SM106_Shift Miner magazine by Shift Miner

SHIFT MINER LOL U R SACKED Monday 28th February 106 Edition 2011

The Queensland mining communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best source of local news

M A G A Z I N E

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News Calls for more police powers to stop tired drivers Âť page 4

News Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glowing safety record Âť page 4

YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE heard of office workers being sacked for using Facebook, but now social media is causing headaches at mine sites across Queensland. While social networking sites have previously been the domain of the computer driven corporate world, the rising popularity of iPhones puts Twitter and Facebook into the hands of those working in the field. Just recently, Twitter sent the mining union, the inspectorate and the police on a wild goose chase, when an unknown source tweeted that miners had died during an explosion in the Bowen Basin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received a call from a TV journalist late in the afternoon, saying they had been monitoring Twitter and had just read there had been multiple fatalities at an explosion at Peak Downs mine,â&#x20AC;? said the CFMEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tim Whyte. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew nothing about it so

quickly got on the phone, and no-one on site knew anything about it either.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The police were called out, and the inspectorate was also investigating what was going on.â&#x20AC;? While there was an explosion at the mine, it was a minor incident and no-one was seriously hurt. The bigger story was how authorities were notified. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to think it was someone [tweeting] on site, and with the strict rules about no phones and no phones on site this sort of action is virtually indefensible,â&#x20AC;? said Mr Whyte. Shift Miner understands that two contractors at Oaky North mine have been moved on after they photographed themselves underground and posted the images on Facebook. Those images eventually found their way in front of the mineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bosses.

Roll out the red carpet

News Why the cost of freight is spiralling Âť page 5 News Ultrasounds for drag lines? Âť page 7 News Rollestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide load Âť page 6

Blackwaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere event

Âť Â Page 11

Âť continued page 4

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Money matters Emerald back in business after floods Âť page 19

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CONTENTS 106th EDITION. 2011

FROM THE EDITOR

SOCIAL media has taken the world by storm. Most people know what it means to be poked on Facebook, and that you tweet - not twit - on Twitter. You can now take photos on your iPhone and upload them to Facebook in the click of a button. CURLED DELIGHTS All this interconnectedness means that an individual in an isolated area ITALIANA COALFIELDS can access an audience in seconds. ADVENTURES CHARITY That audience can be enormous and international if the posting goes viral. The trouble is, how do workplaces TRADER Serves 4 is facing up and point the tip of the tubes to the top of the navigate and manage these new tools? This dish is a slightly spicy cutting board. Slice about ¾ of And it’s no longer a problem restricted to the corporate world - with take on an old Australian ‘Fish the way through the squid tubes and Chip’ shop favourite. The diagonally from top to bottom,social media increasingly accessible spice in this recipe comes from both ways, to make a diamondthrough iPhones to people in the field.

Cajun Spiced Calamari

MINER’S

the combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano and thyme, that makes up the Cajun spice mix.

Workplaces need to realise that most people are only just starting to understand the ways in which they can use social media to communicate - and in some cases make a loud point. Employees need to realise that if they want something kept private they probably shouldn’t put it on their Facebook wall or tweet about it. At the end of the day, the mining industry - like all other industries will need to draw up some guidelines for employees so everyone knows where they stand. In the meantime, to quote the CFMEU’S Tim Whyte: learn a lesson from Shane Warne and stay off it.

Alex Graham

Numbers You REGULARS * Numbers You Can CountNumbers On* You 5 Buy local * 12 STUFF TO THE EDITOR

NEWS

scored pattern. Slice the squid tubes into 2cm strips, cutting from the tip to the bottom.

It’s a tricky situation.

In a mixing bowl, combine the &DMXQ VHDVRQLQJ DQG ÀRXUV INGREDIENTS: together. Toss the calamari until coated. Heat the *When audited bythrough the CAB 4 whole squid tubes oil in a large saucepan on aCAB audited * by the *When audited by the *When CAB deep ¼ cup Cajun seasoning very high heat, until the oil starts ó FXS SODLQ ÀRZHU shimming. Shake any excess *When audited by the CAB ó FXS FRUQÀRZHU ÀRXU RII WKH FDODPDUL DQG SODFH Chopped parsley to garnish into the heated oil for no longer Oil for deep frying than 2 minutes, or till lightly Lemon wedge and a good golden. Remove from the oil quality tartar sauce or aioli for and drain on paper towel before www.shiftminer.com M A G A Z I N E serving serving. www.shiftminer.com M AE G A www.shiftminer.com Z I N E M A G A Z I N

Can Count On Can Count On BMA sources from Bowen Basin

Numbers You 6 Help wanted Can Count On Minister wants Qlders trained

8 Pike River

QMRS recognised for role

13 FRANK’S LOVE ADVICE 15 PUZZLES 16 BAIT SHOP BANTER

9 Wandoan woes M A G A buffer Z I N E Town wants mine

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19 MONEY MATTERS

METHOD:

Place onto a plate to serve with Phone: (07) 4921 4333 Fax: (07) 4922 6908 angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com Proudly Audited by a sprinkle of chopped parsley, Editor: Alex Graham Advertising: Angus Peacocke 0428 154 653 Proudly Audited Proudly Audited by by Slice one side of the squid lemon wedge and serving sauce Published fortnightly by Fitzroy Publishing Pty Ltd visit www.auditbureau.org.au M A G A Z I NForEmore information WXEHV WR RSHQ LW RXW ÀDW (QVXUH of choice. A.B.N 72122739879 PO Box 1440, Rockhampton Q 4700 For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au the inside of the squid tubes

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110 Campbell Street, Rockhampton. Page 3 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

News

106th EDITION. 2011

Wake up call for industry A QUEENSLAND Coroner has recommended a boost to police numbers in central Queensland to stop tired miners dying on the roads. Coroner Annette Hennessy has handed down her findings into two separate crashes in central Queensland that both involved miners driving home after long shifts. While she found fatigue was a factor in both cases, bad weather was identified as the main reason for a crash that also claimed the life of a police officer near Yeppoon in 2005. The other crash was a single vehicle accident near Dysart two years ago. The Coroner has also recommended police be given more power to pull over drivers who are suspected of being fatigued, and that a new fatigue-specific driving offence be established - much like current drink driving laws. Ms Hennessy has also recommended

mining companies fully explore ways to control, reduce or eliminate their workers driving home tired after their shift - and for the industry to do targeted research into shift work and fatigue. The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has already vowed to continue its work with unions and the government on the issue of fatigue. “We will carefully consider all the recommendations made by the coroner to see what more we can practically do to improve the safety of employees as they travel to and from their work places,’ said the QRC’s Michael Roche. He said the industry’s goal of zero harm extended to getting employees safely to and from work. “Many mines provide buses to and from mine sites and encourage their employees to use them instead of private transport.”

“The Coroner has also recommended police be given more power to pull over drivers who are suspected of being fatigued, and that a new fatigue-specific driving offence be established - much like current drink driving laws.”

FROM PAGE 1

Mines all a-Twitter

One of the pictures even had the two miners standing in front of the very sign that advised it was prohibited to use non - approved electrical devises in that area of the mine. In another incident, a mine worker used Facebook to discuss how to get rid of an employee who’d been involved in an on site safety breach. Truck driver Harold Pratt was formally reprimanded for driving too fast on a wet haul in December, but he was shocked to discover the incident was being discussed on Facebook. “I know I did the wrong thing, and I wore the punishment for that,” Mr Pratt said. “But this is different, he has slandered me and breached confidentiality and I don’t want it to happen to somebody else.”

“It has been really upsetting, mining is a tight-knit community and everyone talks.” Most mining companies are yet to draw up guidelines for employees regarding social media - although phones are generally banned on site. The CFMEU’s Tim Whyte said workers needed to be careful. “We have seen it in the corporate world where workers have been dismissed because of inappropriate comments on Facebook.” “This is the same but with a wider international audience.” “Some people might have a rush of blood or want to stir up the pot, but they might not realise the full implications of their actions.” “Seriously, they should learn a lesson from Shane Warne and just stay off it.”

