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Monday December 8, 2014 192nd Edition

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M A G A Z I N E

Surat team raises $10K for men’s health

PLUS what’s the outlook for your industry in 2015

Locally Owned & Operated

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CONTENTS NEWS 7

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Poitrel cuts hours

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Mining still a dangerous game

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CQ mega miner on the table?

What’s the outlook in 2015?

10 Gladstone camp earns $30M

REGULARS 7 Frank the Tank 1 22 18 Miner’s Trader 20 Off Shift 22 Bait shop banter

12 Queensland mining community's best source of local news

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Poitrel cuts hours, Leightons lose LAFA WORKERS at the BHP Mitsui (BMC) owned Poitrel mine, south-east of Moranbah, say cuts to their hours will reduce wages by more than $45,000 a year.

Two BMC miners have told Shift Miner that rosters have been cut by two hours a day at the mine as the company seeks to reduce coal output.

The new roster represents a 16 per cent reduction in labour effort for more than half of the mine’s workforce.

The move follows an announcement last week by BHP that the company was seeking to reduce costs across their

coal business by a further $380 million to combat stubbornly low prices.

“Sixty per cent of the workforce has now gone onto the new 10 hour shifts,” one Poitrel miner told Shift Miner.

“It means we start an hour later and stop an hour earlier.

“The hardest hit are the truckies who will lose at least $40,000 a year, but the mechanics and other support staff are also going to feel the effects.”

The miner said for FIFO workers it just meant another two hours spent in a camp.

“I can’t speak for everyone,

but as far as I am concerned I would rather work hard while I am here, and then go home to my family,” he said.

It’s barely two months since the axe fell on 700 BMA jobs, when the mining giant told employees cost cutting and increased production had not been enough to save jobs given the slump in coal prices and gloomy outlook.

Last week, BHP coal boss Dean Dalla Valle suggested another round of cost cuts was likely.

“We have to ensure we remain competitive,” he said.

“We have had to downsize

a number of operations (and) we will continue to make adjustments in our business. It’s not our goal (to shed jobs) but if we need to, we will.

“We are not over it yet.

The last two years have been challenging.

“In the short to medium term we are going to see more pain.”

The company has already closed its Gregory and Norwich Park mines, and over the past few months has asked contractors and mining supply businesses to drop their prices by as much as a third.

Shift Miner has also been

contacted by a Leightons contractor who works at Jellinbah mine and lives in Blackwater.

That contract is up for tender, and workers have been told to take a pay cut and lose the living away from home (LAFA) allowance.

“We rent and shop in town, so if you include other benefits it adds up to a 45 per cent pay cut to keep your job,” he said.

“We will be put in a camp but if you live here with your family you get nil so they are after a FIFO/DIDO workforce.

“The town is the biggest loser.”

Signs come down at MAC villages

NEW START: Mia Hanson welcomes guests at the newly rebranded Civeo Moranbah Village

THE signs are coming down at mining camps across Central Queensland this week as the company formerly

known as the MAC Services group changes its name.

The MAC Services group will now be known as Civeo, a

combination of two Latin words meaning ‘community’ and ‘be well’.

Civeo was formed in mid2014 when the MAC and sister

company PTI Group in North America joined forces and decided to create one global workforce accommodation brand.

The new merged entity will provide more than 22,000 rooms globally, of which 9000 are in Australia.

Despite the current downturn in the coal sector, Civeo’s managing director Peter McCann says the company remains optimistic about the future and it will be business as usual.

“We’ve been operating in the Bowen Basin for the last 18 years and have experienced the cyclical nature of the industry [before],” he told Shift Miner.

“Now, more than ever, we must maintain strong and successful relationships with our communities, customers and business stakeholders.

“Although we are now a global brand, our local operations remain unchanged,

with the same local leadership team providing us with a deep and continuing understanding of the Australian market.

“It’s business as usual for our guests and communities.”

This month new uniforms for Civeo’s more than 500 staff will be rolled out and all the old MAC signs removed from their facilities in Gladstone, Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah.

While Civeo remains committed to the resources sector, the construction of new facilities seems unlikely in the short to medium term given the current outlook in the coal and gas sectors.

“Our focus in 2015 will continue to be on maximising our existing network of accommodation villages and on ensuring we are prepared for the demands of the resources industry into the future,” Mr McCann said.

Please be advised that there will be no printed editions of Shift Miner due to the difficulties associated with delivery during the wet season.

The next printed edition will be at your workplace on February 19.

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8th December 2014

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More mountains to climb in 2015 PETER Maguire has been mayor of the Central Highlands region for almost 15 years.

Not surprisingly, he’s seen a lot of things: devastating floods, mining slumps, citrus canker outbreaks, an acute housing shortage and prolonged periods of drought.

But he’s the first to admit his region is usually riding high.

“We’re used to having a good run at most things, you know,” he told Shift Miner.

“Whether it’s the weather or expansion in the resources sector, we have been a lucky region.”

But the current downturn gripping the coal industry together with an agricultural sector in desperate need of rain means the region is in the worst shape he’s ever seen.

“I was at a business lunch the other week and we were calling 2015 the year of opportunity - so here’s hoping,” he said.

“But we need a lot of things to turn around, we need rain, we need a lower Australian dollar but then again commodity prices are so low I don’t even know if that will turn things around for mining.”

What’s interesting is that Cr Maguire believes the current economic slump is not just a problem for his region; in fact, he believes the situation is grimmer in other parts of Queensland.

“I truly think it is incumbent on the state government to start spending because

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8th December 2014

business is no better off anywhere else either,” he said.

“We need positive announcements about infrastructure spends because this is real, this is happening, and most regions seem to be struggling.”

Shift Miner contacted more than a dozen business, union, community and government leaders across the Bowen and Surat Basins to ask their thoughts on the outlook for 2015.

Each person we spoke to prefaced their comments with an audible sigh or small pause.

Even those known for their optimism were cautious in their response.

Former Mackay mayor and now Resource Industry Network (RIN) general manager Julie Boyd has watched her hometown suffer through a prolonged downturn for almost two years.

However, she believes the future is a little brighter in 2015.

“I think as the year rolls on there will be signs of opportunity,” she told Shift Miner.

“Certainly in the first quarter I don’t think things will change but towards the end of the year I think it will be a different story and there are enough signs to give business some confidence that their hard work to stay in the game will start to pay off.”

Ms Boyd believes Arrow Energy’s plans for a gas project in the Bowen Basin and QCoal’s Byerwen mine are two projects that

are keeping business confidence afloat.

Group Engineering director Allan Ruming has watched his established and respected business struggle through the downturn, and like most others has had to lay off many staff and move premises.

However, he believes the turning point will come in 2015.

“I think that we’ve seen the end of the major downsides and we are going to start to see opportunity for upsides,” he said.

“There is movement afoot, people are saying they are getting a little more inquiry despite the fact that times are still hard.

“It’s coming up to budget time for the calendar year, so that might free some cash up a little again, and the government intervention in trying to push forward the Galilee Basin is positive no matter which way you look at it.”

He says while nothing is guaranteed, he hopes next year will be brighter.

“Hopefully it is a year where companies have cut costs, restructured and are now able to move forward and win work competitively and start preparing for some growth again.”

Further south, and the town of Rockhampton is known to weather the peaks and troughs of booms better than its neighbours Mackay and Gladstone.

It’s one of the key reasons why the town’s real estate market is regarded as a sure bet - never quite reaching the exhilarating highs of boom towns, but never plummeting too far the other way either.

