OUTthere Cobham October

+insidemining October 2014 • Issue 06

Exploring AlbanyWe strap on our walking

boots and tackle Western Australia’s Southern Forests

Tasting Yarra Valley The colours, smells and

tastes of this Victorian wine region fire up the senses

Eat and drink yourself merry through the stunning landscapes of the South West

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OUTthere is published by Business Essentials (Australasia) Pty Limited (ABN 22 062 493 869), trading as Edge, under license to MGI Publishing Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. OUTthere cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. Some images used in OUTthere are from Thinkstock and Getty Images.

OUTthere is published by Edge51 Whistler Street, Manly NSW 2095 Phone: 02 8962 2600,www.edgecustom.com.au

November: Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island.

October: Sugarloaf Rock, Margaret River.

One thing that struck a chord with me this month was culinary discovery. Whether it was chatting to super-chef and this month’s close up Adam Liaw or catching up with a couple of friends who happen to work in hospitality, they all seemed to have something in common: a genuine passion for Australian produce and the people behind it.

“There is so much we have yet to discover,” enthused my friend, who’d been foraging around regional New South Wales in search of unique produce from which to concoct his latest menu. “Did you know some of the best calamari comes from the Hawkesbury region and some of our best pork belly from the Northern Rivers?” he said when I mentioned that I was planning a road trip to Yamba this Christmas.

Nope, can’t say I did – but I sure am going to check out Hawkesbury calamari when I travel yonder, past Bulahdelah and onwards to Mooney Mooney. But that’s another yarn to be saved for the next long car journey. Back to produce.

My friend’s passion for produce was echoed when I found myself chatting to the well-travelled Adam Liaw about his new SBS TV series Destination Flavour Down Under. During the series, Adam found himself journeying all over the nation, from the glorious Western Australian coastline to the baking heat of the Red Centre and the tree-changers’ paradise that is northern New South Wales.

Along his merry travels, Adam met many zealous gatherers and growers who he describes as ‘real people with real stories’.

“It’s their passion – innovative behaviour and dedication is what makes them heroes,” he told me. “When I mentioned I was doing a food show in Australia everyone thought it would be boring – but when the show went on air, my twitter was flooded with tweets saying how much they had no idea Australia was like that.”

In fact, TV sojourns based on ‘culinary Australia’ seem to be unearthing a widespread trend. Last month, Matt Moran’s Paddock to Plate launched its

second season. This season sees Matt clock up more than 20,000 kilometres travelling through the awe-inspiring landscapes of South Australia and Western Australia, from the blustering coastline of the Eyre Peninsula to the red dirt and big skies of the Kimberley.

“There are so many incredible farmers and growers out there – this beautiful country of ours is just bursting with amazing produce. The changing seasons and climates of the lesser-known regions of South and Western Australia offer up some really fantastic and unique produce,” Matt said.

As a foodie and a lover of all things delicious, what excites me about taking on this newly appointed role – apart from the travel stories – is the culinary adventures that await, and the inspiring true stories from real people I’m yet to encounter.

I’ll certainly relish taking you along with me on this journey – I hope you enjoy the ride.

Faye James and the OUTthere team

From the editor...

GROUP EDITOR Faye [email protected] EDITOR Danielle CheneryASSISTANT EDITORS Riley Palmer, Simone Henderson-SmartINTERN Toby Little SUB-EDITORS Liani Solari, Merran White

PRINTER SOS Print & MediaSENIOR DESIGNER Guy PendleburyPRODUCTION MANAGER Brian VentourCONTRIBUTORS Fleur Bainger, Ben Smithurst, Brian Johnston, Jock Serong, Michelle Hespe, Baldeep S. Gill, Darrell Croker, Christine Retschlag, Kris Madden, Darren Baguley, Kevin Lee, Andrew Crossley, Josh Masters

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Jason [email protected] NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Chris [email protected] ACCOUNT MANAGERS Robert [email protected] [email protected], SA AND NT SALES REPHelen Glasson, Hogan MediaPhone: 08 9381 [email protected]

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Geoff CampbellMANAGING PARTNERS Fergus Stoddart, Richard ParkerCEO Eddie Thomas

ON THE COVER:

editor’sletter

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09

Issue 06• Oct/Nov

• news and views• resources sector issues• finance and technology• the state of mining

insidemining

Issue 124 • October Issue 125 • November

closeupFour years on, Faye James catches up with Masterchef Australia winner Adam Liaw and chats about his two great loves: cooking and cooking.

alltorqueBen Smithurst falls for the new BMW.

outtahereBrian Johnston reveals the best spots around Australia to pitch a tent.

food&wineA lovely, short drive south from Perth takes you to Margaret River; home to some of Australia’s best vignerons and producers.

destinationMichelle Hespe eats and drinks her way through Victoria’s Yarra Valley, stopping for friendly chats along the way.

closeupAfter a lifetime of performing, country songbird Kasey Chambers still relishes the challenge of a new album.

destinationUte Junker spends time on Kangaroo Island and discovers exceptional produce and an abundance of wildlife.

food&wineCarla Grossetti heads to the pretty town of Orange to hunt down some of the top drops to appear at this year’s wine show.

outtahereMichelle Hespe visits Mount Baw Baw, Melbourne’s closest Alpine resort and discovers fun for families on any budget.

profileWe meet OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn.

closeup

destination

05 welcomeaboardFlying with Cobham.

07 cobhamnewsCobham welcomes 11 new cabin crew recruits; Cobham is building next-generation self-contained self-rescue (SCSRs) devices for the mining industry.

09 cobhamcommunityLegacy Club CEO praises Cobham crew; Cobham gets involved in charity fundraising; Cobham celebrates Biological Diversity Day.

12 getawayFleur Bainger discovers Albany and its many charms on foot, and shares her pick of the top five walks in the region.

contents

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Where do you want to be?

Mackay | Rockhampton | Warners Bay | Mudgee | Wollongong

This is general information and doesn’t take your needs into account. Before acting, consider if the information is right for you and read our PDS available at www.auscoalsuper.com.au. AUSCOAL Superannuation Pty Ltd | ABN 70 003 566 989 | AFSL 246864 Trustee for the AUSCOAL Superannuation Fund | ABN 16 457 520 308.

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Hello and welcome aboard. At Cobham, our aim is to fly you to

your destination in safety and comfort. This philosophy drives us to introduce new and innovative air transport solutions across Australia.

In the coming months, some of you will begin travelling with Cobham for the first time on our newly awarded routes, to Granny Smith and to Darlot Mine sites, for Gold Fields Australia. To service these new routes, we are excited to be introducing a new type of aircraft into our fleet: the Avro RJ85.

The RJ85 enhances our standing as the only aviation service provider in Australia to operate jet aircraft into unsealed runways.

This new aircraft represents a significant shift in the standard of service and quality offered in the Australian FIFO market. Aside from the modern, spacious and comfortable interior, the RJ85’s safety record ensures that our safety philosophy is never compromised.

This exciting new development for Cobham is a small of part of our holistic vision to improve the standards of aviation services in Australia.

Thank you for flying with Cobham; we love having you on board.

Welcome aboard

British Aerospace 146 (BAe-146)Length: 28.60 mWingspan: 26.21 mHeight: 8.59 mCruise speed: 801 km/h at 8,840 mEmpty weight: 23,897 kgPassenger capacity: 71–99 seatsFreight capacity: 10,300 kg

Avro RJ100Length: 30.99 mWingspan: 26.34 mHeight: 8.59 mCruise speed: 780 km/hEmpty weight: 23,897 kg

Bombardier Dash-8Length: 22.25 mWingspan: 25.89 m Height: 7.49 mCruise speed: 500 km/h at 7,620 m Empty weight: 14,700 kg

Our fleet6 x BAe 146 (passenger)4 x BAe 146 (freight)5 x Avro RJ1003 x Bombardier Dash-8

Ryan BothGeneral Manager, Regional Services Cobham

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PERTH

ADELAIDE

MELBOURNE

SYDNEY

BRISBANE

HOBART

BALLERA

MURRIN MURRINDARLOT

GRANNY SMITH

BARROW ISLAND

MOOMBA

KAMBALDA

Where we fly

PASSENGER FREIGHT

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COBHAM LIFE Support in Orchard Park, New York, has long been a world-leading supplier of life support components in the military and commercial aerospace markets. Under a contract with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and in conjunction with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Cobham is leveraging its experience in high-pressure gas storage, management and delivery systems to build next -generation self-contained self-rescue devices (SCSRs) for the mining industry.

SCSRs are small portable devices worn by miners, donned immediately in the

event of an emergency. The old legacy systems included cumbersome goggles, nose clips and a mouthpiece, which were difficult to put on and precluded communication or replacing oxygen systems without exposure to harmful smoke and fumes.

Cobham has developed a new suite of small, very high-pressure, long-lasting oxygen cylinders with a slip-on combined hood and mask that allows for talking, and a docking valve that enables the user to attach a new oxygen system without exposure.

These self-rescue devices will help miners to secure emergency situations faster and with greater ease and safety.

Can you spot the new cabin crew?COBHAM WELCOMES the 11 new cabin-crew recruits who have recently joined the Cobham team.

To prepare for a career in air travel, new cabin-crew members first undergo an intensive four-week training program on the ground. Topics covered include emergency procedures, security, quarantine and dangerous goods. The crew must also re-enact real-life fire scenarios.

Along with learning how to handle unexpected eventualities, the new crew undertake customer service training and visit Cobham’s catering suppliers, where they learn how aircraft food is prepared and packaged to be served on an aircraft.

Once this training is complete, the new crew members begin in-flight training on board the aircraft with a dedicated trainer. This is an exciting time for new crew as they get to put their theory into practice.

If you spot a new member of our cabin crew on your flight, please don’t hesitate to say hello.

Cobham Life Support

cobhamnews

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Cobham crew members garner praise from Legacy Club CEOEARLIER THIS year, Cobham chartered a charity flight to Hobart to help the Legacy Club of Adelaide raise funds to support struggling families affected by war.

“Cobham Aviation’s on-ground and in-flight crew provided wonderful and personable assistance to our customers. Your staff were dealing with very important benefactors and supporters of Legacy. I was proud to be associated with your company. All guests on the day commented on the friendly and respectful service they received from all your staff, and I was gratified to know that we were all in very safe and caring hands,” said Legacy Club chief executive officer, Mr Rainer Jozeps.

Following this feedback, the crew operating the flight were nominated in Cobham’s SPIRIT Employee Reward and Recognition Program and have been acknowledged for their utmost professionalism throughout the charter.

THE HBF Run for a Reason is one of the fastest-growing events on the Western Australian sporting calendar. On Sunday May 25, 2014, more than 30,000 people ran, walked, jogged and strolled the 12 kilometre and 4 kilometre Run for a Reason distances around Perth’s scenic CBD. Cobham participated in the event, raising awareness of and funds for the Cancer Council, Lifeline WA, Diabetes WA and the Heart Foundation.

Cobham joins fun run to support Western Australian charities

Above: Legacy Club of Adelaide CEO Rainer Jozeps speaks to passengers at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

cobhamcommunity

Cobham raises $9000 for homeless at CEO sleepoutCOBHAM AVIATION Services CEO Peter Nottage has raised more than $9000 to help combat homelessness in Australia by taking part in the 2014 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Peter slept outside in the cold during one of the chilliest, wettest months of the year in Adelaide with only a cardboard box for shelter.

The Australia-wide event was organised by St Vincent de Paul (‘Vinnies’), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing about an end to homelessness in Australia. “During the night I learnt a lot about homelessness from St Vincent de Paul staff and from people they have assisted,” Peter said.

“The night went well – luckily the rain held off until the following day and my cardboard abode did the job.”

Peter raised more than $9000 for people in need and in South Australia, the event raised a total close to $600,000. “It truly is a great cause and organisation,” he said, “and I’d like to personally thank everyone who supported my Sleepout.”

At the last Census, more than 100,000 Australians were counted as having experienced homelessness. Vinnies places an emphasis on breaking personal cycles of poverty by helping people learn to make better decisions through a range of education programs, recreation activities, and extensive information and referral services in a safe and supportive environment.

COBHAM HELD a morning tea and exhibition at its Perth base to celebrate Biological Diversity Day. This annual day is organised by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to raise awareness about conservation.

This year, Coban’s Biological Diversity Day theme was Island Biodiversity – an apt choice, as the airline services uniquely diverse Barrow Island.

During the morning tea, a Quarantine Manager spoke to employees and contractors about the 2000-plus invertebrate species that have been identified on Barrow Island and that play a key role in global biological diversity.

The day reaffirmed the important role Cobham’s Quarantine Management Plan plays in protecting Barrow Island’s precious wildlife.

WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?Biodiversity is the number and diversity of plants, animals and microorganisms on earth. Sadly, the world loses around 27,000 species per year to extinction. Biodiversity also relates to genetic variations between members of the same species, which are essential to their ongoing survival, as well as to the assemblage of ecosystems. The third-greatest threat to biodiversity is the introduction of invasive species, which is why Barrow Island and similarly important ecosystems have quarantine barriers.

