SM98_Shift Miner Magazine

SHIFT MINER Monday 25th October 98th Edition 2010

The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news

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M A G A Z I N E

BUILT OS

Why mining’s no longer Australian made CENTRAL Queensland heavy industry is likely be the big loser as modularisation and the strong Australian dollar combine to make it less competitive on the global stage.

Modularisation is the process of building different parts of a large piece of infrastructure separately and then assembling them on site.

There has been an increasing trend in the Australia mining sector to have individual modules engineered overseas in lower cost Asian countries.

At the recent Golding Industry Conference in Gladstone, a number of businesses expressed concern the trend would continue during the development of the LNG sector.

Asia Pacific LNG (APLNG) site manager, Danny O’Dell, said its Curtis Island plant would be built using a modular approach.

He said the modules would range from smaller more manageable sections, to huge pieces weighing thousands of tonnes.

While Mr O’Dell would not give any indications as to what percentage of the engineering work might be done locally, he did say that if an Australian company was “cost competitive, safe, reliable and dependable� there would be scope to work something out.

Traditionally, Asian competitors have had an advantage because of lower labour and machinery costs, and the soaring Australian dollar is only widening that gap.

One of the most prominent examples of modular construction is Waratah Coal’s proposed China First coal project at Alpha in the Galilee Basin.

Under the current deal being negotiated by Waratah’s owner Clive Palmer, virtually all the engineering work and the lion’s share of the mining process would be undertaken by Chinese.

The Metallurgical Corporation of China would be the primary mining and construction contractor, with three other Chinese businesses listed as the sub contractors.

Last year Waratah Coal’s managing direc-

tor, Phil McNamara, said the massive project would be almost exclusively built, operated and designed by the Chinese - but under Australian supervision.  “We will need to make sure everything is done to Australian standards,� he said. “There will be a high level of input from Australian engineers, but the bulk of the heavy structures will come from China.�

THE MAC’S NEW MEAL DEAL

The dare to help miners kick the kilos

The Partners: John Taylor - LL.B Sharon Smith - BEc/LL.B Hons Craig Worsley - LL.B

Greg ĂŠ

Carroll

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Page 2 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

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CONTENTS 98th EDITION. 2010

21

24 HEALTHY & HEARTY

20

SMILE FOR Lemongrass and Chilli SMIDDY Thai Chicken Stir–Fry

WHALE OF A TIME MINER’S TRADER Serves 4

If you’re looking to drop a few kilos coming into summer this healthy recipe will help you get on the right track. This easy stir-fry that can be adapted to use any sort of meat as a base whether it be chicken, beef, prawns or even tofu for vegetarians.

Have your vegetables chopped and prepared before you start as the stirfry cooks very quickly.

18

METHOD:

Alex Graham

Heat the oil in wok and brown chicken. Add garlic, ginger, chilli and lemongrass, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add broccoli, red capsicum and INGREDIENTS: mushrooms, stirring well to combine cooking for 4 minutes.

850g Chicken, cut into strips Then add lime zest, lime juice, soy 100g Snow peas sauce and coriander. Stir through 1 Red capsicum, sliced thinly %XQFK RI EURFFROL FXW LQWR ÀRUHWV and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the snow peas tossing through 1 Lemongrass stalk (white part for another minute beforeaudited removing by the CAB RQO\ ÂżQHO\ FKRSSHG * *When audited by the *When CAB from heat.

1 Lime (1/2 to 1 teaspoon of zest Serve immediately with a side of and all of the juice) rice.

6PDOO UHG FKLOOL ÂżQHO\ VOLFHG *Whensteamed audited by the CAB 2 Cups of mushrooms, sliced 1 Clove of garlic, crushed *LQJHU FP SLHFH ÂżQHO\

Numbers You REGULARS Numbers Numbers Can CountYou On** You 5 CURTIS SQUEEZE 16 * STUFF TO THE EDITOR

NEWS

chopped &XS RI FRULDQGHU ÂżQHO\ chopped 2 Teaspoons of soy sauce 2 Teaspoons of olive oil

fly-out workforce and its implications for mining towns in recent editions.

THERE’S only a few more months And we’re not the only ones, last until Christmas - and for many peo- week a community delegation from ple that means adding another couple Moranbah met the Infrastructure and of notches to the belt thanks to a fort- Planning Minister Sterling Hinchliffe. night of beer and prawns.

What we haven’t discussed is what Every year you put on a few more mining towns have to offer mine kilos, and every year you swear you’re workers and their families. going to do something about it.

This edition you can read about Well, 200 people at The MAC vil- the town of Tieri and why people lages and offices across the Bowen choose to live in this community-foBasin and beyond are doing some- cused town despite its lack of educathing about it - they’re on a six week tion and medical services. ‘biggest loser’ style weight loss chalAnd don’t forget to text for your favourites to win Shift Miner’s Most lenge.

It’s a great initiative and we will Eligible Bachelor and Bachelorette.

You can read the profiles of the let you know the results at the end of final six on page 8-9.

November.

Enjoy!

We’ve talked a lot about the fly-in

FROM THE EDITOR

Can OnCount On Can Bed shortage for Count LNG workers *When audited by the CAB Numbers You

6 MAP FAILURE Can Count On Positive outlook for region

7 NEW BEGINNINGS

Clermont mine abandons tradition

12 MAC DEAL

Use this recipe to keep on track with your MAC Dare weight loss!

M A G A Z I N E www.shiftminer.com www.shiftminer.com

M AMGA AG ZA I Z NIThe E E www.shiftminer.com N $651M on table for MAC M A G A Z I N E

SHIFT MINER The Bowen Basin’s premier magazine

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Proudly Audited Proudly Audited by by Zest Eatery Open M 4.00pm to 8.00pm daily information visit www.auditbureau.org.au A G A Z I NForEmore

17 FRANK’S LOVE ADVICE 19 GIGS GUIDE 20 BAIT SHOP BANTER 25 MONEY MATTERS

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Phone: (07) 4921 4333 Fax: (07) 4922 6908 angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com Editor: Alex Graham Advertising: Angus Peacocke 0428 154 653

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1300 622 222 For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au For more information visit www.auditbureau.org.au themac.com.au COPPABELLA | DYSART | MIDDLEMOUNT | MORANBAH | NEBO

Page 3 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

News

98th EDITION. 2010

120 accidents Toxic scare for CSG for September THE number of serious accidents and high potential incidents reported in Queensland mining last month is slightly up on the August figures.

In September, there were 120 reports made to the mines inspectorate, compared with 117 a month earlier.

Mechanical problems were the most common, followed by loss of control of vehicles.

There were also 16 incidents involving fire.

In one serious incident, an operator using a pedestal drill press caught his glove in the rotating chuck and was pulled into the drill.

His head contacted the drill, and his shirt was ripped off.

The operator was unable to press the emergency stop and called out to a nearby worker who turned it off.

The operator injured his hand and face.

In another incident, a worker was knocked off his feet when a 200 millime-

tre hose pumping water from a pit whipped across the ground.

He broke his collar bone and gashed his head.

Meanwhile the Queensland Commissioner for mine safety and health, Stewart Bell, has submitted his first annual performance report to the state government.

Commissioner Bell said health and safety in Queensland mines had significantly improved during the 2009-2010 year.

“In particular there has been significant improvement in the coal sector in a very important measure of safety performance – injury severity,” he said.

“Severity is a measure of the days lost to injury and this has improved by 40 per cent.”

He said there are a number of initiatives underway in small mines to improve safety.

“Small mines account for about six per cent of the state’s mining industry workforce; yet account for nearly half of the fatal accidents in the non-coal mining sector.”

THERE has been a contamination scare in the coal seam gas (CSG) sector, with gas wells in the Surat Basin testing positive for toxic chemicals.

Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) found traces of four toxic chemicals, including benzene and toluene, in eight of its 17 wells.

Those are the same toxic chemicals that were found in bores at Cougar Energy’s underground coal gasification (UCG) pilot project near Kingaroy in July.

However, the two projects are fundamentally different: Cougar Energy was trialling UCG technology, whereas the APLNG wells are part of a liquefied natural gas project (LNG).

APLNG spokesman Paul Zealand said the company has no idea where the chemicals have come from.

“In that extraction process we do inject some chemicals into the wells but the suppliers of our chemicals have assured us that those chemicals don’t contain BTEX,” Mr Zealand told the ABC. “It’s been a big surprise to us to find this and that’s why we’ve undertaken the investigation regime we’re now doing.”

Mr Zealand said only very small amounts of the chemicals have been found, and only in water that feeds into secure pools and tanks.

No water courses or livestock are believed to be at risk.

The Health Minister, Paul Lucas, has moved to reassure residents the amount of BTEX found was “essentially minute”.

“It’s important to remember that these chemicals can occur naturally in very, very small concentrations and it could have been from a lubricant used as part of the chemical process,” he told ABC radio.

The state government has recently introduced new laws to ban chemicals such as BTEX from the CSG industry.

The industry has always maintained those types of chemicals are not used in Queensland in the fraccing process - that is, the process used to break up the coal seams and release the gas.

While environmentalists and farmers are calling for a moratorium on any further development in the CSG industry, at the time of print the government was waiting on independent results of more testing before it makes any further decisions.

No broadband in Moranbah as Telstra baulks at upgrade IF you drive to the end of Mills Avenue in Moranbah and look right you’ll be looking at a black spot, an ADSL black spot.

That’s the situation facing 62 families in the new BMA Isaac Views Estate.

There’s no broadband internet connection and there’s not likely to be one for at least the next six months.

And they’re not the only residents affected by the problem, with anybody wanting to build in stage four and five of the Moranbah land release program in the same boat.

Shift Miner sources say BMA has followed all the correct procedures, by submitting plans to Telstra for the

estate before building commenced, but that hasn’t fixed the problem.

“The sub-exchange was already at capacity and there were already people who couldn’t get ADSL, the new estate has fallen into that category,” said one local, who didn’t want to be named.

Shift Miner understands that a backhaul to the primary exchange near the CFMEU building also needs upgrading.

“We’ve been told that it is Telstra’s business decision not to update that sub-exchange on Mills Avenue.”

For remote communities like Moranbah, the internet is an essential connection to

services and information.

“Unofficially we’ve heard that they [Telstra] want BMA to pay for the work, officially they are saying they hope to get funding approved in six months,” our source said.

Shift Miner understands that Telstra needs a commercial business case to upgrade the sub exchange and the people of Moranbah are doing all they can to help.

“We’ve been proactive and done a letterbox drop to gauge the number of people affected by the black spot to put together a list of those wanting to sign up for ADSL and hopefully that will help.”

If you are living in the black spot areas and would like to register your interest for ADSL connection you can email moranbahadsl@gmail.com

“Unofficially we’ve heard that they [Telstra] want BMA to pay for the work, officially they are saying they hope to get funding approved in six months.”

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Page 4 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

News

98th EDITION. 2010

Go on, The MAC double dares you...

THROUGHOUT the coalfields, a new dare has miners watching their every step, and every mouthful.

