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Monday 8th October 147th Edition 2012

M A G A Z I N E

Culture of FEAR A WAVE of fear is sweeping through the coal fields as the correction in coal prices triggers a widespread cost cutting campaign by mining companies. Industry sources say the focus on costs â&#x20AC;&#x153;happens about every four yearsâ&#x20AC;? as mining companies try to unravel cost blowouts that were not worth correcting when the price for coal was very high. However, one miner who rang Shift Miner says all sorts of â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirt filesâ&#x20AC;? are surfacing on sites across Central Queensland so that work contracts can be broken. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know of lots of good hardworking people, who have never done anything seriously wrong and are being hauled in and given the sack over really trivial things,â&#x20AC;? the miner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I mean there are whole dirt files from years ago surfacing now, and all these little breaches are being raised so they can end a contract. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind it so much if it was across the board, but I know for a fact that two experienced company employees unsuccessfully tried to cover up a LV HV [Light vehicle, Heavy vehicle] accident, and all they got was a slap on the wrist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meanwhile contractors are losing their job for failing to do a pre-start check on their light vehicle two years ago or pissing in the wrong direction.â&#x20AC;?

Âť continued page 12

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HEAVEN IS A HALF PIPE

News New Gladstone shipping channel announced Âť page 4 News Unions and BMA to settle old score Âť page 5

News Workers walk away from leases Âť page 11 News Open cut training gets an overhaul Âť page 12

Skatepark is coolest holiday hangout

Âť Â Â More pictures page 16

Sport Triathlon to be a beauty Âť page 26 Money Matters Clever and cautious get best bargains Âť page 30

9 CONTENTS NEWS 4 New Gladstone shipping channel

5 BMA and union still wrangling 7 Innovators 15 dominate awards

7 5

14 Mounties advise on FIFO

Numbers You Numbers Numbers Regulars Can CountYou On** You *

Can CountCan OnCount On 18 Stuff to the Editor

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Page 3 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

Gladstone to get another shipping channel A PROPOSED new $400 million shipping channel in Gladstone Harbour has been declared a significant project by the Queensland Coordinator-General. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney has called for the public to comment on the project’s draft terms of reference about to be released by the Coordinator-General. This will help form the basis of its environmental impact statement. The project, if it goes ahead, will open up a second channel in the harbour, allowing two-way traffic and more efficient and effective use of the harbour. It will duplicate the existing Gatcombe and Golding Cutting shipping channel from the outer harbour, around East Banks, to the western side of Facing Island. “The Gladstone Ports Corporation has identified this as a key component of a 50-year strategic plan to safely and sustainably accommodate future shipping requirements,” Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said. As well as building the new channel the proposed project involves disposal of dredge spoil and constructing new channel navigation aids.

It’s expected to require a workforce of up to 100 people during construction over 20 months from 2014-2015 and an additional 20 people as part of the on-going maintenance dredging program. Coordinator-General Barry Broe said the EIS process marked the beginning of a comprehensive assessment process which would look at the environmental, social and economic impacts and benefits of the project. “I encourage the community to participate in shaping the outcome of the EIS and provide input to the draft terms of reference,” he said. The draft terms of reference are available for viewing from this week until November 5. They can be viewed at www.dsdip.qld. gov.au/gladstonechannel, or in person at: • Gladstone Regional Council Library, 39 Goondoon Street, Gladstone • 1 State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane. All public submissions should be made in writing and received by the Coordinator-General by 5pm on November 5.

“It’s expected to require a workforce of up to 100 people during construction over 20 months from 2014-2015 and an additional 20 people as part of the on-going maintenance dredging program.”

New GPC directors named GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has two new board members. Chris Greig and Bill Moorehead have been named as new GPC directors. “Chris Greig brings to the board a vast experience in project management with a particular emphasis from an engineering and resources sector perspective,” Chairman Mark Brodie told Shift Miner. Mr Greig has served as chief executive and project director for ZeroGen as well as being chairman for a family-owned group of companies with business in civil construction, agriculture and quarrying. He also has experience as a management consultant in the engineering and resources sectors and as a company director of both private and ASX-listed companies. Mr Brodie said the appointment of Bill Moorehead would ensure the inter-

Page 4 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

ests of the Port of Bundaberg were well represented. Mr Moorehead is currently a director of a privately owned property development company based in Bundaberg. A Fellow of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, Mr Moorehead is a foundation member of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute and Birdlife Australia. He has served on various committees in the region including the Regional Advisory Group for the sugar industry. Meanwhile, the GPC has donated $10,134.50 to Gladstone’s Mission to Seafarers centre. The money was raised through the Botanic to Bridge event. The Mission to Seafarers and Special Olympics Gladstone Region were joint beneficiaries from the event.

News

147th EDITION. 2012

BHP to sue unions over stoppages: old news WIDESPREAD media reports that Queensland’s most powerful mining union is being sued by 10 Central Queensland coal mines for almost $2.4 million is really a case of old news. According to regional newspapers, the CFMEU’s mining and energy division was facing allegations from mines, either owned or part-owned by BHP Billiton, that one of the union’s safety representatives unlawfully forced the mines to halt operations. However, a spokesperson from BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) told Shift Miner that these reports are out of date. “Some media reports yesterday included out-of-date details of legal action between BMA and the CFMEU,” the spokesperson said. “The legal action relates to mine shutdowns in 2010. “We are pleased to advise that the CFMEU and BMA are in amicable discussions to resolve this outstanding legal action in the near future.” Documents were submitted to the Federal Court in December, with BHP alleging the CFMEU industry safety and health representative had unlawfully shut down the mines, believing a new fatigue plan from BHP was unsafe for its workers. Safety representatives are endowed by

the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act with the power to immediately stop work for a “safety and health purpose”. The role of safety representatives has become a bone of contention, with the CFMEU insisting the role be filled by union representatives. The state government is in the process of updating the state’s mine safety laws to take account of the work of the National Mine Safety Framework. The Queensland Resources Council, along with other stakeholders in the mining industry, was invited to make a submission to the government. The organisation has made it clear that decisions to halt operations at a mine on safety grounds should be exercised by an independent regulator, not by paid officials of the CFMEU. QRC’s chief executive Michael Roche said the organisation based its position on instances where safety inspectors, employed by the CFMEU, had potentially used their ability to halt operations to pursue industrial agendas. “The QRC is aware of instances where these CFMEU paid officials have been officially reprimanded for such past abuses,” he said.

GE Mining calls Brisbane home

QRC chief Michael Roche says decisions to stop work on safety grounds should be done by independent officials. BMA and the CFMEU are still sorting out legal action surrounding 2010 stoppages at sites.

have paid the ultimate price and become another road statistic. “This is a yet another shocking reminder that motorists continue to risk their lives and those of other people, including train drivers, despite warnings, the obvious dangers and continued safety campaigns,” he said. “These events are extremely traumatic for our train drivers, who can’t swerve or dodge motorists that ignore the signs and signals at level crossings. “These trains can weigh in excess of 10,000 tonnes and it is impossible to stop them suddenly, even with the application of emergency brakes.” The level crossing has stop signs and oth-

GENERAL Electric is to base its mining division in Brisbane. GE Mining’s new chief executive Geoff Knox has told media the new business will help mines address critical power, water and productivity issues. There are more than 170 mining companies with offices in Brisbane already, according to Brisbane City Council figures. GE has indicated the establishment of GE Mining Global followed its recent mining sector acquisitions of Queensland manufacturer Industrea and the US-based Fairchild International.

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Imports down “The fair outcome is that if anyone has a concern about safety at a mine site they immediately contact the independent Mines Inspectorate which can then make an objective determination.” At their Queensland District convention last month, union delegates passed a resolution to fight any attempt from industry or government to tamper with the state’s best practice safety regulations, including lessening the powers of safety inspectors. The union said it was dangerously naive to take away the powers of safety inspectors at the coal face in favour of entrusting them to company executives in an office.

QR National wants drivers to take more care QR National is angry that motorists are continuing to risk their safety and the safety of rail staff at level crossings after a coal train collided with a truck at Emerald recently. Somehow the driver of the truck escaped serious injury after his vehicle was dragged 70 metres by the coal train at the airport crossing. Both QR National train drivers were uninjured but badly shaken. The incident prompted a stern warning from QR National. QR National senior vice president of safety, health and environment Neil Backer said the driver was lucky not to

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er warning signs. QR National staff and the truck driver are assisting police with investigations into the early morning incident. Coal movements in the Blackwater system were not affected by the collision.

QR National has been angered by continued crashes at Central Queensland level crossings and wants drivers to heed safety messages.

FEWER machines were imported to Australia in August but they had more value than the previous month. The Shelbourne Shipping data for the month shows machinery import volumes decreased by 9 per cent overall to 2256 units but at $747million these were worth more than 15 per cent on July’s imports. The increase in the average value of the machines indicates despite mine closures that mining equipment import volumes remain solid, the company said.

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Flood threat eases

RESOURCE towns can expect a hot summer with severe thunderstorms but it is unlikely there will be the widespread flooding of recent years. That’s the view of the Bureau of Meteorology that has provided its official briefing on the weather outlook to Cabinet. Queenslanders should enjoy a tropical summer, but expect periods of severe weather, forecasters say. Temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal throughout spring and summer and the fire risk remains higher than normal, particularly in the southern inland.

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Origin identifies leaks

ORIGIN Energy has identified several sites where gas is leaking near the Condamine River as it investigates a leak earlier this year that caused widespread community concern. At the time landholders near Chinchilla reported gas bubbling up through the river bed. The company says its early tests have shown there are no links between its coal seam gas wells and the bubbling gas. Initial findings by government have also suggested the gas seeps are also naturally occurring. Investigations are continuing.

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Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

News

147th EDITION. 2012

Innovators dominate safety award finals RESOURCE companies are set to dominate the Queensland Safe Work Awards with multiple nominations from the industry. The awards highlight innovation and commitment to workplace health and safety. Mackay’s Zemek Engineering and Xstrata Coal Newlands Northern Underground Mine at Glenden are both finalists. XStrata’s team were nominated for developing a machine to reduce manual handling of waste. Award spokesperson, Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie, said the tool, known as a trickle duster, can hold four tonnes of stone dust, which means a difficult task previously done by three workers can now be done by one machine. Zemek Engineering developed a new system for workers using electrical shovel dipper handles. “The dipper handle rotation system has led to fewer mobile cranes in the workshop,

improved traffic management and a reduction in fumes,” Mr Bleijie said. “Most importantly, it has reduced the risk of workers being hit by falling objects. “Workers no longer need to work at dangerous heights and there is less call for potentially hazardous manual tasks.” Garbutt’s SafetyCulture and Queensland Nickel’s Palmer Nickel and Cobalt Refinery have also made the finals. Queensland Nickel has developed a sound enclosure to significantly reduce noise levels in its dust extraction system. SafetyCulture made the finals with the release of its iAuditor – a free mobile application enabling safety audits, inspections and checklists. The app has more than 2000 templates that can be customised with photos, diagrams and other features and generates a report, which can be emailed directly from the device.

Within one week of the application’s launch it had been used 12,056 times and was downloaded by 1218 people and is now used 3000 times a day across the world.

The awards are run by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office. Winners will be announced on October 23. Accidents happen in every worksite. Several resource companies have made the finals of the Queensland Safe Work Awards by innovating to reduce mishaps and potential injuries.

“Within one week of the application’s launch it had been used 12,056 times and was downloaded by 1218 people and is now used 3000 times a day across the world.”

Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

News

147th EDITION. 2012

Santos lightens footprint with new Roma hub SANTOS GLNG has opened a new logistics facility outside Roma to house all of its coal seam gas and maintenance equipment. The hub, located 10km from the CBD to avoid trucks driving through the township, comprises 1600 standard pallet spaces and an area of 8600 square metres of concreted

laydown area for large components, such as engines, pipe assemblies and generators. The company’s vice president Queensland Trevor Brown said the development of the logistics hub enabled Santos GLNG to lighten its Roma footprint. “It took eight months to build and two

weeks of road movements, but all of our drilling and maintenance equipment from our office in Currey Street has been moved to the logistics hub,” Mr Brown said. The facility is the equivalent of 11 Olympic swimming pools in size and is already operating at 60 per cent capacity. Mr Brown said the hub has office space with rest and fatigue management facilities for truck drivers which formed an important part of the company’s commitment to prioritising safety. Meanwhile, construction has commenced on Santos GLNG’s 420km underground gas transmission pipeline from its gasfields to Gladstone. Saipem Australia is constructing the pipeline and it should be completed in less than two years. Work is underway in Arcadia Valley with fencing, clearing and grading started and

Saipem will begin burying the pipe in early November. Ground has been broken on about 20kms of the pipeline route and the team is now stringing and bending the pipe. Stringing involves laying the pipes endto-end next to the pipe alignment. The pipes are placed on padded bags that are raised on blocks of wood to protect the pipe. Next comes bending, which involves the use of specialist machines to bend some pipe sections to adjust for minor variations in the route and terrain. Pipeline work will head north from Arcadia Valley and then turn north-east to cross the Expedition Range. Temporary camps have been built along the pipeline route to accommodate workers and take pressure off housing and accommodation in the region, according to the company.

“It took eight months to build and two weeks of road movements, but all of our drilling and maintenance equipment from our office in Currey Street has been moved to the logistics hub.”

Santos has opened a new logistics hub in Roma as construction starts on its GLNG’s 420km underground gas transmission pipeline from its gasfields to Gladstone.

Researchers out to probe community tension RESEARCHERS are to investigate disputes surrounding coal seam gas in the Darling Downs. Professor David Trigger and Dr Kim de Rijke from the University of Queensland’s School of Social Science will look at a range of issues including relationships to land and water, the politics of community alliances and the cultural significance of agricultural production in the region. Dr de Rijke told Shift Miner the independent study aims to engage the full variety of social groups involved in disputes. “Coal seam gas extraction is currently

one of the most contested issues in Australia – we’re exploring the social and cultural aspects of a range of perspectives regarding these natural resource extraction projects,” Dr de Rijke said. “We intend to gain responses from farmers, environmentalists, government representatives, scientists and industry personnel and residents in the rural towns of the Darling Downs and surrounds.” Focused on resource contest and relationships to land in Australia, the study will address a significant issue in environmental anthropology.

Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

“It is likely to have policy implications for Australia and other countries in which unconventional gas extraction, including the use of controversial hydraulic fracturing or fracking techniques, is subject to intense disputes,” Dr de Rijke said. As part of the work in-depth qualitative research will be done and will look at how coal seam gas disputes can be understood in

the context of competing visions of land use, nature, agricultural production and rural life. Dr de Rijke said ideally the outcomes will be of benefit to everyone impacted on by the industry. Research will also be done in northern New South Wales which is in trench warfare with the industry while networks with overseas researchers will also be established.

“Coal seam gas extraction is currently one of the most contested issues in Australia – we’re exploring the social and cultural aspects of a range of perspectives regarding these natural resource extraction projects.”

News

147th EDITION. 2012

Beavering away in river beds a fishy business COULD mimicking the habits of a beaver have a positive effect in Queensland? A new research project is investigating the use of man-made log structures to improve water quality and fish habitat in the O’Connell River, south of Proserpine in the Mackay Whitsunday Region. The engineered log jams involve positioning logs into the river bank to reduce erosion and provide a safe habitat for native fish.

The aim of the project is to determine how effective the structure and the cost of using engineered log jams is in the O’Connell River, and whether it enhances stream bank stability, waterways and fish habitat and species diversity. Reef Catchments Healthy Waterways coordinator Sal Gray said the structures change the behaviour of the water flow over time creating pools, flow rate changes

and channel re-alignment as well as recreating diverse in-stream fish habitats. “The primary role of the structures is to stabilise eroding river banks, protecting land used for cattle grazing and sugar cane. The structures offer an alternative to traditional rock structures and use recycled timber from the local area.” The project has received funding support for the research programme and the construction of log jams as well as monitoring support from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. “As the O’Connell River is a priority catchment of the Great Barrier Reef, we hope that this pilot project will extend to a series of catchment management initiatives to help improve the health and quality of our waterways.” The Department of Natural Resources and Mines is undertaking a two-year monitoring and evaluation programme to examine attributes such as in-stream habitat, flow management and water quality all in relation to the engineered log jams.

Griffith University’s Dr Andrew Brooks, Reef Catchments’ Sal Gray, Hail Creek Mine’s Fiona Kruger and Kylie Devine and Reef Catchments’ Will Higham.

The department’s project leader Bernie Cockayne said monitoring was an important element of the work. “Departmental officers have been involved in monitoring before the construction of the log jams and will continue to monitor after the construction,” he said. “This is to survey the river bed and bank site and observe the effectiveness of the structures on the rates of bank failure and erosion.” The Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund provided $55,000 to the project.

“The structures change the behaviour of the water flow over time creating pools, flow rate changes and channel re-alignment as well as recreating diverse in-stream fish habitats.”

Construction of the engineered log jams.

Four deep at the bar gas is burning bright AROUND midday in the small community of Injune in the Surat Basin there is hardly a soul to be seen. But come dinner time gas industry workers are four deep at the Injune Hotel. It’s partly to do with the attraction of the $20 steak meal, but mostly it’s just a reflection of the fact that small agricultural communities like Injune are hosting a growing gas workforce. Unlike the tentative pessimism that seems to be gripping the Queensland coal industry, the gas industry remains as optimistic as ever. Mayor of the Maranoa Shire Council Robert Loughnan said this is presenting some predictable problems. “Most of our towns are filled to capacity,” he said. “Although we are expecting this to ease a bit when the flood re-construction workforce comes off the boil. “We are starting to see some very big rentals - $800 a week and higher - and certainly industrial land is in short supply and becoming more expensive.” But like the Bowen Basin, the main area of concern for council is the supply of

affordable accommodation for locals not engaged in the mining sector. Among the range of measures to help with the problem are the establishment of a 1000-room accommodation complex at Roma, and a number of specific affordable home schemes. “Yes residential is the issue, and we are talking to people like mayor Peter Maguire in Emerald about how they have approached the problem,” Mr Loughnan said. “We have worked pretty closely together on the Royalties for Regions program, and while I don’t expect us to be the first cab off the rank, we do hope we get some royalty assistance. “Roma has had a longer association with the gas industry than anyone else. “For over 100 years agriculture and gas have been co-existing (here) and I think we are better prepared. “We just have so many people working in the gas sector now. Twenty years ago if there wasn’t room on the family farm, and you didn’t want to be a stock agent, you had to leave town.”

“For over 100 years agriculture and gas have been co-existing (here) and I think we are better prepared. Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

News

147th EDITION. 2012

QGC spends $1 million on Gladstone office QGC has opened its new office in Gladstone after spending more than $1 million refurbishing the old Observer newspaper building. Local builder Paul Capuano led a team of 35 tradespeople from the Gladstone area including plasterers, electricians, plumbers, joiners, carpet-layers and air-conditioning experts on the four-month project to renovate the 27 Goondoon Street site.

The two-level office, designed for up to 90 people, will support operations at the liquefied natural gas plant being constructed on Curtis Island as part of the Queensland Curtis LNG Project. QGC operations director Walter Simpson said QGC had made a priority of engaging the expertise of local contractors and suppliers as much as practicable for the work. “This is in line with our approach to con-

Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

struction and operation of QCLNG,” Mr Simpson said. “We’re committed to providing local, Queensland and Australian suppliers with full, fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in QCLNG. “This is a commitment embedded in our major contracts and has resulted in more than $1 billion worth of contracts being awarded in the Gladstone region.”

White goods, window fittings and landscaping supplies were also bought locally. QGC announced in June 2012 that it had spent nearly $8 billion since the start of 2010 developing QCLNG and its domestic gas business with about 74 per cent of it spent in Australia and 59 per cent in Queensland. QGC’s main Gladstone office and public information centre will remain at 72 Goondoon Street.

News

147th EDITION. 2012

Spike in bond breakers investigated LAPSED contracts in resource towns have led to a spike in broken rental bonds as companies and their workers walk away from leases. The Rental Tenancy Authority (RTA) has confirmed to Shift Miner that there

has been a sharp increase in the number of complaints and investigations the organisation has under way. The authority is responsible for maintaining the rights of landlords, tenants and consumers.

Signing is the easy part - paying can be hard. The Rental Tenancy Authority is investigating more than 30 disputes between landlords and tenants in Moranbah.

Moranbah is proving to be a hotspot for complaints. RTA chief executive Fergus Smith said because of confidentiality he could not comment on specific cases, however he did say that there had been 37 requests for dispute resolution lodged from the Moranbah area between August 1 and mid-September. “This largely involves mining accommodation,” he said. “The disputes are mostly about repairs and maintenance and bond disputes.” Nineteen of the complaints were related to repairs and the balance payment or return of the bond. If parties are unable to reach resolution through the RTA’s dispute resolution service they can then apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a ruling. For the same period in 2011 there was a total of three disputes for the Moranbah area and four in 2010. “This is a significant increase in the number of disputes,” Mr Smith said. The rise in cases is believed to be linked

to contracting companies that have lost work in Moranbah and then moved workers out of their homes en masse. This has left the property owners seeking compensation for lost rent. Tenants can walk away from leases under some circumstances. This includes when a landlord or agent has failed to fix a problem with the rental property, such as a door that won’t lock, after three warnings for the same issue. Known as a breach notice, the landlord is then given seven days to rectify the problem or the tenant can seek accommodation elsewhere. Shift Miner contacted one of the major companies believed to be involved in the walkouts and was asked to email questions. No response has been supplied. The firm has more than 1000 staff and is believed to have recently lost at least one contract in Moranbah. If employers house workers in a number of resource town homes the total of bonds, usually four weeks rent per home, can be significant.

Baralaba expansion bankable, Rail line solution inches closer Cockatoo Coal crows

THE economics are looking good for the expansion of Cockatoo Coal’s Baralaba mine, which would see the simple open-cut brownfield development increase production from 750,0000 tonnes per annum to 3.5 million tonnes. The company has just completed its bankable feasibility study showing the mine will have a life of over 20 years and will move to producing only high-quality ultra-low volatile pulverised coal injection (ULV PCI) coal. Cockatoo’s managing director Andrew Lawson said the increased production, improved product mix, and high yield would position Cockatoo as a significant producer in the global PCI market. “The finalisation of the bankable feasibility study is an important milestone for Cockatoo,” Mr Lawson said. “It highlights the compelling project economics that exist at Baralaba which will enable Cockatoo to successfully navigate the current challenging global environment and position ourselves for better times ahead.” The comprehensive coal quality drilling and testing program, combined with independent testing and verification, confirmed that the project will have a product yield of 85 per cent and an improved product mix producing 100 per cent high value ULV PCI coal.

