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Monday 26th March 133rd Edition 2012
M A G A Z I N E
CITY RESCUE How big business could help little locals BIG business based in the city could step in and fill the void for small businesses in the Bowen Basin, which are struggling to survive despite the mining boom. That’s the opinion of Gold Coast based businessman Mitch Bruger, who runs the Temporary Fencing division of Advanced National Services. Last edition, Shift Miner Magazine ran a special feature on the state of play in local communities in the Bowen Basin. In particular, small business is grappling with an acute housing shortage, astronomical rent rises and staff retention. “They obviously need help, that’s what grabbed me reading your paper on my couch on the Gold Coast on Sunday morning,� said Mr Bruger. “I believe the large city-based corporates have the capacity to step in and do something about it.� In fact, Mr Bruger is willing to put his money where his mouth is. Just last week, he travelled to Blackwater for the first time to assess the situation for himself. “It is exactly as your articles described, it is tough times.� Mr Bruger believes there is room for big business to look at ways “outside the box� of employing locals who don’t work in mining. “For example, I need someone in Blackwater who has some land where I could leave some fencing and when it was needed on site they could take it out, assemble it, and then pull it down at the end of the job.
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News Mines battle weather Âť page 4 News Bottled water sales up Âť page 5 News All aboard fast train Âť page 6
Seeking a better lifestyle?
Rockhampton under the microscope in part 1 of our "liveability" series.  page 11-17
Around Town Youth are pride of the Lions Âť page 19
Junior Hawks show classy soccer skills Âť Â Â More pictures page 19 Off Shift Gallery seeks helpers Âť page 25 Money Matters Rents drive up demand Âť page 29
4 CONTENTS NEWS 4 Deluge hits mines 6 Fast train needed 9 More to learn on CSG 11-17 Rocky offers it all
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News
133rd EDITION. 2012
Mines pump out, as rain pours down TWENTY Central Queensland coal mines are pumping out water into the Fitzroy catchment, after torrential rain in the region. The monsoon low, which dumped hundreds of millimetres of rain in north Queensland, was tracking through the Central Highlands and Capricornia at the time of going to print. Many towns in CQ had already received falls of more than 100mm, and access to both Moranbah and Emerald was cut by road - with more rain expected. Earlier last week, the heavy rain further north meant the flow in the Fitzroy River and its feeder streams had been strong enough for mines to begin releasing water, which has been trapped on site since last year’s floods. Over the past week, 20 coal mines have released water into the catchment area and BMA’s Goonyella Riverside mine is being investigated for a potential breach of its release conditions. “The mine advised the department it had released mine affected water into Eureka Creek for approximately two hours outside of EA conditions on Sunday 18 March,” said the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM)’s general manager of mine operations, Andrew Connor. “Initial water quality results indicate envi-
ronmental harm is unlikely due to the small period of the exceedance and high flow level in the creek.” In the overall catchment, the department’s monitoring to-date has not identified any wider environmental concerns. Earlier this month, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry handed down its recommendations, including those relating to the mining industry. The Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche has welcomed the findings, and says they vindicate concerns raised by the industry in the lead up to the floods.
“The QRC welcomes the Commission’s recommendations to avoid a repeat of the delays experienced in 2010-11 for the granting of urgently needed mine water discharge approvals,” he said. “The inquiry’s recommendations include approvals for pre-emptive releases when a high rainfall event is forecast and for mines across an entire catchment that is flooding.” Mr Roche said the recommendations were consistent with the outcomes sought by the QRC in a letter to the Premier in January 2010 for the authorisation of emergency mine water releases.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FLOODS COMMISSION INQUIRY • The Queensland Government should determine, as far as possible, the impact of mine discharges during the 2010/2011 wet season on freshwater and marine water quality and fauna and flora. • The Queensland Government should consider amending the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to provide a definition of the term ‘emergency’ for the purposes of section 468 of that Act. • The Queensland Government should make public the procedural guide used by DERM officers to decide whether to grant an emergency direction • The Queensland Government should amend the Environmental Protection Act 1994 so as to permit an emergency direction to be given orally where it is not practicable to provide the direction in writing, with provision for its subsequent confirmation in writing
BARALABA BLUES: Baralaba mine was one of the worst hit in last year’s unprecedented floods
• The Queensland Government should determine which of its agencies should take responsibility for the management of all existing and new abandoned mine sites in Queensland
FROM PAGE 1 “Out of the box” approach for business “It’s not steady, full time work yet, but it’s an opportunity for someone who perhaps owns the local corner shop or other small business to have an additional income stream in these tough times. “I am hoping that if they are able to develop the business with our help that it will soon turn into a full time and profitable venture. It is an ideal way for someone to get into running their own (or add to an existing) business with little or no capital outlay, and the guaranteed support of a larger company behind them. “For big business, it means taking advantage of local folks with local knowledge.” Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) general manager Sandra Hobbs agrees pairing big business with local know-how could work.
Page 4 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
“What this gentleman has identified is a really good strategy, now it’s about how we coordinate it and put it into practise,” she said. “There is a good opportunity for big business to collaborate with organisations such as ourselves to develop a model that would work,” she said. In fact, CHDC has just run a workshop as the first step of nutting out a workforce response strategy for the region. Mr Bruger says he’s willing to start the ball rolling and find a solution. “My hand is up and I would like to challenge other company directors with the capacity to do so, to do the same.” If you’d like to be involved, contact the Shift Miner Magazine office on 07 4921 4333.
News
133rd EDITION. 2012
Surge in demand for bottled water THE demand for bottled water in Blackwater has almost doubled over the past 12 months, as the town’s outdated water infrastructure causes problems for residents, businesses and mines. The director of the locally owned Aussie Gold Spring Water, Janette Heintze, says their business now supplies 250 customers in the small town. That number has risen by between 80 and 100 customers in less than 12 months. “We’ve noticed a substantial increase in customers,” said Ms Heintze. “They had another outbreak of giardia in the town water earlier this year, and the potable water out the mines went bad as well. “Since Christmas, the intake from the mines has probably doubled.” Ms Heintze runs the business with her brother David Luck, after the pair bought it from their father who started the company 17 years ago. “Dad was actually a miner, and he start-
ed to notice a need for good water. “The water on our property was so good, people told him he should start bottling it, that’s how it all started.” The aquifer on the family’s 26-acre property called Karingal Springs, just north of Yeppoon, is now responsible for a purpose built factory and a family run business that employs 13 people. Ms Heintze said supplying mining and industrial towns - and huge accommodation camps - was certainly an area the business was looking to expand in. “We’ve put a few tenders in around the Gladstone region to test the waters to see how our pricing compares. “We don’t want to rush into things though, as we settle into running a new business.”
FAST NEWS Units go up in Moranbah, Dysart
Clean clear drinking water with a fresh taste is in demand in Blackwater and has driven demand for bottled water.
The bottled water business is traditionally much busier in the hotter months, but Ms Heintze said the new demand driven by mining might curb the usual drop off. “We’ll have to wait and see, we are coming into our quiet period now. “But we have so many more customers in Blackwater that I don’t expect demand to drop back as drastically as it has in the past.”
“The water on our property was so good, people told him he should start bottling it, that’s how it all started.”
Gas exposure probed by experts INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into what caused 14 workers at the Collinsville open cut coal mine to become ill. All work has stopped in one section of the mine, after workers reported being exposed to gas emissions at about 7.30pm on March 15. A spokesperson for the Mines Inspectorate said inspectors and mine operator, Thiess, were working on identifying the cause of the problem. The mine was already operating under a directive issued by the Mines Inspectorate on February 24, 2012 over gas fume issues. “The directive issued instructed the mine operator to take steps to reduce potential
risks to workers associated with exposure to toxic and flammable gas at the mine,” the spokesman said. It also requires the mine operator to review its site safety and health management system in respect the development and implementation of a plan to further mitigate risk of gas-related incidents and heating of exposed coal seams. The coal seam at the Collinsville mine is prone to gas emission because of intrusions and minerals such as iron pyrites found in the surrounding geology that are prone to spontaneous combustion. The workers retreated to a crib room
before being taken to Collinsville Hospital where five were treated. All mining operations were suspended by Thiess at about the same time. All 14 were released from hospital the following morning. Non-hazardous areas of the mine have progressively been brought back into operation. Two senior regional mines inspectors have visited the mine and will work with Thiess to investigate the incident. Thiess is also working with the government agency Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station and other technical experts to carry out additional testing.
SEVEN new unit complexes will be built immediately in Moranbah and Dysart, thanks to an early funding injection by BMA. BMA has announced it will bring forward $3.5 million in funding for the Isaac Affordable Housing Trust, and this will go towards building three duplexes and two triplexes in Moranbah and two duplexes in Dysart. In the next six months, BMA will finish building 60 new homes in Moranbah and 68 in Dysart. Another 83 homes will be built in Moranbah, to support the proposed Peak Downs mine expansion. ....................................................................
Economic conference looms The Gladstone Region Economic Development Conference will be held from March 29 to 30. GAPDL Project Officer, Katherine Van Itallie said the event is expected to sell out with the attraction of great speakers, a harbour cruise, networking events and many announcements and projects being unveiled. Tickets are $465 + GST for GAPDL members and $655 + GST for non-members. To register contact Katherine at GAPDL on 49724000 or email to gapdl@gapdl.com.au ....................................................................
Abbot Point decision delayed THE environmental approval process for the Abbot Point coal terminal expansion project has been delayed by up to nine months. Last year, the state government announced plans to expand the port from three terminals to nine, boosting its capacity to 400 million tonnes a year and making it one of the largest coal ports in the world. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke was expected to make his decision by the end of the month but now says that will be made by December. ....................................................................
Safety papers needed THE Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference 2012 is on at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre from August 19 to 22. Papers are now being sought from the industry. The theme is A new era in health and safety. Submissions for papers must be made through the official event website at www.qldminingsafety.org.au by Friday, April 20.
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Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
News
133rd EDITION. 2012
Hired, leased & lost Moranbah explosion NEW federal laws could challenge the ownership of hired or leased equipment, a leading Mackay legal firm has warned. The new laws, which came into effect in January, could have huge implications for businesses that lease, hire, share or store equipment. If you own part or all of an asset that is being used by someone else, it may now need to be registered with the government, or you could risk losing ownership should that business go bust. According to the federal government they introduced the legislation to make it easier for businesses to borrow money against plant and equipment. But Suzanne Brown from McKays Solicitors says there are broader implications. “One of the underlying issues was that when liquidators came in to liquidate a business, people were coming in from the side and claiming machinery and other assets as their own,” she said. “And the liquidator had no way of confirming who owned what.” Now, under the new legislation, there is a “you snooze you lose” policy. That means if you have ownership of something that is being lent, hired, rented or stored
by someone else, you need to register that you own it on the federal government’s Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). In the event that the person who has possession of your item goes bankrupt, you have a much better chance of getting your asset back. As an example, in New Zealand where similar legislation exists, a plumber had leased around $100,000 worth of porta loos to a developer. However the developer went under, and their financier who had the mortgage over the assets, claimed the porta loos and sold them off to recover their debt. The plumber challenged the action in court and lost because he hadn’t registered hisinterest in the porta loos. “We don’t want to create a panic,” Ms Brown added. “Although we are advising that people update their terms of trade and make themselves aware of the time frames that they have for registering assets being used by other people.” Mrs Brown will be giving a detailed presentation on the 22nd March through the Mackay Area Industry Network. (MAIN). For details go to www.main.org.au
death investigated INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the death of a worker at an industrial business in Moranbah. Caboolture father Michael McLoughlin, 22, was on the second day of a new job with Tri Q when he was killed during an explosion at the Goonyella Road site earlier this month. Tri Q refurbishes air and water hoses, guideposts and cleans, tests and fits pipes for a range of customers but particularly the mining industry centred on the town. It is believed the dead man was welding in an outside work area around gas bottles and diesel fuel prior to the explosion. Bernie Scott, general manager of Tri Q, said he did not want to discuss the possible cause of the explosion. He added after the incident that he and his colleagues at the not-for-profit organisation were shattered. “We’re deeply distressed for his young
wife and family. The young fellow only started with us yesterday (Monday) and he was a good buddy of one of our staff out there,” Mr Scott said. “It’s a tragedy for us but more so for the people that knew him. “The cause and results of the investigation should come out before too long.” The accident occurred just before 7am. About 10 people work at the Moranbah business, and staff have been offered counselling. The Department of Community Safety has said an unknown substance exploded at the site. Police said a report would be compiled for the coroner. Meanwhile, a group of workers in Moranbah are planning to raise funds for the dead man’s young family. No further details were available at the time of going to print.
