SM140_Shift Miner Magazine

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SHIFT MINER Monday 2nd July 140th Edition 2012

The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news

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M A G A Z I N E

BLOODSUCKERS Have recruiters invented the skills crisis? THE skills shortage is a myth manufactured by recruitment agencies, according to a 20-year mining veteran. Mervyn Sher has worked as a risk assessor in mining operations throughout Queensland and Western Australia for the past 20 years, and now heads up private consultancy firm Sher Associates. “Labour hire and recruitment agents are nothing more than bloodsuckers in the industry, but somehow they have managed to hijack

companies,� Mr Sher told Shift Miner Magazine. He said during his career the number of recruitment agencies used by mining houses and contractors had ballooned. “They (recruitment agencies) have climbed on the bandwagon and with good marketing spin have created a skills shortage,� he said. Mr Sher said the key problem was recruitment agencies relied on databases of CVs to fill jobs - rather than the man on the ground actually searching for the

skills needed to fill the role. As a result, searching for candidates becomes about meeting strict selection criteria and hoping to get a match. “Because of the high demand for labour, it just becomes a numbers game,� he said. While people shouldn’t expect to be able to just walk onto a mine site and get a job, Mr Sher said most jobs don’t require rocket scientists and people are being excluded on technicalities. continued page 11

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9 CONTENTS NEWS 4 Industry rights reef record

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6 Angry says get healthy

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5 Gladstone board goes

9 Serious fall prompts warning

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110 Campbell Street, Rockhampton. Page 3 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


News

140th EDITION. 2012

Industry sets record straight for UNESCO UNESCO’s concerns about port development and shipping volumes has been fed by inaccurate numbers provided by the Federal Environment Department and Greenpeace - but the industry is setting this straight. The Queensland Resources Council with the Australian Coal Association is distributing an industry briefing on Great Barrier

Reef protection to delegates attending the 36th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Russia. QRC’s chief executive Michael Roche labelled the previously supplied information as “outrageously inaccurate” and said there were a number of significant updates in the latest stakeholder briefing.

Page 4 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

The facts presented are that current exports of coal from Queensland are less than 200 million tonnes per year (mtpa). The current number of coal ships supporting this trade and travelling through the reef is around 2100. Coal exports by 2020 could potentially increase to 300-320mtpa. This forecast is supported by both industry and Australian Government analyses. Future shipping associated with this export level will be between 4000-4600 ships per year depending on coal volumes and vessel sizes. Shipping through the Great Barrier Reef is highly regulated and uses three main routes. Port development to support this growth is focused on three existing ports: Abbot Point, Hay Point and Gladstone. Future developments at Abbot Point and Hay Point are undergoing wide ranging, industry-led cumulative impact assessments. The Abbot Point study will be completed later this year. Mr Roche said resource sector companies were acutely aware of the Great Barrier Reef’s iconic status and the high expectations of the global community with respect to its care and protection. “It is also clear that Queensland will continue to rely on shipping for the bulk of its

trade-generated prosperity,” Mr Roche said. “Contrary to the views of environmental extremists, it is not beyond Australia’s capacity to chart a prudent course between economic and environmental objectives.” UNESCO was scathing of development in Gladstone Harbour and on Curtis Island, singling them out in a recent report for their potential impact on the Great Barrier Reef. The report, released earlier this month, called for an independent review of how the liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and Gladstone Harbour developments are managed and to find a way the projects can operate — according to international best practice — with minimal impact on the Great Barrier Reef. UNESCO’s report noted that while many aspects of managing the Great Barrier Reef set standards: “there is a range of unaddressed concerns regarding the protection and management of the port and LNG facilities in Gladstone Harbour and on Curtis Island and the protection of its surrounding environment”. The agency also called for a halt of any new port developments outside existing, long-established major port areas adjacent to the reef or any new port activity that would impact either individually or cumultaltively on the reef.


News

140th EDITION. 2012

Murky waters continue in harbour FAST NEWS ISSUES surrounding the dredging in Gladstone Harbour are continuing. Last week environmental expert Dr Andrew Jeremijenko claimed the illness in fish and marine life was because of the muddy state of the harbour and that had been caused by heavy metals and other toxins whipped up by dredging. The ports corporation currently has a 28-day permit to fix a leaking section of bund wall around the Fisherman’s Landing reclamation area that has contributed to higher turbidity levels. The corporation says that while it seals the wall it will use a light-based monitoring program to examine seagrass health. But Dr Jeremijenko and fellow environmentalists have had enough. “First the dredgaholic Gladstone ports dredge over the limit and due to human and fish illness are asked to stop politely in September 2011 by the previous government,” he said. “They dredge over the limits on Christmas day, Australia Day, Easter, and Labour day holidays with disregard to tourism and recreational and commercial fishing. “The new government relaxes the limits, which they ignore almost immediately. “If only drunk drivers could get the same

Commissioners named A LAWYER, a farming mayor and a scientist are among the six new GasFields Commissioners to help restore the State’s confidence in the Coal Seam Gas industry. Don Stiller, Ian Hayllor, Ray Brown, Rick Wilkinson, Professor Steven Raine and Shane Charles join former AgForce boss John Cotter on the commission formed by the Newman Government. The group meets for the first time this month to review 55 public submissions on how the commission should operate and what issues need addressing. .........................................................................................

Now that’s a lab leniency from the police, imagine how much safer our roads would be.” Despite the highly embarrassing visit and report by UNESCO official drawing international focus to the management of Gladstone Harbour, Dr Jeremijenko, believes rules governing dredging and development are being flouted. Local MP Liz Cunningham has backed Dr Jeremijenko also, believing the community is not being fully informed of the work and issues at the harbour.

The ports corporation is still facing legal action from anglers who are claiming $20million in damages and lost income caused by fish illness and deaths, which the fishermen blame on development of the harbour. Recreational anglers have returned to the area after a forced closure of the harbour last year but the impact on commercial fisherman remains. Last month a shipment of Gladstone fish was rejected by a Brisbane wholesaler because of quality issues believed to be linked to the harbour.

Government cleans out economic board The Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB) has been abolished by the State Government. In the latest move reshaping leadership in the country’s development hot spot, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney shut the board down last week and gave them to June 30 to wind up. Removing the board will save about $700,000 annually. Six of the eight-member board are State and local government representatives. Leo Zussino, who was ousted by the state government as the chairman of the Gladstone Ports Corporation in June, is

chairman while Phil Dash is deputy chair. Board members are Gail Sellers, Jim Grayson, Mark Bermingham, Peter Corones AM, Stuart Randle and Judith Reynolds. Mr Seeney’s office was inundated with calls about the announcement but staff would only confirm to Shift Miner Magazine the brief details of an official statement. “We have put the GEIDB under the microscope and it is clear the functions being performed can now be done more

efficiently by a government department,” Mr Seeney said in the statement. He added that due to the unprecedented growth expected in the Gladstone region, there was a need for more locally-based informal consultative and coordination mechanisms to look at regional development, infrastructure and project facilitation. The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning will now be looking at how the role of the GEIDB is filled in future.

“We have put the GEIDB under the microscope and it is clear the functions being performed can now be done more efficiently by a government department.”

BRISBANE is now home to the largest coal lab in the world with work completed on ALS Coal state-of-the-art, borecore testing and analysis facility in Richlands. The lab is several times larger than the company’s previous Ipswich site. According to ALS, the new facility implements industry-leading technology that allows for the processing of samples in parallel, reducing turnaround times significantly. .........................................................................................

Tax shortfall

THE mine resources rent tax (MRRT) could leave Australia about $5.5 billion short if commodity prices fall in the next few years. That’s the view of investment bank UBS which forecasts coalminers will pay no tax in the first five years and that by 2016-17 the tax will have fallen to just $201 million. In the three financial years from this month, when the tax starts, miners will be liable for just $4.24 billion tax, less than half the $9.7bn forecast by Treasury, UBS says. .........................................................................................

Your tent or mine?

A TENT city will spring up this month in Mackay as a temporary solution for the city’s lack of accommodation during the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME). The event is on at the showgrounds from July 24 to 26. About 200 cabin-style tents will be erected next to the beach at South Mackay to house visitors.

Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


News

140th EDITION. 2012

Seeking help nothing for blokes to be ashamed of

DON’T get angry, just get healthy. That may have well been the message when Australian rock legend Angry Anderson hit Emerald recently to talk up better health for blokes in Men’s Health Month. The iconic rocker spoke to 140 guests about his battle to overcome depression and gave advice on living a healthy life, both physically and mentally. The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Emerald Sunrise, HHH Partners Chartered Accountants, Hastings Deering and the Rotary Club of Emerald and was supported by the Kestrel Mine Community Development Fund. Angry Anderson said that the physical and mental health of men is an important issue in regional communities and he encouraged men to talk openly about them. “The main message I wanted them to understand was that talking about your health and seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of,” Angry said. “They also needed to realise that taking early action is absolutely vital and could be a lifesaving decision.” The former front man of rock band Rose Tattoo, who has won countless awards including the Australian Medal in 1993, said his own experiences of depression and abuse growing up have led to him being

passionate about bringing hope and encouragement to men in later life. “I suffered from severe depression and was in a very destructive cycle of self abuse for many years but now I work at helping others overcome similar challenges,” he said. “It is important that they have secure friendship networks and get regular health checks to maintain healthy lifestyles. “It was great talking to the community about their personal stories and experiences and I hope that the event has inspired more males to open up and get any help they might need.” Kestrel Mine Community Development Fund chipped in $10,000 to support the visit and the event. Rotary Club of Emerald Sunrise Club Service Director Col Dziewicki said that the aim of the event was to promote men’s health in the community to encourage men to get regular check-ups. “These events encourage men to act on symptoms or concerns they may be having and seek professional medical assistance,” he said. “We know from past events that this initiative is having a significant impact on the community with some men seeking medical advice after attending and discovering they had health issues that could have been fatal if not detected early enough.”

