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Monday 13th February 130th Edition 2012
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Anglo American Collapse triggers cuts 250 job losses As many as 250 jobs will be lost at the Anglo American owned Moranbah North underground mine, according to a site supervisor working at the site. The supervisor - who asked not to be named - said contractors at Moranbah North mine had been advised by Anglo American last Thursday that there would be cuts to the workforce. “My team is going to be cut back from eight to two and the remaining workers are expected to complete the same amount of work,� he said. “A meeting is underway between the mine and major contractors including Mastermyne, and there are up to 250 jobs in jeopardy.� “At the end of the day that’s what contracting is all about.� “People are not likely to be out of work, we are 24,000 people short in this industry so everyone will get work somewhere.� “But it is knocking people around though, mentally.� “Some of the people working here are just a few months into a two or three year contract and now they are cutting back.� At the time of printing the mines owner Anglo American had not had the chance to comment on the job losses.
Moranbah Aquatic Centre is the perfect place to cool off Âť Â Â More pictures page 15
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Off Shift Get your motor running Âť page 21 Money Matters Iconic beach house under threat Âť page 25 Money Matters Mackay property stable, Gladstone challenging Âť page 27
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14 CONTENTS NEWS Australia Day
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Gladstone Harbour woes
4 Acid mishap 5 Good times Keep rolling in Mackay
Sport
8 Gladstone Harbour woes
12
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Gaslab worker
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12 Qld mobile gas lab Most advanced
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Sustainable Economy
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News
130th EDITION. 2012
Strikes loom as BHP posts $9.9B profit MINERS could walk off the job for a week at BMA’s seven Bowen Basin sites. Earlier this month mass meetings of coal miners endorsed a week-long shutdown, and union officials are now meeting to decide how the strike will play out. It follows a 15-month bitter long enterprise bargaining dispute between the company and the unions. CFMEU spokesman Steve Smyth said the strike action is likely to take place over the next few weeks. “We go away and look at what has the least amount of impact on our members and the most impact on the company,” he said. BMA asset president Steve Dumble said the company is extremely disappointed by the proposed strike action. He said the overwhelming majority of issues
had been resolved during the 15 months of talks. “The remaining issues mainly concern the unions’ push to extend their benefits,” he said. “Whilst we have provided written confirmation we will not remove any existing arrangements, we will not agree to their extension. The company has made a compelling offer of a five per cent per year increase every year for the next three years plus a guaranteed $15,000 per year bonus, which would further improve BMA’s already industry-leading pay.” BHP Billiton - one of the two partners in the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance which owns the mines - just posted a massive first-half profit of $US9.94 billion. It fell slightly short of market expectations - and its own record profit result of $US10.52 billion last year - but the result is still one of the biggest in Australian corporate history.
“We go away and look at what has the least amount of impact on our members and the most impact on the company.”
Miner suffers severe acid burns A Queensland miner has been so severely burnt by sulphuric acid that skin grafts are being considered as treatment. The worker was inside a bunded sulphuric acid storage area, when he stepped on a grid mesh covering a sulphuric acid drain. The grid gave way, and the man’s foot was submerged above the boot line. While the incident is still under investigation, the mines inspectorate has already put out a safety bulletin on the accident. The bulletin says the incident highlights
that while many workers look up for hazards - they often don’t look down. “Attention is often given to high structures because the hazard of objects falling from heights is easily recognised,” it said. “ Ground level flooring and drains, and the grid mesh covering drains, may not be so obvious a hazard and so can be overlooked.” The inspectorate has recommended all drains are checked as part of structural integrity inspections on mine sites.
Condition of the drain and grid mesh
“The incident highlights that while many workers look up for hazards - they often don’t look down.”
Discharge breaches in Fitzroy minor: DERM THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has dismissed the two instances of Bowen Basin mines breaching their water discharge quotas as minor offences. Since late January, at least 14 mines have released water - on 25 occasions - into the Fitzroy catchment. Recent heavy rains have meant river flows are now at a level that some mines are able to pump water, trapped on site since last year, out into the catchment under the watch of the Department of Environment & Resource Management (DERM). However, two mines, BMA’s Saraji and Anglo American’s Capcoal released water outside their licensed conditions. According to DERM, the Saraji mine released water for two hours. The release was stopped when it exceeded its 1000/microsiemens/cm (uS/cm) authorised limit by 15 uS/cm. The Capcoal release related to the overflow of a sediment dam during the downpour. DERM says the water was heavily diluted by fresh runoff, and downstream monitoring showed no adverse effect on water quality. In both cases, the mines notified the
Discharges will be public
department of the breaches. According to DERM’s Andrew Connor, the two unathorised releases were small scale and had no significant impact on overall water quality. “The risk of causing environmental harm was very low due to both the quality of the water released and the large amount of dilution that occurred,” he said. “The department will investigate and
“The challenge with this process for the mines is always going to be monitoring the flow in real time, and knowing exactly when to switch it off.” Page 4 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
take appropriate enforcement action in relation to any non-compliant mine water discharges in accordance with its published enforcement guidelines.” QRC chief executive Michael Roche said the breaches were minor - and in motoring terms, would not lead to a speeding ticket. “It sound like, in the case of Saraji, the margin of error was the sort that would apply when speed cameras monitor motorists.” He said it was a case of mines judging exactly when to turn off the tap. “The challenge with this process for the mines is always going to be monitoring the flow in real time, and knowing exactly when to switch it off.”
ALL mine discharges into the Fitzroy catchment will now be made public, after an outcry from local and state politicians. During last year’s floods, DERM updated its website www.fitzroyriver.qld.gov.au with a list of mines that were releasing water. But the rules governing water release have now changed, with mines negotiating their own individual plans under individual environmental authorities. Last month when mines had their first opportunity this wet season to release water, these discharges were not reported on the website, and neither were the minor breaches. However, up-to-date information on the health of the river continues to be provided through the website. But the Environment Minister Vicky Darling said it was a slip-up not to publish the latest discharges, and it would happen in the future. QRC President Michael Roche said the industry had nothing to hid, and supported the move. He said the data must be presented in a way that was understand. “The fact is that there were not 14 mines discharging water at once,” he said. “Rather, 14 mines have made some discharges over that time for brief and/or intermittent periods. “All discharges are governed by pre-approved rules administered on a mine-by-mine basis. “Most importantly, these releases are in no way endangering the health of the Fitzroy River Basin or the quality of drinking water.”
News
130th EDITION. 2012
Mackay region’s ‘tsunami’ growth FAST NEWS THE Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region has seen a 32 per cent increase in investment, and this growth is a tsunami waiting to happen, says the Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC). Investment skyrocketed to over $107 billion, which includes a $26 billion increase between July and December last year, according to the latest Regional Development Register released by the REDC. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, as $92 billion in projects are still under study, with only $13 billion currently in progress, said REDC CEO Narelle Pearse. The majority of mining projects will take off within the next four years, so the busy times are still ahead, she said. This growth, through related construction and actual mining, will have an increased impact on the region in terms of infrastructure, including housing, roads and access to water, Ms Pearse said. In order for the region to cope with this growth, the councils need assistance from both levels of government in terms of accommodating this increase in population. “We need guaranteed funding - the councils lost their 40 per cent subsidy from the
state government and this puts a massive hole in their budget to support growth,” she said. “We need to see a committed level of funds returned to the region and reinvested into our growing population.” While it would be unfair to say the region was not getting money back from mining, it is more about the proportion it is getting, she said. “For us to capitalise on this growth, we will have to see our proportion of this revenue increase.” In order for the region to survive this rapid growth, industry across the board needs to grow, not just mining, she said. “It’s about having a balanced economy.” The increase is across all sectors, but it has been driven mainly by mining, followed by infrastructure sectors of ports, rail and energy. The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region now has a higher level of investment than other growth regions such as Gladstone.
Rail projects include: • Alpha Coal Rail Project $2.5 billion • Reinvigorated Iron Boomerang Project $6.36 billion Port projects include: • New terminals and terminal expansions at Abbot Point (4-9) $24.9 billion • Dudgeon Point Coal terminal $12 billion Energy projects include: • Arrow Bowen Gas pipeline $1 billion • Blackwater & Norwich Park CSG Fields $400 million
The majority of mining projects will take off within the next four years, so the busy times are still ahead.
Gas symposium not guaranteed
DESPITE the success of the 2011 Queensland International Gas Symposium the event may not be staged this year. The event is organised by the Queensland government, but a spokesperson for the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) said a decision was yet to be made on whether the event would go ahead again in 2012. The event attracted close to 500 delegates from major global players in the industry and government and corporate representatives. .....................................................................
Tyres show industry activity TYRE replacements is a new measure of activity in the mining and construction industries being collated by the shipping agency Skelton Sherborne. The new tyre index shows how many tyres are worn and need replacing. For November to January there was a steady growth of tyre imports with a 46 per cent increase overall. Machinery import volumes in December dropped by 28 per cent to 2469 units. That is still a large jump from the December 2009 figure of 1650 and 401 units up on last December’s 2068. Close to $503 million in machinery imports was recorded in December. .....................................................................
More flights scheduled for booming destinations KEY central Queensland mining towns will have more access to flights from next month, with QantasLink adding four new planes to its fleet. QantasLink will launch Boeing 717 services to Rockhampton and Gladstone on 15 March, and Mackay on 26 March. The new service will run alongside existing flights on the three routes during peak times. QantasLink is also introducing new services to Emerald, Roma and Bundaberg. .....................................................................
More families needed for FIFO research RESPONSE has been disappointing to a call for families with teenagers to join a research project into how they cope with FIFO. Western Australian researcher Jacinth Watson is gauging how teenagers deal with the FIFO/DIDO lifestyle as part of her thesis through Edith Cowan University. Central to the study is what impact a temporarily absent parent has on parent–child communication. Families wanting to take part in the study should contact Jacinth Watson via email at · jacinth.watson@ecu.edu.au.
Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
News
130th EDITION. 2012
Mining focus makes Qld economy vulnerable
QUEENSLAND needs to be careful it is not putting all its economic eggs in one basket with its single-minded focus on mining, warns a sustainability expert. Professor John Cole, Director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development, says that any community with just one industry is vulnerable.
“The essential challenge is to ensure that in meeting the opportunities of short-term benefit, we don’t leave behind vital industries such as agriculture, services and tertiary education.” A sustainable future is not about taking jobs from other sectors; that is making ourselves strong in one sector and weak in others, he said.
Professor Cole, who will be speaking at the Central Highlands Conference – Investing in our Future in Emerald next month, said the resources boom will last as long as it takes India and China to discover a way to manufacture steel without coal. “I have no problem with mining, but I have a problem with a society that tends to build around one product. Too much assigned to profitability of coal for shortterm gain,” he said. “Diversity is the critical ingredient of sustainability.” Communities need to demand more from their governments, as decisions about central Queensland are being made in corporate headquarters in Brisbane. “All the government does is approve or not approve, and we leave our future to a lot of speculators investing and who might make a quick buck. But do they have the long-term good of that region at heart?” Professor Cole will be talking to communities within the Central Highlands about what they need to demand of government. “People need to be more engaged in discussions and not passive and not leave it to government,” he said. He said it is not a matter of shutting down the mining industry, but ensuring that the other sectors remain strong.
Most of Australia’s economy is made up of a range of education, services and agriculture, and resources makes up only 8 per cent. “You can having mining, but make sure we have a strong agricultural service too as our long-term economical survival will depend on a strong agriculture sector and strong infrastructure.” “There is a whole lot we can take out of the mining sector and apply to other sectors. Our approach is too low-level; we are looking at the here and now, and the short term.” Sustainability is about building a community that is strong and can adapt, he said. “Central Highlands has to make sure it has some options for the future.” Central Highlands Conference – Investing in our Future (16-17 March 2012, Emerald, Queensland) will have regional and national speakers and stakeholders who present current and future initiatives; development and investment opportunities; and projects, products and services that will support growth in the Central Highlands region. Former Wallaby player, radio commentator, media personality and bestselling author, Peter FitzSimons will MC the conference.