“We’re deeply distressed for his young wife and family. The young fellow only started with us yesterday (Monday) and he was a good buddy of one of our staff out there.”
Will Gladstone ride the fast train? GLADSTONE businesses are being sounded out to see if a fast train from Rockhampton to the Port City could fly. A fast train service between the two centres has been talked about for years, but Gladstone’s growing need for industrial workers could be the catalyst for change. A feasibility study has been launched, and now industry is being asked for input. “We need to determine the demand for this service,” said Capricorn Enterprise economic development manager Neil Lethlean. “We have to do a lot of research on infrastructure, timeline, cost efficiency, number
of passengers and timetabling.” The feasibility study is being jointly funded by Capricorn Enterprise and Queensland Rail, with Rockhampton firm Tanner Consultants employed to carry out the work. Mr Lethlean said the train schedule would have to reflect the start and end times of shifts, and tickets would probably need to be subsidised - possibly by employers. A fast train could pick up between 500 to 1000 people in Rockhampton and 200 to 300 from Bundaberg daily, he said. “If you get 300 employees catching a train, it can make a difference.”
“It takes fewer litres of fuel, it takes pressure off the roads and it relieves accommodation pressures.” Critical data collected has found there are at least two traffic accidents a week between Benaraby and Rockhampton, he said. “For this to work, it needs to be fast, economical and run at the right times. The trip
can’t be more than 50 minutes and if it is any longer than that, people will revert to driving.” The idea is to make the service similar to catching a train from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and it should be pleasurable, he said. To participate in the study, you can contact Julie Tanner at Tanner Consultants on 07 4922 0911 during office hours.
“For this to work, it needs to be fast, economical and run at the right times. The trip can’t be more than 50 minutes and if it is any longer than that, people will revert to driving.”
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Page 6 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
News
133rd EDITION. 2012
Boarding pass stunt worth the effort TAKING an oversized boarding pass to the doors of BHP in a bid to get CEO Marius Kloppers to visit Bowen Basin communities was not a waste of time despite the mining boss ignoring the stunt. One of the protestors, Frank Johnston from Dysart, told the Shift Miner the recent trip to BHP’s Melbourne headquarters was well worth it. “It certainly has been worthwhile because of the interest and the media coverage,” he said. “Haven’t heard anything at all from BHP. But we don’t expect to.” The bold but peaceful protest saw Frank and Maureen Johnston along with Russell and Denise Robertson from Moranbah again request Mr Kloppers visit their towns to see first hand the negative impact of mining. They say it is the third time the request has been refused. They said they would go so far as to pay the airfare for the chief executive to come to the Bowen Basin. A free barbecue was even cooked up outside the Melbourne office space of the company. Dysart and Moranbah are two towns hit hard by spiralling rents and overburdened
services because of the influx of FIFO and DIDO workers. Mr Kloppers was in the building, but Maureen Johnston and Denise Robertson were told he was not available when they made it as far as the lobby desk. “We’re hugely disappointed with the outcome seeing as we’ve come all this way and he didn’t have the courtesy to at least listen to our concerns,” said Mrs Robertson. Mr Robertson said Mr Kloppers’ snub would be particularly disappointing for the people of Dysart and Moranbah which have some of the highest rents in the state and a social infrastructure under severe stress from transient populations. “I’ve been in Dysart for 32 years with my wife and we’ve seen first hand how it’s changed just in the last few years,” Mr Johnston said. “When all the contractors are in town Dysart can have a population of about 8000 people. “We’ve only two police officers in town, there’s only one doctor; 60 families have left in the last 12 months and the town’s only butcher left a few weeks ago.” “We reckon that if Marius Kloppers came and saw for himself what the mining boom is
Denise Robertson from Moranbah front the media scrum outside the BHP Melbourne office. She is holding the oversized boarding pass for CEO Marius Kloppers.
doing to our towns he’d be making sure that more is done for our communities.” Community groups from both towns made submissions to the senate enquiry into FIFO and stated urgent help was needed from governments to address housing,
health and policing issues. More than 170 written submissions have been received by the senate committee carrying out the enquiry. Comment is being sought from BHP on the stunt.
Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
News
133rd EDITION. 2012
Rocky council needs revving IF Rockhampton wants to be an industrial centre then it needs to act quickly, according to the city’s leading industry and tourism group. Capricorn Enterprise’s economic development manager Neil Lethlean told the Shift Miner that any delays over planning for Gracemere’s industrial area could see Rockhampton miss out - again. “There can’t be any more inaction, and regrettably there are further delays because of local elections,� he said. With the resources sector booming and new opportunities opening up in the Galilee Basin, Rockhampton is the logical centre to expand on all service provisions for the west, Mr Lethlean said. “We haven’t had well-serviced industrial land and Gracemere has been sitting there for in excess of 15 years,� he said. “The provision for infrastructure has been held back because no local authority was willing to invest.� But the state government’s $50 million funding for a road and rail crossing, which makes the industrial area accessible, has changed that and now the industrial area needs investment.
“It needs to happen sooner rather than later, and that’s why we have been marketing it,� Mr Lethlean said. Last week, the Rockhampton Regional Council delayed its decision on the exact boundaries of the Gracemere industrial area. The delay is due to dispute over rezoning 50 blocks of land in an area known as Precinct K, which is surrounded by industrial land, from rural to industrial. Capricorn Enterprise chief executive Mary Carroll said this was disappointing and had been motivated by the upcoming elections rather than the economic benefits for the whole region. “The Gracemere industrial area is far too critical for our region to be used as a political football,� she said. Ms Carroll said the council had offered numerous opportunities at its Be Heard sessions in preparing a new town plan, which included the Gracemere industrial area. The new town plan, developed when the four councils amalgamated to form the Rockhampton Regional Council, maintained the industrial zone, but it will not be gazetted until 2013.
Rather than wait a year for this, the council adopted a temporary local planning instrument to fast-track the first stage of development of the Gracemere industrial area.
“The TLPI application was to expedite the new town plan, which needs to be in place to accommodate current demand for industrial growth,� Ms Carroll said.
“The Gracemere industrial area is far too critical for our region to be used as a political football.�
Warning Hope for Industrial Deafness Signs
( ! ' " # ! $" % " " # ! $ $# # ! & ! " % " " # $ & # ( $ ! "$ # From years of experience and ! # ! "" ! * $"#! "",
extensive training when I have a with # "$ ! !" " # # # ( conversation someone I have ! # $# )# $ !"# & # a fairly good idea what their hearing # ( ! " ( is like before I even do a test. ! % $" ( # & " % !( ! # #! # $"#!
Add a reasonably comprehensive history of "" $" $## "# ! ! symptoms, problems experienced, age, family # ! (" ( # ! history, gender, and noise exposure and I can usually ! % # # $" # ! # accurately deduce your hearing loss within about 0-15dB of your actual measured hearing loss. & # ! " Not sure how good your hearing is? The only & % ! + # ! way to be sure is to have it tested; however there are many warning signs of hearing loss % # " # $"$ ! " "" # which everyone can be on the lookout for.
Repetition repetition repetition‌ Probably the most common and noticeable signs of hearing loss are frequent requests for repetition, particularly when someone’s back is turned or talking from another room. If there is any background noise present then the requests for repetition will increase. Depending on the type of loss someone may have no problem hearing around the house or in quiet but may have extreme difficulty hearing in background & # #! # $"#! "" "# noise. Another common complaint present with a # ! # " % " % " % # hearing loss is that someone may say that everyone is ! & ( $ # $" ( $! ! mumbling, talking too soft or quickly, or can hear what # ! " & # # ! is # & being said but cannot understand what is being said.
$# & # " " $ " # Turn it up! # ! " Another warning sign of hearing loss is increasing the volume of the television or difficulty hearing speech clearly even with the volume up loud. This can be particularly troublesome when there is background noise occurring around the house, on the television or when there is music playing along with the dialogue. Notice the buzz? Do you notice ringing or clicking sounds in the ears (tinnitus) often or continually? Tinnitus is not a direct symptom of hearing loss but is often associated with it. A sensation that the ears are blocked, discharge, sensitivity to loud sounds and vertigo can also mean that a hearing loss is present.
Sshhhh Another warning sign is the inability to hear certain soft environmental sounds that others can hear. Common sounds missed by people with early stage industrial deafness or age related loss include the blinkers in the car, beeps in appliances such as washing machines, microwaves, watches etc, birds and crickets.
Avoidance is not the key ! "$ # " #$! " $ ' "" % Do you ďŹ nd yourself wishing you were somewhere ! $ " $ & ! % else when you see people chatting happily and enjoying themselves in noisy situations, but you " are having trouble following the conversation? you, someone you know suffgive ers an from ItIfmay beor a change in behavior that can indication of hearing loss. Commonly many people these symptoms phone Clarity Hearing with a hearing loss will just stop going out or avoid Solutions today for a free no obligation situations where they may have difficulty hearing. consultation. Even at home they may also become withdrawn and in extreme cases depression may ensue. This list of symptoms is not deďŹ nitive but if present in you, may indicate the presence of a hearing loss. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, I encourage you to seek more information and have a full audiological assessment. The longer you leave a hearing loss untreated, the more likely your hearing loss may increase. Jodie Miles – Clarity Hearing Solutions B.Sp.Path.(Hons).,M.AudSt.,MAudSA(CCP). Senior Audiologist
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Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
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News
133rd EDITION. 2012
Clash over CSG can be eased FILLING the knowledge gap surrounding CSG and the community is key to minimising angst surrounding the industry, according to a researcher with the Gas Industry Social & Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA). Dr Peter Stone was commenting after being part of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences OUTLOOK 2012 conference in Canberra that included a CSG session. Western Downs mayor Ray Brown also addressed delegates at the two-day conference that attracted the country’s peak farming organisations, leaders, government agencies and corporates. Dr Stone said the best approach to reducing tension between farming and the industry was identifying what was known about CSG, what was not known and then working on decreasing the gap between the two. Delegates heard the demand in energy is rising by two per cent in Australia and five per cent globally. At the same time many countries are looking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
“CSG has a role to play in that it is one of the more cost effective sources of energy and its likely to remain cost effective for many years,” Dr Stone said. CSG also has less of a greenhouse footprint than coal and could meet Australia’s energy needs for the next 60 years. He has examined where CSG would intersect with farming and community and found 90 per cent of the proven, possible and probable CSG developments would impact in some way. This, he said, had “flicked around” the dynamic from past resource industry activities that would have seen large investments in mainly remote areas where there were few neighbours, few farms and little or no other industry. Sheep, cattle, intensive irrigation and the northern grain zone as well as horticulture industries all overlap with the proven, possible and probable CSG fields. “There are a lot of new experiences occurring for landholders and the resources sector,” Dr Stone said. “This has given rise to a clash of values and symbols. That’s not to trivialise it. These
values and symbols are very important to people - public versus private; rural lifestyle versus development etcetera. “It is a complex set of circumstances. We need to be discussing what people think is important and if they are concerned by something then it is important to them. “We have to synthesise what we know so we can identify what we don’t know. “The approach must be: say what you know; say what you don’t know and research and investigate to reduce the gap between the two.” He said the community wants to know more and wants factual information from trusted sources. Western Downs mayor Ray Brown told the OUTLOOK 2012 conference the industry was having major impacts on the community and it needed help. “We have communities out there facing the impacts right now. We need money put into the community to help right now.”