However, long term real estate agent Noel Livingston says trying to predict how 2015 will play out is a tricky business.

“To tell you the truth I don’t know, it’s a hard call,” he told Shift Miner.

“Nothing is going to change unless we see some projects that bring on more jobs in the mining or rural sector and there is nothing I can see that makes me think there will be the case early in the year.”

Michael Brady runs the training organisation Joncris Sentinel Services from Rockhampton and says he’s cautiously optimistic about the next 12 months.

“I expect the first half of 2015 to show us more of the same as 2014 with gradual improvement in the latter half of the year,” he said.

“There’ll be a few more troughs, when Crinum and Newlands Northern wind up, as this will mean there are already knowledgeable people out there that industry can pick up without spending too many training dollars.”

In the port city of Gladstone, the final pieces of the 260 modules required to build three LNG processing plants on Curtis Island have just arrived.

It’s symbolic of the city’s transition from the construction to operational phase of the projects, with all three ‘going live’ in 2015.

Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) general manager Carli Hobbs says the next

three years will be tough for some local businesses as they adjust to the new reality.

“Businesses need to take a proactive approach, and they need to ensure business development managers are sourcing work and opportunities,” she said.

“Companies need to ask if there are better ways to operate/quote and remember their clients are also trying to run businesses.

“They should take every opportunity to network and form alliances, think outside the box, be willing to negotiate and stay positive.”

At the other end of the pipeline - so to speak - in the heart of the Surat gas fields, the outlook is also uncertain.

Many towns like Chinchilla and Miles are trying to adjust to the operational phase of the gas boom, now the pipelines have been built.

Only Toowoomba seems to be powering ahead, with several big projects including the long awaited Range Bypass on the agenda.

“2015 will be a challenging year for communities and businesses in the Surat Basin supply chain,” said Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) CEO Shane Charles.

“We need to remember that this industry will be here for decades and as such, to crack the code and win work will prove very fruitful over a long period.”

WHAT THEY SAID “We need positive announcements about infrastructure spends because this is real, this is happening, and most regions seem to be struggling.”

Peter Maguire, Central Highlands mayor “I think as the year rolls on there will be signs of opportunity.”

Julie Boyd, Resource Industry Network “There is movement afoot, people are saying they are getting a little more inquiry despite the fact that times are still hard.”

Allan Ruming, Group Engineering “Nothing is going to change unless we see some projects that bring on more jobs in the mining or rural sector and there is nothing I can see that makes me think there will be the case early in the year.”

Noel Livingston, Rockhampton real estate agent “There’ll be a few more troughs, when Crinum and Newlands Northern wind up, as this will mean there are already knowledgeable people out there that industry can pick up without spending too many training dollars.”

Michael Brady, Joncris Sentinel Services “Companies need to ask if there are better ways to operate/quote and remember their clients are also trying to run businesses.”

Carli Hobbs, Gladstone Engineering Alliance “We need to remember that this industry will be here for decades and as such, to crack the code and win work will prove very fruitful over a long period.”

Shane Charles, Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise

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Two thermal approvals in two weeks MINING minnow U&D Mining remains confident a compensation case with global heavyweight Glencore won’t delay its new thermal coal mine in Central Queensland.

U&D mining received federal government approval for its Meteor Downs South project this month, and chief executive officer Peter Edwards said they were now waiting on a Land Court ruling before they could go ahead with a compensation hearing in late January.

Glencore owns the pastoral business above the tenement after it bought the station back in 2011 for $20 million so it could extend its Rolleston mine.

“We are disappointed that we haven’t received notification of that outcome as we were hopeful of knowing before the G20,” he told Shift Miner.

“But now we hope to receive the ruling before Christmas so we can go through the compensation process as planned in the new year.”

Nothing else stands in the way of the small scale project being granted a mining lease and environmental approval (EA) other than a change in state government.

“We are a bit nervous about the fact there could be an election in early 2015 and we would really like to see this paperwork signed before the government moves into caretaker mode,” he said.

U&D will partner up with experienced Japanese miner Sojitz for the project, with Sojitz to carry out the planning,

construction and running of the mine.

“They have actually completed their mine planning phase and it is a very quick mine to construct - just three months - because the first coal is not that deep,” said Mr Edwards.

“It would simply be a question of an initial box cut and some haul roads, and the coal doesn’t need washing or preparation.”

The simplicity and low-cost nature of the operation is how U&D plans to make it viable in the current depressed market.

It’s hoped first production would begin in 2016, and the workforce would be largely local and not built around FIFO. Meanwhile, Queensland’s coordinator general has also given the go ahead for AMCI’s open cut and underground thermal coal mine in the Galilee Basin.

It’s the fifth mine in the province the Coordinator General has approved, and is expected to produce 17 million tonnes of coal per year.

“The construction of the mine has the potential to create up to 1,600 jobs for Queenslanders and about 1,300 ongoing operational jobs,” said the deputy premier Jeff Seeney.

“This is another step forward for the Galilee Basin and follows Alpha Coal, Kevin’s Corner, Galilee Coal Project and Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project receiving both state and federal government approvals.”

If the project proceeds, the AMCI’s South Galilee Coal Project will be located

12 kilometres south-west of Alpha and about 180 kilometres west of Emerald in Central Queensland.

It is expected to have a 33 year operational life and would be delivered in three stages.

Stage one is the open-cut Epsilon stage where coal will be transported on the Central Western Railway for export through the Gladstone port.

For stages two and three, coal will be transported on a common user railway to the Abbot Point terminal, near Bowen.

Mr Seeney said should the project proceed, AMCI was committed to employing local people and was considering a bus-in bus-out option for employees from Emerald as well as fly-in fly-out options from other major regional centres.

Mr Seeney said the Environmental Impact Statement for the project was thoroughly assessed by the Coordinator-General and he placed 110 conditions to adequately avoid or mitigate potential impacts.

“If the mine proceeds, AMCI must enter into make-good agreements with landholders and undertake groundwater modelling and monitoring,” he said.

“The mine itself will have to incorporate flood protection measures like levee banks and implement a strict mine water management system.”

The mine still requires the federal environment minister to sign off on it.

Toowoomba opportunity A Toowoomba-based consortium is calling on businesses with expertise in anything from earthworks to labour hire to help them build one of the state’s largest civil projects.

The RangeLink consortium is one of three shortlisted by the Queensland Government to build the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and is comprised of a number of well known resources sector firms including Wagners, Ostwald and FKG. RangeLink spokesperson Frederic Pergay said providing opportunities for local business to participate was a priority for the consortium.

“The RangeLink consortium is unique as it comprises international expertise in the delivery of public private partnerships, combined with extensive local resources,” Mr Pergay said.

“Through our local participant Wagners, and in association with Ostwald Bros and FKG, we already have a strong investment in the community and regional economy.

“But we are also committed to growing the local supply chain by providing businesses with the opportunity to be part of this transformative infrastructure project.”

Mr Pergay said RangeLink were currently looking for quotes from suppliers for a range of goods and services, from earthworks to mechanical equipment and labour hire.

To find out more about the RangeLink consortium or to register your interest as a supplier go to www.rangelink.com.au

Final piece of the LNG puzzle

FINAL PIECE: The last of 260 modules that has been shipped to Curtis Island

THE piece-by-piece construction of Gladstone’s behemoth LNG industry is nearing the end.

The last of Australia Pacific LNG’s 69 modules was delivered last week - the final of 260 pieces that have been transported by ship to build the three LNG projects on Curtis Island.