“Normal” wet season slows mines BOWEN Basin mines have been slowed down by recent heavy rain, but the impact on production has been minimal. This time last year, most of the region’s mines were in overdrive to try and get production back on track. The unprecedented rain destroyed rail lines, flooded coal pits, cut roads and shut down ports. But in 2012, the wet season is so far less severe, and the Queensland Resources Council’s Michael Roche said it was business as usual for most mines - despite widespread and heavy falls across the region. “These are the sorts of conditions that mines factor into their planning for a Queensland wet season,” he said. “However, it has been a late start to the wet season, and the outlook suggests we could be for a few more months of it yet so we are not out of the woods by any measure.”
Page 6 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
None of the major miners has reported significant disruption to production. “The main impact has been simply due to stopping work during the heavy downpours for safety reasons,” said Mr Roche. “The slippery conditions after the rain has slowed down activity somewhat, with some haul roads cut, and there have been some access issues due to flooded roads.” Many mines in the region are still storing huge quantities of water on site from last year’s deluge, but Mr Roche said so far those unwanted reserves have not been significantly topped up. “Some mines have taken on more water in their pits, but it has come from the skies not in the form of uncontrolled flows,” he said.
News
130th EDITION. 2012
Expansion on the cards for Moranbah explosives plant EXPANSION plans are already being talked about at Dyno Nobel’s new and not yet operational Moranbah ammonium nitrate plant to keep up with demand for mine explosives in the northern Bowen Basin. The new plant is in the early commissioning stages, with its full complement of full-time technical staff now living in Moranbah. “What we are saying is we are on track to produce product at the beginning of the third quarter,” said site manager Kyle Gimpl. The plant can produce 330,000 tonnes per annum, but won’t reach full production for at least at year after it comes online. “When we first come online it will be at about 80 per cent and predictably there will be calibration issues,” said Mr Gimpl. “These plants are highly instrumentalised, and any issues that are picked up by our sensors actually trip the whole plant.” “That means in the initial stages it is a very lumpy kind of production.” But demand for explosives in the region, given the number of new mines and new mine expansions, means Dyno has no shortages of customers.
“One of the things about this project that allowed it to go ahead was foundation customers signing up for long term contacts,” he said. “All of those customers are now saying we’d like some more.” For Dyno Nobel, that means talk of expansion before the plant is even up and running. “Certainly the CEO is highly ambitious of an expansion,” said Mr Gimpl. “The process we will adopt is to get the plant up and stable and eliminate all of those trips that cost you production.” “Then once we are stable we will reassess the position with our customer base and look at the best way to do an expansion.” The current plant could increase its capacity slightly, but not enough to cover expected demand. “Typically what you try to do is squeeze 10 per cent more out of your current set up, but if you’re talking an increase of say 30 per cent you would need to be build more infrastructure,” said Mr Gimpl. “You would also need more gas to support it, so you would obviously be talking about an investment.”
Expansion is already planned for the Dyno Nobel Moranbah ammonium nitrate plant even though it is not operational.
“Certainly the CEO is highly ambitious of an expansion.”
Dyno workers loving Moranbah THEY have come from all corners of the world, and they now call the Bowen Basin mining town of Moranbah home. Dyno Nobel’s 80-strong permanent workforce at its new ammonium nitrate plant will all live locally in homes built by the company. In fact, 73 of the houses are now built, and the rest will be finished by the end of the month, as the plant edges towards full commissioning later this year. According to site manager Kyle Gimpl, workers are enjoying living in Moranbah which is a change of scene for most. “A lot of our people have done a lot of FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) work before, so for them this is something different,” he said. “There are a lot of families, and it’s a very friendly community and all our feedback has been that people are loving it.” Mr Gimpl said many families had already begun to put down roots, with spouses finding work in town businesses and children joining sporting clubs. “A lot of activities out here are centred around family - they join the ski
club or whatever and there is something for everyone.” “In fact, I have been amazed but some of the sporting facilities are better than you’d find in big regional centres like the squash club here is better than Gladstone.” Dyno’s workforce is truly multicultural, with employees coming from the US, Canada, Trinidad, India, New Zealand, South Africa, England and Holland. There are only six plants of its kind in Australia, so finding the people with the right skills is a challenge. “What you have to do is minimise the technical learning curve, you need a core group of people to run a plant like this,” said Mr Gimpl. But the company is looking to build more local opportunities - and has just awarded a scholarship to a year 12 student who will work as a laboratory assistant this year, but can continue his studies to become a chemical engineer. “Long term, we are hoping to use these scholarships to build up local retention and put down some roots in the town.”
“A lot of activities out here are centred around family - they join the ski club or whatever and there is something for everyone.” Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
News
130th EDITION. 2012
Gladstone anglers, shop owners head to court THE plight of the Gladstone fishing and tourism industry is now in the court, with legal action launched. Shine Lawyers has lodged a class action against the state government on behalf of 60 fisherman and businesses arguing the Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) has failed to comply with conditions set by the government and must now provide financial compensation to the Gladstone fishing industry. The claim through the Planning and Environment Court seeks a payout by the port for business and personal financial losses by June 30 and estimated at $20 billion. Shine Lawyers Partner Rebecca Jancauskas said the Gladstone fishing industry needed action to safeguard their livelihood. “The government’s own environmental impact study flagged the fishing industry would be adversely affected,” said Ms Jancauskas. The $70 billion port development and associated dredging has been widely blamed in the Gladstone community for fish deaths in the harbour. However, the GPC has always maintained the dredging did not cause the sick fish, and that is backed up by an independent scientific report. In a statement, the GPC said it had
always been keen to provide compensation to commercial fishers as required for the loss of access to fishing grounds caused by the Western Basin Dredging Project. However, it believed the estimate from fisheries data of the total annual gross revenue from the commercial seafood harvest in the Western Basin to be around a more modest $350,000 to $400,000. “Compensation claims, as indicated in the media, for $20 million for that loss of access are clearly excessive,” the statement said. “This is especially so given the $17.5 million of fisheries enhancement and research funding being spent by GPC to counteract any impact from the Western Basin Dredging Project and to ensure any impact is contained within the Western Basin.” “The issue of compensation for disease in fish is one GPC is happy to argue in any court given the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing to other environmental causes than impact from the Western Basin Dredging Project.” Fisherman and lead applicant in the claim, Trevor Falzon, described fishing in the harbour as chancing life. “It is like playing Russian roulette with our lives and the lives of consumers that eat
our catch. It is madness,” he said this week. “It’s now at the point where scores of businesses have closed, and those who remain cannot sell the fish caught because of the unhealthy state of their catch.” Ms Jancauskas said the development has had a clear impact not only on the local industry but on the region as a whole. “Not only are local fishermen suffering, but so are hundreds of other businesses
relying on healthy marine life for sustainable business,” she said. “The people of Gladstone expect this Government to act on concerns of the fishing industry for the greater economic development of the region. “There’s the marine industry unable to sell boats, seafood suppliers without any seafood and food retailers who can’t employ locals because of lack of business.” The plight of the Gladstone fishing and tourism industry is now in the court.
Not happy, says Clive, over rail plans CLIVE Palmer is suing QR National for $8 billion for allegedly breaching confidentiality and misleading conduct over the proposed rail links between the Galilee Basin and the coast. Mr Palmer is unhappy the state government has granted significant project status for QR National’s proposal aimed at linking several mines in the Bowen and Galilee basins. In a terse statement Mr Palmer’s company, Waratah Coal, said it was outraged over some of the behaviour exhibited by the government which still owns 40 per cent of QR National.
“Our China First Project will create 6000 jobs during construction and will generate an estimated $4.6 billion per annum in export revenues once operational,” spokeswoman for the China First project Baljeet Singh said. “Now we have QR National in conjunction with the Queensland Government claiming it can build the rail link and create hundreds of jobs in what looks like a bid to score some political mileage in the government’s bid for re-election. “This is an outrage as we had already been in commercial discussions and exchanges with QR National for cooper-
Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
ation in the joint development of rail and port facilities supporting the Galilee Basin. “We have advised the CoordinatorGeneral of the improper use for which the subject significant project declaration regarding QR National has been made and reserve our rights against him and the Queensland Government. “We intend seeking damages of $8 billion and will also seek injunctions against QR National and other relevant parties seeking to restrain them from dealing with QR National in respect of the Galilee Basin and its corridor and associated port facilities.”
A QR National spokesman told media the claim amounted to “baseless assertions’’ and no further official comment would be made. There are currently two proposals for 500km rail lines to transport coal from the Galilee Basin ito Abbot Point - one from QR National and Hancock Coal and Mr Palmer’s Waratah Coal as part of the China First project. The Co-Ordinator General is to rule on which rail projects go ahead. No date has been set for when the decision will be made.
News
130th EDITION. 2012
BHP Abbot Point rail is Xstrata sets sights on open for public comment Rolleston expansion CONSULTATION has begun on a new rail line proposed by BHP Billiton from its Goonyella mine in the northern Bowen Basin to Abbot Point port near Bowen. The new railway would span more than 260 kilometres and and move up to 60 million tonnes of coal every year. The draft terms of reference for the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have now been released, and members of the public can now submit their comments. This is the first opportunity for the community and other stakeholders to have their say on the project and identify matters they would like to see addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The line is one of six mooted for the region, with almost 100 rural landholders directly effected by the criss-cross of paths. Landholders are pushing for coal companies to share a common line, but each company wants to be the owner of the infrastructure. Submissions are due by close of business on Friday 3 March and must be made in writing to the Queensland government via: Project Manager – Goonyella to Abbot Point Rail Significant Projects Coordination Office of the Coordinator-General PO Box 15517, City East QLD 4002, or Email to: goonyella-abbot-rail@deedi.qld.gov.au or Fax: 3225 8282
New rail regulations make tracks safer THE State Government has toughened up rules for train drivers, setting new minimum standards to manage fatigue in a bid to further boost safety. Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new regulations would set new minimum standards for fatigue management across the state’s entire rail network, improving safety for both rail staff and their passengers. “We’ve made a major investment in passenger and freight rail in recent years and although Queensland has a strong rail safety record, we understand that with our massive expansion in the mining sector, we need to keep a close watch on fatigue issues,” Ms Palaszczuk said. Ms Palaszczuk said the changes meant that for trains with two drivers the maximum shift length would be 12 hours and for single-driver locomotives, a nine hour maximum would be introduced. She said the new standards also introduced a requirement that drivers take a minimum of 12 hours break between each shift where the driver ends a shift at a home depot and 8 hours break when away from the home depot. Rail Tram and Bus Union State Secretary Owen Doogan described the changes as “an important advancement in safety”. “Driving trains requires constant deep concentration whether hauling coal wagons over a kilometre long or carrying hundreds of commuters and tourists and therefore fatigue management is a top of the tree safety issue in our industry.”
Ms Palaszczuk said unions has raised significant concerns with the government about potential fatigue issues, especially given the increasing number of operators on the network. She said while a rail transport operator could seek to operate outside the standard hours, they’d have to gain prior approval from the rail safety watchdog. The regulations commenced this week and allows industry 12 months transition time to meet the new requirements.
Key details of the new minimum standard provision: · In the case of a two driver operation (including where the second person is a qualified train driver who is learning the route or undergoing an assessment), the maximum shift length is 12 hours.
· In the case of a one driver operation, the maximum shift length is 9 hours.
· There is to be a break of at least 12 continuous hours between each shift where the driver ends a shift at the home depot, or work location where an employee has been appointed
· There is to be a break of at least 8 continuous hours between each shift where the driver ends a shift at an away depot.
· A maximum number of 12 shifts and a maximum 132 hours to be worked in any 14 day period.
XSTRATA Coal has taken a major step forward in expanding its Rolleston coal mine, applying for additional mining leases adjacent to its current operation. The proposed expansion would extend the life of the mine by about 20 years - to 2045 - and increase production by up to 20 million tonnes of coal a year. The mining lease application areas cover approximately 12,500 hectares. Last year the company purchased a neighbouring property - and one of central Queensland’s premier beef properties - for more than $20 million. It paid the Australian Agricultural Company (AAco) $21.6 million for Meteor Downs a 17,000 hectare grazing property, located 40 kilometres south-east of Rolleston. In May last 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 gener-
ate around 700 jobs and extend the life of the mine through to about 2045. Meanwhile, the project team for the current proposal will be hosting a series of community consultation sessions to learn first-hand about issues, priorities and ideas and answer questions about the Project. The project team will also be hosting workshops at the community consultation sessions. Participants will be encouraged to discuss issues and feedback in a small group setting.