HAVE YOU YOUR SAY IN THE MINER’S POLL Do you own an Apple iphone with internet access? Yes - I have one SMS 10304 to 0412 055 255 No - but I am going to get one SMS 10305 to 0412 055 255 No - I have another internet enabled phone SMS 10306 to 0412 055 255 No - I don’t want an internet enabled phone SMS 10307 to 0412 055 255 Should you be able to take your phone to work? Yes - I always take my phone to work SMS 10301 to 0412 055 255 Yes - but I don’t currently take it SMS 10302 to 0412 055 255 No - phones should not be allowed on site SMS 10303 to 0412 055 255

Stats highlight safety success across Qld THE latest statistics show Queensland has one of the safest mining industries in the world, according to the government and industry. The 2009-10 snapshot of safety across the state’s mines and quarries shows improvements across nearly all key measures. The most comforting was a drop in the number of fatalities, with one recorded during the year compared with four industry fatalities during 2008-09. Work-related injuries also fell in terms of severity, duration and days lost to injury. Medical treatments dropped from 924 to 546 injuries while lost times injuries fell

from 301 to 285 injuries. There were 413 disabling injuries, down from 417 the previous year. Most dramatically, there was a huge fall in the most important indicator - the lost time injury plus disabling injury duration rate - which fell from 41.4 days to 28.1 days per injury. The number of high potential incidents rose from 1022 t0 1751, but authorities say that demonstrates better reporting rather than a higher rate of incidents. The mines inspectorate has ramped up its presence on site, with inspectors conducting

nearly four times as many audits (243) compared to the previous year (65), and the number of inspections jumped almost 30 to 1535. The Queensland Resources Council’s chief executive Michael Roche said while the figures were comforting, the industry would continue to aim for the goal of zero harm. “We will continue to work with the gov-

ernment and unions toward this goal.” The upcoming industry health and safety conference in Townsville will this year examine the ageing workforce how to safely integration new comers into the industry over the next decade. The full report is available online at: www.dme.qld.gov.au

“Work-related injuries also fell in terms of severity, duration and days lost to injury.”

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News

106th EDITION. 2011

Road freight costs spiral QUEENSLAND trucking companies have raised freight rates by as much as 60 per cent as they struggle to survive a disastrous summer of floods and cyclones. Followmont Transport notified its customers this week that freight prices would be bumped up by 19 per cent for goods being trucked from the south-east corner to far north Queensland - specifically Townsville, Cairns, the Cassowary Coast and Mossman. “Cyclone Yasi has destroyed many of the produce crops in far north Queensland,” the company said. “Followmont relies on back loading of line-haul vehicles with this produce to provide sustainable transport rates for freight from Brisbane to the far north of Queensland.” “Without this return freight there will be a significant cost impact in servicing the region from Townsville to Cairns.” Followmont said it hoped to be able to reverse the increase within six to eight months when cropping areas had started to recover. Queensland Trucking Association CEO, Pert Garske, told the WINO the wild weath-

er had hammered the trucking industry. “From discussions I have had this week, I know that some trucking companies have had to increase their freight rates from between 40 and 60 per cent,” he said. Mr Garske said refrigerated trucks were the worst hit sector, and those businesses - both large and small - that are locked in to the southern food bowl region and the tropical north. He said it would be six to eight months before those communities have produce to deliver to market. “The companies that are geared for that type of task have no freight and they have hundreds - or in the case of Lindsay Brothers - thousands of trucks with nothing to carry.” “They are having to take the trucks off the road.” “They don’t want to lose their customers, and they want to retain their drivers, so they have got this dilemma, how do we retain

It had been hoped the network would help its members service the mining sector, similar to other industry networks like MAIN in Mackay and the GEA in Gladstone. The Emerald Chamber of Commerce said government funding never arrived, and local businesses were too busy managing their own affairs.

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Tinkler back in Middlemount

their people and keep the business going?” To compound the situation, for many it’s a case of history repeating. Freight rates escalated after cyclone Larry for the same reasons; in that instance, they returned to normal after about eight months.

“I know that some trucking companies have had to increase their freight rates from between 40 and 60 per cent.”

Blackwater

Date: 28 February 2011 Location: Blackwater International Coal Centre, Cinema Room Time: 7:00am – 8:30am

and services to BMA and BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) operations. “BMA is looking to work with these businesses and ensure that the townships benefit directly from the program,” said BMA president Stephen Dumble. “The program also seeks to provide further benefits to the townships over the longer term by helping

Emerald

Date: 28 February 2011 Location: Mayfair Ridge Tavern, Conference Room Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Emerald network shelved The establishment of an organised mining services hub in Emerald seems unlikely, with plans for a Central Highlands business network now shelved.

Small business offered more of mining pie SMALL businesses in the Bowen Basin could snag more mining work, with BMA launching a new local buying program. Information sessions will be held in Dysart, Blackwater, Emerald and Moranbah this week to outline the opportunities that exist under the new program. The program aims to give small businesses a go at supplying competitive goods

FAST NEWS

to build local business capability.” The program will apply to small businesses only – businesses with fewer than 15 full time employees – based in the towns of Blackwater, Emerald, Moranbah and Dysart. It has been developed following feedback from small businesses in those communities. The information sessions will be held at the following times:

Dysart

Date: 1 March 2011 Location: Country Road Motor Inn, 57 Queen Elizabeth Drive Time: 7:30am – 9:00am

Moranbah

Date: 1 March 2011 Location: Moranbah Workers Club, Isaac Room Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Self-made mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has returned to where his business career began by spending $30 million to buy two exploration permits for coal near Middlemount in the Bowen Basin. Using one of the investment companies he controls - Boardwalk Sienna - Mr Tinkler bought the Sienna and Electra permits from Norton Gold Fields. Norton is the same company looking to re-develop the Mount Morgan gold mine, west of Rockhampton. Exploration at the two Middlemount sites is still at the very early stages, however Norton says there is an ‘inferred’ resource of around 57 million tonnes of coal in the two deposits. Mr Tinkler shot to fame in 2009 when he topped the Australian BRW Rich List for people under 40; at the time his personal wealth was estimated at $441 million.

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Macarthur profits despite slashed production Despite announcing coal production will be slashed by 20 per cent this year, Macarthur Coal has managed to deliver a half yearly profit of around $140 million. So how do you slash production and increase profit? Well in this case, it is a question of timing since the profit results apply to a production period that ended in December - before the worst of the wet weather. The complete effect of the wet weather on profits will not be felt until the company completes its full year results. Also adding to the strong December result, Macarthur Coal sold a 20 per cent stake in its Middlemount mine to Gloucester Coal for $97 million. Macarthur counted $30 million of that sale in its half yearly figures.

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Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

News

106th EDITION. 2011

Rolleston’s massive convoy relief

HOW long does it take to move six 220tonne dump trucks from Brisbane to central Queensland? Three months, when your scheduled delivery date coincides with Queensland’s worst natural disaster.

The NQ Group has been trying to deliver the six Caterpillar 793s to Xstrata’s Rolleston mine since November. “Back then, we had four trucks parked up on the side of the road at Kabra [west of Rockhampton] for three weeks waiting

for the roads to reopen after the rain,” said operations manager Darren Jones. “We ended up taking them to Rockhampton and with the help of Hastings Deering unloading them so they could dry out.” But yesterday, a massive convoy of 12 prime movers carrying $35 million worth of machinery and escorted by a host of police cars made it safely into Rolleston. The logistical feat was made possible by the hard work of Main Roads, the police, the NQ Group, Xstrata, Hastings Deering and QR. Road closures and weight limits meant a direct route had to be abandoned for a much longer journey from Brisbane to Mackay through Moranbah into Emerald and out to Rolleston. “I tell you, it is a relief this has been dragging on since November and it has been our first priority,” said Mr Jones. “At the moment we have to snatch any window of opportunity to move stuff and fast.” “It would not have made sense to do 12 separate trips because at any time it could start raining again and it was useless to only have part of the delivery at the mine.”

Mr Jones said the delivery was crucial to all involved. “It’s all just a big chain reaction in terms of cash flow.” “Xstrata want the trucks to start mining and making them money, Hastings want the trucks digging so they get paid, and I want the trucks delivered so I have money in the bank.” “My drivers are keen to get out there and earn a buck because they have suffered too over the past few months.” Mr Jones said it was just the beginning of a backlog of work that will take months to clear. “Normal is still a long way off so it will be crazy for some weeks, and the weather reports don’t make you feel very confident.” “We have to get in and move things while we can - so I’ve told the boys give your mum a kiss goodbye and tell her you’ll see her at Easter!” The Rolleston mine has been unable to get coal to port since January, because of extensive damage to the rail system. A spokesman said the mine did not expect to be able to rail coal to port until the end of the month.

“At the moment we have to snatch any window of opportunity to move stuff and fast.”

