SHIFT MINER Monday 21st June 89th Edition 2010
The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news
S.O.S Locally Owned and Operated - www.shiftminer.com
$
1.00
(SPQs excepted)
M MA AG GA A Z I N E
Blackwater break down CHRONIC infrastructure problems in Blackwater have reached breaking point and the local council is desperately calling for more funding from the state and federal governments. Recently, Blackwater’s dilapidated water system sprang several leaks and at one point completely broke down, denying residents access to water for a whole weekend.
Central Highlands Regional Council mayor, Peter Maguire, said the town’s water treatment plant was in need of an urgent upgrade and, without it, Blackwater’s water supply would continue to be at risk. “Temporary solutions were found to the problems facing the water supply and we have not had any problems for a few months but the fact is the whole system will need to
be upgraded,” Cr Maguire told Shift Miner. He said the council was overwhelmed with the pressing needs of the region including the Blackwater hospital, pool, childcare facilities, parks, halls, libraries and sporting and recreational facilities. Cr Maguire said the reason for the rapid decay in infrastructure was because the mining towns were not built to last. page 6
»
ENCORE ENCORE!
p! New com hift
Are you S Miner’s most elor/ eligible bach ? bachelorette
00s WIN $ri1z0 es, in p page 8
News Near misses at your workplace » page 5 Feature What do locals think about the new mining tax? » page 6 CQ Business Asciano muscles in on QR » page 14 Around Town Snapped at the footy » page 10
Clermont’s mini Pavarottis don’t sound shoddy » page 13 Money Matters A look at the region’s real estate » page 26