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Page 6 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


News

140th EDITION. 2012

Abigroup gets $76m contract for Wiggins Island Rail Project QR National has awarded a $76 million contract to Abigroup for the Wiggins Island Rail Project, one of Australia’s largest rail infrastructure projects. Abigroup will undertake the civil works for the 13 kilometre balloon loop near Gladstone, where coal trains will be unloaded at the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal. QR National network executive vice president Michael Carter said it was the first major contract for the Wiggins Island

Rail Project (WIRP), which is scheduled to start railings for customers from mid-2014. “The signing of this contract is a significant milestone for the project. It means Abigroup can hit the ground and have earthworks underway in coming weeks,” Mr Carter said. The balloon loop is one of six key worksites for stage one of WIRP. The other five are the Rocklands to Stanwell Duplication, Dingo to Bluff Duplication, Moura East

upgrade, North Coast Line upgrade and Bauhinia North Branch upgrade. “The Wiggins Island Rail Project will support the initial 27 million tonnes per annum of coal to Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and

leverages our existing rail infrastructure to boost coal exports from the southern end of the Bowen Basin,” Mr Carter said. He added the rail project is putting an additional 70 million tonnes of capacity into the Central Queensland coal network, taking total capacity to in excess of 300 million tonnes by 2015. QR National recently commissioned the first stage of the $1.1 billion Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion project that will lift coal exports to Abbot Point Coal Terminal by 33 million tonnes. The announcement of Abigroup’s contract follows QR National’s signing of an agreement with a consortium of coal companies to construct the Wiggins Island Rail Project to service a new export terminal at Gladstone. Wiggins Island Rail project involves the staged development of new rail lines and upgrading of existing lines to service the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal at the Port of Gladstone. The development of the terminal was delayed during the global financial crisis.

“QR National recently commissioned the first stage of the $1.1 billion Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion project that will lift coal exports to Abbot Point Coal Terminal by 33 million tonnes.”

heights

Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


News

140th EDITION. 2012

New FIFO model may be best for all A NEW fly-in, fly-out model being investigated in South Australia could be used in the Bowen and Surat basins. The District Council of Grant at Mount Gambier is starting from the ground up in its development of FIFO for the town and district by speaking with the community about

what skills the town’s workers have and what businesses are suited to support FIFO. They are also investigating what FIFO might mean for the district that has strong agricultural and tourism industries. A plan is then to be developed to outline just what is required to host FIFO and what

A South Australian business study is looking at FIFO to examine if it is the best thing for a community before the first donga is built. If successful, the model could be applied in Queensland.

the community’s view is and what skills already exist locally to provide to mining centres. Jody Elliott, from The Resource Channel, is involved in the pilot study and says there is definitely a place for the model in Queensland. “The model is intended to be used in any region seen to have a likely alignment or transferable skills,” she told Shift Miner Magazine. “The skills profiling we do provides an answer for both industry and local councils on whether or not the area is feasible as a FIFO hub. “We have kicked off in Mount Gambier because the council has initiated the process with us. “We can’t and won’t move into an area without full council support.” The New South Wales region of Illawarra also wants to start discussions on the model and has contacted Ms Elliott. As part of the study two surveys will be carried out - one for workers interested in

Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

Possible outcomes include: • The report may indicate that the skill mix of the region is not compatible with those required by the mining, oil and gas industries to progress, or • The report may indicate that the level of interest in the local population to participate in fly in, fly in work arrangements is too low to progress, or • The report may indicate a positive skill and interest outcome to progress to discussions with employers.

“The skills profiling we do provides an answer for both industry and local councils on whether or not the area is feasible as a FIFO hub.”

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FIFO and the second for businesses who want to supply goods and services for the FIFO market. Results of the survey will be available to the public online from August 3. A comprehensive report will then be tabled with the District Council of Grant on the survey findings.


News

140th EDITION. 2012

New census measure needed to capture working “ghosts” THE demographer that carried out the study into demands on services in Isaac Regional Council caused by fly-in, fly-out workers has renewed calls for new ways to measure how we resource towns. Bernard Salt said this week that several mining towns had thousands of ghost residents in the census figures because they were visiting for work but put down their place of residence somewhere else.

That meant resources provided and budgeted by governments would be placed in the location where they lived while places, like Moranbah, where they also frequented just had the services allocated for full-time residents. “The Shire of Roebourne in the Pilbara, which includes the boom town of Karratha, contained 15,345 locals in 2006 as well as 4007 visitors. But the visitors in this instance weren’t tourists -

they were fly-in, fly-out miners,” Salt says. “A similar relationship existed between locals and FIFO miners in the Isaac Regional Council in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, which includes the mining town of Moranbah. “Now fast forward to the 2011 census: Roe-

“In 2006, 24 per cent of the (Isaac) census-night population comprised FIFO workers; by 2011 this proportion had increased to 38 per cent.”

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bourne’s resident population has increased to 21,353 but the number counted in the shire on census night had risen to 29,968. In 2006, 21 per cent of the shire’s census-night population was comprised of FIFO workers; five years later this proportion was 29 per cent. “But the Roebourne experience is eclipsed by what has happened in Isaac. In 2006, 24 per cent of the census-night population comprised FIFO workers; by 2011 this proportion had increased to 38 per cent.” In a typical Australian town the visitor population on census night is usually about 4 per cent. Mr Salt’s report into FIFO workers in Isaac Regional Council area found ratepayers were “subsidising” another 19,800 non-resident workers living in accommodation villages and working on mining sites. He projected that would jump to 28,224 this year and increase again next year. Mr Salt, a KPMG partner and an adjunct professor at Curtin University Business School, says the government needs to find a new way to allocate funds to resource towns and measure the actual population. That’s the only way to get it right.

skyreach.com.au

Serious fall warning A mine worker has suffered serious injuries, including loss of his leg after falling about 14 metres from an elevated front end loader bucket positioned within a mine shaft. The incident, which occurred in a New South Wales mine, has prompted renewed calls from authorities for all workers to be extremely cautious when working at heights. The accident occurred when two men were attempting to calibrate load cells associated with a hoisting shaft loading station, near the bottom of a hoisting shaft. A steel framed basket containing weights was placed into a front end loader bucket with the basket unrestrained and overhanging the front lip. Both men were wearing full body harnesses and were positioned either side of the basket. Each harness was attached to the loader bucket by a rope lanyard. The worker fell while attempting to attach slings from the basket onto chains that had earlier been hung from a weight flask. His lanyard failed and he fell to the bottom of the shaft. It is thought the quick response from the mine rescue team saved the man’s life. The state’s mine inspectors have recommended workers not be allowed to be in front end loader buckets to carry out tasks.

Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


News

140th EDITION. 2012

Sandvik announces 3D drilling innovation Sandvik Mining has launched a new 3D navigation system for surface drilling, using satellite navigation to precisely guide the location and angles of drill holes in accordance with a mine’s or quarry’s drilling plan. The new system, called TIM3D system, has been designed for the company’s DPi and DX series surface top hammer drill rigs

and is said to significantly improve drilling accuracy and efficiency in quarrying, construction and open pit mining applications. “By bringing 3D machine automation to drill rigs, TIM3D covers three essential drilling operations - rig navigation, feed alignment and drilling,” the company’s Michael Zirbel said.

He is the Product Line Support Manager for Surface Drills. “The TIM3D navigation system improves hole quality and hole position accuracy, translating into better fragmentation due to straighter holes, less fines, shot rock and oversize,” he said. “This results in increased efficiency further in the production process, both in crushing and loading and hauling.” The system also removes the need for surveying and hole marks – and therefore also the risk for marking errors – significantly speeding up drilling. The new system also incorporates a simple, easy to use interface – with all views integrated into the drill rig’s control screen so no separate screen is required and the controls are integrated into the armrest. Based on a multisatellite RTK GNSS navigation, TIM3D is compatible with both the US GPS and Russian GLONASS satellite systems, giving access to a wide range of satellites from which it can get a signal.

Sandvik Mining has launched a new 3D navigation system for surface drilling, using satellite navigation to precisely guide the location and angles of drill holes.

“This results in increased efficiency further in the production process, both in crushing and loading and hauling.”

Komatsu ups the comfort Komatsu Australia has announced a ride enhancement package for its D375A-6 and D475A-5EO mining dozers. The company says the improvements make the dozers equal or better than any other machine on the market when it comes to comfort – while still maintaining their class-leading dozing and ripping capabilities. It has also developed a factory-fitted Australian mining spec package, allowing the dozers to be delivered directly from factory to mine site in a “mine-ready” configuration. David Laidlaw, Komatsu Australia’s Mining Product Manager, Bulldozers and Excavators, Komatsu mining dozers had lagged in the comfort stakes compared to competitors. That was despite being considered quality

Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

TIM3D can use drilling plans made either with standard office-based survey programs or with the system itself. Drilling plans are imported to the rig with a USB memory in IREDES standard format, containing the target co-ordinates in three dimensions. Local base station or VRS correction ensures drill hole and navigation accuracy is within 100 mm.

machines when it came to getting the work done. “Our combination of track configuration and design, transmission and powertrain – including the automatic-direct drive transmission on the D375A-6 – have meant that Komatsu dozers have a well-deserved reputation for out-ripping and out-pushing any other dozer in the market,” he said. “Now to address perception on comfort and ride, we’ve made a number of significant modifications to the undercarriage, as well as the cab mountings. “Following trials in Hunter Valley and Central Queensland coal mines, we can confirm that the ride, vibration levels and operator comfort on Komatsu mining dozers are as good as or better than any other machine.”


