just have uncovered the answer. While he can’t claim to know categorically (his evidence is based on something he read on a blog, but you know, that’s good enough for this column), he thinks he’s onto something. So listen up... “In a westerly a fish’s swim bladder expands, because westerlies are associated with low pressure systems,” he confides. “That tricks the fish into thinking it’s full, and they go off the bite.” “But as the barometer rises, the bladder goes back to normal size.” Not convinced? Well,Adrian reckons it explains why no-one’s been catching anything off shore for a while. “It makes sense - and at the very worst it’s a good excuse,” he chuckles. Meanwhile, no-one has been telling the fish up the creeks their bladders are bloated.
s ho p
There have been plenty of spanish mackerel in close - around Slade Rock and Flat and Round Top Islands. “They are really good in the very early morning when the sun is just coming up,” says Zac from Nashy’s Compleat Angler. Hairtail and ribbonfish are the bait of choice for reeling them in. There have also been pretty big bream just under the kilo mark - being hauled in on fresh slab bait. “Lots of reports of flathead too, being caught on either flesh or live herring.” There are also plenty of people chasing queenfish in the river using poppers.
MACKAY Gladstone
Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Time Ht
GLADSTONE “We’ve got barras coming out our ears here,” boasts Dylan from Pat’s Tackle World. “It’s pretty cold and people are still catching them - don’t ask questions just get fishing!” The hot water outlet is still the favourite spot, but barra have also resurfaced in the Boyne. There are plenty of salmon in the estuaries, big sized blues and the odd king - and
crabs are still about. “There are lots of large bream and grunter in the creeks as well,” said Dylan. It hasn’t been great for getting off shore, but the wrecks are fishing well with grunter, snapper, nannagai and tobia. If you have a good photo or fishing yarn send it through to our resident bait chucker-
angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com
Your weather forecast With Mike Griffin
Fri 5 Sat 6 Sun 7 Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht
0413 0.39 0454 0.36 0534 0.42 0614 0.57 0042 3.72 0139 3.38 0249 3.10 1013 3.67 1056 3.73 1141 3.72 1230 3.66 0659 0.77 0753 0.97 0902 1.11 1616 0.39 1659 0.48 1744 0.68 1833 0.95 1327 3.57 1436 3.49 1557 3.51 2229 4.41 2310 4.27 2354 4.03
1933 1.23 2055 1.42 2229 1.40
0600 0.41 0007 5.99 0048 5.74 0132 5.34 0223 4.86 0328 4.39 0452 4.07 1148 4.93 0640 0.39 0721 0.48 0803 0.66 0852 0.89 0954 1.10 1114 1.20 1800 0.34 1233 4.96 1318 4.91 1410 4.80 1512 4.69 1630 4.66 1756 4.81
1844 0.52 1930 0.83 2022 1.21 2128 1.57 2258 1.75
Mon 8 MACKAY Gladstone
A nice barra picked up at this years, Barra nationals on the Daly River! [sent in by Justin Richardson]
MACKAY
August Time Ht
B anter
Corio Bay has been fishing beautifully - with big bream, salmon, grunter and a heap of flathead. “Drifting with plastics has been the favourite,” says Adrian. When those westerlies aren’t blowing, off shore there have been some half decent mackerel about. Queenfish have also been caught off Outer Rock with poppers in the surf.
Tide Times Time Ht Time Ht
NOW ON!
Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14
Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0414 2.97 0541 3.04 0052 0.95 0141 0.75 0222 0.63 0259 0.57 0333 0.57 1021 1.14 1142 1.05 0647 3.20 0738 3.35 0820 3.46 0857 3.53 0931 3.56 1720 3.67 1828 3.89 1250 0.89 1340 0.75 1422 0.66 1458 0.63 1530 0.65 2351 1.20
1921 4.06 2005 4.16 2041 4.18 2114 4.15 2145 4.07
0037 1.61 0156 1.25 0253 0.92 0339 0.72 0419 0.65 0454 0.67 0524 0.71 0624 4.04 0742 4.22 0840 4.45 0926 4.60 1005 4.67 1039 4.70 1111 4.71 1236 1.12 1348 0.91 1445 0.71 1532 0.59 1611 0.57 1646 0.61 1717 0.70 1915 5.12 2016 5.44 2105 5.65 2145 5.73 2221 5.71 2253 5.62 2322 5.48
Page 22 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
Frosts & little rain – early bushfire season WEEK 1 - rainfall has dropped by more than 70 per cent in July. No rain, and consecutive frosts means grasslands across the Coalfields are in a high dry cure state, and it could well be a dangerous and early bushfire season. Only the area from Springure to south of Emerald around Lochington scored over 25 mm to make some of the grass green. The large high (see map) is causing dry air over inland Australia. This will continue to produce cold nights (low to moderate single figure temperatures) dry air (relative humidity 20-30% in afternoon) and warm sunny days (24-25 degrees). Early morning shallow mist/fog could be a problem, particularly if some grassfires are around as visibilities could be below 100 metres in the early morning. Only hope is for a trough late week that could cause a thundery shower in the very dry
Darling Downs/Warrego/Maranoa. Boaties - the light winds inshore should continue for the week. Just a problem with the night time “spike winds” offshore. This means winds could jump-up to be moderate to fresh for a short time, before easing during the day. Week 2 - the SOI has jumped to +9 for late July after sitting around zero for most of the month. Temperatures could rise into the high twenties. If this is the case then there is potential for an early bushfire season. There is a small window of opportunity for burning off during the early part of the day with low temperatures. Otherwise the warmer daytime maximums could make fires burn higher and a high risk of getting out of control. There is a chance of a trough during the middle of the month that could cause some relief. Marine lovers - the light winds seem to continue inshore and could be best early in the week.
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Your Health 117th EDITION. 2011
EXPERT ADVICE For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their health Dear Tammy, Thank you for your recent columns, even though you can only touch on things in this paper, you certainly do get me thinking. I just wanted to let you know I have almost accomplished ‘DRY JULY’ and as a result have lost nearly 7kg. I’m chuffed and very surprised. Cheers to that! Thank you for your feedback - and shall I refer to you as ‘Cheers’?! Congratulations for both having a go and committing to it successfully. Dry July is not just about giving up the old booze for a month. It began in 2008 with only 1000 people getting on board. The aim was to get healthy, challenge yourself, encourage positive change and a healthy attitude to alcohol consumption, while also raising money for cancer sufferers. It is not very often we take time out of busy lives and actually do something for ourselves, and most importantly our bodies. Dry July managed to raise $257,283 in its first year. Last year, it managed to raise a
whopping $2.45 million for cancer sufferers and the hospitals helping to support and treat them. Keep up the great work ‘Cheers’ and continue to trim that waistline. Who would ever have thought those few schooners of a night would sit so firmly on the hips?! If you missed out on Dry July, jump onto the bandwagon in August... you’ll be amazed how good you’ll feel. Stay healthy, Stay informed! DRY JULY IS OVER: But you can still give up booze in August
Tammy Farrell is a registered nurse, nutritionist and author of ‘The Real Man’s Toolbox – A DIY Health Manual for Men’. Tammy grew up in the Hunter Valley with two brothers in the local coal mines. In 2007, she started to give health talks in the Hunter, and that’s when she began compiling the book, helping hundreds of men answer questions about their bodies.