Both Baralaba North and South will be run as open-cut, truck and shovel operations, with run-of-mine (ROM) coal from both being processed at the coal handling and preparation plant located near Baralaba South. All product coal from Baralaba North and South will be hauled 40kms by road to a stockyard and train load out facility on the Moura line near the Dawson Mine. Cockatoo has secured necessary rail and port capacity for the expected 3.5Mtpa of product coal, which will be exported via the port facilities at Wiggins Island and RG Tanna at the Port of Gladstone. The bankable feasibility study estimates Cockatoo’s share of total outstanding development capital expenditure to be $330m (excluding contingency) with further identified potential cost savings. Cockatoo has submitted the environmental management plan for Baralaba North, and is now finalising the environmental impact statement for Baralaba South, which the company plans to lodge in the first quarter of 2013. Cockatoo engaged Behre Dolbear Australia (BDA) to conduct an independent technical review of the bankable feasibility study.

THE terms of reference for the $2 billion Central Queensland Integrated Rail project environmental impact statement have been finalised. The project is QR National’s solution to providing an integrated, heavy haul rail system to link Galilee and Bowen basin mines to Abbot Point and Hay Point. The terms of reference document shows QR National has removed a 160-kilometre section of the greenfields corridor that would have extended from south of the Galilee basin near Alpha to the Galilee Junction west of Moranbah. Queensland Coordinator-General Barry Broe said 21 submissions were received from the public and advisory agencies on the draft terms of reference. “The submissions have been taken into

account in finalising the terms of reference, so the way is now clear for the proponent to complete its EIS,” Mr Broe said. “When I am satisfied that the EIS addresses the terms of reference, the document will be circulated to key stakeholders, and advertised for public comment. “The public will have another opportunity to provide further feedback on this rail project, once the EIS is released.” The Queensland Government has confirmed to Shift Miner it is committed to two rail corridors connecting the Galilee Basin to the Port of Abbot Point. There are currently half a dozen rail lines being explored by resource companies who are willing to share the line with others if they have ownership and control.

“The bankable feasibility study estimates Cockatoo’s share of total outstanding development capital expenditure to be $330m with further identified potential cost savings.” Page 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

News

147th EDITION. 2012

Open cut training gets a modern overhaul BRISBANE recruitment and training firm One Key Resources has launched Australia’s first animated training program aimed at improving production among open cut machine operators. The company has released the first of a series of one-hour videos which immerse participants in the mining environment and provide detailed information and familiarisation with equipment and procedures. “This is a first in the Australian mining

industry to commercially release an animated video on production mining techniques, and an innovative training solution for excavator and dump truck operators,” One Key Resources managing director Grant Wechsel told Shift Miner this week. “Using high quality animation, the video trains operators on the sequence of mining operator techniques including exactly where the excavator should dig to where the truck needs to be parked to take its load.

FROM PAGE 1

Cost cutting leads to “dirt files” on workers Predictably, it seems to be the exploration areas that are being hardest hit, with another miner reporting that the number of exploration rigs operating on the BMA owned Saraji exploration site has fallen from 36 to nine. “Each rig has three crew working on three rosters, so that is about 9 people per rig that have lost their job, and I think at the Saraji exploration site 80 to 100 contractors have lost their job,” the driller said. The Australian Drilling Association is not commenting on the current outlook. Steve Pearce from the CFMEU said it is

not the first time that contractors have had to wear an unfair amount of the burden of cost cutting. “I have definitely seen in the past where giant multi-nationals will crucify supplementary employees in a downturn, but will turn a blind eye to their own people,” he said. “What we are seeing is an adjustment in the market, and coal prices are coming back to a sensible level. “The boom is not over but mining companies are just being greedy.” BMA were unavailable for comment on this story.

“I mean there are whole dirt files from years ago surfacing now, and all these little breaches are being raised so they can end a contract.” Page 12 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

“There’s a lot of talk about Australia being one of the most unproductive and inefficient mining countries in the world. This is aimed at increasing operating mines’ efficiency, standardising processes, moving more material and ultimately making more money for our clients.” The video was developed by One Key Resources, with company director and mining productivity expert Andy Holder working in partnership with an animation studio to produce the content. It is hosted online and can be accessed on any mine site. Mr Wechsel said such training was usually done in the cab of machinery on site or in simulators. “In both cases, only so many people can be trained at one time,” he said. “This video can be used anywhere and with any amount of people. It also reduces training costs by providing an ongoing standardisation to the programs our trainers have put in place on mine sites.” Mr Wechsel said in addition to cost cutting, mining companies were now also looking to tackle inefficiencies as commodity prices soften and demand falls. “Many mines have put up with inefficient practices because they were making money during the boom times, however now mines want to do a full review of work practices to ensure optimal efficiency,” he said.

Shots from recruitment and training firm One Key Resources’ animated training program.

“The mining industry is increasingly realising each piece of machinery has to perform at its peak in the face of softening demand and lower returns. This has seen a boom in our traditional on-site proficiency training programs but also led to the development and release of this animated training program.” BHP Billiton will be the first to run the training program in its iron ore mines in Western Australia. Mr Wechsel said Bowen Basin coal mines had also shown interest in the training video, which features a test at the end for operators. “It can be used at any open cut mine as a majority of the techniques covered are standard in the industry,” he said. “We are hoping this will be the first in a series of videos which we will make covering different mining machinery.”

Cape Alumina bauxite mine resurrected THE controversial plan to develop a bauxite mine within the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on Cape York has won significant project status from the Queensland Government. The latest planned development of the Pisolite Hill bauxite mine, owned by Cape Alumina, stalled in 2010 when the Bligh government declared the nearby Wenlock River a wild river and imposed a 500m buffer zone around waterways. The Newman Government now says it will scrap the Wild Rivers laws and impose its own statutory planning regime on the Cape. That move paves the way for 1700 jobs and $1.2 billion for the economy from the project. Pisolite Hills is one of several significant development prospects for the Cape. Rio Tinto also has State Government approval for the South of Embley bauxite project, near Weipa, but is waiting for federal go-ahead on the project.

Cape Alumina has more than 4000 drill holes for Pisolite Hills which has a resource estimated at 134.6 million tonnes of in-situ bauxite. This resource has the potential to yield up to seven million tonnes per annum of dry-product bauxite over a 15-year period. Meanwhile, The Wilderness Society has already questioned the economic benefits of Cape Alumina’s plans. Speaking to media, Tim Seelig from the Wilderness Society says there will be little benefit for local Aboriginal communities. “We have a huge mining area at Weipa and one of the most disadvantaged Indigenous communities in Australia in Napranum right on its doorstep,” he said. “Mining proposals like this don’t end up delivering large numbers of jobs to Indigenous people but they certainly do trash both physical . . . natural environments and cultural heritage.”

“We have a huge mining area at Weipa and one of the most disadvantaged Indigenous communities in Australia in Napranum right on its doorstep.”

News

147th EDITION. 2012

Diversify not downsize: Group Engineering GROUP Engineering in Mackay said it had no choice but to make changes including redundancies as it grappled with a correction in Queensland mining. Managing director of Group Engineering Allan Ruming recently sat down with his entire workforce to explain the current downturn and the challenges it presented. “Across the board in Queensland and the Northern Territory we have seen work wind right back,” he said. “Our on-site blokes have reduced from 12 people to two, and for a small business like us that is a significant change.” However, Mr Ruming was quick to point out that this was not the first time the company had encountered and survived a correction in mining. “We have to get away from this ridiculous boom and bust cycle in mining,” he said. “Some of the large companies were paying ridiculous prices when things were booming and small operators like us just can’t compete with that. “We have to adjust our business to the challenges that are presented in the best way we can, which means moving quickly to exploit new opportunities.

“We are not scaling back, we are taking various steps to keep our workforce as long as we can, because I know that at some point in the not too distant future we will need these people again. “Part of the solution for us will be a refocus on what industries we are exposed to and we will probably reduce our exposure to the mining sector. “But there will be some workforce attrition.” Mr Ruming says he expects most of the new mining projects in Central Queensland to become a reality but he warned that more of the older mines might be mothballed. He says the issue is cost of production, and some old mines like BMA Blackwater won’t stack up if the price of coal continues to fall and operation costs continue to rise. As part of the companies refocus, Group Engineering will soon enter into a joint venture with a like-minded company from southern Australia. This joint venture will significantly expand their capacity and allow them to take on a broader range of jobs - including in the booming gas sector. “These corrections are like a kick in the nuts; they hurt at the time, but you know that

Mining doesn’t have to be boom and bust Managing director of Group Engineering Allan Ruming from Mackay says the cycle of ups and downs is “ridiculous”. The firm has just laid off workers.

the pain will go away eventually,” he said. “And unfortunately we have to make

unpalatable decisions we would not normally make.”

“We have to get away from this ridiculous boom and bust cycle in mining.”

Joint venture lands $80m contract QGC has awarded a contract worth up to $80 million for the first stage of natural gas processing facilities in the Surat Basin for the Queensland Curtis LNG Project. The contract, with a joint venture of listed Australian companies Transfield Services and Clough Projects Australia, involves front-end engineering and planning for gas compression facilities, bulk earth works, piling and concrete foundations. The work, to be done at QGC’s Woleebee Creek development block, south-west of Wandoan, and its Bellevue development block, east of Miles, is expected to be completed early next year. A contract for construction of five field compression stations and a central processing plant at Woleebee Creek and three field compression stations and a central process-

ing plant at Bellevue will then be awarded. QGC Managing Director Derek Fisher said as always QGC and the joint venture were committed to the use of local contractors wherever possible. “The contract gives local contractors the opportunity to provide associated goods and services and includes a plan for employment of local personnel and contractors,” Mr Fisher said. “We’re committed to providing local, Queensland and Australian suppliers with full, fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in QCLNG.” At June 2012, QGC had spent nearly A$8 billion since the start of 2010 developing QCLNG and its domestic gas business, with about 74% of it spent in Australia and 59% in Queensland.

Anti-gas protest doesn’t need Jones THE sleepy northern New South Wales town of Murwillumbah will host the launch of a national week of action against the coal seam gas industry on October 13. “The National Week of Action has been called by Lock the Gate Alliance to give local communities a chance to stand up against the rapid expansion of coal and coal seam gas activities,” said the Lock The Gate Alliance member Michael McNamara. Speakers will include Alliance president Drew Hutton and Annie Kia co-ordinator of

the Gas field Free Communities initiative. A march through the town’s CBD will take place followed by a rock concert. Interestingly the movements pin up boy - broadcaster Alan Jones - has been asked to not attend after his recent comments about the death of Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s father. Recently retired Greens Senator Bob Brown is to send a video message of support. Details of what other activities are planned across the gasfields for the week were not available

Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

SHIFT

MINER ladder

GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

Mounties called to help with FIFO answers THE famed Canadian Mounties are helping Australia cope with the pressures of the growing fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workforce. As part of their investigation into FIFO and drive-in, drive-out work practices, the senators on the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia have visited Canada where the oil industry flies thousands of workers to remote sites. Inquiry chairman Tony Windsor said afterward that 40,000 of the Alberta city’s population of 100,000 are FIFO workers. “We had various meetings with the Mayor (of Fort McMurray) and some of the various Canadian government departments, even the mounted police,” Mr Windsor said. “If you don’t get the land and planning issues right and the infrastructure funding right you just end up in a mess because you can’t keep pace with the issues that will arrive and that will force rentals and property values up.” Fort McMurray, a petroleum industry centre, is feeling the strain of the rapid expansion brought about by a large FIFO workforce.