HISTORY OF BARROW ISLANDWhen indigenous people first arrived in Australia, Barrow Island was a limestone hill on a large coastal sand plain about 10 kilometres inland. It was separated from the mainland by rising sea levels about 8000 years ago and now sits roughly 56 kilometres offshore. Due to its isolation the island is home to many unique species, and is a refuge for several threatened species once found abundantly on the mainland. Barrow Island was declared an A Class nature reserve in 1910.

Cobham celebrates Biological Diversity Day

Above: Cobham CEO Peter Nottage (right) with fellow participants. Above right: Australian singer Kate Ceberano opens the event with a heartfelt speech.

cobhamcommunity

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what’snew

It’s in the bagDurable travel gear is a must when you’re zipping through airports or hitting the road, and adventure-gear company Kathmandu should know: it recently won the backpack category in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2014.Kathmandu’s new Jet Series is a four-piece mix-and-match set designed to make travelling easier. It comprises three carry-on options (RRP $179.98 to $299.98) plus an 80-litre trolley ($499.98) for longer journeys.The Overland Pack ($399.98) is designed for experienced travellers who pack light and travel hard off the beaten track. Constructed from durable gridTECH fabric, this 55-litre backpack is a survivor.

Lifesaving super bananaAn Australian ‘super banana’ genetically engineered by Queensland University of Technology could help prevent blindness and save the lives of thousands of Ugandan children. The bananas are enriched with alpha-carotene and beta-carotene that the body converts to vitamin A, a vitamin in which these children are deficient.

It’s expected that the first super bananas will be growing in Uganda by 2020, following testing in the United States to determine how well they boost vitamin A levels. The project is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It’s hoped that the results of the testing will be available in late 2014.

Passion for dairyJulian Benson had wanted to be a dairy farmer since he was a kid growing up in Broadmeadows, outer Melbourne, in the 1950s. He bought a herd of cows with his wife, Dianne, in 1975, and they haven’t looked back.

The Bensons’ passion for improving, growing and promoting the dairy industry in western Victoria won them the award for Improved Farm Performance – Adoption of Practice Change at the 2014 Great South West Dairy Awards.

Julian encourages young people to follow their love of the land and introduces tourists from around the world to the wonders of dairy farming. The Bensons are also the owners of cheese-manufacturing tourist attraction Apostle Whey Cheese, near Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

“I loved dairying from the word go,” Julian says. “I’ve lived the dream, really.”

Julian and Dianne now farm with their son, Luke, milking a herd of 250 Jersey and Friesian cows, and running their shop and cheesemaking enterprise.

“Mother Nature changes the season on you; the powers that be change the prices … I find it a very challenging and rewarding industry,” Julian says.

For more Legendairy stories, go to legendairy.com.au

Coffee wars heat upSydney coffee roaster Aroma Coffee has won the top accolade at the second Australian International Coffee Awards (AICA) held in Melbourne, taking the Champion Australian Roaster title away from Victoria, the home of last year’s winner.Gavin Gam, coffee expert, philanthropist and managing director at Aroma Coffee, says Sydney has overtaken Melbourne as Australia’s coffee capital.“We have a distinctly espresso-based coffee culture that is highly competitive, full of passionate industry professionals and driven by savvy coffee drinkers with an educated palate,” he contends.

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f you’re into statistics, try these for size: Western Australia’s Great Southern region lays claim to 5000 different native plant species, contains the

highest peak in the state and has some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. It’s an area of astounding natural abundance, lined with karri forests, granite outcrops and the wild Southern Ocean, and the population stands at only about 60,000, mostly clustered in the coastal town of Albany.

With the Stirling Range a bruised-blue backdrop to the town from one aspect and the Porongurup Range from another, it seems criminal not to stretch your quad muscles and get some dirt in the treads of your walking boots.

It’s something that David Bomba (aka Dr Dave, the Adventure Doctor) spends his days doing; and when he’s not out hiking, he’s dreaming about it. He and his partner Lenore Lyons run Out of Sight Tours, the only company that takes guided walks in the region – from easy stop-and-smell-the-flowers strolls to challenging hikes involving rock-scrambling and vertical climbs.

No matter what level of difficulty, Dr Dave recommends you lace up a good pair of walking boots, bring plenty of water, pack more food than you think you need and carry a first-aid kit, a hat and some extra clothes in case the weather changes.

“Watch out for reptiles in the warmer months – and it’s always a good idea to let someone know where you are going, just in case,” he advises.

Whether you like to go with a guide or prefer to brave the wilderness alone, read on for our top five walks in the Albany region.

1. Bibbulmun TrackGiven that it stretches 965 kilometres from the Perth Hills to Albany, the Bibbulmun Track in its entirety is not something to tackle on a whim. Sections of it are quite manageable, however, including one 13-kilometre strip that edges along cliff tops from Sand Patch to Mutton Bird Island, near Albany. Known as a great spot for viewing whales on their migrations and tiny coastal wildflowers in spring, it makes for an eye-popping day hike.

If wind farms fascinate you, the walk passes a strip of eco-turbines, too. Watch for the gold marker triangles depicting the Waugal (Rainbow Serpent), which show you’re on the right track.

If you’re feeling fit, you might like to take on the 28-kilometre return journey; otherwise, pre-arrange for someone to pick you up at the other end. Many of the region’s accommodations – mainly B&Bs – offer this service, as do Out of Sight Tours.

2. Bald Head walkSnaking through Torndirrup National Park, this 16-kilometre return trek hugs the coastline and leads you along the spine of the Flinders Peninsula. All the way to its end, you’re flanked by King George Sound on one side and the Southern Ocean on the other. Dr Dave names it as one of his

Strapping on your walking boots and getting a lungful of fresh air is an ideal way to experience Albany and its many natural

charms, as Fleur Bainger discovers.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

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“all-time favourite walks” for the sense of adventure that takes hold as you’re putting one foot in front of the other. “On a perfect day, the views are just awesome,” he says. “You really feel like an explorer out there. The cairn at the end [of the peninsula] is a great spot to have lunch, too.”

The walk departs from the Isthmus Hill car park and takes you over large granite rocks and sandy patches and through thickets of peppermint, dryandra and endemic woolly bush trees. Expect bare legs to be scratched and muscles to be challenged.

Allow six to eight hours for the walk, plus time for lunching, resting and taking in the

views of blue skies, nearby islands and the seemingly never-ending ocean.

3. Stirling RangeThere’s a certain allure about scaling the highest peak in the region and while Bluff Knoll isn’t Everest, it is the loftiest point in the south-west of the state. On your way up to the 1095-metre apex, you’ll cross a stream, glimpse the ocean and hear plenty of vocal birds. The journey is a comfortable five-kilometre return, typically completed in three to four hours.

If you fancy a more challenging walk with fewer hikers on the track, take the

Many native Australian wildflowers, such as this Boronia spathulata, can be found on the Stirling Range.

slightly lower-altitude but more taxing four-kilometre return trip to Toolbrunup Peak, west of Bluff Knoll. Dr Dave warns you’ll need to be prepared for some scree scrambling on the way to the 1052-metre summit. “It’s a more strenuous climb but very exciting, and there are fantastic views on a good day,” he says. “This is the only alpine walk in Western Australia, so pack extra clothing and wet-weather gear as the conditions at the top can be bitingly cold, even on a sunny day.”

Stirling Range National Park is 80 kilometres north of Albany and is a hotspot for wildflowers, including the rare mountain bells, which bloom only above 300 metres. See them until November.

4. Porongurup National ParkSqueezing around clusters of gigantic boulders and clawing at the clouds became a lot more possible with the opening of the Granite Skywalk. The $1.5-million aerial walkway at Castle Rock, 48 kilometres north of Albany, is the highlight of the three-kilometre return walk. Its steel frame fans out over rocks, allowing you to drink in the spectacular views in this 2,600-hectare national park.

To get to the upper level, walkers are assisted by handholds in the rocks and a protected ladder – it’s steep, so expect to exert yourself. Otherwise, there’s a lower lookout that’s easier to access.

Dr Dave is a big fan of the Skywalk but also suggests the pulse-quickening, eight-kilometre Devils Slide and Nancy Peak circuit for those who want a longer wander. “It’s another great day out, with plenty of karri forest and granite outcrops,” he says. The Slide is a granite dome that forms the highest peak in the Porongurup Range,

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getaway

View from Bluff Knoll, located in the Stirling Range National Park.

Spring is the ideal time to put your walking shoes on – it’s when the country is at its greenest.

reaching 670 metres above sea level. See how many native plant species you spot along the way – this biodiverse park boasts 750.

5. Luke Pen WalkFor a change of scene, follow this peaceful trail along the eastern side of the Kalgan River and discover a haven for waterbirds. The nine-kilometre return trip should take about four hours and passes by farming land, vineyards, native scrub, large marri trees and eucalypts. Spring is the ideal time to put your walking shoes on – it’s when the country is at its greenest and, if it’s warm enough, you can go for a brisk dip in the river. Most of the walk is flat, so it makes for a comfortable stroll.

Dr Dave recommends keeping your voices low as you travel through the bush. “Take your binoculars if you’re a birdwatcher – you never know what you might spot,” he says. The Luke Pen Walk is about 16 kilometres north-east of Albany.

GET THEREAlbany has its own airport; or fly to Perth and drive for around 4.5 hours.

STAYStirling Range RetreatChester Pass Road08 9827 9229, stirlingrange.com.auPorongurup Village Inn, shop and tearooms1972 Porongurup Road, Porongurup08 9853 1110, porongurupinn.com.au

EXPLOREMaleeya’s Thai Café & Spa Studio 1376 Porongurup Road, Porongurup 08 9853 1123, maleeya.com.auOranje Tractor 198 Link Road, Marbelup, via Albany08 9842 5175, oranjetractor.comOut of Sight Tours 73 South Coast Highway, Denmark 08 9848 2814, outofsighttours.comValley of the Giants Tree Top WalkValley of the Giants Road, off the South Coast Highway, Nornalup 08 9840 8263

MORE INFOamazingalbany.com.autrailswa.com.aubibbulmuntrack.org.au

Round-up

Walking towards Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park.

Taking a break on the Bibbulmun Track.

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getaway

What do your partners think about what you do?They think we go on holidays for eight months of the year. They don’t seem to understand it’s work.

Once the filming’s done, do you still bait the occasional hook?Yep, lots. Living in Tassie means there are so many great fishing opportunities. Any time there’s nice weather, one or the other [of us] will be wetting a line or diving for tasty crayfish.

What can we expect from you guys in the future?More of the same. But we’re also starting to travel a little more overseas. This season features fishing in the UK, New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.

How did you guys go from being fishing enthusiasts to TV show hosts? Sounds like you’re living the dream!We were both news journalists who worked many, many weekend shifts at a local TV station in Tassie, but instead of reporting the news we spent most of the time talking fishing. Then we hatched a plan to make a show, so we took holidays with a cameraman (who’s still our cameraman to this day) and ‘borrowed’ all the camera gear without telling any of the bosses. When we returned we’d shot enough for a couple of episodes; instead of getting fired, the station was good enough to edit them and play them. That was in 2001. Since then we’ve made more than 200 programs.

What’s your favourite fishing destination in Australia?It’s hard to pick one favourite – Australia is lucky to have so many great fishing spots – but we love heading anywhere hot, probably because we come from Tassie. The Top End is always a great trip; it’s so wild. There’s speccy scenery and lots of wildlife, like crocs, and all the fish are hard-fighting – and that’s just in Darwin Harbour!

In your new series you go in search of fish in Mount Isa. Where on earth do you find fish in the Outback?When we visited Isa, the local lake was low and the fishing was hard. Really hard. We flogged it for three days without catching a barra but we still managed to get a bit of program with some bycatch. At times, Lake Moondarra produces barra well over one metre long, and the locals are super-keen on their fishing.

What’s the secret to keeping things light and fun when you’ve been travelling, filming and fishing together for more than a decade?We spend a lot of time in planes and cars together and have probably had the same conversations over and over and over again. But it’s the fishing that keeps it fun, and the fact that we get to travel to all these great locations around Australia to go fishing for our work means it never gets too serious!

One of you must have an annoying habit, surely?Nick always books the flights and the hotels … and always seems to sit in the best seat and stay in the best room!

What can people learn from your show, apart from fishing tips?They can learn a fair bit about doing up old boats as we’ve restored a ‘project boat’ every year for the past five years. And they can learn that fishing is meant to be fun!

The hosts of Aussie fishing show Hook, Line and Sinker talk to Simone Henderson-Smart about having the world’s best job.

minutes with …

Five

“The fact that we get to travel to all these great locations around

Australia to go fishing for our work means it never

gets too serious.”

Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart

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THE LARWILL STUDIO Melbourne

Part of the Art Series Hotel Group, and inspired by one of Australia’s most distinctive and philanthropic artists, the late David Larwill, The Larwill Studio overlooks magnificent Royal Park, between the CBD and the cultural hubs of Melbourne’s inner north.