Rolleston When: Wednesday 15 February. Open 9:00am till 8:00pm, workshops at 9:00am and 6:00pm. Where: Rolleston Town Hall
Springsure When: Thursday 16 February. Open 9:00am till 8:00pm, workshops at 9:00am and 6:00pm. Where: Bauhinia Shire Memorial Hall, Springsure To register your interest call on 1800 011 569 or RollestonCoalExpansion@xstratacoal.com.au
Small council says no thanks to coal seam gas It might be a case of the mouse that roared, with the Somerset Regional Council in south-east Queensland putting a moratorium on coal seam gas (CSG) exploration and mining. The decision drew immediate criticism from the Queensland Resources Council and the Premier Anna Bligh. However, the council has shown no signs of backing down, with the Mayor Graeme Lehmann saying the decision to make the region a “no go” zone for any mining was a reflection of community desire. “This is about our community and protecting our farmers from these types of activities,” Cr Lehmann said. However, the Premier Anna Bligh said she was mystified by the decision to declare a moratorium. “Firstly, they have no power to do it, and secondly it’s already been done by the state government,” she said. Ms Bligh was referring to the exclusion zone that her government has already imposed across the south-east corner preventing CSG exploration and mining. “So either they’ve been completely unaware of this, which is, of course, completely impossible because they were actively consulted.”
Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
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Wages surge on back of Cuts arrive at North Moranbah after collapse employee confidence It’s understood the job losses are related to a major roof collapse in an exit tunnel in November last year which caused major disruptions to operations. Fortunately no one was injured in the collapse. Investigations into it’s cause commenced prior to Christmas, and the management of Moranbah North mine have been in discussions with both the mines inspectorate and the unions since then. Prior to Christmas 30 Mastermyne employees lost their jobs at Moranbah North mine but found new work in positions on other Mastermyne run mine sites. Meanwhile, news Glencore and Xstrata are to merge has put the spotlight on Anglo American as a possible takeover target. If the Glencore-Xstrata merger goes
through, it would create the world’s largest mining company, with a combined share value of about $80bn. Credit Suisse has told media said the deal would be a friendly one because of the long history between the two companies, and that there were no major competition issues because of the current market share levels in major commodities by the two companies. Glencore has strong near-term growth while Xstrata has medium to longerterm growth prospects, which would position a combined entity strongly in the market. The merged company would be in a strong position to secure financing for these projects. For further details go to Shift Miner online: www.shiftminer.com
“My team is going to be cut back from eight to two and the remaining workers are expected to complete the same amount of work.�
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Mine Site Heavy Earthmoving Diesel Fitter QMAG is seeking applicants for the position of a Maintenance Fitter to join the heavy mobile plant maintenance crew based at our Kunwarara Mine site. This position will report to the Maintenance Supervisor (Mobile Plant). Applicants will have demonstrated success in a heavy mobile plant servicing and repairs in a mining environment with work on haul trucks, excavators, dozers, graders and loader. Applicants must:
Contact us: E: SFDSVJUNFOU!BDUJPOEC DPN BV P: F:
actiondb.com.au Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
The data also showed there has been a distinct move to employ permanent staff rather than contractors for many companies, demonstrating a confidence amongst employers in hiring new staff to cover future workloads. At the same time contractor levels were maintained with a multitude of new projects coming on line through the year and charge rates in the sector are still rising. In-demand skills, and where the highest rate rises were expected , were drilling and geosciences. Australia features prominently in the report along with USA, Canada, Norway and the Netherlands but there are also areas of tremendous potential around the world for those that could chase higher wages and had relevant experience. “Brazil, China and Iraq are rising stars that have seen significant salary hikes driven by huge local investment giving rise to some very exciting and bold projects,� Mr Underhill said. “These positive developments are not to say the industry is without its concerns. “Skills shortages have become the most significant of these, and economic and political instability also remain prominent. “Nevertheless, the guide points to an industry full of confidence and opportunity as we progress through 2012. “Salaries are rising as are staffing levels and with a range of promising projects coming to fruition, there is every reason to be upbeat about the oil and gas industry over the coming 12 months and beyond.�
“This level of confidence has far surpassed that which we have seen over the last few years, and contrasts significantly with the wider economic outlook.�
&YQFSJFODF XJUI CMBTU EFTJHO TPGUXBSF TVDI BT #MBTU1MBO PS 7VMDBO JT IJHIMZ EFTJSBCMF
• Have a Diesel Fitter/Heavy Mobile ďŹ tting trade qualiďŹ cation BRANDONE ADB1038
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QUEENSLAND gas workers are experiencing surging wages on the back of industry confidence in future demand and success of projects. Figures released this week by recruitment firm Hays showed skilled employees in the oil and gas sector had experienced on average pay rises of 6.1% in the past year. This is set to continue as employers shrug off gloom surrounding the global economy and push ahead with key projects. Matt Underhill, Managing Director of Hays Oil & Gas said current confidence levels were the best they had been for years and that would flow on to increased wages for workers. “This level of confidence has far surpassed that which we have seen over the last few years, and contrasts significantly with the wider economic outlook. “With confidence comes salary increases and this is reflected with an increase in the average worldwide salary for professionals and skilled employees in the industry to $78,480 per annum (equivalent) up 6.1% in the past 12 months. The figures were contained in the company’s salary guide which is based on information provided by 14,000 workers worldwide. The survey revealed an industry generally brimming with confidence despite widespread concerns over the global economy. Employer confidence jumped to 26.7% saying they were extremely positive about the current market - up from just 9.7% in 2011. Three quarters of all employers expect staffing levels to increase in the next 12 months.
• Demonstrate a exible approach to work and a commitment to continuous improvement • Follow safety procedures and instructions with minimal supervision
• Lifestyle roster • Home every night • Close to the beach For more information, visit our website or contact HR. Please send your application to the HR Department, Queensland Magnesia Pty Ltd, PO Box 5798, North Rockhampton Qld 4701, email vacancies@qmag.com.au or fax 07 4936 1380 by 17 February 2012. Ph 07 4920 0200.
• Have excellent diagnostic aptitude on Engines/Transmissions and Hydraulics • Conduct fault ďŹ nding using electronic equipment tooling and OEM guidelines The maintenance team work a 24/7 roster with transport provided from our process plant at Parkhurst, Rockhampton.
www.qmag.com.au
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Gladstone gets HR lifeline for businesses AS the skills crisis tightens its grip on central Queensland, Gladstone businesses are being urged to get HR savvy if they want to recruit and retain staff. The Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) will invest $100,000 to help those small and medium businesses who are struggling with HR issues. “GEA and other organisations in the region have been inundated by members who are needing and seeking support in helping recruit and retain,” said GEA project officer Kaihla Dennis. “This project really pinpoints the number one thing that every business in Gladstone is talking about.” Ms Dennis said many small and medium sized businesses struggle to keep abreast of HR issues that were vital to employing and keeping good staff. “What often happens in small business is that perhaps they have one or two people in the office doing reception work and accounts - and a bit of HR as well.” “The director might go home at night, look over resumes and try and squeeze in job interviews around their other duties.” But Ms Dennis has warned that approach can cost business dearly. “Companies need to start looking at not what they pay their people, but what it costs to lose them in terms of transfer of knowledge, productivity and placement fees.”
To assist businesses to make real progress, the GEA will employ HR specialists to assess workplaces on a one-one basis - and the organisation will pick up 80 per cent of the bill. The GEA is also calling for direct feedback from businesses. “We’re asking companies to let us know what their biggest HR issues are - whether it’s workforce planning, structuring pay and conditions or performance management,” said Ms Dennis. To gather this information, the GEA will host two seminars on February 28 and 29 at CQUniversity Gladstone. “The information received from those attendees, will help shape the remaining five workshops which will be offered between February and April.” For employers interested in gaining a Human Resources Diploma, the GEA and Skilling Solutions Queensland are offering up to $2000 towards gaining the qualification for those with RPL (recognised prior learning) for five of the eight subjects required. “People can walk out of this project with a full diploma,” said Ms Dennis. “What we want is for businesses to sit down and strategise about HR and how they will handle it in the future.” For more information contact Kaihla at the GEA on (07) 49 729 060.
Have your say on how mining funds learning HOW best to spend mining royalties on education and training is being debated by parents across Queensland this week. The $1.8 billion Mines to Minds Education Trust is the Bligh government’s big re-election ticket, and would see 50 per cent of LNG royalties spent on education and training. Public forums have been held in Cairns and Townsville for Queenslanders to have their say on how the fund should be set up followed by meetings last week in Brisbane, Rockhampton and on the Gold Coast. There are two different models being proposed. Under the first model, every child born on or after July 1, 2012 would receive a savings endowment at birth of $500. A further $3200 would be invested for each child when they enter prep.
Government modelling shows each child would receive between $7,800 and $9,500 when they turn 18 to invest in their education and career training. Under the second model, an investment fund would be set up fund for specific initiatives such as TAFE and university scholarships for rural, regional and disadvantaged students, international exchange programs and language programs. For those unable to attend forums on-line survey scan also be completed at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/205/view. html or written submissions will be received until February 17 via email at education. trust@premiers.qld.gov.au or by post at: Education Trust PO Box 15185 BRISBANE QLD 4002
BMC
The future is BMC. The future is yours. BMC’s strong focus on our people means we value the contribution of every individual in our team. We offer a dynamic culture, new equipment and modern camp facilities, family-friendly rosters and outstanding training and development. Situated near Moranbah (close to the Whitsunday Coast), Poitrel Mine is an open cut coal operation embarking on an exciting growth phase. We are currently offering the following opportunities: BMC
BMC
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Mining Operators
Diesel Fitters
Auto Electricians
Ref No. 741392
Ref No. 741393
Undertake maintenance to optimise availability & capability of heavy mobile equipment. Mechanical trade qualifications mandatory, mining experience desirable.
Provide technical support to maintenance of plant & equipment. Relevant trade qualification mandatory, mining experience desirable.
Ref No. 741396 Effectively operate site equipment such as: trucks, dozers, excavators, graders & loaders. Heavy equipment operation in mining desirable. BMC
BMC
Servicepeople
Tyre Fitters
Ref No.741394
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Optimise capability of mobile & field equipment to enhance planned maintenance and reduce downtime. General mobile & field servicing experience in civil or mining desirable.
Perform repairs & servicing on mobile & field equipment tyres in a timely & efficient manner. General mobile & field servicing experience in civil or mining desirable.
To apply please visit: http://jobs.bhpbilliton.com and enter job reference number as quoted above or call 1800 700 509
Page 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
News
130th EDITION. 2012
Mobile gas lab in Dysart boosts safety QUEENSLAND has developed the world’s most advanced mobile mine gas laboratory that can be rapidly deployed in the event of a mine emergency. The fully automated mobile laboratory was developed by the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS) and was unveiled recently at Logan resources jobs expo. The lab will be based in Dysart at the Mines Rescue Station so it is closer to the Bowen Basin’s underground coal mines. The Mines Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says the lab is recognised internationally as an innovative leader in cutting edge mine safety technology and this is another world first. “Mine disasters such as the Pike River incident in New Zealand show how the presence of dangerous mine gases can hinder rescue or recovery efforts after an underground mine collapse or explosion,” he said. The new $600,000 mobile mine gas laboratory can provide gas monitoring capa-
bilities in a few hours rather than the two weeks it took to complete at the Pike River tragedy. The lab is fully-automated, self-sufficient for power and communications, and can operate in remote locations for extended periods. It can be accessed remotely via the internet, enabling operation and supervision by personnel off-site. The unit can carry out continuous automated analysis of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide methane and oxygen levels at up to 20 monitoring locations at a mine. It is also equipped with a kitchen/lounge, sleeping and bathroom facilities separate from the monitoring control room and allows three people to operate on site for extended periods. “This new generation model significantly improves our emergency response capabilities and is the only one in the world with a fully automated gas monitoring system that can replace a mine’s full system,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.