Dr Peter Stone
His council will have to spend $100 million over the next five years on sewerage and water services to keep up with growth in the resources sector.
“It is a complex set of circumstances. We need to be discussing what people think is important and if they are concerned by something then it is important to them."
Meet Anglo’s supply chain boss
It’s a cliché to say, but there really is never a dull moment. We are constantly challenged by changes in technology, geography, geology and market performance, and there is always something new to learn.
5. What can a business do to make it better equipped to do business with Anglo American? We have recently established a partnership with Enterprise Connect, an Australian Government Department of Innovation initiative that offers advice and support to small to medium businesses to help them grow to their full potential. Through Enterprise Connect, we are currently conducting an analysis of the existing supplier base in Moranbah, where our future Grosvenor and Moranbah South projects will be based, to identify ways we could potentially work with more local businesses in the future. Interested businesses based around the Moranbah region should contact Enterprise Connect. Metallurgical Coal has engaged the Australian Industry Capability Network (ICN) to give Australian and New Zealand suppliers the opportunity to register an interest in the Moranbah Region Expansion Project. For local businesses wanting to find out more about opportunities that align with our growth plans, this can be done by accessing the ICN website: http://gateway.icn.org.au/project/ 2602/moranbah-region-expansionproject?psid=1308786835
4. How important is it for Anglo American to do business locally?
6. How does a business keep abreast of what Anglo American needs doing?
Anglo American’s vision is sustainable, responsible local procurement that positively contributes to a resilient supply chain and the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate.
We recommend business monitors the latest news published on the Anglo American global website: www.angloamerican.com, the Australian website: www.angloamerican.com.au or visits the ICN website.
MARGARET Davies is the regional manager of Anglo American’s supply chain. Shift Miner Magazine asked her a few questions, ahead of her address at the Bowen Basin Mining Club in Mackay this Friday 30 March. If you’d like to register to go along to the event, you can do it online at www.bbminingclub.com 1. What’s your role in Anglo American? Regional Manager, Supply Chain. 2. How long have you been involved with mining in Queensland - and mining generally? I have worked in mining in Queensland for 15 years, and in mining generally for close to 19 years. 3. What do you like about being in mining?
Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
SHIFT
MINER ladder
GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
$40M Dysart centre for rescue crews A $40 million training centre for Queensland mines rescue crews is on the cards for Dysart, to keep up with the surge in new coal workers over the next decade. The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has embarked on a major overhaul that will enable it to train the extra 2500 rescue personnel that will be needed on site by 2020. The QMRS is currently drawing up detailed plans for a brand new training centre, most likely to be built on a six acre block of land in Dysart. “We currently own a large block of land in Dysart, and we are now drawing up the engineering plans that are needed to develop the site,” said QMRS state director Wayne Hartley. The QMRS currently operates out of a much smaller centre in Dysart that can train up to 24 workers a day. “This new facility would take our overall capacity up by an additional 90 training places a day, so it’s quite significant,” said Mr Hartley. “It would also be far more sophisticated in terms of technology, and there would be much more scope to train with real props like rear dump trucks and underground vehicles.”
A $40 million training centre for Queensland mines rescue crews is planned for Dysart to keep up with the surge in new coal workers in the next 10 years.
The QMRS is funded through an industry levy, meaning it is owned by the coal industry. So who would pay for a brand new $40 million training centre? “That’s something we are looking into,” said Mr Hartley. “I think there are a number of options, but we don’t want to pre-empt any at this stage in case we jeopardise our chances.” Currently, there are 5500 underground coal miners in Queensland, but by 2022
there will more than 8000. The number of open cut coal miners is expected to double from 25,000 to 50,000 over the same period. Five per cent of underground coal miners need to be trained in mines rescue, and that figure is the same or higher in the open cut sector where the geographical footprint of the mine is often much larger. Mr Hartley said the new training centre could be five years away from opening
Well Servicing, Coal, CSG Drilling, Minerals and Water Well Drilling We are at the forefront of an exciting industry experiencing significant growth. As Australia’s leading energy and mining services company we value our people – the talented team who bring our unique blend of products and services together and set us apart from the crowd.
What makes us a great place to work? t Competitive pay and conditions plus additional employee benefits t Job security – long term contracts with Australia’s major resource companies t Exciting training and regular promotion opportunities t New rigs and innovative equipment t Professional and positive working environment
Be part of something all together better. Call 1300 395 627 or scan this code for more information.
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Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
directions in living
Spotlight on
Rockhampton Moving to CQ to work in mining or industry? Trying to decide where to base your family home? Over the next few months, Shift Miner Magazine helps you compare the region’s towns and cities and make the best choice for you. Page 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Rockhampton living
Reasons to move stack up WARM, friendly and well-connected. It reads like a personal ad in Saturday’s paper, but Capricorn Enterprise’s Mary Carroll believes these are three key reasons why more mining families are moving to the Rockhampton region. Throw into the mix - cheap - and unlike a personal ad, you suddenly have a killer combination. The cost of living in Central Queensland is rising fast, but Rockhampton does not suffer the boom and bust cycle of its nearest neighbours Mackay and Gladstone.
Growth in the city has always been steady, and as a result real estate remains at affordable prices. If you’re new to the Central Queensland region, or even if you’re local but looking to change your home base, Rockhampton has much to offer. We asked Mary Carroll to elaborate on the city’s major selling points.
Climate If you are from down south, the climate in Rockhampton is just amazing. We live on
the Tropic of Capricorn, that’s the same latitude as Rio De Janiero and Mauritius. We also miss out on most of the volatile cyclonic weather you get further north. Our climate allows for a lifestyle that is outdoor and active all year round.
Affordability When you talk about growth in Rockhampton and Gracemere, I don’t like to use the word boom. While there has been unprecedented growth in the wider region, it is steady growth here, and that’s why affordability remains. You don’t have the booms and busts, and that is a very positive thing. I don’t see the situation changing quickly. I think affordable real estate and rents are here to stay.
Jobs There is currently $146 billion in investment planned in the wider Central Queensland region between now and 2020 across all sectors. Rockhampton is right at the heart of this investment, and there are plenty opportunities for partners of miners or industry workers across a whole range of occupations from clerical to trades to retail to health services.
Page 12 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Education Rockhampton has always been known for its schools. It is quite unique for a regional town, in the sense that your children can be educated from kindergarten right through to university in the one place. CQUnversity’s merger with Central Queensland TAFE will see it become the first dual sector university in Queensland. It has bipartisan support at all levels of government.
connected Rockhampton is connected to the rest of the world by road, rail and air. Brisbane is just one hour away by plane - and Sydney two and with multiple airlines running the route, flights are regular and competitively priced. The town is also centrally located to the Bowen Basin and Gladstone. Many mining families are moving to Gracemere, which is on the south of town and makes the commute to work even faster.
Health services We have excellent health services, both in the private and public sectors. There are constant upgrades at the Base Hospital, and two private hospitals - the Mater Hospital and Hillcrest Hospital. There is also amazing medical expansion happening at CQUniversity, particularly in the field of nurse training.
Rockhampton living The median weekly rent sits at $325/ week for a three-bedroom home, compared to $460/week in Gladstone and $450/week in Mackay. “The number of rental properties, particularly in Gracemere, continues to grow and that can be put down entirely to Gladstone and the mining sector,” said Mr Livingston. “People are choosing to live their with their families because it is much cheaper, and commute to work.” Mr Livingston did not expect house prices or rents to sky-rocket, as has been the case elsewhere in the region.
Why more miners are calling Rocky home
“While you are seeing landlords taking advantage of the market and making minor increases, it is not going berserk. “I think it will be a much slower process here, and in fact that has always been an attraction of the city. “Rockhampton has always been a very stable market, one that consistently grows without the dramatic roller coaster ups and downs of towns like Gladstone.” *All figures quoted in this article are contained in the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s Market Monitor Report for the December 2011 quarter.
ROCKHAMPTON - AT A GLANCE
Median house price
$315,000
Median unit/townhouse price
$287,500
Median vacant land price
$145,000
Median weekly rent
$325/week three-bedroom house $250/week two-bedroom unit
Median sales in Rockhampton - suburb break down
ROCKHAMPTON has always marketed itself as an affordable and stable real estate market, and as the mining boom grips Central Queensland, that is an increasingly attractive selling point for mining families looking for a home base. The median house price in Rockhampton is $315,000* - far and away the cheapest in the region - compared to $478,000 in Gladstone and $420,000 in Mackay. But what sort of bang do you get for $315,000 bucks? If you’re looking for a modern house on the northside of town, you can expect a small, low-set three-bedroom brick home, according to long-time local real estate agent Noel Livingston. On the southside, where most of the city’s prestige homes are found, you could buy a traditional gable or Queenslander in reasonable condition. “They’re not mansions, but they would be quite comfortable,” said Mr Livingston. If you have the money to move into the $400,000 price bracket or beyond, the entire game changes.
“We have a very hectic lower end of the market, but once you get above $400,000 it is much more competitive for sellers so there is some real value for money out there if you are looking to buy,” Mr Livingston explains. Gracemere, a satellite suburb on the southern outskirts of Rockhampton is particularly popular with miners and industry workers who commute to their jobs in the Bowen Basin or Gladstone. “If you’ve got between $400,000 to $500,000 to spend in Gracemere, you can get a brand new, fully air-conditioned, fourbedroom, two-bathroom home with a double lock up garage,” said Mr Livingston. If you’re looking to rent, it’s a tight market - in fact it’s the second tightest in the entire state behind Mackay. The current vacancy rate sits at 0.9 per cent, with real estate agents reporting more and more Gladstone workers choosing to base their families in Rockhampton, and commute each day to work. Rental prices are not sky high in Rockhampton.
