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Monday July 14, 2014 185th Edition

M A G A Z I N E

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Shift Miner Magazine

CONTENTS NEWS

4

How long before somebody dies?

5

Qld miners still paid big biccies

6 7

Where are things at?

8

Smaller port for tougher times

6 19

9

Eagle Downs looks for subbies

7

10 Byerwen Coal

15

$1B company given 3 months

looks for locals

Regulars 4 Stuff to the Editor 1 20 15 Frank the Tank 16 Miner’s Trader 17 Off Shift 21 Sport Queensland mining community's best source of local news

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How long before somebody dies?

UNSAFE? Railing held together with a rag and zip ties

SAFETY concerns on Queensland mine sites are going unchecked and daily pre-start meetings are a waste of time because workers are too afraid to speak up in the current climate.

That is the candid insight of a miner who contacted Shift Miner to expose a culture he says is putting lives at risk.

“You can only have so many little incidents before one major

CRYING OVER SPILT OIL: “Parts on order” is the catch-cry of maintenance

one. We’re getting closer and closer to another death,” he said.

The miner said while mine sites had procedures in place for alerting management to safety issues, they were ineffective because employees were fearful of speaking up and being branded as trouble-makers.

He said if there was an avenue for miners to anonymously raise safety concerns with management

without fear of repercussion, many more would follow his lead.

“They always preach safety over production but no-one is game enough to speak out at the moment when there are thousands out of work,” he said.

“The truth is if they want you gone, you are gone - replaced just like that.”

The past 18 months have seen mines across Central Queensland

axe jobs and rein in costs in a bid to stay in the black while coal prices have plummeted.

Ironically, production at many mines is now at an alltime high, and that is putting pressure on the workforce - in particular, maintenance crews.

“I’m not blaming maintenance; they are just completely snowed under,” said the miner. “But you ring the workshop and they tell you the part is on order, keep driving it.”

Workers are also fearful that if they hold up production they’ll be out of a job.

“The pressure at the moment is enormous. People think if production starts to slip am I going to lose my job because I’m seen as a slacker?”

The miner said filing hazard reports fell on deaf ears, and speaking up at pre-start meetings was the equivalent of putting a black cross against your name.

“The system means that companies can always say that there are plenty of avenues to raise safety issues, but the truth is no-one feels comfortable doing it in front of their bosses.

“If there was someone independent to talk about

safety issues, if miners could walk into a room and have anonymity, I guarantee 90 per cent of them would say that safety is not paramount.”

The miner said a “Big Brother” type of culture was also developing on site, with workers not allowed access to mobile phones.

Some sites have begun random bag searches and have even brought in phone detection devices.

“They say it’s about safety and not texting while you are driving equipment but the truth is they are scared of miners having cameras and sound recording,” he said.

The miner said the climate was such that workers no longer had a voice.

“I am speaking out because I am genuinely fearful that someone could be killed,” he said.

LET SHIFT MINER BE YOUR VOICE Does this article describe life at your mine site? Do you have safety concerns that aren’t being addressed? Text your thoughts or pics to 0409 471 014 Email alex.graham@shiftminer.com We guarantee your anonymity - but we want to hear your story.

Body of Mt Isa miner found after 3 weeks UNDERGROUND, in hot and dangerous conditions, a specialist search team has recovered what’s believed to be the body of a Mt Isa miner after sifting through 8000 tonnes of ore.

Thirty-four-year-old Brett Kelly went missing underground at the copper mine on June 18.

An extensive search of the mine site over the following few days failed to find him, and the search and rescue mission turned to a recovery operation on June 20.

4

14th July 2014

Investigators believed Mr Kelly had fallen down an ore pass which contained more than 100,000 tonnes of ore and was located more than one kilometre underground.

For nine days recovery teams worked in 12-hour shifts around the clock to search the ore that was removed from the pass with specialist machinery.

“They sifted through 8000 tonnes of ore, bucket load by bucket load,” Inspector Trevor Kidd told Shift Miner.

“There were 10 to 12 people in each team

working 12 hours at a time around the clock.

“They were a kilometre underground, it was hot, dark and dusty in an environment with cut rock faces and big machinery moving around.”

Inspector Kidd said everyone involved was relieved to have recovered the body that’s believed to be that of the missing miner.

“It would have been an horrific situation because no-one knew definitely where he was and it would have been very tough for miners to continue working underground wondering if they would find a body.”

Investigations into how Mr Kelly fell into the ore pass are continuing, and a report will be handed to the coroner.

Police, the mine and the mines inspectorate have all worked tirelessly during the search and recovery mission.

“The family is certainly appreciative of the effort that was put in,” said Inspector Kidd.

“In towns like this you rely heavily on good relations and when thing get tough like this everyone pitches in, and they did it in a very hostile environment.”

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Qld miners still paid big biccies IN boom times and in bust, it seems that Queensland miners are still making big money.

The Stellar Recruitment 2014 salary guide provides a snapshot of what workers at the top and bottom of the food chain get paid across the mining sector.

Despite the downturn in the coal industry, there appears to be very little difference in salaries paid now compared to last year or in 2011 - at the height of the boom.

Upper management positions remain the highest paid employee bracket in central Queensland.

The general manager of a mine can earn between $300,000 and $380,000 per annum (pa), while mine project managers are earning between $220, 000 and $320,000pa in both underground and open cut operations.

These figures have remained constant across the boom and bust cycle.

Engineering jobs have been hard to come by in the sector for several years, and salaries have wound back for some underground jobs.

A mining engineer with

between three to five years experience can now expect to earn between $130,000-$160,000pa in an underground coal mine in Queensland, compared to $145,000-170,000pa in 2013-2014.

However, wages have held steady for senior engineers, with annual salaries between $150,000$190,000 across underground and open cut operations in Queensland.

In the trades categories, some wages have actually increased compared to 2011.

While boiler-makers were asking between $110,000 and $120,000pa back then, they are now fetching between $120,000 and $130,000pa.

Diesel fitters can earn between $125,000 and $150,000pa and dump truck operators between $100,000 and $120,000pa.

Those wages remain unchanged from last year’s figures.

According to Stellar Recruitment’s chief operating officer Scott MacDonald, wages have remained flat in the sector, and an influx of candidates has given employers more choice.

However, demand for good

“This is driving salaries and demand for highly skilled leaders, project management and delivery experts, mining technologists, and fleet optimisation specialists; this is a trend we expect to see continue into the coming year.”

Employers are also increasingly using non-monetary incentives as a bargaining chip.

“This is allowing some

people is still high in the downturn.

“The ultimate aim of owners and contractors is to be able to increase production whilst reducing costs and headcount,” said Mr MacDonald.

“This is being pursued through championing innovation, chasing operational efficiencies and leveraging technological advantages wherever possible.

employers to attract and retain key personnel at a much lower total cost compared to traditional remuneration structures,” he said.

Those incentives include flexible hours, lifestyle rosters, working from home arrangements, training and education, defined career development plans, health and wellbeing incentives and salary sacrificing.

STELLAR’S 2014 WAGES IN QLD MINING Underground Contractor

Underground Client

Open cut Contractor

300-380

Open cut Client

Job

300-380

General manager

150-190

150-190

150-180

150-180

Senior mining engineer (5 years+)

130-150

130-150

130-150

130-150

Mining engineer (3-5 years)

170-190

160-180

160-180

Registered mine surveyor

220-260

na

na

Longwall superintendent

220-240

185-225

180-200

Production superintendent

130-150

130-150

125-135

125-135

Diesel fitter - coal

110-130

110-130

110-130

110-130

Diesel fitter - hard rock

100-115

110-120

Dump truck operator - coal

120-130

120-130

Boiler maker

120-130

125-140

Excavator operator - coal

230-270

120-130

120-130

*Remuneration above is for taxable income, which typically includes base and superannuation

14th July 2014

5

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Gladstone’s big shift as LNG work dries up Where are things at?

Jim Cresham carried out the final weld on the Australia Pacific LNG main pipeline.

UP to 10 per cent of Gladstone’s 60,000 residents may be forced to relocate at the end of the port city’s LNG construction boom.