The world’s most advanced mobile mine gas laboratory has been developed and launched in Queensland. The fully automated mobile laboratory was developed by the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS) and was unveiled recently at the Logan resources jobs expo.
“The new $600,000 mobile mine gas laboratory can provide gas monitoring capabilities in a few hours rather than the two weeks it took to complete at the Pike River tragedy.”
Tradies good with their money - says NRL bid supporter MINERS and tradies are often accused of being bad money managers who don’t think about the long term. But that’s not the opinion of the CQ regional manager for Sunsuper Financial Services, Rocky Donovan. “I have been working with Sunsuper for 10 years and I have done presentations in law firms, schools, accounting firms, daycare centres - most types of workplaces,” Rocky said. “I would rate tradies as top of the pile in terms of their understanding of their personal finances.” Sunsuper present seminars at mine sites from WA through to the east coast, making people aware of their superannuation options. “My advice would be just spent half an hour and find out what you’ve got in super and if it gets you where you want to go.” Sunsuper is another business that is backing the CQ NRL bid - and Rocky knows the joys of a good home game. “I worked up in far north Queens-
land in Cairns, and we’d drive four hours to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play - and we weren’t the only ones! If the bid is successful here, you will see exactly the same thing happen in Rockhampton.”
Rocky, why is Sunsuper behind the bid? The main thing is that Sunsuper recognises the region is a very important one - not just locally, but for the entire country. On top of that, rugby league is a common thread throughout this region. There are people coming from all different places across the world to live and work in central Queensland, and this would be a good social outlet and way to break down those barriers. It would really bring the community together. I’m a very passionate league supporter and have been for years, and I would love to come up to Rocky every couple of weeks to watch a home game.
Page 12 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
What would it do for the region? This would add diversity to the economy because it would help put CQ on the map both nationally and internationally in terms of opening it up for tourism. That would lead to different employment in the region. Home games would bring massive amounts of money into the local economy, and I believe the knock on effects would be felt throughout the entire region, not just Rockhampton. If people were travelling a long way, they would probably stay a few days and have a proper look around.
we deserve to have a team in the future. I think we need to look at the fact that SE Queensland has two NRL teams, two AFL teams, two National Soccer teams and an NBL team so the corporate dolQueensland mining community's best source of local news lars are getting spread thinly for rugby league there. Sydney teams already strugM A G A Z I N E gle to achieve decent crowds as well as a number of clubs reportedly being under financial duress. If the NRL don’t put a team in CQ they would be turning their back on another corporate sponsor.
SHIFT MINER Locally Owned and Operated
Is it really a possibility? I would like to think there is a good chance because, from a logical point of view, it makes good sense. However, sometimes these decisions are based on politics, not common sense. I’m not in a position to comment on that, but logically I think it should happen because it is an ideal place to have team. If we have a look at the players in the current competition, then we are a good breeding ground and
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130th EDITION. 2012
QLD business confidence high A new report shows that Queensland is leading the nation when it comes to business confidence. The NAB Quarterly Business Survey, released on February 9, shows Queensland’s confidence over the December Quarter was at 12 points, well ahead of any other State or Territory with South Australia the next best on 2 points. Deputy Premier and Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the report was one more in a long line of recent good news for the Queensland economy. “The index shows that confidence in our state is ahead all other states which is great news for Queensland,” Mr Fraser said. “It also shows that business conditions were the second highest in Australia at four points and that Queensland had recorded a large improvement in conditions. “On the back of news that we’ll be returning to surplus one year earlier than expected, as well as a positive rap from both Deloitte Access Economics and the
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland in the last two weeks, there is every reason to be confident in the state of the Queensland economy. “ Mr Fraser said that the Bligh Government was working hard to make Queensland the ideal environment for doing business. “We know that results like this don’t happen by chance, it’s through understanding the pressures that are out there for small businesses,” Mr Fraser said. “Queensland has maintained the lowest payroll tax rate in the country, we also have the most competitive overall tax regime for small to medium businesses, as judged by the independent firm, Pitcher Partners.” The report also reflects the strong state economy pushed along by gas and coal exploration and exports which will require more than 35,000 jobs to fulfil project requirements in the years ahead worth billions of dollars.
Nebo’s place for little possums gets facelift THE growing number of Nebo’s pre-schoolers will now have a space to call their own, thanks to a $10,000 revamp. Isaac Regional Council and Possum’s Playgroup have partnered with BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) to deliver additional facilities to the Nebo Hall’s Suppper Room to store equipment and create an enjoyable space for the children. While BMC has provided the funding for the works, Isaac Regional Council is providing the space for two playgroup sessions per week free of charge. The Possum’s Playgroup has received a $10,000 revamp to accommodate the growing number of young children in the Nebo community. Possum’s Playgroup Co-ordinator Jaime Voigt said the alterations would help to establish a playing and learning environment that Nebo children could recognise as their own. “Currently Nebo has more than 60 chil-
dren between the ages of zero and five with no early childhood education facilities to support them,” Ms Voigt said. “It is crucial these children receive the same or similar opportunities as children in other parts of Queensland and we continue to lobby for a kindergarten.” Works were completed in January to build cupboards, bag and hat racks and storage shelves to store puzzles, toys and personal items. Ms Voigt said the new storage facilities meant Possum’s staff could spend more time interacting with the children. “The children can now access the puzzles and blocks from the new shelving rather than only accessing items we manage to set up,” Ms Voigt said. “Our time is better utilised supervising the play area for any safety issues and ensuring programs and notices are up-todate so that parents remain well informed.”
Contracts galore in CQ WORK will begin on the $90 million Buffel Park accommodation village near Moranbah this April and should be completed by mid next year. The village will be used to house the entire workforce of BMA’s Caval Ridge mine - in what will be Queensland’s first 100 per cent fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining operation. The Decmil Group (DGL) has won the contract to build the village including access and service roads, power and water utilities, wet and dry messes, single storey units, a gym, sports fields and courts and administration buildings. DGL moved into the Queensland market 12 months ago, and has just finished building the first stage of the Maroon Group’s 2,265 accommodation village at Calliope near Gladstone.
To date, 240 rooms have been built and another 432 are under construction. This puts the work in hand for DGL in Queensland to a combined project value of approximately $240 million. Meanwhile, the Industrea Mining Services (IMS) has won a new $76 million contract to continue to run Cockatoo Coal’s Baralaba mine. IMS was originally awarded the contract in June 2009, and the works now include drill and blast works and the construction of the recently completed 1:1000 flood levee wall extension. The company now has contracts across Xstrata for Black Star Open Cut mine, Rio Tinto Mt Thorley Warkworth, CST Mining Lady Annie and Baralaba secured until the end of 2013.
Currently Nebo has more than 60 children between the ages of zero and five with no early childhood education facilities to support them
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.
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Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
around town 130th EDITION. 2012
Australia Day
Due to the inclement weather the Australia Day celebrations for 2012 were held at the Blackwater Civic Centre. Blackwater citizens awarded Five people from Blackwater and one group were recognised with the Australia Day Awards 2012. Elizabeth Baker - Citizen of the Year Joel Kuhl - Young Citizen of the Year David Glover - Senior Sports / Sports Administrator Award Adrienne Geary - Junior Sports Award Randolph Powder - Cultural Award Dingo Progress Association – Dingo ANZAC Day Commemoration - Community Event of the Year
Tina Schuh, Annette Baker and Shirley Pidgeon
Dingo Progress Association won the Cultural kassadee and Harley Cameron, Lauren Event Award Pictured are: Jenni Smith, Alan Roberts, Olivia Connell and Geneva Cocks Olive, Mick Kellin and Leanne Olive
Maddison Hatton and Taylor Truelson
Cadet Patrick Roberts and Corporal Alex Roberts raising the flag
Bob, Kasey,Luke, Malcolm and Toni Frame
Errol Rix and Frank Wilson
John, Jo, Chloe and Jesse Petty
Bridie Anderson showing the Aussie spirit
Lester Anderson and John Enwight
Kacey and Sienna Booker
Gladys Richards, Cheryl Gothmann and Jacqui Buchanan
Steve, Jack and Liz
Bluff Lions club’s 30th
Ed Olsson kept everyone entertained with his guitar.
Garry and Maxine O’Dwyer
Bluff Lions club held their 30th Birthday celebrations in the QCWA Hall at Bluff last Saturday night.
Shirley Pidgeeon and Noeleen Eilers
Annette Baker, Peter Donghi and Mick Bartley
Marcia Crosse, Tray Burrows and Liz McGrath
Ron and Val Beak
Rodney and Pat Ohl
Trish and Lisa Callum
Joyce Donghi and Dorothy Talbot
Pam Forrest and Gerda Dickfos
Frank Wilson, Jack Talbot, CHRC Deputy Mayor Paul Bell and wife Ruth and Dorothy Wilson
Delyse Entriken, Fifty Edwards, Patty Kavanagh and Jenny Plampton
Jack Talbot has been a member of the Blackwater Lions Club since it first began. He has now retired to Rockhampton and is seen here receiving a farewell gift from patty Kavanagh
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.
Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
around town 130th EDITION. 2012
Not drowning, waving!
Parents and their children flocked to the Moranbah Aquatic Centre to take a break from the heat. Good to see everyone is sun smart.
Keeley and Jaxon Ball
Elysia and Cheyenne Meldrum
Arlynn Ward and Lavinnia Jones
Charlotte, Libby and Fynnian Norris
Jack and Cristin Feather
Luka Bosnjak and Liam Parfitt
Coby Burke
Cooper Ward and Declan Baggow
Melinda, Ella and Christian Philps
Slater Fudge, Leon Parfitt and Jaydene Fudge
Cayley Daniel
Kelvin and Laylah Smith
Andy and Charlie Hoffmann
Children run for cover as the big bucket over turns
BUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT
www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together Page 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
stuff to the editor 130th EDITION. 2012
FROM THE EDITOR Greed, guilt and blame are three very strong emotions and are swirling around the resources sector at present. This edition of Shift Miner Magazine has insights to some troubles within the sector which makes us assess our impact on communities, the environment and individuals as we go about our business. The question many ask at a time of conflict and upheaval is who is to blame? However, the more constructive question is what do we do now or what part have we played in a issue and how do we reconcile that with our own values and the values of our employer? There’s no doubting the Australian resources industry is exciting, lucrative and world-leading. But the issues and challenges have to be managed professionally, appropriately and inclusively. Otherwise it is short-sighted wealth for the few at the expense of the majority. Breaking news has seen job cuts at North Moranbah after last year’s roof collapse. Troubling news but perhaps not unexpected within the industry. This issue is one the London-based owner, Anglo American, and its contractors have tried to manage as best they can. Recently a major union was congratulating the company on just how it was handling what is a trying situation.
The coming days will bring change and uncertainty for workers and their families at the mine but if communicated properly the changes and reasons behind them will be accepted and understood. In the long run it may be better for everyone involved. Gladstone Harbour by comparison is a dark shadow hanging over the industry. Regardless of cause and effect the fishing and tourism industry has been slammed in past months and while on its knees has sought a class action judgment through the courts. How this plays out will have repercussions for years for the industry and people of Gladstone. Most people, in industry and the community, just want to know what exactly is causing fish deaths and diseases. And Clive Palmer is seeking billions from the Queensland Government over a rail line. There is many more headlines in that claim that the government has dismissed. But while the challenges continue there is the positive news that wages have surged and are likely to continue their upswing despite gloom surrounding the global economy. Australia is a country that deserves to prosper and Queensland is leading that march toward future wealth. As shown in this edition though, wealth brings responsibility and how we handle that ultimately becomes our legacy whether a global corporate or a small business reliant on fishing and tourism in a harbour we used to consider pristine.
Greg Sweetnam
Sent in anonymously...
SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVEN’T? Prizes for the best mining photos. Take it on your phone or camera and send it in
Text to 0428 154 653 greg.sweetnam@shiftminer.com
Stuff to the Editor Shift Miner Magazine was saddened to hear about the death of 23-year-old Travis - a South Walker Creek miner who recently died of a heart attack out bush on his dirt bike. This was sent in from his mates at the mine.