With an uplifting Larwill theme throughout, rooms and public areas have an open, playful ambience – an enormous Larwill original, aptly titled ‘Remember Me’, greets guests entering the grand, multifunctional lobby. Larwill’s love of bold, bright hues is reflected in an intense colour palate of burnt oranges, reds, blues, pinks and teal, used in furnishings and finishing touches such as drip hooks and door hangers.

‘Workspaces’ are offered in King and Twin room sizes, the latter having two double beds. Every room showcases two large Larwill giclée (ink-jet) prints and a private collection of art books, and in each, you’ll find Art Series Hotel Group’s signature comforts along with the latest technology and free wi-fi.

There’s a gymnasium with 30-minute workouts for time-poor guests keen to maintain their health regimes, morning jogging groups and a dedicated yoga channel available in-room, with yoga-mat hire free of charge. Nourishing and healthy food options are available in the licenced 250-seat house café/restaurant/bar. And if you’re feeling creative, there are art tours, classes, and materials on site.The Larvill’s opening rate starts at $155; standard room rates are from $185 per night, with further discounts for Art Series Hotels members. thelarwillstudio.com.au

sleepover

GOLDEN AGE CINEMA & BAR Sydney

This month, head to Surry Hills and the Golden Age Cinema & Bar for a retro night to remember. The heritage-listed cinema and watering hole recently launched its latest program with an array of awesome film-inspired cocktails and a bar menu to match. Tuck into finger-licking hot toasties such as ‘The Spielberger’ (pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and mustard) or ‘The Fellini’ (salami, provolone and pickle) along with moreish cocktails: try ‘The Big Lebowski’ (‘The Dude’s’ White Russian – Ketel One vodka, Kahlua and milk) or ‘The Godfather’ (Campari, grapefruit soda and house-made lemon syrup). There are also cheese and meat cuts, ice-cream sundaes and four varieties of popcorn.

The space itself is magnificent: the restored Art Deco-era Paramount Pictures Building still has the original 35-millimetre film projectors in its projection room and the old screening room has been transformed into a beautiful, intimate bar-boutique cinema.

Cuddle up to your loved ones and watch classics such as Rebel Without a Cause or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s date night reborn. ourgoldenage.com.au

nightout

“With an uplifting Larwill theme throughout, rooms and public areas have an open, playful ambience.”

“Your hair becomesmuch heavier and

thicker. You maintain your healthy hair”

Oxford Biolabs CEODr Thomas Whitfield.

THINNING HAIR?How a new pill can boost your hair and self-confidence.

THINNING hair can be a nightmare for both men and women. It can make you look less attractive, and also lead to disadvantages within your career and limit you in your partner choice. It can lead to depression, loss of self-confidence and even identity change.

Scientists in Oxford promise that they can help keep your hair thick and healthy. Their pill TRX2 is currently one of Europe’s best-selling hair supplements and is sold in over 90 countries. TRX2 is a food supplement based on organic compounds and compared to medicinal products has no side effects whatsoever. Also it does what it says.

“Your hair will look much bigger; it becomes heavier and thicker. You maintain your healthy hair,” says Oxford Biolabs CEO Dr Thomas Whitfield.

Hair treatments often promise a lot without delivering, but TRX2 is

backed by cutting-edge science and has been thoroughly tested. Three of the key ingredients in TRX2 are officially recognised by the European Commission as contributing to the maintenance of normal healthy hair*. The effects can be impressive. Start TRX2 as early as possible in order to address your hair problem before it is too late.

“Your hair becomes much heavier and thicker. You maintain your healthy hair.”

TRX2 is suitable for men and women of all ages. The crystalline white capsules come in a brown glass bottle, which is sufficient for one month of treatment and costs approximately A$70. The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee if ordered via TRX2’s official website, and ships worldwide.

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COOK BOOKMatt Preston, Pan Macmillan, $39.99 Pull on your comfiest pants because Matt Preston from TV’s MasterChef Australia is back with 187 of his favourite recipes. From coma-worthy cakes to fresh and healthy kale dishes, Preston takes years of epicurian expertise and recipe-writing skills and puts them at your disposal. This is a cookbook for both the novice and the well-seasoned professional.

MOUNTAIN TO MOUNTAINShannon Galpin, St Martin’s Press (Macmillan), $32.99 This inspiring and elegant memoir charts the selfless journey of a woman who leaves her comfortable westernised life behind to start a non-profit organisation, Mountain2Mountain, in war-torn Afghanistan, helping women and girls fight for their basic rights and freedoms. Heartbreaking, and at times humorous, this is a compelling collage of stories from a true activist.

THE ALEXANDRIA CONNECTION Adrian d’Hagé, Penguin Books (Australia), $29.99Adrian d’Hagé immerses his readers in a shadowy world of espionage and secret societies. The story follows CIA agent Curtis O’Connor as he seeks to uncover a secret involving a new energy source that could be contained within the Pyramids of Giza. Combining politics, history and science, The Alexandria Connection is a roller-coaster ride that’s worth the whiplash.

RISING FROM ASHESThis full-length documentary, funded by two not-for-profit organisations and filmed over three continents and a period of nearly seven years, follows cycling legend Jock Boyer as he helps a group of survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda achieve their dream of creating a national cycling team. Executive-produced and narrated by Hollywood actor and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Forrest Whitaker, this is a story of hope, teamwork and, ultimately, triumph against the odds. Rising from Ashes will inspire and enlighten everyone who watches it. Available from the App Store ($24.99HD, $19.99SD); risingfromashesthemovie.com

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STUCK ON SUCCESSBeloved festival crowd-pleasers, Aussie band Sticky Fingers has returned from treating audiences overseas to their unique brand of eclectic, electro, reggae rock and knuckled down to produce a second album, Land of Pleasure, that debuted at number three on the ARIA charts.

The album features 13 new tracks from the boys, including the first single, the intoxicating ‘Gold Snafu’, followed swiftly by ‘Just For You’, which is a colossal ’90s-esque track, both with appropriately playful videos.

“When we got back from Europe, we just wrote an album in a month. It was a really fun process writing the album. We were just tucked away in the studio. In a little garage studio,” says lead guitarist Seamus (‘Hollywood’).

“We worked obsessively in that studio day and night,” chimes in bass player Paddy Cornwall, “you couldn’t have pulled us out of there if you tried.”

Taking inspiration from bands such as Nirvana and Pink Floyd, Sticky Fingers’ style is rock-inspired but eclectic. “I don’t think we ever really set out to write a song or write [in] a genre,” says Seamus, “We just always kind of write music and whatever comes out, comes out. We sing about the usual s**t; heartbreak, drugs, good times, bad times. It’s the soundtrack to life.”

Sticky Fingers’ sell-out Land of Pleasure tour is

currently criss-crossing the nation.

For tour dates and more information on the band, visit stickyfingerstheband.com

Compiled by Toby Little

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entertainment

NO-ONE CAN accuse Adam Liaw of letting life pass him by. He completed year 11 at the tender age of 14, enrolled at university at age 16 and graduated with a double degree at age 21. MasterChef Australia winner, TV presenter, writer and UNICEF Australia ambassador, Adam Liaw is unstoppable. His energy for living life to the fullest packs a mighty punch, and his ear-to-ear smile is as infectious as his enthusiasm. Adam is going places like a steam train on auto-speed.

Currently hosting the prime-time food and travel programs Destination Flavour and Destination Flavour Down Under on the SBS network, Adam – author of a brace of cookbooks: Asian After Work and Two Asian Kitchens – has just released a third, Adam’s Big Pot.

“I absolutely love writing cookbooks. That feeling of getting my first book in my hands was awe-inspiring. You sit it on the shelf and know it will be there after you’re gone. It’s like creating a legacy,” Adam enthuses.

“But what I love most is messages from people saying they cooked something from my book and loved it so much that it’s become a regular part of their cooking routine. I love that I’m creating recipes people will make as a family.”

Adam’s latest cookbook promises a practical and creative approach to family cooking, with recipes inspired by his travels around the world: from fresh Vietnamese salads and simple South African curries to mouth-watering grilled Korean pork belly as well as his favourite one-pot Japanese classics.

Once again, Adam’s inspiration was his readers: “A cookbook is not about me; I write them so people can actually use them. I used to be a lawyer so I know what it’s like to get home from a day’s work and think, ‘What can I cook quickly?’.”

Adam is so passionate about his craft you might assume he always wanted to be a chef. Not so.

“I don’t know what compelled me to [compete in MasterChef Australia]; I’m still surprised. I had to leave a good job that I was enjoying. Being a lawyer was actually a dream job – I’d been working for decades to get to that point – and [MasterChef] was so far out of my experience and character,” Adam confides.

“I guess it was a desire to try something new. People just sit at their desks and know what their future holds – and as a lawyer, I had that feeling. MasterChef started off as a holiday but then it became my career.”

And since winning MasterChef Australia in 2010, Adam hasn’t looked back. The Malaysian-born chef hit the screen again with Destination Flavour, which took him back to his Asian roots, and now hosts Destination Flavour Down Under, which has taken him to far-flung places around the country, meeting gatherers and growers and showcasing the very best of culinary Australia.

“Showing people something new from places around the word is easy; doing it from their backyard is harder. When I told people Destination [Flavour] Down Under was a food and travel show around Australia, everyone said, ‘That’s a bit boring’. But I’ve really enjoyed proving them wrong,” Adam says with a wry smile.

“People think they’ve been all around Australia, but they haven’t been to places like Humpty Doo and Port Lincoln. After the shows, my twitter feed would be crammed with tweets from viewers saying they had no idea Australia had so much to offer. ”

As a fairly new father, balancing work commitments with family life is a constant challenge. Adam’s admittedly exhausted with the juggling act. “But Christopher [Adam’s son] is a very good traveller!” he says. “He’s now been overseas five times. When I’m filming, he can’t travel with

LIAW UNTO HIMSELF

Faye James speaks to all-round chef extraordinaire Adam Liaw about balancing his hectic career with home life.

“People just sit at their desks and know what their future holds – and as a lawyer, I had that feeling. MasterChef started off as

a holiday but then it became my career.”

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me – it’s 14-hour days and we cover a lot of distance. But he comes along for research trips; he’s better on the road than at home!”

For Adam, working on new creations is a round-the-clock job, although when it

comes to enjoying the perfect meal with friends and family, he’s after something a little more tried and tested. “I don’t want people to impress me with how clever they are; I just want good company,” he says. “I actually included a quote in my book

– ‘the dishes we eat as children are what we crave as adults’. For me, it’s my mum’s lamb chops and my grandma’s Hainanese chicken rice. Nothing will replace these, and it’s where the soul of food comes from.

When people are on their deathbeds or thinking of their last meals, they think of foods their mums or grandmas made.”

Soulful is indeed another word to describe Adam Liaw. As a UNICEF Australia Ambassador, his work with

children in need is paramount. “I love kids, and I think it’s quite tragic

when, because of adult conflicts and disputes, it’s the kids that get left further behind,” he says. “The impending famine in South Sudan is one example.”

“Good nutrition is one of the most difficult things for children in these situations. People can’t grow crops to feed kids while war is being waged. The kids are not just in danger because of the conflict but also because of the food problems that arise. I can’t do enough to help anyone who is in these situations through no fault of their own.”

Adam’s Big Pot, published by Hachette Australia, is on sale 23 September 2014. Paperback $39.99, e-book $19.99.

“I love kids, and I think it’s quite tragic when, because of adult conflicts and disputes, it’s the kids that get left further behind.”

WIN AN ADAM LIAW DVD PRIZE PACK!Simply tell us in 25 words or less your favourite food destination for a chance to win 1 of 5 Destination Flavour DVD prize packs including: Destination Flavour, Destination Flavour Japan and Destination Flavour Down Under. Each prize pack is valued at $89.85.Entries close November 1, 2014. Enter at [email protected].

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alltorque

MOST MARQUES have a racing or motorsports division that tweaks their road cars. They’re usually the best thing about the brand because they embody all of the best bits, mashed into a tin and injected with dangerous animal steroids.

Holden has HSV, which is so deeply Australian that it’s decided a ‘family sedan’ must be capable of towing Uluru to Perth. Volvo has Polestar, where they like to do 150 kilometres per hour Scando flicks and then drive home safely at 49 kilometres per hour. Nissan’s Nismo is like a Harajuku-girl: equal parts scene-y and crazy. Great Wall doesn’t have one, because if you take a corner quickly in a Great Wall, your car will

disassemble. And BMW has M, which is simply brilliant.

Since 1985, M’s finest achievement has been the M3, a vehicle that has represented everything great, but slightly unhinged, about being German: It is brilliantly engineered, extremely earnest and utterly crammed with wieners. The M3 is a man’s car, an induction-grunting sausage fest on 19-inch alloys. It is the manliest beast in BMW’s catalogue and the pride of the brand.

Which is why it was so perplexing when, this time around, BMW did something decidedly un-German.