The big shift reflects the fact that more than 5000 people employed in the construction workforce on Curtis Island have come from the local area.

“The construction industry is not permanent work, you get paid a premium while the work is on and then you move onto the next project,” Gladstone CSG Leadership Group’s Kurt Heidecker told Shift Miner.

“A lot of the people who left jobs in the local industry have

now been backfilled and the jobs they used to have simply won’t be available anymore.

“So after they get their completion bonuses and other severance pay outs and have six months off, they will need to work out what they do next.”

Mr Heidecker said the LNG construction workforce was now past its peak, and many workers would have to make some tough decisions.

“From my point of view, things have become a lot easier in the city,” he said.

“The availability of personnel has risen and the turnover of staff and the cost of living has fallen.

“Don’t be mistaken there’s still lots happening in Gladstone, but the direction of the activity has changed.

“It’s not busy and going to get busier, it is busy and going to get less busy.”

Notwithstanding the residual operational and maintenance work that will be available in Gladstone, the reality is that a large number of people will soon have to travel for work - or move away in search of it.

While the city has played host to FIFO workers commuting to town to build the LNG facilities on Curtis Island, Mr Heidecker doubts Gladstone will become a home base for FIFO workers who work elsewhere.

“The reality is that it is very difficult to use Gladstone as a FIFO base,” he said.

“It doesn’t have regular flights to many destinations, and many employers won’t pay for the second leg of a trip and you also have all the hassle and time of connecting flights.

“I did hear that something like 25 per cent of the workforce in Darwin was from Gladstone, but I think it is unrealistic to think 5000 workers can make Gladstone their home base.”

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OVER the past 18 months Curtis Island off Gladstone has been the biggest construction site in Queensland.

In a world first, three LNG processing facilities are being built next to each other by construction giant Bechtel.

At the same time, a complicated maze of pipelines now connects the Surat Basin gas fields to the the island, where CSG will be liquefied and shipped off to the world.

Keeping abreast of where these projects are at is confusing, not least because the three proponents have extremely similar names - GLNG, Australia Pacific LNG and QCLNG. The projects are also the first of their kind anywhere in the world, so all companies involved are keen to trumpet key milestones because they are truly significant.

But it does lead to confusion and uncertainty as to which project is at what point in the building phase.

In the race towards final completion, QCLNG is the clear frontrunner.

It started construction a full twelve months ahead of the others and is in the early stages of testing its first LNG train. It

plans to be actually producing LNG by the end of this year and has finished building its pipeline and switched on its gas processing facilities in the Surat Basin last month.

Next in line is the GLNG project.

Bechtel has just finished installing all 82 of the modules for the first LNG train at GLNG, and is now working to connect the individual parts ahead of testing. The final modules for the second train are set to be delivered later this year.

Meanwhile, the project’s 420-kilometre pipeline has been laid and is undergoing final testing, and the Fairview field compressor station has been built and is ready for commissioning.

The final proponent, Australia Pacific LNG, is not far behind.

Its 530-kilometre pipeline is built and its Condabri Central gas processing facility is now switched on.

On Curtis Island, all train one modules have arrived on site and are in place and hydrotesting of LNG tanks is currently being carried out, a process that takes up to 26 days as tanks are filled with water to test if they can hold the weight.

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QME pavilions going up result in ‘better mining’.”

At this year’s expo, there will be more than 108 suppliers showcasing safety related products and services.

“This is highly demonstrative of the increasing emphasis and focus being placed on safety within the industry,” said Mr Baker.

“QME is principally about providing a platform for mining companies to source the latest solutions to enhance their operations, efficiency and productivity - obviously safety and safer mining processes have a solutions that will better their IT takes 29 days to erect over significant bearing on being able to operations,” said Mr Baker.

16,000 square metres of custommaximise mine site performance.”

“Therefore, the necessity built pavilions to house the Product displays are also and importance of QME has largest mining expo in Australia, focussed on the latest drive never been greater. The healthy and it’s all happening right now for productivity and improved response from the industry at the Mackay Showgrounds. efficiency. confirms that QME provides QME has 575 exhibitors locked “At QME 2014 over 85 unrivalled opportunities for in, and is anticipating there will suppliers will showcase materials sourcing operational solutions more more than 600 when it handling solutions to assist in and networking with industry opens the doors on July 22-24. increasing productivity, more peers, and this is again validated Reed Exhibition’s QME than 95 suppliers will display by over 575 suppliers already director Paul Baker says the expo electrical product & system locked-in for 2014. is well-placed to help the coal solutions to improve efficiency “As a result, at QME decisionindustry through the downturn and some 63 suppliers will makers and attendees will be that has gripped the sector for market their conveyor equipment afforded an unrivalled platform theQpast 18 months.

ME 1 4 A D 4 5 - S h i f t Mi n 1 1 2 0 1 4 - 0 7 - 0 9 T1 5 : 5 9 : 2 9 + 1 0 : 0 0 technology for optimising to source the latest ground“What is clear is that resource operations,” said Mr Baker. breaking solutions designed to companies are looking for

$1B company given 3 months ITS share price might have risen 16-fold, but aspiring gas exporter LNG Ltd remains without a supplier for its proposed Fishermans Landing gas export facility in Gladstone.

However, the Gladstone Ports Corporation is convinced a supplier is likely - giving the company another three month lease extension on its proposed development site.

LNG Ltd is Gladstone’s lesser known fourth LNG proponent and its share price has risen from around 24 cents to nearly $2.5 this year, giving it a market value of more than $1 billion.

LNG Ltd has all the approvals in place to build a unique LNG export facility, however it has no gas fields of its own to supply it.

Its original gas supply agreement became redundant when Shell purchased Arrow Energy back in 2010 and since that time the company has not been able to finalise another gas supply.

Managing director Maurice Brand said he still believed the

project had a future.

“We anticipate being able to provide further information on gas supply during the third quarter of 2014,” he said.

“Whilst the project has been on hold since March 2010, all approvals are in place to recommence construction once gas has been secured and banking agreements re-established.”

Mr Brand has also quashed rumours that the company was close to a supply agreement with Chinese giant PetroChina.

PetroChina recently acquired Queenslandbased gas supplier Westside Corporation, which has gas supply infrastructure in the Surat Basin.

“We’ve had absolutely no discussions with PetroChina,” he said last week.

LNG Ltd is developing a similar project to its proposed Gladstone facility in Louisiana, USA, and a number of high profile US funds have invested in it. The US project has been behind the company’s rise in share price this year.

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Smaller port for tougher times

Mitchell Ports has transferred its focus on transhipping from Port Alma to Hay Point.

OVER the past 18 months, big expansions at Queensland coal ports have been scrapped as the industry moves to cut costs.

Glencore Xstrata killed off its $1 billion Balaclava Island port near Gladstone, and nearby the $2.6 billion Wiggins Island coal export terminal is also scaling back from its boom-time plans.

Further north in Mackay, and plans to expand Dudgeon Point have

also been withdrawn.

However, a plan to barge coal out to sea by developers the Mitchell Group, is persistently being put forward as an alternative to big dredging projects.

Originally, the company had plans to develop the Fitzroy Terminal out of Port Alma, near Rockhampton.

But those plans have now been abandoned, with the company instead

looking at establishing a similar port at Hay Point, south of Mackay.

The transhipping proposal would not involve any dredging, but would instead see a smaller terminal built alongside BMA’s Hay Point terminal.

Coal would be loaded onto barges, which would then transport the cargo 30 kilometres offshore to be loaded onto much larger ships.

Project director Ben King says the potential risk of coal spillage into the marine park is likely to be very low.

“The way we’ve approached that is to have our environmental scientists work closely with our marine engineers to make sure that all safeguards are in place to prevent any spillage of coal or coal dust being generated and escaping, and to have multilayered safeguards to make sure that there is no added risk to the environment or to the community,” he told the ABC. Given the downturn in the coal sector, Mr King believes the timing is right for this type of smaller scale ports proposal.

“When the market is really hot and confidence is up, you’re looking at large scale infrastructure projects.