Suburb
December quarter 2011
Kawana
$305,000
Berserker
$235,000
Frenchville
$326,000
Gracemere
$332,000
Norman Gardens
$429,500
Park Avenue
$254,500
The Range
$335,000
Wandal
$250,000
Comparing Apples with Apples
Rockhampton
Gladstone
Mackay
Median house price $315,000
$478,000
$420,000
Median unit/townhouse price
$287,500
$341,000
$355,000
Median vacant land price
$145,000
$223,000
$180,000
$460/week threebedroom house
$450/week threebedroom house
$350/week two-bedroom unit
$330/week two-bedroom unit
Median weekly rent $325/week threebedroom house $250/week twobedroom unit
Come and make our region, your home A message to the Queensland mining community, from Rockhampton Regional Mayor Brad Carter: As a service centre for the mining and resource industries, our region benefits from its close association with Central Queensland’s mining communities, which continue to make a vital contribution to the growth of the Central Queensland, Queensland and Australian economies. The Rockhampton region has experienced significant growth in recent years and is now a major economic and lifestyle hub for the broader Central Queensland region. Our Region is open for business or pleasure. Our
stable community offers great value for your dollar. We offer affordable housing, quality community infrastructure for health and education and a variety of entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. All this makes it the ideal region in which to invest in our nation’s future. Our region has four major residential centres: Gracemere, Mt Morgan, Rockhampton and Yeppoon. Each centre offers a different lifestyle which ensures that everyone can find something to do, and somewhere they love to live. With movies, restaurants, fishing, golf, arts, culture or even a day out at the Races, it isn’t difficult to while away the time!
Even if you are working, partners can pursue their own careers; teenagers can get part-time jobs after school, or take on extra training or an apprenticeship. Consider our region if you’re wanting to establish the ideal home for yourself and your family. There is nothing better than finishing a hard day’s work, and being home with your family deciding how you’re going to spend your time together. You can relax when returning to work, knowing that your family is safe, getting a great education, close to health facilities if they need them, and knowing that you’re not that far from home. We want you to join our community.
Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Rockhampton living
Leading the way in health care ROCKHAMPTON has access to some of the best health care services in the wider Central Queensland region, and beyond. The city is home to a major training public hospital - the Rockhampton Base Hospital - and two private hospitals the Mater Misericordiae Hospital and the Hillcrest Private Hospital. Most health services are now offered in the private and public sector, thanks to a quarter of a billion investment in public infrastructure by the state and federal governments. THE $244 million redevelopment of the Rockhampton Base Hospital is transform-
ing the premises and has added a list of new services over the past 18 months. Last September, the hospital’s new renal dialysis unit was opened, providing 24 chairs - or 10 more than the old unit. “The new renal unit includes the latest equipment to provide even better health care to the 98 renal dialysis patients seen at Rockhampton Hospital each week,” the Health Minister Geoff Wilson said at the time. “It also has more space allowing staff to train suitable dialysis patients to administer their dialysis treatment in their own homes.
Rockhampton Base Hospital - Services Provided Services Provided
Waiting Times (in 2010/2011)
Admissions
n/a
Chemotherapy
n/a
Coronary Care Unit
n/a
Elective Surgery *Ear, nose & throat: eg tonsil removal, ear drum surgery *General surgery: eg gall bladder removal *Gynaecological surgery: eg hysterectomy *Orthopedic (bone) surgery: eg hip replacement, knee replacement *Urological surgery: eg prostate removal, bladder examination Emergency Department
90 days compared to 64 day national average 43 days compared to 32 day national average 31 days compared to 30 day national average 29 days compared to 64 day national average 26 days compared to 28 day national average Resuscitation 100% treated on time compared with 100% national average Emergency (within 10 minutes) 91% treated on time compared with 79% national average Urgent (within 30 minutes) 75% treated on time c ompared with 65% national average Semi-urgent (within 60 minutes) 81% treated on time compared with 68% national average Non-urgent (within 120 minutes) 96% treated on time compared with 88% national average
Hospice Care Unit
n/a
Oncology Unit
n/a
Outpatient Services
n/a
Paediatrics Unit
n/a
Psychiatric Unit
n/a
Rehabilitation Unit
n/a
Source: The Federal Government’s My Hospital’s website www.myhospitals.gov.au
Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
“This gives patients the freedom to schedule their treatment around their work or life commitments.” At the same time, a new paediatric unit was opened, including 12 beds plus a dedicated nursery for up to four babies or toddlers. “Understandably many parents often want to be able to stay with their child while they are in hospital, and this facility includes provision for parents to stay overnight to allow for this,” said Mr Wilson. The new unit also houses a school room for children who are well enough to take lessons. As part of the re-development, the hospital has also seen the emergency department updated and expanded, an MRI suite, and a new purpose-built geriatric and rehabilitation service. Later this year, a new maternity unit should also come on line. Perhaps most keenly awaited though, is the new seven-storey ward that will be home to a regional cancer centre from 2013.
The new centre will, for the first time, mean cancer patients can get radiotherapy treatment in Rockhampton. Two radiotherapy bunkers will be part of the centre, and 16 chemotherapy chairs. “When it is completed... it will take the capacity for cancer care in Rockhampton from five chemotherapy chairs up to 16,” the Federal Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore told federal parliament last year. “It will also provide for certain aspects of radiation treatment, which is something that is desperately needed in Rockhampton to avoid people who are diagnosed with cancer having to leave their home, their family, their loved ones and all of their support mechanisms behind and travel down to Brisbane. “This has been the case for far too long in Rockhampton.” For day-to-day medical help, there are dozens of General Practioners (GP) in Rockhampton, including three dedicated bulk billing practices.
Mater Misericordiae Hospital - Services Provided • • • • • • • • • • • •
General Surgery General Medicine Ear, Nose and Throat Head and Neck Surgery Oro-Facio Maxillary Orthopaedics Ophthalmology Urology Oncology and Palliative Care Coronary/High Dependency Care Obstetrics and Gynaecology Neonatal Intensive Care
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Gastroenterology Day Surgery Sleep Disorders Unit Paediatrics After Hours Medical Service Wound Management Stomal Therapy Rehabilitation Radiology Pharmacy Visiting Specialist Clinics Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
For more information, including a list of specialists go to www.mercycq.com/hospital_rockhampton.htm
Hillcrest Private Hospital - Services Provided Core Services • • • • • • • •
Orthopaedics Ophthalmology General Surgery Gynaecology Fertility Service General Medicine Urology Oral Surgery • Mental Health • Mood and Anxiety Disorder • Schizophrenia • Psychotic Disorders • Day Surgery • After hours Outpatients
Associated Services • • • • • • •
Radiology Urodynamics Clinic Diabetes Resource Consultancy Wound Management Coordinator Discharge Planning Coordinator Plaster Clinic Technician Hand Clinic
For more information, including a list of specialists go to www.hillcrestprivate.com.au
Page 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Rockhampton living
What’s there to do when you’re not at work? YOU’LL be pleased to know, the answer is plenty. Rockhampton’s mild climate means an outdoor and active lifestyle is available all year round. The mighty Fitzroy River provides a playground for those who enjoy wetting a line, or skimming the water’s surface in some sort of vessel - be it tinnie, canoe or set of skis. There are three public boat ramps along the river, and another nine throughout the region’s smaller waterways and along the Capricorn Coast. Speaking of the coast, many choose to live in Rockhampton and enjoy the region’s beaches on the weekends. Just 40 minutes down the road, the Capricorn Coast is a stunning strip of beaches that shocks many first time visitors and new residents - because they simply do not expect such a picturesque setting. The seaside town of Yeppoon has a bustling main street which adjoins the esplanade strip right on the beach.
At sunset, the esplanade come alive with families enjoying fish and chips, kids skate boarding, dog walkers and ice cream eaters. On Sundays, you can watch local sailors take to the water at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club - and it’s never too late to learn, with how to sail classes available and new members welcome. Just down the road in the sleepy hamlet
So much more than just steak & chips...
NOT just a fast food mecca, Rockhampton’s dining out scene has much more to dish up than golden arches and fried chicken. From great value pub grub to sophisticated riverside dining, Rocky has an eating
out option to suit every occasion. With its reputation as Australia’s beef capital, Rocky can well and truly rustle up a decent steak. Try the Criterion, Allies or Brunswick
of Emu Park, the main beach is abuzz with dozens of children in the nippers program at the Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club. Once again, all new members are welcome. Sport is the lifeblood of Rockhampton, with more than 230 sporting and recreational clubs across the region. Victoria Park, on the southside of the river, is the town’s sporting precinct. You’ll find everything from a brand new Olympic standard swimming pool, to tennis courts, cricket nets, basketball courts, bowls club, gymnastics club and rugby ovals. It’s all tied together with a state-of-the art children’s playground and walkways along the riverbank. If golfing is more your bag, then the region boasts six courses. For those who prefer a bit of culture to running around an oval, the Pilbeam Theatre is the place to go for all your theatre-going entertainment. To check out what’s on over the next few months go to www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au
Throw into the mix a zoo, botanical gardens, movie theatre, and weekly markets and you’ll be wondering how you ever had time to sit at home and read the paper.
for an old school Rocky steakhouse experience or, for dining with a twist, where else but the Great Western can you throw in a bull ride with your plate of beast? Have a hankering for more exotic flavours beyond the carnivorous palate? Rocky has an array of global cuisines covered too. Thai, Italian, Vietnamese, Indian and Mexican, Rocky’s melting pot has moved beyond sweet and sour pork at the local Chinese. If you are seeking a bit of spice, popular options include Thai Thanee, Pacinos, Saigon by the River, Punjabi Tandoori Restaurant and the Crooked Cactus. For a special occasion, take a stroll along Victoria Parade and make a sophisticated splash at modern eateries like The Edge, Cassidy’s Seafood and Steakhouse or Riverside Restaurant. Chasing a more intimate evening or perhaps dinner before a show? Make a booking at Rocky’s best kept secret
Delizie’s at the Pilbeam Theatre. Cafe culture? Rocky has it covered. Get your down town coffee fix at the well established Coffee House or the more creatively named Sexie Coffee or Giddy Goat. Other hot spots around town include the Wild Parrot, Demedios and Coffee Club. So if you want to frock up, catch up, chill out or just indulge the stomach and the senses Rockhampton has a restaurant, cafe or bar to suit.
For the young at heart: Fish and chips on the beach not your idea of a good time on a Saturday night? Well, don’t panic, Rocky has plenty to offer those who prefer a night out with mates, to a night on the couch with the kids. For a drink or two earlier on in the evening, try the Ginger Mule or the Oxford Hotel - both venues often have live music. If you remain Celtic at heart, O’Dowds Irish Pub is great for beer with mates, or a meal. Rockhampton’s two landmark hotels The Criterion and The Heritage are both beautifully restored buildings on Quay St along the river. They are a good place to start the night with a meal - and both cater to the late night market too, with dance floors, bands and DJs. For those wanting to stay out until the early hours try: the Zodiac, Republik and Strutters night clubs.
WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOAT? From sophisticated... to casual dining, Rockhampton has something for every occasion
When mining families are looking for a new home base...
How do Mackay, the Whitsundays and Bowen stack up? Shift Miner Magazine finds out next. Make sure your business is known in mining circles when we profile your region. To advertise, call our office on 4921 4333.
Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Rockhampton living
From prep to post graduate in Rocky FOR decades, Rockhampton has been known throughout central Queensland and beyond for its exceptional schools. At junior levels, there are 12 private schools in Rockhampton, and 13 state schools; for senior students there are eight private high schools, including three which cater for boarders, and three state high schools. For many years, the wider region’s farming community has taken advantage of the boarding schools on offer in Rockhampton. Now, these schools are increasingly appealing for mining families who chose to live in the Bowen Basin. In fact, the lack of high quality education is a key reason given by many mining families
when they decide to leave the smaller towns in the Bowen Basin for bigger regional centres. Many make that decision when their children reach high school level, and Rockhampton is an obvious choice when it comes to relocation. The only regional town in Queensland that rivals Rockhampton for its schooling options is Toowoomba; but unlike Rockhampton, it is not driving distance to work in the Bowen Basin or Gladstone. Education doesn’t stop at secondary school either, it moves seamlessly into the tertiary level at the main campus of CQUniversity. The university is set to merge with the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE -
Private Schools in Rockhampton & Gracemere School
Year levels
Religious Affiliation
Gender
Central Queensland Christian College
P-12
Christian
co-ed
no
8-12
Catholic
co-ed
no
Glenlee Christian College
P-12
Non-denom
co-ed
no
Heights College
P-12
Inter-denom
co-ed
no
Lighthouse Christian School
P-12
Baptist
co-ed
no
Rockhampton Grammar School
P-12
Non-denom
co-ed
yes
Rockhampton Girls Grammar
P-12
Non-denom
girls
yes
The Cathedral College
8-12
Catholic
co-ed
yes
St Anthony’s School
P-7
Catholic
co-ed
no
St Joseph’s School Wandal
P-7
Catholic
co-ed
no
St Joseph’s School Park Avenue
P-7
Catholic
co-ed
no
St Mary’s School
P-7
Catholic
co-ed
no
St Paul’s School
P-7
Catholic
co-ed
no
St Peter’s School
P-7
Catholic
co-ed
no
Primary
Secondary
Allenstown State School Berserker Street State School Crescent Lagoon State School Depot Hill State School Frenchville State School Gracemere State School Glenmore State School Lakes Creek State School Mount Archer State School Park Avenue State School Parkhurst State School Port Curtis Road State School The Hall State School
Glenmore State School North Rockhampton State High School Rockhampton State High School
entire progression whether you are doing a trade or a degree,� he said. “All our programs will be linked, so for example you might do your CERT III and then a bridging diploma before an undergraduate degree in engineering. “It makes that transition simpler and once you are a student your process of enrollment is cut down, as are the number of applications needed.�
/0/ %&/0.*/"5*0/"- t 13&1 50 :&"3 t $0 &% #0"3%*/( '30. :&"3
Unearthing potential, everywhere.
Boarding facilities
Emmaus College
State Schools in Rockhampton & Gracemere
creating the state’s first dual sector university - with 40,000 students. So what does that mean for those currently enrolled in TAFE or uni, or looking to do so in the near future? Well, a lot less red tape, according to the man now steering the ship forward, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Industry & VET Nik Babovic. “It’s going to help you a lot because it will mean a direct pathway through your
At The Rockhampton Grammar School, the largest co-educational boarding school in Queensland, we do everything to encourage students to grow in character and to perform to the best of their abilities in everything. It’s why 99% of our Year 12s achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education and 36.5% attained an OP1–5, placing them among the top students in the state in 2011. It’s also why thirteen students volunteered this past summer to go to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to build a brick house by hand for the impoverished Van Hung family. At RGS, students – not just their results – are among the best anywhere.
ENROLMENT INQUIRIES
07 4936 0700 www.rgs.qld.edu.au
Download the prospectus: www.rgs.qld.edu.au/files/rgs_prospectus.pdf
Every opportunity. Every student. Every day.
Page 17 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
What’s happening in sport in your town?
If your local club has any news or photos it wants added to this page, you can submit your articles to angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com
1700 riders head back to spiritual home of Springsure Before coal there was cattle, and before cattle yards there was campdrafting - the art of a horseback rider separating a beast from its herd in the paddock. These days it’s probably the fastest growing horse sport in Australia, and at Easter more than 1600 riders will gather at Springsure for four days of campdrafting. The Springsure campdraft will also celebrate 40 years for the Australian Campdraft Association (ACA), and President Sean Dillon says he is expecting it to be the biggest on record. “Springsure is, in a lot of ways, the spiritual home for the sport, having had our headquarters there for a significant period of time,” he said. “We are really trying to recognise the achievements of the riders that have gone before and the people that have gone behind the scenes to make the sport what it is today. “Springsure has put together an amazing program,with very good prize money and more importantly, four days of action-packed campdrafting for all ages and skill levels. “I can pretty confidently say its going to be the biggest national finals ever held to date.” The event will be held at the Springsure campdrafting arena from Wednesday, April 11. All competitors and spectators are welcome although you need to get in quick (or early) as available power and water facilities are limited. Rolleston Feral again After a decade in the wilderness, the Rolleston Ferals motorcycle club is back on track and will host their five-hour enduro event in April. The enduro race will be contested on a 30 kilometre track that heads north out of Rolleston, and competitors can either enter solo or in pairs. Secretary for the club Paul Lothian says they are hopeful of a good turnout. “The Rolleston Ferals stopped for about 10 years, but we are now back racing, and we are hoping we get 80 to 100 riders for the enduro,” he said. “There are about seven or eight different categories, so no matter what your age or skill level you should be able to handle it. For the spectators there will also be full bar, BBQ and shower facilities.” The enduro will start at on April 22 from the Rolleston campdrafting arena. For details call Karlo Mayne on 0429 843 287 or Paul Lothian on 0439 751 200
Professional Outfit : ISS and AWX staff put the whites on for charity.
Bat and ball for bike ride
QGC helps be good sports
Mining services company ISS claims to have beaten AWX mining support services by four wickets in a fundraising cricket match at Blackwater. While some questions have been raised about the final score in the match, none have been raised about the good spirit of those playing the game. ISS all rounder Jed Alexander was the man of the match, after scoring the mighty total of 38, and then backing it up with the impressive bowling figures of one for seven. The game raised around $500, which is being donated to miner Mark Van Horssen, who is attempting to raise $10,000 for cancer research. Mr Van Horssen set the ambitious goal for charity after witnessing his sisters ongoing battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Later this year Mr Van Horssen will compete in a 200 kilometre ride to raise further money for the cause. AWX Emerald branch manager Tony Baker is supportive of Mark’s endeavour. “What Mark is doing is fantastic, and the team at AWX is proud to be able to lend a hand in giving him a head start to his personal goal.” If you would like to help Mark reach his $10,000 target you can do so by going to the website br12.conquercancer.org.au. Mark’s participant ID is 661516-1
QGC has provided $700,000 over three years to help western downs sporting clubs to become less reliant on alcohol sales to survive. The cash will be used to employ a project officer to work with sporting clubs participating in the Goods Sports program in a partnership with the Australian Drug Foundation. It is hoped that clubs will find new ways to generate sustainable income, such as through sponsorships. More than 600 clubs across Queensland are involved in the Good Sports program. By participating in the Good Sports program clubs commit to providing a safe, healthy
and fun environment for players, supporters, members and their families The partnership is the third program launched by QGC under its rural health initiative that forms part of its $150million Social Impact Management Plan. The plan is to manage social impacts and maximise benefits from the Queensland Curtis LNG Project (QCLNG). QGC has already donated to the University of Southern Queensland’s nurses bursary to support nurses to conduct their placements in rural areas and promote employment in rural or remote areas for nursing graduates. The company also has also formed a twoyear partnership with Lifeline Darling Downs and south-west Queensland to extend free, confidential counselling following last year’s floods.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sport Soccer
Event Emerald Eagles v Southside
TRAINING START 14/4/12
Venue Rockhampton
Rugby league
Dysart v Pirates
14/4/12
Hickey oval
Rugby League
Cowboys v Clermont
14/4/12
McIndoe park
Rugby League
Blackwater v Bluff
14/4/12
Hinricks Oval
Rugby League
Springsure v Middlemount
14/4/12
Middlemount
Motor Cycle
Rolleston Enduro
22/4/12
Rolleston
Campdraft
Springsure National Finals
11/4/12
Springsure
Want your club details here? Call Shift Miner 07 4921 4333
Apply now for funding from the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund Hail Creek Mine has invested nearly $1M in the communities of Nebo, Mackay, Mirani, and Sarina through our Community Development Fund since its inception in 2006. Through the fund, we proudly partner local groups and projects that deliver sustainability to these communities in skills, education, and training; employment; economic development; health and wellbeing; art and culture; and the environment. We are now accepting applications for the first round of funding in 2012. Applications close Thursday 8 March 2012.
Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be part of the central Queensland community and committed to the future. To apply for funding for your local project or organisation please contact Hail Creek Mine’s business services advisor Marie Cameron on (07) 4951 6437 or marie.cameron@riotinto.com.
www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au
around town 133rd EDITION. 2012
The Bluff Lions
The Bluff Lions, Blackwater Lions and Blackwater Lioness Clubs held their Youth Of The Year club judging earlier this month.
Moranbah Hawks
Moranbah Hawks Junior Soccer 2012 Season is up and running and not even a little rain could deter the kids. The administrators say thank you to everyone for their help and patience over the past two Fridays while we tried to do the registrations and get the season started. All games will be played on a Friday with various training days during the week depending on grades and coaches. Game times are: Squirts at 4pm; U6, U7 & U11s are at 5pm; U8, U9, U10 & U12s are at 6pm and the U13/14 and Open Team are at 7pm. These times may change subject to team registrations. Please keep an eye out for information on the Moranbah Hawks Junior Soccer Federation Facebook Page for more details.
Under 5's learning ball skills
Coach Glen Nicholson with under 5's
Kate, Kim, Crystal, Anton, Lincoln & Isabelle
Under 5's learning ball skills
Chris and Aislinn Neven
Aden
Lisa and Davis
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.
BUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT
www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together
Page 19 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
stuff to the editor 133rd EDITION. 2012
FROM THE EDITOR SO much negative press is generated about the resources sector it’s easy to forget there are a lot of good people doing great work for their company, communities and country. Leading women in the industry were recently honoured through annual awards. Their achievements set high standards for the industry to follow. More recently the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences OUTLOOK 2012 conference in Canberra included a CSG session. This too highlighted the hard work being done by individuals. Dr Peter Stone from the Gas Industry Social & Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) and Western Downs mayor Ray Brown were two of the speakers.
Each should be applauded for the time and effort they put in to help people outside resource towns understand the impacts of the industry. Dr Stone says we need to identify our knowledge gaps and then fill in the spaces so we all understand better the impacts of CSG. This is particularly important where resources and community intersect. Cr Brown said his community appreciates the opportunities brought by industry but his ratepayers need urgent help to ensure no-one is pushed out or left behind. Both men, and the many individuals like them throughout the state, need to be commended for getting on with the job of helping others in a straightforward, matter of fact way. Despite the media negativity there is still good work being done every day and it should be acknowledged.
Greg Sweetnam
Got something to share? Send us your text messages or phone photos to 0428 154 653 Or email to alex.graham@shiftminer.com
Redmond’s Rants Kelso AMA Backyard Motorcross Rules and regulations. 1. There are no rules. 2. Any crash performed in third gear or higher, followed by a remount, earns rider 25 championship points. 3. A rider attending two AMA events in two days (Sat & Sun) receives 25 championship points. 4. Any rider on a new machine gets 25 championship points. 5. Racing a 2-stroke machine is 25 championship points.
agazine’s youngest reader M r ine M ift Sh e ng Ba n ide Ba . James Sent in by his Proud Dad
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 alex.graham@shiftminer.com
The musings of a CQ miner... 6. Racing on wife/girlfriend’s birthday is instant 25 points. 7. Any single act of gross stupidity on bike is 25 points; if the stupidity is really good the judges may award the days event to rider. 8. If a bike swap is done and you overtake the owner on his own bike you get 25 points.