News

140th EDITION. 2012

FROM PAGE 1

Is the skills shortage real - or made up? He said on-site training was the missing ingredient in the “skills shortage” - and companies needed to get on board. “I have walked onto mine sites, brought in training and set up a scheme where you can pull people out of work for just a couple of hours a day.” Mr Sher said within three weeks you had a changed workforce. “When your capital is human resources, you can’t treat them as chattels. You need to nurture them, and this increases productivity.” The alleged skills shortage has also been questioned by academics at the Griffith University Business School. In an article on the academic news website The Conversation, Associate Professor Michael Barry and Senior Lecturer Rod Gapp suggest skilled workers have been available to the mining sector since the GFC but “there seems to be little effort made to access these workers”. “For example, more than 10,000 people attended mining sector employment expos in

Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Similar numbers attended in Western Australia,” the pair wrote. That number is many times greater than the 1500 foreign workers now allowed to build Hancock Prospecting’s Roy Hill project under a new and controversial enterprise migration agreement. While not all of these people would be a direct fit, Barry and Gapp wrote the group also included an extensive number of professional and trade qualified applicants. “The only shortfall of this group was obtaining the specific ticketing for the industry, which in most cases can be quickly addressed,” wrote the academics.

“They (recruitment agencies) have climbed on the bandwagon and with good marketing spin have created a skills shortage.”

Don’t blame us: recruiters THE most common obstacle to filling job vacancies in the mining sector is unrealistic expectations in a tight jobs market. Jody Elliot has worked in recruitment and HR roles within mining houses and externally, and now runs the mining jobs and information website The Resource Channel. She has defended the role recruiters play in filling mining jobs, and says their expertise is invaluable. “Recruiters have their finger on the pulse of supply and demand of skills, what is happening on other projects, what other companies are doing and the best way to advertise and reach your candidates,” she said. “They can provide invaluable advice to the hiring manager (the man on the ground) and let them know if they’re dreaming if they think they can hire, for example, an ecologist on a small mine site on the suggested salary.” Ms Elliot said it was a furphy to suggest recruiters simply ran CVs through a

database looking for matches. “That is simply not the case, they literally open every single application. It comes down to the skills of the recruiter, their relationship with the hiring manager and the knowledge they have about the role.” In fact, Ms Elliot said the hiring manager was involved in every single step of the process, from drawing up a jobs brief, to listing mandatory and ideal criteria to the job interview. She said the most common complaint from recruiters was they could not convince their hiring manager to take on someone with less experience. “In 90 per cent of cases, they want the candidate to tick all the boxes. Half of them would prefer to leave a job vacant for more than six months than compromise.” Ms Elliot said in engineering and professional roles, the sector was now averaging 1.4 eligible and quality candidates per job. “The skills shortage is certainly real, this is not something dreamt up by recruiters.”

“In 90 per cent of cases, they want the candidate to tick all the boxes. Half of them would prefer to leave a job vacant for more than six months than compromise.”

Page 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


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First adult apprentices join LNG projects PAUL Hanlon is one step closer to the career he’s always wanted after gaining a carpentry apprenticeship on the LNG projects on Curtis Island. Paul has come to the Curtis Island projects after working for Bechtel as a rigger on the Yarwun 2 project for the past 18 months. “This new apprenticeship has given me a chance to better my career and further myself in the field I’m working in,” he said.

Terry Taylor

Bechtel’s planned intake of adult apprentices is one of the largest in Australia’s history. The company has worked closely with the Federal Government’s National Apprenticeships Program (NAP). Bechtel Australia managing director Andy Greig said the program offered a unique way for adults with significant skills and experiences to get their formal qualification. “The program has gained huge interest

Paul Hanlon

from experienced workers and will provide a significant increase in the skills base for the region,” Mr Greig said. Paul is also following in the footsteps of his father and brothers who all gained their trades at an older age. “They completed adult apprenticeships and I would like to do the same,” he said. “I get to further myself in the career I want to work in.” While the apprenticeship is new for Paul, working on large construction projects isn’t. He first broke into heavy industry after a four-year stint in the Australian Defence Force as a soldier, truck driver and air dispatcher - skills that he found were transferrable to a career in industry and construction. He has since gained his tickets in rigging and dogging, along with various other industrial competencies. For Apprentice Boilermaker Terry Taylor, it’s never too late for a career change. After working in various labouring roles

for more than 20 years Terry, who joined Bechtel in the first intake of the National Apprenticeship Program, said it was an opportunity he had to take. The competency-based program delivers tailored training, which offers a trade qualification using recognition of prior learning, gap training and up to 12-weeks of formal training through a registered training organisation. Terry said he hopes his career change would also be a sign of encouragement for his daughter, who is currently in high school. “I look at my 15-year-old daughter who does very well in school,” Terry said. “And it’s encouraging to her that her father can change his career at a later stage in life and become a tradesman.” Five trades are currently being offered through Bechtel’s Adult Apprenticeship program - Electrical Fitter Mechanic, Instrumentation, Engineering Fabrication (Boiler Maker /Welder/Pipe Fitter), Mechanical Fitter and Carpentry Formworker.

“The program has gained huge interest from experienced workers and will provide a significant increase in the skills base for the region.”


OFF SHIFT 140th EDITION. 2012

İnk running in your blood

OVER the past few weeks, we have received a lot of tattoos from women working in mining. The latest to land at the office was this one, sent in by BMA Blackwater operator Krystle Condon.

time I inquired as to what was troubling him. He slid a copy of Shift Miner Magazine under the door and spluttered through his tears, “I’ll never be as awesome as Frank the Tank.” It is both a gift and a curse to be able to reduce grown men to tears with one’s awesomeness, so without further adieu, break out the Kleenex and prepare yourself for Frank’s brain melting tattoo analysis.

This was sent in by Cooper, who works for Golding at BMA Blackwater.

This back tattoo was sent in by Nicole Kuhn.

This tattoo was also sent in by Krystle:

Cooper says: Just love Japanese artwork. Timeless tattoo artwork.

Frank’s thoughts: Dear God! I once ate a handful of mushrooms I found on the floor in a movie theatre and went to see The Never Ending Story, and that’s exactly what that flying dog looked like to me! To the person who got this tattoo: did you also hear the voice of Satan during your bowel movement that evening?

“I designed this angle cross myself because I couldn’t find any tattoo that I liked,” said Krystle. This is the last week of the competition - so sorry folks, but entries are now closed. From next edition, it’s your chance to vote for which one you think is best. Grab the next copy of Shift Miner Magazine to see how to vote, but in the meantime here’s Frank the Tank to “decode” the latest entrants.

What does it all mean? Let’s ask Frank: I’d like to share a harrowing tale with you readers, if I may. I was in the gents T.C.O.B (taking care of business) early last week when I heard a man gently sobbing in the cubicle next to me. As he was adversely affecting my hard-earned toilet

Nicole says: I’ve just started my back. Going to go full back. These are my children’s names. The full story of my tattoo will come out when it’s complete.

Frank’s thoughts: I’ve noticed a lot of people get tattoos of their children’s names, but I couldn’t advise people strongly enough against it. It makes it several times harder to deny a child is yours if you have their name tattooed on your body. Take it from me, I’ve twice had to claim asylum at the Panamanian embassy to avoid paying child support, so I know what I’m talking about.

Krystle says: I got this done recently on a whim. I think it’s just sweet.

Frank’s thoughts: Whoever got this tattoo obviously has a bizarre fetish for being pinched in pubs. After a few beers people will naturally try and undo those bows, and since they’re not ‘real’ the only logical conclusion is the person who has the tattoo enjoys the frequent attempts.

Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


around town 140th EDITION. 2012

and the not so fancy dressed!

Photo’s courtesy of Moranbah based Valerie Orreal

MORANBAH RACES

THROUGH YOUR OWN EYES

Some images captured by local photographers at an exhibition at the Moranbah art gallery

Jazmine Lisiewicz

Kate Oram

Anne Smith

Kate Oram

(L-R) Anne Smith, Jazmine Lisiewicz, Janelle Rayson and Kate Oram

Anne Smith

Jazmine Lisiewicz

Wayne Ballentine

Holding a social event you want photographed?  Call the Shift Miner office on 4921 4333 to let us know.  You can also give our office a bell if you’d like a copy of any of the photos in this edition.

Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


around town 140th EDITION. 2012

BLACKWATER BOXING TOURNAMENT

Siddy Robinson, Tyler Morschell

(L-R) Duane Keriona, Jackson Morgan, Te Waiata Morgan, Maui Morgan, The Bartley family Jatika Morgan, Breanna Cubertson, and Iona Hubbard

(L-R) Kaitly Busk, Piper Evans, Alysia Busk and Montana Evans

Peter and Kelly Appleton

Family friends and spectators at a recent Blackwater boxing tournament

Danyon Newson, Josh Eibeck and Junior Lai

Phil and Breeannah Barney

Mandy, Lachlan and Ross Vagg

Jarrod Wood and Adam Van der biezen

Rebekah Giller and Monica Coppard

(L-R) Regan Patterson Donna Kilpatrick, Codie Patterson and Carly Smith

Cody Hoskins Comet River

Bob Frame Mackenzie River

Terry Moy leading her son from Comet River

Hannah Cheal Emerald

Darryl Hawke from Emerald

Alex from Emerald beautiful rider

Hayden Bird Blackwater

One of the Sibson twins from Dysart

Rolleston Pony club rider

GYMKHANA Dingo pony club annual gymkhana

Blackwater Pony Club won the March Past

Shania Sanderson from Blackwater

Dysart rider

BUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT

www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together Page 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


stuff to the editor

Sent in anonymously

140th EDITION. 2012

Stuff to the Editor Last edition’s front page story on an illegal camp at Blackwater has caused a stir:

Monday 18th

best source

tminer.com

.shif rated - www

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of local new

Sent in anonymously

ER ion 2012

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IN SHIFT M AMP land

The Queens

munity’s mining com

E A Z I N M A G

C ‘ILLEGAL’ E Coinunlaciwlyecarslls G OUTRA ed and Ope

Locally Own

Typical that the state government is making the local council do its dirty work. Why don’t they grow a set of balls and shut it down until it complies? T.E, Emerald I don’t know if it’s illegal, but I’ve stayed in camps with way worse facilities than Rosewood. It’s pretty decent from a guest’s point of view. T.D, Rockhampton

Our tattoo competition is getting handed round the crib room - for the latest of Frank the Tank’s insightful comments into what the ink means: Could we pay Frank to come out BMA Blackwater and read the heads of some of the blokes out here? I’d fund the trip.... Anon Frank is a genius. I’m too scared to send in my tatt, because I’m pretty sure he’ll assess me as nuts. R.S, Mackay

Editor’s note: This is our last edition for tattoo competition entrants - from next week you get to vote!

l a controversia local erupted over , with the WAR has at Blackwater stop it action to mining camp taking legal council now ting. Central Highfrom opera month, the the lease Earlier this cancelled have nal Council to Regio - only lands ood Camp nth on the Rosew rnment grant a 12-mo Gove the State ire r Peter Magu extension. ands Mayo under Central Highl approved had been rary facilsaid the camp as a tempo or r council ng planning the forme meet buildi not did ity, and approvals. camp 18 plumbing evict the to tried il the Bligh The counc 11th hour ded but at the months ago, in and exten t stepped Governmen Cr s furiou a the lease. around, and il now Second time h, with counc had enoug Maguire has action. to take legal are going and agreeing to el couns them that “We got legal t to tell on a Governmen ning State happe the y illegal activit told Shift there is an land,� he block of State-owned zine. ted by Miner Maga camp, opera the said never Cr Maguire Qantac, had d company family-owne approval. r building had any prope he said. ,� “It is illegal

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IN CUSTOM WIN $500ING - PAGE 15 TATTOO News ths Quarry dea e 4 shock Âť pag News go MAC camp e 5 ahead Âť pag News s Rail corridor e 6 pag chosen Âť Banter Bait Shop Super species e 22 pag variety Âť

IN puts on EARLY MA breakfast Âť S RISER

Off Shift covet to New cats Âť page 23

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

page 17 More pictures

13

INJURY PERSONAL EXPERTS and All accidents claims: personal injury

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The death of two young men in separate accidents on Queensland quarries last month has unsettled the mining community: Sending our regards to the families of those who lost loved ones in the quarry accidents. Tragic to lose two young lives. R.D, Mackay Two young lives gone in industrial accidents. Makes you stop and think before you clock on. Or at least, it should do. W.E, Blackwater

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

SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVEN’T?

FROM THE EDITOR THE State Government has been intent on slashing costs across the board since sweeping to power. It was no surprise the corporate boxes at footy stadiums and the proposed ski jump for snowsports in Brisbane had to go. However, there has been some spending. The setting up of the GasFields Commission will come at a cost but that is money wisely spent as the six appointed commissioners are a solid cross-section of the industry. Their task is to re-establish community confidence in the Coal Seam Gas industry. After another week of high drama in Gladstone surrounding the harbour it seems time for the government to spend a bit more money there and replicate such a body to handle developmentrelated controversies. The industry and economic board was disbanded last week but that shouldn’t mean there isn’t need for a body to guide development and represent and support those with concerns or questions over the work that is going on. The current situation isn’t working as the

corporate world drives staff and management from public relations hacks to senior management and workers on the ground - to be defensive and reserved when dealing with the public (and by extension media). The only time it seems companies and corporations want to talk is when they have something positive to announce (and in a situation where they can control the flow of information). But that’s not how to build and maintain trust in communities. The more open and accountable an organisation, particularly in times of trouble, the more they are seen to be engaging with stakeholders. So how are the organisations engaging in Gladstone when it comes to issues surrounding the harbour, dredging, UNESCO, fish deaths and the future? On the whole, not well. There are some champions putting some balance into the debate but there needs to be more. That can only happen with leadership from government and that can be achievable with a dedicated commission to look at the issues and answer the questions being put by stakeholders.

Greg Sweetnam

The musings of a CQ miner...

Retirement I think about retirement It will be a great laugh I will reflect on my busy life

I will think back about that rainy night that to my mother’s door Came two large police officers in an uproar.

And know I was daft

Inquiring about a dirtbike ridden breakneck through the local hall.

The time I broke both ankles

Of this incident, what did I know?

While riding in Longreach

Mother dear how could of it been me?

The smell and sound of Cronulla beach.

My halo all aglow.

Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

Them days now are gone. My wings now fully dry. Even as an “adult� I still daydream and wish I could fly. Who is Redmond? Redmond was born in a cross-fire hurricane and now resides in Queensland. Former Golden Glove champ turned champion shearer, his shearing career was cut short when he entered the adult film industry and made 3467 films in three months. He now enjoys semiretirement and lives happily on his 100,000 acre property with his seven wives. He has received the annual Golden Pen award from the Writer’s Guild four years in a row in the Truth Telling category...


FAIR DINKUM 140th EDITION. 2012

Fair Dinkum!

IN THE US - it’s not quite the grand-pianoturning-over antics of Grant Hackett, but it’s still very, very weird. College student John McGuinness suspected his girlfriend might be cheating on him, but instead of breaking up with her - like a normal person - he launched a bizarre attack. McGuinness smeared her favourite jeans with wasabi - an ultra hot Japanese sauce - and then texted her to say he was throwing them out. When his girlfriend arrived to confront him, he whipped her in the face with the wasabi jeans leaving red marks on her skin and her eyes swollen and sore. The police also discovered her car had been covered in wasabi sauce. IN SWEDEN - if you think the wasabi-smearing bloke was weird, check out this dude. A professor (yep, professor) from Sweden has been charged after eating his wife’s lips. Apparently, he wanted to make sure she could never kiss another man. He was initially charged with attempted murder, but had it downgraded to aggravated assault because he stayed with her until the ambulance arrived. Clearly, he was a good bloke at heart - just misunderstood.

IN THE UK - maybe the latest research from London explains the psychotic tendencies of the above weirdos. According to evolutionary psychologist Professor Robin Dunbar from the University of Oxford, the rational parts of the human brain shut down when experiencing feelings of love. Over the past decade, Professor Dunbar has carried out a series of brain experiments on 17 volunteers. It looked at the brain activity when they were shown pictures of their boyfriends and girlfriends with whom they were “truly, madly and deeply in love”. Apparently, their critical faculties were hit hard by the whims of their hearts. “What seems to be happening is that you have subconsciously made up your mind that you are interested in the person and the rational bit of the brain - the bit that would normally say ‘hang on a minute’ - gets switched off,” the professor explained. “In a relationship you are in a trade-off between caution and just going for it. There is a view that emotion exists to get you off the fence. “A purely rational organism would sit on the fence all the time to avoid being hurt.”