“When the market is under pressure producers are trying to squeeze out what they can and small upgrades would be appropriate.

We don’t believe that the market is looking at supporting those huge upgrades or can carry the cost of them.

“So in a tight, tough market we’re hoping to put something on the table that can be delivered with a sensible cost, with sensible environmental safeguards to the local community and to the market.”

However, environmental groups are not happy with proposal, which they say is untested.

“We don’t think the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park should be, you know, a testing ground for this sort of technology,” said the Mackay Conservation Group’s Moira Williams.

“We’re particularly concerned about the potential for coal spillage into marine waters and the increased risk of shipping accidents.”

The Australian Marine Conservation Society says the proposal would be a huge gamble for the health of the reef.

However, the Member for Dawson George Christensen says that criticism is unwarranted and invalid given it has arisen from green groups that want the coal industry shut down.

“They don’t want to see dredging ... or barging either,” he said.

“What do they want to see? They don’t want to see any coal at all.”

Picking winning tenements a challenge IT might be a boom and bust cycle in the production side of mining, but behind the scenes companies are as busy as ever maintaining the status of mining tenements.

Both federal and state governments require mining companies and explorers to complete a long list of tasks - often every year - to maintain the tenure of their mining assets.

The road between mineral discovery and export is a long and expensive one, and those travelling it often do so at a time when the value of their asset is questionable - like now, in a post-boom environment.

So it is no surprise that director of

8

14th July 2014

Hetherington Exploration and Mining Title Services (QLD) Brian Martin says companies are looking very closely at which assets they maintain.

“The guys that have been around for a long time, the strategic players, they know what is fodder and what to get rid of,” he told Shift Miner.

“It can be difficult at a time like this, and companies are prioritising and making a choice about which tenements they are going to maintain.

“The reality is that even when the outlook isn’t great, you still have to maintain certain assets so that when the timing is appropriate

you can capitalise on them.”

So are companies keeping the faith and what does it say about business confidence?

Well, Mr Martin says that with less corporate investment around there has been a rationalisation on tenements, as companies try and focus on their winners at the expense of their less likely assets.

A good example of this is a shift away from greenfield tenement development to brownfield developments, which have less costs and are generally considered lower risk.

However, Mr Martin said one of the biggest challenges for the industry was the ever-

changing legislative landscape that explorers and mining companies have to navigate.

“Every time there is another change to legislation, it is another cost to the industry,” he said.

“We have had the strategic cropping changes, then the land access changes and now we have the amalgamation of the resources acts in Queensland.

“I am on several representative bodies in the state of Queensland, so I can keep abreast of these changes, but sadly if you were listing the top places to explore, Queensland would not be one of them.”

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Mastermyne stable after upheaval Eagle Downs WORKFORCE stability is finally returning to Mackaybased mining services giant Mastermyne, after nearly two years of upheaval.

It has been an extremely challenging period for the company, and many others like it, as the correction in coal prices took its toll on the entire Central Queensland industrial landscape.

At its peak in mid 2012, Mastermyne employed around 1200 people; by mid 2013 its workforce had shrunk to 600 and today it employs around 800.

That number is now holding steady; however, general manager of human resources Viv Gayton said stability had not come easily.

Ms Gayton said firstly management themselves had to come to terms with the change and accept the new reality in Queensland coal mining.

Secondly, the company had to develop new labour engagement strategies relevant to the new tightened market, so that it could retain and secure contracts and keep employees in jobs.

Thirdly, came frank discussions with staff.

“We identified that the change

was happening right back in October 2012 and, from our viewpoint, it was going to be a new reality,” Ms Gayton told Shift Miner.

“We worked really hard with our employees to explain to them that the changes they were seeing were the new reality, they weren’t just a temporary blip.

“After providing a lot of communication and support as part of a formal change process, there reached a point where we got tough.

“We had to say to our employees, look our knuckles are white and we are going to hang on and get through this, and you need to make a decision about whether this new reality is the most viable sector for you to be in.

“Most of our employees still see mining as a viable sector.”

During the peak of the mining boom, Ms Gayton said the six big considerations in employment contracts were: money; FIFO; roster; type of work; accommodation and tenure.

Today, she said employees no longer have a smorgasbord of options and need to think more carefully about what matters to them in a job.

Where it might have been great money, great accommodation and FIFO in the boom, it is now more likely employees will sacrifice money for tenure or another aspect of the job.

Ms Gayton said the downturn also forced management to rethink how it works and reward employees.

“I do think we got a bit fat and lazy, and thought that one size fitted all when it came to the way we engaged our labour in the business,” she said.

“The days of three and four year contracts is long gone, the work switches on and then switches off, and flexibility and responsiveness is now critical.

“Every time we get a new tender, we sit down and think about what is going to be the most price effective option to complete the task, and the unique features of the job such as its tenure, scope, geographic location for example.

“All these aspects combined steer us to determine the unique labour engagement arrangement that’s most relevant for the piece of work and that will offer most benefit to our employees in this tight market.”

looks for subbies THE Eagle Downs coal mine is a $1.2 billion project that’s now looking for subcontractors and suppliers.

Companies are being called to register expressions of interest across 22 work packages associated with building the mine, including HV electrical, drift conveyors, panel ventilation and the rail loop.

The mine is a joint venture between Aquila Resources and Vale and is being built next door to BMA’s Peak Downs mine, just outside of Moranbah.

The project involves building an underground longwall hard coking coal mine and Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP), with an expected life of almost 50 years.

Last December, WDS was awarded the $142.8 million drift contract for the mine to build two two-kilometre long drifts to a depth of around

270 metres.

The drifts will provide access for the workforce, materials and a permanent conveyor to the Harrow Creek upper coal seam.

They will also be used in the future to gain access to other coal seams.

All potential subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to register their interest for work via the ICN gateway website found http://gateway. icn.org.au/project/1734/eagledowns-coal An EOI does not guarantee you will receive request for quotation documentation,” Eagle Downs has warned in its preamble to the work packages.

“Eagle Downs Coal will only invite prequalification from suppliers with demonstrated capability and capacity.

“It is essential that your company profile on ICN Gateway is complete, up-todate and accurate.”

Roma training hub on the cards

THE Maranoa Regional Council is meeting with training providers to explore the possibility of developing a major CSG training hub in the region.

The idea stems from discussions council has had with the major gas companies about where they plan to source their workforce during the operational and maintenance phases.

The labour force for the construction and drilling phase has been largely delivered by plane, with figures for the financial year just ended showing around 310,000 people have entered the region through Roma airport.

That is up about 15 per cent on last year and roughly double two years ago.

However in the future, the Maranoa mayor Robert Loughnan says he expects the dependence on FIFO to fall.

“We are expecting a plateauing effect in the next two to three years at Roma airport,” he told Shift Miner.

“But as the industry transitions to an operational and maintenance phase, the companies have said they are committed to giving locals preferential treatment for the jobs available then.

“The skills needed are not as specialised as for some of the high tech drilling stuff, so those skills could be made available locally if we train up our local workforce.

“I will certainly be advocating that they look locally first.”

The unemployment rate in the Maranoa region is currently about 2.2 per cent which means a training hub would be designed to develop the skills of current workers rather than “greenskins”.

A central facility that could be used by various trainers has been identified as an obvious way council could facilitate this skills development.

“We have talked to a few trainers, and I am meeting with a few more tonight, and I guess everyone protects their own patch,” he added.

“But a facility like this would save a lot of replication, and we saw it working well in the USA on a recent study trip to the gas regions over there.”

14th July 2014

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Industrial land in lock-step from Chinchilla to Mackay

STILL INTERESTED: There’s been an increase in sales at Gracemere, on Rockhampton’s western outskirts

THE market for industrial land is in lock-step with the fortunes of coal and CSG across the Bowen and Surat Basin according to property valuers Herron Todd White (HTW).

In its latest monthly report, HTW has looked closely at the market for industrial land across the region and found everything

from optimism to pessimism among buyers.

However, there are some surprising pockets like Gracemere, near Rockhampton, where owner occupiers and investors are still buying industrial land despite the slowdown in the mining sector.