“This is an incredible accomplishment and vital to keeping these projects on track,” said Bechtel’s general manager of LNG Alasdair Cathcart.

“The construction and transport of the modules—including one weighing six times more than an A380 airliner—were among the most complex challenges of the projects.

Their successful delivery is a result of

collaboration with our customers and the dedication of the teams at each location.”

The modules for the Queensland Curtis LNG, Santos GLNG, and Australia Pacific LNG projects were designed, built, and delivered over a three-year period.

While the total module scope and size is similar for the three projects, each project designed their modules to meet the engineering parameters required for their site.

The Santos GLNG project consists of 111 modules, Queensland Curtis LNG has 80, and Australia Pacific LNG has 69.

The tallest module measures more than 30 metres and the longest more than 75 metres.

The combined weight of the steel structures equals that of 12 Eiffel Towers.

The modules - prefabricated steel structures that house the production units - were built by Bechtel in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines then shipped to Australia.

“The delivery of all 69 modules to the Australia Pacific LNG site marks the culmination of years of design, planning and construction along with the complex transport and logistics requirements of moving and receiving the modules at Curtis Island,” said Bechtel’s senior project manager for the APLNG project Darren Mort.

“In just the last five weeks, we have delivered six major modules to the site, including the biggest across all three LNG projects, weighing in at 3,500 tonnes.”

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Mining still a dangerous living

MORE deaths, falling lost time injuries and slightly fewer lucky escapes.

That was the mixed bag of results delivered in the latest Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety and Health Report.

Two miners were killed in Queensland mining in the last financial year, one in an underground coal mine near Middlemount, and the other in a metalliferous mine near Mt Isa. On the fatality front,

Queensland fared better than other states with more than 16 miners killed on mine sites across Australia, making it the worst year for nearly a decade.

Permanent incapacity was also up slightly from 32 to 38 in the 12 months to July this year.

However, the result for Lost Time Injuries (LTI) was more encouraging with the total number down from 425 to 339 in Queensland mining.

In aggregate, the rate at which

these accidents are occurring was also down about 14 per cent to three injuries per million hours worked, although it should be noted that it actually rose in coal mining from 5 to 5.9 injuries per million hours worked.

Overall, the severity of the injuries requiring time off also improved and the number of days off due to disabling injuries fell from around 14,000 to 10,000.

Reflecting on the findings, acting commissioner for mine

and health safety Paul Harrison said despite improvements there was more work to do.

“The statistics tell us that in most areas the industry safety and health performance has improved over the previous year and that the Queensland mining industry continues to maintain its pre-eminent position as one of the safest and healthiest in the world,” he said.

“This is heartening news; nonetheless, there remains opportunity for further progress.

“Sadly, we had two fatal incidents in Queensland mines this year, bringing to an end a fatality free period in Queensland underground coal of seven years.

“I extend my sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of these mine workers and give them my assurance that the mines inspectorate continues to work tirelessly to eliminate such tragedies.

Mr Harrison said he was also concerned with the number of contractors involved in fatal accidents.

“Seven of the 16 fatalities

in Australian mines this year were contractors, and roughly two-thirds of the fatalities at Queensland mines in the last 13 years have been contractors.

“Although the investigations into the fatal incidents are yet to be concluded, improved training, competency and support of line supervisors has been identified as a key area requiring attention.”

Equally important for the prevention of accidents in the future is the measurement of ‘near misses’ or situation where but for the grace of god - things could have gone terribly wrong.

These ‘lucky escapes’, known as accidents with a High Potential for Injury (HPI) were down slightly in mining generally.

In surface coal mining there were 1303 HPIs, with fire once again the highest contributing factor accounting for a quarter of all the incidents. A further 16 per cent of HPIs above ground involved explosives.

Underground, HPIs were virtually unchanged with electrical incidents accounting for 45 per cent of near misses.

Gas industry in march to the north

MOVING NORTH: A gas flare at the Mahalo project, near Rolleston

CSG explorer Comet Ridge is confident that further drilling of its Mahalo block, near Rolleston, will eventually lead to commercial gas production in the area.

Comet Ridge and its joint venture partners have now successfully horizontally drilled through 360 metres of coal, at a depth of 230 metres, which it will now analyse to further understand the quality and quantity of the CSG deposit.

Like the JORC code for reporting coal deposits, the CSG industry has its own code for reporting its gas discoveries according to their likelihood of reaching commercialisation.

In late August, the company received an initial independently certified reserve statement for the Mahalo block near Rolleston, with 22 Petajoules of proven and

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8th December 2014

probable reserves (2P), 124 Petajoules of proven, probable and possible (3P) reserves and a further 468 petajoules in the less dependable contingent reserves category.

Managing director for Comet Ridge Tor McCaul says while gas exploration and drilling has been going on in the area in much the same way for more than 50 years, new technology is speeding up the process.

“One of the big differences between gas and coal exploration is that gas tends to have a lower impact over a larger area, than you would for say coal,” he told Shift Miner.

“The technology developments in horizontal drilling - which incidentally in Queensland started in coal when underground miners had to drain coal deposits of gas and water prior to mining - mean that we can now drill horizontally across a coal seam and access gas that way rather than have to do several vertical drill holes, which is more expensive and has a bigger surface impact.”

The work being done in the Rolleston area is the latest sign that the Bowen Basin will become the new frontier for upstream CSG development.

It follows on from Arrow Energy’s announcement it will invest significantly more money into its Bowen Gas project, and Santos’ draft environmental impact statement released this week indicating nearly 2000 new jobs are possible if it expands its CSG fields

into the southern Bowen Basin.

“I think the big players who committed to the LNG facilities in Gladstone have been mostly Surat Basin focussed while Arrow [who is yet to build a facility in Gladstone] has been sitting on the fence,” Mr McCaul said.

“But everyone in the industry has been very interested to see Arrow move into the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for its Bowen Gas project, and the rumours are that it may not build a fourth LNG facility in Gladstone but rather supply into the existing facilities via the proposed

Moranbah to Gladstone pipeline.

“The real northern CSG developments will need that pipeline in place to be viable, and of course the more isolated the reserve is from export, the bigger the reserve needs to be to become viable.

“However, as the big boys have ramped up in the Surat Basin, they have more gas coming online than the local market can handle which is pushing down prices.

“But once exports actually start in Gladstone, possibly in December, I think things will settle down and rebalance quite quickly.”

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CQ mega miner on the table?

COAL giants Glencore and Peabody have formed a joint venture (JV) partnership in the Hunter Valley, in a move that could be replicated in the Queensland coalfields.

The companies plan to combine infrastructure from two of their Hunter mines - United and Wambo - to jointly operate a new open cut mine located between the existing sites.

The move would significantly slash operating and capital costs for the project, crucial given the prevailing market conditions.

“What we have is a situation where neighbouring mines and stratified leases meant working together in this instance made perfect sense,” a Glencore spokesman told Shift Miner.

Should the brownfield project gain the relevant state and federal approvals, it is expected to begin production in mid-2017.

Interestingly, the joint venture initiative could prove a winning formula elsewhere, with Glencore confirming it would consider a similar approach to business in the Queensland coalfields.

“We are open to ways of leveraging synergies in a similar

way at other sites and we do believe there could be further synergies found in the months ahead,” he said.

“We are not wanting to provide specific detail but we are on the lookout for anything that will add value for our shareholders.”

Back in August, Glencore had its $190 billion merger approach to Rio Tinto knocked back.