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M A G A Z I N E

e h t k n a Fr Tank’s

“Streakin” good love advice

Dear Frank, I have been married for 25 years and need to do something to spice up my marriage. I was thinking of taking the missus for a surprise trip to a swinger’s party, or to one of these raunchy, nudy resorts they have in Cancun. What is the best way to broach the subject? Nathan, Moranbah

Nathan, you’re a man after my own heart. I took my wife to a nudist resort for our 10-year wedding anniversary. We were asked to leave after about 45 minutes, however - apparently it’s considered ‘rude’ to offer to umpire the naked all-girl volleyball tournament while visibly aroused. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to fall into the same trap I did. I thought going to a nudist colony was going to be all lunchtime orgies and playful pinching, but there’s little, if any, of that. It’s mainly poorly groomed hippies using nudism as an excuse to ignore the

e l b i s n e S Susan Nathan, Perhaps the best way to broach the sub-

www.shiftminer.com

fact that their only pair of pants disintegrated many moons ago. You can also forget about the word ‘Brazilian’; if there’s any word that aptly describes the body hair coverage of the average nudist colony attendee it’s ‘Yeti’. So let’s just forget the nudist resort idea right now. I don’t think it’s going to spice your marriage up in the way you hope. Now, a surprise trip to a swinger’s party is a fantastic idea, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, I don’t know anything about you, Nathan, but if you and your wife are newcomers to the world of swinging, you might want to take things a bit slower. Sure, my wife and I went to a swinger’s party on our wedding night, but then again we did meet while working as clowns at a sex rodeo. The world of swinging is a strange and often dangerous one, particularly if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. You will have to mentally prepare yourself for the fact that a guy with a moustache from another era will be rubbing all manner of weird sex oils all over your wife. I also recommend attending a reputable swinger’s party in the first instance, and asking for a copy of the party rules in advance. You don’t want to arrive at the party, find out there’s a shortage of women and wind up getting paired with the effeminate guy who keeps peeling bananas and winking at you. Frank

ject is to first try and ascertain what your wife’s views on your sex life are. If she thinks everything is fine, and that there’s no need to spice anything up she might be extremely offended by the idea of ‘swinging’. My advice to you would be to approach this subject very, very carefully, don’t just jump into the deep end with an invitation to a key party. Susan

Proudly Audited by

For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au

If you have a question for Frank and Susan Email Us at: franksusan.shiftminer@gmail.com

Page 17 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


CAR FOR SALE 10/2009 Discovery4 SE. 72,000kms, new tyres, airbag susp, 1st owner, has not been 4wding yet. Many L/rover extras inc. rear air, 7 seats, satnav, bluetooth, bixenon head lights, premium sound, leather interior (camel FRORXU ODQGURYHU ÀRRU PDWV load cover and cargo mat. $64,000 Phone: 0427 035 483

CAR FOR SALE Nissan Patrol 2001 turbo diesel, 7 seats, A/C, towbar, electric brakes, rego 4/13

well serviced and VGC.

bearings discs about 1/2 worn located near rocky. $17000 plus gst ono. Phone 0429 948 198

Transmission 107,000

New under tray tool boxes

KLMS White/Beige

New slide out draw in rear

Interior. New Timing

New tyres

belt,Waterpump,Drivebelts

Comes with main red boxes Good Condition

& Tensioners. Well maintained,One onwner since Import. $8,000 ONO,

Phone 0428 679 297

Phone : 0429 991 473

Phone 0412 142 874

AWNING FOR SALE

CAR FOR SALE 2006 DODGE RAM 3500 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 $79 000 ono Phone: 0432 429 264

$1,790 + GST Phone: 0409 839 944 CAR FOR SALE 4X4 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Z71 Crew Cab Pickup 6.6L Duramax Diesel Engine, Allison Transmission 75,354klm, leather LQWHULRU ÀDZOHVV RQH owner vehicle loaded with options. $89,700egc. bdunne151@gmail. com

Phone 0447 988 651

Litre Twin turbo Auto

New Hubs & Brakes

$6,800 ono

Shade awning for sale Fits onto ladder racks or similar ideal service vehicles solar powered motor to extend or retract remote control. 2.5mtrs x 2mtr

$85,000 or make an offer

good condition new

Toyota Soarer Coupe 2.5

$18.500 ono

BOAT FOR SALE Immaculate 2009 7.6m Stingray. 30 hours. 270 Volvo Pentax inboard motor. *36 ÂżVKÂżQGHU 79 &' player & radio. Electrical anchor winch, fridge, many more extras. Heavy duty Felk trailer

Grizzly S24 plough very

CAR FOR SALE

Fitters Trailer with

new tyres and suspension,

BUSINESS FOR SALE Be your own boss Smoko van Rockhampton )XOO WLPH SHRSOH Excellent returns 30 workplaces weekdays Static Saturday position 1HDU QHZ 0D[L YDQ Dual ovens Equipment included Great lifestyle $165,000 Phone: 0422 014 115

PLOUGH FOR SALE

TRAILER FOR SALE

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

CRANE TRUCK FOR SALE

JET SKI FOR SALE

Nissan Atlas Crane Truck

08/09 Honda F15GPX Turbo

988 model, 79,000 k

3 Seater 1500cc Turbo

4495 GVM, Tadano 2T crane 6.4m under hook

3 Red Genuine

RWC, Only car licence

Honda Lifejackets

needed to drive

85hrs

$13,500

$15,500 ono

07 4941 7147 or

Phone: 0447 606 727

Phone: 0427 824 880

HOUSE FOR SALE

YOUR CLASSY HERE XT500 PARTS WANTED 2 Weeks $19.50 6 Weeks $49.50 Until Sold $99.50

,WHPV RYHU KDYH D ÀDW IHH RI DGGHG

Reach 20,000 miners

www.shiftminer.com

HOUSE FOR RENT Beautifull Holiday Cottage close to beach boat ramps and attractions with ample parking space for boats and caravans. Check out Keppel Sands Luxury Cottage on the web. From $115.00 a night Ph. 0414 955 034 HOUSE FOR SALE Coolum Beach 2 bed, 2 bath aptmt for sale with ocean views, fully furnished, air con, pool and heated spa. Includes huge double GRRU IULGJH ÀDW VFUHHQ WY with surround sound plus satellite. Walking distance to Coolum Beach $330.000 ono Ph: 0411 567 244 HOUSE FOR SALE YEPPOON, New 4 bedroom 2 bathroom brick home. Aircon in main bedroom & Media room. Fans throughout. Double garage with elec roller doors & separate laundry Security screens. Fully turfed & fenced $449,000 minus $17,000 government grants if eligible Ph: 0421 601 710

Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

Gracemere acreage and residence. Large well

1976 -1981 Yamaha XT 500

appointed 5 bedroom

- All parts considered - All locations considered - All prices considered

home on 10 acres. Stables, yards, shed, bore. 3 km from new shopping centre. $700,000

Phone : 0428 154 653

FARM FOR SALE

Phone 07 4933 3106 FIFO ROOMS TO RENT

240Acre IRRIGATION

BURLEIGH WATER TEMPLE

)$50 02172 350mg Water, Two

GOLD COAST

Story 3 Bedroom Home, 2IÂżFH *UDQQ\ )ODW ZLWK

Waterfront, private sandy beach, pool,

Shower and Toilet. Double

deluxe renovated holiday home

Carport. 2 Machinery

Permanent $250 pw

Sheds, 2 Hay Sheds www.lucernevale.com.au

Casual $80pn

Offers over 1 million Ph: 0428663540 HOUSE FOR SALE AGNES WATER 5year old brick home on 4 acres. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, WIR in main, dam, solar heating, security screens, ceiling fans, 2 x water tanks, + air conditioned shed. 5 mins drive to beaches, tavern,shops & school. $435,000 Ph: 0429 020 673 HOUSE FOR SALE GRACEMERE, Immaculate 4BR home BIR. 18 solar panels. Fully insulated & A/C. Ceiling fans. 2 bathrooms. 2 Toilets. 'RXEOH ORFN XS JDUDJH Stainless steel kitchen appliances. Spacious open plan kitchen, dining & lounge. Potential rental return above $22 000p/a. $429,000 Ph: 0418 796 074

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HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE

BURNETT RIVER FRONTAGE

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100acres, 600m of river frontage, 10meg water allocation, ex dairy farm, power at front of block, cleared, dam, cattle yards, 20mins to Gin Gin – 25 mins to Childers

3 beds bir + sleepout, A/C + breezeair, 2 loos, 9 acres, 2 car garage, carports, hay shed, tack shed, stables, Tank,bore + irrig water, 3 phase power, tractor + equip neg. pics avail.

$290K neg.

Asking $585K

Ph: 0439 861 946

Ph: 0428 679 297

UNIT FOR SALE 100sqm renovated open plan unit with a HUGE

HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE 6HOO DFUHV 3URVWRQ DUHD TXLHW FRXQWU\ JHW

balcony overlooking the

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piggery. 3Brm partly renovated home.

point break!! Austar, gym, 150m lagoon pool. Great investment BETTER lifestyle! More info/ pics avail. Be Quick! Phone: 0424 108 784

Photos & details our website: http://countrymilefarm.webs.com/ Phone: 0741689226


k.pdf 2010

OFF SHIFT 140th EDITION. 2012

Clermont’s lungs on show

ACROSS

1

2

3

4

5

9

6

7

1. Exciting 5. Body of warships 9. Pacified 10. Horrified 12. No longer useful 13. Memorise 14. Clay lump 16. High seas robbers 19. Van or car 21. Delights 24. Wall recess 25. Migraines 27. Admiral Horatio ... 28. Pinpoint 29. Brutal person 30. Fire-resistant material

8

10 11

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DOWN 14

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1. Leave 2. Oscars, Academy ... 3. A second time 4. Eire, Republic of ... 6. Consistently 7. From the menu (1,2,5) 8. Astound 11. Onto 15. Lewd 17. Twilight periods 18. Laughed throatily 20. Repeat 21. Covetous 22. Frugality 23. Advantages 26. Dumbfound

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5 2 1 6 1

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Last editions solutions

9 9 6 3 3 2 8 2

# 26

7 7 5 3 8 7 6 8 1

MEDIUM

4 1 2 6 9 8 5 7 3

5 9 7 3 2 1 8 4 6

8 6 3 4 5 7 9 1 2

6 7 8 5 3 4 2 9 1

QU A RR E L U P O O E X H I B I T U I I T E ND A NGE S S R MA R Y S A B K I C K I NG I I L A R A D I I D M R T S I R AQ I S S I E HON E S T