Time Management Management of Priorities
Vegetable and Ricotta Lasagna Serves 6 - 8 INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 brown onion, diced 1 zucchini, thinly sliced 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced 400g diced tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste salt & pepper, to taste 400g ricotta cheese 250g spinach (if frozen defrost and remove excess water) 1 packet fresh lasagna sheets ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, grated METHOD: Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook for about 3 mins or until onion is soft. Add zucchini and capsicum to the pan and cook for about 3 mins. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste and season with the salt and pepper. Stir until well combined then simmer for 10 mins or until sauce reduces.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix together the spinach and ricotta. Pre-heat oven to 180 oC. Using a rectangular baking dish and cut the lasagna sheets to size. Coat the bottom of the dish with sauce mixture, about 1cm. Place one lasagna sheet on top. Add another coat of the sauce mixture, then spoon over the spinach mixture, followed by another sheet. Repeat this method until dish is full (about 4 to 6 layers). Spoon a light coat of the sauce over the top of the lasagna, cover with foil and cook for 30 mins. Sprinkle lasagne with mozzarella cheese and return to the oven uncovered for 15 mins or until golden brown (making sure lasagna sheets are cooked). Serve immediately.
People Management . Project Management . Focus on goals
Plan - Organise - Delegate - Control
“Craig Martini Time Management Diary” Visit website: www.timeman.co.za or Call (07) 5471 3222 Page 24 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
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MONEY MATTERS 117th EDITION. 2011
MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
How can the Qld government help fund your investment property? late and pay far more than today’s prices. The Building Boost Grant has not yet been legislated, but it would be a foolish government that did not honour its commitment. What is the QLD Building Boost Grant? It is a grant of $10,000 for a person or corporation buying or building a NEW home in QLD for a value less than $600,000 (including the cost of land). When can I apply? From 1 August 2011 to 31 January 2012. Do I have to live in the home? No. The property must however be first occupied as a place of residence, either by the applicant or a tenant. Can an ‘off the plan’ purchase qualify? Yes.
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If I’m building a new home, are there construction time limits? Yes. Our builder, Mancorp Quality Homes will commence construction of our customer’s new investment properties immediately upon finance approval from the bank. Can I obtain more than one grant? Yes. The grant can be obtained for each new home purchased or built where the grant conditions are met.
Do replacement contracts and options qualify? No. How to apply for the grant? The Qld Government is yet to advise. At this stage, until we receive more information we recommend that you treat the Grant as a bonus and pay $10,000 off your loan when you receive it. Once the Government clarifies how buyers apply - and when and how they will be paid the grant - we will send further details. If you would like more information about building wealth, beating inflation and reducing your income tax. Contact Steve Taylor & Partners for a free consultation on 4980 7733 or visit our website www.stevetaylor.com.au
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When do I have to buy/build to get the grant? 1. A contract made between 1 August 2011 and 31 January 2012 (both inclusive) for the purchase of a new home in Queensland. 2. A comprehensive home building contract made between 1 August 2011 and 31 January 2012 (both inclusive).
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We are currently in a “buyer’s market� in Australia. The Brisbane market is always more stable than other capital cities with less “ups and downs�. While the market has plateaued, building costs continue to increase – and so does the population. Many potential buyers are “sitting on the fence� and that is damming up demand. It will only take a catalyst to bring buyers back to the market and this will again see demand exceeding supply and the next upward spike in prices. The catalyst could well be the Queensland government’s $10,000 Building Boost Grant. It is always better to get into - or out of - the market one year too early than one week too late. History shows most people will be too