Now, analysts are again predicting the company will make another offer - but under British Law it must wait until April to make another attempt.

Bernstein’s London-based senior analyst Paul Gait, who predicted Glencore’s last approach before it was made public, says boss Ivan Glasenberg will waste little time.

“Is he coming back? In my view, yes,” he told the Australian Financial Review.

Mr Gait believes the company’s shock decision to shut down its Australian coal operations for three weeks over Christmas was a strong indication Mr Glasenberg would try again for Rio. He said Mr Glasenberg would be able to point to Glencore’s willingness to pull tonnes out of

an oversupplied market in a direct challenge to Rio over its expansion in iron ore.

“To me this coal announcement is clearly Ivan playing games,” Mr Gait said.

“It had the language of someone trying to make his credentials on managing the market as a CEO. It’s a shot across the bows to Rio.” Meanwhile, back in the Hunter Valley, and the CFMEU has welcomed the news of the joint venture project between Peabody and Glencore.

The mining union owns a 5 per cent stake in the United mine, which has been in care and maintenance since 2010.

“It is very welcome news at a time when our region is suffering from substantial job losses in the coal industry,” he said.

“It will contribute towards job security and inject badly needed income into the regional community as well.”

If given approval, the joint venture project would not increase Glencore’s export tonnages from the Hunter Valley region, as output from other operations is expected to drop off by 2017.

Forced leave over Xmas MINERS at Collinsville, Oaky Creek, Newlands, Rolleston and Clermont coal mines will be on forced leave for three weeks over Christmas.

Glencore will shut all its mines down for nearly a month in December, affecting around 8000 workers across its Australian operations.

According to Glencore, the decision to pause production is an attempt to reduce the flow of new coal onto an already over supplied market.

“This is a considered management decision given the current oversupply situation and reduces the need to push incremental sales into an already weak pricing environment,” Glencore said in a statement.

“We remain confident in demand growth for our products and believe that the supply and demand

balance will be restored in the medium term.

“The shut downs will result in reduced output of about 5 million tonnes from our Australian assets.”

A spokesman for Glencore said workers who did not have sufficient leave could potentially bring forward future leave to ensure they had money over the Christmas period.

CFMEU mining and energy Queensland president Stephen Smyth told media workers were surprised by the decision, particularly casual staff.

“The other unfortunate thing is all the labour hire employees at the mine, those poor bastards won’t get any money,” he said.

Mr Smyth said he hoped full-time workers with low leave balances would be allowed to work in a maintenance capacity.

$100/month to park at Moranbah airport MINERS working for BMA in Moranbah say moves by the company to charge parking fees at the upgraded airport are costing them more than $100/month.

According to one BMA employee who contacted Shift Miner - the problem is for workers who are not employed at the new Daunia or Caval Ridge mines and need a car to get around town.

“I am from Moranbah originally, but I have recently moved to Brisbane to get the kids closer to university, “he told Shift Miner.

“The problem is that unlike those employed in the new growth projects, like Daunia and Caval Ridge, there are no bus facilities available to get to and from work, meaning we either pay for taxis which is a $60 round trip or we hitch hike.”

The miner said he had a car that he kept in Moranbah to get to work, and left it parked at the airport when he flew home to Brisbane.

“In my crew, and in other crews that I know of, about 10 per cent of employees are in the same position, and we have no choice but to just wear the cost parking,” he told Shift Miner.

“It’s costing me around $100/month and about $1200/year.”

He said the company said it wanted

to match the Mackay airport, but the comparison was unfair.

“For starters the Moranbah airport has none of the facilities that Mackay has, it’s basically just a shed, and most of us have no other alternative,” he said.

“BMA should make exceptions for its employees like us.”

Next week BMA will officially open the new parking facilities, which feature large undercover areas, dedicated hire car facilities and upgraded security and landscaping.

BMA head of external affairs, Vincent Cosgrove, said the fees were simply about allowing them to sustainably maintain a level of service.

“After one hour of free parking, a nominal hourly rate, which has been benchmarked against other similar sized airports in the region, will be charged to the car park user,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“Irrespective of where they are based, it is the responsibility of individual BMA employees to cover their normal costs associated with travelling to and from work.

“BMA has invested $7.2 million into the upgrade of the Moranbah Airport car park and paid parking creates a sustainable and fair way for all users of the airport to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of this new facility.”

8th December 2014

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Shift Miner Magazine

Gladstone flight path THE bustling port city of Gladstone is used to change, and even the sky above is not immune.

Over the past six months, there have been significant changes to flights in and out of the town, as it re-adjusts to the flow of workers required for the LNG construction project at Curtis Island.

Now, QantasLink has announced the flight between Gladstone and Rockhampton will stop from the end of March next year.

It was the first leg of what locals fondly refer to as the “milk run” to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, but low passenger numbers on the 15-minute flight was named as the reason for the cut.

“We know that many of our customers drive between Rockhampton and Gladstone, rather than fly,” corporate communication senior adviser Sarne Rhys-Jones told local media.

Those wanting to travel north will now have to fly to Brisbane first and then catch a connecting flight from there.

Back in August, QantasLink also cut its Gladstone to

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Sydney direct flight, due to dwindling passenger numbers.

However, next week regional airline JetGo will step into that void, offering a twice daily service on weekdays.

Despite announcing earlier this week the company’s Roma to Sydney service would be axed before its first scheduled flight, CEO Jason Ryder said the Gladstone route looked safe.

Mr Ryder said the situation had changed dramatically in Roma, with several key projects now axed.

“Without those we couldn’t make it viable (in Roma), but Gladstone has been okay,” he told local media.

At this stage flight bookings were nowhere near full capacity, he said, although he expected business travel would pick up when the service started.

Jetgo is one of Australia’s newest commercial airlines.

It was established in 2012 with a focus on contract charter work, particularly around fly-in fly-out operations from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Sydney to mining centres.

Adani buoy still a way off ACCORDING to the state government, 27,000 jobs are coming Queensland’s way now that it is on board to open up the Galilee Basin.

In a partnership announced last month, the state government will work with Indian giant Adani to build the railway needed to connect the remote coal province to the Abbot Point coal terminal near Bowen.

It’s been the catalyst for the State Bank of India to provide a $1 billion credit line to Adani to go ahead with its proposed Carmichael project.

While an exact figure has not been placed on the Queensland taxpayer contribution, deputy premier Jeff Seeney said it would be “in the hundreds of millions of dollars”.

For mining support businesses struggling through the prolonged downturn, the news is welcome.

However, there is no immediate relief in sight, with Adani still required to jump through the final approvals process and settle a Land Court case.

“This is still a way off, we are talking mid to late next year,” said Resource Industry Network (RIN) general manager Julie Boyd.

POSCO is the major contractor in charge of building the railway, and Central Queensland businesses will be hoping for a significant piece of the pie.

“Adani has told us the job will be broken up into $100 million dollar chunks of work so we have told them about the importance of a local buyer component,” said Ms Boyd.

“Some of the really big sub contractors could handle that level of work, but for our region it’s really the next level down where local businesses will be hoping to secure contracts.”

Ms Boyd said there would be the opportunity for businesses to work together to win contracts, and now was the time for businesses to ensure their capability statements were up-to-date.

She said Mackay businesses in particular had the advantage of both geography and expertise when it came to building the new mining province.

“The distance to the Galilee is quite significant, it’s 160 kilometres west of Clermont.

“Having said that, where else is it going to come from?

Townsville and Rockhampton

are further away again, so there should be a real opportunity for Mackay businesses.”