The town has doubled in size in eight years. “Infrastructure, housing and services are all feeling the strain in Fort McMurray and our FIFO committee here in Australia is considering if local government is going to need a hand trying to deal with it,” Mr Windsor said. Meanwhile, the Australian Medical Association’s Western Australian branch has publicly called for an interim report into the nationwide hearings conducted by the committee to be released. The AMA WA says the main report is taking too long and action is required now to address the pressures of FIFO and DIDO. “It’s going to take so long (for the report) that the mining boom may potentially be actually coming to an end,” AMA WA president Richard Choong said. Medical, education and recreation services in major resource towns, such as Moranbah and Mackay, were shown during the hearings to be bearing the brunt of the growth in FIFO work numbers. The first report is expected next month.

“If you don’t get the land and planning issues right and the infrastructure funding right you just end up in a mess because you can’t keep pace with the issues that will arrive and that will force rentals and property values up.”

FIFO workers headed to a light plane at Brisbane Airport - the Canadian Mounties have provided insights into handling the surge in FIFO during a fact finding tour to Canada by senators involved with the inquiry into the work practice.

Paranoia keeping out good recruits WE’RE just too paranoid when it comes to bringing in overseas workers to fill resource sector roles says a leading recruitment firm boss. Chairman of Talent 2, Andrew Banks, said this week during a roundtable discussion on shortages, such as those in mining, should be eased through specialised immigration, as was done in Norway during the 1970s. “They allowed thousands of people in on very short-term work permits,” Mr Banks said. “They got the job done, got the oil out of the ground and they are now the richest nation on the planet -- then they sent everyone home.” Mr Banks said Australia needs to be more open to short-term solutions to fill the gap. “In some areas we’ve got to be less paranoid about importing skills and understand that

there is no way any country can train people to meet a need in a short period of time,” he said. Kathy Kostyrko of Hays Consulting, which recruits for mining, said that many workers may be willing to move to remote locations for jobs they often didn’t have the skills required for the work. “And because there are so many countries now around the world in this market it’s creating a big shortage of the people at the top that we need in this area in Australia,” Ms Kostyrko said. “We need to open up our borders and be as accepting and make it very much easier to get this talent into Australia as we need it.” The skills shortage is expected to push up wages for resource workers in Queensland and Western Australia over the next 12 months.

Port backs local youth GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has launched its regional high school bursary program for 2012. The program is GPC’s annual commitment to the youth of the region to encourage high achieving students to further their education. GPC has been providing bursaries to high schools in the Gladstone and Rockhampton regions for over 30 years and more recently in Bundaberg. Under the scheme, GPC contributes $32,000 to 36 students, including 28 Year 12 bursaries of $1000 each to students who plan to pursue tertiary education, and eight junior bursaries of $500 for Year 10 students who anticipate going on to Year 12. “The pressures further education can

Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

have on students and their families can be quite demanding and stressful,” GPC CEO Leo Zussino said this week. “By providing these bursaries, GPC hopes to provide encouragement and assistance to the students who receive them and their supporting families. “Our bursary program is just one of the many ways GPC supports Central Queensland’s progress by helping young people further their education.” Bursary information has been distributed to the schools and includes what students must do to be considered for the program. Bursary recipients will be presented with their awards at ceremonies in October and November.

SHIFT

MINER ladder

GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

More resource workers choosing Bali

IS Bali the new off-shift destination for flyin, fly-out (FIFO) workers? This is the question researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth are pondering, as a growing number of people appear to be choosing to go to Bali between rosters rather than their home towns in Australia. A team of researchers from ECU’s newly created Centre for Innovative Practice (CIP) are investigating why this shift has occurred. CIP co-leader and project head Professor Ross Dowling says FIFO workers are capitalising on new flight schedules, Bali’s lower living costs and reduced taxes all while taking advantage of the relaxed island lifestyle. “We want to get a deeper understanding of this new development, to learn why workers are choosing not to return to their families and friends but go off shore instead,” Professor Dowling told Shift Miner. “Are workers choosing the holiday atmosphere over returning to home or is there more to it than that?” The Bali study is part of a larger research project which addresses wider aspects of the resources industry. ECU’s Faculty of Business and Law

have awarded the CIP $50,000 to carry out the project, called The requirements of innovative practices in the WA resources sector. The work is expected to have valuable insights for the Queensland industry as well. More than 20 researchers will participate in the project working to address key issues affecting the resources sector. These include sustainability within the resources industry; the recruitment and retention of workers on 457 visas within small companies; skills shortages in the sector; creating a future for Indigenous exprisoners and improvement in the resources sector productivity. The investigation into the Bali phenomena comes at a time when several regional centres compete to attract more FIFO workers. The Gold Coast has been slow off the mark, despite pushing its Australia’s playground as a lure for workers and their families. The Glitter Strip has one of the highest concentrations of night clubs per square kilometre in the world - but Bali might even be able to compete on that score. The Sunshine Coast recently got a co-ordinator to assist businesses make more of FIFO for the region.

Ah Bali - perfect one day, even better the next . . . researchers are trying to find out why Aussie FIFO workers prefer to the laid back island’s beaches and tourist lifestyle to their own home towns when offshift.

“Are workers choosing the holiday atmosphere over returning to home or is there more to it than that?”

Page 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

around town 147th EDITION. 2012

HEAVEN IS A HALF PIPE Moranbah kids enjoy the skatepark

(L-R) Clayton Christmas, Taylor McPherson, Shanelle Cunningham, Corey Greenhalgh

Heet Amin, Jeremy Curren

Lucas Doocey, Jesse Emdenburg

(L-R) Heino Nel, Joel O’Neill, Joseph Nel

Sharon Dempster, Rhames Lee

Shanelle Cunningham, Corey Greenhalgh

Clayton Christmas, Taylor McPherson

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 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

around town 147th EDITION. 2012

JAPAN BOUND

Students heading to Japan given a formal farewell from Blackwater

(L-R) Monica Sidhu, Lynda Connell, Kay Jones,Peter and Theresa Foley

Student Kimberley Cooke with her family; Helen, Kevin, Katie and Mitchell Cooke.

Gracie, Deidre, Kirstie and Imogene Beath, Connor and William Guest and Breeannah Barney

(L-R) Sharon, Isabella, Emma and Tony Fernie

Student Ryleigh Jones, with her family Colleen, John and Kelsey.

Julie and Margie

Isabella Fernie, Delaney Beak, RyleighJones, Kimberley Cooke and Connor Guest, with chaperones Mary Ryan and Theresa Foley

Mary Ryan with Sandra and Bryan Ottone.

BUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT

www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bringing the mining community closer together Page 17 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

stuff to the editor 147th EDITION. 2012

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Finally some payback to all those southern PERSONAL investors who have come into this town and L pushed the rental rates up to unfair levels. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MMERCIA LAW CO G ESTATE NVEYANCIN just pure greed and I hope they learn aCO lesson 2016 LAW Fax 4957 57 2944 Phone 49 from it. Sam, Nebo end up back in the Kotti Doon camp and that ckay Street Ma Brisbane vel 2/ 17 is going to affect more than just us. Craig, People keep whining about all the FIFO Leand DIDO in the coalfields. I live in Mackay and I Emu Park hate the drive to work. But why would I move And finally the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;At homeâ&#x20AC;? section to Moranbah? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good town, but the cost of has some fans... living is just ridiculous. Daniel, Mackay Finally someone talking about a few of these LAHFA change no laughing matter. (Law issues. My husband has been a miner for change takes allowance from workers nearly a decade, and when he first started P5, SM146) it was an absolute shock to our marriage I think you might have got the wrong end of and there was absolutely no support or the stick on the LAHFA. I am not an overseas understanding from anywhere. Great work worker, but I am pretty certain I am going to keep it up. Shelagh, Bundaberg lose my entitlements, even though I live more I get the feeling the new at home section is than 200 kilometres from home. mostly for the wives, but I really enjoyed it as cidents Mining Ac ents Work Accid ents hicle Accid Motor Ve ims /TPD Cla Insurance

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The hardest thing is the sleep. My wife never understood why I was so hammered for the first days off shift - but now we have reached an understanding on that, everything is great. Bill, Hay Point

Got something to share? Send us your text messages or phone photos to 0428 154 653 Or email to alex.graham@shiftminer.com

Redmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rants Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News Rode out to the desert Lookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for what wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there. Found Dante in a frozen brine. Read on, I will expose Gandhi planting a land mine. You slack, bug-eyed spectators. Hoping for shit so you can show disgust at the smell. I dare you to hate your kind.

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Is the housing crisis easing in the coalfields? (Moranbah Bubble Bursts, P1 SM146)

2012

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SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

FROM THE EDITOR IT seems old habits die hard in resources with news filtering through from work sites across the state that the purge is on by companies keen to shed workers. Some have been so distressed that they have taken to calling the media to get attention and action as workers, mostly contractors, are cut from work sites for seemingly trivial matters (see story Page 1). Human Resources managers and shift supervisors may see it differently and trot out the age old cliche that a team is only as good as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weakest members and to be a good team the weak have to be cut loose. But what would these same people be saying if they were the one to be cut loose? Being shown the door can give an individual a very sharp dose of clarity about just how loyal their employer is (believe me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happened to me more than once . . . . ). Workers that are trying to bring to light the pressures put on them and oth-

ers in the workplace have every right to be speaking out. They work in an industry that has been promoting itself as short on workers and with large pay packets to go around for those that have jobs. Most workers are loyal. That loyalty is expected. But when the going gets tough, or slightly tougher than it has been, employers are showing staff the door. Loyalty doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to mean much when you are picking up your last pay from the pay office window. All firms in the industry need to take a breath and see how they are managing cutbacks and any slowdown and if they are placing too much of the burden on workers. There are many ways businesses can cut expenses and reducing the workforce - either full-time or contract shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the first one chosen as it so often is.

Greg Sweetnam

Comment or SMS 0428 154 653

The musings of a CQ miner... Damn it and damn you Luke-warm sea Stay on the sideline. A rotten mess you look at Raise your nose. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel the warmth or good, Discuss or monitor the blessed. The news - the press Sexual assault Bank default Today (no way) Tonight Is this news?

Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

The Telegraphâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common view A medicated childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play is up A second-hand truck with a dodgy clutch A twit with cameras, script and light. To that, to this, the sky and moon We fly this shit into our lounge room. To that, to this, is my reply - although not mine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Songs interwoven of lights and of laughters Borrowed from bell-birds in far forest-rafters; So I might keep in the city and alleys The beauty and strength of the deep mountain valleys:

Charming to slumber the pain of my losses With glimpses of creeks and a vision of mossesâ&#x20AC;?*. * Henry Kendall insert

Who is Redmond?

Redmond was born in a cross-fire hurricane and now resides in Queensland. Former Golden Glove champ turned champion shearer, his shearing career was cut short when he entered the adult film industry and made 3467 films in three months. He now enjoys semi-retirement and lives happily on his 100,000 acre property with his seven wives. He has received the annual Golden Pen award from the Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild four years in a row in the Truth Telling category...

FAIR DINKUM 147th EDITION. 2012

’s k n a T e h t k n a r F

Dear Frank,

I really like this girl, but her dad is a complete pain in the proverbial. Most of the time, I can cope with it, but he has one habit that I swear is going to tip me over the edge. Whenever we have a barbeque, he hovers over me - giving me advice, and reminding me not to burn the snags and that he likes his steak rare. For the love of God - how do I make him stop? Roger

I feel your pain, Roger, lord knows I’ve had to endure my fair share of horrible fathersin-law. I was seeing this girl a few months ago and her father was a real pain. He was constantly pressing me for information: “How old are you, what kind of work do you do, how did you meet my daughter, why are you sending nude photos of yourself to our post office box?” It’s my own fault though, if I didn’t want to put up with overprotective fathers I should stop dating girls who are still in high school. As annoying as that was, however, nothing will ever compare to my first wife’s father. Apparently he got kicked by a horse when he was a younger and he was never quite the same again. Every time he came over for dinner he’d invariably confuse the linen basket f or the toilet.