As Gladstone’s third LNG play lines up... Mines minister wants Qld first in mining jobs AUSTRALIA Pacific LNG (APLNG) has become the third LNG project in six months to get the green light for Gladstone. The Federal government yesterday granted environmental approval for the project, which is a joint venture between Origin and ConocoPhillips. The project includes building a 450-kilometre pipelines from the Surat Basin, and the construction of a multi-train LNG facility on Curtis Island. Just a week into his new role as Queensland’s mines minister, and Sterling Hinchliffe has told Shift Miner that providing skilled labour to new and expanding resources projects is the biggest challenge the industry faces. While the federal government is looking

at introducing a specific visa for the mining industry, Mr Hinchliffe said his priority would be for Queenslanders to come first. “We have a 5.7 per cent unemployment rate here in Queensland so we want to make sure those people have a chance to get some of these jobs.” Mr Hinchliffe is also in charge of the employment portfolio, and said more needs to be done in terms of skilling up the workforce. “I don’t live in a utopia, we have to do a better job of ensuring we can meet the future needs of the industry,” he said. “My strong commitment is about doing the smart thinking and making the progressive changes that we need to ensure our training sector is responding.”

“We have a 5.7 per cent unemployment rate here in Queensland so we want to make sure those people have a chance to get some of these jobs.” Page 6 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

News

106th EDITION. 2011

Drag-lines line up Red & blue hats in for an ultrasound vogue at Hail Creek New research using ultrasound technology could revolutionise drag line maintenance, slashing costs and delivering significant safety benefits to mining. The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) has found significant cost savings are possible by applying ultrasound technology to the maintenance of wire ropes used on drag lines. For around 20 years, testing of wire ropes

has been done using x-ray technology, which due to its radiation risks requires the site to be cleared and causes significant lost production time. However, in a trial carried out by Bureau Veritas, an ultrasonic wave was sent down the wire rope, and any imperfections or defects sent back a small echo. The research revealed that if you had a 100 strand wire rope - the technology could detect if just 8 wires were damaged, and this increases proportionally as the size of the rope increases. Bureau Veritas researcher Adam Van Dyck said the technology could revolutionise the industry. “Replacing x-ray radiography with ultrasound solves a lot of the safety issues that surround radiation from using x-rays,” he explained. “Also the down time for a radiography shot is long, and this is potentially much faster.” “Although I have to stress this is very early days and the research is far from complete, it still needs to be field tested and there remains a lot of unknowns to be resolved through future research.” There is money available through ACARP for more research into the technology and Bureau Veritas said mining companies had already volunteered to field trial a prototype. No final decision on where the trial will take place has been made.

“Replacing x-ray radiography with ultrasound solves a lot of the safety issues that surround radiation from using x-rays.”

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HAIL Creek miners are seeing red... and blue, thanks to employee Tania Johnson’s novel idea to raise money for cancer services. Ms Johnson said her personal experiences motivated her to approach the mine with the idea for them to purchase red and and blue helmets, which employees would donate $20 to wear. “Originally, it was only going to be pink helmets to raise funds for breast cancer but one of my colleagues suggested we include blue helmets to raise funds for prostrate cancer too,” she said. It was an idea that Rio Tinto’s Hail

Creek mine general manager operations Andrew Woodley was happy to support. “One of our company objectives is to contribute to the communities where we operate so it’s great to see our employees go a step further and start creating their own ways to give back.” “A third of our workforce participated in this initiative, which is a great result and shows that our people are highly active when it comes to supporting their local community,” Mr Woodley said. The multi-coloured helmets raised more than $5000 for cancer services.

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Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

News

106th EDITION. 2011

QMRS boys recognised for Pike River work AFTER more than two months working to stablise New Zealand’s Pike River mine, the Queensland Mines and Rescue Service (QMRS) team has returned home. More than 30 QMRS workers rotated around the clock to play their part in stabilising the mine, which killed 29 men in an explosion last year. It took them away from family and

friends over the Christmas and New Year period, and in all cases mining companies gave them a leave of pass to help on the painstaking assignment. Last week, the Isaac Regional Council recognised their efforts with an Australia Day award presented to them in Dysart. “It was a great honour for them to be recognised for their hard work, and just

how enormous this job has been,” said QMRS state director Wayne Hartley. The GAG unit used to stablise the mine will also be flown back to Queensland in the next month. “We will send a few people over there next week in order to prepare the jet engine and equipment so it can be brought home,” Mr Hartley said. The mine is now being monitored by Pike River Coal, which is in the hands of administrators Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC). A massive fault line runs through the mine, but last week’s earthquake is not believed to have destablised the site.

“At this stage the earthquake doesn’t seem to have had any effect at the mine,” said PWC’s John Frisk. If the mine site is considered safe enough for personnel to re-enter the drift, QMRS expertise could again be called on. “I think there is a high possibility of entering the drift, and once they get to the end of that which is 2.5 kilometres they will most likely send robots in to try and get a visual with cameras to see if there is any possibility of entering the mine,” said Mr Hartley. “We have not been asked to be involved at this stage, but New Zealand is certainly going to need the resources of outside agencies to help.”

EFFORTS RECOGNISED: Isaac Mayor Cedric Marshall presents the award to QMRS’ Wayne Hartley and Clive Hanrahan

Broadband on the horizon for Moranbah estate A broadband black spot that has plagued a new housing estate in Moranbah for six months could soon be fixed. Telstra has contacted residents in the Isaac Views Estate to let them know the black spot will be cleared and 384 broadband connections set up by the end of March. Residents have been campaigning for months, but Shift Miner understands a subexchange and backhaul needed to be upgraded before the service could be provided. “As more and more people became frustrated with the lack of broadband service, the issue regained momentum,” said one resident who did not want to be named. Telstra has confirmed in correspondence with the resident that it expects to be able to provide broadband services to the estate by the end of next month. Currently, 62 families live in the estate, but stages three and four are currently being built. The Telstra missive said the upgrade would mean it could cater for the existing demand for ADSL [broadband] and

Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

provide capacity for future services as the remaining stages of the estate come online. However, the telecommunications giant has flagged that many of its resources are tied up in cyclone and flood relief work in other parts of the state. It will let residents know if the Moranbah upgrade will be delayed as a result.

News

106th EDITION. 2011

How many $k can you save changing a light bulb? AN Airlie Beach resort has slashed $14,000 off its electricity bills by adopting simple energy saving strategies. The manager of Blue Horizon Resort, Alicia Wood, said when they took over the business they changed basic staff proce-

dures to drive down costs. “Basically, before we started here, nothing was every turned off,” she told the WINO. “We brought in new standard procedures that included making sure lights and appliances were all turned off, we installed motion

sensors on our external lighting, changed the light globes to energy saving globes and put a timer on a gym air conditioner.” Blue Horizon was one of 30 businesses in the Mackay and Whitsunday region to be involved in the Queensland government’s ClimateSmart business cluster program. The program is now targeting any businesses between Sarina and Bowen - and particularly those in the Paget industrial area of Mackay - to come on board. Participants can expect to lower their electricity bills between five and 25 per cent, according ClimateSmart coordinator Jane Tuner. “We will come out and do an audit of your workplace, and most of the changes are simple ‘low cost or no cost’ behavioural ones like switching off lights and changing globes,” said Ms Turner. Ms Turner said while the immediate benefit is the cost savings, in the long term lowering emissions could be a vital part of doing business. “In the future it could be a big advantage because businesses might find they need to

to have these environmental tick offs before they get onto tender lists.” “While it is voluntary at the moment it certainly looks like the way things are going is for this to become regulatory and if you are on board now you are ahead of the game.” Ms Wood has encouraged all local businesses to join up - and said from her experience, including staff in the process was critical. “We had staff meetings and asked for input and our reception staff and cleaners really got a kick out of seeing their ideas implemented.” “It gave them ownership of the project and helped build a passion for it - and while we didn’t hand out cash bonuses to staff, the money we saved meant we could buy new cleaning equipment like vacuum cleaners for our cleaners.” “We are still having conversations about it, and one of the best things is that some of these new practises from the workplace are now being applied in their homes.” The program costs $275 and involves an audit and three workshops. Interested businesses can contact Jane Turner on 0400 385 603 before 15 March.

“In the future it could be a big advantage because businesses might find they need to to have these environmental tick offs before they get onto tender lists.”