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Page 25 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
MONEY MATTERS 117th EDITION. 2011
Coal company pays $21M for cattle country XSTRATA Coal has purchased one of central Queensland’s premier beef properties for more than $20 million, in a major show of confidence about its plans to expand its Rolleston coal operations. Xstrata paid the Australian Agricultural Company (AAco) $21.6 million for Meteor Downs - a 17 thousand hectare grazing property, located 40 kilometres south-east of Rolleston. In May this year Xstrata embarked on the process of getting environmental approval to expand the existing Rolleston mine, with a production target of 20 million tonnes of thermal coal a year. If approved, the expansion would generate around 700 jobs and extend the life of the mine through to about 2045. AAco managing director David Farley said he was pleased with the deal. “The price agreed with Xstrata Coal is well in excess of the book value of the Meteor Downs property and represents exceptional value for AAco shareholders,� he said. The managing director of Rural Property Services, Howard Mills, said the sale had bucked a slump in rural property prices and
was a return to the highs of 2007 when rural prices peaked. “The overall [rural property] market has definitely come back off its highs in 2007,� he said. “It could be back 30 per cent plus from where it was in 2007, and the sort of price in this deal would be in line with 2007 levels so a significant premium.� “Any property that comes under the spotlight from mining companies is certainly getting a premium.� “Not only that, some of the compensation deals being offered by mining companies for access rights and other exploration and drilling rights have been very good.� Despite the seemingly win-win situation at Meteor Downs, relations between miners and graziers have become increasingly strained. With huge growth in exploration and mining, rights and access to rural land has become a headline issue in Queensland. Mr Mills said there was a range of views across the rural community. “There are a few mining sales going through, and depending on how good the deal is, people either love mining or hate mining,� he said. “Gas and oil are definitely not popular,
but coal is more popular because I think it’s been around for a long while, and everyone is coming to terms with it.� “One of the really huge issues is not so much when there is a sale, but when there is a large mining project possible, but there are no sales, and lots of uncertainty.� Mr Mills said grazing families who know their property could be bought at some stage, were stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“They can’t develop the property while there is so much uncertainty about the future, and they can really only sell to the mining company, who can often take months and years to make a decision.� “The big thing in mining is that they never make these decisions in a hurry - it can take up to two years.� “Really, it should be done in a respectable time period, rather than letting it string out.�
Owner Divesting
On shift: Work Off shift: Relax, enjoy the view Have you been thinking about getting into the real estate market in the Whitsundays. Real estate is always about timing and the time is right – right now to buy this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom, fully furnished sea view unit in the Mediterranean Resort. As it is a buyer’s market, why not take advantage and buy in this region now. Yes the seller is serious. This is why you work your long hours – get to Airlie Beach now.
Price $460,000
SOLD: The iconic Meteor Downs cattle station will now be mined
web ID A_18438
Unit 12-12 Golden Orchid Drive Airlie Beach
The owner is selling at $150,000 under what he originally paid for the apartment. This fully furnished 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms apartment is within walking distance to Airlie Beach. Currently tenanted until January 2012, you have the knowledge that your investment is well looked after as this tenant cares for the apartment as if it was her own.
Price $449,000 web ID A_6285
Address Unit 7 -10 Hermitage Drive Airlie Beach
Contact Lynne Erricker and Anne McDonald Mobile 0402856159 Email – annemcdonald@prd.com.au