First, BMW changed the car’s name. It was very confusing. Then they

messed with a winning formula. The old M3 was the last of the naturally aspirated V8s, and was also blessed with steadfast hydraulic – as opposed to false-feeling electromechanical – steering. Pure, if you will.

And where an M3 used to be an M3, whether it was a two-door coupé (which it generally was) or a four-door sedan (which you had to ask for), from now on BMW is assigning all its car designation according to the doors: Two-door cars get even-numbered suffixes; four-door models get odd ones. Which means we get an M3 (four doors) and an M4 (two-door coupé) at once. Even though they have exactly the same engine, drivetrain, chassis – basically, the lot.

Plus, the high-revving engine has been cut by two cylinders to be an inline six and the steering is electric. On paper, and in M-car fan forums, everybody

hated this, stamping up and down in their lederhosen and comically

hurling their Tyrolean hats.They needn’t have been.

Once again, M knew exactly what it was doing. Trust the Germans.

BRUTESBen Smithurst goes to New Zealand to test drive BMW’s answer to the muscle car, the very manly M3 and M4.

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OUTthere went to the local M3/M4 launch in New Zealand, a varied affair involving a 400-kilometre road drive preceded by rainy laps of the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, North Waikato. It’s a short but lovely track, up-and-down in a fashion that references bits of the Nürburgring. It’s also a bit short, at just 3.8 kilometres a lap, but it takes only 15 minutes on the circuit to realise that, instead of disgracing the M3’s legacy, BMW has actually created the best M car(s) ever. Even if they don’t sound quite as belligerent as before and there’s some intrusive cabin noise.

Its numbers are tremendous – 317kW and 550Nm – the latter figure providing a clue on how to lap speedily in the drizzle, the diesel-ish torque surging through bends with delicate acceleration and braking. Plant your foot, though, and it’s more than happy to hoon; the arse will step out happily, especially with the traction and stability off, while it sits flat as a tack through bends.

Each car has a 50:50 weight balance and does 0–100 kilometres per hour in 4.1 seconds, while the introduction of those twin-turbos approximates the sort of linear acceleration the old naturally aspirated V8 was known for. This is because, in Sport or Sport+ mode, those turbos are constantly spinning quickly, ready to go, which scuppers turbo lag. Only 25 per cent of the engine is shared with the engine on which it’s based – the 3.0L 435i – and it shows. This straight-six has 40 per cent more torque than the old V8 – and nine more kilowatts.

A six-speed manual is a no-cost

option for both the M3 and M4, shaving 12 kilos and adding 0.2 seconds to the 0–100 kilometres per hour time, but in terms of shifting speed, power application and even the fingertip comfort of the paddles, the seven-cog M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic is flawless.

Which only leaves the choice. The coupé is cooler, naturally – cleaner

without the rear doors, with a shapelier bottom, for $166,900. The M3 retains the legendary name and has the extra practicality of back-row entry, which adds a bit of weight at 23 kilograms. Although there’s insufficient leg room in the back to make it a proper family sedan, it’s a bargain at just $156,900.

That $10k is telling in a car that’s identical in terms of performance but significantly more utilitarian. For all intents and purposes, BMW pays you 10 grand to have rear doors.

Everything else about the M’s non-identical siblings makes sense. Perhaps, like other Teutonic jokes – sliced meat for breakfast, Rammstein, oompah bands – the pricing is a gag we just haven’t gotten yet. But if you can afford either car, you’re laughing.

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You wake to the soundsof waves and cockatoos ...

and as the sun sets, sausages sizzle and beer awaits.

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WHEN IT COMES to getting away from work and seeing the best of Australia, there are fewer better ways to do it than by camping. You could head to a resort, but there you’re never far from fellow holidaymakers, buffet-bloated kids and beige walls. A camp site is different: Your ceiling is a star-studded sky; you wake to the sound of waves and cockatoos; family or friends can get active in the great outdoors; and, as the sun sets, sausages sizzle and a cold beer awaits.

Arkaroola, South AustraliaThis 610-square-kilometre private wilderness sanctuary, once a sheep station, sits among red granite peaks and golden spinifex in the northern Flinders Ranges

and is pockmarked with fossil-imprinted gorges. Just about any drive takes you on a 60-million-year journey through spectacular bands of geology. Bushwalkers and 4WD enthusiasts can explore by themselves; bring a couple of spare tyres for the rocky conditions. Arkaroola also operates scenic flights and tours. Its twice-daily Ridgetop Tour in a specially designed open-top 4WD vehicle is hair-raisingly panoramic, with Sillers Lookout at the trail’s teetering end testing your head for heights. Arkaroola has 50 powered and plenty of unpowered sites for caravans as well as numerous spaces for tents. The communal campfire is the place to swap tall tales of your day in the Flinders, and magical sunsets and stars make it a bit like tripping in the sixties.

Camping around the country

Going camping? We bring you six of the most scenic and adventurous spots in Australia to chill out under canvas, writes Brian Johnston.

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Fraser Island is a heap of white, brown and golden sands, stands of scribbly gums and towering kauri pines, and freshwater lakes.

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Fraser Island, QueenslandWho wouldn’t want to camp out on a warm Queensland island? Only two hours’ drive from the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island is a heap of white, brown and golden sands, stands of scribbly gums and towering kauri pines, and little freshwater lakes in emerald and turquoise that provide dozens of choice places to set up camp. You can choose among several national parks’ camp sites or more formal campgrounds with amenities blocks and BBQs, such as Dundubara and Central Station. Stay at dingo-fenced Waddy Point, though, and you’ll find a beaut spot within a walk of the beach, and with top fishing nearby. When you’re done doing plenty of nothing, rent a 4WD and take a spin along the island’s east coast: 120-odd kilometres of sandy adventure highway with the Pacific pounding to one side. Awesome.

South West Rocks, New South WalesMaybe because it lies 15 kilometres off the Pacific Highway, South West Rocks has always been a little quiet and old-fashioned – good news if you’re looking for somewhere just to snooze, booze and bask on the sand. You can also hit several good surfing beaches or dive among parrot fish and wobbegong sharks. Need your creature comforts while camping? Try the BIG4 Sunshine South West Rocks Holiday Park. However, the more basic NSW National Parks campsite on the foreshore beneath historic Trial Bay Gaol is hard to beat. You can see the ocean – and, in winter, whales wallowing past – from just about every site. Hike up the headland above into Arakoon National Park and on to wind-battered Smoky Cape Lighthouse, where you can clamber up to the balcony – though you might get blown off into the spectacularly blue ocean.

Top right: Fraser Island is a slice of heaven just two hours’ drive from the Sunshine Coast. Above: If you head to South West Rocks, don’t miss visiting Trial Bay Gaol.

Pitch your tent with a view of the purple-red Cockburn Ranges, ridiculous sunsets and a billion stars ... explore locations used in the movie Australia.

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Home Valley, Western AustraliaTo get to Home Valley from Kununurra, you have to cross the Pentecost River, where water spills over your hub caps and crocodiles lurk. The ultimate bush retreat sits in the middle of more than 1.2 million hectares of Kimberley wilderness; pitch your tent with a view of the purple-red Cockburn Ranges, ridiculous sunsets and a billion stars. The station’s Dusty Bar & Grill provides enormous steaks and conversation with adventurous fellow travellers about breakdowns, musters and gorge country. Home Valley is a working Indigenous-owned cattle station and you can ride out with the workers, hike walking trails, or croc-spot and fish for Barramundi on the Pentecost River. Head up to red-rock Bindoola Falls for a dip to make body parts shrivel. Film buffs can also explore some of the wild and remote locations used in Baz Luhrmann’s movie Australia.

Litchfield, Northern TerritoryThe Top End is magnificent camping country and Litchfield National Park is one of its highlights. It’s under two hours’ drive from Darwin, making it accessible even for a day or a weekend – and before your beer ice has melted away. Landscapes range from monsoon rainforest to sandstone escarpments, but Litchfield’s best-known features are its termite mounds and waterfalls; the latter are great during the Wet (October to May) but provide better swimming the rest of the year. You could check in to caravan parks at Batchelor, the national park’s gateway town, but you’re better off staking a claim at one of the more rugged bush camp sites at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Bluey Rockhole, where you can enjoy early-morning plunges into the waterholes. If you have a 4WD, there are several more dry-season camp sites, such as at Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls, where you can really go bush.

Above: Home Valley Station. This image: Tjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls in Litchfield National Park.

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Leeuwin-Naturaliste, Western AustraliaCape Leeuwin is as far south-west as you can go without falling off Australia. Puff up the stairs of Australia’s third-tallest and the state’s tallest lighthouse for views that show you why this is a great camping destination: rugged coastline, sweeping beaches and turquoise waters meet. The nearest town is Augusta, where you can fish, kayak or hit the golf course. But stay to the north in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, where Hamelin Bay Holiday Park sits beachside under the peppermint trees. Go bush with unpowered camping, or choose between cabins and cottages. Snorkel among stingrays, dive wrecks, surf the waves or head inland to explore the Margaret River wine region. If you’re up for the challenge, the 135-kilometre Cape to Cape Track linking Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses is great – even just on a day walk along the section from Hamelin Bay to Cosy Corner.

STAYArkaroola Wilderness Sanctuaryarkaroola.com.auBig4 Sunshine South West Rocks Holiday Parkbig4-south-west-rocks.nsw.big4.com.auFlorence Fallsparksandwildlife.nt.gov.auHamelin Bay Holiday Park hamelinbayholidaypark.com.auTrial Bay Gaol campgroundnationalparks.nsw.gov.auWaddy Point beachfront campgroundnprsr.qld.gov.au

Round-up

Below: Sugarloaf Rock rises dramatically from the ocean along the WA coast between Yallingup and Cape Naturaliste.

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food&wine

he south-western corner of Western Australia is the green edge of a vast, arid hinterland. It’s where cold fronts from the

Southern Ocean clip the corner of the Australian landmass before continuing eastwards across the Bight.

The oceanic influence means the region has higher rainfall and less variation in temperature than the rest of the west as well as abundant life: giant forests of jarrah and karri, burgeoning river systems, and flora and fauna of every imaginable kind – enclosed to the north and east by desert, and to the south and west by ocean.

In the midst of this geography, the township of Margaret River sits halfway between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste, about three hours’ drive from Perth. It’s still a country town, but a world-class act in winemaking and produce, and the gateway to adventure tourism

including big-wave surfing, caving, fishing and kayaking. From here the entire region is within an hour’s drive north or south.

It doesn’t get much better than the Margaret River Gourmet Escape in November. This year there’s an amazing line-up of talent, some (Heston Blumenthal and Rick Stein) returning from last year and others (Massimo Bottura and Frank Camorra) making their debut. As Blumenthal said of last year’s event, “Honestly, I don’t think there’s any other food event on the planet like this!”

But first, a little wander. During the warmer months don’t miss breakfast at White Elephant Beach Café in Gnarabup. Here you can sit with the sand under your feet near the thundering surf of Main Break. As you sip your coffee, locals launch their boats nearby and stand-up paddleboarders cross the turquoise lagoon to surf the outer reefs.

ESCAPESBETWEEN THE CAPESThere’s an amazing array of culinary experiences hidden among

the forests of the South West region, writes Jock Serong.

It’s still a country town, but a world-class act in winemaking and produce, and the

gateway to adventure tourism.

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food&wine

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At Eagle Bay Brewing Co, nestled in the hills just behind Geographe Bay to the north, brothers Adrian and Nick d’Espeissis have created a full-scale commercial brewery on the family farm. Their on-site restaurant is built from rammed earth and fronted by sloping lawns with a view across the paddocks to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. Nearby is the township of Yallingup, home to some of the nation’s best surfers, including 2014 world title hope Taj Burrow.

Just a little to the east, Julian Scott plies his trade as a winemaker for Flametree Wines, near Dunsborough. Julian also makes his own label there, called Attollo. Thrash metal booms through the huge winemaking shed but Julian is a purist, using a traditional basket press to make exotic and technically difficult Portuguese varieties.

Also on the northern half of this fabled stretch of coast is Leith and Michael Kerrigan’s Hay Shed Hill Wines. The winery was transformed by Michael from an old, rustic operation into one of the region’s busiest cellar door café-restaurants, frequented by well-heeled Perth holiday-makers with beach pads around Eagle Bay. The styles here are traditional Bordeaux: Cabernets with the addition of the ‘spice rack’ varieties Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

At the beautifully landscaped Aravina Estate there’s the chance to dine with a genuine celebrity chef. Tony Howell is a green-eyed larrikin, surfer and free diver – and, for the past 15 years, the head chef at

nearby Cape Lodge. He came to Aravina to ease back on his lifestyle and spend more time with his kids. Conversation with Tony is fast-paced and funny. His dining room flows from indoors to outdoors, thanks to the climate.

Tony’s ocean obsession is reflected on the menu: Rottnest Island tuna and deep-ebony-brown Margaret River marron. Think strictly local wine lists and pride in local ingredients. On the menu there’s duck with Vermentino and varieties such as Tempranillo and Nebbiolo, alongside truffles and caviar.