Dysart changes Wandoan mine deadlock spark debate DYSART residents have lodged objections to two residential development projects currently before the Isaac Regional Council. CFMEU-sponsored community advocate Jim Pearce said the developments would add to the overall number of single person quarters in the town. “As I understand it, the development application for Jacaranda Place is to replace the commercial premises with two-storey residential units that will then be rented or sold back to the mining companies,” he said. Also before the council is a proposal by BMA to removal 13 existing houses and build new ones. The mayor, Cedric Marshall, said all aspects of the developments would be considered. “The applications propose change to the balance of local industry and must therefore be assessed carefully with respect to

the Sustainable Planning Act and the original town planning scheme,” he said. Council has commissioned well-known KPMG consultant and demographer Bernard Salt to carry out a ‘social and economic study’ to look into how much growth Isaac’s communities can handle and what kind of infrastructure is needed. Councillor Ann Crawford said it was important residents had their say about the town’s future. “We encourage community members to take an interest in important development projects as the outcomes from community engagement can inform our long-term community planning,” she said. “Making sure we get it right is of great importance as the strength and sustainability of communities like Dysart is essential to the health of the region.”

“Council has commissioned well-known KPMG consultant and demographer Bernard Salt to carry out a ‘social and economic study’ to look into how much growth Isaac’s communities can handle and what kind of infrastructure is needed.”

WANDOAN residents could take mining giant Xstrata to court, it the company does not agree to a two-kilometre buffer zone to keep mining away from the town. Xstrata has released its social impact management plan for the massive Wandoan project, and stakeholders have until the end of February to provide feedback. Residents are concerned about how close to town Xstrata will be able to mine - and that noise, dust, and other mine-generated pollution will destroy the livability of the town. According to Community Refence Group president Bill Blackley, the current plan would see mining occur just 600 metres from some homes. “The biggest problem that we are fighting is to maintain a two kilometre exclusion zone around the town, and we haven’t been able to get that,” he said. “We have a Co-ordinator General’s report that gives draft approval for mining to take

place two kilometres from the centre of town.” “That equates to 600 metres from the residents on the edge of town.” Mr Blackley said residents wanted the exclusion zone to begin at the outskirts and not at the centre. “Even two kilometres from the edge of town might not be far enough away to maintain livability, but we looked at the plans for when all the pits would be and settled on that distance.” “We want to maintain the future of Wandoan, and people are already saying they will move if there is mining that close to town, people have said that already.” Mr Blackley said taking Xstrata to the mining court would be the group’s last option, and would be very difficult for a small community like Wandoan to fund. However, Mr Blackleysaid the group was exploring options for how they might get assistance for funding such a legal challenge.

“Even two kilometres from the edge of town might not be far enough away to maintain livability” Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

News

106th EDITION. 2011

New mines minister to see flood damage first hand QUEENSLAND’S new mines minister wants to visit flood-affected mines in the Bowen Basin to understand the impact of December’s deluge on production. Almost six weeks after the flooding rains, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says that only 13 per cent of the state’s 57 coal mines are back to full production. More than 80 per cent are operating under restrictions, and eight per cent are yet to resume normal operations. The former infrastructure and planning minister Sterling Hinchliffe has taken over the the mines portfolio in a cabinet reshuffle announced last week. Mr Hinchliffe said he was well aware the industry was hurting. “I am very keen to visit flood affected mines for myself and see those people who are dealing with getting these operations up and running.” “We are working very closely with companies to determine how we can best work together to get these mines back into production.”

Thirty-four coal mines have been granted temporary permits to pump water out of flooded pits since December, and another 10 have applications pending with the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). The industry has been critical of the new permit system for de-watering in dealing with the breadth of the flood crisis in central Queensland. There has been frustration at the speed of processing, and concern the situation could worsen if more heavy falls breach levee banks and dam infrastructure jeopardising mine safety and contaminating waterways. Mr Hinchliffe said he is willing to listen to industry concerns. “I have only been in the job a few days but I know this is a hot issue and that’s why it is important for me to get out and see things first hand.” The QRC estimates the floods crisis has cost the industry between $5 and $9 billion in lost production, and could see royalties plummet by up to $700 million.

“I am very keen to visit flood affected mines for myself and see those people who are dealing with getting these operations up and running.”

Floods push transport hub to top of pile

THE recent floods which cut Rockhampton to the south and west should cement the need for a central Queensland inter-modal transport hub - according to its backers.

For the past six months, business leaders have met to push for a transport hub to be established on the outskirts of Rockhampton, to cater for the region’s burgeoning mining and industrial sector.

“The new hub could be built in such a way that it is flood free by re-addressing the distribution methods of road and rail.” Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

CQ Intermodal Logistics Hub (CQILH) chair Frank Munnich said the floods have simply brought the issue front of mind for the region. “There is now an acknowledgement of the fact that these floods aren’t going to go away, they are going to continue to happen and we need to do something to immunise ourselves from the impacts,” he said. “The new hub could be built in such a way that it is flood free by re-addressing the distribution methods of road and rail.” “Some sections may need to be raised to ensure that every time we have a flood the highway is not cut to the south and west of Rockhampton.” Mr Munnich said the hub could also have a significant cold storage facility to store fresh supplies. “When the floods hit we were down to as little as two days supply in this whole region because trucks were isolated.” Mr Munnich said now was the ideal time to re-think the future of transport and distribution in central Queensland. “We are hoping people will find it even more valuable to do this work now,” he said. “We do not need to start from scratch, but co-ordinate all the hard work that has been done in the past.” Three tenders have been received by the CQILH to complete the initial work on a pre-feasibility study for the project.

More wild weather on cards for CQ CENTRAL Queensland and the Coalfields could experience wet weather right through until the end of spring, according to forecasters. While the wettest month of the year is drawing to a close, the Weather Channel’s senior meteorologist Dick Wittaker said CQ is not out of the woods yet. “While it looks as though the La Nina is weakening a little, certainly we’re still in the wet season,” he told Shift Miner. Dick Whittaker played a key role in keeping Queenslanders up-to-date during the recent flood and cyclone crisis, through his channel’s coverage of the extraordinary weather conditions. “Because it’s such a strong system the effects will be felt another couple of months yet, taking us out of summer and through to April possibly extending into May,” Mr Whittaker said. While the Coalfields escaped the wrath of Cyclone Yasi, the region is still recovering from the December/January deluge. But Mr Whitaker said another cyclone was still a possibility. “Certainly the La Nina’s influence may felt longer that it normally would, and I wouldn’t be game to say there’s no chance of a cyclone just yet,” he said. It is a sentiment echoed by the Bureau of Meteorology, which has stated there is a 60 to 75 per cent chance of above median rainfall from February to April for the northern region of Queensland.

around town 106th EDITION. 2011

RED CARPET EVENT

WorkPac and Curragh hosted a day of free movies at the Blackwater International Coal Centre in February. The result was 106 happy kids who turned up to the movies with their parents to watch their pick of three 3D films. Free popcorn, soft drink, balloons and a sausage were also part of the fun-filled family day.

BUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT

www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together 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 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

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If camps are built away from town ckay Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a jobt Mathat no-one would want to do. thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be no impact - good or bad Le-vel 2/ 17 Brisbane Stree So thank you. Their families must be so on local business. It cuts both ways. grateful. M.R, Moranbah Frank, Emerald Just wanted to pass on all my best to It seems like if you choose to live in a those who worked on Pike River. R.S, camp at the moment you are the enemy Gladstone of small towns. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just crazy. We have a right to choose where we want to live too. Anyone for fishing? Our D.T, Sunshine Coast Bait Shop Banter column keeps you in the know: Little towns need to stand up for themselves or it will be too late. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not wrong about Boyne River it is T.R, Moranbah fishing like crazy! P.T, Gladstone m.a www.ta olicitors.co il@taylors-s email: ma

Many have been impressed by the QMRS workers who have helped at Pike River:

Been on Awoonga all day. Nothin. E.J, Rockhampton on the lack of barra at Awoonga

SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T? PRIZES FOR THE BEST MINING PHOTOS. TAKE IT ON YOUR PHONE OR CAMERA AND SEND IT IN

Got something to share? Send us your text messages or phone photos to 0428 154 653 Or email to shift.miner@gmail.com

Text to 0428 154 653 Email shift.miner@gmail.com

Breakfast

Michael Bailey - Weekdays 5am - 9am

Mornings

Greg Cary - Weekdays 9am -12pm

NEWS, TALK AND THE MUSIC YOU LOVE www.4ro.com.au

Page 12 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

Afternoons

Tune into the Michael J. Breakfast show from 7:35 am every Monday for 4RO's CQ Mining Update, with special guest Angus from Shift Miner.

Alan Jones - Weekdays 1pm - 2pm

SALES ENQUIRIES: (07) 4920 2000

FAIR DINKUM 106th EDITION. 2011

Fair Dinkum!

IN AUSTRALIA - The small town of Speed, in outback Victoria, has renamed itself Speedkills - in a bid to curb road accidents. While the town only has a population of 45, it is hoping it can make a real impact on thousands of drivers. Facebook has been used to promote the idea, and now more 34,000 are behind the town’s goal of slowing people down on the roads. The name change will only exist for the month of March - and then it will just go back to plain on Speed.