It’s known as The MAC Dare - and more than 200 visitors and staff at The MAC accommodation villages and city offices have signed up to a six week weight loss challenge.

“The idea behind it is to try and drive healthy living and give everyone a chance to get fit and feel good for summer,” said The MAC’s visual marketing manager, Phil Buhagiar.

“It’s a great way for everyone to encourage each other to get into shape, and have fun at the same time.”

“It creates a little bit of friendly competition.”

The competition began last week, and participants received a starter pack with a pedometer, water bottle, and booklet with healthy eating and exercise tips.

Participants will be required to weigh in

once a week, and there will be weekly prizes at each MAC village or office to keep people motivated and on track.

“The weekly winner at each location wins an iPod Shuffle, the overall winner at each location will take home a Nintendo Wii and the person who loses the most weight across all our locations will win a $1000 holiday experience for two.”

Perhaps the greatest help to those keen to kick some kilos, will be the daily eating plan designed by a nutritionist.

“What we have done is matched up that daily plan with menu options at our Zest Eateries, so those taking part in the challenge can always stick to their pro-

LEAN & MEAN: Some of the boys at The MAC’s Coppabella Village who are taking part in the challenge

Skills worry CEOs

gram,” said Mr Buhagiar.

“For most people it’s not just about what you eat, but the amount you eat- you might eat healthy foods but find yourself eating three steaks instead of one.”

The competition runs until the end of November.

[Front page image Paul Robinson, Grayhame Harris, Mark Thomas & Daniel Andrews from The MAC’s Moranbah Village]

“What we have done is matched up that daily plan with menu options at our Zest Eateries, so those taking part in the challenge can always stick to their program.”

Bed crisis threatens LNG expansion AN accommodation crisis is threatening to derail Gladstone’s burgeoning liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

The Coordinator General’s office has indicated it will cap at 6000 the number of workers that can be housed on Curtis Island - the area earmarked for the LNG industry.

With four LNG projects in the pipeline, that limits each project to just 1500 beds - a long way short of the total number required.

The four companies involved want to source 20 per cent of their workforce from the local area, but even after this the demand for fly-in fly-out workers

will be significant.

Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) Gladstone manager, Danny O’Dell, said their operations alone will require 3000 workers to be accommodated on Curtis Island.

The Coordinator General’s cap leaves a 1500-bed shortfall, but Mr O’Dell remains optimistic a solution will be found.

“We understand the mechanism that we are going to go through if we need to get

FAST NEWS

more than 1500 [beds],” he told a recent industry conference in Gladstone.

Senior Vice President of QGC, Ian Bradshaw, said one solution could be to stagger the development of the projects so demand for beds doesn’t occur simultaneously.

“Of course, if we don’t all build absolutely parallel, and schedule the work in series, then you could have more than 1500 workers as was previously advised.”

“With four LNG projects in the pipeline, that limits each project to just 1500 beds - a long way short of the total number required.”

Attracting and retaining skilled workers is still the top of mind issue for mining bosses, according to the latest polling of CEO sentiment carried out by Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

In the latest “State of the Sector” report for the September quarter, the CEO Sentiment Index found that while anxiety over the global economy and climate change had reduced somewhat, both issues were still of concern.

Attracting and retaining skills employees and uncertain or poor regulation remained at the top of the list of problems for the mining sector. .....................................................................

Safety levy just for big miners Small mining operations will no longer have to pay the Queensland government’s annual safety and health levy.

The exemption applies to operations that employ five workers or less, and will save operators the $100 per person per year cost.

The new rules start immediately, so operators won’t have to pay the 2010-11 levy that’s due at the end of the month. .....................................................................

$40K to study science/engineering Scholarships worth up to $40,000 are being offered to encourage talented students into engineering and science disciplines.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and CQUniversity are offering two scholarships in 2011 for first-year engineering and environmental science students valued at $10,000 per annum for the duration of their full-time degree.

Students will be selected based on their ambition to work in the resources sector, as well as academic achievements and leadership qualities.

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Page 5 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

News

98th EDITION. 2010

QRC slams food bowl maps as inaccurate THE accuracy of the state government’s strategic cropping land (SCL) maps has been questioned by the mining lobby.

In September, the state government announced its plans to lock up parcels of prime food producing land from development.

At the time, it released draft maps denot-

ing strategic cropping land covering 70,000 km2 - or four per cent of Queensland.

But the Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) own scrutiny of the maps has found vast swathes of that country are not currently used for cropping, and in some cases are designated nature conservation areas.

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Page 6 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

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QRC chief executive, Michael Roche, said the government needs to go back to the drawing board.

“The policy would potentially quarantine large parcels of land that could not be fairly designated high-value cropping land,” he said.

“Much of the land included in the government’s proposed ‘trigger maps’ is not currently used for cropping.”

He said while the maps lock up four per cent of the state as the “best of the best” cropping land, only 2.2 per cent of Queensland was currently used for cropping.

“Currently cropped Class A land is approximately 1.5 percent of Queensland, and you would expect that so-called strategic cropping land would be a small sub-set of this.”

The QRC has found there was also crossover with land set aside for conservation.

“It is logically impossible and absurd for the same land to be simultaneously required for strategic cropping purposes and for nature conservation purposes,” its submission read.

“It should not be a difficult task to over-

lay existing mapping of environmentally sensitive areas on the draft SCL maps, and removing those areas from the SCL maps.”

In its submission to the government on the new policy, the QRC said it would put at risk current and planned investment of $22 million from mining companies.

“It is a simplistic, populist reaction that will impose a significant sovereign risk on the resources sector and create an unwieldy precedent for future policy on competing land uses,” Mr Roche said.

He said the existing environmental impact statement assessment process (EIS) was enough protection in ensuring decisions were made in the public interest.

“The EIS process already carefully assesses environmental, economic and social benefits and costs for resource projects and QRC regards the EIS as the appropriate vehicle to objectively assess any impact on strategic cropping land.”

Mr Roche has also called for a genuine consultation period, before the policy gets rushed into law early next year.

“It is logically impossible and absurd for the same land to be simultaneously required for strategic cropping purposes and for nature conservation purposes.”

News

98th EDITION. 2010

There’s nothing traditional about Clermont THE official opening of Rio Tinto’s Clermont mine represents a significant break with tradition in central Queensland coal mining.

Traditionally, new mines have started during short booms when prices were briefly strong and skilled staff abundant.

Traditionally, 12 million tonne open cut mines have had coal very close to the surface, and most of it would need to be washed before export.

Traditionally, very few inexperienced miners would have been given jobs on site.

The Clermont mine has followed none of these traditions.

Unlike so many mines before it, the Clermont mine will sell its coal into a new

Phil Rossendell, Lee Moore, Paul Mark, Heath Richardson - Rio Tinto

world market.

A market driven by Chinese and Indian demand, where bad prices are profitable and good prices are mind boggling.

But with coal production rapidly increasing in Australia, demand for skills is tight.

According to Rio Tinto chief executive energy, Doug Ritchie, they have been forced to look further afield for staff.

“We have tried a less than traditional approach to staffing up Clermont, looking at sort of non-traditional places for our people,” he said.

“Not just in terms of gender but people have come from different backgrounds.”

“It’s been terrifically successful with 27 per cent female employees on site, we

have been very happy with the way it has worked.”

Production wise, there have been further breaks with tradition.

The coal at Clermont is very deep underground - more than 60 metres in places.

However, the seam itself is extremely large averaging 45 metres in thickness and more than 100 metres in places.

That means there is a monumental amount of dirt to be moved - and tradition would say bring in the drag-lines.

Not so.

Overburden removal is by truck and shovel in a box-cut process, and in another unorthodox move the coal is not trucked to rail, but carried by a 13-kilometre crusher

Neil Hughes -Rio Tinto; Paul Blackburn Mark Roberts, Grant Lamb, Steve Dorgin, Northern Rescue Training, Chris Bell - Rio Tinto Ben Anderson - Rio Tinto

conveyor system.

The final stark difference at the Clermont mine is to do with the quality of the thermal deposit.

Less than 10 per cent of the coal will need to be cleaned before sale.

So far the mine has produced more than a million tonnes of coal, since it began operations in April.

At its peak, it will produce more than 12 million tonnes a year, and employ 400 permanent staff.

More than a hundred people, including overseas guests, visited the site when the mine was officially opened by the Premier Anna Bligh recently.

Below were just some in attendance.

Rod Davison, Mark McKinnon, Paul Wajcik, Shone Kincaid, Tiar Mulley, Mel Fisher, all the way from Israel - Rio Tinto Michele Kerr - Rio Tinto

Premier mum on 100% FIFO workforce THE Premier has remained tight-lipped about the government’s stance on BMA’s move to staff a new mine near Moranbah with a 100 per cent fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforce.

The company is currently preparing the paperwork to apply to the Coordinator General for the changes at its Caval Ridge mine.

But in central Queensland for the opening of Rio Tinto’s Clermont mine recently, Anna Bligh wasn’t showing the government’s hand on the controversial issue.

“These matters are considered by the Coordinator General in the approval of an application,” she said.

“We have seen a number of recent decisions that have required more social infrastructure to support local labour and local jobs, I expect to see that continue those decisions are made on the merit of each project.”

Another major miner, Rio Tinto, does not appear set to follow the move to a 100 per cent FIFO workforce in the Bowen Basin.

Rio Tinto’s chief executive energy, Doug Ritchie, told Shift Miner Magazine there are

advantages of having some of your workforce living locally.

“In Clermont, there is a proportion of the workforce that is fly-in fly-out, but we recognise the need and the benefits of being closely associated with the community, and we would like to encourage a decent proportion of the workforce from our Clermont operations to reside in the district,” he said.

But Mr Ritchie said each new mine would have to be judged on its own set of circumstances.

“It depends on the location, it depends upon the availability of labour, and there

are still a lot of benefits that come to a community, despite the fact the majority of the workforce would fly in and fly to the mine.”

At the time of print, member of the Moranbah Action Group were about to meet the Infrastructure Minister Sterling Hinchliffe on the issue.

The meeting comes after it was revealed BMA would source all 500 workers for its new mine from south-east Queensland, and would bypass central Queensland with plans to build a new training facility in Brisbane.

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Page 7 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

REVEALED YOUR TOP SIX FINALISTS

Bachelor &

Voting has restarted - which means if you have already voted, you need to do it again now for your favourite. Remember you can vote in both categories.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

A candle lit dinner .. I cooked roast pork n veg with flowers and a big teddy bear for Valentines day ...

I once flew my ex girlfriend over to Rome, Italy for a romantic get away Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

I do but have not experienced it yet

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Yeh kinda, but it hasn’t happened to me yet lol ...

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

Do first what you fear the most!

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

You’re in luck at the moment I’ve got a 2-4-1 deal ... 2 of you for 1of me hahaha ; ) Why should people vote for you? I’m a fun sort of a bloke... I only entered for some fun and a laugh and I have definitely got that : ) but I’m sure if I was sent to Airlie I’d brighten someone’s day haha

Allan McDonald (aka PODGE), 36

To vote for Jaime, text 9404 to 0412 055 255

HSE Mining, Ensham

Daniel Brunner, 23

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Wrote a love letter and sent flowers with the letter Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Yes people can just have a chemical reaction to each other

Clermont Coal

Do you believe in love at first sight? No, because you have to know someone to love someone.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

Live each day like its your last.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

Fair dinkum stuffed if I know Why should people vote for you?