RIP Trav It is with a heavy heart and blurred vision I write this Tribute to Trav. It seems the good do pass young. Trav was a bright flame and burned extra large. We enjoyed his presence and feed from his energy.
The sadness and loss his family is feeling cannot be fathomed, at this time I’m sure words cannot lessen your hurt, but know there is a group of us all together standing here with Trav in our hearts, minds and souls. At this time we all are quietly staying close to each other, we are a family of sorts and Trav was a man who, through his passion, nature and bond made it a joyous family. We miss you brother. From your Family at South Walker Creek Mine.
Got something to share? Send us your text messages or phone photos to 0428 154 653 Or email to greg.sweetnam@shiftminer.com
Redmond’s Rants
The musings of a CQ miner...
I’m standing here changing oil filters on a damn haul truck. My soul is torn and weeping. I’m dreaming of standing amongst the misty, ruins of the Inca civilisation. Of motorcycling through the Andes to get there. Of roadside vendors feeding me freshly baked food. I’m dreaming of listening to people speak another language. I’m dreaming of restlessness. Most importantly, I’m dreaming. As the coal mining continues and the loud diesel engines roar day and night, remember that it’s your soul you must
feed. The daily grind of extracting a mineral from the ground must have a bright and fulfilling side. I work with some people who use the reward of their work to do some fantastic stuff. I know a guy who lives for his horses; he has a pretty high-end job with a big banger miner, and that tends to wear on him. But when I direct the conversation to his horses, he becomes animated and passionate. Another guy (miner) I know managed to get his race car around Mt Panaroma, Bathurst. I know a couple (both miners) who have a very talent-
Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
ed young bloke who is whopping some tail in Go-Karting. The couple are lucky in that they have the resources to mount a yearly campaign for the championship for their son. A top bloke I know (miner) builds really good model aeroplane and flies them in aerial displays. A friend (miner) has hand-built himself a fire-breathing, full-metal jacket drag car and is a heavy hitter on the drag scene. I could continue on with the examples; my point is, however, we maybe servicing a haul truck, fixing a digger, preparing a JSA
or grading a road - but beneath the miner you will find a person dreaming. And most things you can dream, you can do.
Who is Redmond? Redmond was born in a cross-fire hurricane and now resides in Queensland. Former Golden Glove champ turned champion shearer, his shearing career was cut short when he entered the adult film industry and made 3467 films in three months. He now enjoys semi-retirement and lives happily on his 100,000 acre property with his seven wives. He has received the annual Golden Pen award from the Writer’s Guild four years in a row in the Truth Telling category...
FAIR DINKUM 130th EDITION. 2012
Fair Dinkum! IN FRANCE - A 10-year-old boy was so desperate to get to school he decided to take his father’s car after missing the bus. The boy and a nine-year-old passenger, who had also missed the bus, made it more than two kilometres before they crashed into a pylon. No-one was injured during the crash, however the boy may face charges of unlicensed driving and damaging public property should authorities seek to pursue the matter. IN THE US - A man arrested for assaulting his wife has told police that a ghost was actually responsible for the woman’s injuries. The Wisconsin man was arrested and charged with strangulation, battery and disorderly conduct after the woman told police her husband had punched and strangled her after an argument over finances. He had a different explanation for the injuries, claiming that a ghost caused caused the marks on his wife’s neck. The man was apparently intoxicated when made the spooky suggestion. IN NEW ZEALAND - Bird watching enthusiasts who thought they’d discovered a new species of hawk were disappointed to learn that they were merely victims of a farmer’s prank. It was revealed the man had been capturing the hawks, spray painting them pinkish-red and then releasing them for fun. His prank came to light when one of the hawks was hit by a car and the spray painting prank was discovered.
e h t k n a Fr Tank’s
“Streakin” good love advice
This bull is not painted. But if it was living in New Zealand, it could have been a very different story.
Police investigations revealed the man had a penchant for painting fauna, and a search of his computer located photos of a cow, which had been spray painted with the words “Merry Christmas”. The farmer was subsequently convicted of two counts of ill-treating an animal in a New Zealand District Court. IN UGANDA - A grasshopper shortage has beer drinkers hopping mad. The flying insects are fried with onions, scoffed by the bowlful and washed down with beer around the town of Kampala. Power outages are causing havoc for professional insect catchers, who use bright lights to attract grasshoppers before disorientating them with smoke and trapping them in disused oil drums. The scarceness of the unusual delicacy has prompted a price rise for the fried insects, grasshoppers have reportedly more than doubled in price since the power outages have made them more difficult to catch.
Grasshoppers have reportedly more than doubled in price since the power outages have made them more difficult to catch.
Quality doesn’t have to mean slow Mining, Earth moving, Hydraulics and Agriculture
Transport
General manufacturing and Fabrication
Motor sport, boating and leisure
www.dweonline.net
Kudos to you, Steve, for having the courage to write in. I would imagine that questioning one’s sexuality is a rather turbulent emotional process. I must admit that I, myself, have never felt lured by the siren’s song of homosexuality, although I did once give mouth-tomouth to an unusually portly touch judge, who collapsed during a game of rugby. I do believe, however, that I am well credentialed to advise you regarding your sexual confusion as I once watched two
Sensible Susan
Specialising in the timely delivery of on-spec components for your business.
M: 0448 243 343 E: darylweng@gmail.com
Frank, My partner Tracey and I are about to have our first baby (she is seven months pregnant) and we have been talking about some pretty heavy stuff to do with our relationship. Tracey has always questioned my sexuality and often enquires as to whether I have any true feelings for the same sex; she claims that some women can just tell these things. We have been together for almost five years now and it is something that she will bring up now and then. In the future it’s fairly well expected that Tracey and I will get married (no one knows about Tracey’s suspicions). Recently, Tracey has questioned me about my sexual orientation again, and it has me wondering if she could be right. Do you think I should pursue a relationship with someone of the same sex before the baby arrives and we get married? How can I be sure how I feel? Thanks, Steve
dwe Daryl Watson Engineering
Steve, It’s not uncommon to question your sexuality, a lot of men feel insecure at some stage in their lives. It’s a little unusual, however, that your
thirds of an episode of Glee, allowing me to live vicariously as a homosexual man for over 15 minutes. It sounds as though you’re still extremely unsure about your orientation, so there are a few things you may be able to try before you run off to the nearest all-male strip club with a fist full of twenty dollar bills. Ask your partner Tracey if she’d be willing to wear a fake beard the next time you two are intimate. Feign an interest in art in the hope of sketching a nude male model. Alter your diet to include more phallic foods. If these things get your motor running then perhaps it’s time to consider the prospect of exploring your feelings further. If you’re still not convinced, there’s always unhealthy repression of your true feelings, which I couldn’t recommend highly enough. Every time you feel like watching Sex and the City, drink a beer. If you blush whenever you walk by a place selling hotdogs, drink a beer. Keep a picture of a naked woman in your wallet and force yourself to look at it every time you fantasise about Hugh Jackman with his shirt off. This combination of alcohol and heterosexual pornography should eventually eliminate any feelings of sexual uncertainty. In the interests of full disclosure, repressing your true feelings now could cause them to resurface later in life, which may see you offering your future child the following by way of explanation, “Daddy and the pool boy were just wrestling, that’s all.” Frank
partner is questioning your orientation. It sounds to me as though she’s planted these ideas in your head. If you really want to put your mind at ease, perhaps you could explore your feelings further in some respect. However, if you are happy in your relationship and still find your partner attractive, I fail to see the problem. If that’s the case, my advice is to simply stop worrying about it. Susan
If you have a question for Frank and Susan Email Us at: franksusan.shiftminer@gmail.com
Page 17 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
CAR FOR SALE '2'*( 5$0 SLT Lonestar Edition Heavy Duty 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Allison auto trans. Wood grain inserts 5th wheel hitch, tow bar 4 door dual cab Dula Wheels 104000klms $89 000 obo Phone: 0432 429 264
PUMP FOR SALE %UDQG QHZ LQFK WUDLOHU mounted centrifugal self priming water pump 4 cylinder cummins engine. $30,000
BOAT FOR SALE Australian Lightweight Sharpie No. 727 Kevlar Hull, sails and spars in good to excellent condition, comes with registered trailer and beach trolley Beautiful to sail $3,900 Phone: 0428 154 653 PLOUGH FOR SALE
good condition new
P XQGHU KRRN RWC, Only car licence needed to drive $13,500 07 4941 7147 or
Phone 0429 948 198 JEWELS FOR SALE
Phone: 0427 824 880 LAND FOR SALE
Collectors Item
proserpine 2x200 acre
Rural land 15 min cbd
lots good grazing land Phone: 49 854462
and house sites $520,000 the pair will
or
sell seperatly POA Phone: 0447 031 588
mob 0400 320 970
HOUSE FOR SALE Agnes Water/1770 3 Bed Rendered Block Home French Doors to Surround Patios /DUJH (QW $UHD [ approved Shed With Shr/Toilet, [ [ + %RDW 6KHG 13000 Gall Tanks, Large Dam Mine Worker Neighbour $510,000 Phone: 0407 794 506 HOUSE FOR SALE
ACREAGE FOR SALE
Agnes Water, 4 1200 acre property with modern 3 bedroom home,
acres, 3 Bed, 2 Bath. 3Metre verandah’s,
solar, good water, millable timber.1 hour to bundaberg
Carport, 4 Day Shed,
and 25 minutes to 7x7 mine.
Fenced yard, Dam. 7.5 k to town and beach
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$485,000
Phone 0447 031 588
Phone: 0409 254 525
LAND FOR SALE
HOUSE FOR
Land for sale, Hervey Bay. Turtle Cove Estate. (OHYDWHG KDOI DFUH ÀDW EORFN ZLWK GHJUHH views of Fraser Island. Cannot be built out. Underground power, phone and water at front
SALE$320,000
RI EORFN PLQV WR $LUSRUW PLQ ERDWUDPS DQG barge to Fraser. About 10min to Town. ono. $262,000 ono Phone: 0411 098 241
Phone: 0419 685 495
Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
NEED HELP WITH YOUR CAR PROJECT?
zodiac, RFD, 5 berths,
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shower, toilet, 250 lt fridge,
Passionate about cars and attention to details
300 lt freezer, air con & much more. Immac cond.
Kit Cars. Classic Cars and racers
Gladstone. $155,000 ono.