Needless to say we spent a fortune on dry cleaning, and my wife had to stop making curry altogether. Unfortunately, however, it’s very difficult to get a father-in-law out of your hair. The reason they do these annoying things is to test you, to see how hungry you are for their approval. Here’s the thing though: the less the fathers approve, the wilder the daughters go. I know it sounds cliché, but every girl wants a bad boy, and getting her old man offside is the quickest way to become the bad boy. There are any number of ways to do this. You just need to pick something that

“Streakin” good love advice will particularly irritate your prospective father-in-law. Personally, if I’m trying to get a girl’s father offside the first thing I do is find out who his favourite sporting team is and then insult them comprehensively in his presence. If for some reason that fails to do the trick nothing gets a father-in-law more annoyed than repeated and inappropriate complimenting of his wife. Next time you’re at a barbeque and your girlfriend’s dad wanders over to give you some grilling tips tell him his wife’s got a pair of breasts the same as he likes his steak: ‘rare’. Frank.

It’s my own fault though, if I didn’t want to put up with overprotective fathers I should stop dating girls who are still in high school.

If you find your face frozen in a rictus smile as your potential father-in-law tells you what to do with your barbeque sausage, it is time to take action. Girls like bad boys, so stop greasing up and start thinking of some insults to rark him up.

Sensible Susan Roger, I can understand your frustration. There’s nothing worse than a meddlesome in-law! Your best bet in a situation like this is

probably deflection, I think if you come straight out and tell your girlfriend’s father to mind his own business it might cause even more problems. If he’s hell-bent on giving you advice on how to barbecue, why not let him work the grill? You can take a load off and have a beer while he does all the work. If you really want to rub it in you could remind him how you like your steak while he’s cooking. Susan.

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

Page 19 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

CAR FOR SALE 2008 TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO 68000 Ks, 4 doors 7 seats, 4 cyl. A1 condition. New tyres. Complied 2009 Rear nudge-bar. Full logs. All Toyota serviced. Always kept undercover. With 7 seats thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of space for the whole family. $21,900 NEG Phone : 0413 913 042 CAR FOR SALE 2010 TOYOTA HILUX Mine Spec, BMA Thiess Mac &RDO &HUWLÂżHG 1HZ Maxxis Iron Mud Tires, ADB Bull Bar, Lightforce Driving Light,Twin Battery, Snorkle, Iron-Man Lift Kit, Mine Radio x 2, UHF, 135 Litre Fuel Tank, Oconners Tray, Toolboxes, Fire Ext 1st Aid MSDS. $ 46 500 Phone: 0421 000 789

CARAVAN AND CAR FOR SALE 2010 SOUTHERN CROSS 5TH WHEELER 8mtrs,complete with all upgrades. FORD F250 V8 deisel w/ gas injection. tow vehicle. Full details on request.Will pass any inspection. Phone: 07 4162 5730

BOAT FOR SALE 2004 PowerCat 2600 Sports Cabriolet. Twin 115hp Yamaha 4 stroke engines. Sleeps 4, Toilet, Shower. Road registered tandem trailer. Always maintained and kept in a shed. All safety gear. Excellent condition. Registered until September 2013. Reduced to $108,000 Very Negotiable Phone: 0409 630 311 CAR FOR SALE

LAMPS FOR SALE GENUINE PROTECTOR ECCLES MINING LAMPS

FORD MUSTANG CONVERTABLE 67

Not Reproduction

302 V8 Auto. Left Hand

Varying models and condition in full size working lamps.

Drive, Disc Brakes. Excellent Condition,

Miniature ornamental lamps available.

Fully Restored

Phone : 07 4933 6310

Phone: 07 4933 7305

CAMPER AND CAR FOR SALE Compass slide-on camper on Ford F250 ute.Camper sleeps 2 plus makeup 3rd. Range of accessories incl. F250XL 2001, 4.2L diesel, 190,000km, strengthened springs, UHF, compressor. Whole unit $50,000 ono. Camper only $17,000 ono.

CARAVAN AND CAR FOR SALE F250 + SIERRA 5TH WHEELER 30ft, both 2006, both reg Oct 12, one bdrm unit on wheels, rear kitchen, q/bed,2 TVs,solar, gen 2.4kva, has much more $145,000 neg

Phone: 0448 874 000

Phone: 0407 913 914

Phone: 0413 317 292

BUSINESS FOR SALE SACK THE BOSS AND EARN REAL $ Dry Ice blasting/cleaning equipment including website. dry ice unit only 60hrs! Kaeser air compressor only107hrs! Genuine reason for sale. cost $96000. can be relocated anywhere! $69000 ono Phone: 0410 091 105

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

BOAT FOR SALE SAILING CATAMARAN 12.6m Light Cruiser. Sleeps 3.Auxiliary motor,dinghy and outboard. Located at Yeppoon. Call for full inventory and inspection. $150,000

HOUSE/LAND FOR SALE NORTH OF YEPPOON 40ha.Open country, House,Dam,Bore(1100gl/ ph)Submersible pump, Yards &ramp Excellent garden & views.50ks nth of Yeppoon Turnoff. 1.3ks off highway,bitumen road. School buses from Highway $595,000 ono Phone: 07 4937 3564 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 Ă&#x20AC;DW VFUHHQ WY with surround sound plus satellite. Walking distance to Coolum Beach $330.000 ono Phone: 0411 567 244 UNIT FOR SALE MACKAY The solution to accommodation in Mackay. Stay a few days, earn income while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Beachfront Resort living, pool and restaurant onsite. For More Info Call: Phone: 0428 227 623

Page 20 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

HOUSE FOR SALE MACLEAY ISLAND Your own private resort Absolute waterfront home Retire or use as a getaway www.realestate.com. au/property-house-qldeay+island-111073031 Phone: 1300 091 773 HOUSE FOR SALE Gracemere acreage and residence. Large well appointed 5 bedroom home on 10 acres. Stables, yards, shed, bore. 3 km from new

$48,000

BUSINESS FOR SALE 2 X PRIME MOVERS With large capacity cranes, 4 Trailers, Bundy based, Soild work contacts, Carrying house frames and trussestoGladstone, Rocky,Mackayand Central Highlands.established 1981 T\O approx $380,000 Call for more info and pics Asking $350,000 WIWO Phone: 0408 988 866 LAND FOR SALE YEPPOON Acreage Living, City Conveniences! 4000 sqm North facing, corner premium block, 5 minutes from CBD, schools, transport. Plenty of space for shed, pool, kids to play. $300,000 Phone: 0409 391 254 LAND FOR SALE BURNETT RIVER FRONTAGE 100acres, 600m of river frontage, 10meg water allocation, ex dairy farm, power at front of block, cleared, dam, cattle yards, 20mins to Gin Gin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25 mins to Childers

shopping centre.

$290K neg.

$700,000

Phone: 0439 861 946

BUSINESS FOR SALE INVESTMENT FREEHOLD HOTEL MOTEL One hour from Bundaberg 9 year lease with experienced tenant returning $57,200 p.yr + annual CPI increases. *HW WRJHWKHU D V\QGLFDWH RQ GHSRVLW ÂżQDQFH $540,000 Phone: 07 4151 4500 BUSINESS FOR SALE Looking for an investment that drives itself? Open Taxi Licence for sale in Rockhampton Currently leased @ $385 inc gst/week Includes shares in Rockhampton Cab Company Perfect sideline income $320,000 neg Phone: 0407 373 664 CAR FOR SALE 2008 H3 HUMMER Luxury 6.2lt V8 LS3. Auto transmission. Full leather, BOSE sound, 22â&#x20AC;? American racing rims.Only known H3 V8 in Australia. Collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s item. 27000kms. Excellent condition. Very classy vehicle with performance to match. $73,000 ono Phone: 0427 189 834 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 HOUSE/LAND FOR SALE MOUNT PERRY â&#x20AC;? Main Topâ&#x20AC;? Best most usable 40 acres in town. *RRG ODUJH OHYHO Ă&#x20AC;DWV great mountain veiws, hay shed, machinery shed, dam, House requires work. Power to house. Plenty of feed, Potential to work 7 on 7 off roster at mount Rawdon Gold mine. $235,000 Phone: 0488 079 675 LAND FOR SALE PROSERPINE Rural land. 15 min cbd proserpine. 2x200 acre lots. good grazing land and house sites will sell seperatly POA $520,000 the pair Phone: 0447 031 588

Phone: 07 4933 3106 HOUSE FOR SALE GRACEMERE, Immaculate 4BR home BIR. 18 solar panels. Fully insulated & A/C. Ceiling fans. 2 bathrooms. 2 Toilets. Double lock-up garage. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. Spacious open plan kitchen, dining & lounge. Potential rental return above $22 000p/a. $429,000 Phone: 0418 796 074

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

HOUSE FOR SALE YEPPOON

Great investment BETTER

New 4 bedroom 2 bathroom brick home. Aircon in main bedroom & Media room. Fans throughout. Double garage elec roller doors. Security screens.

lifestyle! More info/

$449,000

balcony overlooking the Sunshine Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best point break!! Austar, gym, 150m lagoon pool.

pics avail. Be Quick! Phone: 0424 108 784

Phone: 0421 601 710

pdf 010

OFF SHIFT 147th EDITION. 2012

ACROSS

10 11

14 17 19

DOWN

18 20

21 22

1. Fluid losses 5. Turns inside-out 9. Empties water from (boat) (5,3) 10. South American mammal 12. Increasing in depth 13. Workers’ body 14. Martial art, ... fu 16. Heating coil 19. Below 21. Writes quickly 24. Rowing team 25. Public referee 27. Opinion 28. Authoritative (5-3) 29. Dwell 30. Turnaround

1. Sexual drive 2. Crops up 3. Supermarket lane 4. Secreting 6. Pastry delicacy (3-2-4) 7. Caught on 8. Become stale 11. Storybook monster 15. Not changed 17. Protester 18. Cosiness 20. Sound siren 21. Special anniversary 22. Spanks 23. Infuse 26. Cover with cloth

2 6

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Last editions solutions MEDIU M E N L I S T E L A I A S I D E S H O P L S T E V E R Y T I N D R L O N G B P S C H A L E T S A R R O N T I B I A K T E L A R C T I C N U N D R E D G E

D W V M E R A

I G O U G E T T R I N I G

H I E C T A M C R U N A Z P E S T E

U A N L I M W A T Z O R H D R I S W A R E M

N A # E33 E R O N G R N A M T N E N Y S E E D

# 34

3 8 6 9 2 4 1 7 5

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9 1 4 3 7 6 2 5 8

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WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM A

WINO SHIFT MINER Handy Cross 2748 - (15A grid) ShiftMinerHandy113s. pdf © Lovatts Publications 28/04/2011

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Delivered direct to your inbox every Wednesday To register go to www.shiftminer.com and follow the link Page 21 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

OFF SHIFT 147th EDITION. 2012

Bait shop Banter YEPPOON

“NOT too bad at all,” is the verdict from Adrian at Secret Spot Bait and Tackle. First up on Adrian’s list of hits: there are good barra up the river and around the rock bars at Coorooman. Use live bait and lures. The run out tide at Coorooman Creek is fishing all right for grunter and the Causeway is just starting to fire for barra and mangrove jack. Crabs are starting to get a move along with the weather warming up - go for Corio or Coorooman. Corio Bay is also doing alright for flathead and Adrian recommends targeting them by drifting with soft plastics. Adrian’s top tip: the reef and islands are jumping with lots of juvenile marlin. “They are not very big but they’re a ton of fun to bring in,” says Adrian. To take on one of these little big boys try Barren and Child, Outer Rock or The Pinnacles. Adrian reckons he has even heard of a couple hooked as close in as Findlay’s. And lastly, to the brag bag: a couple of fellas Adrian gave some pointers to made the most of his advice, reporting back their

exploits off Barren and Child, Both boys notched up personal bests for grunter and giant trevally. One of the lucky lads originally reached his PB bringing in a 92cm GT but then topped it the next morning by landing one at 122cm. And their parting postscript: “We got to witness two small marlin being caught at Child, one of which was on a handline!”