IN INDIA - if you thought a lifetime’s commitment to one woman was enough (or man for that matter) meet Ziona Chana. He’s a 66-year-old Indian who has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren. That’s more than the population of some remote Queensland towns. Chana is a man who can boast that he married 10 women in one year - and even at the ripe old age of 66 is still looking for more. It won’t surprise you to hear that Chaha is also the the head of a religious sect - named after himself - which allows polygamy. ACROSS THE WORLD - if you thought rap music did funny things to your mind, you could be onto something. Experts are warning that rapper Kanye West’s latest video could trigger epileptic seizures. The music video All of the Lights uses

flashing imagery that despite the warnings has already been watched on Youtube millions of times across the globe. The UK charity Eplilepsy Action has warned it could be dangerous. “We are doing all we can to warn people who may be affected not to watch it ... we feel it is unfortunately very likely that people may have already been affected,” it has warned.

IN AUSTRALIA - Cyclone Yasi didn’t just wipe bananas off the menu.... but also marijuana. According to the Cairns Post, the gale-force winds which destroyed forest areas also ruined drug crops - or exposed them. “We would expect that a lot of the cannabis would have been destroyed,” local police told the paper. “The surrounding foliage would no longer be providing cover and concealment to assist the cultivation of the plants.” IN BRAZIL - A woman in Brazil says she was shocked to find an alligator hiding behind her sofa after heavy rains flooded her house. She says she was alerted to the alligator’s presence by her son, who was patting the animal’s head. The woman snatched the child away and called the fire brigade, who trapped the one-and-a-half-metre long reptile. Firefighters in the town of Parauapebas say the family was lucky the alligator was not hungry.

Experts are warning that rapper Kanye West’s latest video could trigger epileptic seizures.

MATE VS MATE MINE VS MINE SHIFT MINER MAGAZINE 2011 NRL FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION It’s time to find out who is Central Queensland’s top tipper by entering our Shift Miner Magazine Footy Tipping Competition. With the NRL season just weeks away we are putting the call out to all punters, mining crews and general footy fantatics in the Bowen Basin reigon to join our footy tipping competition for a chance to win great prizes including a TRIP TO THE 2011 NRL GRAND FINAL!

To enter this competition simply contact us on: 0749 214 333 or advertising@shiftminer.com

Frank the Tank’s

“Streakin” good love advice Dear Frank, I’ve been seeing this girl for a few months now and things just really aren’t working out the way I’d hoped. I’ve tried to break up with her before, but she doesn’t seem to be able to accept the fact that I don’t want to be with her. How can I end this relationship once and for all? Neil, Clermont Dear Neil, This is a problem I’m all too familiar with. Once women get a taste of Frank they become addicted - I can’t help it - I’m like heroin for the fairer sex. It’s a blessing and a curse. I’ve had to let a lot of girls down easy, and some not so easy. On more than one occasion I’ve invited a woman on a road trip for the sole purpose of leaving her stranded in the middle of nowhere. My conscience actually got the better of me with respect to this technique, so I struck up a deal with a nice fellow in rural New South Wales who promised to pick the girls up and take them home safely after I dropped them off. I think his name was Ivan. In any case, how you end your relationship is heavily dependent on how you want her to feel towards you afterwards. If you’re the type of guy who likes to be friends with all your ex-girlfriends, it’s a bit trickier, you

Sensible Susan Neil, Please don’t proposition your girl-

need to end the relationship in a way that’s blameless; I recommend faking your own death. All you’ll need is a mannequin, a set of your clothes, and a large explosion of some kind. Your girlfriend will think you’re dead, and subsequently move on. In the meantime you’ve grown a moustache (for the purposes of disguise, not to mention the rugged charm associated with it) and are living, free, clear and blameless. Conversely, if you’re the kind of guy that doesn’t mind hurting a few feelings then you open yourself up to a world of incredibly effective break up techniques. Try selling your girlfriend’s underwear to prison inmates, that’ll start a fight for sure. If you want to go straight for the brass ring however, there is one surefire way to gain the disapproval of your girlfriend, and that is to make her friends dislike you. There are a number of ways you can do this, but by far the most effective is the spontaneous orgy proposition. Wait until your girlfriend invites her friends over for a girl’s night, then present yourself to the group naked and suggest an orgy. They’ll be so disgusted that they’ll berate your girlfriend until she breaks up with you. On the other hand, if they’re all into it you’ve secured yourself bragging rights for a lifetime, it’s a flawless technique. I really should start charging people for this advice Frank

friend and all her friends for an orgy, I can guarantee it won’t pan out well. If you’re really unhappy with this girl you are just going to have to sit her down and explain the reasons you don’t want to be with her, I’m quite certain she can’t force you to date her. Drive your point home, and she’ll get the message. Susan

Cost of entry is $25 per person and we will be announcing our full list of prizes in our Monday 28th February edition. Don’t miss out on your chance to win some fantastic prizes as well as being crowned our inaugural 2011 Footy Tipping Champion.

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

Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

HOUSE FOR SALE Investor Kickstart! We double your rent for the ﬁrst 3 months! Reduce Your Tax!!! Grow your Assets! RETIRE IN COMFORT Choose from one of our many home and land packages in QLD from $329,900. 0451 050 588

CAR FOR SALE HQ 1972 Holden sedan - GTS Replica. Currently has a modiﬁed 186 motor, runs well, sounds great, straight body, partly restored. Selling with 308 motor (was running), extractors and Rochester Carbie. $7990 ono Ph 0411367777.

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

PASTURE FOR SALE

Black Spear Seed (no weeds)

Ideal for land rehabilitation

Items over $200,000 have a ﬂat fee of $50 added

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HOUSE FOR RENT Airlie Beach Holiday House 30 sqm deck 180 degree veiws, 200 metre easy walk to Lagoon, 3 bedrooms, 2 car parking,self contained, a/c $170/night 0402 035 217. or 49487900

EIMEO/MACKAY VAC LAND FOR SALE Elevated block surrounded by quality homes with view of Brampton & Keswick Islands. Close to schools, shops & transport. Owner motivated to sell will look at all reas offers. 15 Coral Ridge Drive $209,000 0407 963 955 HOUSE FOR SALE

BOAT FOR SALE

Glendale Relocatable home, 13.2m x 7.2m, 2 x

1973 Cruiser for sale 40” Spotted Gum Cruiser 4-71GM, 12v/24v alt, 1500L diesel, 1000L water, Gas/electric fridge freezer, Sleeps 6, VHF 27mg and UHF $45,000 Ono 0418 988 126

bedroom, main with ensuite, plenty of kitchen cupboards, wall oven, and ceramic glass cook top, raked ceiling in large lounge/dining, 2 x split system a/c, excellent cond, Rockhampton $115,000 ono

Ph 07 49346190 nights

BOAT FOR SALE 480 coastrunner CV,, fully registered until july 2011,,75 hp honda 4 stroke,,boat and motor have only 25hrs,,also comes with heaps of extras,, $26,000 0429 841 205 HOBBY FARM FOR SALE Victoria 2.5 acres Fully fenced, cleared with pasture. Bitumen road and Phone to front gate. Power avail. Prim and Sec School, Nursing Center, Shops less than 15min. $55,000 Colin Elders OMEO 0429 350 500 WHITSUNDAY HOLIDAY RENTAL Impress your girlfriend,family or mates & book this spacious f/furn beachfront home - 30mins Nth Airlie Beach. Ideal affordable getaway from $160/nt View www.stayz.com. au Property ID 25669 wallerjen@westnet.com.au Ph 07 49461628

CAR FOR SALE

2005 Toyota Landcruiser, turbo diesel, charcoal grey, 5 speed manual, 112,000 kms, excellent condition, far too many extras to mention, one owner $55,000 ONO Ph: 0438 035 478 ACRES FOR SALE HOME HILL, 7.94 HA (19.62 Acres) 46 ML River Allocation with 12 acres of Kensington Pride Mangoes (500 trees) Absolute river front powered block with top quality soils 49827848 0407654765 CAR FOR SALE PRADO GRANDE 08 Diesel, Auto, Leather Int, S/Roof, Centre Fridge, Adj Air Susp, Sat Nav, D/Hill Assist, 3Yr Factory Ext Wty, T/Windows, Floor Covers, 75,000klm VGC $60,900 o.n.o. Mob: 0407 138 822

Ph: 4926 9084 mob: 0431 197 846. BIKE FOR SALE

BIKE FOR SALE

Honda Blackbird 1100

Honda Goldwing (Luxury

As new condition,Tow

must sell due to

Bar, UHF Radio, Carry

$8,990

price was $1700

BIKE FOR SALE Harley Davidson 2005 softail deluxe,250 wide ass kit, diamond cut spokes, slash cut pipes, burly bars,13000km like new $46,000 ono ph.0407 491 388

Selling Price

lowered suspension,

progressing on the

cd/dvd with sub woofer

island, don’t miss

and bluetooth, this car

Fully furnished.