Wines aren’t the only gourmet treasures hidden in the tall forests here. Josh Bahen runs Bahen & Co Chocolate Maker with his wife, Jacqui, creating handmade, single-origin, stone-ground chocolate. He’s quick to point out he’s a chocolate maker, not a chocolatier (chocolatiers melt down pre-made chocolate). Josh pursues lost Central American cacao genetics, which long ago were dispersed in the Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea. The

TOP 5 MARGARET RIVER GOURMET ESCAPE MUST-DOSNOVEMBER 21–23, 20141. Feast in the Forest2. Food for Thought presented by Breville3. Siemens Collaboration Dinner series4. Gourmet beach BBQs5. Gourmet Village (Featuring Heston Blumenthal, Massimo Bottura, Rick Stein, Peter Gilmore, George Calombaris and Matt Stone)

At the beautifully landscaped Aravina Estate there’s a chance to dine with a genuine celebrity chef, Tony Howell.

Top, above and above right: Dine on local marron at Aravina; making chocolate the traditional way at Bahen & Co; the Flying Fish Cove Winery.

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food&wine

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exact localities of the farms and blends he uses (and one or two of his machines) remain a closely guarded secret.

The factory at Bahen & Co is flooded with a beautiful chocolate aroma. Here, Josh and Jacqui de-husk the beans in an antique machine from El Salvador, roast them, then grind them in a 105-year-old, five-tonne Spanish machine, gradually turning them into liquid through friction and pressure.

The final production stages and the wrapping are all done individually, by hand. Jacqui clearly has an eye for design and chooses the exquisite paper wrapping. It’s a stylish operation – the wrapping, the machinery, the signage and even the hessian sacks of beans and the machetes and scythes. There are sacks piled into the back of a vintage Land Rover ute. It doesn’t run any more – but damn, it looks good.

Damon Eastaugh, winemaker at Flying Fish Cove Winery, is well known to surfers

for his bone-breaking big-wave heroics, but there’s much more to this bloke. He studied law and even practised for a year before getting into winemaking through his family’s nearby Wildwood Winery. His two smallest kids are learning to surf at Yallingup, but it’s vintage that takes up all his time. As well as the Flying Fish Cove label, his massive stainless-steel winery makes wine on contract for others. In conversation, Damon uses a lot of French terms and scientific jargon, but he’s keen on demystifying wine culture – he loves drinking wine and thinks it should be accessible to everybody.

In 2013 the Margaret River Gourmet Escape garnered rave reviews from visitors, sponsors and talent. This year the region might eclipse even that, with exciting new events featuring beer, wine and local produce including Feast in the Forest, A Cabernet Celebration at Cape Mentelle, and Eagle Bay Brewing Co and el Público Long Table Fiesta. It seems there’s nothing this extraordinary region can’t produce.

As attending celebrity chef George Calombaris puts it, “Margaret River Gourmet Escape is the real foodie’s dream … one of the most beautiful locations in the world, with some of the best produce in the world, and some of the best chefs in the world.”

Above and above right: Some of the fabulous fresh fare from last year’s Beach BBQ event; Heston Blumenthal is a huge fan of both the Gourmet Escape and the entire region.

GET THERE There are flights from major cities to Perth daily. From Perth, it’s a two- to three-hour drive south.

STAY Margarets Beach Resort, right by the surf at Prevelly.margaretsbeachresort.com.auYallingup Forest Resort, to experience the forests of the South West up close.yallingupforestresort.com.au

EAT & DRINKMorries Anytime, for affordable, inventive dining and an excellent wine list.149 Bussell Highway, Margaret Riverfacebook.com/MorriesAnytime

Margaret River Hotel, for an authentic local pub vibe.125 Bussell Highway, Margaret Rivermargaretriverhotel.com.au

EXPLOREGreek Chapel at Prevelly, where the views are stunning.

MORE INFOmargaretriver.com

Round-upIt’s a stylish operation – the wrapping, the machinery, the signage, even the sacks of beans.

© M

argaret River Gourmet Escape

www.jackestate.com

Jack Estate is located amongst the finest vineyards in Coonawarra, South Australia. The secret to our award winning wines is the harmony of rich red terra rossa soil,

limestone, pure underground water and a long cool fruit ripening season. Combine this with the exceptional skills of our winemakers who use traditional winemaking

techniques and Jack Estate is crafting world class wines of distinction.

www.jackestate.com

Jack Estate is located amongst the finest vineyards in Coonawarra, South Australia. The secret to our award winning wines is the harmony of rich red terra rossa soil,

limestone, pure underground water and a long cool fruit ripening season. Combine this with the exceptional skills of our winemakers who use traditional winemaking

techniques and Jack Estate is crafting world class wines of distinction.

destination

26

Michelle Hespe visits the Yarra Valley, a region bursting at the seams with fresh produce, fine wine and every reason to indulge.

f someone mentions indulgence, food and wine are often the first things that come to people’s minds. And if the Yarra Valley is mentioned in the same sentence, it’s a sure bet that images of

fine and sparkling wine, fresh produce and chocolate will also fill their heads.

If you’re out to indulge in these and other culinary offerings from the famously fertile Yarra Valley, there’s no finer time to hit the road than in spring. It’s not only a road trip that will gloriously assault your sense of smell but one that will be a riot of colour, with flowers in full bloom, fresh food bursting from the earth, and vines becoming heavy with the promise of award-winning wine.

It’s been more than 170 years since the first vines were planted for wine in the Yarra Valley, making it the first winegrowing region in Victoria. However, increased demand for fortified wine in Australia and beyond meant the valley’s wine production ceased in 1921 and then didn’t kick off again until the late 1960s. Over the past 50 to 60 years, a solid industry has been built around the production of some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines – Rosé, Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs thrive here. And the offshoot of the wonderful wines that come from this region has been the development of many charming communities of people who are as passionate about produce as they are about wine.

Wherever you are in the world, hopping aboard a tour with a knowledgeable guide is the best way to get the most from a wine region. When you’re on your

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destination

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A journey through the Yarra Valley is not only a road trip that will gloriously assault your sense

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own driving around wine country, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on some of the less obvious boutique gems – and that’s really the whole point of visiting a wine region: to discover food and wine that can’t be purchased online or over the counter in your home town.

One tour company that has been going strong in the Yarra Valley for more than a decade is Grape Escape Tours. Specialising in the smaller wineries of the Yarra Valley, the company picks up guests in their choice of a luxury car, people mover (for larger groups) or chopper (the pimped-up option). Owner Bill Hughes and his right-hand man Graham Smith know their stuff; they also know how to entertain their guests while surprising and educating them. Here are some of the places to which a typical Grape Escape Tour will lead you…

Springing into SevilleBuilt upon rich, red volcanic soil and set wisely upon a hilltop overlooking the Yarra Valley, Seville Hill estate is a breathtaking property with a sister winery in Seville, Spain. Towering elms more than 100 years old catch the sunshine in their branches and the lawns merge into row upon row of vines – a shimmering carpet of budding greens.

Owners John and Josie D’Aloisio are wonderful hosts, taking their guests through intimate

tastings of their wines, including specialties such as

a beautifully light and crisp Rosé with hints of cherry and strawberries, and a cherry liqueur that has a chili-like, peppery finish and is made from cherries grown on the farm.

Sipping on their Reserve Chardonnay while admiring the vines, it’s not difficult to see why the picturesque view across the Yarra Valley is often a backdrop for concerts and weddings.

French leaningYou don’t meet many winemaking families in Australia that can lay claim to 10 generations of winemaking, but that’s exactly what father-and-son team Dominique and Ben Portet have to offer their loyal customers and cellar-door visitors. And it’s no ordinary lineage: the Portets’ French heritage goes back to 18th century Bordeaux – one of the most prestigious winemaking regions in the world.

The Dominique Portet cellar door has a tasting bench that runs the length of the open-plan warehouse-style room that doubles as a gift store. It means guests are not just limited to

buying some of the superb wines on offer – the Rosé, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc being popular drawcards – but can also peruse the selection of stylish homewares, jewellery and assorted gifts.

Try the cherry liqueur that

has a chili-like peppery finish

and is made from cherries

grown on the farm.

Above right and below: Father-and-son team,

Dominique and Ben Portet; the rustic, vine-clad Dominique Portet

cellar door. ©

John

Laur

ie

Above left: The breathtaking view at

Tokar Estate. This image: Dominique Portet’s

‘Summer in a Bottle’.

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destination

The Portets are renowned for their Brut Rosé NV, which is a soft, pale-pink colour. The family says with pride that it’s famous in Europe during summer and has even earned itself the nickname ‘Summer In A Bottle’.

To call the Dominique Portet estate and cellar door charming is an understatement. From the stone building with wide barn-like doors opening onto the vines, to the endearing nature of the Portets, it’s a delight – and is one winery you won’t want to miss on your Yarra Valley travels.

Produce pairingNo matter what time of the year it is, every wine tour should be broken up by relaxing in a restaurant or café with sprawling views of vines and valley, where a glass of wine or two can be savoured and matched with the finest of local produce.

The Yarra Valley, famed for its paddock-to-plate approach to dining, is not short of impressive offerings dished up by chefs who really know what they’re doing and are excited by the ingredients they have sprawling in every direction around

them. And why wouldn’t they get excited, when local business Alloway Gourmet Buffalo produces gourmet sausages and tender, fine cuts, Gateway Hydroponics puts the taste and juice back into real fruit and vegetables, and Little Creek Cattle Company provides locals and restaurateurs with grass-fed beef that’s free of hormones and organophosphates?

The mouth-watering list of producers goes on: it includes Yarra Glen Quality Meats and Smokehouse, which is doing a great trade, and Yarra Valley Caviar, which obtains its delicate fish eggs from naturally farmed Atlantic salmon. Every day, there’s a plethora of produce from local companies being carted straight to Yarra Valley restaurant doors, so winery-hopping visitors should always leave a little room for more.

At Tokar Estate’s restaurant, fine dining in an elegant setting is a magical yet relaxing experience. Arched fairytale-like windows frame a surreal setting with gently undulating layers: a gravel path through rose gardens complete with a European-style fountain, then an orderly mass of vineyards followed by valleys, hilltops and a mountain range, all cascading smoothly into the distance. An ever-changing à la carte menu that changes with the

No matter what time of year it is, every wine

tour should be broken up

by relaxing in a restaurant or café with

sprawling views of

vines.

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destination

32

seasons is available, or guests can choose a special of two courses with a glass of Tokar wine.

The estate is no stranger to awards for its wines and is well known for its 2012 Le’ori Unwooded Chardonnay, which has a lemony melon zest and is as crisp as an autumn day in the Yarra Valley. For something with more of an earthy punch, Tokar also does a fine Tempranillo characterised by malt, tobacco-leaf and forest-floor flavours.

Rustic charmMaddens Rise is one of those off-the-beaten- track small wineries that make you grateful for the many winemakers out there trying to do something different.

Set in a small but very funky shed made from slatted wooden, steel and glass, the Maddens Rise cellar door is a fun and entertaining experience, largely due to the lovely, bubbly personality of Emma, who runs the tastings. A lover of wine and watering-cans (her collection is scattered throughout the airy open-plan room, where light pours in through the many windows), Emma makes her guests feel as welcome as best friends that she hasn’t seen for years.

Before you know it, you’ll be giggling over some of the Pink Fizz or sparkling wine, and by the time you hit the Reserve Pinot Noir, you’ll be making plans to order a case and pay another visit.

Chocolate hit Ian and Leanne Neeland made a very good decision over a bottle of wine when they were living in Margaret River. They noted that the Yarra Valley didn’t have a chocolaterie and they decided

they should build one. The locals thought they were mad when they saw the gigantic parking lot that they built to accommodate the thousands of people they imagined turning up.

But head to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery today and you won’t believe the crowd, inside and outside the building. Inside it’s like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, with every imaginable type of chocolate and sweet thing known to humankind piled high in enticing towers of lip-smacking, sugary sweetness.

Needless to say, the car park is usually full these days and is possibly in need of expansion. Like most places in the Yarra Valley, there’s always another group of people turning up with eyes wide open and mouths salivating, ready to step into the warm embrace of indulgence.

Tokar also does a fine Tempranillo, characterised by malt, tobacco-leaf and forest-floor flavours.

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prouting out of the foothills of Cambodia’s former capital city, Oudong, is a mountain flecked with the ornate spires of stupas. From

a distance, Khmers say, this mountain is the shape of a Naga – Nagas being the magical multi-headed serpents that guard the Buddha.

Embarking up a set of stairs that commence at the base of this Naga-shaped mountain, you come across a series of large, barely discernable structures rising out of the earth. Bullet-strafed pillars barely harbour the remnants of what was once a statue of the Buddha – and is now a reminder of the bombings that devastated Oudong in the 1970s. These are the relics of the famous Arthross Temple. Beautiful in their own right,

the remnants are reminders of Cambodia’s rich, deep and tumultuous history.