13. Riding a bike 10+ years old is 25 championship points.
19. Riding in shorts is 25 points. 20. Best fart 25 points.
14. First crash of event is 25 points.
Who is Redmond?
15. Putting 8+ hours on bike in two days is 25 points.
9. Any motorbike rider gets 25 points.
16. Rider who takes first shout at bar post race 25 points.
10. The rider with the oldest, smelliest and cheapest riding gear gets 25 points.
17. Getting flicked over handlebars is 25 points.
11. Not following these rules gets ya 25 points. 12. A vomit performed with helmet on is 25 championship points.
18. In the unlikely event of having to double another rider home - managing to flick your passenger off bike during pillion transat. 25 points.
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...
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.
Michael Bailey
Greg Cary
Alan Jones
Laurie Atlas
Weekdays 5am - 9am
NOW WITH MORE NEWS, MORE TALK AND THE MUSIC YOU LOVE WWW.4RO.COM.AU
Page 20 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Weekdays 12pm - 1pm PHONE: 1300 872 911
Weekdays 9am - 12pm
Weekdays 1pm - 6pm
SALES ENQUIRIES: (07) 4920 2000
FAIR DINKUM 133rd EDITION. 2012
Fair Dinkum!
IN GERMANY - A rare bunny tipped for fame because it was born without ears was accidentally trampled and killed by a cameraman who had come to a zoo to film him. The fawn-coloured baby rabbit, due to be named ‘Til’, had hopped behind the cameraman during filming in his small hay-strewn stall at the zoo in Limbach-Oberfrohna, and was crushed as the cameraman took a step backwards. Til's death recalls that of another German starin-the-making, a squirrel named ‘Cinderella’, who died in 2005 after also being trampled on accidentally by a German television reporter. IN THE US - A 400-pound adult male gorilla escaped his cage at the Buffalo Zoo, biting a female zookeeper before being tranquilised and captured. Koga, a 24-year-old silverback gorilla, took advantage of an unlocked door in his living quarters that morning and slipped into the space behind it, used by zoo personnel but closed to the public. A keeper who has cared for Koga since he arrived in 2007 was bitten on her hand and calf, in what officials said was an act of excitement rather than aggression. The keeper took refuge inside the habitat of a female gorilla and her newborn baby, while police sent in the SWAT team to secure the area while a veterinarian used a handheld blow pipe to sedate Koga through a porthole. It was less ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ and more ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ for the Buffalo Zoo silverback.
IN BRITAIN - A man is believed to have become Britain's first ‘male mother’ by giving birth despite his sex change operation.
A transgender support group says the man, thought to be in his 30s, had the child last year. It’s possible for transgender men who were born women, who still have functioning ovaries and a uterus, to become pregnant while still identifying and living as men. US man Thomas Beattie made headlines around the world when he became the world's first ‘pregnant man’ in 2008 and has since borne three children.
IN THE US - A Texas model was saved in a car crash - thanks to her 38KKK (Australian size 16KKK) breasts. Sheyla Hershey escaped with only bruising, and says they saved her life. Her chest cushioned the impact of the blow, stopping her head and face from being hit, and Sheyla says she would be dead without them Hershey, who has had at least 10 boob jobs and plans to increase her bust size to 38MMM, crashed near her home in Houston. IN THE US - A three-year-old McDonald's Chicken McNugget said to resemble George Washington has sold on eBay for US$8100. The tiny, fried piece of fast-food chicken that may or may not look like America's first president rang up 71 bids from 23 bidders. The McNugget seller explained on the eBay site that she picked it up about three years ago when she took her children to McDonald's and one particular nugget in their order leaped out at her. So she stored it in the freezer, where the presidential piece of poultry remained until she decided to auction it off to raise money for a church camp. Speight told The Sioux City Journal that once she received payment she would ship the nugget off to its new owner - packed in dry ice to preserve it. IN CHINA - China's national treasure, the giant panda, will become even more precious if one businessman succeeds in using their dung to grow organic green tea he intends to sell for over $200 a cup. An Yanshi, an entrepreneur in southwest China, grows the tea in mountainous Ya'an in Sichuan province using tonnes of excrement from panda bears living at nearby breeding centres. The first batch of panda dung tea will be sold in lots of 50 grams that will cost some 22,000 yuan (US$3,500) each, a price An said makes it the world's most expensive tea. Most people use about 3 grams of tea per cup.
Quality doesn’t have to mean slow Mining, Earth moving, Hydraulics and Agriculture
Transport
General manufacturing and Fabrication
Motor sport, boating and leisure
Specialising in the timely delivery of on-spec components for your business.
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M: 0448 243 343 E: darylweng@gmail.com
dwe Daryl Watson Engineering
e h t k n Fra Tank’s
“Streakin” good love advice
Dear Frank, I haven’t been having much success with the ladies lately, and as a result some of my female friends have been making some really strange suggestions. They’ve been suggesting that I pay attention to my horoscope and try some pheromone-enhancing herbs to increase my appeal to the opposite sex. Personally, I think it’s all a load of garbage, but do you think I could increase my sex appeal through these unusual means? Rick - Dysart
Sex appeal can be increased through this sorcery of which you speak, Rick. I ought to know, I’m very experienced in this particular field. I’m sure you’ve heard of the popular fictional character ‘Harry Potter’. Well, what you probably haven’t heard is that JK Rowling got the inspiration for that very lucrative franchise after spending a night with yours truly. It was a combination of my ‘magic’ cologne, the box of ‘enchanted’ fortified wine we drank, and of course, the black magic I worked with my wand. I wrote to her years later asking for a cut of the money, but she never respond-
Sensible Susan Rick, I must admit I’m on the fence when it comes to these ‘alternative’ ways of increasing your sex appeal. I’m extremely doubtful there’s a magic potion that could literally or physically increase your sex appeal, but perhaps I’m just too sceptical.
ed; I think she’s still upset that she contracted genital Hogwarts after our unforgettable night together. Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked here. I can tell you’re quite sceptical about this kind of stuff, Rick, but you’re not looking at the big picture. For example, you don’t have to believe in astrology to use it to your advantage. It’s a well known fact that the inferior minds of women are susceptible to this kind of nonsense, so all you have to do is pick up a few astrology buzzwords and you can turn any woman into putty in your hands. Walk up to a girl in the bar and come on with a line like, “What’s your star sign? My psychic told me that since Saturn is in retrograde I’m likely to meet a woman born after June.” With this kind of vague opening line you’ve got a 50-50 shot of being correct and progressing the conversation. I should warn you though, avoid using these techniques on women of gypsy descent; they have strong ties with the occult and will easily see through your ruse. They even may see fit to curse you for your trouble – I know from personal experience. I once offended a Romanian woman in a bar and now I have to eat a raw onion every full moon to stop my testicles from turning into pickled eggs. Frank
I do believe, however, that horoscopes, herbs and whatever other paraphernalia your friends are suggesting could be useful as a ‘sex appeal placebo’. What I mean by that is, if you believe that taking a certain course of action makes you more appealing to women, it may increase your confidence, make you more relaxed, and therefore more successful with the ladies. On the other hand, if you don’t believe in these things that are being suggested to you, the likelihood of them working is extremely low. Susan.
If you have a question for Frank and Susan Email Us at: franksusan.shiftminer@gmail.com
Page 21 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
BOAT FOR SALE Cruising catamaran, solid GRP. Built 2001. Well appointed and very comfortable with full amenities for living aboard and cruising. For full particulars see www.catspaw2011. blogspot.com $125,000 Phone: 0468 389 300 CHEV PACK FOR SALE CAR,TRUCK & TRAILER Only 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo factory S/S drag car LQ $XVWUDOLD VHOO VHSDUDWH $35,000.00 *0& &KHY 6HOO VHSDUDWH 2005 18 foot full tilt beaver tail tandem trailer– FREE with package sale Package Price $65,000.00 Phone 07 5424 6694 CLASSIC FOR SALE Chev 1955 factory right hand drive two door wagon V8 three speed manual with overdrive,All new upholstery New whitewall tyres,All new glass and chrome,New fuel tank,New cd player and speakers, $49,500 Phone 07 5523 0330 or 0409 209 246 PLOUGH FOR SALE Grizzly S24 plough very good condition new bearings discs about 1/2 worn located near rocky. $17000 plus gst ono. Phone 0429 948 198
MOTORBIKE FOR SALE HARLEY DAVIDSON 100th Anniversary XL 1200s Sportster Sports. Always garaged and covered. Windscreen, saddle bags, cruise control. Plus many H[WUDV $OO RULJLQDO SDUWV keep. RELUCTANT SALE. 14500 km\’s. Lady owner $13500 ono Phone Sue 0427570619 CLASSIC FOR SALE 1970 ht Holden ute immaculate original condition F\OLQGHU VSHHG PDQXDO ¿UVW WR VHH ZLOO buy $26,950. Phone : 0422 377 385 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 CRANE TRUCK FOR SALE
$TXDULXV IW
4495 GVM, Tadano 2T crane P XQGHU KRRN
LAND FOR SALE 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 RI EORFN PLQV WR $LUSRUW PLQ ERDWUDPS DQG barge to Fraser. About 10min to Town. ono. $262,000 ono Phone: 0411 098 241
Page 22 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
zodiac, RFD, 5 berths, shower, toilet, 250 lt fridge, 300 lt freezer, air con &
$13,500 07 4941 7147 or
much more. Immac cond. Gladstone. $155,000 ono.
BOAT FOR SALE *HQXLQH KUV Only used in FRESH water. Mercruiser Black Scorpion 330hp Engine with MPI. Meticulously serviced and cared for. &UDIWVPDQ PDGH H[FHOOHQFH 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. $3000 plus gst.
Phone: 0427 824 880
Phone: 0437 657 433
LAND FOR SALE
UNIT FOR SALE
HOUSE FOR SALE
100sqm renovated open
Fully furnished fully
plan unit with a HUGE
SURVHUSLQH [ DFUH
balcony overlooking the
lots good grazing land
Sunshine Coast’s best
HOUSE FOR SALE Agnes Water, 4
Phone 0447 031 588
bow & stern thrusters,
needed to drive
Phone: 0447 031 588
QHJRWLDEOH IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ
plotter, radar, auto pilot,
RWC, Only car licence
sell seperatly POA
DQG PLQXWHV WR [ PLQH
BOAT FOR SALE Flybridge cruiser, chart
$520,000 the pair will
solar, good water, millable timber.1 hour to bundaberg
CAR FOR SALE 2002 Ford F250 XLT King Cab 4 X 4, 7.3ltr turbo diesel/gas. Vic. rego March 2012. $8525$ VOLGH RQ FDPSHU fridge, 4 burn gas cook, +:6 'RXEOH EHG H[W shower, water, deep cycle batteries, 800W inverter, loads storage. STACER boat 3.9m 25HP motor, $80,000 Phone: 0417 587 425
988 model, 79,000 k
and house sites
1200 acre property with modern 3 bedroom home,
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
Nissan Atlas Crane Truck
Rural land 15 min cbd
ACREAGE FOR SALE
BUSINESS FOR SALE
GEARBAGS FOR SALE AUSTRALIA’S TOUGHEST Ideal for Shift Workers Interested in Interior Decorating? Superior quality canvas gearbag. Duraproof Curtains/Blinds etc in Airlie Beach canvas, internal zip Owner has operated this business for 17yrs and wants up pockets, reinforced to retire. seams, heavy duty carry Largest showroom in the area. 120sqm air con shop handles & zip, 7mm s/s ÀRRU VTP DLU FRQ ZHOO HTXLSSHG ZRUN URRP ZRUN YDQ G ULQJV ZDWHUSURRI DQG 89 Established clientele resistant. Large stock holding. Assistant of 12yrs prepared to $209 plus P&H assist with take over. www.bilja.com.au POA to genuine enquiries Phone: 0407 027 565 Phone: 0409 898 430
acres, 3 Bed, 2 Bath. 3Metre verandah’s, Carport, 4 Day Shed, Fenced yard, Dam. 7.5 k to town and beach $485,000 Phone: 0409 254 525 ROADHOUSE FOR SALE Condamine Roadhouse. Western Downs Coal seam gas hub Local & tourist & mining trade Freehold roadhouse w 3 bd house. ,GHDO IDPLO\ WRZQ school ,sports facilities, ¿VKLQJ VNLLQJ FDPSLQJ lagoon nearby.all offers considered $895K negoitable Phone 07 4627 7106
point break!! Austar, gym, 150m lagoon pool. Great investment BETTER lifestyle! More info/
Phone 0429 948 198
a/c modern home on 7.5 acres 500 metres from Midge Point beach, 2 bedrooms 2 HQ VXLWHV ODUJH RIÂżFH or 3rd bedroom large carport 3bay shed fully equipped workshop
pics avail. Be Quick!