BOAT FOR SALE 1981 Yamaha Sloop ”Hummingbird” Length 9.0M. Beam 3.2m. Draft 1.75M. Furling head sail. main sail. Yanmar Diesel 3YM20 21HP - installed 2006 - 260 hours. Sleeps 6. Good cond. Rosslyn Bay Marina. Price $51,000 BOB 0410 700 814

is in VGC.

$650 ono

$499 000

$14,500 ono.

Phone 0411367777.

0427 411 531

0408 549 027

ACRES FOR SALE Property 5 Mins to Miriamvale, 2x125 acre blocks + 120 acre reserve. Massive water supply & extensive irrigation. Grow anything. Choice blocks. $550,000 house Block or $900,000 the lot. Ph:0749791384

CAR FOR SALE Monaro HG/SS Chev,308,3 speed auto,10 blt diff, polished 600 holley, elecrtic blue holley fuel pump,elect windows,dual exhaust,19 inc mags,new battery -leads, $38500 ono, 0439872215

Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

BOAT FOR SALE Keith Brown 30. Pro. built solid f/glass half cabin ﬁshing vessel.length 9m, beam 3m, drft 1.2.210hp 3208 cat deisel. 500l fuel. Cruise 13 knots. HF & VHF radios,plotter, 6”sounder.All safety gear & ground tackle.Twin berth, covered back deck.Ideal ﬁshingor Island cruising. Yeppoon 49 392 182, 0409491024 $59,000 neg

kit,6cyl,193.000kms,

With development

this opportunity!

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k.pdf 2010

5 minute fiction

OFF SHIFT 106th EDITION. 2011

by Bernard S. Jansen

D ay s O f f

ACROSS

1. Lab jar (4,4)

5. Deputy vicar

11 12

Hal loved his family. He carried a photo of them with him, all the time. It was because he loved them that he agreed to his wife Jody’s pleas to move them all to Mackay. Emerald had been a great place to live, as far as Hal was concerned. He’d made some great mates there. But Jody’s friends and family were in Mackay, and she really wanted the kids to go to school there.

9. Improvised (2-6) 13

10. Gentle 12. Altitude

13. Exhaust (3,2)

16. Grow

21 22

“Besides,” said Jody, “with twelve hour shifts you’re not really at home when you’re working. You could just drive out from Mackay, work your tour, and then come home after your last shift.”

14. Inscribe

19. Whines persistently

21. Paths

24. Determined person

It made a lot of sense. He really only did sleep and eat at home during his tour. Lots of others did the drive-in drive-out thing. Anyway, he liked the coast. So, they moved.

25. Circle widths 27

27. Pictures 28. Bewitched 29. Removed innards 30. Cuts off

5 2 2 5 5 7 8 5 1 8 6 1 5 3 8 1 2 6 6 9 2 1 8 4 MEDIUM

DOWN 1. Joined forces, ... up 2. Olympic second 3. Shinbone 4. Flaw 6. Abnormally 7. Non-professionals 8. Released from obligation 11. At one time 15. Striped brown gem (5’1,3) 17. Crushing (fly) 18. Alert 20. Sodium bicarbonate, baking ... 21. Small carnivorous mammals 22. Chicken-feed granule 23. Throwaway lines 26. On a par

# 96

LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS H E A D A CH E R A B C O R E J O I C E D S B E D D A OCC A S I ON S R T W A A NON P E A V E DOO RWA Y W I U L S A E L I A R S ME A N A T T S K T R I B A L L E B E L N S DR E A D S S T R

M A# N 94D N R NG L Y E C NRO L I E UN I A G N K F A D E R E D R I H A N E S E M N R A DD L E E P I L E P T I C

3 9 4 6 1 7 8 5 2

2 8 1 3 4 5 6 7 9

5 6 7 8 9 2 1 3 4

4 2 3 7 8 6 5 9 1

6 7 5 1 3 9 2 4 8

9 1 8 5 2 4 7 6 3

1 4 6 2 5 3 9 8 7

8 5 9 4 7 1 3 2 6

7 3 2 9 6 8 4 1 5

Hal found his tours to be more lonely then he’d thought he would. It was that hour or so when he got to the apartment and wound down before falling asleep. He missed the quick catch-ups with Jody, and looking in on the kids in their beds. He still fell asleep soon enough, and when Hal fell asleep, he was dead to the world. He missed them all when he woke up, too. It was like a dull ache; a longing to be somewhere else. It didn’t really make much sense. When they were all in the same house he’d only ever got up and dressed in the dark anyway. Still, he’d known that they were there, at home. On day-shifts, the drive out to the mine in the pre-dawn darkness always helped Hal to clear his head. It was his favourite time of the day. Sometimes he’d think about the work ahead, preparing himself for the day. Sometimes he’d think about his family. Sometimes, fishing. The end of each tour ended with two or three night shifts, depending on where he was in the roster. He had a kind of feeling of expectation, driving out to the mine in the evenings for his night shifts. It was almost time for his days off; almost time to go back home. It wasn’t the night shifts themselves that Hal liked. In fact, Hal hated working nights. What he liked was knowing that he would soon be going home to his family.

What he didn’t like was the effort it took to stay awake. He loathed that time from about three to four in the morning, when his body craved a warm bed; but instead he was two hundred and fifty metres underground, putting up roofbolts or driving a shuttle-car. For Hal, the next hardest part of night shift was the drive home. The drives back to Emerald wasn’t too bad. While some blokes felt better the more night shifts they did in a row, it only seemed to get worse for Hal. By the last shift of his tour, he seemed to be runing on adrenaline and willpower. It was willpower that made Hal drive straight home to Mackay after his last shift. He didn’t want to have another daytime sleep by himself in his Emerald apartment. He just wanted to get home. The mine was half an hour in the right direction anyway. As the great philosopher Meatloaf once said, “Like a bat out of hell, I’ll be gone when the morning comes.” Hal worked out ways to stay awake and stay on the road on that long, tired trip home. He’d turn the radio on or played a CD, loud. He’d turn the air-conditioner onto freezing, or sometimes open a window. He would stop at the servo outside Moranbah, scratching his scalp and rubbing his face. He’d get an iced coffee from the fridge packed full of them, and then hit the road again. Next stop: Nebo. If he found himself drifting off, he’d pull over for a minute and run around the car. Hal had it worked out. After six months, the car pretty much drove itself home. Hal cut out the Nebo stop, and sometimes Moranbah too. He got better at pushing himself through those sleepy moments. He’d focus. He’d talk to himself. He’d think about Jody and the kids. He’d keep going, going, going. Home. An elderly couple towing their caravan with an old Landcruiser were the first on the scene where Hal’s ute had been split in half by a huge gum tree about twenty metres from the road. The ambulance officers weren’t able to revive him. There were no skid marks, and tests showed his brakes were working fine. After six years, his family still miss him very much.

Bernard S. Jansen is 31, married has three young boys. He lives in Emerald, works as an engineer at a local coal mine and is active in his local church. Read more of Bernard’s writing online at surgebin.blogspot.com or email him at Bernard.jansen@gmail.com

Page 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

OFF SHIFT 106th EDITION. 2011

Bait shop Banter FISHING IN GLADSTONE The creeks and rivers are fishing so well around Gladstone at the moment that people are travelling from as far a field as Brisbane to throw their lures in. The prodigious amount of rain that has fallen caused Awoonga Dam to spill over, and the Boyne River is fishing marvellously as a result. “It is fishing very, very, very well all the way down to the mouth,” said Gazza from Pat’s Tackle World. Barra is being caught mainly using surface poppers, and the Calliope River is also fishing well using lures and bait. But stay out of Awoonga Dam for now - it is deathly quiet with virtually nothing being caught. “Look with all the rain there is a lot of dead grass and vegetation in the dams and

all the oxygen in the water shocks the fish a bit,” said Gazza. “But when it settles down it will be fishing very nicely by winter, short term pain for long term gain.” Off shore is also fishing well, with the weather finally letting people out wide. Red emperor, trout and even tuna are about, although the tuna is a bit patchy.

been holding up the fort back at the shop. She said Corio Bay is still a hot spot for crabs and barra, but the prawns have started to die down a bit. “We’d been hoping people might be able to get out wide again this weekend, but the weather is looking a bit blowly at this stage,” said Lee. Fingers crossed...