This onshore excursion to the sacred city of Oudong is but one of many expeditions offered on Cruiseco Adventurer’s journeys along South-East Asia’s mighty Mekong River. Sailing between Saigon in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia, Cruiseco Adventurer has been traversing exotic villages, towns and historic landmarks along the Mekong for the past two years.

With Cruiseco’s focus on sustainability and community development, you can almost convince yourself that your trip along the Mekong is about giving back to society. “We only employ local staff which means that our guests can learn more about the

local region while we can give back to the community,” says Amber Wilson, Cruiseco’s national marketing manager. “It enables us to support the local areas, source our produce along the Mekong River and discover wonderful hidden gems.”

These gems are tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the smaller ports Cruiseco Adventurer visits – away from the more typical tourist destinations. “As a result, our guests discover something that is off the beaten track and truly special,” says Wilson.

The voyage also involves venturing to some of the region’s globally renowned landmarks. An excursion to the Gothic house of The Lover provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of classic literature. Located in

Luxuriate aboard Cruiseco Adventurer as you explore the wonders of the Mekong.

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Sa Dec in Vietnam, this house conceals more than just an eclectic mix of décor; it was the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ largely autobiographical erotic novel detailing her affair with the very wealthy Huynh Thuy Le. How much of The Lover is fact and how much is literary embellishment we’ll never know – those details are concealed within the walls of this historic, yet strangely innocuous house.

From Vietnam to Cambodia, you’ll visit iconic sites such as the Royal Palace, which was constructed in Phnom Penh after Cambodia’s royal capital had been relocated from Oudong; Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world; and the Khmer ruins at Ta Prohm, a glorious location made famous by the film Tomb Raider.

A trip down the Mekong would be incomplete without the opportunity to visit some of Cambodia’s more harrowing historical sites: the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Fields.

But for those better suited to luxuriating, there’s no need to leave the comfort of the ship – after all, this is a holiday! Cruiseco Adventurer boasts beautiful décor and luxurious accommodation. Each of its restful cabins has polished timber floors, ensuite facilities, floor-to-ceiling French windows, a private balcony and a private seating area with outdoor furniture, where you can sit and watch the activity along the colourful shores of the Mekong. Not to mention the ship’s bar, restaurant, lounge,

sundeck, library, boutique and plunge pool.With all of these indulgences, it’s hard

to believe that Cruiseco Adventurer is leading the way in environmental cruising. The ship’s ‘green’ technology utilises a system of solar panels and water filtration systems, and its engine room is operated by the latest Daewoo diesel technology combined with a Japanese JICO System.

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Future farmers will need a diverse skill set to survive in a new environment, writes Baldeep S. Gill.

AGRICULTURE PRODUCTIVITYIS LINKED TO EDUCATION

agribusiness

37

n Australia, a commercially viable farming operation requires an annual turnover approaching $500,000 to generate $70,000

in household disposable income (in line with the median income for an Australian family in 2010) and invest in business improvements so as to create a sustainable operation for the next generation.

Running a half-million-dollar business with climate, product, input and currency risk requires experience, but also a level of expertise that benefits from formal education. And for farmers today there’s a range of options.

By 2020, more than 5000 Australian farms will have annual turnovers of more than $1 million. Successfully leading these businesses will require skills that can be acquired only through education, on-the-job training and ongoing professional development.

Current education levelsThe Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences

(ABARES) identified that between 1981 and 2011, the proportion of farmers with university degrees had increased sixfold and that of those with certificate-level qualifications had doubled.

According to ABARES, “With the operation of farm businesses becoming increasingly complex, many farmers are coming to see themselves less as traditional farmers and more as managers with the same skills and responsibilities as any business manager.This approach has seen growing numbers of farmers pursuing formal educational qualifications.”

Although the proportional increase in educational attainment among farmers has outstripped that of people in other occupations, farmers are still only half as likely as those in other occupations to hold non-school qualifications.

Education optionsAgricultural education starts early: getting a strong grounding in numeracy, literacy,

science and information technology at secondary school level is critical. While some regional high schools have the required curriculum, years of government funding cuts have left many of these institutions struggling to provide globally competitive education programs.

Despite the cost (which can reach $40,000 per annum, including boarding), a number of farming families consider private-school education for their kids to be a key investment in the future.

At a tertiary level, Australia has at least 13 internationally recognised institutions that offer degrees in agriculture-related disciplines, including:• Charles Sturt University• Curtin University• James Cook University• La Trobe University• Marcus Oldham College• Australian National University• The University of Queensland• The University of Melbourne• University of New England• The University of Sydney

OutThere_210x275_2014.indd 1 9/09/2014 3:57 pm

agribusiness

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• University of Tasmania • The University of Western Australia• University of Western Sydney.

Agriculture, business and science degrees from these institutions are now considered a prerequisite for ‘base level competency’ among future farmers.

Principal of Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Dr Simon Livingstone, says, “Farming is and will continue to be complex business and the leading producers of the future will be those who are at the forefront of technologies and who can analyse, adopt and implement the latest scientific practices into their food production systems. Productivity growth is central to the performance and international competitiveness of Australia’s rural sector.

“High-performing agricultural managers need to make complex decisions and be able to profit during challenging times. Many skills can be learnt on the job, but the development of the high-level cognitive thinking needed for sophisticated management decision-making is best learnt off-farm in a tertiary setting.”

If we widen the ‘agribusiness’ discipline to include veterinary science, general science, biology, agronomy, environmental science and business, there are many more institutions offering opportunities for future farming leaders to build up skill sets that will enable them to better unlock the available value in Australia’s agriculture sector.

Professional developmentAs in other industry sectors, ongoing professional development is becoming an accepted part of staying at the forefront of knowledge and skills in farming.

At tertiary institutions, residential programs in business, marketing, finance, farm management and exporting all offer excellent opportunities for farming leaders to ensure their businesses remain at the forefront of the industry.

Outside of tertiary institutions, there are various industry or geographic business groups that offer practical solutions to challenges and opportunities that farmers across

Australia face. Business leaders should be encouraged to attend, participate and learn rather than shying away for fear of giving away ‘trade secrets’.

While Australia is considered a market leader in agricultural productivity, there is always more to learn, particularly from overseas. International study tours that are organised by corporates, special-interest groups and governments should not be dismissed automatically as ‘junkets’ and ignored. A good test is to invest 30 minutes of online research to see if these tours will give you access to people, innovations or contacts that you can’t establish yourself.

Industry goalsThe goal of Australia’s agriculture industry should be to become the

dominant provider of produce to the emerging middle classes of Asia and the Middle East. To achieve this, we require a cohort of professional farmers who can strategically position their businesses to thrive, rather than just survive, regardless of the oftentough conditions they face. Achieving this will require a solid foundation in formal, particularly tertiary education, followed by ongoing learning and professional development.

Baldeep S. Gill is an independent strategic business consultant with more than 23 years of experience across a wide range of industries throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Email [email protected]

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The state of mining in Western Australia

WESTERN DREAMS20

Issue 16 – October 2014

insidemining

© BHP Billiton

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Newman, WA

THERE are four privately-owned railway lines in the Pilbara region of north-western WA. Two are owned by BHP Billiton, one by Rio Tinto and one by Fortescue Metals Group, and all are there for one reason alone: iron ore.BHP’s Mount Newman railway opened back in 1969, and runs from Newman to Port Hedland. The railway is the hardest working on the planet, with by far the longest and heaviest trains in operation.In June 2001, the Mount Newman railway set a new world record when a 7.3 kilometre-long train weighing in at a massive 99,734 tonnes made the 275-kilometre journey between Yandi and Port Hedland.Rio Tinto’s Hammersley and Robe River railway is the region’s largest network. Indeed, with a total length of 1,300 kilometres, the network is in fact the largest privately-owned heavy freight rail network operating in Australia.

In June 2001, the Mount Newman railway set a new world record.

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Vermeer family to run the company.“I look forward to working closely

with Jason [Andringa] this coming year to prepare him for the transition to CEO in November 2015,” said Mary Andringa.

Current chairman of the board Bob Vermeer will assume the role of chair emeritus from November 1 this year.

Vermeer provides the mining industry with construction equipment for projects

GRAND REOPENINGThe Goondicum mineral sands mine located in Monto, Queensland will be reopening in March next year, Melior Resources announced recently.

After the mine closed down in June last year as a result of declining ilmenite prices and issues with care and maintenance, 35 jobs were lost. With the reopening of the mine next year, 50 jobs will be created, bringing the number of onsite jobs to a total of 80 personnel and helping to reverse the downtrend experienced by the town of Monto following to the closure.

With regard to the re-opening, Melior CEO Mark McCauley was positive. “We are excited to commence the restart of the Goondicum mine; it is a substantial milestone for Melior and will position the company as a significant low-cost producer of ilmenite,” he said.

Melior Resources bought out previous owner of the Goondicum mine, Belridge Enterprises, under the condition that Melior invested around $15 million to restart the stunted operation.

Upgrade works implemented at the defunct site include the instillation of additional equipment to boost recovery, improvements to increase throughput at the processing plant by 50 per cent to around 2.8 million tonnes per annum, and the construction of a new access road to the mine that will drastically reduce the haulage distance from the mine to port by around 35 per cent, or the equivalent of 100 kilometres.

RIGHT THIS WAY, MR PRESIDENTMining equipment company Vermeer Corporation has announced that Jason Andringa will become president and CEO of the company in November next year, succeeding the current CEO

and Jason’s mother Mary Andringa. As Jason Andringa moves into the

role of CEO, Mary Andringa will take over the role of chair of the board. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Vermeer, as a family-owned and -operated global company,” said Jason. Company founder Gary Vermeer is the father of current CEO Mary Andringa, making Jason Andringa the third generation of the

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such as energy pipelines, utilities, sewers, geothermal power and high-speed communications lines.

COAL SHOULDERA paper released recently by Ross Garnaut, a professorial research fellow in economics at The University of Melbourne, suggests that over the next decade, China will utilise alternative sources of thermal power, such as gas and biomass.

Garnaut forecasts that the energy produced by biomass in China will increase by around 80 per cent, and energy from gas will almost quadruple in the 10-year period. At the same time, he predicts China’s consumption of

coal-powered energy to decline to 1808 megatonnes in 2020, down from a 2013 figure of 1826 megatonnes.

“China’s leaders are aware that China shares with Australia and all the other countries in the Asia-Pacific region an interest in avoiding the international political instability that would emerge from the impact of unmitigated climate change,” Garnaut says.

Chief executive of the Queensland Resource Council (QRC) Michael Roche disagrees with Garnaut and believes China’s global climate awareness is detrimental for coal producers. “Professor Garnaut is correct in observing renewable energy is on the rise,” Roche says, “but the

undisputed fact is coal produces more than 40 per cent of the world’s electricity and is forecast to overtake oil as the globe’s largest source of primary energy.”

Garnaut begs to differ, citing China’s stated commitment to put greenhouse gas emissions into its future economic equation. “The damaging effects of carbon pollution on health and longevity became more important in public discussion,” he says.

“China … made strong commitments to change the relationship between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions.”

This, says Garnaut, is the driving force for the decline in coal demand that he’s predicting will occur over the next six years.

KEEP ON TRUCKINGKomatsu Australia has announced the release of a new AC -drive version of its 181-tonne, 730E-8 mine truck, with the company claiming that the new vehicle provides exponential haul speeds and is easier to maintain.

The 730E-8 is powered by a Tier 4 compliant 1492-kilowatt engine and has an estimated payload of 181 metric tons. The top speed of the 730E-8 is 64 kilometres an hour, 15 per cent higher than that of its predecessor, and it can handle effective gradients of up to 12 per cent, enabling higher productivity.

According to Komatsu Australia’s national product manager Michael Hall, “Our 730E DC truck has delivered 90 to 94 per cent availability to mines around the world, over hundreds of thousands of operating hours.

“In comparison, the industry average for this class of truck is well down in the 80 per cent range.”

The basic, ultra-tough design of the 730E means maintenance and upkeep of the truck is more efficient and cost-effective. “The simplicity of its design makes it easier to train service technicians and complete regular maintenance tasks, with fewer hoses, bearings, pumps and wear components than most other mining trucks,” says Hall.

Advanced monitoring equipment is incorporated and has even made its way into the truck’s cab.

THE SKY’S THE LIMITAt the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus, drones are being used in teaching, research and local farming projects. Fitted with visual, multispectral and thermal imaging cameras, the drones are used for work on rabbit control, beneficial insect drops to reduce pesticide use, crop quality analysis, and weed detection.

Increasingly, drones are also being used in the mining sector for mapping and surveying in remote regions around Australia.

For more information about uses and training in drone technology, visit uq.edu.au/agriculture

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In the first seven months of this year, 11 Australian mining workers died while on the job. That’s more than double the fatalities than for the same period last year.

Australia is an international leader in safety research and technologies, leading the way in virtual reality training facilities, mining software and innovation. So why have the figures increased so dramatically? What precautions are being taken at personal and management levels to ensure a safe working environment for miners?