2 5 4 7 1 9 3 6 8

9 3 1 2 8 6 7 5 4

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DO I S N T M E UN T OS

S A R S A P

7 8 9 1 6 3 4 2 5

N E R AWB T R S E P A N C A S S E

1 4 5 8 7 2 6 3 9

3 2 6 9 4 5 1 8 7

R A P I P A E L L I E D Y S A C R R A P S S

DO D E D M E E N S T S U K S H T E R E S

OPERA in the bush - it’s a concept that Central Queenslanders are getting more familiar with. In fact, last month, 32 Clermont students were given a standing ovation by 200 locals at a concert at the Civic Centre. They performed musical numbers they had learnt during a four-day music and arts workshop put on by Opera Queensland - thanks to the support of local miner Rio Tinto. Students from Clermont State High School, Clermont State School, St Joseph’s School, Kilcummin State School and Mistake Creek State School took part in the workshop which gives them the unique opportunity to work with a team of professional artists. Across the four days, students collaborated with director Sean Dennehy, soprano Dania Cornelius, mezzo-soprano Louise Dorsman, baritone Darian Johns and pianist Penelope Cashman to learn about singing techniques, movement and stage direction. Highlights of the concert included students performing the Witches Chorus from the opera Macbeth, Make ‘em Laugh from

Singing in the Rain and Waltzing Matilda. Rio Tinto has been bringing the opera workshop to the coalfields for four years now. Clermont region general manager operations Dawid Pretorius said it was a great way to connect students interested in the performing arts with professionals. “I know the students were very excited to perform in front of their family and friends after a week spent not only harnessing their creative talents but developing their confidence too,” he said. “It was great to see that once again the concert attracted a strong turnout of people who came along to support the children of Clermont as well as enjoy a great night of family entertainment. “Congratulations to all the students for putting on a spectacular show.” 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the Moving Opera! program which over the last decade has been delivered in secondary schools throughout Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, presenting opera and music theatre to more than 5,300 students.

SING IT LOUD: Performers at the recent opera concert at the Clermont Civic Centre

# 27

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. SHIFT MINER Handy Cross 1996 - (15A grid) ShiftMinerHandy104s. pdf © Lovatts Publications 14/12/2010

Michael Bailey

Greg Cary

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Weekdays 5am - 9am

NOW WITH MORE NEWS, MORE TALK AND THE MUSIC YOU LOVE WWW.4RO.COM.AU

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Page 19 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


OFF SHIFT 140th EDITION. 2012

Bait shop Banter YEPPOON When it comes to fishing around Yeppoon, Adrian from The Secret Spot has the gift of the gab for the GO. Fishing off shore is a bit hot and cold but there have been red fish (emperor, nannygai and trout) caught out due east of Flat. Flat and Perforated are turning up good grey and Spanish mackerel and the Liza Jane Shoals are fishing well for mackerel and bottom fish. Adrian reckons the local islands are fishing reasonably well with a few isolated patches of spotty and school mackerel. The beach off Farnborough is where it is at to wet a line for blue salmon and winter whiting. Adrian’s heads up for spotting blue salmon: “Walk the beach, keep eyes peeled and you will see the salmon coasting in the surf.” Cast into the wave using herrings, pilchards or soft plastics.

Coorooman and Corio Bay are still throwing up decent catches of crabs. Adrian says the four metre plus tides expected over the next week or so will be highly conducive to good crabbing. Huzzah!

GLADSTONE Greg from Pat’s Tackle World says things are also pretty swell off Gladstone. He reports a couple of boys from the shop recently got out to Masthead and hauled themselves in an esky full of red emperor, trout, red throat, lippers and a beautiful blue Maori cod. Closer in, there is also fun to be had with plenty of blue salmon all through the harbour and back into the Calliope reach. “Soak a bait or throw them your favourite lure,” says Greg. The hot water outlet is also fishing well for barra. Crabs are still on the hop and for more crusty creatures, Greg reckons “sails on our redclaw pots suggest there are plenty of redclaw being caught”.

Tide Times

Dec/Jan

MACKAY Gladstone

Mon 3 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Time Ht Time Ht

Time Ht

Equally buoyant reports from Bruce at Nashy’s Compleat Angler in Mackay. Winds should be dropping, rains clearing and the tides getting bigger. Bruce reckons heading to the beaches is a good bet. Try Shoal Point, Reliance Area, Eimeo and Blacks Beaches. In the shallower water, Bruce says you can target whiting, flathead and grunter. While in the deeper patches, if you can get you lure out a bit further, there are mackerel, cod and trevally waiting to sample a nice fresh prawn or herring slab bait. According to Bruce: “A good cooler weather boating spot is down off Sarina at Freshwater Point and further on to Taffy Island.” You can expect to see some grunter, mackerel and queen fish in action. If you are heading out further offshore, set your GPS for Bailey, Knight or Calder Islands and ready your ice box for mackerel, queenies, tuna, trout and lippers.

A nice red for young Sam on Nuclear Chicken.

If you have a good photo or fishing yarn send it through to our resident bait chucker-

angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com

Your weather forecast With Mike Griffin

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0159 0.66 0250 0.49 0337 0.40 0421 0.39 0504 0.47 0545 0.61 0002 3.96 0751 3.52 0843 3.59 0933 3.63 1019 3.63 1104 3.59 1148 3.50 0625 0.80 1354 0.51 1446 0.44 1533 0.43 1618 0.50 1659 0.67 1739 0.90 1231 3.39 2022 4.45 2109 4.52 2155 4.51 2239 4.40 2322 4.22

1817 1.16

0352 0.71 0442 0.54 0529 0.47 0612 0.49 0015 6.00 0057 5.69 0138 5.29 0933 4.78 1024 4.83 1112 4.85 1158 4.81 0654 0.60 0735 0.79 0815 1.01 1545 0.29 1634 0.23 1720 0.27 1804 0.41 1243 4.71 1328 4.57 1414 4.39 2202 6.14 2249 6.23 2332 6.18

Mon 9 MACKAY Gladstone

Time Ht

Fri 6 Sat 7 Sun 8

MACKAY

1846 0.67 1928 1.02 2012 1.42

Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0043 3.68 0124 3.39 0213 3.13 0316 2.94 0438 2.86 0553 2.91 0048 1.36 0705 1.00 0749 1.17 0841 1.29 0944 1.33 1046 1.29 1142 1.20 0648 3.01 1318 3.27 1410 3.17 1514 3.14 1630 3.22 1736 3.39 1828 3.60 1231 1.08 1859 1.43 1958 1.66 2123 1.77 2248 1.72 2357 1.55

1910 3.78

0221 4.85 0311 4.41 0416 4.04 0539 3.85 0109 2.01 0207 1.74 0252 1.49 0900 1.25 0952 1.45 1058 1.57 1207 1.55 0654 3.86 0753 3.97 0837 4.09 1507 4.23 1611 4.14 1729 4.20 1843 4.42 1307 1.42 1356 1.25 1438 1.09 2103 1.81 2213 2.12 2346 2.19

1939 4.71 2024 4.98 2102 5.19

Page 20 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

Upper trough causes good winter rain

Week 1 - Good winter rain early last week for the Coalfields put a run in some of the rivers. The Upper Dawson around Taroom rose from 1 metre to 4 metres by mid week. This came from an upper trough that moved from the south Mon/ Tue. Then moved east and helped develop a small low off the coast that caused more rain and fresh/strong winds for Capricorn Coast. Some of the rainfall totals of note: Taroom 98, Blackdown Tablelands AL. 73, Cockatoo 65, Bauhinia Downs 52, Rolleston 39, Woleebee 38, Westwood 33, Baralaba 32, Springsure 30, Hedlow 29, Capella 28, Thangool 24, Sapphire 23, Clermont AP 22, Middlemount 21, Moura 21, Bingegang 15, Braeside 14, Emerald 13. Daytime temperatures were 14-16C during the heavy rain. With the rain and wind chill this made it feel like a 13-14C winter day in Melbourne. As the associated cloud band cleared early morning mist and fog heralded mostly sunny days. The very cold 10C minimum fall last weekend should continue. Expect early morning frost early in the week then dry sunny days with maximums around the

19-20C. (could be cooler in higher areas). Boaties! - A large high over southern Australia should produce fresh cold southerlies offshore for the Central/ Capricorn Coasts. Trap for young players for it may look lighter closer inshore. Mon/Tue 15-20 with a squally shower; WedSun ESE 18-22 with squally showers Week 2 - The SOI has fallen to -12. Not seen since June 2003/4 have we seen this level. We all know what followed in spring/summer in those years! The very large high covers most of the southern half of Australia. This should cause cold nights and sunny days for most of the week. There is a slight frost risk for higher areas. Can remember seeing this type of high during the past two winters! Marine Lovers! The fresh to strong winds look likely to continue. The seas should be 2-3 metres with a squally shower and gusts to 31 knots or 57kph for the early half of the week. There is an easing trend toward the weekend; if the large high in the south moves into the eastern Tasman.