“While sales activity has been relatively flat within

Rockhampton’s industrial precincts, we note increased sales activity from both investors and owner occupiers within the new industrial precinct of Gracemere,” the report read.

“Owner occupiers in this precinct have been active up to $2.5 million, evidenced by a purchase by an owner occupier

of a 3.8 hectare transport depot in Gracemere.”

According to HTW, allotments at Gracemere are selling between $75 and $150 per square metre, depending on location.

While investors are still active in the region, they are sensitive to occupancy, particularly the tenant’s reliance on the mining sector.

“We note a recent sale within an established industrial precinct of Rockhampton reflected a yield of about 9.3 per cent, at a price point of about $4 million,” HTW said.

“This sale involved a 10+5+5 year lease back to a national tenant. There are currently few investment offerings for sale in this sector and at this price level.”

“Recent leasing negotiations in Gracemere indicate confidence in this locality, with rentals for modern industrial premises achieving gross rentals of about $170 per square metre gross per annum.”

Further south in Gladstone, owner-occupiers have been the most active in the market for the past 12 months.

The volume of sales has steadied and is expected to remain stable for the remainder of 2014.

Mackay’s industrial hub Paget bore the brunt of the mining downturn, and according to HTW there could still be some more pain to come.

Demand for industrial property remains subdued, and for investors there has been an increased risk of tenants defaulting on rent.

“There is an increasing volume of vacant industrial warehouse/ workshop property in Paget,” said HTW. “There is limited recent rental evidence to suggest a noticeable softening in rental values. However, we consider that there is strong potential for rents to soften in the short to medium term future.”

In the Surat Basin, demand for industrial land remains solid - but of course totally dependent on the CSG sector.

“A large proportion of purchasers [In Chinchilla], if not all, are closely linked to the activity in the CSG industry,” HTW says.

“Similarly, the Roma One Industrial Park, currently under construction, will rely on the continued performance of the CSG industry.”

Byerwen Coal looks for locals

BMA might be flying them in, but Byerwen Coal won’t be.

When Queensland’s Co-orindator General gave conditional approval for the $1.76 billion Byerwen Coal mine last week, it came with the commitment from the company that it wanted to employ locals.

The mine is expected to create up to 350 construction jobs for two years and up to 545 jobs when the mine is fully operational.

“The proponent has committed to offering employment to locals from the nearby towns of Glenden, Nebo, Moranbah and Collinsville and from across the wider region,” Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said when announcing the approval.

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14th July 2014

The proposed open-cut coal mine is located about 20 kilometres west of Glenden in the northern Bowen Basin. It has the potential to supply up to 10 million tonnes of coking and thermal coal per annum primarily to Asian steel mills.

The Queensland Resources Council’s chief executive Michael Roche said the approval shows there’s still life in the state’s coal sector.

“This mine is the result of a joint venture between a good Queensland coal company Q-Coal and a Japanese company JFE Steel and it’s just a signal that there remains a demand for our high quality coking coal, from traditional partners such as Japan.”

Isaac regional mayor Anne Baker has commended the decision to use local workers at a time when many are looking for jobs.

“I welcome this investment in our region and our people,” she said.

“I know local workers and their families will certainly welcome the 350 construction jobs and 545 operational jobs.

“The mine is planned to have a life of 50 years, delivering a significant long-term boost to our local economy, businesses and communities.”

The mine won’t be given the official green light before early next year. It still requires Commonwealth environmental approval to proceed before the joint venture partners can make a final investment decision.

Shift Miner Magazine

Around Town

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TURNING JAPANESE...

Central Highlands exchange students left for Ichinoseki, Japan recently and were farewelled at an afternoon tea.

[Photo credit: Jeannette Fletcher]

Dorothy Wilson, Shirley Pidgeon, Councillor Paul Bell and wife Ruth, and Lynda Connell

Shanae and Coralie Allsop

Michael Bartley, Annette Baker and Suzanne Russell

Thalia Allsop, Monica Sidhu and Mary Ryan

Thalia Allsop, Karen Newman, Davis Meadows, Angela Russell, Callum Bourke, ChloeRose Jenkins and Hugh Russell

Simon and Loralee Bourke and Lee-Anne Cracknell

Deb Meadows, Alan Dieckmann, Jenny Plampin, Fifty Edwards and Lorraine Manuel

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HORSE WHISPERER... Blackwater’s finest fillies were out for a weekend of quality training at a Greg Cook horsemanship clinic recently. [Photo credit: Jeannette Fletcher]

Charlee Keleher riding Dakota

Michelle Rogers riding Cookie

Kacey Booker riding Ruby

Greg Cooke on his stallion

Laurette Jones riding George

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.

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14th July 2014

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Around Town

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TOUCH DOWN!

It’s winter grand final time for Blackwater touch teams… and the winners are… drum roll… [photo credit: Jeannette Fletcher]

“Aces” - Runners-up, B Grade Women

“Pearlers” - Runners-up, A Grade Women

“Kougarz” - Winners, A Grade Women

“Geriatrics” - Runners-up, B Grade Men

Keiran Burchard - Player of the Final, A Grade Men

Rowan Richardson Groundsperson

Tasma Vesey - Player of the Final, A Grade Women

Referees of the Season - Peyton Storch, Dave Glover, Jason Mahoney, Jeff Saunders and Porky Richardson

“Rusty Divas” - Winners, B Grade Women

Rebecca Stokes - Player of the Season, A Grade Women

Mitch Roberts - Player of the Season, A Grade Men

“Stingrays” - Winners, A Grade Men

“Whirlies” - Winners, B Grade Men

John Johnson - Player of the Final, B Grade Men

Katrina Owens - Player of the Final, B Grade Women

Buy this and many other images at

www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together 14th July 2014

13

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FROm THE EDITOR

MINING is dangerous work.

A three-week recovery mission at the Mt Isa copper mine ended last week when a specialist team found what’s believed to be the body of 34-year-old Brett Kelly.

Mr Kelly’s body was found after investigators sifted through 8000 tonnes of rock in an ore pass - but what’s still not known is how or why he fell.

His death serves as a chilling reminder that what miners do every day involves an element of risk.

Our front page story this edition is truly frightening. Has mining really become an industry where workers fear

raising safety concerns because they believe their jobs are on line?

There are certainly many avenues for workers to raise safety issues, but our informant says that most feel uncomfortable speaking out because they believe there will be personal repercussions.

Mining is an industry that requires a genuine and deep level of trust between workers and management for all to be safe on site and for operations to be run efficiently and productively.

It requires teamwork and dedication.

“Safety comes first” has long been the mantra of the industry along with “zero harm” workplaces and “no lost time injuries”.

But do those buzzwords actually ring true on site?

Do you feel safe at your work, and are your safety concerns dealt with appropriately when they are raised?

Do you feel comfortable raising concerns in the first place?

We want to hear from you.

Text us your thoughts on 0409 471 014 or email alex.graham@shiftminer.com Alex Graham Comment or SMS 0409 471 014

Photos to THE EDITOR

The “shade” provided at a water stop at one CQ mine site. Sent in anonymously.

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14th July 2014

Text in your best snap to 0409 471 014

SHIFT MIN ER

Stuff to the Editor Last edition’s front page story on mining and the reef had plenty of people texting in, and some even picking up the phone to talk to us about it! One caller rang in to remind readers that during the war the reef was used as target practise by US forces.

That’s the first decent defence I have read of mining and the reef. Why is the mainstream media so obsessed with slamming coal at the moment? I think green groups are doing a great job of a kicking a dog when it’s down. W.D, Mackay Of course it doesn’t make sense for the coal industry to destroy the reef. If that happens, they will completely lose their social licence to operate. D.S, Rocky People flush things down their drains every day that are having more impact on the reef than mining. S.D, Emerald Australia is an island nation. If we don’t have ports, how do we get stuff in and out?

We’ve been doing it since Captain Cook sailed in. Derek, Gladstone

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Who should work in Central Queensland mines - local, FIFO or DIDO workers?