Mark Parcell, a spokesperson for the Mine Safety Institute of Australia (MSIA), said that MSIA believes every accident and incident is preventable but the industry is failing to learn from past experience.

“We share the vision of an industry free from injury and illness, and are part of the road to Zero Harm. But it’s a tragedy that history is often repeated and the lessons from previous accidents and

disasters seem to be forgotten or ignored,” Parcell told Inside Mining.

“The problem is essentially one of inadequate communication of information about past accidents. Those involved on the first occasion move on or forget, and the organisation itself has no corporate memory. Ways to improve the corporate memory involve the systematic reanalysis of old accidents and communication of the lessons to all concerned,” he said.

“We believe the industry should support, and be supported by, a well-established and developing body of technical literature and technology transfer capability. The Mine Accidents and Disasters website [mineaccidents.com.au] aims to perpetuate this philosophy to make past lessons more readily available to the mine workers and managers of today and tomorrow.”

The Royal Commission report on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy dedicated a whole chapter to

LEARNINGFROM THE PASTWHILE THE MINING INDUSTRY IS REELING FROM WORKERS’ DEATHS AND SAFETY INCIDENTS THIS YEAR, INSIDE MINING LOOKS AT HOW WE CAN ENSURE THAT WORKERS ARE SAFE.

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Fast facts:• Over the five years

from 2007–08 to 2011–12, 36 mining workers died from

work-related injuries. That’s 3.84 fatalities per 100,000 workers,

which is almost 70% higher than the national rate of 2.29.

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the concept of failure to learn. The report noted the extent to which the themes identified by inquiries into previous tragedies were repeated at Pike River.

“History demonstrates that lessons learnt from past tragedies do not automatically translate into better health and safety practice for the future. Institutional memory dims over time. We need not experience another mine accident or disaster to remind us that we must observe the lessons of the past,” Parcell said.

“As much as we have improved mine safety, we have not achieved our goal. An industry free of injury and illness is still a vision and not a reality. The lessons of the past will assist us to achieve that vision.”

Speaking at the NSW Minerals Council’s Health & Safety Conference in May this year, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the need to focus on safety in the New South Wales mining industry has been tragically driven home in recent months. The conference theme was ‘Learning from the past for a safer future’.

“The past few months have been extremely challenging for the Australian mining industry, with

a spike in incidents and fatalities. While the New South Wales mining industry is known for its strong safety record, the reality is our miners face hazards every day while they do their important work. Recent incidents are a tragic reminder of why safety is, and must always be, our number-one priority,” he said.

“Our number-one goal is to achieve Zero Harm at every New South Wales mine site, through continuous improvement and innovation, high-level training and advanced work practices and technology. The theme of the conference was all about learning from the past for a safer future so we can help to ensure those events are never repeated.”

Unfortunately, the coalmining industry was rocked by yet another on-site fatality just as the Health & Safety Conference concluded.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) general secretary Andrew Vickers said the recent coalmining accidents in New South Wales and Queensland highlight the dangers of working in the mining industry and the need to maintain vigilance regarding safety.

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“The past few months have been extremely

challenging for the Australian mining

industry, with a spike in incidents and fatalities.”

Fast facts:• As at July 14, 2014, 11 mining workers

have died at work this year, compared with a total of 10 workers’ deaths in the mining

industry in 2013.

11

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11

“Improving the safety and health performance of the New South Wales mining industry is a priority for the state government,” he said.

“The role of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Mine Safety program is to provide the framework and direction to industry to promote best practice in the area of mine safety. Mine

Safety has a strategic approach to achieve the government’s aim of zero fatalities and serious injuries in the mining industry.”

Equally important is the preventative role of preparing and training workers to operate safely. Training now starts before most new workers even set foot on a mine site and continues throughout their mining careers.

But according to Coal Services managing director Lucy Flemming, it’s not just about safety. The health of miners is just as important, which means addressing issues such as fatigue and mental health positively.

“Health and safety are interrelated and both require effective management to ensure the wellbeing of people in the industry. Through the Mine Safety Advisory Council, we’ve helped to create and implement practical resources for miners in New South Wales, including a campaign to encourage a culture of ‘looking out for one another’ at work,” says Flemming.

“Everyone has a personal responsibility for the safety and health of themselves and others. The focus on getting our workers home safe to their families every day is everyone’s responsibility – one that we should all take very seriously.”

BIG ISSUE ON THE SMALL SCREENAlly Aitken knows the importance of safety training in the mining industry. Having worked at an open-cut mine in Clermont, the Rockhampton woman has been through countless safety inductions. When asked to be part of a series of new induction and safety videos for Indigenous audiences in Queensland, she didn’t have to think twice.

Jeff McIlroy, a director at Back on Track, which produced the videos, said he believed the initiative was the first of its kind in Australia. He said it was hard for Indigenous work crews to relate to current induction videos, but with a dash of humour and young Indigenous characters, the films could give young Indigenous people a taste of real workplace situations.

“Humour is a great vehicle for getting a message across,” he said, “and the overall message is workplace health and safety means everyone goes home happy.”

Training now starts before most new workers even set foot on a mine site.

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Engineers are involved in all phases of mining operations – from exploration and discovery to feasibility studies, mine design, planning and production, scheduling, financial management and even marketing. With the focus on greater automation in the mining industry, what does the future role of the mining engineer look like?

Douglas Abreu, technical services manager Asia Pacific at Devex Mining, developers of the SmartMine automation technology, says automation and technology alone mean nothing.

“It’s a combination of people plus process plus technology,” he says. “The hardest job today is to keep this balance. Automation may cut some jobs on the field but those people and their knowledge and experience are needed in other roles.”

Abreu adds that miners must also develop their people if they need them operating and supervising machines remotely and maintaining the whole process. “The problem is that it takes decades to prepare people,” he explains. “So the mines

concerned about the future should be thinking about a program for people in 10 or 20 years’ time. While there is a large-scale and rapid uptake of automation, the human factors and skilling of staff to support this automation hasn’t progressed at the same pace.”

New skills are required to support these technologies. An automation skills shortage, in which there are insufficient workers with the required technical knowledge and abilities to support current and future workforce requirements, is foreseen as a significant obstacle to the uptake of automation technologies.

Brad Thorp, manager of recruitment operations at Mining People International, says that currently, the main areas of skill shortage in the mining industry are in the mine-planning disciplines and geotechnical areas.

“We have not seen a significant change in hiring trends due to the increasing use of autonomous technology,” he says. “It is still

THERE IS A LOT OF TALK IN THE MINING INDUSTRY ABOUT AUTOMATION. INSIDE MINING LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE

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MAN AND MACHINE

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The management and transfer of knowledge gain even more importance as operations become more about information and insight, and less about the intuition and ‘gut feelings’ of seasoned experts.

Zimi Meka, chief executive and managing director of Ausenco, and recently named one of Australia’s top 100 most influential engineers, says clarity on goals, expectations and accountabilities are essential if managers are to get good performances from people and organisations.

only a relatively small part of the Australian mining industry, so the impact has not yet been felt; however, we do expect to see changes coming, with the demand shifting to fewer but more highly skilled individuals.

“From an Australian perspective, we feel the skills shortage for high-quality, technically trained people is still a very real issue for companies to deal with.”

The organisational aspects of mining, such as structure, leadership, policy, culture, careers and workers, are critical to achieving a smarter mining enterprise in the future. Mining companies today find themselves with an ageing workforce and issues in attracting and retaining new, top-quality workers and leaders.

According to IBM’s Envisioning the Future of Mining report, the number of upcoming retirees in the mining industry makes the situation more difficult still. The report states that newer employees, mainly from Gen X, Gen Y and the ‘Millennial’ generation, have different attitudes and expectations regarding work. Even when the next generation comes on board, transferring the knowledge locked in the minds of the incumbent workforce will be challenging.

Fast factThe occupational

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sector requires

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“We feel the skills shortage for high-quality, technically trained people is still a very real issue for companies to deal with.”

industryfocus

17

“For the mining industry to fully adopt automation, human factor challenges must be explored and understood,” he says. “Strategies that include a change management framework also need to be put in place to address the impact automation will have on improved safety, working conditions and upskilling opportunities of the workforce.”

New areas of specialisationToday, the challenges of mining are greater than ever before. New high-tech methods are being designed to make tomorrow’s mines more productive, safer and more economically successful. Mining engineers are seeking ways to extract essential raw materials while causing as little disturbance to the environment as possible, and zero or minimal pollution, as well as ways to reclaim land that’s been mined in the past.

Because engineers cross all areas of the mining operation, upcoming mining engineers are required to have a broad education that incorporates many disciplines, including geology, civil and mechanical

engineering, metallurgy, commerce, economics, management, law and information technology.

Mining engineering university undergraduate courses now include modules in mine production and management; corporate management, financial analysis and merchant banking; computer software development and automation; mine design; geotechnics; environment; and government policy formulation, legislation and administration.

Technology, smarter operations and increased regulation are stoking the fires of these changes, fuelled by the pursuit of cost savings and enhanced productivity and safety. In such a dynamic industry, the challenge is to keep up.

Smartphones, tablet computers, real-time monitoring and GPS and satellite technology have advanced a long way, even in the past year, in terms of their applicability and reliability in a mining environment.

One thing is certain: flexibility and constant change will be the mantra of the mining engineers of the future.

Fast factThe mining

industry employs

a significantly

higher proportion

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between 25 and 44

years than the all

industries average,

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half the workers

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cent) falling into

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Technology, smarter operations and increased regulation are stoking the fires of these changes,

fuelled by the pursuit of cost savings and enhanced productivity and safety.

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miningreview

HOW THE WEST IS

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Minerals boss is encouraged by incentives for exploration and calls for regulatory burdens to be eased.

In July this year, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe visited a shrine of sorts.

With formalities finished in Canberra, the pair headed

to Western Australia’s Pilbara region – more specifically, to the West Angelas iron-ore mine halfway between Newman and Tom Price. West Angelas is part of a joint venture between Rio Tinto (53 per cent), Mitsui (33 per cent) and the Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (14 per cent).

Roy Tommy, a respected elder from the local Indigenous Yinhawangka people and a Rio Tinto employee, led a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony for the delegation.

Currently, the mine is being expanded, at a cost of $640 million, from its present capacity of 29 million to 35 million tonnes of iron ore per year.

Japan is Western Australia’s second-largest export market. Iron ore aside,

three-quarters of the state’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) finds its way there. But admiration for Western Australian mining is not confined to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The world at large looks to the state as a leader in many aspects of the industry. The supply chain developed throughout the Pilbara is the world’s best in terms of scale, efficiency and sophistication. Western Australia was also the first to adopt automation and other technologies on a large scale.

Mr Abbott and Mr Abe saw this firsthand when they inspected Rio Tinto’s next-generation technology mining equipment, including an autonomous haul truck and drill that form part of the company’s Mine of the Future program.

The know-how and intellectual property in Western Australia’s mining industry is second to none and the state’s companies and staff take it around the globe. Engineers, geologists and others

who have honed their skills in Western Australia can be found in far-flung locales from Mongolia to Bolivia.

Activity in the Pilbara is instructive. Rio Tinto operates 15 mines in the region, a 1600-kilometre rail network, four port terminals and two power stations. Its operations have reached a run rate of 290 million tonnes a year, with a low-cost expansion pathway in place to move to 360 million tonnes a year.

Iron ore production is surging in the Pilbara. The prime ministerial delegation took place on Wednesday, July 9. One month before, a new tonnage record for the largest departure of iron ore on a single tide had been set when one million tonnes left Port Hedland. The new benchmark of 1,270,721 tonnes was achieved with seven capesize vessels departing on Saturday, June 7.

The port, Australia’s biggest for iron ore, increased exports by 3.55 per cent between April and May, setting a

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monthly record of 36 million tonnes. The nation’s three largest iron-ore miners, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group and BHP Billiton, have all added extra tonnage to their businesses.

In mid-July, Fortescue published aggressive production guidance for the 2015 financial year, saying it could produce as much as 160 million tonnes. The guidance was backed up by a strong June quarter during which Fortescue mined a massive 43.8 million tonnes.

In 2015, Fortescue will spend $1.39 billion on capital projects, including a wharf at Port Hedland. The company announced in June that it would buy four new, extra-large ore-carrying vessels. Chief financial officer Stephen Pearce said the ships would create efficiencies while loading iron ore at Port Hedland.

In the year to date, BHP Billiton has smashed iron-ore production expectations, reporting record output from its mines in the Pilbara region. Its share of Western Australian iron ore production rose 19 per cent from the first quarter of 2014 to 56.64 million tonnes in the three months to June 30.

Increases have resulted from an efficiency campaign at Port Hedland, and the company’s iron-ore president Jimmy Wilson says, “We haven’t finished squeezing the lemon on the inner harbour.’’ BHP says it plans to produce 245 million tonnes this financial year.