Because I’m down to earth and a good bloke

Why should people vote for you?

Because I am a good representation of what this competition is all about.

Dirk Irsch, 45

To vote for Daniel, text 9406 to 0412 055 255

North Goonyella, underground miner

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Yes I do most definitely, when I look into her eyes and my heart starts beating wildly, because the eyes are the window to the soul.

What are you looking for in a partner?

Someone that’s a bit of a thrill seeker, outgoing, with a good sense of humour that doesn’t take everything too seriously

Why should people vote for you?

I think I am a nice fellow so why not.

To vote for Dirk, text 9405 to 0412 055 255

Yongala ESS, assistant manager

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Rented a beachside bungalow, set up a table for two with flowers, candles and lit a fire. Because I’m a chef I cooked a delicious three course meal and had a waiter friend serve us while we enjoyed the sunset.

Followed by cocktails and a fantastic night of ....:)

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Taken a lady to dinner while skiing in Switzerland at the chalet, had dinner over an open fire place and watched the sun set.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

To be honest i do not have one.

Brian Puckey, 26

What are you looking for in a partner?

Compatibility, intelligence and a passion for life.

What are you looking for in a partner?

Honest, fun loving, genuine, to be my best friend

Jaime Ward, 27 Rolleston mine, operator

To vote for Jay, text 9407 to 0412 055 255

What are you looking for in a partner? A girl who is comfortable in her own skin, loves the outdoors, can laugh at herself, someone who is willing to try new things and someone to share new experiences with.

What is the most romantic thing you have done?

Organised a surprise weekend away.

What are you looking for in a partner?

Their personality, sense of humour and family values

To vote for Allan, text 9403 to 0412 055 255

Why should people vote for you?

I’m just a young down to earth guy who is on the look out for Ms Perfect and because I’m going to put a $250 bar tab on at Coppabella Mac Camp If I win

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Maybe! I believe without lust you have a hard time loving.

Jay Beattie, 23 Millennium mine, shotfirer What are you looking for in a partner?: Passion, personality, pizazz and they’ve got to love the beach What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?:

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

CRICKEY...did I just hear a cliché Why should people vote for you?

Because I’m a genuine, good quality Aussie bloke !

To vote for Brian, text 9408 to 0412 055 255

THE TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL RECEIVE: SHIFT MINER’S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR - Summit Apartments & Fantasea Cruising Award* · 3 nights for up to 4 people in a 2 Bedroom Luxury Ocean View Apartment at Summit Apartments Airlie Beach

SHIFT MINER’S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORETTE - Summit Apartments & Fantasea Cruising Award*

· Chocolates and Australian Sparkling wine on arrival · 2 pm late check out to sleep in and spoil yourself

· Chocolates and Australian Sparkling wine on arrival

· 3 nights for up to 4 people in a 2 Bedroom Luxury Ocean View Apartment at Summit Apartments Airlie Beach · 2 pm late check out to sleep in and spoil yourself

PLUS - 2 Island Whitehaven Beach Trip for 4 people with Fantasea Cruising

PLUS - Yellow Sub Bali Hai Snorkelling Adventure for 4 people with Fantasea Cruising

PLUS - $500 spending money thanks to Steve Taylor & Partners

PLUS - $500 spending money thanks to Steve Taylor & Partners

CALL 07 4921 4333 WWW.SHIFTMINER.COM Page 8 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

Shift Miner’s Most Eligible Bachelor & Bachelorette is proudly sponsored by:

FOR SHIFT MINER’S MOST ELIGIBLE

Bachelorette

The polls close at midnight Friday 12 November, with the winners unveiled in the Monday 22 November edition. Good luck to all our finalists - get your friends and colleagues to text in! wonder and amusement in everyday life. A love of reading and travel doesn’t go astray either.

Someone who is thoughtful, makes me laugh and always shops at home.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve just teamed up with my sister to send the parents on a romantic ‘foodies’ holiday to New Calidonia. Although it’s not for me, I think that’s pretty romantic!

Nicole Sempf, 27 Train Driver, QR National Bluff What are you looking for in a partner?

I’m looking for someone social and outgoing to enjoy the fun and simple things in life with. A best friend with that extra spark.

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not? I believe in attraction at first sight, not love.

It’s the glances across the room, the common interests and that bit of ‘magic’ for want of a better word, that make me fall for someone.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be? Make your own destiny and smile as you’re going about it.

Why should people vote for you?

The man of my dreams might just be waiting at Airlie Beach...Please help me get there! :) To vote for Diana text 9410 to 0412 055 255

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Arranged a night time picnic at a lookout under the stars with some nice candles.

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not? I believe in having an intense connection with someone at first sight/meeting, whether that is love, only time will tell.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

“It’s all good!”

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

I believe in attraction at first sight, maybe followed by love If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

True love is hook line and sinker.

Why should people vote for you?

Because I am good value and very single...

Oliviah Thelan, 22

Goldings Contractor, BMA Blackwater

Karen Hirt, 49 Carborough Downs, lab rat What are you looking for in a partner? Someone who has a positive outlook on life, is fun and caring, energetic, light-hearted with a good sense of humour and happy.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Booked a nice room for the weekend and filled it with his favorite foods and drinks. Sprayed the bed with his favorite perfume and lit candles.

Bought some new lingerie, and massage oil.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

I shouted my ex-partner a PNO cruise for a week overseas for our fourth year engagement anniversary. I am not really the romantic type... plain and simple is the way to be

Why should people vote for you? Been through a very rough brake up. So now I am just out to live life, have fun meet new people, and go new places. And as I have that outlook on life I think a nice little holiday would just suit me perfectly...

To vote for Oliviah text 9412 to 0412 055 255

Why should people vote for you?

Because my girlfriends and I really want this.

What are you looking for in a partner?

Someone with a sense of adventure who finds

To vote for Karen text 9411 to 0412 055 255

Train driver, QR National Bluff What are you looking for in a partner?

Honest, loyal, tall country guy with old school values.

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Yes... If the wow factor is there on first sight don’t run from it, chase it.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

Live like u mean it.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

A day without laughter is a day wasted.

Environment & Community Officer, Xstrata Coal

Noela Burke, 46

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

A guy played his guitar and sang romantic songs to me and he could sing.

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Yes but it depends on the depth of love you mean. Lust at first sight is more likely.

Diana Barnes, 25

To vote for Nicole Murray text 9413 to 0412 055 255

What are you looking for in a partner?

I am looking for a guy that has the same goals in life as I do who is a lot of fun and accepts me for me.

Do you believe in love at first sight - why or why not?

Mmmm I don’t think it’s love at first sight i’ts more lust, until you get to know the person then it turns into love.

If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?

Hey man how are ya ... :)

Why should people vote for you?

I believe I’m just a down to earth girl looking to find someone to enjoy life with.

To vote for Nicole Sempf text 9409 to 0412 055 255

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Spa on the eleventh floor of a penthouse suite

Nicole Murray, 27 Ensham mine, HSE mining What are you looking for in a partner?

Why should people vote for you?

Because I am an honest caring fun gal who works hard and deserves to have a bit of rnr with some good mates.

To vote for Noela text 9414 to 0412 055 255

HARLEY NOW OR IN THE FUTURE? Bert’s been mining for 20 years.

19 years ago he sold his beloved Harley to start investing for the future.

He took money to Steve Taylor and Partners in Emerald.

TODAY HE HAS 6 HOUSES, NO DEBTS - AND A HARLEY What’s your future going to be like?

Call Steve Taylor on 0749807733 or google “Steve Taylor”

Page 9 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

News

98th EDITION. 2010

Tieri - a safe place to call home The future of Queensland’s mining towns has been in the spotlight of late, as debate rages over the implications of fly-in fly-out workers. Over the coming months, Shift Miner Magazine will profile some of the region’s towns - and what they have to offer mine workers and their families. In this edition, Nicky Way takes a look at Tieri, and talks to locals about why they like to call it home.

ANECDOTAL evidence suggests the average age in the small mining town of Tieri is 12 years old!

That’s because in this close-knit community of 1700 people, there are a large number of families with children.

One person doing his bit to help

ber 1999 as a nanny for the doctors, she was going to stay for a year but she never left.”

“We met in 2002, married 2003 and had our son Aiden in 2004.”

Open cut operations first began at the mine back in 1982, and the following year the then Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen

“The recreational activities like the golf club and the dam are good too, you just don’t have time to get there often enough.”

Mum and work-from-home business consultant Lisa Caffery enjoys the community mindedness of Tieri.

“I love the relaxed lifestyle, the friendly and safe community and the fantastic public amenities for little kids especially the library and the beautifully maintained parks and playgrounds,” she said.

In a display of that community spirit, Tieri this year picked up a gong for Central Queensland’s Tidiest Town at the Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Regional Awards.

Tieri is supported by a number of community groups including the government funded CTM Links, which plans and organises community events that in turn provide funding for community facilities and services.

Some of these events include the kin-

move to Rockhampton or Mackay where there are more educational options.

While isolation and lack of medical, education and professional services are often listed as the main reasons people leave Tieri, the town offers residents a safe and afforable community, with excellent facilities and a strong community spirit.

Q u i c k Fa c t s Population (2006 census): 1679 Mines: Xstrata’s Oaky Creek Coal, No.1 and North underground operations Education: Tieri State School – prep to grade 7, kindergarten, daycare, playgroup Health: Community Health Centre, Tieri Medical and Physiotherapy Practice, Pharmacy Nearest hospital: Dysart 77klm minutes and Emerald 83 klm Surrounding industry: cattle and crop farming Distance from the coast: 328km north-west of Rockhampton, 296km south-west of Mackay

AFFORDABLE RENT: Xstrata subsidises all accommodation, but you can’t own your home in Tieri

keep the average age down is local cafe owner Matt Lines.

He has three small children, and one more on the way, and says the town is great for families.

“Before I moved here I used to visit as a consultant and even then it felt like home,” he said.

“There is a really strong sense of community, and there are old fashioned community values which are hard to find.”

Tieri, like its sister Xstrata Coal town of Glenden, was designed and built to accommodate the workers of the mine - in this case Xstrata’s Oaky Creek Coal (OCC) operations.

The town was built from the ground up on virgin bushland on the “Crinum” property, and the first house went up in 1982.

It became the home of Gary and Ann Putland and their two children; one son Michael still lives in Tieri today with his own children.

“Apart from a couple of months in Mackay I’ve always lived here,” he told Shift Miner Magazine.

“Julie, my wife, came to town in Octo-

FAMILY FUN: Tieri is known for its well-kept parks and gardens

Closest towns: Capella 36klm minutes, Middlemount 56klm, Clermont 92klm and Emerald 83 klm.

Transport: Rail, air and Emerald Bus connections also available in Capella.

Council: Central Highlands Regional Council with offices in Tieri and Capella.