CAR FOR SALE 4X4 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Z71 Crew Cab 3LFNXS / 'XUDPD[ Diesel Engine, Allison Transmission 75,354klm, leather LQWHULRU ÀDZOHVV RQH owner vehicle loaded with options. $89,700egc. bdunne151@gmail. com
988 model, 79,000 k
SOXV JVW RQR
bow & stern thrusters,
CAR FOR SALE 2002 Ford F250 XLT King Cab 4 X 4, 7.3ltr turbo diesel/gas. Vic. rego March 2012. AURORA slide-on camper, fridge, 4 burn gas cook, HWS. Double bed, ext shower, water, deep cycle batteries, 800W inverter, loads storage. STACER boat 3.9m 25HP motor, $80,000 Phone: 0417 587 425
4495 GVM, Tadano 2T crane
worn located near rocky.
plotter, radar, auto pilot,
Phone: 0437 657 433
Nissan Atlas Crane Truck
bearings discs about 1/2
Flybridge cruiser, chart
Phone: 0423 870 848
CRANE TRUCK FOR SALE
Grizzly S24 plough very
BOAT FOR SALE $TXDULXV IW
TRAILER FOR SALE Box Trailer For Sale New 8x5\’ galvanized tilt trailer. Front & rear opening with 900mm high removable cage. Swing jockey wheel. Single axle. 14\� rims. Light truck tyres. 12 months registration. $2,500 Phone: 0417 645 268 HOUSE FOR SALE 1 Acre Club est Yeppoon 3 B/rooms brick air/ con verandahs 3 screens d/lug large 9x9m shed+g/shed fenced/ two frontages 5min beach,shops,school $540,000. PHONE: 4939 8236
&DOO QR VPV
CAR FOR SALE *HQXLQH KUV Only used in FRESH water. Mercruiser Black Scorpion 330hp Engine with MPI. Meticulously serviced and cared for. Craftsman made excellence for the serious skier/ boarder. Phone: 0418 794 525. JET SKI FOR SALE 08/09 Honda F15GPX Turbo 3 Seater 1500cc Turbo 3 Red Genuine Honda Lifejackets 85hrs $15,500 ono Phone: 0447 606 727 COMBINE FOR SALE 24 run Horward bagshaw combine 12 new 12 old hoses ram rebuilt good condition.spare boots. SOXV JVW Phone 0429 948 198
CATTLE PROPERTY FOR SALE
HOUSE FOR SALE
3000 acre cattle property 70klms Nth of Bundaberg
Fully furnished fully
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a/c modern home on 7.5 acres 500 metres from Midge Point beach, 2 bedrooms 2 HQ VXLWHV ODUJH RIÂżFH
Yards, shed etc.
or 3rd bedroom large
Price $1,350,000.
carport 3bay shed fully
&RQVLGHU FDUU\LQJ KDOI ÂżQDQFH WUDGH Ph. 0419 674 413 HOUSE FOR SALE SUNSHINE COAST SACRIFICE Buy before 30/4/2012 Get $10000 govt bldg boost Brand New impressive Level, 4bed 2 bath, DLUG, Fenced, Side access Room Shed/Van Nth EntertWalk shops/school Fantastic Buy Offers over $400,000 Ph. 0409 055 062 HOUSE FOR SALE Eungella, 90 mins from Mackay. Eco-architect designed award winning 3 bdrm home on 5 acres, 2 yrs old, 4 bay shed, stunning views. Adjoining optional 174 acres of improved pasture also for sale. $749,000. Phone: 0420 104 278
equipped workshop Phone 0428 476 001 HOUSE FOR SALE House on 40 acres near Agnes water QLD. Unique pavillion style home, 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms with 9x12 shed/ carport. Partially cleared and fenced, waterhole and a small dam. Large deck and breathtaking views. 15 km from surf beach and town of 1770. $510,000 Phone: 0400 797 075 LAND FOR SALE Mission beach - 75 acres Cleared - elevated homesite with views 2 Perm creeks *RRG ÂżVKLQJ PLQXWHV WR river boat ramp & beach $ 360,000.00 NEG Phone: 0428 277 625
.pdf 2010
5 minute fiction
OFF SHIFT 130th EDITION. 2012
by Bernard S. Jansen
Centralised Function
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1. Mauve flowers 2. Dies down 3. Look quickly (through) 4. Continuing 6. Musical build-up 7. Sales 8. Puts into bondage 11. Desist 15. Condensing 17. Cuts up to analyse 18. Undeveloped 20. Existence 21. Questionable 22. Concede defeat (4,2) 23. Pearl-making mollusc 26. Baghdad native
# 18
LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS A S S A U L T L U N A ME N A C I N O D L K S T A L EMA T E R P ROD S C E L E A K AGE I L D L M I AM I K M M N S E R A S E S S R S T H I R S T
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Sue sat at her desk, closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. After a few seconds she realised that she’d been making a kind of groaning sound. She looked around the office and saw that no one had heard her, or at least that no one wanted to be seen to have heard her. She grabbed her coffee cup and went to the kitchen to fill it. For Sue, a cup of coffee was a ritual, a break from the constant pressure of work, and a few moments to reflect and think. The caffeine had always come second to that, except that by now she’d developed an addiction that demanded she have her little thinking ritual at least five times a day. At least. Sue was the Process Engineer, and things weren’t going well for her. Product quality was out of control, and the high ashes fought all her efforts to be reigned in. The only effect she’d had was to drive yield to product down by 3 per cent. Jim, the prep plant manager, had gone ballistic about this in front of pretty much everybody. “You’re throwing everything out the back!” he’d yelled. “This company has invested millions to mine and transport that coal to this plant, and you’re sending an extra 5 per cent of it back to the pit as rejects!” “Quality first!” she’d yelled back. This had got everyone’s attention. Jim yelled often enough, but Sue was quiet, usually. “There’s no point making record yields of a product our customers don’t want.” Jim had shot back. “We may have been making high ash product two days ago, but at least we were making a lot of it!” It had been an ugly scene, and Sue wondered if it could have gone any other way. The mine and the plant were under intense pressure to produce. Now that the mine had finally started to produce some tonnes after the wet weather, the plant was expected to turn out high-quality coking coal at impressive yields. As the process engineer, Sue was usually able to hit one of these targets – whichever was flavour of the month - while compromising the other a little bit. Right now, she was falling down on both. Sue tried to think. None of the sampling or analysis had helped shed any light on the problem. All of the density meters had been recalibrated, as had all the plant belt weighers. She took
her coffee out into the plant; unusual, but not, as far as she knew forbidden – yet. As she wandered past the cyclone rejects screen she stopped to have another look. The screen was black with coal. There was supposed to be some coal with the rejects, but not this much. As she watched, the black quickly faded, leaving the usual white and grey rocks, peppered with a few pieces of black coal now and then. Had she seen what she thought she’d seen? Sue stood, watching the screen, and sipping her coffee. The function of the screen was to take whatever the cyclone had separated out as not being product quality coal – rejects – and drain off the magnetite and water that had come with it from the cyclone, so it could be reused. The rejects were then thrown away. The screen was also a great place to look for problems in the process. Sue had checked it many times in the past few days, but always too quickly to see what she was seeing now. After a minute or so, the last specks of black were gone, leaving only rocks. After just a few seconds the specks of coal came back. The spots of black increased more and more, until after a minute or so the screen was black again, though just for a a few seconds. The whole cycle had taken about five minutes. Sue stood, drinking her coffee, and watched again, thinking about what was happening. Sue smiled, for the first time in days. She had found the problem. Almost half the time, like when the rejects screen went black, good coal was being thrown away. And for most of the other half of the time, like when the spots of black disappeared, rock was being added to the product, sending the ash content up. Sue’s quality and yield problems had a single cause. In four minutes she was in Jim’s office. “You know how you sacked Ted,” she asked, “our long-serving and long-suffering process control engineer?” Jim went red. “That function was centralised by corporate, making his role redundant. I did not sack him.” “Whatever. You’d better get your centralised corporate function people out here to look at the density control loops right now, because that’s your problem. That’s what the process control function used to do, without being asked. Ted was good like that.”
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, 13th February 2011
OFF SHIFT 130th EDITION. 2012
Bait shop Banter FISHING IN YEPPOON If you want to catch a fish, do it now. This is the message from Tony, from The Secret Spot. “It has been really good with the rain and high humidity and it has everything biting. If anyone goes fishing now and doesn’t catch a fish, there is something wrong with them,” he says. The next week are near-perfect conditions for creek fishing, as the tides are dropping due to the full and new moon. “If you want to catch a barramundi, now is the time to do it - especially after all this rain. They are leaping out of the water. I have been living in this area for over 20 years and I have never seen anything like it.” Tony says these fantastic barra fishing conditions are also thanks to last year’s floods. All the beaches and estuaries are fishing
well, with lots of barra in the creeks at Corio Bay, Coorooman Creek and the Fitzroy. “All the bread-and-butter species are also fishing quite well. Blue salmon are on the running tide in Corio Bay, and the those fishing out around the islands are getting quite a few Spanish and spotted mackeral,” Tony says. Sweet lip are also out and about. The red fish are a little slow, but the boys who know what they are doing are still getting in the red emperor and the black jew.
grunter and fingermark, and there are a few grey mackerel running around the islands.” People were catching some prawns in Barnes Creek up until recently, but they are not around as much. “They just went off,” says Adam. It’s the same story for crab, but the serious blokes are still getting some. And trevally is being caught off the harbour wall.
FISHING IN Mackay Good news for you Mackay anglers, according to Adam from Nashy’s Compleat Angler. “The barra are on the chew - now that the season’s begun lots of people are catching them along the Pioneer River.” “Murray Creek is producing some good
Tide Times
February
MACKAY Gladstone
Time Ht
Time Ht
angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com
Your weather forecast With Mike Griffin
Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht
0043 3.80 0144 3.66 0304 3.59 0436 3.67 0556 3.90 0024 1.16 0121 0.95 0653 1.26 0804 1.52 0938 1.61 1110 1.46 1222 1.20 0657 4.13 0745 4.29 1259 3.60 1403 3.30 1526 3.12 1702 3.14 1820 3.33 1316 0.95 1401 0.77 1909 1.11 2011 1.32 2135 1.42 2304 1.35
1918 3.54 2003 3.71
0224 4.91 0335 4.77 0505 4.79 0636 5.05 0116 1.28 0221 0.99 0312 0.77 0843 1.66 1003 1.95 1147 1.95 1319 1.61 0747 5.44 0841 5.75 0924 5.92 1442 4.62 1601 4.23 1738 4.11 1909 4.30 1425 1.20 1515 0.90 1558 0.76 2106 1.34 2223 1.53 2353 1.51
2015 4.61 2105 4.86 2146 5.01
Mon 20 Tue 21 Wed 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Sat 25 Sun 26 MACKAY Gladstone
Adam from Pat’s Tackle World (not the same Adam from Mackay) echos the same sentiments as his colleagues. It is definitely barra season. “We are getting barra and mangrove jack in the Boyne River, the Tannam area and Calliope,” he says. “People are still getting the odd salmon, and there are threadfin, queenfish and trevally about.” “There are still a few mud crabs in the creeks but prawns are slowly starting to come out a bit.” If you have a good photo or fishing yarn send it through to our resident bait chucker-
Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18 Sun 19 Time Ht Time Ht
FISHING IN Gladstone
Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0206 0.79 0245 0.71 0319 0.70 0351 0.75 0421 0.86 0448 1.01 0515 1.21 0825 4.36 0900 4.35 0932 4.29 1002 4.18 1031 4.01 1058 3.80 1124 3.56 1441 0.68 1517 0.64 1549 0.66 1619 0.73 1646 0.84 1709 0.99 1731 1.17 2041 3.83 2117 3.90 2150 3.93 2221 3.92 2251 3.87 2320 3.77 2352 3.63 0355 0.67 0432 0.66 0506 0.72 0536 0.85 0606 1.06 0028 5.00 0057 4.82 1002 5.96 1037 5.91 1108 5.79 1138 5.59 1206 5.31 0634 1.33 0703 1.65 1635 0.72 1708 0.74 1736 0.80 1804 0.90 1828 1.06 1231 4.97 1257 4.58 2223 5.10 2256 5.15 2328 5.16 2358 5.11
1852 1.27 1916 1.54
Page 20 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
Storms clear sweltering heat as rivers run Week 1 - Maximum temperatures jumped to 37/38C on the 6 &7th Feb. The low pressures combined with the high humidity made conditions very oppressive and buckled QRN rails. Then the storms started – some isolated in the north - in a line commencing around 4pm at Rolleston and moved across the Coalfields. Reaching eastern Capricornia mid evening then the islands around midnight. Some 24hr rainfall totals (mm) to 9am on the 8th Feb: Builyan 85, Upper Dee 71, Thangool 68, South Rockhampton 64, Upper Bee Ck. 62, Stanwell 59, Stafford Crossing 53, Riverslea 48, Yatton 44, Emerald Radar 17, Moura 17, Sarina 9, Mackay 8, Collinsville 6, Springsure 5. This added some more water to the already semi- flooded rivers and creeks. The Dawson River at Taroom peaked at just over 6 metres. Downstream the river rose. At Woodleigh the river height was 7.4 metres and 4 metres at Beckers; with slow rises expected to peak around 0.5 -1.0 metres higher by 10-11th Feb. Riley’s Crossing on the Mackenzie should peak around 15 metres early weekend 11th Feb. Riverslea peaked and steadied around 9 metres and is expected to fall.. The Fitzroy at Rockhampton reached 4.5 metres around midday Wed; and fallen to 3.8 metres the following afternoon around 2pm. The Spillway at Fairbairn had a peak of 2.4 metres 8th Feb. Then fell slowly to 2.1 metres early on the 9th. Feb. Flooding at Alpha indicates most gravel roads being questionable for travel; although drying
has improved most roads. Still the risk of a late afternoon thundery shower as average conditions( 20-21/33-34C) return early in the week. Now we wait for T.C. Jasmine to move far enough away to allow a moderate to fresh south easterly by mid-week. Much better relief if it doesn’t stall! Boaties! The hot north to north easterly winds increased at the storms approached the coast late Tue 7th Feb. Around midnight the winds in the storms turned rapidly SSW’ly gusting over 40 knots or 78kph forcing one yacht poorly anchored onto North Reef. This type of accident has been occurring for years. Watch for a good SE’ly developing by mid- week. Week 2 - The Monsoon Trough finally produced Tropical Cyclone Jasmine. The first Tropical Cyclone for the season. Late last week it sat 1800km due east of Capricornia ( east of New Caledonia). And still having an influence on Central Queensland with low pressures. The SOI fell tom +8 and now rises to +10 and beyond. Watch for northerly winds and more hot oppressive conditions developing by late week. This means the Monsoon trough in the north could be moving south; yet again. Marine Lovers! The northerlies should cause fresh afternoon NNE sea breezes. Watch the north closely for a brother of Jasmine in the ensuing 10-14 days!