GLADSTONE Conditions over the school holidays have been generally kind off Gladstone and the punters have been profiting as a result. Michael at Compleat Angler’s report reads nicely with plenty of mac at the reef and bottom fish doing well with lots of good catches. In shore around the harbour there are tons of barra and with 50 per cent of catches being over a metre it seems the odds of catching big un are well and truly stacked in your favour. Michael reckons the tops of the rivers around the upper reaches of the Calliope and Boyne are your best bet. Good whiting in the 30cm calibre can be caught in the Calliope River and Quoin Island. The Calliope is also throwing up nice

Tide Times

October

mangrove jack and Michael says to hone in on Tooloola Bends grunter. Finally there are handy sized bream getting about around the marina so look sharp, chuck in a prawn and bag yourself some beauties.

MACKAY Greg from Reef Ma-

rine says the little bit of dust settling rain Mackay has had is good news for fishing. Try Rocky Dam and Cape Palmerston for some nice grunter. There have been some bream travelling around too and Greg reckons he recently caught some round the 28cm mark. Greg says there are some good whiting around and to hook them on yabbies. And there have been plenty of boats following the great weather and making a move for out wide. While it can be a bit patchy, Greg reckons if you do hit on a sweet spot there is some good fishing out there with some boats filling up within four or five hours. With the good conditions and things cranking up to Christmas Greg reports there have been quite a few people in the shop looking at engine upgrades. While this is obviously all good, Greg just had a word of caution for excited boat owners to check their safety gear before hitting the high seas.

MACKAY Gladstone

Time Ht

Phone: 49373145

email: stanagebaymarine@bigpond.com web: www.stanagebay.com

Wes Watson and his 122cm GT PB (image supplied by Secret Spot Bait & Tackle)

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

0201 2.49 0343 2.56 0504 2.82 0558 3.15 0031 0.85 0113 0.59 0154 0.38 0754 1.74 0947 1.65 1058 1.42 1154 1.15 0642 3.46 0723 3.75 0804 3.99 1456 3.13 1613 3.27 1716 3.49 1808 3.72 1244 0.89 1331 0.65 1417 0.47 2136 1.66 2251 1.43 2345 1.14

1854 3.91 1937 4.03 2019 4.08

0440 3.21 0009 1.93 0059 1.53 0141 1.13 0220 0.77 0258 0.48 0338 0.25 1032 2.24 0608 3.54 0659 3.98 0741 4.42 0820 4.83 0858 5.19 0938 5.50 1717 4.13 1202 1.94 1258 1.54 1346 1.16 1430 0.85 1514 0.61 1559 0.45

1821 4.48 1909 4.86 1951 5.18 2031 5.41 2111 5.54 2152 5.57

Mon 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat 20 Sun 21 MACKAY Gladstone

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

Your weather forecast

Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14 Time Ht Time Ht

FISHING PARADISE FOUND

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0234 0.24 0313 0.18 0353 0.23 0434 0.40 0517 0.65 0013 3.25 0119 3.04 0844 4.19 0926 4.31 1010 4.33 1057 4.25 1149 4.08 0606 0.94 0712 1.21 1502 0.36 1547 0.34 1632 0.42 1722 0.60 1816 0.84 1250 3.87 1400 3.71 2100 4.06 2143 3.95 2229 3.76 2317 3.52

1918 1.05 2032 1.16

0416 0.10 0456 0.06 0536 0.16 0005 4.92 0057 4.52 0158 4.14 0314 3.91 1019 5.74 1101 5.87 1146 5.84 0619 0.40 0705 0.75 0801 1.14 0912 1.45 1644 0.38 1729 0.44 1818 0.62 1233 5.67 1327 5.39 1430 5.09 1547 4.90 2234 5.48 2318 5.26

1909 0.89 2009 1.19 2120 1.39 2243 1.38

Page 22 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

Timely spring thundery showers Week 1 - Thundery spring showers brought some relief to the Coalfields for the last two days of September. Just enough to settle the dust and lower the bushfire ratings. But not enough soaking for the farmers. Most falls were around 1-3mm with Kellambete 10mm, Woleebee 9mm, Boxvale 8mm, Lake Brown 7mm, Peekadoo 7mm and Mt. Morgan 5mm were the standouts. The cooler temperatures with the moderate south east to easterly breeze kept conditions rather comfortable. Now the very warm to hot temperatures have returned. Maximums should hit the 35C and higher out west by Tue. That means direct sun temperatures in the 12-2pm time slot could be around 55C. Not good for the outside worker. So drink plenty of water (at least 6 litres) and anyone over 65 should be in the air-conditioning; for if not Mon Tue/ Wed/Thr. A cooler change should arrive late Thur into Fri which may be heralded by a very isolated thundery shower (6-12mm). Cooler drier southerly air Sat/Sun with a maximum around 25/26C south of Emerald. This will be a relief from the heat! Boaties! - The fresh NNE’ly afternoon sea breezes caught the unwary small boat person out last week.

More to start the week. Mon: Light WNW (mist??) close inshore early tending N/NNW 3-8 and avo NNE gusting 20 south of Cape Manifold. ESE/ENE 15-10 Whitsundays. Tue-Wed: NNW/NNE 5-10 a fresh NNE 15-20 G 24 sea breeze after 1pm. Thur: N/NNE 15-20 with late thundery showers in the south tending rapidly SW’ly overnight. Fri: Cooler SSW/W breeze with squally shower activity south of Yeppoon tending SSE 15-20 late evening. Sat: SSE/ SE 15-20 with a squally shower easing in the south late. Sun: SE 18-13 easing in the far south. Week 2 - The SOI which hung around the +3 has now showing a falling trend; down to +1.9. Still giving hope of a neutral summer. Any lower makes El Nino a threat. If the ridge remains in the south then a cooler moderate SE’ly should make conditions rather comfortable for most of the week. Just the chance of a brief shower in the eastern Coalfields. Marine Lovers! - The spring will cause a couple of odd unpredictable wind situations. Mon -Wed: SE’ly 18-13 squally showers Whitsundays Thur-Fri: ESE 17-12 in the north tending ENE 13-8 in the south. Sat/Sun: Winds tend lighter ENE/NE. Watch for afternoon sea breezes.

OFF SHIFT 147th EDITION. 2012

Get amongst some good clean family fun LOOKING for ways to become involved with your community, have a fun day out with the fam, sample some free entertainment and have a good feed but not spend a fortune while you are at it? The Moranbah Rotary Home and Leisure Expo, and Gladstone’s Bechtel Community Day, are both billed to tick all of these boxes and seal the deal by being in the most part free. Now in its nineteenth year, Moranbah’s Rotary Home and Leisure Expo has more than proved its mettle as one of the town’s mainstay community events. To be held on October 13-14 at the Moranbah Community Centre and Ted Rolfe Oval, it will offer all the usual trade stalls, displays, giveaways and spruikers. But the event isn’t your everyday, average home show and coordinator, Judy Naumann, describes the event as more of a family and community festival. “We have two days of fun, food and exhibits planned,” Ms Naumann said. “Bring along the family for free jumping castles and free laser skirmish, thanks to the sponsorship the John Holland Group,

Leighton Contracting and Moranbah Community Workers Club.” Not only are many of the activities and entertainment free, but so too is entry into the exhibits. As well as this year playing host to new attraction, laser skirmish, the Oval will also be the place to bag a spot to again give the highly popular EDI Truck Simulator a go. “Last year it was an unbelievable success and was booked out on the first day,” Ms Naumann said, urging patrons to get in quickly to avoid missing out. And the answer to the big question on everyone’s lips - “Is the potato man coming?” - is a resounding “yes, Potato Max is booked” and he is bringing his bevy of baked spuds all the way from Brisbane, according to Ms Naumann. Not sure if they’ll have any heaving hot potatoes to wrap your chops around, but Bechtel’s Community Day has a menu lined up that is sure to satisfy all of the senses. Contracted to construct all three LNG plants, Bechtel has a big interest in the Gladstone community; of its workforce of over 7000, more than 3500 are local.

Held at the Tondoon Botanic Gardens, last year’s inaugural Bechtel Community Day attracted crowds of around 6500 and at this year’s event on September 24, organisers are hoping to top 7000. With acts like legendary Australian rockers Jon Stevens and Diesel on cue to shake their thang, as well as high-profile sporting celebs, lantern ceremony and a busking competition, there is plenty to grab the attention of the crowds. The drug- and alcohol-free, all-ages event kicks off at 1pm, with loads of family friendly fun on the program including machinery demos, simulators, kids’ rides, face painting, animal farm, and hit children’s performers, the Boogie Woogies will be on stage throughout the afternoon. This year’s busking competition brings a new element to the day’s proceedings with

registered buskers plying their trade in pursuit of the audience vote. Bechtel Gladstone general manager Kevin Berg said the event would celebrate the talented and diverse people who call the region home. A poignant segue between the event’s day time scheduling and the 6pm evening session is a dusk lantern ceremony designed to bring the company’s overarching safety theme to the fore. According to a company spokesperson, floating lanterns will be released on the lake as a symbolic gesture “to recognise all people who have suffered from workplace injuries and the impact these injuries have had on their families”. The community concert is by gold coin entry and for further information contact Gladstone Festivals and Events on 4972 5111.

With acts like legendary Australian rockers Jon Stevens and Diesel on cue to shake their thang, as well as high-profile sporting celebs, lantern ceremony and a busking competition, there is plenty to grab the attention of the crowds.

Tuning up for battle of the busker at Bechtel’s Community Day 2012

Page 23 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

K C O R 1 O T 0 1 S M U ALB

OFF SHIFT 147th EDITION. 2012

Bahnisch with James e r Magazin Shift Mine best e th n w o counts d e s of all tim rock album

MOVIE REVIEW BY JUSTIN CARLOS

Almost heaven for action fans ACTION fans the world over have been salivating for months over the release of The Expendables 2, and the good news is it’s finally here. The film unites even more of cinema’s greatest action icons for a noholds-barred extravaganza of gunfire and explosions. ‘The Expendables’, a team of highly trained mercenaries, are hired by a mysterious CIA operative to recover the contents of a crashed plane. What should be a routine mission goes horribly awry when they encounter an organised crime syndicate known as the Sangs, who also have their sights set on plane’s cargo. As you may expect, what follows is all-out mayhem, as blows, bullets and bombs fly from every angle as the expendables strive to complete their mission. For die-hard action fans (all puns intended) the promise of seeing Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Norris, Willis and others on screen together is worth the price of admission and more. The inclusion of Jean-Claude Van

Damme as the villain is sure to delight action fans even further. Fans of martial arts driven action films will be pleased by the return of Jet Li and Jason Statham, who feature in some extremely cool hand-to-hand combat scenes, although Li’s role in the film is extremely short, which may disappoint some viewers. There’s a lot more tongue-in-cheek humour in The Expendables 2 than in the first film, which fans will either love or hate. Some may feel the humour gives the movie another dimension, while others may find it a little too cheesy. If you grew up watching the likes of Schwarzenegger and Stallone beating bad guys to a pulp, then The Expendables 2 is definitely your kind of film. Bad guys blown away, one-liners, plenty of explosions, The Expendables 2 is everything that defined the action genre in the late 80s. If you hated movies like Rambo and Commando then it’s probably best to steer clear of this one; it offers little for those not interested in reliving the glory days of the 80s action film.