That’s a question that haunts mining in boom times and bust.

I’m so sick of whingeing locals whingeing about local jobs. No wonder mining companies don’t want to employ them any more. All they do is moan. W.A, Gold Coast Of course local politicians are going to call for local jobs. It’s their job to stand up for their area. But FIFO means more Queenslanders get to work in mining without having to uproot whole families.

R.D, Brisbane Blah, blah, blah. I am so sick of hearing about FIFO. Let people make their own choices. S.A, Mackay

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Frank the Tank’s Dear Frank,

My girlfriend is a smoker and I hate it. My dad died of lung cancer and I am worried about the same for her. I really love her but she just can’t seem to quit. What should I do? Hugh, Wandoan Dear Hugh, What should you do? Nothing.

Absolutely nothing. Everyone goes on and on about how bad cigarettes are for you but they never talk about the good aspects of the ol’ cig.

Yeah, I’m sure some doctors and scientists could provide “medical evidence” and “conclusions” that smoking gives you horrible diseases. But these same scientists could prove that the sky is actually green, or that you can stand on an egg without breaking it or that the moon dictates the tide or whatever else suits their devious, secrete agenda they happen to be pushing that week. At the end of the day, we all know scientists will say or do anything to get

Fair Dinkum!

their next juicy government grant.

So let’s forget about scientists and doctors and look at the real world. Let’s look at the upside of smoking.

Tobacco started being used by Westerners after the conquest of the Americas in the 1500s. Since then, Europeans have gone ga ga for the bacci.

Why? For lots of reasons.

For starters, it entitles you to a wonderful thing called a “smoko”. Being a smoker means you are able to have constant five minute breaks from your work. They don’t call it the lets-go-standoutside-for-no-reason-o. They call it the smoko. Because you have to be a smoker to have one. Non-smokers don’t get this privilege. And they also don’t get to stand around with the boss/foreman/owner and have a chat, laughing and joking away, which of course raises the smoker’s chances of promotion. So not only does smoking in the workplace make you more relaxed (because you have so many breaks), but it also helps in career progression.

Smoking can also save your life. Don’t believe me? Imagine this scenario: you are in the outback and are in need of relief as you’ve just eaten a half cooked goanna or something and it’s gone down a bit dodgy. So there you

are, happily squatting in the scrub when you notice a flash of movement on the ground between your legs.

To your horror you discover the largest, blackest, furriest female funnel web spider any man has dared dream of. Like a demonic monster straight out of some psychotic nightmare, it rears up on its legs and is about to jump onto your right cheek and out of pure spite, deliver enough evil poison from its huge fangs, dripping with venom, to kill a rhino.

You feel a gurgle in your belly. And you have an idea. With lightening quick dexterity born out of manic terror, you snatch your lighter from your pocket and flick the flint just as a hurricane of human vengeance explodes from your derriere. A fireball of methane engulfs the beast and in its last dying screams you are satisfied in the knowledge that man has once again triumphed over nature. You are safe and alive, thanks to your lighter. Why did you have that lighter in your pocket? Because you are a smoker.

There are of course many other reasons to smoke. You can have a dart and a flirt with all those catwalk models who love the durries because it keeps their weight down (a word of caution: just being a smoker won’t be enough to get you inside

a fashion show unfortunately). And it goes well with beer. To be honest I can’t really think of anything else at the moment, but I’m sure if you try you’ll come up with something.

So stop worrying and just let your missus smoke. You might even want to think about taking it up yourself.

Cheers, Frank

watching the drama being played out on a public footpath.

Fortunately for the humiliated student, the labour was short and the delivery fairly painless after being achieved without any mechanical intervention.

The 13-year-old $173,000 statue, designed by Peruvian artist Fernando de la Jara, was said to be recovering well.

Staff shut the branch while they cleaned up. A spokesperson for the bank refused to comment.

square cubes are used for decorative purposes because they are harvested unripe and are inedible.

Grown in Kagawa Prefecture, cubic watermelons gain their angles by being grown in plastic containers.

Japanese agriculture officials said the overseas orders for the cube-shaped watermelons are growing, with 114 orders from Canada and more flooding in from around the world.

The hype around these square melons has also extended to Russia, where the fruit was sold for 28,000 rubles or $880AUD a piece in July last year.

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM - Despite a current

Caught in a compromising position

IN GERMANY

- Hmmm awkward. A US exchange student needed to be rescued from a giant stone vagina after a dare went very, very wrong.

In what would be classified “news not to tell your mom”, The Daily Telegraph reported German emergency services were called to make a safe withdrawal of the student from the marble sculpture of a vulva in the grounds of Tubingen University Institute of Microbiology.

How many people does it take to remove one idiot from a stone vagina?

Truckloads apparently.

It seems everyone thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle, with some 22 firefighters in five emergency vehicles assisting and

“Streakin” good love advice

campaign by one Australian bank imploring us that “its possible to love a bank” many I suggest would beg to differ.

Indeed a man in Andover, Hants, decided to register this difference of opinion highly creatively by pooing several times on the floor of a Barclays bank.

According to reports in the Daily Mirror he was said to be middle-aged and wellto-do with a “calm but angry” look.

Customer Garreth McCarthy said: “I was just queuing up, there were about a dozen customers there, and this guy walked in.

“I wasn’t really paying attention until I noticed a foul, but unmistakable smell.

“I looked at the guy and he was just calmly walking around the bank - going to all the areas he could.

“It’s quite clear what he was doing - he just had this calm but angry look on his face, as he walked around leaving special deposits on the floor.

“And then as calmly as he walked in he left.”

IN JAPAN: Not content with

big round fruit that you can eat? Well square watermelons you can not consume might be your bag.

First produced 40 years ago, the square watermelon is becoming an item of growing demand across Japan and around the world.

Sold in Japan’s department stores, these anti-curve watermelons retail for 10,000 Japanese yen ($105AUD) a pop.

According to SBS, the 18-centimetre-

SENSIBLE SUSAN Wow Frank. I think you just outdid yourself on the irresponsible advice front. Advocating the consumption of a poison that kills 4.9 million people globally every year. Bravo.

Hugh, as we all know, smoking is incredibly addictive. Perhaps if you and your girlfriend see your local GP he can give some advice that you may not have previously thought of. Make sure you tell your girlfriend about how you feel – it may be enough for her to take that first step.

Good luck,

Susan

What would Justine Clarke say?

14th July 2014

15

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MOVIE Review by Eleanor Thomson Fletch’s cynical, detached take on life.

Apparently Burt Reynolds and even Mick Jagger were considered for the role which reads like heresy to anyone familiar with Chase’s ownership of the role.

The beauty in the Fletch character lies in the fact that he offers Chase the opportunity to adopt numerous personas.

His undercover antics require numerous (bad) physical disguises, and much of the film’s humour centres on the ridiculous idea that any of these phony accents or bad hairpieces could fool anyone. These not-so-clever disguises are put to use when Fletch becomes involved in the film’s smart but continually self-mocking two-part mystery.

Okay, for anyone unfamiliar with our hack hero, Fletch is an ace reporter with the Los Angeles Times who is writing an article exposing drug trafficking on the beaches of LA. Posing as a homeless addict during his investigation, he is approached by Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson) who mistakenly assumes Fletch is a junkie.

Taking him to his luxury mansion in Beverly Hills, Stanwyk formally introduces himself and that he works for Boyd Aviation as the executive vice president.

Stanwyk claims to have bone cancer, with only months left to live, and wishes to avoid the pain and suffering.

Stanwyk offers $50,000 for Fletch to come

Fletch lives again?

Fletch, a man with more daggy disguises than clean underpants

Played by eighties comedy king, Chevy Chase, Fletch - the jaded journo with a penchant for bad dress ups and a nose for trouble - appears to be Chase’s perfect match.

Chase’s brand of understated, smart arse, verbal humour is a perfect foil for

I know journalists come in like zero on the likeability ledger but surely no one could hold a grudge against Fletch?

Fletch is a 1985 comedy about an investigative newspaper reporter, Irwin M. “Fletch” Fletcher.