FISHING IN ROCKHAMPTON

FISHING IN MACKAY

Last weekend was a beauty for getting out wide, with the Rosslyn Bay car park full to capacity with eager fishermen out on the water early. Many were chasing mackerel and trout around Baron Island, and having great success. While our regular fishing guru Adrian from the Secret Spot at Yeppoon has been enjoying some fly fishing in New Zealand, Lee has

There’s no good way of saying it, the fishing in Mackay has been worse than average for months. Bruce from Nashy’s Compleat Angler said 25 knot winds had been blowing for weeks, and there had barely been a window for getting out wide. But the Gooseponds is producing some barra for those who want to give it a go. “A few kids are out there bashing a lot

Tide Times

Feb/Mar

MACKAY Gladstone

Mon 28 Tue 29 Wed 2 Thu 3 Time Ht Time Ht

Time Ht

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

angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com

Your weather forecast With Mike Griffin

Fri 4 Sat 5 Sun 6 Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0014 1.38 0107 1.18 0147 1.03 0221 0.93 0251 0.88 0317 0.86 0344 0.88 0641 3.92 0726 4.06 0803 4.13 0834 4.14 0902 4.12 0928 4.06 0954 3.97 1301 1.12 1342 0.97 1417 0.88 1448 0.83 1517 0.81 1543 0.81 1607 0.84 1902 3.40 1944 3.58 2019 3.70 2051 3.78 2119 3.84 2145 3.89 2213 3.90 0210 1.27 0257 1.06 0336 0.96 0409 0.94 0437 0.96 0504 1.01 0529 1.10 0827 5.49 0908 5.63 0943 5.65 1013 5.61 1040 5.53 1105 5.41 1128 5.25 1501 1.07 1539 0.96 1611 0.94 1640 0.95 1706 0.97 1728 1.00 1750 1.06 2052 4.71 2129 4.86 2202 4.94 2230 4.99 2257 5.04 2322 5.06 2348 5.04

Mon 7 MACKAY Gladstone

Time Ht

of small to middle sized barra in the Gooseponds, using soft plastics.” Bruce said. Crabs are the one saving grace for region, but even they are starting to go off the boil somewhat. “We’ve had a really good run of crabs since Christmas, but it has started to taper off a bit.” “But keep your pots set you should continue to get a feed through March.” Prawn catches will also continue for the next couple of months - all creeks are producing good numbers, there are no stand out spots. Bruce is hoping once the weather breaks it will a bounty out wide. “Once it all stabilises people want to get out on the smaller set of tides and hunt the shoal areas around the inshore islands.”

Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun 13

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0412 0.94 0441 1.07 0510 1.24 0543 1.45 0024 3.49 0122 3.34 0247 3.30 1019 3.83 1044 3.65 1109 3.42 1135 3.20 0625 1.68 0736 1.86 0923 1.87 1630 0.92 1654 1.04 1715 1.21 1736 1.39 1212 2.97 1325 2.77 1516 2.72 2241 3.87 2311 3.78 2344 3.64

1810 1.58 1926 1.77 2128 1.76

0555 1.25 0014 4.96 0041 4.80 0112 4.60 0154 4.39 0309 4.22 0500 4.32 1151 5.01 0622 1.48 0651 1.76 0725 2.06 0816 2.35 0950 2.52 1150 2.30 1810 1.18 1214 4.73 1238 4.40 1306 4.06 1351 3.72 1531 3.47 1740 3.62

1832 1.36 1855 1.59 1925 1.84 2013 2.11 2154 2.27 2348 2.04

Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

Hottest day this summer followed by storm WEEK 1 - the “muggy” conditions in the Coalfields peaked with the hottest day this summer on Monday 21 February. Most places in the Coalfields sweltered at 50 - 52C in the direct sun, while the shade temperature was 37C at Collinsville, 36.7C Emerald and 36.4C Thangool. Rolleston recorded 36.6C (0.1C below highest) and Moranbah 35.1C (0.5C below highest). Then followed the spectacular storms that cooled things off, mainly in the south eastern Coalfields and Capricornia. Some of the rainfall totals (mm) of note in a 5-10 hour period on 21st Feb: La Palma 62, Echo Hills 59, Kenbula 57, Taroom 54, Gladstone 50, Coolmaringa 30 and Westwood 21. Cooler comfortable breeze followed gradually warming over the weekend. Very warm to hot and “muggy” early in the week with late storms developing Thr/Fri. Watch the Monsoon Trough (MT) in the north. If cyclone “Errol” winds up off the WA Kimberley coast it may help the MT south with rain along the north Tropical Coast to Mt. Isa

verging into the northern Coalfields. More likely Thr; but could surprise on Wed. Boaties! After the “big blow” last week winds become light to moderate for most of the week. Starting ESE’ly then tending humid NE’ly (5-10 knots) with monsoon type showers by Wed north of Sarina. Then cloud develops from the north just as a south easterly surge hits southern Queensland on Sun. It’s possible a small low may form somewhere in the vicinity of the Swains Reef. Week 2 - the SOI continues to sit in record territory with a +20 value last week. The MT - after sitting near Cape York for the past few weeks is showing signs of moving further south. Possibly just north of the 18-20 degrees south latitude (Cardwell- Bowen). If the south east surge arrives; heralded by more spectacular storms early in the week, then conditions may be rather comfortable afterwards. This (fingers crossed) should force the Coral Sea low away from the coast. Watch for further development in the coming days.

OFF SHIFT 106th EDITION. 2011

Back in August, former Shift Miner staffer Lincoln “Linx” Bertoli decided to ditch the comforts of a steady pay packet and go and live the dream. Lucky bugger. For the rest of us stuck working to earn our keep in this cruel world, Linx will now taunt us with a regular column in “Off Shift”. If you can’t be there yourself, you might as well live vicariously through someone else... and just hope something unfortunate happens to him out there on the open road...

The Bertoli story - a spaghetti western FUNNILY enough, the name Bertoli, is Italian. And nothing puts a smile on my seemingly un-Italian face than reading about the plight of my spaghetti-eating forefathers. Three generations ago, a boat load of Bertoli’s from the Veneto region in Northern Italy set sail from the motherland, bound for all the adventure and opportunities Australia had to offer… sort of. They did indeed set sail - after some gentle coaxing from the French Marquis de Rays – to establish a community in a phantom paradise of the Pacific named La Nouvelle France; or what we now know as Papua New Guinea. Dreams of a new life quickly turned sour and after five months the migrants set sail once again, this time bound for New Caledonia. Long story short, the penal colony also proved somewhat of a drag and, hearing of their plight, the then premier of New South Wales Sir Henry Parkes sent a ship to pick em up and bring em down under. Which brings us to the area known as New Italy in Northern New South Wales. It was here that the country’s first real

refugees began a new life of farming and cultivation on the fertile banks of the Richmond River. Said inhabitants are now long gone but New Italy has been transformed into a quaint little rest area, including museum and café, on the side of the Pacific Highway, commemorating the families that helped shape the country side south of the border. The walls of the museum are plastered with rusted farming tools and primitive machinery of bygone days, while glass display cupboards pay homage to the families whose blood, sweat and tears helped build the area into the thriving agricultural hub it is today… Bertoli’s included. The family crest takes pride of place beside stained black and white photos of countless relatives, including my great grandfather Borto Bertoli (greatest name ever just quietly!). After spending hours quietly studying the countless facts and photo boards and swelling with family pride, I too bid farewell to New Italy, determined to share the story of my Italian forefathers… no matter how Irish I look!

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Your Health 106th EDITION. 2011

EXPERT ADVICE For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their health

Dear Tammy, Thank you for your last article. It is interesting that many people tell you to exercise tostay fit, which I did as a young bloke, but now my knees really give me grief. Could you tell me how certain products like glucosamine and fish oil can actually help. Cheers, Steve. Hi Steve, Thank you for your query. Yes it is certainly an interesting point you haveraised, it is often due to the old ‘wear and tear’ of our joints and too often it is our knees that can suffer. A supplement such as fish oil is an omega-3 and is helpful for the joints as it works tominimise inflammation to your joint, otherwise known as an anti-inflammatory. Remember you can also gain quality omega-3s by eating real foods such as oily fish like salmon or mackarel, or canola oil and walnuts to name a few.