DID YOU KNOW? Oaky Creek Coal has its own airstrip

ROAST NIGHT: What’s cooking down at the SPA

officially opened the mine and the town’s shopping centre.

Today, you can only live in Tieri if you are employed by the mine or provide an essential service to the town or the mine.

While there has been much coverage of the cost of living in mining towns, all accommodation in Tieri is heavily subsidised by Xstrata.

“Company subsidised rent makes it very affordable to live here,” said miner Steve Redman.

Mr Redman said that was one of the main drawcards of the town - and there is plenty to do on the weekends as well.

Page 10 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

SINGLES STYLE: Accommodation for single people or those whose families aren’t in town

dergarten ball, the Lions Billy Cart Derby, traders fairs and fun runs.

OCC’s community engagement program also supports many of these events as well as coordinating their own annual events including charity sports day and the town’s Christmas party.

The town’s population is very transient, and people tend to come and go in tune with school terms, particularly terms two and four, because there is no high school in the town - the closes is at Capella.

Some families chose to leave the town when their children hit high school, and

You can’t purchase property or rent a house in Tieri if you don’t work for the mine The Lions Billy Cart Derby is one of the largest events held annually in town, on the first Sunday in August.

It attracts in excess of 200 people from Tieri and surrounding towns Tieri was hit by a severe storm in 2008 that took the roofs off three houses and caused extensive damage to the town

WANT MORE INFO? - Central Highlands Regional Council – www.chrc.qld.gov.au - Xstrata Coal – xstratacoal.com - Xstrata Careers – www.xstratacareers.com.au - Tieri– tieri.net.au

News

98th EDITION. 2010

Tieri Testimonials Lisa Caffrey (with her son Tait) says she loves the relaxed atmosphere in Tieri

We asked locals to tell us what they like - and don’t like - about living in Tieri

Lisa Caffery - Caffrey Consulting, mum to Tait and married to Tony What do you like?

I love the relaxed lifestyle, the friendly and safe community and the fantastic public amenities for little kids especially the library and the beautifully maintained parks and playgrounds.

The fact that everything you need in town is also within walking distance is a bonus!

Julia Lines enjoying the billy cart derby - and her dad Matt says the town’s strong sense of community is a big drawcard.

Matt Lines - Tieri Café Owner, married to Rebecca and dad to Julia, Hillary, Mackenzie and pending baby Lines.

What do you like?

Tieri is a safe town. It is great for families.

Before I moved here I used to visit as a consultant and even then it felt like home.

There is a really strong sense of community.

There are old fashioned community values which are hard to find. The facilities are well supported by Xstrata. Oaky Creek

has a vision for the businesses and they provide support and structure to be able to move your business forward.

What don’t you like?

The isolation can be hard to deal with sometimes and there’s limited access to specialty shops, I guess they’re the main things.

For many, like Steve Redman, the town’s golf club is a highlight.

Steve Redman - Development Electrical Coordinator, married to Sue and dad to James and Kate.

What do you like?

Tieri has a good community feel, it’s a safe neighbourhood for kids and companysubsidised rent makes it very affordable to live here. The recreational activities like the golf club and the dam are good too. You just don’t have time to get there often enough.

What don’t you like?

Breakfast

Michael Bailey - Weekdays 5am - 9am

Mornings

Greg Cary - Weekdays 9am -12pm

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

What don’t you like?

The long distance driving to visit anywhere is a necessary evil that you get used to when you live in Tieri (our closest regional centre is Emerald which is an hour away) but I still get frustrated with the mobile phone black spots throughout the region.

Afternoons

Not living in a home you own, you don’t get to do those things to the house that you might to something you owned, like putting in a big backyard shed and a pool. The distance from the coast can be hard especially with one of our kids at boarding school. It also makes getting to professional services like accountants and specialists a bit hard.

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

Page 11 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

CQ BUSINESS 98th EDITION. 2010

Jellinbah now How The MAC sold without even trying John Holland But will recruit Comiskey contractors AUSTRALIA’S biggest construction contractor John Holland has won a $348 million contract to provide mining services at the Jellinbah open cut coal mine, near Blackwater.

General manager of John Holland’s mining business, Russell Cuttler, said the contract would allow the company to continue its push into the Queensland mining sector.

“Our initial focus is on delivering a smooth transition from the retiring contractor Comiskey Earth Moving,” he said.

The new contractors will begin work on site immediately alongside the retiring incumbent but they won’t fully take over production until next April.

“Currently we’re on the ground organising mobilisation and the planning for the hand over,” Mr Cuttler said.

“We’re assessing what we need to be putting into place, all the things we need to ensure a smooth transition for Jellinbah.”

The contract includes mine planning and design, drill and blast, overburden removal, coal mining, coal quality management, coal crushing, pit water management and environmental reporting services and will employ up to 150 people.

“We’ll be employing between 130 to 150 staff depending on the truck haul distance.”

“Initially we will be recruiting internally and from the existing employees of Comiskey Earthmoving at Jellinbah Plains.”

“Then if necessary we would carry out further recruitment towards the end of the first quarter of next year,” Mr Cuttler said.

The Jellinbah mine was originally developed by a group that included the late Queensland mining magnate Ken Talbot.

Coal production began in 1989, with Mr Talbot at the helm as Australia’s youngest mining managing director.

Mr Talbot held the role of CEO until the mine’s acrimonious sale in 1995.

THE Bowen Basin’s largest accommodation provider, The MAC Services Group, is on the brink of being sold off to an American company that also specialises in remote site accommodation.

US-based Oil States International (OSI) has bid $651 million for the family run business, which has five accommodation villages in the Bowen Basin and one in Western Australia.

The MAC CEO Mark Maloney said it will be business as usual if the sale goes though.

“OSI are buying the business for local management, they don’t want any changes to the staff or management.”

“They are very similar in operation to the MAC, similar people, and work practis-

es and guest relations and they also have a strong community focus like us.”

“This doesn’t mean much of a change at all for our employees except down the track if they want to work overseas that opportunity may become available,” he said.

The MAC has recommended its shareholders accept the deal, which would be paid out at $3.90 per share - a 16 per cent premium on its closing price after the announcement.

Mr Maloney said the offer was simply too good to refuse.

“For shareholders it offers good value, a significant increase from where we started.”

The unexpected offer for The MAC came after company officials met on a business trip.

» continued page 25

“They are very similar in operation to the MAC, similar people, and work practises and guest relations and they also have a strong community focus like us.”

Golding: Trust the key to LNG success HUGE lead times, a lack of trust and the re-emerging skills crisis are the biggest challenges confronting business in central Queensland, according to one of the region’s largest companies.

Golding CEO, Geoff Caton, told a recent industry conference in Gladstone that while there were big opportunities in the region, there remain challenges for companies trying to meet them.

“Access to equipment is looming as a problem in the growth plans for many,” Mr Caton said.

“Today the lead time for a 789 truck is about 18 months, and most times they won’t take your order, even if you do want one.”

At the top of the pile of emerging opportunities is liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, which is being touted as the region’s new money spinner.

1.

2.

However, to date, none of the companies involved has made a final investment decision to proceed.

While industry waits for this certainty, Mr Caton has warned that project proponents need to build strong and trusting partnerships with suppliers.

“In an environment of uncertainty and in a market where the first mover advantage is very significant, there is a temptation to go to

market with competitive pricing too early before the concepts are distilled into the requisite level of clarity,” Mr Caton said.

“This means pricing is often done and redone, and what this does is create waste, a waste of the resources that I have just talked about that are becoming scarce.”

“The key ingredient here is trust and trust has to be earned not bought, and the sooner we start the sooner we get there.”

“The project proponents who deliver certainty earliest, will get the full attention of contractors and suppliers, those that don’t will struggle.”

The below photographs were snapped at the Golding Industry Conference sponsors’ dinner.

5.

3.

4.

1 - Martin Karlsen, GPW; Bruce Wright, Guest; Emma Kirkby GPC 2 - Shannon Ford, BGC Consulting; Malcolm Halket, BGC; Don McDonald, ASI; Mark Devine, BGC 3 - Izet Groenewald, Golding; Megan Lutton, Golding; Amee Bartlet, CQUniversity 4 - Peter Claughton, TAFE; Peter Gary, Bell Tech Services 5 - Julia and Allen Young, McCosker

Page 12 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

CQ BUSINESS 98th EDITION. 2010

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Long opening hours will keep you smiling GOING to the dentist conjures up nasty images that put many off climbing into the chair until it is absolutely necessary.

But at the newly established Icon Dental at Yeppoon, putting patients at ease is the number one priority.

“We just want people to enjoy coming to dentist and I think it is possible,” said owner Amanda Molloy.

Amanda has a background in education, counselling and business and her husband Andrew has 26 years experience as a dentist.

The husband-and-wife team has joined forces with Sharyn De Kort, who has specialised knowledge in finance and events management.

Amanda believes it’s such varied skills that gives their business an edge.

“One of the things that is very different about Icon Dental is we aren’t just dentists opening this business,” said Amanda.

“We’ve learnt lots about people and their needs and that’s the different approach we have taken with setting up our clinic.”

“It is really a patient focus rather then just a dental focus.”

A casing point is the clinic’s convenient opening hours.

“We decided to open a practice that catered for people needing appointments outside of normal work hours which is why we are six days a week.”

“We start at seven in the morning and finish at six at night.”

“As far as miners are concerned the best thing we can offer them is the flexibility, we have spots that become available each day.”

“If there is an emergency or there is a shift change, we will always have spaces available in the morning for people to ring up and say I need to see a dentist today.”

“Basically we want to offer people in central Queensland the opportunity to have exceptional dentistry and service at a time that is convenient to them whether they be a shift worker or anyone with a busy life.”

For more information you can go to www.icondental.com.au

Mackays $1.2M gateway underground A new million dollar training facility in Mackay will help speed up the training of ‘green’ employees in the underground mining industry.

Mining services provider Mastermyne officially opened the $1.2 million facility last week.

Managing director, Tony Caruso, said the training facility was part of a three-pronged approach by Mastermyne to bring new blood - or ‘cleanskins’ - into the industry.

“The problem at the moment is that we

are all recruiting out of a diminishing pool, and as the industry is growing and there is more demand for this pool, it stands to reason that it just cannot continue to keep up,” he said.

“We need to replenish the pool and this is one way to go about it.”

Mr Caruso said the new training facility was an exact replica of what happens underground, with trainees using the same gear and equipment and undertaking the same jobs they would be

WINNING SMILE: Andrew Molloy is one of five experienced dentists at Yeppoon’s newly opened Icon Dental, which caters to miners with longer opening hours and flexible appointments

required to complete on site.

“We have 200 metres of tunnels, a running conveyor so they can experience the work, and the noise and how to start and stop it and change the rolls.”

“They work 12 hour shifts, they sign on in the morning, they wear full work clothes with gumboots, hard hats and lamps - they even eat their lunch underground.”

“That’s what makes it unique, they are physically doing the jobs they are going to be doing underground and so they will be productive a lot sooner.”

Currently the facility can train up to 110 people each year, but has the potential to ramp up 200 if courses are run simultaneously.