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to his mansion in a few days time, kill him, and then escape to Rio de Janeiro, staging the murder to appear as the result of a burglary.

While the film does a fairly good job juggling both of these plots, not to mention squeezing in a love interest as well, it’s held hostage, for better or worse,

by Chase’s memorable one-liners and disguises.

Chase reputedly enjoyed the role because it allowed him to play a wide variety of different characters.

He said in an interview with The Times, “I love props, like wigs and buck-teeth and glasses. At one point I wear an Afro and play basketball with Kareem AbdulJabbar. There were some scenes where I didn’t recognise myself.”

Bucked-teeth and wigs? No wonder Fletch developed such a cult following!

It was followed up in 1989 by a sequel, Fletch Lives and a prequel Fletch Won has been in talks for over two decades.

According to The Hollywood Reporter the project looks to be finally going ahead.

Jason Sudeikis has been engaged in the title role and Warner Brothers Studio has signed off on the screenplay, described as more of a “gritty action comedy with heart” and is looking for a director.

So stay tuned all you Fletch lovers, a journo you can love and respect is headed your way!

Down 1. Lacking breadth 2. Quick look 3. Vagabond 4. TV watchers 6. Dare 7. Coming out 8. Ambled 11. Without delay (1,1,1,1) 15. Extortionate moneylender (4,5) 17. Wearing by friction # 68 18. Tibia 20. Nodule 21. Inns 22. Bawdy 23. Aim 26. Astound

LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS S A B O T A G T A E R A I R F A R E B I R N L A N D S C A E G D K N E E P P E R E L I E V E E U D R C A C T I O I K N S NO I S E S C E S T E R E S A

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Build bridges with silly signs IT seems like watching fools falling over, we also have an equally soft spot for silly signage. Hey Hey It’s Saturday knew the comedic gold that is stupid signs and the internet is jam-packed with this kind of hilarity. Whether it be a case of misspelling or a message that is lost in translation, laughing at others’ public cockups is the kind of humour that crosses cultural boundaries. Forget trying to heal the Middle East with slow moving diplomacy, lame signage humour has real capacity to bring about world peace.It must be a sure thing because even the capitalists are on to it...the commercial big bucks in a good funny sign means seemingly everyone is doing it.

Too much to ask?

What more can I say.

Classic, old school silly sign humour.

The secret to Steve Dickson MP, State Member for Buderim’s successful campaign?

Surely that’s discriminatory!

Hmmm kindness used as menace...so many useful applications

Winter warmth without fashion suicide Let Shift Miner help you navigate the deadly waters of old weather comfort clobber Ugg Boots:

Ugg Boots had a “moment”. That moment should not have been and like Paris Hilton, it has mercifully passed.

Like it’s TD cousin, the Ugg’s natural habitat is the home, and when used for toasting the tootsies and slopping about the house the Ugg presents as a fairly harmless if unattractive beast. But if given free reign and let off the leash in a public sphere, the Ugg will quickly turn into the fashion equivalent of the ebola virus. Do not allow yourself to become an Ugg Boot victim.

NEVER allow your Uggs to grow up to your knee. NEVER allow them to hang out with your footy zip zips. And NEVER EVER allow them to take you out on the town.

Death to the hipster beard.

Tracky- Dacks:

While I concede the urge to succumb to unadulterated fleecy-lined pleasure is insanely tempting, once you lose yourself in the cocooning coziness of the tracky-dack it is almost impossible to regain your fashion compass and you may as well say sayonara to your figure. The freedom of movement which the tracky-dack offers with its elasticised waist and loose line silhouette can quickly

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Hats: lull the unsuspecting into a world which does not reach beyond the borders of the couch. Without intervention the trackydack dabbler will quickly become a devotee and soon enough the odd trip out from the confines of the house makes way for a full blown, public, TD addiction.

As with any fetish, keep your TD love on the down low and indulge within the privacy of your own home only.

Fedoras, trilbys, panamas and flat caps. If you need to question whether you can pull off a hat, the sad fact is you can’t. Stick to baseball caps or beanies if you must and let those who can handle being heckled to venture into the mockery.

Beards:

Men, it is over. Let it go boys. Bloody hipsters ruining a perfectly good fashion for those who were already committed to being

follicly unchallenged. If you are thinking of getting on the hairy bandwagon you have well and truly missed the boat. So beardybros you have one of two options: you can either hang tough with ZZ Top or grab a cut throat and get back to the bare essentials.

Hoodies:

While the blazer is your best bet for an all round cool, cool weather cover up. DO NOT be tempted to entertain that you are the kind of man to team it with a hoody. A light woolen sweater will work if you need extra warmth but believe me you are not going to look anything other than a tosser if you attempt to layer boyz in the hood with old school preppy. Leave that look to those who in live in the blissful ignorance of loserdom.

Thongs:

No matter how much you want them to be, thongs are not cold weather gear. I know giving up those forgiving, carefree soles for more straight-laced, constrained styles is confronting but it doesn’t matter how many layers you put on up top, thong exposure means thermal capacity is negligible. And don’t think sporting a pair of your old footy socks will save the day. Only the family dog will want to sleep with you if you insist on going down that sad, lonely road.

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Bait Shop Banter

Top picks For more events in the mining community go to shiftminer.com

Old Wheels in Motion Rally

Friday, June 18, 2014 - Sunday 20 July 2014 Region: Queensland, Biloela

It’s mac time!

IN YEPPOON - Spanish,

spotties and doggies...the mac are on the attack!

Adrian from The Secret Spot Bait & Tackle says there are really good mackerel at Barren and that most have been falling to troll baits of ribbon fish or bonito.

“So if you are after bait, now’s the time to get into it,” Adrian recommended.

He reckons the harbour is teeming with herring, ribbon fish and bonito, and Double Head and near Ritamada are worth a good look.

Catching bait, Adrian recommends little flashes in the 12-15 gram bracket, little bucktail jigs and Z-Man Curly TailZ, and for going after the big macs Adrian goes for flashes and Taipans.

Apparently there is good big jew at Finlays, and the the jew hole near Iron Pot has also been producing.

On your travels, Adrian reckons it is well worth keeping a squid jig on hand as there are quite a few squid coasting about.

And if you can’t make it offshore for the mac-athon, good blue salmon and winter flathead can be sourced from Corio or Coorooman.

IN MACKAY - The mac have

been turning up Mackay way as well and Ashley from Nashy’s Compleat Angler reckons trolling baits and lures have been bringing in the business.

Ashley reports there are really big snapper coming in from down Hay Point way and they are being hooked on soft plastics and soft vibes.

The estuaries are still throwing up plenty of decent whiting with some 40cm specimens in the mix.

Ashley says king salmon or threadies are hanging around as well as a heap of queenfish round the piney.

Surface lures have been successful and with averages of 75cm and a few up over a metre it is definitely worth seeking out some queens.

IN GLADSTONE - Not to

be left out, the mac are also on the hop off Gladstone.

Craig from Pat’s Tackle World reports there are plenty running around off Rundle Island, South End, Facing Island and around the mouth of the harbour.

Good-sized blue salmon are also in the game and can be chased down in and around the harbour and in Graham Creek.

Craig says quite a few of the fellas have been fishing for blueys but bringing in barras on live baits.

The estuaries are also looking good with bream starting to ramp up from here on in so get down to the Clyde or Boyne River if you are cruising for a fight with a fish.

The 14th Annual Old Wheels In Motion Rally will be held on the July 18-20 (Setup and Welcoming Dinner), 2014 at the CDMPC Grounds, Queensland Heritage Park, Exhibition Avenue, Biloela, Central Queensland.

This year’s event will include a Swap Meet along with the usual Trade Sites and Market Stalls. This year’s theme will be “Everything Old Is New Again”, so bring along your latest restoration and be prepared to share your restoration highlights and lowlights. Other displays will continue to include old favourites the model steam display, gold stamping blacksmithing, baling demonstrations, drilling demonstrations, spinning and weaving, stationary engines, vintage cars, commercial vehicles, the slow tractor race, tractor balancing, the tractor pull, the traditional grand parade and much, much more . . .