Dire Straits at number 5

THIS IS the debut album that laid the foundations for a supreme band to dominate the rock/pop world for almost two entire decades. The 1978 self-titled release of Dire Straits was a much-needed injection of jazzed up country/ blues that mainstream rock needed, to rid themselves of the imposing glam pop virus that seemed to be rapidly infesting the masses. Mark Knopfler’s husky whisper and liquid guitar licks resonate throughout this album. Knopfler’s voice is accompanied with a slightly aloof attitude. He’s well aware he doesn’t possess technically brilliant vocals, however he conveys soul as well as a gritty effortless attitude through singing. The rugged vocals are beautifully accompanied by Knopfler’s incredibly funky riffs and innovative fingerpicking licks. In short, Knopfler lets his legendary axe-wielding abilities do the singing. But the pain emulated when the vocals meet the lyrics show the sheer talent of Mark as artist. Knopfler, a former journalist and teacher, formed Dire Straits in 1977 and released their debut album only a year later. When the quality of the album was recognised on a global scale, a large majority of the public were convinced that the band had formed quite some years ago. This was due to the natural energy that each member produced that would collectively make the unique sound of Dire Straits. They sounded as if they had been jamming with each other for 20 years when, in fact, it was one summer holiday. The British rock band had the talented lineup of Knopfler on lead vocals and lead guitar, his younger brother David on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, John Illsley on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Pick Withers on drums and percussion.

Mark Knopfler is a legend.

The album commences with the track “Down To The Waterline”, a beautifully crafted song, passionate and mysterious. The song oozes of lustful young love: “No money in our jackets and our jeans are torn, your hands are cold but your lips are warm.” Knopfler apparently wrote it about recollections of foggy walks along the banks of the River Tyne with his teenage lover. Another number that highlights Knopfler’s ability as a songwriting artist is the timeless masterpiece, “Sultans of Swing”. Knopfler wrote the lyrics in a bar in South London and is said to be inspired by a jazz band that was playing. The band were shacked up in the corner, performing to an empty establishment. This spoke to Knopfler as he had not yet been recognised as an artist and he was used to being part of that band jamming away in some depleted bar. The Sultans of Swing was actually the name of Knopfler’s high school band. With this song came the inference of a under-rated band in Dire Straits. Dire Straits self-titled album comes in at number five in my Top 10 greatest albums of all time.

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Michael Bailey

Greg Cary

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Page 24 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

Weekdays 12pm - 1pm PHONE: 1300 872 911

Weekdays 9am - 12pm

Weekdays 1pm - 6pm

SALES ENQUIRIES: (07) 4920 2000

OFF SHIFT 147th EDITION. 2012

Fair Dinkum! IN NEW ZEALAND – The sheep’s day off? A man with an eel lodged in his bottom has bravely fronted a New Zealand emergency department, asking for help. According to reports in the NZ Herald, the unnamed man presented himself at the Auckland City Hospital for treatment. X-rays revealed the eel “about the size of a decent sprig of asparagus”, a hospital source told the newspaper. “The incident is the talk of the place. Doctors and nurses have come across people with strange objects that have got stuck where they shouldn’t before, but an eel has to be a first.” The eel was removed and the man went on his way. The hospital confirmed the story to the newspaper, but revealed no further details in order to protect the man’s privacy. It was not clear how the eel had found its way inside the man. According to the newspaper, eels are secretive, nocturnal and prefer habitats with plenty of cover.

IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY – Sewing up your own sliced lip with dental floss to save a 10 hour wait for the doctor – now that’s some EXTREME NT DIY! Allan Dell, 26, from Stuart Park, in Darwin told the NT News he had no medical background but had pierced plenty of meat in the kitchen. “I grew up in the bush in country NSW and I’m also a chef, so I’m not too strange with threading meat ... I used dental floss and a sewing needle - but I sterilised it all first,” he said. Mr Dell was left with a cracked tooth and his lip sliced from the base of his nose and down to his teeth after a “pure accident” that saw him hit in the face with a guitar. After presenting to the emergency department at Royal Darwin Hospital in the wee hours he was told he should “try Palmerston” or wait until the doctor arrived for the day shift.

Dental floss is very versatile. You can use it to stitch up a hole in the bottom of a kayak - or even your lip.

“I walked in with my face half split and (they said) come back tomorrow,” Mr Dell said. After re-evaluating his options on the taxi ride home, he decided dental floss was the most sensible solution. “I think Crocodile Dundee did it once,” Mr Dell said. “It worked,” he said.

IN BRITAIN – A school in Swindon has banned parents from watching their children playing sport unless they pass a criminal record check - at least antipodeans are funny crazy! In a bid to purge the playground of potential paedophiles the Isambard Community School is insisting all parents clear a Criminal Records Bureau check. According to The Telegraph, the school introduced the new measure to prevent strangers from accessing other parts of the school from the playing fields. A spokesman said: “It is with regret that from now on we will be unable to accommodate parents wishing to spectate at our sports fixtures unless they are in possession of an up-to-date Swindon Council CRB check. “At Isambard we take safeguarding very seriously and because of this we are unable to leave gates open for access to sporting venues at anytime during the school day”. Neil Park, 54, was furious when he was turned away from watching his son George, 12, play rugby. “George was really upset by it all. What are they going to stop you going to next? Parents’ evening? The school play? “Or what if England under 16s are playing at the County Ground , will they ask all fans there to be CRB checked?”

The New Zealand longfin eel is one of the largest freshwater eels in the world and can grow up to 2 metres long. It is not known whether it was this species that found its way up a man’s bottom.

Page 25 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

SPORT

147th EDITION. 2012

Have trailer will triathlon THE Central Highland’s Triathlon club is hoping for as many as 80 competitors for its Emerald triathlon later this month. The Emerald event is arguably the premier event in the local triathlon calendar, with categories for juniors, novices and the open competitors. Depending on your level of fitness, you can either compete in two of the three triathlon legs, in teams or on your own. In the open category there will be a 750 metre swim, 3km run and 20km ride, all taking place in the picturesque surrounds of Fairbairn dam just south of Emerald. Helen Scott from the triathlon committee said they are trying to make the sport accessible to all fitness levels. “We have tried to open the competition up, to try and get lots of different people involved in the sport,” she said. “You don’t have to do the full triathlon, with people even able to just participate in the pool swim and do a fun walk.” “We also have junior categories for kids as young as seven, and obviously we have shortened courses tailored for these races.” “You don’t have to be super fit to participate, but for those that are, we have introduced a new annual points system, which means you can now compete for prizes at the end of the season.” Meanwhile, sponsorship from PIMA mining and Xstrata Coal has delivered the Central Highlands Triathlon club a longawaited club trailer. The new trailer means they can now more easily take the sport on the road, and have triathalons at different places in the coalfields. The Emerald triathlon will be on October 28 and on November 10 and 11 triathlon coach Mick Cross from the Sunshine Coast will be doing training courses in Emerald and Capella.

How good could you be?

THAT is the question Water Ski Queensland is asking the regions social skiers, as it tries to entice more people to take up competitive skiing. Go to any decent waterhole across the coalfields at the moment and chances are you will see at least one miner and his or her family enjoying a day on the water. However, while the population of social skiers is very large, the population of competitive skiers remains relatively small, according to Water Ski Queensland’s Peter Darby. “Every single event we could handle another 20 or 30 people competing on the water,” he said. “Some people don’t really feel that they have the skills to do it, and that you really have to be good to do it.” “That is definitely not the case and we try and offer pathways for skiers of all levels to get into the sport.” “Starting with division six, where the skier can learn how to ski and will be competing within weeks.” However Skiing Queensland says a more common problem is where a really competent social skiers gets put off the idea of competition because it can expose some weaknesses in their current skill set. “We get some really competent skiers who come to our events and they realise they were not as good as they thought they were and it requires more technique than they are used to.”

Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be a part of the Clermont, Emerald, Capella, Nebo, Sarina, Mirani and Mackay communities. The Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund is pleased to partner with Mackay Regional Council and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE to support the biodiesel project. This initiative provides students with hands on experience in constructing a biodiesel plant as well as building skills and confidence for their future careers. Once finished the biodiesel plant will treat and refine fat waste product from barbeques of public parks in Mackay to create fuel for a small number of council vehicles.

Page 26 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

“That person has to jump out of their comfort zone, and some people don’t want their ego hurt.” “But there is an old saying in skiing, that if you are not falling, you’re not improving, and skiing with people that are better than you is the only way to improve.” Waterski Queensland just hosted a successful tournament on the Dawson river at Moura, and has a swag of other events coming up in the coming months. For families who are new to the region and interested in getting involved, Mr Darby said you don’t even need to own a boat or skis. “It is one of the few sports where mum and dad and the kids can all compete on the weekend,” he said.

“If you are keen to give it a go, come to one of our events and you will meet some like-minded people and get out on the water.” “I know there is a bloke in Blackwater who has a great boat but no ski crew, and it would be great for him to meet other likeminded people he could ski with.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sport

Event

Date

Venue

Cricket

CH competition start date

13/10/12

Central Highlands

Speedway

Moranbah race meet

13/10/12

Moranbah

Water Ski

CQ round 2

27-28/10/12

Bedford weir Blackwater

Water Ski

CQ round 3

17/18/11/12

Rockhampton ski gardens

Rugby League

Andrew “Panda” Curtis, Memorial Charity League Match

3/11/12

Blackwater

We support a range of local projects through the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund. To apply for funding for your local project or organisation please contact Hail Creek Mine’s Marie Cameron on (07) 4951 6437 or marie.cameron@riotinto.com or Kylie Devine on (07) 4951 6402 or kylie.devine@riotinto.com Applications close 28 September 2012.

www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au

MONEY MATTERS 147th EDITION. 2012

MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

WHAT are some basic steps can you take to achieve wealth? We put the question to My Wealth Solutions and here is what they had to say in eight simple steps: 1. Spend less that you earn: This first step can be the hardest. It is hard to stick to a budget, so there are other ways, such as forced savings, committing to investments and getting into good habits. Don’t wait until you are good at budgeting to start investing. 2. Invest your surplus savings in good growth assets, for example shares and property. 3.Own your own home: This is still the foundation for wealth in Australia.

Basic steps to achieve wealth

4. Manage your debts wisely: Smart debt is usually debt you are getting a tax deduction for and that has been used to buy an asset that will grow or produce income. Bad debt offers no tax deduction, or it’s buying assets that diminish or are consumed. 5. Own an Investment Property: Think about wealthy people you know or know of and it is fairly likely they own property investments.