While the new facility in Mackay will help develop inexperienced miners, Mastermyne has been looking at other ways to replenish the shrinking pool of experienced workers.

Hard rock miners are actively recruited because of their general skills, and the company was also the first in the region to recruit underground miners from overseas.

Four years ago they brought in 36 UK miners on 457 visas.

It currently has its eye on several mines in the US that could shut down in the near future.

“It is a complex process because of the visa requirements and it is costly and a big deal for both Mastermyne and the families involved,” Mr Caruso said.

“But it is important because it compliments what we are doing here in Australia.”

“Our trainees won’t be really experienced miners for three or four years - what they have learnt in the training centre is just basic level entry skills.”

“So we have to be careful that we don’t think we have a business full of experienced miners because we won’t and that’s why we have these overseas strategies.”

Mr Caruso said it was a conscious decision to set up the training facility in Mackay.

“We’ve been in Mackay for 14 years, and we could have put this centre anywhere but we put it here because we think there is a good pool of underground miners locally and it is our way of supporting the community that has supported us.”

Mastermyne currently has contracts with Moranbah North, Kestrel and the Kestrel Extension, Crinum East and Oaky Creek mines.

The first nine trainees to finish the new course will start work at Moranbah North and Oaky Creek mines.

Page 13 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

around town 98th EDITION. 2010

CRUSHERS NIGHT The Blackwater Crushers had their presentation night recently at their clubhouse.

Tracey and Geoff Anderson

Justin (Bubba) Daniels

Sarah Walker and Joel Munns

Shonna O’Brien and Brad Gorman

Tom Hamilton and Shae Gibson with Travis Elliott

Kent Booker and Geoff Anderson

Scott and Dee Power

Josh Ford and Natalie Potts

David Munns and Matt Green

Matt and Shannon Green with Kent Booker

Di and Peter Clemesha

Boofa and Henry

Dale Rice, Tegan Morschell and Ryan O’Donohue

Rohan and Michelle Broom with Ryan Campbell

Jessica Stokes and Andrew McGregor

Rachel Brown and Sue Munns

Leean and Mitch Brennan

Bec Langtry, Megan Latchford and Jessica Stokes

Is now the time to reconsider your loans?

Interest rates are higher, but the outlook for mining is excellent.

Taking 5 minutes now, could save you $1000’s in the future.

Get the best from your bank.

Sammy Jo and Matt Green

Call Jeff on 1300 366768

www.choicehomeloans.com.au Jemima and Chris Johnson

Page 14 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

Kerry and Sam

around town 98th EDITION. 2010

PINK LADIES Moranbah ladies dressed in pink for a night of games, karaoke and laughs to raise money for breast cancer

Organisers Donna Ormoston & Naomi McGilvray

Julie Taylor & Kylie Brady

Meagan & Abby Jantke with Mieki Hamilton

Marissa, Megan, Donna, Julie & Therese

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS!

See who was at the Moranbah rodeo in October

Dale & Ankia Blyth from Moranbah watching the rodeo with Wayne & Delma Barnham from Sarina

Narelle ,Samuel & Clare Lilley

Local Darcy Hamelink loves the bull riding

Will, Maggie & Lucy Simmons at the rodeo

Justin, Leighton, Helen & Ray Frohloff

Holding a social event you want Cecilia to photograph? 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 15 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

stuff to the editor 98th EDITION. 2010

Stuff to the Editor

We continually see issues such as contamination and destruction of agricultural production systems through the development of these resource industries due to the lack of overarching framework of identification and preservation of our most precious commodity: food production.

The unfortunate reality is that due to this exponential increase, the policy framework through which these industries are held accountable for their cumulative on-ground impacts is being found more and more to be lacking.

We call for this moratorium to ensure no further or heightened impact occurs to our landscape systems during the period of time required for this framework to be developed, and to ensure that a discrete, succinct and cohesive outcome is delivered in a short period of time.

We acknowledge that the resource sector makes a significant contribution to Queensland’s workforce and economy – but so does agriculture. Importantly, agriculture takes this social contribution further through natural resource management and food production.

Our land and water are finite resources, and while the resource sector is a ‘hit and run’ industry, sustainable food production can manage these precious resources into perpetuity.

This is not about the inability for agriculture and mining/resources to co-exist.

It is about reaching a balance where the legislative power is not weighted towards one industry more than another.

This is not about contracting opportunity for regional development through the ongoing nature of the resource industry.

It is about ensuring that both these industries have a future within an environmentally sustainable landscape.

The fly-in fly-out worker debate is still the most talked about issue among our readers: Fly in fly out 100% yes. I have just moved to the town of Moranbah, and the price of rent is crazily over priced. Yes, I work for a mine and luckily they help out with rent. Your saying the mines aren’t helping the town, well wake up to yourselves, you’ve over priced your own backyard.

The photos of bogged dozers and the like that our readers send in are as popular as ever: Hi guys and gals, I find your photos in the Shift Miner Magazine amazing. Do you have a website that I can view all the mining equipment mishaps? I may have a few that you could put in the magazine.

Ed’s note: You can jump on our website at www.shiftminer.com and look at the all the latest mishaps in our photos section. Please send in any you’d like to contribute!

The recent contamination scare in the coal seam gas industry has some farmers concerned: Dear Editor, AgForce is calling on the Queensland Government to put in place a moratorium on all further coal seam gas activities until an appropriate framework and protection mechanism is developed.

Bogged Looks like the recent rain has been causing havoc on Bowen Basin mine sites.

We’ve had a rush of bogged equipment SMSed to the Shift Miner office.

Keep them coming!

WIN A PAIR OF STEEL BLUE BOOTS! It’s been 15 years since Steel Blue first introduced its Argyle safety boot.

Since then, it’s gone on to become the company’s most popular boot.

Brent Finlay President - AgForce Queensland

To celebrate its success, a new modified Argyle has been relaunched.

Got something to share?

If you’d like to try a pair on for size text your name and boot size to 0428 154 653.

Send us your text messages or phone photos to 0428 154 653 Or email to shift.miner@gmail.com 1

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Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

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ACROSS 1. Clutching 5. View 9. Skinniest 10. Acting platforms 12. Endeared 13. Hymn, ... With Me 14. Cain’s victim 16. Craves 19. Protest banner 21. Song for two 24. Farm cart 25. Rissoles 27. Polar covering 28. More nauseous 29. Hansel & ...

30. Openly

DOWN 1. Roadside channel 2. ..., vegetable or mineral 3. Lotto competition 4. Breathing hole 6. Hand over for trial 7. Most irate 8. Administer 11. Assemble (film) for screening 15. Sudden bright idea # 88 17. Producing in great numbers 18. Tissue decay 20. Weirs 21. Mythical vampire 22. Connected by treaty 23. Off course 26. Goatee

LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS L E A P F RO I B L N L E A N I NG A T C O C H E C K L I S S N R A NG D I B I MMO R A L S M I I S C A L D F E T G E COU S I N T R N S L E I GH

7 2 6 1 8 3 9 7 2 6 5 4 SHIFT MINER Handy Cross 1826 - (15A grid) 1 9 ShiftMinerHandy096s. pdf © Lovatts Publications 31/08/2010 3 8 4 5

5 9 4 8 3 1 6 7 2

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FAIR DINKUM 98th EDITION. 2010

Fair Dinkum!

IN AUSTRALIA: You are a 34-year-old lady, home alone and asleep when you hear someone having a shower in your downstairs bathroom.

Fortunately this potentially reverse Psycho moment ended up being a case of a drunk who forgot his home, rather than the next installment of a slasher horror flick.

A substantially sozzled neighbour became lost on the way to his house in Katherine and mistakenly walked into the women’s home and proceeded to take a shower in an attempt to sober up.

The woman woke to hear water running and frantically rang the police.

When the officers arrived they found the 42-year-old dressed and sitting on the verandah and very apologetic.

IN THE UNITED STATES: A big welcome to the school of hard knocks for a Florida boy who witnessed an alligator feast on his pet turtle after he had donated it to a local aquarium park.

Crunches from the turtle’s shell were heard by Brenda Guthrie and her eightyear-old son Colton as the alligator devoured the hapless turtle (formerly known as ‘Tomalina’).

“He was shouting, ‘Oh no alligator, let it go,’” Ms Guthrie told local media.

The family donated the pet to the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, when the turtle grew too large for its home aquarium.

IN BRITAIN: A woman lost $4850 worth of possessions thanks to an overly helpful flatmate.

When 25-year-old Faye Pounder needed to move house, she was initially grateful when her roommate Paul Robbins offered to help her load up the car.

But it turned to panic stations, when

Mr Robbins came running back into the house to tell Ms Pounder her car had been stolen.

But it hadn’t.

He had loaded the wrong car - and that car had driven off, with all Ms Pounder’s gear on board.

Mr Robbins blamed the mistake on a weekend of heavy partying.

IN GERMANY: A night on the tiles in a pair of killer heels may no longer necessarily end with the need to tottle home barefoot, shoes in hand and looking like a classy bit of gear.

A vending machine selling disposable shoes may just be the answer.

A German student came up with the idea “Ballerina to go” - ballerinas are flat shoes - after one too many nights of aching disco feet.

Machines selling the shoes are already installed in four clubs in the south German city of Munich.

A pair of the disposable shoes costs 7 euros ($10) and comes with a bag in which to put the high heels.

IN THE VATICAN - Everyone’s favourite yellow family “The Simpsons” has been declared by the official Vatican newspaper as Catholics.

Apparently, the show is one of the few TV programs for kids in which religion and questions about God are recurrent themes.

But executive producer Al Jean told Entertainment Weekly he was in “shock and awe” at the declaration - noting that the Simpsons attend the “Presbylutheran” First Church of Springfield.

“We’ve pretty clearly shown that Homer is not Catholic,” Jean said. “I really don’t think he could go without eating meat on Fridays -- for even an hour.”

Daryl Watson Engineering

M: 0448 243 343 E: darylweng@gmail.com

dwe

Frank the Tank’s

“Streakin” good love advice Dear Frank, I’m a single guy and I don’t get a chance to go out and meet women very often. I’ve been thinking about trying out internet dating, but I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that it’s only for losers. Is this an antiquated notion, is online dating the way of the future?

Chris from Monto Christopher, my friend, you’ve come to the right place.

Not only are my skills with women the stuff of legend, I am considered a pioneer in cyberspace. Before I became involved, the internet was nothing more than a boring way for people to communicate across vast distances and access information instantly. Thanks to yours truly, the average internet user is now only a few short seconds away from an endless sea of pornography - a sea I would be all too happy to drift in for many years - but that’s beside the point.

Internet dating is a risk/reward situation. It’s possible that you may meet the interesting, intelligent woman of your dreams and fall in love instantly. It’s equally possible that you may be abducted by someone fraudulently posing as a woman and spend the next 10 years of your life in a Fritzl-esque cellar of horrors.

These are probably the two extreme ends

Sensible Susan Chris, In 2010, a lot of people use the internet as a dating tool, and if you don’t get a chance to get out much it could be a great way for you to meet some like-minded women. While you may think that only ‘geeks’

of the spectrum of cyber romance, so in the interest of being realistic, let’s examine the middle ground: meeting an average, everyday woman on the internet.