Visa specialist Chris Carman from Carman & Associates said, despite the downturn, he would expect an increase in visa applications if the project is given final approval.

“457 visa holders are always the first to go [in a downturn] and when things ramp up they need to be rehired again,” he told Shift Miner.

“In Australia everyone wants a mining job where they can $150,000 but they want it five minutes down the road from a major city.”

He said that mentality, and an increasingly globalised workforce, meant it was inevitable some workers would come from overseas.

“Australians like to say overseas are taking their jobs, but the thing that isn’t spoken about is how many Australians in the resources sector are currently working overseas on similar projects with better opportunities.

“This new global mentality means that there will be a skills shortage, it’s just a question of how big.”

Gladstone camp earns $30M More jobs on the line in 2015

This Gladstone camp netted $30M last financial year

GLADSTONE’S largest mainland based accommodation facility increased net earnings by nearly 90 per cent last financial year, raking in $30 million before interest, tax and depreciation.

The facility, which was built just prior to LNG construction commencing on Curtis Island, is owned by the publicly listed infrastructure business Decmil, which this week announced record

10

8th December 2014

revenue of $617 million for the last financial year.

In an address to shareholders, managing director Scott Criddle said it was a strong result for their facility at Gladstone.

“Occupancy at Homeground Villages’ flagship property – Homeground Gladstone – remains consistent, offering a value for money solution for a wide range of clients,” he told investors.

“EBITDA was up 89 per cent with an average occupancy of 79 per cent.

“Homeground’s current tenancy includes more than 30 organisations operating in Gladstone in coal, LNG, port, civil and shutdown maintenance work.”

However, the 1392-bedroom facility is likely to face strong headwinds this financial year as major construction draws to a close in Gladstone.

The Wiggins Island Coal Terminal (WICET) project has accounted for around 55 per cent of guests at Homeground Gladstone over the past two years, but that workforce is expected to all but disappear by Christmas with the terminal now almost built.

Around 40 per cent of its other guests came from businesses working in the CSG sector, including Saipem (22 per cent), McConnell Dowell (8 per cent) and Bechtel (3 per cent).

OVER the past few months, the Bowen Basin has been alive with talk of another round of job cuts - possibly in March next year.

Now those cuts seem virtually guaranteed, with BHP Billiton recently announcing it needs to cut another $380 million from its bottom line of its coal business.

It’s barely two months since the axe fell on 700 jobs, when the mining giant told employees cost cutting and increased production had not been enough to save jobs given the slump in coal prices and gloomy outlook.

Last week, BHP coal boss Dean Dalla Valle said another round of cost cuts was unavoidable.

“We have to ensure we remain competitive,” he said.

“We have had to downsize a number of operations (and) we will continue to make adjustments in our business.

It’s not our goal (to shed jobs) but if we need to, we will.”

The company has already closed its Gregory and Norwich Park mines, and over the past few months has asked contractors and mining supply businesses to drop their prices by as much as a third.

Mr Dalla Valle has warned there is more pain to come.

“We are not over it yet. The last two years have been challenging,” he said.

“In the short to medium term we are

going to see more pain.”

An engineer who was recently made redundant by BMA said the feeling within the company was that if you were not directly involved in current production your job was at risk.

“Anyone involved in sideline projects or planning for future developments has lost, or will lose their jobs,” he told Shift Miner.

Several key enterprise bargaining agreements expire late next year, and BHP will be praying there won’t be an industrial war waged on the scale or ferocity of the last agreement.

That was barely two years ago, and many coal mines ground to halt as workers walked off the job.

“We have a number of agreements which are either in term, expired or just closed out,” Mr Dalla Valle added.

“I think people get that there isn’t an ability to pay for pay rises where there is not some direct productivity drive. But certainly it is a risk we watch.

“We wouldn’t want to see a repeat of what happened in 2012.”

However, the other big unknown for the industry is this year’s wet season.

A big wet could be a blessing for the miners, allowing them to cut production, claim force majeure and avoid crippling take-or-pay freight contracts over that period.

Shift Miner Magazine

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8th December 2014

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Around Town

Holding a social event you want photographed? Call the Shift Miner office on 4921 4333 to let us know. You can also give our office a bell if you’d like a copy of any of the photos in this edition.

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8th December 2014

Shift Miner Magazine

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Around Town

Buy this and many other images at

www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together 8th December 2014

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Shift Miner Magazine

Off Shift

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FROm THE EDITOR

What a year it has been FOR every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

For anyone in the coal sector this year we have just witnessed the reaction to a boom.

Just about every action that occurred during the boom from spiralling wages and call-out charges to skills shortages and port bottlenecks has been been reversed more or less to an equal measure.

Behind it all, of course, is the coal price which has been undergoing its own reaction.

ACTION: Demand for coal rising, with supply limited then the prices rise.

REACTION: Everyone supplies more coal to sell with demand limited and prices fall.

An equal and opposite reaction.

In CSG, things have been slightly different.

There was definitely a boom, but it was a construction boom not a price boom so everyone knew it was going to end before it started, so hopefully their actions took that into account.

While Harry Hindsight is a millionaire and this simple analysis might lead us to think we should have all seen this coming - the truth is that markets are essentially impossible

to predict - mainly because of what Donald Rumsfeld famously called “unknown unknowns”.

It doesn’t matter how confident a London-based analyst sounds, the truth is that unforeseeable events will turn the price of coal and gas on its head leading to booms and busts that no-one will see coming until they arrive.

At the height of the boom we all thought it would last a lifetime, and I sense now at the height of the correction, everyone is starting to feel the same way about the downturn.

But things will improve, and as painful as it may be everyone in the sector has to react to the actions of the boom.

However, once the adjustments are made and the decks are cleared for the lighter winds, well, hopefully we can have some smoother sailing.

From everyone at Shift Miner we wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and finger’s crossed for a prosperous New Year.

Angus Peacocke Comment or SMS 0409 471 014

Stuff to the Editor “MO”BILISED INTO ACTION: The NTWP Mo-Kats have raised $10,000 for men’s health

Here at Shift Miner we love hearing about what’s going on at your site. This month we received this great report from the workers at Shamrock Civil working down in the Surat Basin. Here’s what they wrote in: Throughout the past month, men all over the world have been donning moustaches in support of Movember.

This growing campaign aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, specifically, prostate and testicular cancers and mental health by challenging men to grow a “Mo”.

The statistics are quite frightening.

There are almost 20,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Australia annually; testicular cancer is the second most common cancer behind skin cancers in young men; and almost half of Australian men experience a mental health

problem at some point in their life.

It would therefore seem the value of Movember is indisputable.

The Golder Associates – Shamrock Civil Engineering team currently working at the Northern Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) at Woleebee Creek in the Surat Basin gallantly took on this challenge.

To strengthen the Movember message and provide a mascot for the team, a D10T BMA mine spec dozer sporting its very own Mo [pictured] was mobilised (no pun intended) and has now become somewhat of a local hero.

The 16-strong team now known as the NTWP Mo-Kats has raised $4,738 to date.

In addition to this, Shamrock Civil has pledged to donate an additional $4,000 to complement the team’s efforts.

This, combined with an upcoming raffle on the site, means the team is expected to raise over $10,000.

Photos to THE EDITOR

Heat puts a bend in the Blackwater line at Comet recently, where temperatures hit above 40 degrees.

Text in your best snap to 0409 471 014

Is binge drinking really a cardinal sin?