OFF SHIFT 130th EDITION. 2012
Get your motor running
Are you a hot rod or a classic? Perhaps your tastes veer more to the trucks and tractors? Whatever your taste, there is surely something to spark your muffler at the Walz Motor Show next month at Calliope. The Gladstone Auto Club has run the show at Stocklands Shopping Centre for the past four years, but it has been difficult working around trading hours, says the club’s president Graham Elliot. So this year they decided for something different. The weekend event will run at the Calliope River Historical Village from 24-25 March. It means the show can have tractors and trucks on display - a deviation from the traditional car crowd. “It’s going to be a real family event,” Mr Elliot says. “We will have a jumping castle and the Historical Village is set up for train rides for kids.” “There will be music, and the bar will be open on the Saturday night, and people can set up their display and camp with their equipment. Then we will have the actual motor show on the Sunday.” There will be everything from hot rods to mustangs, utes to classics cars and any type of racing car.
“We push as hard as we can for race cars. Our previous president has a race car transporter, so he will have his race car on display.” The highlight of last year’s show was the display of a 2010 Gallardo LP550-2 Lamborghini, worth over $450,000. People have come from as far afield as Marborough, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton and even as far west as Emerald in the past. “It has always been really good with a good social atmosphere.” If you are a car enthusiast and would like to enter your car, nominations are available on the Gladstone Auto Club website www.gladstoneautoclub.com.au. The entry fee for the general public will be $5 a head. The club is raising funds to build a new track at the Benaraby Motorsports Compex, and it alreay has the land, Mr Elliot says. Meanwhile further north, the Mackay and District Holden club are expecting more than 150 classic and modern cars at their car show in May. Club spokesperson Daryl Barker says
they are expecting cars to arrive from all over the state. “We have got cars coming from Bundy, Rocky, Townsville, Emerald and lots of other places as well,” he said. “Every second year its just a Holden display, but this year it is for all types of cars, aso there will be everything from the earliest Holden’s to the latest models as well as all types of other classics.” “I know there are a few blokes getting a couple of FK Holdens ready and there are at least two one tonners that I know of.” “But people like to not tell anyone about their project until they have got it ready to go, so they can surprise you.” The MDHC cruises on the last Sunday of each month and they meet at the PCYC on the second Tuesday of every month. New members are welcome and details can be found at www.mackayholdenclub.org
Toot, toot, chugga, chugga, big red car
“We push as hard as we can for race cars. Our previous president has a race car transporter, so he will have his race car on display.”
Boost your kids’ IQ with the Simpsons In this high-tech, futuristic world of ours there never seems to be enough time to do the things that you want to do. This is particularly the case if you’re a parent. As we all know, it takes a lot of time to impart upon children the general knowledge and life skills necessary to succeed in the 21st Century. So that leaves you with two choices, right? Live it up and allow your children to go through life with puerile, mush-like minds, or parent them so comprehensively that at age 15 they have the financial savvy to have you committed to an assisted-living facility and declared as a tax expense.
Well, now thanks to The Shift Miner there’s a third option, which is parenting your children using everybody’s favourite television show The Simpsons. Sure, you may think that an animated TV series has very little to offer by way of educational value, but you’re sorely mistaken. If you provide your children with seasons 1-10 of The Simpsons, along with internet access to research the various references to pop culture, history, art and politics made throughout the show, they will shoot straight to the top of their class. Not convinced? Consider this.
In season four of The Simpsons Homer has a triple-bypass, there’s a parody of King Kong, Homer becomes an atheist and Bart learns the consequences of bad behaviour. In just over an-hour-and-a-half your kids have learnt about medicine, the consequences of poor diet, classic films, spirituality and that disobeying their parents will have dire consequences. So there you have it, you can kick back and enjoy an ice cold Duff while your kids become intellectual dynamos. Trust us, an investment in The Simpsons is an investment in the future of your children.
Beachfront location with spacious air conditioned 2 and 3 bedroom Ocean and garden side apartments. Low rise apartment complex with pool, gym and indoor spa and sauna. Walk to restaurants & Jupiters Casino. Totally non smoking complex
P. (07) 5592 5350 F. (07) 5592 5130 info@lagrande.com.au www.lagrande.com.au
Page 21 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
OFF SHIFT 130th EDITION. 2012
It’s a big ‘un! MOVIE REVIEW BY JUSTIN CARLOS
Underworld 4, underwhelming THE Clermont show might not be until mid May - but in farms and back yards across the entire Isaac region, the seeds have already literally been sown to take out the BIG PRIZE. It doesn’t get much bigger - or more prestigious - than the much coveted giant pumpkin competition. Already 40 nomination packs have been picked up from show organisers - the $10 kits contain giant pumpkin seeds and growing instructions. And there’s no time like the present because the orange oinkers take 100 days to reach maximum weight and size. “This is one area of the show where anyone from anywhere in the Isaac region can
become involved in their local show,� said committee chairman David Keene. “Schools, commercial businesses, home gardeners, or professional farmers all have what it takes to compete - a small area of land and access to modern technology.� Competition organiser, John Burnett advises that there are still plenty of seed packs available for anyone who missed out at last year’s show. Fiona James, at Elders Clermont will be able to supply your needs. The Queensland record stands at over 300 kg... so good luck! For more information please contact Fiona James 49831388, Melinda Nicholas 49833023 or Jan Burnett 49835175
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As a bonus, book the above special and you will receive s ! BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE AND CHOCOLATES ON ARRIVAL s )N ROOM BACON AND EGGS HAMPER BREAKFAST which you can prepare at your leisure s ! VOUCHER TO -ONTVILLE PIZZA RESTAURANT TOWARDS LUNCH DINNER OR A TAKE AWAY 4HAT MEANS YOU WILL RECEIVE A PACKAGE WORTH FOR JUST "OOK A THIRD NIGHT WITH "REAKFAST AND SAVE EVEN MORE $!4%3 4HIS SPECIAL IS AVAILABLE FROM NOW UNTIL THE TH $ECEMBER AND FROM THE TH *ANUARY UNTIL TH -ARCH
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3ALE CONDITIONS 0HOTOS ON THIS PAGE ARE GENERIC AND MAY NOT APPLY TO YOUR PARTICULAR TREEHOUSE OR CABIN 3PECIAL PRICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OR LONG WEEKENDS 4HIS OFFER IS NOT AVAILABLE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFER /NCE BOOKED THE OFFER IS ONLY TRANSFERRABLE TO ANOTHER DATE AT THE DISCRETION OF MANAGEMENT
Page 22 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
Underworld: Awakening is the fourth installment in the popular franchise about the ongoing war between vampires and werewolves. In Awakening humankind has discovered the existence of vampires and werewolves, and instituted a ‘cleansing’ policy, whereby all non-human lifeforms are terminated on sight. Kate Beckinsale reprises her role as Selene, a powerful vampire who, along with her ‘hybrid’ (half vampire, half werewolf) companion, Michael, are attempting to escape persecution by human authorities. After being captured Selene awakens 12 years in the future to a world where non-humans have been all but purged from society. As she attempts to make sense of the world to which she has awakened and track down Michael, Selene discovers that she has a daughter (who is also a ‘hybrid’), and that a group of powerful werewolves have been using her to synthesise a vaccine for their major weakness - silver. With some help from a human detective (who happens to be a vampire sympathiser), and a vamp-in-hiding named
David, Selene predictably goes into battle with the werewolf clan to save her daughter. Despite the promise in this narrative, as the plot gradually unfurls Awakening never seems to achieve the mix of compelling melodrama and balls-to-the-wall action that its predecessors managed so convincingly. The story in Awakening appears to saunter along, with one constantly expecting something ‘big’ to be around the corner, be it a climactic battle or a profound plot twist. While some cinema goers will no doubt contend that the film more than delivers in the aforementioned categories, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Awakening was building to a dramatic crescendo that never truly arrived. However, with a number of bloody battles strewn throughout, lovers of action and gore alike are bound to derive some pleasure from Awakening. Overall the film is a fair addition to the Underworld franchise that is worth a look for fans of previous installments in the saga, however it may leave some viewers feeling unfulfilled when the credits roll.
What’s happening in sport in your town? Paid coach and full bench in Basilisk sights
Shortened season for time poor players
The Blackwater Basilisks rugby side has set itself the target of at least making the finals in this year’s central Queensland rugby competition. The goal isn’t beyond the realms of possibility either, after the Basilisks knocked off almost every team last year in the their maiden appearance in first grade. The one exception is the Dawson Valley Drovers team who are proof that being from a small mining and agricultural community doesn’t mean you can’t be premiers. Jeff Hansen President of the Blackwater club says they are feeling very optimistic. “The informal start to the season was back in early January, and we have had really good numbers at training,” he said. “Our first trial game is on the 18th February against Biloela and we are scheduled to have a full squad and bench for that game.” “I think the good numbers are a result of having four strong years when we were the premiers in reserve grade, and then last year we stepped up into A grade.” “It’s meant we are better known through out the community and we are at a better standard and that is attracting more interest from other players.” “We have had another couple of players come over from rugby league and there are more people in town which helps.” Off the field the club is in an equally strong position with all its platinum sponsors finalised and major clubhouse renovations underway. They will now have a larger bar, more change rooms, full time public toilets and an extended liquor licence. That means they can not only be better game day hosts but also generate more money through hosting other functions However, the one area they are not feeling as positive about is on the coaching front for 2012. Last year they went with a captain-coach arrangement but this year they want to do it differently. “We have had issues with seeking a coach for the 2012 season,” Mr Hansen said. “Last year we had a player acting as coach but its just too hard to do both jobs.” “We are even considering payment to try and get someone dedicated to the roll, so if anyone out there is interested we would be happy to have a talk.” The club trains Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm at their grounds in Blackwater and anyone is welcome to join in for a run around.
Rugby league players across the Central Highlands will play a shortened 14 week competition this year. President of the Central Highlands rugby league competition Pat Brooker said the decision to reduce the number of games by five was in response to calls from players. “Last year the players were just saying the season was too long,” she said. “With the rosters and the shift work, it just seems like everyone is much busier.” “So we talked to the players and we talked to the clubs and we are going to give it a trial this year.” It’s not expected that the reduced numbers of games will have a major effect on gate takings for individual clubs. With the shortened season there is a new home and away format meaning that there will be plenty of home games for supporters. The official season kicks off on the 14th April, although there will be a representative match between
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
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sport
Club
TRAINING START
CONTACT
Soccer
Emerald Eagles
started
0429 503 479
Rugby
Blackwater Basilisks
started
0422 941 497
Rugby
Dawson Valley Drovers
21/2/12
0427 777 781
League
Dysart Bulls
started
0438 004 926
League
Emerald Cowboys
started
49874610
League
Emerald Tigers
started
0448 154 231
Rugby
Gladstone Rugby Club
started
0418 788 551
League
Tieri Pirates
started
0438 484 875
Want your club details here? Call Shift Miner 07 4921 4333 the Central Highlands and the Central West in March. There is also a multicultural tournament being held in Bluff on the 18th February. That tournament follows the highly successful indigenous all stars competition played in
Rockhampton recently. However the Bluff tournament will not be restricted to indigenous players, with other teams taking part as well, including the first ever game for the Central Highland’s women’s rugby league side.