The first step towards romantic success online is an eye catching, engaging profile.

I suggest lying about yourself extensively.

Try making wild claims and accusations, why not suggest Julia Gillard stole your virginity at an ALP rally in 1987? I must warn you, however, there are a number of things to beware of in the world of online dating, perhaps most notably what I call ‘the phantom display picture’. The modern woman is a master of deception and will employ a number of different tactics to make herself look as appealing as possible in an online environment. So while you might think you’re hitting it off with a Katy Perry look alike, there’s a good chance she looks more like Susan Boyle which isn’t a bad thing if you’re into women with experience in handling bagpipes.

The pendulum of concealing hideous physical disfigurements through technology swings both ways though, I can assure you. I once joined a swingers website in an attempt to meet some wild women.

After some careful manipulation using a visual editing program, I managed to successfully alter a photograph of myself and generate quite a bit of interest. As a word of warning though, ruses of this nature are often exposed, as I discovered personally. Perhaps I can best describe it using this analogy: supposing that I was a Subway sandwich, and my prospective partner was a hungry consumer, she was left extremely dissatisfied after ordering a foot-long and receiving only a six inch.

Frank

use online dating, I’m sure that a cursory search would reveal that a lot of your single buddies have tried it out at some stage or another, but just don’t care to admit it!

I suppose the key to using an online service is remembering to keep your wits about you. While the majority of users might be legit, there’s always the danger of being scammed online. If you remain discerning, and go into it with an open mind, who knows, you might be a click away from your future wife!

Susan

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

Page 17 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

BIKE FOR SALE

BIKE FOR SALE

BIKE FOR SALE

Harley-Davidson 2011

Harley-Davidson 2011

Harley-Davidson 2011

Softail Standard.

Fat Bob.

Road King Standard.

$27,995.00 Ride

$28,350.00 Ride Away.

$31,495.00 Ride

Away. 1 yr Rego & 2

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per week over 5 years

week over 5 years with

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Helen @ Bundaberg

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Motorcycles

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DOGS FOR SALE AMERICAN BULLDOG PUPS, Excellent bloodlines, M&F, Immunised, Vet Checked, Wormed, visit www.freewebs.com/ hellrazorkennels from $750 Ph: 0400543398 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

BIKE FOR SALE Harley-Davidson 2011 Superglide Custom. $26,995.00 Ride Away. 1 yr Rego & 2 yr warranty. $142.83 per week over 5 years with $1,000 deposit Helen @ Bundaberg Motorcycles 07 4152 1121

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 BIKE FOR SALE Harley-Davidson 2011 Softail Deluxe. $33,250.00 Ride Away.

1 yr Rego & 2 yr warranty. $176.66 per week over 5 years with $1,000 deposit.

Helen @ Bundaberg Motorcycles 07 4152 1121 BIKE FOR SALE 4th month 2001 ZRX - 1100 Kawazaki 27351 klms. Good Condition. 1 owner Always garaged & covered. Vantura rack and bag. Full workshop service manual.

0418167447 $6,500 ono

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UTE FOR SALE Toyota Landcruiser Tray back, 7/08, V8 GXL, T/D, 52000km’s,B/bar, T/bar,Side steps,Tool boxes, UHF, CD, No beach, VGC, Rego 07/11 New tyres, L/W S/covers,Floor mats, $62,000 0419 641 457

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.

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BOAT FOR SALE Stessl Mako tri-hull 6mtr, 150 Ocean pro Johnson, solas stainless prop, 2x120ltr fuel tanks, lowrance gps, garmin sounder, electric trim tabs, cb marine radios, safety gear, trailer in good cond., rego Gracemere $25,000 0439 021 500

LIGHTPLANT FOR SALE New fully mine spec 6 head Allight lighting tower/genset combo $39,500 charlesscharneck@ yahoo.com.au

Page 18 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

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

BIKE FOR SALE Harley-Davidson 2011 Fatboy. $32,250.00 Ride Away. 1 yr Rego & 2 yr warranty. $171.25 per week over 5 years with $1,000 deposit Helen @ Bundaberg Motorcycles 07 4152 1121 BOAT FOR SALE 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

BIKE FOR SALE

BIKE FOR SALE

Honda Blackbird 1100

Honda Goldwing (Luxury

24,000km, Tinted Screen,

Model) 2007 Model First Reg March 08, Full Log Book History, 38,000Km

Excellent condition,

As new condition,Tow

must sell due to

Bar, UHF Radio, Carry

wedding. $8,990 m. 0417 767 454 JETSKI FOR SALE 2008 Kawasaki Supercharged Ultra 250 Immaculate, 1500CC, 3 seater, 19 hours, extended warranty, swiftco trailer plus heaps of extras. $17,000 ONO Phone Lauren 0418 185 339 BOAT FOR SALE Harley-Davidson 2011 Fatboy Lo. $30,400.00 Ride Away. 1 yr Rego & 2 yr warranty. $161.25 per week over 5 years with $1,000 deposit.

Helen @ Bundaberg Motorcycles 07 4152 1121 CAR FOR SALE

Rack, Highway Pegs, Lots of Chrome, Located at Airlie Beach 0405 180 724 BIKE FOR SALE Harley-Davidson 2011 Wideglide.$28,895.00 Ride Away. 1 yr Rego & 2 yr warranty. $153.11 per week over 5 years with $1,000 deposit.

Helen @ Bundaberg Motorcycles 07 4152 1121 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 PH 49 392 182, 0409491024 $59,000 neg

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HOUSE FOR SALE QUEENSLANDER 15 Paskins Road, Yalboroo Q 4741 3 bed 1 bath closed-in verandahs A/C Modern kitchen/dining 26,000 litres rainwater Good domestic bore Fenced 75 k toMackay Leased till 25.01.2011 $245,000 ONO m.0438 153 660

BIKE FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

Harley Davidson 2005

4 Bd, 2 Bath, Huge

Ford BA sedan 2003/GT kit,6cyl,193.000kms, lowered suspension, cd/dvd with sub woofer and bluetooth, this car is in VGC. $14,500 ono.

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

patio, built-in BBQ, 3 Sheds, on 18acres tar road & schoolbus to front gate.

15min to Rocky. $515,000neg 07 4934 1339

5 minute fiction

Off shift 98th EDITION. 2010

by Bernard S. Jansen

Feeling Dirty

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“So Jethro,” said Susan, the HR lady, “do you have any other questions about the wash plant operator maintainer role, or anything else to add about your suitability for the role?” She gathered her notes and put them back into her manila folder. She looked at him, her eyebrows raised, waiting. Next to her sat Bill, the plant superintendent.

He had his arms crossed, and his head tilted to one side.

Jethro took a deep breath. “Yes,” he said. “Two things, actually.” He paused. “Firstly, I just wanna say that it has been my dream for years to work in a coal mine. Really, this is my dream job. My dad and his dad were both miners in their time, and it’d mean a lot to me.”

Susan smiled awkwardly.

Bill seemed to smirk. Jethro squirmed.

This next part would be harder than he thought, but he had come this far, and his dream was within reach. He swallowed, and coughed. ‘The other thing,” he said, “is that I really need to let you know that I have a... medical condition, that may affect my work.”

Susan re-opened her file and flipped through its contents.

“You’ve already passed your medical Jethro,” she said. She found the fax she was looking for and held it up. “Our doctor has signed you off as okay for work.”

Jethro clenched his teeth and scratched his head. “It’s maybe more of a psychological condition, I suppose. It never really came up in the medical.”

“You also passed your psych test,” said Susan. She took a deep breath, then added, “is it something you’d be comfortable discussing with us now?”

Jethro nodded. “Sure. Very comfortable.” He felt flushed in the face and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He thought he might throw up. “I suffer from automysophobia,” he said. “Have since I was a kid. It’s been a lot worse than it is now, but.

It’s pretty manageable now, really.”

“You what?” said Bill, the wash plant super, leaning over the table. “You suffer from what?”

“Automysophobia. But it is pretty manageable.”

Susan coughed. “Sorry, but I – we – have no idea what autophobia is.

Are you afraid of cars?”

“Cars? No, I’m not afraid of cars.

It’s not autophobia. It’s auto-mysophobia. Automysophobia is the fear – the irrational fear – of being dirty.”

Susan coughed. Bill blinked, and said, “Fear of being dirty? And you wanna work in a coal mine?

Sounds more like your nightmare than your dream.” Bill chuckled at his own joke, and Susan gave him a dirty look.

Jethro giggled nervously. “Sounds crazy doesn’t it?” he said. “I’m not you know. Crazy, that is.”

Susan replied slowly.

“We’re sure you’re not. But tell us how you think you’ll be able to deal with your phobia, working here at Wedgetail Colliery?”

“Well, I’m managing it quite well at the moment...”

Bill interrupted him. “As you said.”

“As I said, yes. I’m managing really well. And it’s my dream, you know, to work in a mine. Dreams can help you overcome things, can’t they? But mostly, I think I’ll be fine because this role is in the wash plant.”

“And?” said Bill.

“And... you don’t really get dirty in the wash plant, do you? It’s on the surface, and it’s all about washing the coal, making it clean.”

Susan began putting her notes back into the folder again. Bill sighed.

“Jethro...”

“Yes?” “I think it’s time for me to take you on a little tour of the plant, mate.

How’s that sound?”

“That’d be great.”

“We’ll go straight to the bottom floor.

Show you the pumps and sumps; how we hose up magnetite. We might even let you have a little go on a hose, help you get the taste of it.”

Susan stood up and smiled at Bill. “I’ll leave Jethro with you then shall I?” Jethro smiled too. For the first time, he was confident that he had this job in the bag.

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 19 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

OFF SHIFT 98th EDITION. 2010

Clermont smiles for Smiddy

SIXTY cyclists and their 17 crew took a well deserved break in Clermont recently, after an impressive 1040 kilometre ride as part of the Smiling for Smiddy Challenge.

Clermont locals and Rio Tinto workers billeted riders at the end of stage five of their 1600 kilometre journey from Brisbane to Townsville to raise funds for the Mater Foundation’s cancer research.

Rio Tinto’s Clermont region general manager operations, Andrew Cole, said he was delighted employees had shown their generosity by welcoming the riders into their homes.

“We are very pleased to support the challenge by funding coordinators to devote their time and expertise to enabling the Smiddy

riders to stay a night in Clermont,” he said.

A fundraising dinner and charity auction was also held in the town, with project coordinator Janelle Otto praising locals who helped Clermont become the largest regional fundraiser for the challenge this year.

“The fundraising dinner was attended by around 150 people who helped raise more than $20,000 this is a testament to Clermont’s tireless community spirit and generosity for this cause,” Ms Otto said.

This year the riders aim to raise $750,000 for cancer research in memory of Adam Smiddy - a talented triathelete who died from cancer at 26.

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Page 20 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

Local talent shines at CQ rugby carnival CENTRAL Queensland’s rugby talent was on show at CQ Rugby’s fifth annual Western 7s Schools Rugby Carnival held in Emerald recently.