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3 Lifestyle Properties Only 40 Minutes To Gladstone
‘Scrubby’ – Lot 21 Turkey Beach Road, Rodds Bay ‹ OLJ[HYLZ HJYLZ -YLLOVSK ;P[SL ‹ RTÂťZ MYVT ;\YRL` )LHJO VM SVJHS IVH[ YHTWZ ‹ :JY\II` *YLLR Y\UUPUN [OYV\NO [OL WYVWLY[` HUK :HUK` *YLLR VU [OL LHZ[LYU IV\UKHY` WS\Z [^V KHTZ ‘Samsons’ – Blackmans Gap Road, Colloseum ‹ OLJ[HYLZ HJYLZ -YLLOVSK [P[SLZ ‹ (WWYV_ RTÂťZ (NULZ >H[LYZ ‹ ,HZ` YVSSPUN JV\U[Y` KPZLJ[LK I` 9V\UK *YLLR ‹ _ \ULX\PWWLK IVYL HWWYV_ NWO ‹ =LUKVY Y\UUPUN JV^Z HUK JHS]LZ VY LX\P]HSLU[ ‘Murray Swamp’ – Blackmans Gap Road, Colloseum ‹ OLJ[HYLZ HJYLZ -YLLOVSK [P[SL ‹ RTÂťZ ZV\[O VM 4PYHPT =HSL VWWVZP[L :HTZVUZ ‹ =LUKVY Y\UUPUN OLPMLYZ View )` HWWVPU[TLU[ Auction WT ;\LZKH` [O (\N\Z[ Venue ;OL .YHUK /V[LS .VVUKVVU :[YLL[ .SHKZ[VUL Ray White Rural Rockhampton Richard Brosnan
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Page 26 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011
DA VED O PR AP
BLACKWATER MOTEL SITE
Auction on site 20th August 2011
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time 2024m2 Prime Land - Blackwater Qld. Start is 10am ) ' ( " $ $ $ !" " ' ( $ ' ( $ $ ' # " # "& # ) !!" & " % $# ! %# #$ %" $ ) # # $ &
For full details call: 07 49 875 875 Clinton Adams 0428 875 875 www.cdadams.com.au
Whitsunday’s are calling 3 large bedrooms, 2 x air-conditioned Stylish security windows and doors Tiled downstairs Modern kitchen Front and back outdoor areas Separate bathroom and toilet upstairs s Separate downstairs toilet and laundry s Quiet area Web ID 107478984 s s s s s s
0RICE
5NIT -AEVA 3TREET *UBILEE 0OCKET #ONTACT 2AY 7HITE 7HITSUNDAY !DAM 7EBSTER PHONE EASTWOOD SHIFTMINER 4M AD.indd 1
Off shift just got a whole lot more fun
26/07/11 8:06 AM
Auction date 27/08/2011 10am in PRD Rooms
5 Acres on the Proserpine River s Home + granny flat, 5 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, IGP s 2.13 acres cleared flat land with boundary to the river s Bore with great water supply s Multiple sheds for cars/boats/machinery etc s Fishing paradise, close to the Proserpine Dam
1634 Crystalbrook Road CRYSTAL BROOK web ID A_117318
Contact Lynne Erricker and Anne McDonald Mobile 0402856159 Email – annemcdonald@prd.com.au
Villa 2 Breakwater Drive Rosslyn Bay Yeppoon CQ 4703 s 4HREE BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS s 4HREE BATHROOMS 3PA IN MAIN BEDROOM s "ALCONY OFF MAIN BEDROOM s METER "OAT PONTOON
CD ADAMS & CO Real Estate P: (07) 49 875 875 CLINTON CDADAMS COM AU
Price $1.65 million Page 27 - Shift Miner Magazine, 1st August 2011 26/07/11 8:26 AM
LAWSON'S EDGE SHIFTMINER 4M AD.indd 1
* $10,000 Grant available to all Investors and Owners now. Up to $32,000 available to first home buyers through Government Grants. *Conditions Apply.
Bulimba Luxury Apartments Now Selling from $529,000 to $1.07M Your choice, Your style… either buy off the plan now with settlement not required until early 2012 or check out our current stage which is nearing completion. STYLISH LIVING AREAS
ZEN ROOM FOR RELAXING
Welcome to our latest and most exclusive stages at Aqua’ta Bulimba. Consisting of stylish and individual luxury apartments, there is a wide range of designs to choose from including our smart 2 bedroom to our super-sized 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses. All apartments offer cutting-edge designs and finishes with fully equipped designer stone kitchens, luxurious bathrooms and ensuites, polished timber floors or imported tiles to the living areas, huge balconies or terraces (some apartments have huge decks with a wrap around terrace and courtyard), and secure access with lift. Fully landscaped gardens, personal training studio, Zen room and garden. Most apartments have 2 or 3 car accommodation and separate storerooms. Corporate Leasing Advantage available for 2 years on completed apartments starting from $700.00 per week. Aqua’ta stages one and two will appeal to astute buyers wanting to secure a luxury apartment with a choice of designer finish options. Shopping is easy with the Oxford Street Shopping and dining precinct only a 300 metre stroll along the park from Aqua’ta.
For more info contact Brian White on 0488 278 282 or see more details and virtual tour at www.ponsford.com.au The Display Suite is open daily 1.30pm-3.00pm (closed Wednesday) and is located at the corner of Barramul and Corio Streets Bulimba.
SUPERB KITCHEN DESIGNS
LINEAR SHIFTMINER 4M AD.indd 1
26/07/11 8:25 AM