MadMumzie.com THE Mackay to Townsville region is the second worse in Australia when it comes to binge drinking - http://dailym.ai/1pSfxA7.

So why do we binge drink?

I can tell you why I do - working away from home, trying to stay safe, keeping your job and earning $$ whilst avoiding sickness and injury.

Most would rather be elsewhere. The excitement builds as days off get closer.

We go from saying: “How was your break mate?” to “What’s on next break?”

16

8th December 2014

Hump day, only one to go, sports day, this is the one we have be waiting for!

Golf, fishing and catching up with mates are on the must do list for many.

Then there is mowing lawns or helping a friend move house.

After it’s over most of us usually like to sit down and have a drink.. or two, or three.

Am I endorsing binge drinking? No. Do I do it? Hell, yes - but I don’t drink and drive, I do plan ahead, and I do drink at home, sometimes alone. I enjoy it, and I am on break. Am I an alcoholic? No, because I don’t drink on night shift!

The first time I answered a work health questionnaire I was doing great. - plenty of sleep, active, healthy, non-smoker.

Tick, tick tick!

Then came the drinking section where you write how much and how often you drink. You’ve done one of those right?

Were you honest? I was. The doctor said I needed an intervention!

Why do you drink so much? What is wrong in your life? Are you stressed? Here have anti-depressants instead! No way.

I have a few beers to unwind, relax, destress and socialise. A mate asked, “You

didn’t tell em the truth did you?”

(Note to those in that industry, most of us aren’t telling you exactly how much we drink. If we did, we would be number one on that list for sure!)

So please cut us hardworking miners some slack. So what if we like to have a drink or two.

(OK, we also need to be aware that drinking too much, too often, especially around our loved ones can make us a pain in the arse to be with at times. Oh yeah, and of course it’s not good for you. But you already knew that, right?)

Mad Mumzie

Shift Miner Magazine

Off Shift

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Frank the Tank’s Dear Frank,

I’ve been hanging out with this girl recently and we have a lot of fun together.

The problem is, I’m not sure whether she thinks we’ve been going out on dates, or whether she just wants to be friends.

Should I say something in an effort to clear this up, or just go with the flow?

Nick, Monto Dear Nick, I must admit, I’ve never experienced this problem you speak of. When women go out with Frank they’re positive it’s a date, but I have amazing powers when

it comes to the fairer sex that cannot be explained by modern science.

Once, through the use of nothing but sheer mental willpower, I caused a single mother to lactate chocolate milk. I can also unhook a woman’s bra by coughing loudly, and through a gruelling dietary regime I can tailor my bowel movements to mimic any woman’s favourite perfume. It’s safe to assume that you don’t possess these gifts, so I’m afraid that my advice to you will have to be a little more rudimentary.

Based on what you’ve told me in your letter, you’ve managed to resist the urge to grope this woman while ‘hanging out.’

This was your first mistake. How is this poor girl going to know if you’re interested in her sexually if you’re not grabbing at her lady-parts like a mentally disturbed chimp at a bunch of bananas?

Another way to make your intentions known is by using a lot of innuendo and double entendres. Try taking this girl out for a round of golf. That should give you

Frank

team and throw your arsenal of aerosol sprays away.

US company Kohler is set to introduce a deodorising toilet seat that claims to eliminate embarrassing bathroom smells - and the need for sprays to try and mask the arresting bouquet of bowel.

The battery-operated seat includes a fan that sucks in air, pushing it through an odour-eating carbon filter and over an optional scent pack.

Product manager Jerry Bougher says the idea is to attack smells “where the action is”.

The seat costs about $US90 and is part of a high-tech trend that includes heated seats and seats with nightlights.

Kohler isn’t the first to sell a smellfree seat.

Brondell introduced one in 2006, but took it off the market about three years ago because demand wasn’t strong. The company now includes the feature in its more expensive bidet seats.

Score yourself a FREE death ray!

IN AUSTRALIA

a few solid hours to work the words, balls, shaft, and hole into a suitably suggestive proposition, and with any luck you’ll be playing the 19th before the day’s out.

I would strongly discourage you from trying to talk to this woman about the situation. If she identifies you early on as a ‘talker’ that will be the end of you. You see, Nick, women love nothing more than talking.

One of the worst things you can do at the outset of a potential relationship is talk to a woman, because then she’ll expect that level of talking to increase as the relationship goes on. My last girlfriend thought I was deaf for the first six months of our relationship, and that this accounted for our lack of verbal communication. She was wrong.

If all else fails you can employ what I call ‘the fail safe’. Break into this girl’s house while she’s at work and wait in her bedroom naked.

When she arrives home you’ll either receive a well deserved trip to pleasure town, or a fairly entertaining story to tell your lawyer.

SENSIBLE SUSAN Nick, There’s a good chance that this girl is in the same predicament you are, not knowing whether or not what you’ve been doing actually counts as ‘dating.’

If you continue to go with the flow there’s a chance that you may wind up in the ‘friend zone’ which, judging by your letter, is not where you’d like to be. I would suggest the next time you go out maybe drop some hints or, depending on how confident you’re feeling, make a bit of a move.

Even if it doesn’t pan out the way you’d hoped, at least you’ll know where you stand, which is better than being in ‘relationship limbo’.

Susan

IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE UNITED - Say goodbye to the terror of toilet tagKINGDOM - Hamster rampage...

Fair Dinkum!

- Trying to find the perfect Christmas present for the evil genius in your life?

People with that particular personality type tend to already have everything their dark hearts’ desire but how about getting them their very own death ray?

The only problem: you will have to travel to Adelaide to buy it.

The bizarre item - which is free was added to the classified ads website Gumtree.

Listed as pick-up only, a description of the death ray reads: “Looks familiar? It should. This life size prop was featured in a quirky Internode advertising campaign called ‘Bad things happen when geeks

“Streakin” good love advice

what happens when rodents go feral!

An Exeter woman faces bills of several hundred dollars after her new pet hamster escaped and left a trail of damage.

Mechanics had to strip 22-year-old Steph Phillips’ car interior to find Poppy.

Steph was driving home from an Exeter pet shop after buying Poppy, but the determined fur-ball chewed her way to freedom from her cardboard box.

She proceeded to gnaw a hole in Steph’s swish handbag and burrowed behind the interior panelling of the car.

Steph, of Honiton, Devon, drove to a garage where mechanics found the hamster hiding behind a fascia.

Poppy had fractured a leg during her great escape but has been to the vets running up another bill for Steph - and is recovering from an operation.

Steph said “It’s been quite an amazing few days with our new pet!

“We are so grateful to those who helped.”

don’t have internet’.

So how about it? Want a new talking point in your office or lounge room?

Potential buyers are then asked to email and let the seller “know why you need a death ray in your home.”

Pictured next to the device is an “operationally sound inter dimensional portal” which, unfortunately for would-be super villains, is not for sale.

The ad ends with a disclaimer stating: “This death ray is not currently functional.

It may require technical expertise.

“Neither Simon Hackett, Base64 or Internode will be held responsible for any carnage, accidental eviscerations or paper cuts that may ensue.”

8th December 2014

17

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Good condition.

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Unused, top loading door front unload door

$ 51,990

$ 26,500

Price on application

Price on application

Call: 0457 727 389

Call: 0457 123 847

Call: 0408 254 411

Plant No: DGP001 Serial No: JM3184-1.

Call: 0408 254 411

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MOVIE Review with Eleanor Thomson

Embrace your inner geek Awe, wonder and wormholes in Interstellar

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alternative Earth-like planet.