OFF SHIFT

OFFSHIFT Can miners handle SPECIALS 140th EDITION. 2012

real horsepower? If you thought gunning a dirt bike at full throttle took skill and a fair whack of dare, you should try saddling up a steed and taking a steer through its paces at speed. Yep, we are talking about the uniquely Oz sport of campdrafting. Basically a formalised and highly competitive version of stockwork, the sport requires consummate skill and horsemanship. In the competition, a rider on horseback must “cut out” one beast from a mob of about 10 head in a yard that is often called the “camp”. The competitor then proceeds to work the beast forward, proving that he (or she) can hold the beast clear of the mob, and calls to be let outside. The gatemen then release him from the yard and he begins the coursework in the open arena. This involves directing the beast around three pegs in a figure-of-eight pattern, and then between two pegs, often referred to as the “gate”. The trick is to select a beast from the mob that will run well but is not too fast for that particular horse. A campdraft competitor requires an understanding of cattle, the ability to ride well, and a horse that is under control at all times. So if this all sounds like something you want to check out or perhaps you just have a hankering for a steak burger, some black

rats and a crack at a buckle bunny, the Paradise Lagoons Campdraft is the big cheese. Held from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 July, this annual event, in its 10th year, is Australia’s richest and largest campdraft with $280,000 in prize money and trophies. Owned by cattle baron Graeme Acton, Paradise Lagoons outside of Gracemere boasts a multi-million dollar purpose built complex which caters for non-stop action in three simultaneously running arenas. Organisers are expecting record nominations, with entrants from every mainland state set to top 4000. You can even get a bit of mate versus mate, state versus state action with the annual State of Origin campdraft, pitting 40 of the best from Queensland and NSW against each other for prize money and pride. At two apiece, the grudge is going to be well and truly on. Entertainment will also include horse tricks and skills from “Double Dan” as seen on Australia’s Got Talent, plus live bands Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. And if you want to look the part, you can gear up at the onsite trade fair with exhibitors hawking everything from boots and fob chains to big hats and bridles. Visit the website, www.camdraft.com for further details, including directions to the complex, an easy 15 minute drive from Rockhampton.

Stay 3 re and r mo s night ocomplimentary a e iv e c re taurant $100 reuscher. vo

Accommodation starts from $189 per night (min3nights)

Perhaps you just have a hankering for a steak burger, some black rats and a crack at a buckle bunny?

Be Part Of The Legend! Winning races in record times was the driving force behind Mickey Thompson’s innovations in tyre design.... STZ

ATZ 4 RIB

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Tyrepower, Your Mickey Thompson Tire Specialist Ariats, akubras and action aplenty at Paradise Lagoons

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Page 21 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


OFF SHIFT 140th EDITION. 2012

MOVIE REVIEW

BY JUSTIN CARLOS

Ridley Scott’s status as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors is undisputed; movies like Gladiator have earned him critical and commercial acclaim. Personally, I’ve always found Scott’s movies a little hit and miss, which is why it was with much trepidation that I went to see Prometheus. Before the movie had even reached cinemas I had heard whispers that the new Ridley Scott movie was going to be a prequel to his 1979 film Alien. This concerned me even further. Given the current wave of remakes it trou-

Is Ridley reinventing the wheel? bled me to think that a director of Scott’s calibre would presume to propel his latest film on the coattails of one his most successful. After watching Prometheus, however, most of my fears were allayed. The film tells the story of a group of scientists who have discovered the same symbol in a series of different cave paintings. They deduce that the symbol is a star map – an invitation of sorts – for man to visit space and discover its origins. The scientists, along with a miscellaneous crew, set off aboard the space shuttle Prometheus to follow the star map to a moon in the deep recesses of space. Upon arriving on the moon the crew finds a gigantic structure full of alien bodies and a strange black goo. The mission goes horribly awry, and the crew must fight to try and stay alive. While Prometheus certainly is a prequel to Alien (and I won’t say anymore for fear of spoiling the film for those who haven’t seen it) it is a great movie in its own right. The film could perhaps most aptly be described as a blend of sci-fi and horror, sim-

Page 22 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012

ilar to Alien or John Carpenter’s The Thing. There isn’t much to be said about Prometheus in the negative, however fans of Alien have claimed that the films are too similar and that Scott has simply reinvented the wheel. Although I agree that there is a number of Clever prequel or reinventing the wheel?

similarities between Prometheus and Alien, this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the film. Sci-fi fans who like their movies a little darker will love Prometheus. Check it out and decide for yourself: clever prequel or reinventing the wheel?


Your Health 140th EDITION. 2012

EXPERT ADVICE For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their health SEVERAL issues back, I spoke about the benefits of exercise and encouraged you to embark on a new exercise program. So let’s continue with your body evolution by looking at fitness and achieving a fitness goal. In a nutshell, fitness is a response to training stress. When you exercise, your body adapts and responds positively to a dose of exercise that then creates improvements in the body. The more you train and the more intensely you train from the previous session, the more your body responds positively – and the more your fitness improves. So the old saying ‘move it or lose it’ really is true!

Check-up To keep you on track to achieving your goals, now is the time to re-visit your weight, body fat and body measurements. If the numbers haven’t moved downwards since you’ve started exercising, you either need to up the intensity of your exercise or increase the number of days you exercise. If you are struggling with your fitness, do yourself

a favour and get professional advice from a GP or personal trainer.

Set and achieve a goal One of the best ways to motivate yourself to get fit or fitter is to set or reset a goal. Ask yourself: What do I want my level of fitness to look like in six months’ time? What do I want my level of fitness to look like in 12 months’ time? Write down your goals along with an action plan of how you are going to achieve them. That could mean creating a regular walking/running plan, dedicating five hours a week to the gym or joining a sports team. And don’t forget to get a check-up from your GP first if you haven’t exercised in a while. If you need a little inspiration to get you started, especially when you are looking for all the excuses in the world not to improve your fitness, read below: “I trained my butt off, and got the right mix of people around me to help make it all happen. I never gave up, and always focused on how to get myself where I needed to be� – triple amputee Rajesh Durbal after crossing the finish line at last year’s Hawaiian Ironman. Until next time, stay healthy, stay informed.

Tammy Farrell is a registered nurse, nutritionist and author of ‘The Real Man’s Toolbox – A DIY Health Manual for Men’. Tammy grew up in the Hunter Valley with two brothers in the local coal mines. In 2007, she started to give health talks in the Hunter, and that’s when she began compiling the book, helping hundreds of men answer questions about their bodies.

Apple and Rhubarb Crumble Serves 6 This tasty and classic dessert will have you wanting more. Made with fresh rhubarbs and apples, it is a sweet and tasty dessert for any winter evening.

INGREDIENTS: 500g Rhubarb, ends trimmed, washed, cut into 3cm pieces 4 red apples, peeled, cored, cut into 3cm pieces 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup caster sugar FXS SODLQ ÀRXU 1/2 cup rolled oats 2 tbs brown sugar 50g butter, softened Thickened cream or vanilla icecream, to serve

METHOD: Pre-heat oven to 180°C. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the rhubarb, sugar and water. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes or until the rhubarb

softens. Add the apples to the pan and cook for a further 1015 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the rhubarb and apple mixture into an oven-proof dish. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, FRPELQH WKH ÀRXU RDWV VXJDU and butter together until the consistency resembles bread crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top of the rhubarb and apple mixture and then place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and the rhubarb mixture is bubbling. Serve immediately with cream or vanilla ice-cream. Tip: As an alternative try pear instead of apple

Zest Eatery Open 4.00pm to 8.00pm daily 1300 622 222 themac.com.au CALLIOPE | COPPABELLA | DYSART | MIDDLEMOUNT | MORANBAH | NEBO

Page 23 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


SPORT

140th EDITION. 2012

NRL dream for league’s latest discovery WHILE the path to the NRL playing ranks from the coalfields may not be well worn anyone good enough can find it. However, for a recently discovered talent

who is already raising eyebrows, any path to the NRL won’t be so easy to navigate. Firstly because she is a referee - and secondly because that wasn’t a typo.

IN CHARGE: At just 16, Tieri’s Letisha Perkins has rugby league fans talking

Searching time for Moranbah Bulls COACH and captain of the Moranbah Bulls rugby club Christian Paul says a crisis meeting held recently was productive. Despite representing the largest and fastest growing community in the coalfields, the Moranbah Bulls are struggling to get a full team on the park - even for home games. “We haven’t got many players registered which is pretty scary,” Coach Paul told Shift Miner Magazine. “The last few seasons we have had pretty good numbers, but with the shift work you need extra. This year we have a consistent 10 - but we really need a consistent 17.” The low point for the Bulls was at a recent home game when they were only able to field 14 players. Home games are usually when most teams enjoy an over-

flowing reserves bench. However, the silver lining for the club is that they believe the problem is mostly to do with their profile in Moranbah. “Some people just don’t know we actually exist,” Coach Paul said. “It’s hard to fathom for a growth town like Moranbah that there isn’t enough players. And understandably a lot of guys that are in town that could play don’t want to because they are worried about getting injured. But there is a group of players who could play that aren’t, and we need some of those younger players to get involved to ensure the longevity of the club.” To try and fix this problem - the club is embarking on a publicity campaign to raise its profile among people new to the region.