CQ Rugby regional development manager, Joel Johnston, said the carnival - supported by Xstrata Coal and held at the Emerald State High Schoo -l had again been a great success.

“The quality of the competition and the venue are among the best in regional Queensland and the spirit of the carnival was brilliant,” he said.

Over three days, 330 plays from 15 schools competed in five different age groups.

The sharp rugby skills of St Brendan’s College shone, with the school taking out all the high school boys divisions; St Patrick’s College won the under 12s.

Springsure, Rockhampton Grammar and Burdekin Catholic won their age group plates, while Blackwater, Blackwater Red and Emerald Marist topped their age group bowls.

The U16 Girls Division proved the closest of all divisions with Emerald State High School finishing with a 12-10 victory over the Emerald Marist/Blackwater team.

St Brendan’s U18s will represent CQ at next year’s Queensland Schools Sevens championships at Ballymore.

Mr Johnston said Central Highlands rugby has had a great year assisted by the significant support of Xstrata Coal.

“Thanks must go to the players, coaches and volunteers who have made this great event run as smoothly as ever,” he said

YOUNG TALENT: There was plenty of footy and fun at the Western 7s Schools Rugby Carnival held in Emerald

OFF SHIFT 98th EDITION. 2010

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...

(Well) Hung up on the Central Coast!

CLOSE ENCOUNTER: This seal was snapped just five metres from shore

The definition of playing with your food!

In the late 1860s Batemans Bay – known locally as the gateway to the New South Wales central coast – experienced a boom relatively unheard of at the time.

Rich farming and grazing land and a thriving timber industry ensured Bateman’s place in the annals of Australian history would be forever remembered.

Today, while occasional agricultural outposts still dot the landscape, it is the farming and exportation of some of the tastiest oysters on the planet to our snooty city cousins – both in Oz and abroad – that puts Batemans Bay on the map.

And while this is all well and good – probably very well and exceptionally good if you are a Batemans Bay oyster farmer – it was a slightly larger creature of the sea that beckoned upon our arrival on the Central Coast.

GENTLE GIANT: A southern right whale playing off New South Wale’s Central Coastv

Southern right whales are among the most acrobatic in the world.

Often the size of a double decker bus, these gentle giants can reach 18 metres in length and tip the scales at a hefty 80 tonnes... give or take!

Those interested in these massive mammals nether regions – and let’s face it, there are a few of you – will be happy to know that southern rights also sit atop the tree in the package department.

Yes southern right whales are one of, if not the, most well hung animals in the world.

Indeed southern right whales have the largest testes and penises of any living thing, with penises measuring as much as 14 per cent of their body length.

I know what you’re thinking and alas the answer is no, we did not get a glimpse of world’s biggest rod; we did however bare witness to a mother whale and her calf frolicking less than 50 metres off the beach.

This coupled with the fact that my special lady friend and I were two of only five people on the entire beach only added to the majesty of it all.

And so for the better part of an hour we watched as she twisted and turned, rolled and rollicked her way in and around the Bay. (We later learned that this was by no means a fluke - Mrs Whale and co. had been entertaining locals for most of the week.)

But the savvy sites of Batemans Bay weren’t to end there.

Oh no.

The morning unveiled an even better National Geographic-esque surprise while exploring the banks of the Clyde River.

What seemed at first glance to be a small shark gliding through the shallows, indeed materialised into a seal playing with a sizeable, freshly caught fish.

And again Mother Nature smiled on us as the seemingly chipper creature darted to and fro, sometimes less than five metres from the bank.

While the humble seal doesn’t boast a magnum dong like Mr Right Whale, it was a surprising and welcome way to start the day.

Stay tuned.

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Page 21 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

OFF SHIFT 98th EDITION. 2010

Bait shop Banter FISHING IN YEPPOON

blue salmon and two barra.

So while you bide your time to get out wide, get busy closer to shore.

While whippy winds throughout the region have made offshore high jinxs a bit of a no go zone there is action aplenty in the rivers and estuaries to make an angling outing easily worthwhile.

Sia from Capricorn Coast Sport & Hobby Centre got amongst the action recently and turned up some tidy 45cm sand flathead for her trouble.

With the legal limit kicking in at 30cm that is a pretty handy margin.

Sia reckons there are lots of fish about and while there are a fair few little uns, the warm water temps can only mean more of the big stuff is to come.

Take Example A: one fisherman in Corio recently bagged himself a corker

FISHING IN GLADSTONE Same story coming out of Gladstone on the out wide front but equally good news in close with barra getting about, grunter in the harbour and the mouth of the Calliope crawling with blue salmon.

Dylan from Pat’s Tackle World reports one flush fellow recently reeled in 130 salmon registering around the 500-1000mm mark using small lures and live baits.

If you want to be a party to this blue salmon feast get into gear as their silly season is soon to wrap up with the warmer weather fast approaching.

Tide Times

Dec/Jan

But there is more... mangrove jacks are starting to lob up to the Calliope River so throw a line in for them around mangroves and rocks.

You can also get some doggy mackerel style action by just going out front at North Entrance and baiting up with floating pilchards on gang hooks or little chrome slicer and metal lures.

Crabs are having a hiatus after blitzing all through winter but Dylan predicts they will be back again in time for chowing down at Christmas.

FISHING IN MACKAY Windy weather makes for a carbon copy report when it comes to getting out wide off Mackay but luckily the rivers and estu-

MACKAY Gladstone

Time Ht

Time Ht

angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com

With Mike Griffin

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0344 0.69 0413 0.82 0443 0.98 0520 1.17 0035 2.78 0159 2.74 0330 2.89 1008 3.95 1045 3.87 1128 3.75 1219 3.63 0620 1.37 0759 1.46 0930 1.37 1625 0.91 1704 1.03 1749 1.18 1845 1.31 1325 3.55 1441 3.57 1556 3.68 2215 3.23 2251 3.08 2334 2.92

1957 1.35 2115 1.26 2230 1.04

0526 0.89 0556 1.06 0023 3.93 0113 3.70 0227 3.55 0405 3.62 0533 3.99 1141 5.17 1215 5.05 0631 1.27 0717 1.51 0828 1.73 1003 1.75 1132 1.52 1805 1.34 1845 1.52 1259 4.89 1356 4.72 1513 4.65 1638 4.79 1752 5.05 2345 4.16

1934 1.70 2043 1.80 2208 1.70 2328 1.39

Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Fri 5 MACKAY Gladstone

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

Your weather forecast

Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31 Time Ht Time Ht

aries are still fishing well.

Barra, jacks and queenfish are all around in big numbers, and Dumbleton Weir is the place to go for some easy access land based fishing.

The northern creeks in general are crabbing and fishing well according to Zac from Nashy’s Compleat Angler with Constance Creek particularly worthy of a look in.

The dams also get a guernsey with Kinchant and Eungella shaping up nicely.

A 122cm barra is the top catch at Kinchant so far and Eungella is producing some fine sooty grunter (attack method: try casting spinner baits around fallen trees).

Sat 6 Sun 7

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht 0447 3.19 0549 3.54 0027 0.54 0114 0.37 0157 0.27 0237 0.27 0316 0.35 1048 1.15 1155 0.91 0642 3.86 0728 4.11 0812 4.29 0854 4.37 0937 4.36 1702 3.83 1800 3.94 1252 0.69 1344 0.53 1431 0.45 1517 0.45 1602 0.54 2333 0.78

1853 3.98 1941 3.96 2026 3.87 2111 3.74 2157 3.56

0033 0.98 0129 0.60 0217 0.32 0301 0.16 0343 0.09 0423 0.11 0501 0.25 0641 4.48 0736 4.96 0825 5.37 0909 5.68 0952 5.89 1034 5.98 1116 5.93 1245 1.19 1347 0.87 1442 0.65 1531 0.53 1619 0.50 1705 0.57 1751 0.75 1853 5.31 1946 5.47 2034 5.48 2120 5.39 2204 5.21 2249 4.96 2334 4.65

Page 22 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

Storms – a cold snap – and possibly tornadoes Week 1 - Week 1 - Storms brought heavy falls to the Coalfields adding more flow to the rivers. Rainfall totals of note (mm): Echo Hills 51, Kulumur Range 50, Orion 48, Woodleigh 42, Blackdown Tablelands 41, Thangool 35, Moura 34, Duaringa 32,Upper Dee 31, Windamere 26, Goovigen 23, Clermont 21, Emerald 18, Injune 16, Moranbah 12 and Middlemount 10.

A cold snap followed the rain, with single figure winter minimums recorded in some parts. Springsure recorded 6.2C, Thangool 6.3C, Clermont 7.8C, Collinsville 9.5C and Emerald 9.9C; a good 6-8 degrees below average.

Then a tropical influence caused heavy rain for the North Tropical Coast which merged onto the Central Coast. This caused heavy falls in the north eastern quarter of the Coalfields. Collinsville recorded 29mm with lighter falls further west. These falls have increased the river flows with yet another vehicle being

swept away at Bedford Weir.

Warmer temperatures 32-34C should herald the arrival of isolated thundery showers mid to late week from the south. There is a chance of isolated severe thunderstorms with squally winds and heavier falls, later in the week around Thursday. Boaties - this could be the best start to a weekend in weeks. Light to moderate south east to north easterly winds and moderate afternoon sea breezes on Friday/Saturday.

Week 2 - The SOI remains in the record area with +24. The Tropics are showing early seasonal rain for the Gulf and the north Tropical Coast. The risk of severe storms continues. Another North West Cloud Band could develop early in the week. If all travels to form expect more storms to form in the west on Tuesday and pass through the coalfields Wednesday/ Thursday. Marine lovers could profit from another spring weekend. Don’t forget to check the afternoon winds on the “islands” plus the coastal sea breeze strength.

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Your Health

98th EDITION. 2010

EXPERT ADVICE For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their health Recently, we have been looking at drugs and their effects on the body.

This issue we will focus on alcohol.

As we discussed earlier, alcohol is of course a legal drug, but that does not necessarily make it a safe drug - and that’s why you will hear health nuts going on and on about consuming in moderation - especially when it comes to bevvies.

Too often people assume that drinking once a week is a great option, but not when you are knocking back 10 beers in one sitting. This is referred to as ‘binge’ drinking, and trust me, there is no need to crack the one liners in this section, which I hear often, ‘I’ve never had a drink of binge in my life!’ There is always one comedian in every group isn’t there?

What to aim for?

We want you to aim for a moderate/ low risk intake of alcohol, which means drinking no more than two standard alcoholic drinks on one given day, helping to reduce any possible injuries which could occur as a result of being under the influence.

It is important to remember men and women tolerate alcohol differently. According to studies, if a man and woman drink the same amount of alcohol, the woman will be more affected by the same amount. This can occur for a number of reasons. Firstly there is an enzyme in our gut called ‘alcoholdehydrogense’ which helps to breakdown

alcohol when it enters the gut wall.

Women produce less of this enzyme than men, and women are often a smaller build and have greater body fat ratio compared to men.

What is considered to be a standard drink these days?