Interstellar also features Jessica Chastain as McConaughey’s grown-up daughter and Casey Affleck as his mature age son.

Interstellar is a very long film (like, almost three hours) and it can be broken down into three acts (it could really do with an interval… like a movie I once saw in Istanbul 20 years or so ago when the lights came on and everyone lit up their

In the near future, an ageing scientist Professor Brand (Michael Caine) and his daughter Dr Amelia Brand (Ann Hathaway) lead a secret NASA scientific team working on a space travel solution for a dying Earth. They recruit a widowed, ex-spacepilot-cum-farmer, Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) who leaves his two children to join a planned voyage through a wormhole to find mankind an

SPACE movies.

They either grab you or they don’t and you will need a fair dose of tragic nerd to fully get into Christopher Nolan’s new film Interstellar.

This is a flick that is pretty science heavy in the sci-fi breakdown.

The film is an ode to many that have gone before it, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Gravity and many others.

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ACROSS 1. Chewing 5. Hurls out 9. Identification symbols 10. Spread of eight notes 12. Huge election win 13. Stoop 14. Sharp twinge 16. Dabbles 19. Cowboy movie 21. Moved through air 24. Florida city 25. Exaggerate 27. Baghdad natives 28. Sea floor (5,3) 29. Lubricant 30. Scaled

cigarettes in their seats inside the theatre… ahhh those were the days!).

The first ‘act’ deals with the Earth-bound problems of a dying environment and the family dynamics leading to Cooper choosing to join the space mission.

Act Two is the spectacularly filmed sequences of space travel and the exploration of possible inhabitable planets.

But it is in the Third Act where Interstellar diverges into real sci-fi territory, when Cooper is confronted with the effects of time and space travel to explain the background to the preceding events.

Based on the works of theoretical physicist, Kip Thorne, scientific and mathematical theories are in abundance.

Some will appreciate the film’s complexity, others will find it deadset tedious.

The closer you look into this film, (that is unless you are a science/maths wonk) the more disappointed you will be.

For the lay person the narrative is unimaginably large and intricate in scope but if you can try not to sweat the small stuff the greater message is really one about human emotions and our core instincts of survival, fear and loss.

If you want to get into the nitty gritty of whether the science and the story make sense there are internet forums where geeks can split hairs on the theories of black holes and time travel or you can just enjoy the mindblowing majesty of the universe.

DOWN 1. To wit 2. Revealing 3. Pork cuts 4. Scolding repeatedly 6. Fold (of truck & trailer) 7. Fearfully 8. Having no pips 11. Amount owed 15. Public facilities 17. Doing breast-stroke 18. Increase rapidly # 71 20. Naked 21. Betrothed men 22. Blow-up mattress (3,3) 23. Hoed 26. Ease off

LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS GR A B B I N U N I O T H I N N E S T M G T E N AMOU R R L I A B E L S G R P L A C A R D A N I A WA GON M N R W S I C E C A P N N V GR E T E L

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Please be advised that there will be no printed editions of Shift Miner due to the difficulties associated with delivery during the wet season. The next printed edition will be at your workplace on February 19.

Shift Miner Handy Cross blank grid.pdf ©Lovatts Publications 5/03/09 artist – mb

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A very blokey Christmas

LOOKING for the perfect gift this Christmas? Well, Shift Miner has you covered whether you’re looking for your dad, hubby, mate or bro. Take a look at what we think are some of the best offerings out there this festive season - ho, ho, ho!

Hipster Bloke: The Bearded Bastard: The Woodsman Beard Oil

Woodsman Beard Oil is handmade and all natural. It will help you manage even the most unruly beard while adding brilliant luster. It has a delightfully woodsy scent to it and it will have you looking for your axe, putting on your flannel shirt, and getting ready to do some manly things indeed. Price: $28.95 www.shaverhut.com.au

Commodore, accelerating round a bend in a full-strength Torana, cruising the beaches in a sleek Monaro - these are the stuff of Australian memories. Holden captures the essence of these great cars in a glossy paperback - their muscle, their romance, their engineering - as well as their glory days round the Bathurst roads. Price: $29.99 www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

Metro Bloke:

Blokey Bloke:

Family Bloke: Shuffle: new generation card games

A new range of interactive card games based on Hasbro classics. By downloading the relevant app to your phone or tablet, Shuffle can bring the Chance cards to life in Monopoly Deal, animate a shopping mall in Littlest Pet Shop, act on a mission control in Transformers, or create customised pictures of your friends and family using the Guess Who imagery. Price: $14.95 www.crownandandrews.com

Jumping Sumo performs acrobatics as it slaloms and jumps through and over obstacles. Parrot Jumping Sumo is a responsive bot with a strong personality which rolls, rushes, zig-zags, circles, takes turns at 90°. Record videos, snap photos and take your game playing to a whole new level with your new companion. Price: $219.95 www.myer.com.au

Rank Bloke:

Techno Bloke:

CapsuleKong Nespresso wall mount coffee capsule holder

Holden: The Muscle Cars 1967-2003

Playing out your puberty blues in a big wild

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

Brisbane New Year’s Eve Retro Ball

Brisbane’s Retro Ball: Prizes for best individual and group outfits

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31st December 2014 Region: Brisbane Brisbane’s biggest New Year’s Eve All Inclusive Party. It ticks all the boxes.

Price - All inclusive. Even the tinny holders.

See Early Bird and student discounts.

Drinks - Popular selection of spirits, beer, cider, wine and champagne.

Food - Award winning chef Brent Farrell designed food menu.

Venue - Brisbane Showgrounds Marquee.

Entertainment - Winning variety of party

CapsuleKong is a playful wall-mounted display for Nespresso pods that physically rolls coffee capsules from top to bottom... tributing the all-time arcade classic, Donkey Kong. Price: $170.00 www.hologramer.com entertainment, rides and action.

Romance - Singles matched up and couples catered for. All ages.

Cause - Proudly hosted by the Qld Down Syndrome Ambassadors.

White Party NYE

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31st December 2014 Region: Gold Coast Look no further than White Party NYE, the place to be on the Gold Coast to get 2015 going on a high note! White Party NYE will have you saying goodbye to 2014 in style by partying from sunset to sunrise. Destination?

A top secret island location! Put on your most elegant white outfit and enjoy an amazing sunset boat cruise, accompanied by the sounds of Australia’s best DJs. A night to remember is waiting for you. Get ready to step aboard our two-levelled spacious fleets in style. These beauties are reserved to take you and 1000 other party people on an amazing cruise with our secret island location as the perfect destination. Upon arriving at the exclusive island party paradise, you’ll get to enjoy an array of treats… Fully licensed bars, the amazing White Stage and International DJs and Live Acts will be waiting for you! White Party NYE will entertain you and provide you with the New Year’s Eve you’ve always dreamed of! Glamour and an exciting evening are ready for you at this amazing Aussie New Years celebration.

Electric Butt Itcher, Nose Picker and Ball Scratcher

Parrot Jumping Sumo

New Year’s Eve at the Opera House

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31st December 2014 Region: Sydney New Year’s Eve is the night when Sydney puts on the bling, kicks up its heels and shows the world what a gorgeous thing it is, as a festival of fire explodes across the midnight sky.

Ringside seats to the greatest show on earth are hard to come by, but we’ve saved some great ones, and you’re invited. Leave the crowds behind as you enter the Sydney Opera House.