Letisha Perkins is 16, lives in Tieri and is a young girl in what has traditionally been a very male dominated arena. Despite these obstacles, head referee in the Central Highlands rugby league competition Malcolm Wright views her as the “best raw talent he has ever seen”. “This is just her second season of refereeing and she was just away at the Laurie Spina competition in Townsville and she is the first ever rookie to get the grand final,” Malcolm said. “I have never seen someone so enthusiastic, and in a male dominated sport, she just gets the job done right. I can’t believe the reports I am getting back.” So far Letisha has only refereed up to the U18 age group, although she is a regular on the sideline for senior rugby league. And she has her sights set. “Well I have been watching my brothers play for about eight years and since I couldn’t play I watched what the referee did, and when the chance came up to have a go I did,” she said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sport

Event

Date

Venue

Rugby league

Clermont v Dysart

7/7/12

Clermont

Rugby League

Blackwater v Middlemount

7/7/12

Blackwater

Rugby league

Bluff v Tigers

7/7/12

Bluff

Rugby League

Pirates v Cowboys

7/7/12

Tieri

Rugby League

Moranbah Miners v wests

14/7/12

Moranbah

Rugby Union

Moranbah v Emerald

7/7/12

Moranbah

Rugby Union

Clermont v Capella

7/7/12

Clermont

Soccer

Emerald v Centrals

7/7/12

Emerald

Horse Racing

Middlemount Races

4/8/12

Middlemount

What’s happening in your sport? Call Shift Miner 07 4921 4333

At Rio Tinto Coal Australia we are committed to providing Indigenous training and skills development opportunities Kestrel Mine is proud to take on seven new Indigenous trainees and one apprentice this year, increasing its existing Indigenous workforce from four to 20 since January 2012.

This growth in Indigenous employment is part of Rio Tinto’s Reconciliation Action Plan target of five per cent Indigenous employment at Kestrel Mine and across all Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s operations to help build the capacity of our diverse workforce and local Indigenous communities.

“When I am not refereeing I do play rugby league and union now in the [newly formed] women’s competition, which is really good because you have to understand what the players are doing and and going through.” “I think players appreciate you talking to them, and if you show them respect, they show you respect back.” “Although it does get difficult sometimes when people not in the game on the sideline, who don’t know the rules give you a hard time.” With so much respect earned both on and off the field, it seems like it’s only a matter of time until Letisha moves into a full time senior refereeing role. However, while referees are not thick on the ground in Central Queensland, Malcolm Wright says he won’t be rushing things - as he wants her to be fully prepared for when the day comes. For her part Letisha has ambitions to study sports science at University and to perhaps one day referee in the NRL - the biggest rugby league arena in the land.

Pictured: Western Kangoulu Traditional Owner Garrett Malone and Emerald Indigenous resident Hedley Rankin started their traineeships at Kestrel Mine this year.

Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be a part of the Clermont, Emerald, Capella, Nebo, Sarina, Mirani, and Mackay communities.

www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au

Page 24 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


MONEY MATTERS 140th EDITION. 2012

Private health insurance: should it stay or should it go? From this week, you will be losing your 30 per cent subsidy for private health insurance if you are lucky enough to be earning over $130,000 as a singleton or $260,000 as a family. But before you go out and cancel your policy, there are a couple of things to consider. First, take a look at the thresholds. The government’s 30 per cent subsidy will still apply if you earn less than $84,000 as a single or $168,000 as a family. The subsidy will decrease to 20 per cent if you are earning up to $97,000 as a singleton or $194,000 as a family. And it will decrease to 10 per cent if you earn up to $130,000 single or $260,000 as family (see box below for the thresholds). If you decide to cancel your health insurance, you may be hit with the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which is payable in addition to the Medicare Levy. If you are on an income higher than $84,000 if you are single or over $168,000 as a family, you will be charged from 1 per

cent of your annual income. For a singleton earning over $130,000, this is 1.5 per cent this is $1950. For a family on $260,001 this is over $3900. So it may be more prudent to keep your private health insurance. If you opt out, and then decide to sign on again in several years, you could also be hit with loading fees for each decade you are over 30. You are allowed to have small gaps in your cover for up to three years less one Singles Families

day - 1094 days - during your lifetime without affecting you loading. If you use this time up, you will pay a 2 per cent loading fee on rejoining private hospital cover, and this will increase by 2 per cent every year that you are without cover. For more information, talk to your private health insurer or your financial advisor to see what cover - or lack of cover - suits you best.

<$84,000 <$168,000

$84,001-97,000 $168,001-194,000

$97,001-130,000 $194,001-260,000

>$130,001 >$260,001

< age 65

30%

20%

10%

0%

Age 65-69

35%

25%

15%

0%

Age 70+

40%

30%

20%

0%

0.0%

1.0%

1.25%

1.5%

Rebate

Medicare Levy Surcharge All ages

Australian Government private health insurance rebate at at 1 July 2012.

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM A

WINO

MORE- mining news MORE- industrial news MORE- investment news WEDNESDAY’S INDUSTRY NEWS ONLINE (WINO) BY SHIFT MINER

SHIFT MINER Premium Queensland business and industrial news www.shiftminer.com/news

WEDNESDAY’S INDUSTRIAL NEWS ONLINE

NEWS YOU WON’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE

Delivered direct to your inbox every Wednesday To register go to www.shiftminer.com and follow the link

Page 25 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012


NKER

MONEY MATTERS 140th EDITION. 2012

MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

Four tips for the Mobilnew e Banker, avai lable to you anytiyear me, financial

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cial year is a good time to stop and assess your financial position and your level of financial freedom. In the spirit of new beginnings, here are four tips for a successful year (finance-wise).

ooking at Ĺ˝ LJŽƾ ŚĂǀĞ ĎŜĂŜÄ?Ĺ?Ä‚ĹŻ ĨĆŒÄžÄžÄšŽžÍ? the best banking solutions for you. or Email pamela.pollock@cba.com.au HELLO, HELLO, Our LifePlan service can help put your money to work for you - come and see us today for a ĨĆŒÄžÄž Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ć&#x;Ä‚ĹŻ Ä?ŽŜĆ?ƾůƚĂĆ&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ Ĺ?ĆŒÄžÄ‚Ćš Ä?ŽčĞĞ.

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What you do with them is entirely up to you! • Find out where all your money went – and budget for the year ahead. Many people end up looking at their PAYG Summary (or group certificate) and lamenting where all their hard-earned dollars ended up. This doesn’t have to be you! Use whatever budgeting tool works for you (be it spreadsheets, pen and paper, or internet calculators) and make a plan for your money this financial year. You may find it goes a whole lot further!

ting at over $38 billion and climbing, with interest accruing at $6.4 billion per year. While your credit card bills might not look so horrendous, do you really want to contribute to that number? Paying just $100 more than just the minimum repayments is a great start if you want to knock your credit cards on the head.

• Read your super statement and review your investments. Many people receive their yearly superannuation statement and promptly file it away, never to be seen again. Whether you make extra super contributions or not, you deserve to know how your super is performing. If it’s not doing too well – compared to other funds, to be fair – consider changing funds or switching investment strategies. As always, do your research to determine what product is right for you.

• Do something productive with your tax refund! Tax refunds are a method of enforced saving – it’s your money, the ATO has just borrowed it for 12 months. Try and resist the temptation to go out and blow all that money on things that don’t last (like clothes, food, movies or even cars). If you don’t have any purpose in mind for your refund, then lock it away in a high-interest online savings account for a day when you really will need it. So there you have it – four tips for financial success in the new financial year. See how many of them you can manage to follow, and you may find yourself closer to financial freedom by June 30, 2013!

• Cut down on your credit card debt. Australia’s credit card debt is currently sit-

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Mining Boom Coastal Housing Solution

Call Pam Call Pollock 0466 925 Pam 136 Pollock

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0466 136 925

Email: pamela.pollock Email: @cba.com.au pamela.pollock

@cba.com.au

Important Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian Call information: Commonwealth Email: credit licenceinformation: 234945 Important Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian Pam Pollock pamela.pollock

MyPam name is Pam and I’m a Mobile Banker, available to you anytime,credit0466 925 @cba.com.au licence136 234945 Pollock pamela.pollock anywhere. with the full range of Commonwealth Bank 0466 136I CAN 925 assist @cba.com.au products and services, including: Important information: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian

Important information: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian credit licence 234945 t " MPBO UP QVSDIBTF ZPVS mSTU IPNF credit licence 234945

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Page 26 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012 Speak to me today about looking at the best banking solutions for you. Call me on 0466 136 925 or Email pamela.pollock@cba.com.au I CAN come to you.

11 Residential Lots approved. Jarman Street, Yeppoon

SALE BY EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 4pm Friday 29th June 2012

Emu Park

Kev Doolan 0408 192 883


Clever investors are already securing their piece of Moko

INVEST NOW- SETTLE 2016 MOKO NT TME INVES

T TMEN I N V E ST I E S F R O M ER P O R P

00 $295,0

These luxury apartments are located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, located just minutes from the largest medical precinct project in the Southern Hemisphere, with a $2.785b investment commitment in building government and private infrastructure over the next four years. That means this region is growing fast! With the creation of 19,000 jobs in the immediate area by

SELLING

FA S T

20% SOL D

IN JUST FO

UR WEE

KS

completion in 2016, you know Moko will be in high demand from renters, and buyers too if you decide to sell. • Secure mixed use residential and retail development • One, two and three bedroom apartments and townhouses • Investor friendly body corp fees, attractive yields • Waterfront location, resort style pool and gym • Close to parks, beach and public transport • Moko really is the address that has it all

E X P E R I E N C E

M O K O

I N V E S T M E N T

Be the first to secure this prime address at the best possible price. Call Ray White Apartment Sales on 07 5477 7287 | Call Brendan Robins for retail and commercial on 0402 159 588 or visit www.mokoliving.com.au for more information.

Page 27 - Shift Miner Magazine, 2nd July 2012



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