Phone: 0424 108 784
Phone 0428 476 001
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 NEAR $400,000 Ph. 0409 055 062
HOUSE FOR SALE House on 40 acres near Agnes water QLD. Unique pavillion style home, 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms ZLWK [ VKHG FDUSRUW 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
HOUSE FOR SALE Eungella, 90 mins from Mackay. (FR DUFKLWHFW GHVLJQHG 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
HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE 6HOO DFUHV 3URVWRQ DUHD TXLHW FRXQWU\ JHW DZD\ VXLW FDWWOH KRUVH SRXOWU\ H[ FRQWUDFW piggery. 3Brm partly renovated home. Photos & details our website: http://countrymilefarm.webs.com/ Phone: 0741689226
k.pdf 2010
OFF SHIFT 133rd EDITION. 2012
MOVIE REVIEW 1
2
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5
9
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BY JUSTIN CARLOS
ACROSS
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1. Non-sexual (relationship)
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5. Pierce with spear
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9. Rissole
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10. Set off 12. Deposed
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13. Viscose fabric
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5
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1. Cheerleader's accessory 2. Rouses (from sleep) 3. Circle (planet)
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6. Rote learned 7. Examination
Project surpasses X-pectations PROJECT X is the latest in a long line of ‘mockumentary’ movies shot in the informal ‘handy-cam’ style to create the illusion of reality. The film follows a group of high school seniors, Thomas, Costa and JB, three perennial nobodies who have decided to change their luck by holding a party cool enough to get them noticed. Their plan more than comes to fruition as their party quickly turns into the wildest shindig in history with the entire neighbourhood almost being destroyed in an orgy of sex, drugs and rock and roll. The premise of the film actually has its origins right here in Australia, with the idea coming from the now infamous house party held by Corey Worthington, which caused over $20,000 worth of damage (there’s even a reference to this at the end of the film. Aussies who remember the footage of Corey Worthington on the news are sure to pick up on this). I must admit, I went into this film with exceptionally low expectations. The fact the film was based on Corey Worthington was enough to put me off
for a start, and I often find ‘handy-cam’ movies visually disorientating. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. Underneath the ‘mockumentary’ veneer, Project X is really just a run-of-the-mill high school/college movie in the same vein as Superbad, American Pie or, going back a few years, Revenge of the Nerds. There’s also the obligatory high school love story running throughout the film, wherein the main character, Thomas, realises that he’s crazy about a girl he’s been friends with his entire life. Although this is certainly a cliché, it actually works quite well in Project X, as it allows a traditional narrative to take place within the mockumentary setting. The film is guaranteed to raise a smile, with word and sight gags strewn throughout, few of which fail to hit their mark. Overall Project X is one of the better examples of ‘mockumentary’ filmmaking in the last few years. The style, however, may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy films like Superbad and The Hangover are sure to get a laugh out of it.
8. Ignite 11. Deck mop 15. Listless 17. Becomes rigid
6 9 3 5
18. Trespassed 20. Gentle (of lighting) 21. Childhood illness 22. Couches
9
MEDIUM
23. Flew by jumbo 26. Bottle box
# 21
LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS N I B B L I N A A O A MA R K I NG E I N G L A ND S L I Y G N P A NG S E M WE S T E RN I C N U M I AM I D M L T E I R AQ I S N T E GR E A S E
G S
D D E B T F I R A N OC E A S
E J E C T S # 20 A R E OC T A V E K V D K N E E L N N E R I F L E S F Y S L EW A W MA T I S E B R E E A N B E D T E E C E ND E D
7 1 2 9 3 8 6 4 5
4 3 9 5 6 1 8 2 7
6 8 5 2 4 7 9 1 3
3 4 1 8 5 6 7 9 2
9 7 8 4 2 3 5 6 1
2 5 6 1 7 9 3 8 4
5 9 3 6 1 4 2 7 8
1 6 7 3 8 2 4 5 9
8 2 4 7 9 5 1 3 6 Page 23 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
OFF SHIFT 133rd EDITION. 2012
Bait shop Banter YEPPOON
This week, Adrian from the Secret Spot at Yeppoon was too busy to report to Shift Miner Magazine. The reason? The barra were biting so hard at the Causeway he couldn’t resist heading down there himself. His trusty offsider Tony was left to hold the fort. For something a little different in this issue, we are going back to basics and outlining the best fishing spots in CQ: “If you haven’t fished around here before, beach fishing is usually good around Yeppoon. Off the main beach, at the southern end, is Ross Creek and that’s another good spot. You will get nice fish there - barra, flathead and whiting.” The next best spot is Rosslyn Bay Harbour, according to Tony. “You can fish inside there for barra and salmon, and barra are good at the moment because of all the rain. “Outside the wall is good when the water is clear.” Further along is the Blow Hole, which is a great spot for catching black jew - particularly on a full moon. “You can still get quite a few regularly.” “If you have a boat, the Iron Pot is a good spot for mackerel, grunter and a few cod. There’s a bit
of shallow coral reef around there,” Tony says. If you have a young family, the best spot is the Causeway, where Adrian is busy chasing barra and mangrove jack. “Once the tide goes over 3.7 metre, it goes over the bridge and stirs them up - and with the rain and storms around, it’s great fishing. “One guy caught a 750mm barra - most people are getting good quality fish, especially with the Fitzroy River flooding, bringing a lot of fish down with the water. “As long as it’s not flooding too much with fresh water, there are always barra and fingermark.”
GLADSTONE
Are you avoiding fishing in Gladstone Harbour because of all the reports of diseased fish? Well, don’t! That is the message from Gary - aka Gazza - from Pat’s Tackle World, who says the only problem with fishing in the harbour is the media beat-up. “It might be a bit harder to pull in a fish, but the fish are still there,” he says. If you are new to the Gladstone region, there are plenty of places you can go to find a fish. But Gazza suggests you leave your light fishing gear at home unless you want to get it smashed. The fish here are big and they don’t muck around.
Tide Times
March/April
Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, which is at the mouth of the Boyne River, is a prime fishing spot. “The fish have been coming over the (Awoonga Dam) wall with the floods, so there are lots of barra. The biggest one caught so far is 1.44m. It has slowed down a bit, though.” “You can also catch flathead, grunter, bream, trevelly, queenies - these are all a decent size for your normal estuary species.” Another spot for angling is the hot water outlet at the mouth of the Calliope River. “Big catches are happening there and most fish are over a metre long,” Gazza says. “The fishing is so good because these are escapees from the dam - between 50 to a hundred thousand fish escaped during the floods. There are 5.5 million fish in the dam.” Awoonga Dam itself is not fishing so well at the moment, he says, but the rivers certainly are. For good catches of barra and bream, head to Pikes Crossing, which is a small barrage on the way to Awoonga Dam, or South Trees Inlet and Lake Callemondah, which are creeks with barrages. “Pikes Crossing is quite accessible as you can park and then fish from the bank. All you need is plastic lures and live bait.” Other places to hit include the marina on Auckland Creek and the back end of the Calliope River. “You can fish off the rocks for barra, mangrove jack, bream.”
MACKAY Gladstone
Time Ht
Calling all serious fisherman to the best fishing location on the coast. Close to mining areas (You have probably driven past the turn-off!) Fully s/c accommodation silly season, 2011 & 2012 Crew bookings available
Phone: 49373145
email: stanagebaymarine@bigpond.com web: www.stanagebay.com
If you have a good photo or fishing yarn send it through to our resident bait chucker-
angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com
With Mike Griffin
Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht
0454 1.17 0524 1.35 0600 1.56 0042 3.43 0147 3.29 0311 3.29 0432 3.46 1053 3.41 1120 3.19 1152 2.97 0651 1.76 0812 1.87 0952 1.78 1107 1.54 1649 1.14 1709 1.33 1736 1.54 1245 2.77 1413 2.67 1557 2.76 1719 3.03 2320 3.79 2355 3.61
1823 1.75 2008 1.90 2157 1.80 2314 1.55
0023 5.07 0052 4.84 0127 4.57 0220 4.31 0349 4.19 0528 4.37 0011 2.07 0636 1.64 0707 1.92 0747 2.22 0853 2.46 1050 2.44 1219 2.11 0635 4.76 1221 4.38 1248 4.05 1324 3.72 1432 3.44 1642 3.41 1814 3.75 1313 1.67 1833 1.47 1859 1.76 1935 2.06 2039 2.34 2239 2.39
Mon 2 MACKAY Gladstone
Time Ht
FISHING PARADISE FOUND
Your weather forecast
Mon 26 Tue 27 Wed 28 Thu 29 Fri 30 Sat 31 Sun 1 Time Ht Time Ht
If you think you are thinking of heading further north to Port Alma, keep driving past the Salt Works and don’t even think about breaking into the salt ponds for some barra. Gazza says there is now a security guard there and you will be arrested - and apparently the Marmor policeman has been very busy of late.
Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6
1910 4.21
Sat 7 Sun 8
Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0536 3.71 0015 1.25 0107 0.96 0155 0.71 0240 0.51 0325 0.41 0410 0.43 1203 1.24 0628 3.96 0715 4.15 0758 4.27 0841 4.30 0924 4.25 1008 4.10 1814 3.36 1251 0.94 1335 0.68 1417 0.47 1458 0.35 1538 0.32 1618 0.41
1901 3.68 1944 3.98 2026 4.23 2108 4.42 2150 4.52 2235 4.51
0112 1.65 0203 1.25 0250 0.91 0336 0.66 0421 0.49 0507 0.45 0553 0.55 0725 5.17 0809 5.51 0851 5.75 0933 5.89 1014 5.90 1058 5.76 1142 5.47 1358 1.25 1439 0.88 1520 0.57 1600 0.33 1640 0.19 1720 0.18 1800 0.33 1956 4.66 2037 5.08 2119 5.46 2200 5.79 2242 6.03 2325 6.12
Page 24 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Late Monsoon affects Coalfields Week 1 -The late monsoon which caused extreme rainfall (200-300mm in 24hr) and flooding on the North Tropical Coast moved south into the Central Coast and affected the Coalfields. A Monsoon Low which was in the Gulf with a central pressure of 991hpa early last week moved south into the western Coalfields mid last week. Some 7day totals to 22nd Mar of note: Collinsville 198, Moranbah 176, Emerald 145, Anakie 138, Springsure 133, Capella 95, Blackall AP 38, Biloela AP 37, Moura 33, Theodore 33. Once the low deforms and exits the coast a fresh south easterly surge hits eastern Central Queensland. This will finally bring autumn into the Coalfields. Maximums will be in the high 20’s and a few cool minimums (10-12 degrees) in the south.