Three wonderful uses for one innovative device. Itch, pick and scratch to your heart’s content. Spinning finger for picking delight. Price: $14.00 www.thirddrawerdown.com Choose between two performances: a full performance of Puccini’s La Boheme or the entertaining Opera Gala, featuring favourites by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and more. Then, with a heart full of song, watch the fireworks the whole world watches. Interval is timed for the 9pm fireworks and the Sydney Opera House stays open well past the midnight fireworks.

There’s nowhere in the world like Sydney on New Year’s Eve and there’s nowhere closer to the action than Sydney Opera House. Make this your most glamorous and memorable New Year ever. It’s guaranteed to end with a bang!

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Bait Shop Banter Adrian’s top tip for fishing in the summer months… go early and come back early.

He reckons as the land mass heats up during the day it sucks in the cool air coming off the ocean creating winds of up to 20-25knots.

But if you get out by day break and return by 9.30-10.30am you should be able to avoid getting flogged.

reef closure combined with patchy winds have meant things have been a bit quiet offshore, according to Adrian at The Secret Spot Bait & Tackle.

Thankfully there is always a silver lining and Adrian’s came in the guise of a day out with Bite Me Marlin Charters.

Check out the snap if you need any more convincing that a session with Scotty Coulter’s charter outfit would be highly worthwhile.

Adrian says there are a few spotties and doggies about The Pinnacles and with plenty of bait around Man and Wife there are mackerel to be nabbed as well.

Narrow your focus to fishing off wrecks for grunter (flesh baits) or fingermark (soft plastics).

Corio Barge and Rama are particular hot spots, according to Adrian.

Nashy’s Compleat Angler says things have been pumping along nicely and plenty of fishing enthusiasts have been getting amongst it during the recent good weather.

Offshore has been offering up lots of bottom fish with many an outing bringing in solid hauls of trout and red emperor.

Spotties and schoolies are also still going strong from Airlie Beach to Sarina, and there’s plenty of opportunity for a decent catch of mackerel.

If you aim for anywhere between Seaforth and just past Hay Point you should have a pretty fair chance of encountering some affirmative action.

Ashley reckons the best performing lures have been 20g to 25g bumper bars.

And if that’s not enough to float your boat how about reports of really good GTs? I mean anything described as ‘giant’ has to be pretty exciting?

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Luxury Living, Las Vegas

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Price: $2,900,000 Looking for a discrete tropical hideaway without giving up the high life? Just two hours south of Cairns at the end of an extremely private driveway on one of the highest house sites in Mission Beach, you will find this perfect little piece of paradise known as Altitude 140.

Sitting 140 metres above sea level with a World Heritage listed National Park on three sides and some of the most breathtaking views you are ever likely to see, this really is a very unique estate. Sit on the undercover terrace with its dramatic roof line and watch the White Bellied Sea Eagles come into feed; take a swim in the beautiful 18.5 m pool or simply sit back and watch the sunrise over the ocean as the mist rises over the Family Group of islands in the distance. Home to hundreds of bird species including the Cassowary, the air is filled with the sounds of the rainforest and the calls of the wild, yet just a few minutes drive away are the cafes and shops of Mission Beach. This property offers peace, tranquility and beauty in spades.

To arrange an inspection of Altitude 140 call Nicolette at Unique Estates on 0411 144 877.

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Price: $7,000,000

Contact Florence Shapiro, Florence@ shapiroandsher.com to cash in your chips.

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

angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com

Price: $22,500,000

for the mobile miner

Hilltop Hideaway, Mission Beach

IN GLADSTONE

- While Dylan at Pat’s Tackle World says getting offshore has been a bit of a challenge the news from closer to home is good.

Bream, grunter and flathead have been making their presence felt in the estuaries and mangrove jack plus fingermark have been ramping up their A-game.

Dylan recommends scoping out rocky outcrops, deeper holes around the estuary system and the harbour.

But the news that Dylan really wants to get out there is that Awoonga Dam has come alive and it is starting to fire up big time.

Reports of two plus barra in the 7090cm bracket in a session should spark your interest?

Dylan reports that six inch lures are performing well and reckons if you are chasing a particular brand that Strada Tera are well worth a look.

Estate in Romanovo 2, Moscow

Exotic homes Made a packet on the craps table at Casino Royale? Want to consolidate your winnings? Why not go professional and buy into the city of big dreams. This remarkable jaw-dropping six-bedroom, 10-bathroom home includes the highest level of contemporary finishes and upgrades. The floating glass entry is only a taste of the magnificent features that this 1000m2 home has to offer. The opulent great room showcases a spiral staircase with a custom chandelier, a magnificent 3m marble fireplace and ceiling high windows that frame the awe-inspiring infinity edge pool and golf course views. From the polished Travertine flooring, decorative lighting and custom chrome railings to the 6m ceilings this home has everything to offer and then some. The decadent kitchen features black on black finishes including all high end appliances. The home includes an executive two story office with a circular library, a large fitness room complete with a sauna and home theater with fiber optic stars in the ceiling. The infinity edge pool with a sheer stone decent is partly covered by a copper roof structure with a rain wall cascade, in addition to the multiple fire pits and large gazebo perfect for entertaining.

Ashley says his two latest outings have netted him and his mates around seven giant trevallies over the 30 kilo mark.

If you are looking for action a bit closer to shore there are fingermark and grunter up for grabs if you target rocky headlands.

Not to be forgotten, the dams are also producing nicely according to Ashley with Peter Faust and Teemburra the current pick of the bunch.

Make like an oligarch and hold court in this Moscow area estate. This estate is truly perfect, splendid architecture, ultimately stylish interiors, wonderful leisure areas and very beautiful premises. The estate is built in a neo-classical style, has a ceremonial façade decorated with a bright entrance area. Mostly classical decorative materials and elements are used in the interior finish. Most furniture in the estate is tailor made, the other is purchased in showrooms of famous brands. In each room there is upholstered furniture creating a feeling of home coziness and suggesting careless comfort. All the conditions for a pleasant and interesting leisure are provided in the estate. On the ground floor there is a billiard room and a spa zone (including a swimming pool and sauna), in a mezzanine floor there is a play room and a special room for parties. The estate also suggests productive work and on the second floor and in the mezzanine floor quiet cozy studies are provided. Due to an extensive amount of forest trees the premises have a picturesque view.

Contact “agent” Sofiya Shtatnix at Sotheby’s International for further vetting.

Navodo Bay, Fiji Price upon request

»

IN YEPPOON - the recent

IN MACKAY - Ashley from

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Happy fishing folk aboard Bite Me Marlin Charters (photo courtesy of Secret Spot Bait & Tackle)

There hasn’t been a coup since 2006 so perhaps it is time to make Fiji your preferred holiday destination. The nine-bedroom, nine-bathroom Navodo Bay took 10 years to complete and was a labour of love. There are five magnificent, quintessentially Fijian beachfront bures and a quite beautiful and serene Chapel. There is also a caretaker’s home, workshop and staff dorm. The stunning Colonial Homestead enjoys two ocean frontages which provide magical contrasts as the ocean delivers it’s variety of hues and moods. Homestead furniture, appliances, artwork and decorative items came from California. The master bedroom and office commands an entire wing beyond the Great Room. The veranda runs the length of the Homestead and provides the link to the lawn which extends to the jetty, pristine beach and crystal clear waters of the Bay. Retain Navodo Bay as a world class private tropical estate, or open it to a discerning global market as a quite remarkable secluded and very special holiday destination.

For an opportunity that is too good to miss contact Phillip Toogood at Bayleys Realty Group, Auckland

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

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