Blackwater Basilisks v Dawson Valley Drovers in 2011: Blackwater will attempt to follow in the footsteps of the Drovers who made the Grandfinal last year.
Apply now for seven $4000 scholarships with CQUniversity and Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity and Hail Creek Mine are continuing their support of local students by offering seven scholarships worth a combined $28,000 in 2012.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be part of the central Queensland community and committed to the future.
Since 2009, the Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity Partnership Programme has been offering scholarships worth $4,000 each over two years to first- year nursing, health, business, science, IT, and engineering students studying at CQUniversity.
The Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity Partnership Programme is proudly supported by the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund.
To apply for one of the scholarships, please contact Hail Creek Mine’s Marie Cameron on 07 4951 6437 or email marie.cameron@riotinto.com. Scholarship applications close 24 February 2012.
To find out more about the fund, please contact Marie Cameron.
www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au
Your Health 130th EDITION. 2012
EXPERT ADVICE For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their health Last issue we spoke about the importance of kickstarting the year with a range of health checks that will help you understand where your body is at health-wise. That includes having unusual symptoms seen to rather than ignoring them. Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, and every woman and their partner needs to know the symptoms of this not-so-silent disease. Symptoms include: • Abdominal or pelvic pain; • Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating; • Needing to urinate often or urgently; • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Like many other forms of cancer, there are no specific known causes; however, you may be more at risk of developing the disease if you are over 50, a Caucasian with a high standard of living, have had no or few full-term pregnancies, are overweight or obese or eat a high-fat diet. Each February, Ovarian Cancer Australia runs its national Ovarian Cancer
Awareness Month campaign to highlight the symptoms of ovarian cancer. What’s important to remember is that many women who experience these types of symptoms mentioned above will not even have ovarian cancer. Having a full check up with your GP can help alleviate any of your concerns. If you’re a male and your partner has been experiencing any of these symptoms, please encourage her to seek medical advice. Specialist help is available including advice on reducing the risks or taking part in a surveillance program, which looks for early signs of the cancer. Other ongoing symptoms may include changes in your bowel habits, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, back pain, ongoing fatigue and bleeding in-between periods or after menopause. Some factors that may help reduce your risk of ovarian cancer include having children, taking oral contraceptives and having your fallopian tubes tied. As usual eating a healthy, well balance diet with lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables will help boost your immune system and keep you healthier on the inside! Until next time, stay healthy, stay informed.
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.
Wild Rice Salad Serves 2
METHOD:
This is a great summer salad to do when you have friends coming over for a barbeque. Its packed ZLWK IUHVK ÀDYRXUV ZLWK D ELW RI kick from the chilli. This dish is also hearty enough to serve on its own for lunch or with some JULOOHG ¿VK RU FKLFNHQ
Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onion until soft and transparent. Add rice and stir for 1-2 minutes. Pour stock over the rice and bring to the boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat simmering for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool.
INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp olive oil FXS ¿QHO\ GLFHG UHG RQLRQ 2/3 cup of wild rice ½ cup of long grain rice 400 ml vegetable stock 6 pickled chillies 4 roma tomatoes 150gm rocket 250gm bocconcini Vinaigrette: 3 Tbsp olive oil 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a large bowl. Fold in rice, tomatoes and chopped chillies until well combined. Serve on a large platter covered with rocket pouring the rice salad over the top. Scatter with bocconcini and garnish with some chilli.
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Page 24 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
MONEY MATTERS 130th EDITION. 2012
Iconic beach house under threat IF you want to put a patio on your central Queensland beach house, you will now have to check first with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Last week the new statewide Coastal Management Plan came into effect, and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (IDIA) says it will put fur-
ther pressure on property values in central Queensland and beyond. “This is going to create a whole new level of bureaucracy,” said UIDA Mackay Whit-
sunday branch president Mark McGrath. “It means anything within five kilometres of the high tide mark will require approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).” The EPA is going to become the referral agency for all development.” Mr McGrath said even basic renovations to existing homes would be more cumbersome. “Even if you want to build a garage or add a pergola to your house, and your in this zone, technically you are going to need approval from the EPA. The public needs to be aware of this.” Since 2005, the cost of head-works for new residential development has gone up more than 400 per cent in the Mackay region, according to Mr McGrath. This cost is passed onto first home buyers, and adding to the steep rise in residential house prices in towns like Mackay. Meanwhile Viv Forbes from the Carbon Sense Coalition has attacked the governments rationale for introducing the new legislation. “Some bureaucrats in the state capital have consulted giant computers fed by discredited UN climate models to draw up a grand plan which will dictate who can live where and do what, all along the Queensland coast,” Mr Forbes said.
WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM A
WINO
MORE- mining news MORE- industrial news MORE- investment news WEDNESDAY’S INDUSTRY NEWS ONLINE (WINO) BY SHIFT MINER
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WEDNESDAY’S INDUSTRIAL NEWS ONLINE
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MONEY MATTERS 130th EDITION. 2012
MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
How do I make my savings work?
Q: What’s wrong with putting all my money in the bank? A: The short answer is loss of purchasing power. We all know $100 doesn’t buy as much as it did five years ago. So while stashing your money in the apparently safe haven of a term deposit will ensure your capital doesn’t go up and down, it will lose its relative value over time. To protect your lifestyle, your capital needs to grow over the long term. Inflation will keep on driving up the cost of living. If you don’t invest some money in growth assets, you will eventually have to eat into your capital or alternatively adjust to a lower standard of living. Q: I’m a young miner earning a good income. I want to save for my long-term future, but I’m worried about putting it all into super, because I can’t access it for 30 years or more. What else can I do?
FMD Financial Senior Adviser for Queensland, Debbie Spence, answers your common questions and offers better options than putting all your eggs in one basket.
the standard variable interest rate for the first two years
A: It’s a matter of taking a balanced approach. When you are at a young age, the power of time and superannuation’s tax effectiveness are very compel-
ling ways to prepare for your long-term future. However, access and changing government legislation are issues you need to carefully consider. It may be appropriate to place some investments in a tax-efficient structure outside of the superannuation environment to avoid these issues. It’s imperative to structure your non-superannuation investments to protect your portfolio’s after-tax returns. Speak to your adviser about the best approach. Q: I’m well paid, but as an employee I seem to have very few tax deductions and pay a lot of tax. What can I do about it? A: There are a number of tax-effective ways for you to prepare for your long-term future. It’s extremely important to invest with your long-term goals and objectives in mind, rather than chasing tax deductions. I always say there’s no point in spending a dollar to save around 46.5 cents! You should pick high-quality investments that provide you with long-term returns. While many investments can be structured tax efficiently, the overriding goal should always be getting returns that benefit you and your family long-term.
Disclaimer: Debbie Spence is a senior adviser with FMD Financial (QLD) and is an Authorised Representative of Paragem Pty Ltd AFSL No. 297276. The contents of this article are intended as general advice only. No specific person’s circumstances, financial situation or objectives have been taken into consideration. You should not act on the information provided without seeking personal advice from an appropriately qualified financial planner.
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Page 26 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
M A G A Z I N E
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MONEY MATTERS 130th EDITION. 2012
Mackay stable, Gladstone challenging THE resources boom continues to put pressure on rental accommodation in key central Queensland towns and this has flowed through to sales of homes suitable for rent. The latest monthly report from independent property valuers Herron Todd White said the Mackay market in the $450,000 price range was being driven by owner-occupiers and investors looking to escape the rental market. The company’s Kieran Clair said the Mackay market was stable in 2011 and this was likely to continue this year. “This sector of the market is heavily influenced by the Bowen Basin coal industry,� said Clair. “While some indicators point to a further strengthening of this resource sector, there is some concern the current state of the global economy may impact on resource demand and consequently the industrial market in the city.� BMA’s expansion of the Hay Point Coal Terminal and further construction programs announced for Bowen Basin coal mines will most likely keep confidence relatively strong, barring any worsening of the global economy, the February report said. “This has partly led to a dramatic shortage in rentals across Mackay, which has in turn resulted in fairly steep rental increases across all sectors. This increase in rentals and tightening in vacancies has seen the sub $450,000 market in Mackay increase
in activity both with investors and owner occupiers who want to escape the rental market,� the report said. “We have also seen an increase in vacant land sales and new housing construction. The dry weather coupled with the governments building boost appear to have assisted this market segment gain some momentum.� However, there is some pain in the Mackay market with the above $750,000 market described as “hard going� to get sales after a reduction in values from 2007 and 2008. Gladstone is tipped to be in for some “challenging times� according to the report as the influx of workers for multi projects continues pressure on the sales and rental market in a city that has nil rental vacancies for almost a year. “How can the majority of Australian regions and the world be facing such doom and gloom when the small Gladstone market is booming!� the report commented. “Over $50 billion worth of LNG infrastructure is being developed in Gladstone. The Gladstone market has struggled to keep up with demand over past months and it is not expected to ease up anytime soon.� “We expect the peak of the market to coincide with peak workforce numbers in town. This is difficult to predict as values have already increased substantially from when the LNG plants were first given the green light by the federal government.�
“There is some pain in the Mackay market with the above $750,000 market described as “hard going� to get sales after a reduction in values from 2007 and 2008.�
Hospital “re-invigorates� Sun Coast THE construction of a two billion dollar public hospital on the Sunshine Coast will “re-invigorate� the local economy, according to the development industry. The new hospital will create 11,000 construction jobs and provide around 450 new hospital beds for the Sunshine Coast, making it one of the largest construction projects ever in the region. Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Sunshine Coast branch president Frazer Dean said the new medical precinct will reinvigorate the region’s economy. “We are told that nearly $1.5 million per day is being spent and ultimately over 19,000 operational jobs will be created.� “It’s great news for our local economy and great news for investors alike.� According to Herron Todd White (HTW) valuers there are signs of recovery in the Sunshine Coast residential market. “The Sunshine Coast economy is dependant on construction and tourism and both of those industries have been weak
since the GFC,� HTW said. “Though the accommodation industry has been reporting improving occupancy over the past few months and Christmas was strong and maybe this news is a sign of some new green shoots.� Brent Higgins from Ray White Mooloolaba who is handling the new MOKO development in the area says developments like MOKO are being built to capitalise on the projected growth in the area. “The Moko development comprises a unique choice of exclusive north and east facing waterfront apartments through to spacious walk up townhouses and trendy lofts,� he said. “With a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments on offer and with prices commencing at $295,000 we expect demand to be strong.� “We anticipate completion of the Moko apartments in 2016 which is when the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the Medical Research Centre is completed.�
THE construction of a two billion dollar public hospital on the Sunshine Coast will “re-invigorate� the local economy. Glass House Mountains
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN VIEWS 6 bed, 3 bath family home on 44 acres of land. 5 minute drive out of town. 9ft ceilings, tiled floors, Caesar Stone bench tops, 2 pac cupboards and a walk in pantry. 4 separate living areas. Main bedroom has walk in robe + ensuite. Large covered patio with mountain views. Separate 2 bed, 1 bath unit with access to the 15m x 9m shed with 3 phase power. There is also a 18m x 9m open mach. shed. 3 dams. Fenced for livestock. 45mins drive to Brisbane airport & even less to Sunshine Coast airport.
$1,400,000 Exclusive Agency Kelvin Brady 0429 003 338 or 5496 9411
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Page 27 - Shift Miner Magazine, 13th February 2011
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Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this advertisement, the particulars and information in it are not to be construed as containing any representations upon which any interested party is entitled to rely. All illustrations, drawings and photographs are for professional presentation purposes, are indicative only and not necessarily to scale. Subject to any statutory limitation, none of Brisbane Housing Company Limited CAN 101 263 834 or any of its subsidiaries, employees or agents will be responsible or liable in any way to any party whatsoever that relies upon anything contained in this document for any reason whatsoever. All information and material subject to change without notice. Sustainability declaration available on request.
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