For tickets and further information go to www.cdmpc.com.au

Wendy Matthews and Kate Leahy in concert

With performances booked in to various venues across Central Queensland. The girls will be playing: Wednesday, July 16: Collinsville Civic Centre Thursday, July 17: Moranbah Workers Club Friday, July 18: Capella Cultural Centre Saturday, July 19: Mt Morgan School of Arts Contact venues for tickets and www. kateleahy.com for further information

Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival

Thursday, July 17, 2014 - Sunday 27 July, 2014 Region: Queensland, Warwick Jazz in July Festival is a quirky and fun way to liven up some winter days.

A platform for the arts and a celebration of all that is wonderful about winter, the festival’s success is due to the community embracing the chill and the opportunity to be inspired by vibrant music and art.

The Festival is a must-do for any textile lover and the street art exhibition is guaranteed to inspire and enchant all who see it. Over 150 tree jumpers are worn by trees lining the Central Business District and every year the participating artists step up to a new level of cleverness and creativity.

A diverse program of Jazz music events encourages visitors and locals to attend local cafes, restaurants, clubs and hotels to be entertained and most importantly “relax and enjoy”.

For more details go to www.jumpersandjazz.com

Warwick’s CBD is transformed into an outdoor art gallery at the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - Saturday, July 19, 2014 Region: Central Queensland Wendy Matthews has been delivering outstanding performances since the 90s when she released her iconic hits including ‘The day you went away’ and ‘Friday’s child’. Joining her on stage (and producing the tour) is local musician and event producer, Kate Leahy. Kate is known for being the voice and face of the ‘Summer of Capricorn’ tourism campaign.

Want more events in your world?

Go online and look at our events guide. It’s updated daily. www.shiftminer.com or get the iPhone app

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

angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com

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Shift Miner Magazine

Sport Monday - Roundup

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Roma’s biggest day in rugby

Roma rugby’s biggest day - a battle lost but war won.

TO lose your game and then win the boat race [skolling competition] in bush rugby is akin to saying you lost the battle but won the war.

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14th July 2014

And so it was for the Roma Echidnas rugby side, who were beaten on the paddock 36 points to 28 by the University of Southern Queensland

despite a massive home crowd.

However, off the paddock and in a boat race they beat Brisbane Premier side Brothers, who were in town for a one-off exhibition match against Norths.

The loss leaves Roma alone at the bottom of the Darling Downs rugby union competition, but their boat race win makes them - without a doubt - a Brisbane premier league team.

It is just plain old bush logic.

However the Echidnas will live to fight another day with the club’s financial position significantly bolstered by the huge day of rugby.

Not only was it a must-win home game, it was also sponsor’s day and their game was a curtain raiser to the match between Norths and Brothers.

On top of that, there was a corporate lunch featuring high-profile rugby

identities, Chris Handy, Paul Mclean, Tony Shaw and Glen Panaho.

Speaking before the game captain of the Echidnas, Andrew Fuller urged his players to remain focussed on their own game despite the endless distractions of a big crowd and exhibition match.

“We have been inconsistent this year, and have really struggled to put it together on the day,” he said beforehand.

“However we have had a lot of away games and with this being a big home game for us, everyone is pretty excited, and using the build up as added motivation.

“Not only that, it is the last game for our number seven Tommy Borghardt, who is leaving the region due to work commitments, so we are expecting a big game from him.”

Sadly it wasn’t to be.

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`Freezing draw a win for league Posted July 7: THE die-hard rugby

league supporters at Springsure prepared to weather the freezing conditions on Saturday night have been rewarded with an outstanding game.

An understrength Blackwater Crushers side were the perfect match for a Springsure team that finally found its groove, playing their best game of the season.

So perfect was the match-up that neither side could win, with the game ending in a 24 all draw.

Blackwater coach Jason O’Donoghue while disappointed at not winning, was glowing of the performance of both teams.

“The homeground advantage really played into the hands of Springsure and it was undoubtedly their best performance of the year,” he said.

“It was a great game of rugby league with few errors and high completion rates in tough, hard and freezing conditions.

“I guess if there was a difference it was that we were just not as good at capitalising on mistakes, but it was a second string side for us and a number players really stood up.”

In the forward pack, the Crushers were led by Players Player and manof-the-match Troy Humble, although Jason Fahey, Ash Leeder and Cody King all received a mention, especially Cody who made 38 tackles for the game.

In the backs under 18 players, Ryan Palmer and Brandon Ferguson received glowing reviews from O’Donoghue.

The Crushers now play the Emerald Tigers, Middlemount and then play Clermont at home, but they have no doubt who is the team to beat.

Moranbah Bulls back in lead Posted July 7: A MAN-OF-THE-MATCH

performance by Captain Jarrod Bryant has helped put the Moranbah Bulls back in the winners list in the Central Highlands rugby competition.

After a loss to Emerald last weekend, the Bulls rediscovered their mojo with a 26 point to 19 win over defending premiers Clermont.

Bryant says they identified the issues

that they had against Emerald and have gone a long way to fixing them.

“We were short against Emerald and this week we had a few more players back - although I still don’t think we are back to full strength,” he said.

“As a consequence we did play a bit better, but the issue we had against Emerald was poor ball retention.

“They put a lot of pressure on us there and we turned over a lot of ball.

“But we worked on it at training, to make sure there was some urgency about securing our ball and making sure the job got done by whoever was closest to the breakdown.

“This week was much improved.”

Other players mentioned by Bryant for their performance, were fellow breakaway Cody Bruce who was nominated “Players Player” whilst prop Ben Pearce also had a strong game.

Panthers revival smashed by Bluff Posted July 2: A PLAYER’S Player and

Man-of-the-Match performance by Bluff’s Liam Law has helped them to an emphatic 70 point win over the Middlemount Panthers on the weekend.

The 78 to six loss will destroy any confidence the Panthers may have mustered after their first win the weekend before against Springsure in the Central Highlands Rugby League competition.

Worst still for them is the loss was sustained in front of a home crowd and the magnitude of the defeat will no doubt have supporters asking questions.

For their part president of the Bluff Rabbitohs Devon Malone said it was a largely spotless performance except for a few minutes at the start of the second half.

“Middlemount looked to have a full bench, and to be honest they looked pretty good from the sideline, but they just seem to lack a few standout players,”he said.

“Most of the damage we did was in the first half, and we went into the break 46 points 6.”

“We got a few tries up the middle, but we also ran around them, our completion rate was really great in that first half.

“Liam Law got three tries in the first half and by the end of the game had scored five.

“A few mistakes crept in during

the first part of the second half, and maybe Middlemount played a bit better as well, but we overcame those issues and finished strongly.”

Rams thump competition leaders Posted June 30: THE Emerald Rams

rugby side isn’t reading too much into their 51 to 14 demolition of competition leaders Moranbah in Emerald on the weekend.

It’s the first loss this season for the Moranbah side, which has thrived under a new committee and coaching staff.

Emerald coach Greg Schwartz put the win down to a couple of things.

“Well obviously the first difference, is the coaching staff at Emerald,” he joked.

“But I think it would be a bit premature to start patting ourselves on the back.

“Next time we play Moranbah it will be a completely different team.

“We played well, but they had a fair few players out, so did we actually, but not as many as them.

“There main issue was they were short backs, we scored all our tries through the backline, but it was a real tussle in the forwards.”

It was a family affair in the “Players Player” selections for Emerald with the Thomasson brothers Jake and Sam sharing the award.

Other players singled out for a mention were Zach Costa and Five Eighth Steve Tarlinton, who Schwartz said both had strong games.

Middlemount break out Posted June 23: The Middlemount Panthers have finally been rewarded for their persistence, with a solid win over Springsure on the weekend in the Central Highlands Rugby League competition.

The 34 points to 18 win is their first this season and lifts them off the bottom of the table.

Club President Damian Cavanagh said the win says a lot about the culture at the club.

“We are slowly getting our squad together, and everyone is enjoying playing,” he said.