6. Maximise your superannuation: Do you know what the effective tax rate is for Super, once you are over 60? The new Super rules make Super more attractive than ever. Super is 100 per cent tax-free from age 60. Are you planning not to be around at age 60? 7. Invest in Shares our other growth investment, and once again we know most wealthy people own shares. 8. It’s no good planning to succeed financially, but only if everything goes okay. Most people insure their house and car. But what’s the biggest asset you will own in your lifetime? The biggest asset is you and the income you will earn. It needs to be protected through insurance. If something impacts our health and it means we’re never going to work again. Low probability but high impact. This is an important foundation. These eight steps sound simple but not necessarily easy to put in place. To get started call the team at My Wealth Solutions 07 3852 4114 or go to www. mywealthsolutions.com.au.

Page 27 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

MONEY MATTERS 147th EDITION. 2012

Engineering firm sale bucks Dysart trend THE correction in the mining sector is providing some much-needed breathing space for small to medium sized businesses operating in the Bowen Basin. According to John Cooks from the Dysart business and community group, spiralling residential and commercial rents have paralysed small business over the last five years.

Mr Cooks said southern property investors bought into towns like Dysart and increased rents across the board. This meant the cost of employing people went through the roof and the supply of commercial land began to fall as investors tried to redevelop commercial land for residential. “All these blokes from down south came

up and decided the rents needed to be up around that $2000 to $3000 a week mark,” he said. “I know of one local business that employed [and housed] about five or six people, and they were looking at around $20,000 a week of costs before they even opened their door.” “No local business can sustain those costs and they ended up shutting their door.” “But BMA has built a lot of new houses for its workforce and the rents have come right back now to between $500 and $800 a week. I think there are 38 houses vacant houses available for rent.” However the recent multimillion dollar purchase of Dysart Engineering by fleet services company Sargent suggests there is still a strong need for good local businesses in mining communities. Dysart Engineering recently moved into large new premises on the northern edge of Dysart, where it can accommodate around 30 of its 50 staff.

Dysart Engineering provides a wide range of vehicle maintenance services for local mines. This month Sargent flagged its intention to expand the services offered by introducing up to 200 vehicles from its rental fleet to clients in the Bowen Basin region. “This key acquisition continues our strategy of establishing ourselves as a leader in the provision of rental and maintenance services in key infrastructure and resources growth markets,” Sargent chief executive Grant Chugg said. “Sargent already has a strong branch presence in Mackay and this latest investment not only expands our presence with a wellrespected brand in Dysart but demonstrates our commitment to the Bowen Basin.” “It’s a well-structured business and we’re very excited about the growth potential moving forward.” Dysart Engineering’s previous owner Rod Allen was unavailable for comment, but is understood to be enjoying a wellearned break in Europe.

“All these blokes from down south came up and decided the rents needed to be up around that $2000 to $3000 a week mark.”

\ G b HO R 0F 00 15

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Page 29 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

MONEY MATTERS 147th EDITION. 2012

The dos and don’ts of bagging a bargain WITH housing prices in the Bowen Basin finally showing signs of sliding down to their real market value, there could be a few bargains to be bagged in the coming months. And if it gets to the stage where you see a

few mortgagee sales and think the time is right to jump in, do so with your eyes wide open. It could seem a great way to get a good deal, but the experts from Herron Todd White warn that there are some pitfalls for the unsuspecting.

First step: read the contract of sale, seek qualified legal advice and carry out the appropriate searches. “Don’t rely on Uncle Fred who once upon a time nearly passed his conveyance exam,” the Herron Todd White team cautions. “Many mortgagees will insert non-standard clauses into the sale contract to protect their position. they will often sell a property with known defects and insist on a sale ‘as is-where is’ with no warranties as to known or unknown issues which may affect the property.” Make sure you are happy with the terms and conditions being offered - and keep an open mind. The Herron Todd White team points out that some properties that look terrible and have had a hard life are screaming out with potential, some that look or sound great can end up as lemons no matter how much hard work is put into them. “Any valuer who has been around for a while could point out a number of properties in their area that seem to be cursed with misfortune such a history of distressed sales

and/or poor quality makeovers.” And keep your perspective: just because a property is being sold by a mortgagee doesn’t make it a bargain. “If it’s on a main road, next to a train line, under a flight path, full of defects etc, it may not be the bargain you think it is.” On the other hand, if the property is in a tightly held area or has attributes that leads to strong competition amongst buyers, it could be a bargain. No matter what, make sure you get a valuation. A couple of hundred dollars could end up saving you tens of thousands or more. “At any auction, the skill of the auctioneer and agent lies in talking the bidders into ‘just one more bid mate, you’ve nearly got it’. “So knowing the market value of a property before it goes to auction or before entering negotiations with a mortgagee (which will have obtained advice from their own registered valuers) will give you the ability to bid or make an offer with confidence in what can be a pressure cooker situation,” the Herron Todd White team concludes.

Some properties that look terrible and have had a hard life are screaming out with potential, some that look or sound great can end up as lemons no matter how much hard work is put into them.

Harcourts Agnes Water - 1770 Shop 23 Endeavour Plaza Agnes Water 07 4902 1444 www.agneswater1770.harcourts.com.au AUCTION

Agnes Water

No.5 The Promenade

Receivers’ Sale Under instructions from Andrew Fielding and David Whyte as Receivers and Managers

• •

Vacant beach front land site Approximately 1004 sqm

Auction View Open

Saturday October 13 at 11.00am at Sandcastles Resort www.harcourts.com.au/QAR101207 By Appointment Gordon Christian P 07 4902 1444 M 0417 206 500 E gordon.christian@harcourts.com.au Harcourts Agnes Water - 1770

AUCTION

Agnes Water 74 Innamincka Way

7.5 Acre Waterfront Reserve

Agnes Water Investment L50 Fitzroy Crescent Large Ocean View Allotment. Approximately 24 acres of bushland vegetation with cleared access and boundaries on sealed road with power available. Blue water views across the Coral Sea. Outstanding outlook & position. One of few lots of this size close to town, school, the beach and boat ramp. Only 1.5 hours drive from Gladstone. For Sale $340,000 View www.harcourts.com.au/QAR120412 Gordon Christian P 07 4902 1444 M 0417 206 500 E gordon.christian@harcourts.com.au Harcourts Agnes Water - 1770

www.harcourts.com.au

Page 30 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

Private rainforest retreat dissolves the boundaries between the ancient and new. A blend of nature and space. Unique architectural structures for comfortable living. Nursery plus renowned botanical gardens. Only 1.5 hours south of Gladstone. Perfectly positioned on 3.05 ha with a waterfront mangrove reserve, making this a must see property. Auction Saturday Oct13 11.00am Sandcastles Resort Open Saturday & Sunday 12:00 Noon View www.harcourts.com.au/QAR120902 Gordon Christian P 07 4902 1444 M 0417 206 500 E gordon.christian@harcourts.com.au

MONEY MATTERS 147th EDITION. 2012

First home owner’s grant changes kick in FROM the end of this week the $7000 first home owner grant will no longer exist. However, since last month the grant was increased to $15,000 but only for new homes. If you have not bought a home yet, now is a great time to build your home as interest rates are set to decrease (if the banks bother listening to the Reserve Bank) and construction material costs are the lowest they have been in years. So you know what the changes are and how they work, Shift Miner has asked the most relevant questions and the Queensland Government has answered them. 1. What is the first home owner construction grant? It is an increase to the first home owner grant to $15,000 for first home owners who will be buying or building a new home. It is available for eligible transactions dated on or after 12 September 2012. 2. What is an eligible transaction? An eligible transaction is one of the following: • a contract made on or after 12 September 2012 for the purchase of a new home in Queensland (including purchases of substantially renovated and off-the-plan homes) • a comprehensive home building contract made on or after 12 September 2012 by the owner of the land in Queensland or a person who will, on completion of the contract, be the owner of land in Queensland on which the new home will be built • the building of a new home in Queensland by the owner–builder where the foundations are laid on or after 12 September 2012. 3. What are the key changes to the current first home owner grant? • From 12 September 2012, the amount will increase from $7,000 to $15,000 for new homes. • From 11 October 2012, the $7000 will no longer apply.

4. What is a new home? A new home is a dwelling that has not been previously occupied as a place of residence or sold as a place of residence. This includes a home that is a substantially renovated home. Types of dwellings may include houses, units, duplexes, townhouses, manufactured homes, and granny flats built on a relative’s land.

Type of transaction

Total value

Buying a new home (includes substantially renovated or off-the-plan homes)

The purchase price on the contract or the market value of the home at the commencement date of the eligible transaction

Contract to build

The cost of construction under the contract plus the value of the land as at the contract date

Owner–builder

The cost of construction, excluding the owner’s own labour costs plus the value of the land on which the home is to be built at the time the foundations are laid

For more information, visit www.osr.qld.gov.au.

5. What is an off-the-plan purchase? An off-the-plan purchase is a single contract to purchase a new home and the relevant interest in the land on a proposed lot on an unregistered plan of subdivision of land. 6. From 11 October 2012, can I get the grant if I buy an established home? No. The $7000 first home owner grant is only available for contracts dated before 11 October 2012. 7. Does the first home owners construction grant apply to replacement contracts on or after 12 September 2012? No. A contract for sale or transfer is not eligible for the first home owners construction grant if: • it replaces an agreement that was made before 12 September 2012 • the replaced contract is for the sale or transfer of substantially the same property. 8. What is a ‘finalised’ contract? A finalised contract is an agreement that outlines all of the conditions of the transaction. It must be dated and signed by all parties (vendor and purchaser). 9. Is the first home owners construction grant dependent on the contract date or the settlement date? The relevant date is the contract date. 10. How is the total value of the home calculated? The total value of the home depends on the type of transaction you are entering into.

Page 31 - Shift Miner Magazine, 8th October 2012

Offer! d e d n e t x E ember. t p e S 0 3 Must end

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*Available at participating Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealers to approved Business Applicants of Volkswagen Finance** for new and demonstrator MY12 Amarok stock vehicles (all of which are dual cab vehicles with manual transmission) on a Hire Purchase over 36 or 48 months. Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 1st and 30th September 2012. Offer ends 30th September 2012. While stocks last. Balloon restrictions apply. Full conditions are available on application. Standard fees and charges apply. **Volkswagen Finance is a trading name of Volkswagen Financial Services Australia Pty Limited. Volkswagen Finance reserves the right to extend or change this offer. Not available in conjunction with the advertised $5000 factory bonus offer. 1 $5000 factory bonus offer is available at participating Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealers to qualifying ABN holders who trade in their current motor vehicle to purchase a new or demonstrator MY12 Amarok stock vehicle (being a dual cab vehicle with manual transmission). Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 1st and 30th September 2012. While stocks last. Trade in vehicles must be registered and road worthy for use on public roads. A factory bonus of $5000 will be given to the customer against the purchase price of their new Amarok. The $5000 bonus cannot be exchanged for cash or any other product or service. The bonus is not transferrable to any other customer. Please ask your dealer for further terms and conditions and to check eligibility for this offer. Offer ends 30th September 2012. Not available in conjunction with the advertised 2.8% finance/free scheduled servicing offer. 2 FREE Scheduled Service Package is for 3 years or 45,000kms (whichever comes first) free scheduled servicing (as set out in the Service Schedule booklet). Available at participating Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealers. Servicing offer does not apply to wear and tear items any other additional work or components required. This offer is only available to approved Business Applicants of Volkswagen Finance** who take up the 2.8% finance offer as per the terms set out herein. Full conditions are available on application. Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 1st and 30th September 2012. Offer ends 30th September 2012. Offer applies to stock vehicles. While stocks last. Not available in conjunction with the advertised $5000 factory bonus offer.