Glucosamine (derived from shellfish) and chondroitin (derived from shark cartilage) is often prescribed for those with osteoarthritis, helping to relieve pain in the joint. If there has been any wear and tear of the cartilage which in extreme cases can cause bone to rub on bone (ouch!) which can become extremely painful, making it difficult to move. For those of you with an allergy to shellfish, glucosamine iscertainly not suitable for you. These two supplements are often effective when used together in the early stages of cartilage damage, slowly helping the cartilage present to rebuild. It is certainly recommended to take this when joint problems start to develop rather then many years down the track when there is very little cartilage remaining to build on. For those of you on warfarin, it may not be suitable to be taking these types of supplements, so please talk to your GP about their interaction with other medications. Remember to getting moving... and to stay healthy, stay informed.

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

Cajun Spiced Calamari Serves 4 This dish is a slightly spicy take on an old Australian ‘Fish and Chip’ shop favourite. The spice in this recipe comes from the combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano and thyme, that makes up the Cajun spice mix. INGREDIENTS: 4 whole squid tubes ¼ cup Cajun seasoning ó FXS SODLQ ÀRZHU ó FXS FRUQÀRZHU Chopped parsley to garnish Oil for deep frying Lemon wedge and a good quality tartar sauce or aioli for serving METHOD: Slice one side of the squid WXEHV WR RSHQ LW RXW ÀDW (QVXUH the inside of the squid tubes

is facing up and point the tip of the tubes to the top of the cutting board. Slice about ¾ of the way through the squid tubes diagonally from top to bottom, both ways, to make a diamond scored pattern. Slice the squid tubes into 2cm strips, cutting from the tip to the bottom. In a mixing bowl, combine the &DMXQ VHDVRQLQJ DQG ÀRXUV together. Toss the calamari through until coated. Heat the oil in a large deep saucepan on a very high heat, until the oil starts shimming. Shake any excess ÀRXU RII WKH FDODPDUL DQG SODFH into the heated oil for no longer than 2 minutes, or till lightly golden. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towel before serving. Place onto a plate to serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, lemon wedge and serving sauce of choice.

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

Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

MONEY MATTERS 106th EDITION. 2011

Boom two and you Flooded, no insurance... THE Reserve Bank governor has called for more national saving as the second phase of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest mining boom since federation unfolds. Speaking at university conference in Victoria last week, governor Glenn Stevens acknowledged that incomes had to rise to some extent because of the mining boom. But he has warned that while this boom might be large and long, it would eventually come to an end, and Australia should make preparations for that time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main thing we know about the current episode is that it looks very large,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Global consumption of coal has increased by about 50 per cent over the past decade; consumption of iron ore has increased by 80 per cent since 2003.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The number of people living in cities in those two countries, especially China, has risen by over 250 million, which implies having to expand or create cities (with the attendant buildings and infrastructure) to house the entire population of Australia more than 10 times over.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Or alternatively, to house the populations of France, Germany and Japan combined.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the other hand, resources companies in Australia and beyond are rushing to take advantage of the current increase in prices by bringing new capacity on line.â&#x20AC;? He said there were many questions for Australia as it struggled to meet this new demand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will this increase in supply be just sufficient to match demand? Will it be too little? Or too much?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The lessons of history, moreover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that booms donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go on indefinitely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are also too great to ignore.â&#x20AC;? On balance, the governor predicts the current mining boom will continue for the foreseeable future. However, he has warned industries associated with mining that they will need to increase productivity. According to the governor, labour and other shortages will push up costs, so businesses will have to become more productive to maintain profits.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The lessons of history, moreover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that booms donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go on indefinitely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are also too great to ignore.â&#x20AC;?

Rockhampton plays catch up THERE is a determined push on in Rockhampton to link local businesses to opportunities in the mining and resources sector. The economic development manager for Capricorn Tourism Economic Development Ltd (CTEDL), Neil Lethlean, said local businesses were missing out because they were not part of well-established networks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here in Rockhampton, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t formed the networks that other resource centres like Mackay and Gladstone have,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gladstone have three or four major network or industry groups, and Mackay is probably larger again, in fact they have just set up a Bowen Basin Mining Club to further link up industry.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we are playing catch up and establishing linkages to industry for our local businesses, which is something that has been fairly poorly done in the past.â&#x20AC;?

In March, CTEDL will hold a twoday forum on tourism and resource sector opportunities in the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is about understanding regional issues but also national issues and the national economy and how it is all inter-related,â&#x20AC;? said Mr Lethlean. In late March, CTEDL is also expected to host a forum and workshop centred around Hancock Coalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects in Galilee Basin, and potential opportunities for local businesses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The workshop will help businesses realise what they need to do to access these opportunities, it is an advisory role more than anything.â&#x20AC;? The two-day tourism and economic development forum will be held on the March 17, 18; the date of the Hancock workshop will be released closer to the time. For more information call CTEDL on 4927 2055.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is about understanding regional issues but also the national economy and how it is all inter-related.â&#x20AC;?

but Emerald business back EMERALDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S mining services sector has shrugged off the impact of a largely uninsured flood disaster and is back trading as normal. A large number of businesses were badly affected by the floods over Christmas, which inundated key industrial areas and retail precincts. Highlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto Electrics and Mechanical owner, Martina Wenman, whose business was flooded, said the enormous effort made by small businesses should be recognised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small business owners around town have done an incredible job,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The minute the water went down, they were back working in the sheds, testing machinery, sweeping up the rubbish, dealing with insurance and trying to get back to doing business.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most businesses in this industrial estate went under and did not get any insurance.â&#x20AC;? Ms Wenman said said both of her insurers had rejected their claims. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has just been a real headache, but after seeing what happened in Grantham and Toowoomba and in Cyclone Yasi, we really have nothing to complain about.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we all wanted was to just get back to work and be busy again, and thankfully some of the mines have been really good - and once we got access, we were back doing work with them.â&#x20AC;? However, Emeraldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail sector remains in limbo with one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two shopping malls still closed after extensive flooding. Emerald Chamber of Commerce president, Victor Cominos, said he could foresee arguments over rent levels

when the mall does re-open. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some shops have chosen not to reopen and some of them are opening elsewhere,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I think the re-opening of that mall is at least six months away.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Centro are telling them it will be in three or four months, but they tell me they are not expecting to go back in under six.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be arguments.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Centro is saying they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t charge rent until the shops re -open, but shoppers are creatures of habit, and when they go elsewhere for their shopping they will take a while to come back.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In reality you need to give tenants another six months of discounted rent to allow traffic to regenerate.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small business owners around town have done an incredible job.â&#x20AC;?

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Page 19 - Shift Miner Magazine, 28th February 2011

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3 SHOPS OCCUPIED ADJACENT TO IGA PRECINCT

WHAT A BARGAIN & ROOM FOR MORE BEDROOMS

ALL REASONABLE OFFER CONSIDERED

0 $380, G.J. HOUSE + LAND PACKAGES PRICED FROM $341,889 D

LAN E+

S HOU

Balmoral 202 House + Land Package from

$353,549

GST INC.

Lot 164 Fairways Estate, Size = 4,080m2

5541 3690

visit beaudesertgjgardner.com.au

TONIC3788

Shop 12, Beaudesert Central, 125 - 141 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert

QBSA LIC NO. 1083367

Call Lucky Singh on 0433 317 957 or Simon Fahey on 0423 982 355

SOLD

3 BRM, 2 BTH, AIR CON CLOSE TO AIRLIE BEACH

CENTRAL WHITSUNDAYS UNIT FULLY FURNISHED

ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED

700

• Omega stainless steel appliances • Caesarstone benchtops throughout • Floor coverings • Light fittings • Concrete driveway • 5,000l tanks • Rendered facade • Beaudesert Advantage Pack • Independent handover inspection by www.handovers.com • 6 star energy rating

BE GOT TO

2 MIN WALK TO BEACH, 4 BRMS, 2 BTH, I/G POOL

$214,

No hidden costs. Guaranteed 16 week build time

Inclusions

ENTRY LEVEL INVESTMENT IN MINING TOWN

N OFFER

MAKE A

2 BRM 1 BATH CHEAPEST IN COMPLEX

3 BRM, 1 BTH, DBLE CARPORT WALK TO BEACH

BIG UNIT, HUGE BENEFITS, SEA VIEW VILLA

5 ACRES, WALK TO SHOPS, TAVERN & BEACH

000

$249,

2 BRM, 1 BTH, 2 CAR SPACES, INCL FURNITURE

000

$349,

JUST REDUCED 3 BRM 1 BTH, DAM & TOWN WATER