“Sometimes when you are getting beaten you start to see players wandering off, and new players don’t

often want to go near a losing team.

“But the opposite is happening with us, the players are returning every weekend, and new players are still coming over because they can see how committed our players are.”

Miners bounce back Posted June 23: THE Moranbah Miners have bounced back from last weeks loss, to notch up a solid win over perennial rivals Souths 34 points to 16 on the weekend.

The win keeps the Miners in fourth place in the Mackay and Districts Rugby League competition and on the balance of probability means they will be playing in the finals in five games time.

Looking at the seven day turnaround for the Miners, the first thing that springs to mind is that they must have been lacking a few players a fortnight ago.

Next week is looking to be another tough game for the Miners when they play Sarina in Sarina.

Sarina gave luckless Norths a 65 point hiding this week.

Meanwhile in reserve grade, the Moranbah Miners are continuing their stellar season with a 36 point to 12 win over Souths. The win keeps them undefeated and at the top of the table in the reserve grade competition.

Chinchilla to make AFL history Posted June 23: WIN lose or draw, this Saturday night’s AFL match in Chinchilla will go down in the history books.

It will be the clubs first ever game under lights in Chinchilla, and the first time the University of Southern Queensland Cougars have ever made the trip to Chinchilla.

So far as records go, it may not seem like a significant one, but when you add it to all the other milestones that have been reached by the Chinchilla side - it is an achievement to be noted.

Two years ago the Suns didn’t exist, and where they are today is a monument not just to the players, but also to the committee who have done so much work off the field.

TO GET YOUR SPORTING NEWS AS IT HAPPENS MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER FOR SPORTMONDAY AT SHIFTMINER.COM. IT’S FREE

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Money Matters

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ROOM WITH A VIEW

Penthouse Apartment, Thredbo

Exotic homes

Price: $1,175,000 neg

Is the chilly weather making you itch to strap on the skis, polish off the snowboard and sniff out some fresh powder?

Why not cut to the chase. An investment property in the heart of Thredbo makes a whole lot of sense doesn’t it?

Well if you are stuck in the throes of snow-blindness, it is your lucky day because this dinky penthouse apartment in “The Peak” has been priced to sell! The two bedroom plus loft apartment has a generous open plan living area with a glass atrium style finish which allows the full benefit of the ski mountain views. With modern decor kitchen, loft area ideal for extra guests, two large bedrooms and two bathrooms, one large parking space and high quality furnishings this apartment ticks all the boxes for the aspiring ski bum.

for the mobile miner

»

Balinese Villa, Berawa Price: $300,000

Price: POA

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Sleek, Glamorous & Unapologetically Modern, Ibiza

Ibiza, its not just doof doof party party hard hard more more, it is one of THE most fashionable locations to own a second home. Combining minimalist design with a jaw-dropping setting, this villa is an ideal place to experience luxury and beauty together with modernity and unsurpassed comfort. Located on a 1,400m2 plot, the villa’s modern symphony of glass, steel and concrete commands unspoilt panoramic views over Santa Eulalia Bay and the Mediterranean Sea. Modern Homes Worldwide insist “the property will address the demands and desires of the most discriminating holiday homeowner, this world-class oceanview residence offers stylish, hip and contemporary glamour for barefoot chic living in Ibiza”.

Better lay off the good times and come up with some coin!

Email: info@modernhomesworldwide.com.

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Want your fun time island a little closer to home? You can’t go past Bali for a splash of home away from home exotica.

Combining the best of the old with the conveniences of the new this two-bedroom villa is a mix of modern and traditional. Built around the concept of a teak wooden ‘Joglo’ house, shipped exclusively from Java the villa has been updated beautifully to create a unique sanctuary.

Built on 707m2 of land and with scenic views of rice fields, there is ample space to enjoy your Bali dream.

With a spacious living area facing a 9 x 3m2 swimming pool and lush tropical garden (I am sure there is a hut in there somewhere), you will find yourself easily kicking back with a Bintang in this zen setting.

Go to www.thredboproperty.com.au to keep the dream alive.

»

Shift Miner Magazine

coastal lifestyle”. Contemporary kitchen and dining on two levels, basement gym, wine cellar and workshop. Stunning curved wet edge pool, Tasmanian Oak timber and polished concrete floors. Thermostatically controlled ceiling awning windows, home theatre and highly efficient, imported German vanity and bedroom suites. Nestled into the edge of Noosa National Park and in the exclusive Northern pocket of Sunshine Beach. The Duke Street Village is a stones throw away so you will be able to consolidate your buy in and hang with the crew at eclectic cafes.

Contact Heather Marshall at Dowling & Neylan Real Estate.

Go to www.balipropertysales.com for more details.

Dream Pad, Sunshine Beach Price: $2,450,000

»

Do as the beautiful people do and settle into a life of style at Sunshine Beach. Meticulously presented with superb ocean views with a leafy aspect this home offers an “inspirational

Send your exotic dream property details and low resolution images to justin.carlos@shiftminer.com

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MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

Changes in aged care fees

MAJOR changes to aged care took effect on 1 July 2014 and will likely result in higher ongoing care fees for many aging Australians.

From 1 July, 2014, the distinction between High Level and Low Level

care will be removed.

This will result in all new residents having the choice to pay their accommodation costs as either a lump sum, a daily payment amount, or a combination of both.

For participating facilities, you will also have the option of selecting extra services in exchange for an additional daily fee.

Furthermore, the current income tested fee, which was based upon assessable income, will be replaced by a means tested fee, which will be based upon assessable income and assets.

This change heralds the end of a popular strategy which involved investing in an investment bond (similar to a managed fund, provided by life insurance companies), held within a family trust, as a means of reducing Centrelink assessable and aged care assessable income.

There are still effective strategies that can be employed to reduce your assessable income and assets, as a means of potentially increasing Government entitlements/cashflow, while reducing the ongoing cost of care.

So if you are considering moving a loved one into an aged care facility, the time to seek advice should be as early on in the process as possible.

To continue the conversation or to be put in touch with a professional in this field contact Jeff White on 07 3114 8621 or Simon Milton 07 3114 8652

Stock of the month: Wesfarmers (WES Wesfarmers is one of Australia’s largest conglomerates, owning Coles, Target, Kmart, Bunnings, Officeworks, Liqourland, Vintage Cellars, Firstchoice Liquor as well as assets in industrial, chemical and resource activities.

Over the past 12 months the star performer has clearly been Bunnings as they continue to rollout stores in prime locations.

The quality of this management team is second to none and with such a strong balance sheet, there is no doubt WES are assessing counter-cyclical opportunities across the industrial businesses, but it is also clear that return-enhancing opportunities aren’t that easy to find. In the absence of an acquisition, capital will be returned to shareholders.

Wesfarmers remains a core portfolio holding and we certainly don’t see material downside risk, especially while the group boasts such a robust balance sheet.

A recovery in MET coal prices and the winding back of store open costs after a record roll out year for Bunnings, will certainly provide a further upside.

Please call Jeff White on 07 3114 8621 for further information on Wesfarmers.

Airlie Beach And Whitsunday Real Estate are proud to introduce a master planned beachside community estate, tastefully styled at every glance. Centrally located, with easy access to Bowen, Airlie Beach and Mackay, with close access to The Great Barrier Reef and nearby stores and services. House and land packages will suit a range of new home buyers, looking for a relaxed and tranquil location.

Architecturally designed homes will be constructed on generously sized allotments and have access to lifestyle benefits that only seaside living can offer. Carlisle Waters Estate consists of 103 fully serviced allotments which are to be released in 4 stages with modern elegant affordable housing options.

Investors and families looking for an ocean-side slice of paradise will come to realise the charm and enormous potential of this location. The beach is approx a 3 minute walk, Whitsunday Coast Airport is approximately a 15 minute drive from Midge Point and recently underwent 9 million dollar upgrade. Call Terry now for more information. Furniture not included. . 103 LOTS AVAILABLE . SIZES RANGING FROM 723m2 - 1142m2 . HOUSE & LAND PACKAGES AVAILABLE . 2 MINUTES TO TAVERN & SHOPS

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