Boaties! - The SE’ly winds 15-20 knots with an odd squally coastal shower will put a big dampener on the ocean fishing for the whole week. Rivers are full so the barra could be the go. Week 2 - The SOI is showing a rise from +1 to +6 during the monsoonal incursion from the north. The Monsoon Trough (MT) has retreated well north but lingers in the northern Coral Sea. The autumn conditions might show a warmer trend. Watch the north for MT movement. Marine lovers! - The fresh winds have to ease during the week. So there will be time to service the boat and check the fishing gear for the next opportunity.
OFFSHIFT SPECIALS
OFF SHIFT 133rd EDITION. 2012
It’s the island life for you and your mates TOUGH day the mine? Reckon you need a break? Well, XXXX may just have what you’re after. The brewer has leased Pumpkin Island, which lies off the Capricorn coast, to send blokes and their mates away for a little R&R. They’re even going to call the place XXXX Island. Sound too good to be true? Well, for the benefit of research (and the hope of scoring a free trip) we checked with the crew at XXXX to see if it was all for real or just a
very early April Fool’s joke. It seems the brewers really have their heads screwed on tighter than a twist top as they are planning on making the 6-hectare place the “ultimate mates getaway�, according to marketing manager Anna McMillan. She said the idea is for the place at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef to become the ultimate slice of the good life for competition winners and their mates (including girl-mates). In between sipping on XXXX, guests will
Gallery an art oasis THE Emerald Art Gallery is out to entice more miners to its shows and to be part of its volunteer committee. Spokesperson, Lisa McNamara says the facility is very popular among its regular supporters and art lovers across the region but they could always use more help. This could involve people with a few hours to help with administration or taking down and putting up artworks as needed for exhibitions. “There could be a few out there in the community who would like to be involved and give a hand,� she said. The gallery, on the ground floor of the Central Highlands Regional Council offices, boasts very good light and space for art and tends to be a tourist attraction with regular exhibitions and openings. Lisa says the regular visitor tends to be grey nomad travellers who stop on their way through town and see what exhibitions are hanging. Two new signs have just been erected to ensure more visitors and locals know about the gallery and check out what’s on. It’s open business hours Monday to Friday. “It amazes me that a lot of people still don’t know we are here,� Lisa says. “I’ve
wanted the signs and now we have them and that will help.� In early April a high-profile touring exhibition from Arthur and Merric Boyd is to be installed. White Gums and Ramoxes is the latest exhibition developed by the Bundanon Trust and highlights the connection between two artists - Merric and his son Arthur. Further details on how to be involved in the gallery are available from Lisa McNamara on 0408 586 216 or 07 4987 5652 or by emailing lisamc.lush@bigpond.com
be able to spend a relaxing few days fishing, playing touch footy and beach cricket, swimming in the ocean or simply barbecuing the catch of the day. Sounds just like a beer ad! “We wanted to create something larger than life, something that gave Aussies the chance to get away and hang out with their mates. We know this beautiful island on the Capricorn Coast will do just that,� Anna said. The island is actually owned by Wayne Rumble and Laureth Craggs, but they reckon XXXX and the guests will take good care of it over the years they have it leased. “It was fundamental that we protected the island’s integrity and what we have built and established on the island over the last few years and for the future,� Wayne said. “We believe this is a great opportunity for the island that will not only bring more people to the area but will provide additional jobs and support the local community over the coming months and beyond.� So he’s happy, XXXX is happy and they now just need their guests - you and your mates. To get your invite XXXX wants wannabe island-types to tell them what would truly make the island the ultimate destination for those who love the good life. The best ideas will be in the running to earn a $10,000 trip for four (you and three mates) to the island. Boutique beer drinkers need not apply.
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&2%%#!,, More volunteers are needed for the Emerald Art Gallery, says Lisa McNamara, with a few hours a week being a great help. If you don’t have time to spare the gallery is happy for locals to enjoy the regular exhibitions.
%MAIL INFO TREETOPSMONTVILLE COM AU 7EB WWW TREETOPSMONTVILLE COM AU ')&4 6/5#(%23 !,3/ !6!),!",%
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 25 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
Your Health 133rd EDITION. 2012
EXPERT ADVICE For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their health It’s no secret the mining industry is a tough yet rewarding industry to be employed in – both mentally and physically.
5. Reducing the size of your waistline. And you don’t even have to get into a set of tights to exercise! The National Physical Activity Guidelines stipulate four easy ways to enhance your health:
So getting and keeping your physical health in shape should be a priority. Exercise has a multitude of benefits – it’s great for relieving stress, improves your cardiovascular health and is one of the keys to losing and maintaining your weight. If you’re already part of a gym or exercise group, congratulations – this year why not up the stakes and set yourself a goal to achieve? It could be anything from lowering your blood pressure, taking on a more challenging exercise regime or competing in an half marathon. If, however, you’re a late bloomer in the exercise department, it’s not too late to get moving and reap the rewards!
1. Think of movement as an opportunity.
The benefits of regular exercising are well documented including: 1. Increasing your energy levels. 2. Improving sleep quality. 3. Helping prevent heart and many other preventable diseases. 4. Boosting your mood.
Add two days a week of resistance training (weight training/ lunges/yoga) and you will tone up, increase your muscle mass and help reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
2. Be active every day in as many ways possible. 3. Include a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most days. 4. Add some regular, vigorous activity to the above.
Citrus Morocan Chicken
Most people know when they need to exercise but often lack the motivation to get started so why not get a workmate or two on side and get moving this week. If you need help, invest in a personal trainer or join a gym. Just three-to-five 30-minutes sessions of cardio workouts (walking/running/ cycling/swimming) a week will help shed fat and improve your health.
So waiting for, get moving today! Until next time. Stay healthy, stay informed.
If, however, you’re a late bloomer in the exercise department, it’s not too late to get moving and reap the rewards! 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.
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Page 26 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
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We build your future Page 28 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
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MONEY MATTERS 133rd EDITION. 2012
Rents drive up buying demand: Mackay “It is not easy to get through the planning process and it all takes time,” Ms Richards said. “It is hard to get developers because of the cost involved in getting if off the ground and all the red tape it is expensive.” Mackay is powering along at the moment and its vacancy rate at 0.7 per cent has overtaken Gladstone. “People are finding it hard to find rentals – they come to Mackay and don’t realise how hard it is and have a bit of a shock. It is very tough.” “A lot of people from Moranbah are renting out their houses for about $3000 a
ASTRONOMICAL rents and the government’s first home buyer grant are behind the increasing demand for land in Mackay, according to real estate agents. Local agent and Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) representative Sally Richards said a lot of first home buyers were entering the market because of the
rising rents, and with the $10,000 grant, it is more affordable to buy. “But there is a shortage of land to build on,” she added. Investors have also driven up demand, which is outstripping supply. Not only is there a shortage of land, there are also development issues.
Growing interest in townhouses and units THE demand for townhouses and units throughout Queensland is on the increase as first-home buyers and investors take an interest. Latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) show the median unit and townhouse price in Brisbane increased 2 per cent to an even $400,000 over the December quarter. On the Gold Coast, it increased 5.3 per
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An increase in the preliminary numbers of unit sales was recorded on the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns over the quarter. With the exception of Cairns, all major regions posted with steady or increase median unit prices over the year ending December.
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week and then using that income to pay off a house in Mackay. We are seeing a lot of that lately,” Ms Richards said. Houses around the $300,000 to $400,000 are being snapped up and even some higher priced houses are not left on the market for long. “The houses are being snapped up quickly with multiple offers and going for more than what they are listed for because of the demand.” “It will be interesting to see how long this lasts for – but it should be a while because of the mining industry and there are still lots of projects that are yet to happen.”
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Page 29 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
MONEY MATTERS 133rd EDITION. 2012
MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
Growth out of adversity
First and foremost is flexibility. A financier needs to be able to change and act quickly when the demands of its partners change.
WHETHER it’s the Sydney rail network, the WA/QLD mining boom or the Queensland post-floods rebuild, it is clear that Australia’s infrastructure needs are greater than ever before. And while the genesis of this need is not always a happy story – just think back to the tales of horror from the Brisbane floods, or ask a Parramatta-based commuter in Sydney – the upside for experienced and skilled practitioners is significant. Opportunities exist across all sectors, including manufacturing, transport, construction and telecommunications; even those operators hit hard by the natural disasters of early 2011 have a real opportunity to leverage the major infrastructure programs borne out of those same disasters. Now each business is different and business plans vary from business to business, but there is one element that is key to all business growth stories, and that is a strong relationship with their banker. While rate and product suite are very important, there are some ‘money can’t buy’ benefits that operators should look for when choosing a financier. First and foremost is flexibility. A financier needs to be able to change and act quick-
the standard variable interest rate for the first two years
Page 30 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
ly when the demands of its partners change. Equally important is a detailed knowledge of the markets an operator deals in – this means understanding various asset classes and applications and how that asset adds value to a business. And lastly, the right financier will have robust yet agile systems and skilled and experienced people who want to work with the operator to help them achieve their business objectives. Now every finance company will say they offer all this and more. But at BOQ Yeppoon, our very structure sets us apart from our competitors. We have the backing and support of a national bank with a 137-year history, with the flexibility and industry knowledge of a finance company – so we offer the best of both worlds. We provide thoughtful solutions that meet our customers’ expectations and needs. We spend a lot of time with our customers so it is personal to us; if it works for the customer, it works for us. We want our customers to not just survive these lean economic times, but actually come out on top. BOQ Yeppoon Owner-Manager Ian Scott discusses the opportunities facing operators in the infrastructure sector.
for the remaining life of the loan (home loans from $250,000 - $1,000,000)
INVEST NOW Invest now to retire at agnes water, surf beaches, clean water and easy access to the great barrier reef
Sunrise at 1770 developers last blocks, receivers say clear them now! Sunrise at 1770, the UDIA award winning eco residential estate, just 5km from Agnes Water and bounded by National Park and ocean. Fantastic facilities include 3 swimming pools, 4 tennis courts, playground, BBQ cabanas, private beach access etc. Security gated and with onsite managers, this very private community already boasts some of Queensland best homes.
The Receivers have instructed PRD to sell the 5 blocks the developers held back and the prices are set at levels not seen since release. From $325,000 to $350,000 The available blocks are, 2 ridge top with great ocean views and 3 mid level, also with ocean views and over the road from beach access paths.
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY
Mark Hulst: mark@prd1770.com.au 0411 439 033 or 4974 9470 www.prdnationwide.com.au/agneswater
Page 31 - Shift Miner Magazine, 26th March
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Colliers Report 2011
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Portside Wharf Sales & Information Centre Open daily 10am-4pm | 39 Hercules Street Hamilton QLD 4007 | Phone 07 3630 1666 | portsidewharf.com.au