Can/stubbie low strength beer = 0.8 standard drink Can/stubbie mid strength beer = 1 standard drink Can/stubbie full strength beer = 1.4 standard drinks Schooner full strength beer = 1.6 standard drinks 100ml wine (13.5% alcohol) = 1 standard drink 30ml nip spirits = 1 standard drink Can spirits (approx. 5% alcohol) = 1.2-1.7 standard drinks Can spirits (approx. 7% alcohol) = 1.6-2.4 standard Fact - Did you know in 2007 the annual consumption of alcohol by Australians over 15 years of age was nearly 10 litres!

Make sure you give your body a break from alcohol at least two days a week and learn to enjoy a low to moderate intake of alcohol and if you are going to drink, leave the car at home... The cab fare is certainly worth saving your own life and somebody else’s.

Remember 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.

Lemongrass and Chilli Thai Chicken Stir–Fry Serves 4 If you’re looking to drop a few kilos coming into summer this healthy recipe will help you get on the right track. This easy stir-fry that can be adapted to use any sort of meat as a base whether it be chicken, beef, prawns or even tofu for vegetarians.

Have your vegetables chopped and prepared before you start as the stirfry cooks very quickly.

INGREDIENTS: 850g Chicken, cut into strips 100g Snow peas 1 Red capsicum, sliced thinly %XQFK RI EURFFROL FXW LQWR ÀRUHWV 1 Lemongrass stalk (white part RQO\ ¿QHO\ FKRSSHG 1 Lime (1/2 to 1 teaspoon of zest and all of the juice) 6PDOO UHG FKLOOL ¿QHO\ VOLFHG 2 Cups of mushrooms, sliced 1 Clove of garlic, crushed *LQJHU FP SLHFH ¿QHO\

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chopped &XS RI FRULDQGHU ÂżQHO\ chopped 2 Teaspoons of soy sauce 2 Teaspoons of olive oil METHOD: Heat the oil in wok and brown chicken. Add garlic, ginger, chilli and lemongrass, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add broccoli, red capsicum and mushrooms, stirring well to combine cooking for 4 minutes.

Then add lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce and coriander. Stir through and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the snow peas tossing through for another minute before removing from heat.

Serve immediately with a side of steamed rice.

Use this recipe to keep on track with your MAC Dare weight loss!

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MONEY MATTERS 98th EDITION. 2010

FROM PAGE 12 “We met the guys from Oil States when we were doing a strategic review, going to other organisations who do what we do,” Mr Maloney said.

“We introduced ourselves and we shared knowledge and best practises, the relationship grew from there.”

“That’s all it was, we weren’t looking for a buyer, then about a month ago they put an offer to us.”

“Acquisitions fall down because the cultures don’t match but these organisations have a very similar culture so the fit will be good.”

The MAC currently operate 5000 rooms

MAC DEAL: Coppabella Village and others run by The MAC could soon be in US hands

across Australia - with the option for 11,000 more - and is the largest accommodation provider of its kind.

“Essentially our two organisations are very similar but there are small things that Oil States do that we can look at,” Mr Maloney said.

“They [OSI] have an expertise in two and three storey villages, because of the remoteness of the areas they go into, that may be one area.” he said.

“We’ve got our Moranbah project out for approval at the moment, something like that we may be able to look at their expertise in those areas.”

OSI have more than 6500 rooms for oil and gas workers primarily in Canada, but also in the US in one, two and three story complexes.

OSI chief executive, Cindy Taylor, said they were highly impressed with The MAC and believe it is a clear leader in third-party provided accommodations in Australia.

“Combining the businesses would create a leading, global remote-site accommodation provider with significant growth opportunities.” she said.

“That’s all it was, we weren’t looking for a buyer, then about a month ago they put an offer to us.”

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Moranbah plans out for comment THE draft plans for more housing estates in the Bowen Basin town of Moranbah are now open for public comment.

Earlier this year, the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) declared 1200 hectares of land in the town as urban development area (UDA) - allowing it to be fast tracked for housing.

Most of the land in question is unallocated state government land, and it has the potential to see several new housing estates opened up.

“There could be 800 to 1000 residential lots, depending on whether they are one or two storeys,” said Isaac Region mayor Cedric Marshall.

The draft plans will be on display at Moran-

bah Shopping Fair, with the public invited to give feedback this Wednesday 27 October between 10am - 2pm and Thursday 28 October between 10am 2pm and 4pm and 8pm.

Meanwhile, the Isaac Regional Council is still waiting to hear from Anglo American as to whether it will extinguish a mineral development lease (MDL) it holds over another part of Moranbah earkmarked for housing.

Council representatives met Anglo officials earlier this month, and while a final decision hasn’t been made Cr Creed remains optimistic.

“From the meeting we did have a positive feeling,” he said.

If it goes ahead, the Belyando Estate would also open up another 1000 residential lots.

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Page 25 - Shift Miner Magazine, Monday 25th October 2010

MONEY MATTERS 98th EDITION. 2010

Rough diamonds still to be found

It’s a well-known property investment philosophy – buy the worst house in the best possible street.

And across Queensland there remain plenty of rough diamonds to choose from, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

Its research of the top house sales across the state over the past financial year has uncovered the suburbs where bargain buys amongst prestige property can still be found.

In its latest consumer column, the REIQ warns buyers need to be realistic and be able to afford to invest the time, and the money, usually required to restore the sparkle to these hidden gems.

“While median house prices are a general indication of overall property prices in a suburb, the types of properties that are available for sale at both ends of the market can often go by unnoticed,” REIQ managing director, Dan Molloy said.

“And in prestige suburbs where the median is well above what many people can afford, bargain buys can still to be found, if you have your finger on the pulse.”

“But, buyers need to be realistic, getting your foot in the door via the bottom end of the price range usually comes with some sacrifices on space and actual location within the suburb

or some serious work required on the property itself.”

Rockhampton In Rockhampton, the little known coastal locality of Bangalee, north of Yeppoon, where few homes come onto the market, recorded a great buy – a three-bedroom house on Kiama Avenue selling for $385,000.

Bangalee is essentially made up of just two streets – Mirrawena and Kiama Avenues, with one side of Kiama Avenue affording properties direct beach access. The top sale for the last financial year was one such property located at the end of this quiet culde-sac – selling for just over $1 million.

A million-plus sale was recorded in another one of Rockhampton’s coastal communities. A threebedroom house with beach frontage on 1,214sqm sold for $1.225 million in Kennedy Street in Zilzie.

Over in nearby Lindsay Street, however, a three-bedroom house sold for $287,000, which was located on a smaller block and further from the water’s edge.

At number three, Wandal, one of Rockhampton’s inner suburbs recorded a top sale of $1.02 million for a property in Luck Avenue with views of the Fitzroy River. For a

fraction of that price, a two-bedroom house in Lanigan Street, sold for $176,000.

Gladstone Tannum Sands is one of Gladstone’s wellsought after coastal towns featuring homes with ocean views or beach access which often fetch in the millions of dollars.

A property on Oaks Drive - where there are only a handful of properties within close proximity of the beach - sold for $1.1 million.

Those wanting to enjoy the idyllic lifestyle that Tannum Sands has to offer can sometimes pay a fraction of that, however, with a three-bedroom house on Booth Avenue selling for $310,000.

In South Gladstone, a new five-bedroom home in Mallard Court sold for $1.08 million no doubt thanks to the superb views across to the coastline and surrounding rural area.

For just $340,000 another buyer acquired a home in Coon Street, which may not have the views but is situated closer to the Gladstone CBD. Boyne Island near Tannum Sands recorded a top sale of $850,000 for a highset four-bedroom home in Island Esplanade which runs along the banks of the mouth of Boyne River, providing a number of homes with water views.

Pittsbay Crescent, located within easy commute of Boyne Island Central, provided one lucky buyer with a neat two-bedroom brick home for only $222,500.

Mackay Million-dollar sales were all achieved in the suburbs of East Mackay, Slade Point and Blacks Beach over the year with all properties boasting coastal views or close proximity to beaches.

Opportunities for those on smaller budgets could be found though with a two-bedroom Queenslander - albeit in need of some TLC - selling for $180,000 in Rae Street, East Mackay; a two-bedroom home in Pelican St, Slade Point selling for $280,000; and a low-set four-bedroom house in Cavanagh Drive, Blacks Beach going for $360,000.

Townsville Townsville City’s most prestigious house sales often occur in suburbs where properties are tightly held. Such suburbs usually fly “under the radar” given too few sales are recorded over the year in order to provide a reliable median.

Such localities include Townsville City, which recorded the region’s highest sale of $2.85 million for a home in Stanton Terrace; Arcadia, top sale of $2.11 million in Olympus Crescent and Rowes Bay which recorded a top sale of $1.725 million in Palm Street.

Less than10 sales were recorded in each of these suburbs over the last financial year, with the most affordable properties selling for $325,000 in both Townsville City and Arcadia and $415,000 in Rowes Bay. Bundaberg In the Bundaberg region, Woodgate recorded the highest house sale for the last financial year - a modern four-bedroom highset home on the Esplanade selling for $1.55 million.

At the other end of the market in Woodgate, a buyer secured a new threebedroom brick veneer home in the new Woodgate Beach Estate for $329,900.

Coral Cove, one of Bundaberg’s popular coastal communities, recorded a top sale of $1.05 million for a highset five-bedroom home on a substantial-sized block boasting beach frontage.

Another home, also located on Barolin Esplanade, further along in-land, but still within walking distance to the beach, sold for $325,000.

Located halfway between Bundaberg and the beaches of Bargara, the quiet locality of Qunaba comes in at number three.

Situated on top of a hill, known as The Hummock, some property owners here enjoy fantastic views out to the coastline.

One such property in Rehbein Avenue sold for $900,000. Another buyer secured a low-set brick home for just $233,000 in Linden Crescent.

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Page 26 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010 Lakefront_SM_4MW_quarter_FA.indd 1

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Page 27 - Shift Miner Magazine, 25th October 2010

Photo: Colette Landolt

themac.com.au 1300 622 222

Every year The MAC partners with the Moranbah Country & Coal Festival

Your community is our community.

The MAC is your partner in building a brighter future The MAC cares about the growth and development of the communities in which we operate. We are committed to working in partnership with our local communities to support their sustainable development towards a bright future.

Throughout the Bowen Basin, The MAC supports community and local groups’ initiatives focusing on education, sports, the arts, health and wellbeing while also employing local people where we can.

In 2010 alone we have supported over 50 community groups and local charities contributing to the economic growth of our region through the purchase of c.$8.3m of fresh produce from local suppliers.

relationships, giving back to those who work with us and around us, committing to a promising future.

If you would like to learn more about The MAC’s community initiatives visit our website and follow the links to our Sponsorship page.

The MAC is Australia’s largest publicly-traded owner/operator of remote area mining accommodation and Services. In living our purpose – “Helping People Live Their Best” – we are committed to operating in a sustainable and sociallyresponsible manner. themac.com.au

The MAC prides itself on not only supporting the local community but being part of it. More than simply a gesture of goodwill, our vision is to build meaningful