The surge in ore exports is not expected to end any time soon. Exporters are ‘seeing red’ in a good way – but it’s not just ore that colours Western Australia’s world: yellowcake and gold have seemingly bright futures, too. And nickel aspirant Sirius Resources has made another promising discovery near the Fraser Range, between the famous goldfields of Kalgoorlie and the Southern Ocean at Esperance.

All sectors aligned with mining Mining has underpinned the Western Australian economy for well over 100 years. When mining falters, the state shudders. Recessions occur in the west that are unknown ‘over east’ and Western Australia does not always react to the economic fluctuations afflicting the rest of the country.

A coffee-shop owner on St George’s Terrace, Perth, says his business fortunes are closely aligned with those of the miners and mining service providers. It’s the same for restaurants, hotels, travel agents, car yards, retailers and, of course, boat dealers.

Significant port, rail, airport, road, water, power and gas infrastructure has been constructed to support the mining industry. As a result, many towns and some small cities owe their existence – or at least their major development – to mining.

Reg Howard-Smith, chief executive of The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME), says the benefits of having a strong and prosperous resources sector are clear.

“The vital contribution of the resources sector was highlighted in this year’s state budget, with royalty income forecast to account for more than 25 per cent of the government’s revenue

Above: Iron ore, Port Hedland.

Mining has underpinned the Western Australian economy for well over 100 years. When mining falters, the state shudders.

miningreview

23

in 2017–18, up from five per cent in 2003–04,” he says.

“With the state government’s mineral royalties rates analysis under way, CME is working on behalf of the industry to ensure the government fully appreciates the challenges and issues facing the sector. Any attempt to impose additional costs and charges or royalty increases onto the resources sector will jeopardise future investment, employment and growth in Western Australia.

“As we have witnessed firsthand, increases imposed on marginal operations can lead to job losses, bring forward mine closures, stifle regional communities that are reliant on mining and significantly weaken the state economy. There is no case for any increase in royalties.”

Mr Howard-Smith says that notwithstanding the transition underway in many major projects from construction to operational phase, the future pipeline of projects relies upon increasing the current level of exploration activity.

Programs such as the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme and the federal government’s proposed Exploration Development Incentive are welcomed by the resources sector and have the potential to deliver a significant return to boost the exploration sector.

“It is pleasing that both state and federal governments recognise the

importance of the exploration sector and the challenging environment faced by many companies,” says Mr Howard-Smith.

“CME continues to encourage both the state and federal governments to focus on improving economic growth through policies to address the cost of doing business, reduce the regulatory burden and improve productivity. The recent abolition of the carbon tax was a step in the right direction.”

Still, there are other challenges. In Australia, wages are among the highest anywhere, which is a barrier to

international mining operations keen to use Western Australian expertise. This is exacerbated by the high Australian dollar. And the cost of fly-in fly-out workers, including their accommodation, catering and the additional staff required to cover the full roster, makes the state one of the world’s highest-cost mining regions.

But given Western Australia’s position as, arguably, the pre-eminent mining province on the planet, it is incumbent upon all Australians to recognise its standing, celebrate its success and nurture its future.

Above: A nickel mine in the Fraser Range.

“Increases imposed on marginal operations

can lead to job losses and bring forward

mine closures.”

miningreview

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PUNS ASIDE, Australia’s resources sector could be forgiven for glowing again, following the Queensland Government’s recent lift on banning uranium mining. Australia holds almost one-third of the global total of uranium resources and is the world’s third-largest producer of uranium after Kazakhstan and Canada, but this could change following Queensland’s regulatory lift on mining the silvery metal.

The Northern Territory and South Australia are the only other states or territories with

active uranium mines. Western Australia lifted its ban in 2008 but projects are believed to be on hold until global prices for the resource improve.

So what does the future of Australia’s mining industry look like with Queensland back on the market?

The history books will show that in Queensland, uranium mining ended in 1982 and has been prohibited since 1989 – which some commentators view as a great shame, given that Queensland has a resource potential of 165.95

million tonnes, according to state government statistics. But do all these facts and figures mean that another mining boom is just around the corner?

Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady, a former Queensland Minister for Mines and Energy, believes the state could be on the brink of something big. And he should know – the far north-western Queensland area is one of the prime sites for known uranium deposits, as is the neighbouring Gulf of Carpentaria.

McGrady told Inside Mining that each uranium mine will attract

JUST WHEN SOME PUNDITS THOUGHT THE MINING BOOM WAS ALL BUT OVER, ALONG COMES URANIUM AND THE REVELATION THAT AUSTRALIA BOASTS THE

WORLD’S LARGEST REASONABLY ASSURED RESOURCES OF THE ELEMENT.

WORDS: CHRISTINE RETSCHLAG

A NEW BOOM LOOMS

27

specialreport

Fast facts • Australian uranium is

exported for peaceful purposes only, not military applications.

• Exports are currently permitted only to countries that comply with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of

Nuclear Weapons and allow full inspections by the International

Atomic Energy Agency.

about 300 new construction jobs and another 300 in operation.

“You have a commodity and resource in the ground which, in normal times – and it has not been normal times with the ban – the rest of the world wants. Here in Queensland we had it almost in abundance and the other states were laughing all the way to the bank,” he says.

“In places like this, where job opportunities are few and far between, no government should be allowed to impose a ban [on anything] that will provide employment, training and education opportunities, particularly in regions with high Indigenous populations.

“When I was in Brisbane the other week, I expected there would be a lot of opposition and I was taken aback by the amount of support the concept had. There was an understanding for the need to mine uranium and the benefits it would bring to the state’s economy.”

Even McGrady concedes that the issue is not without its controversies, but says that if people want base power, it has to come from gas, coal or nuclear sources.

“There are many countries around the world that rely on nuclear energy and we should sell it. You can’t have a monopoly on coal. This doesn’t mean coal power stations are going to be shut down because uranium is on the market,” he says.

Given that there has been a ban on exploring the resource, McGrady believes there are undiscovered deposits around the state, including near Townsville and in south-east Queensland, which could lead to other mineral finds. “This could be the start of the second mining bonanza in Queensland,” he says.

“For many years Queensland rode on [the sheep’s back] and [it] is now riding on the back of coal trucks. If we can find something else that the world wants, my view is that we sell it.”

Reg Howard-Smith, chief executive of the Chamber of

Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, told Inside Mining that Western Australia has the opportunity to benefit from strong long-term international demand for uranium for power generation from China, India and several European countries.

“Western Australia is very well positioned to become a significant player in the global uranium industry. According to the Department of Mines and Petroleum, Western Australia has known resources in excess of 201,000 tonnes of uranium oxide across many potential projects,” Howard-Smith says.

“Like the mining of other energy and mineral commodities in Western Australia, the mining of uranium will be subject to strict safety, environmental and security regulations.

“WA is well positioned to become a significant player in the global uranium industry.”

specialreport

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Fast fact• Uranium is a high-density,

weakly radioactive metal used as fuel in nuclear reactors for

electricity generation. It is also used to make radioisotopes for medical applications; in nuclear

science research; and in the munitions industry as

armour-piercing shells.

“The Western Australian resources sector is in transition from a construction phase to a production phase, particularly for our bulk commodities such as iron ore and liquefied natural gas [LNG]. The production phase is when we see royalties delivered to governments and returns to shareholders.”

Deputy chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council Greg Lane told Inside Mining that it was not in the state’s interests to maintain a “1970s-style ban on uranium mining”. It would now resume mining, with the

“considerable advantage” that the work undertaken will be delivering a world-leading framework for sustainable development that can be adopted by other states and territories.

“Regardless of commodity, mining is a high-cost proposition in Australia, and across the board global energy demand is subdued. Queensland’s global competitiveness is the deal-maker or breaker,” Lane says.

“In the longer term, the International Energy Agency expects global demand for electricity to grow more than 70 per cent by 2035, with more than half of this growth from China and India.

“Uranium exports from Australia are supported historically by long-term contracts from nuclear power generators, so the evolution of the energy mix (that is, coal, gas, nuclear and renewables) will play a key role in determining the future for a Queensland uranium industry.”

And the future of Australia’s mining industry doesn’t rest solely on uranium. Lane says there’s “mounting excitement” about the first exports of LNG from Gladstone,

Queensland, now just months away.“There is subdued demand for

many Queensland minerals and energy resources at present, but this is hardly new territory for our members,” he says. “Naturally, they are placing strong emphasis on emerging from the other side of this downturn as globally competitive.

“Asia wants what we produce. Demand has moderated, not evaporated. We have high expectations for the suite of Queensland minerals and energy exports to keep meeting global demand, with appropriate attention to the fundamentals.”

In south-west Queensland, Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan told Inside Mining that while things have slowed in the Surat Basin’s accommodation sector, Roma Airport statistics tell a different story, with a record 307,000 passengers for the 2013–14 financial year.

“The outlook for Maranoa remains very strong, with much of the CSG [coal seam gas] drilling and associated work increasingly focusing on this area,” he says.

specialreport

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Safer, Simpler, Smarter

THE STORY READS like a superhero cartoon. On the clock he’s a mild-mannered miner; off it, he’s a Facebook phenomenon. Meet Luke Baker, or ‘FIFO man’, as he’s also known to fellow fly-in fly-out workers around the world.

Even Luke, 31, a communications technician who does 3:1 swings on sites in Roma and Moranbah, hasn’t quite got his head around the Clark Kent response he’s received since he stepped into the proverbial phone booth known as social media several months ago.

“I’d done FIFO in the past, but I took a break and moved to Moranbah for a few years. Six months ago I got back on the FIFO bus; my life changed and I needed to be closer to my new

partner in Bundaberg,” Luke says.“You have a lot of time sitting around

airports and thinking. I was on the way to Roma one day, looking out at the clouds, and I wondered if anyone was interested in hearing my thoughts. I had no idea what would happen; I just thought I’d put my thoughts into words. At the time I didn’t think much more about it, and then it all took off,” he recalls.

Luke says his Facebook site, ‘FIFO man’, initially attracted 200 visitors. This increased to 300 before he went to sleep that night and was up to 500 followers by next morning. At the time of going to print, ‘FIFO man’ had more than 12,000 followers. In terms of mining explosions, this was a real beauty.

FIFOMAN

WHEN LUKE BAKER PUT UP A FACEBOOK PAGE TO HELP FELLOW MINERS DEAL WITH ISSUES AFFECTING FLY-IN FLY-OUT WORKERS,

HE DIDN’T ANTICIPATE THE IMPACT IT WOULD HAVE.

WORDS: CHRISTINE RETSCHLAG

33

profile

“I’d never done social media in any capacity in the past. I’m pretty sure [the response] is extraordinary,” he says. “It just echoes the weight of the message and has struck a chord with a lot of people.

“It’s funny talking about issues such as isolation and loneliness when people see you’re in camps with 1000 others. It’s hard for them to understand, but it can be quite lonely when you close your donga door and the kids are playing up at home or your partner’s sick and you can’t do anything about it.”

Luke says ‘FIFO man’ has opened up a new dialogue and he’s heard some horrific stories about suicide and depression within the industry. Some critics even view his site as kryptonite to the mining sector.

“There’s a stigma for men about speaking up and reaching out for help. Particularly in this industry, there’s a view that you should just harden up and get on with it,” Luke says.

“I’ve copped a fair bit of criticism. There was a post from a guy who worked in the Defence Force who said they work six months away so three weeks is a breeze. I pointed out to the guy that I’m not trying to say I’m doing it tougher than anyone else.

“I put up a post from a young woman who said her partner was going to start doing FIFO and was asking for people’s opinions. Some absolute idiots got on there and said some derogatory comments that I took down.”

However, Luke says it’s the overwhelming support and positive comments that inspire him to keep his Facebook page going.

“Some of the stories that people have told me are amazing. A number of [FIFO workers’] wives have sent me messages telling me they’ve never really understood, before now, how their partner feels,” Luke explains. “There are a lot of blokes out there who should buy me a beer for saving their marriages!”

Despite the site’s name, ‘FIFO man’ is not just for male miners and their families, but for female FIFO workers, who face a number of gender-related issues, such as sexism and intimidation, on the predominantly male sites, Luke says.

Luke himself is engaged to be married to Melissa Endres, who has three children, in May next year. “It’s fantastic and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life,” he says.

“The main message on ‘FIFO man’ is you’re not alone. There are a lot of other people out there who have the same feelings as you – the man or woman in the next donga, at the next camp or on the other side of the world.

“There are a lot of people who have come out on the other side, myself included. All you need to do is ask for help – and maybe ask someone else if they need help.”

Did you know?• A construction

worker is six times more likely to

commit suicide than to die in a workplace

accident, yet few mine sites address

mental health issues when doing daily safety briefings.

• FIFO workers can experience loneliness

while away from home, and stress

from the long hours and shiftwork. On

a positive note, some say they have more ‘quality time’ with

their families when they are home.

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DOW19390 - Dust a Side Ad.indd 1 4/07/12 1:17 PM

“It’s funny talking about issues such as isolation and loneliness when people see you’re in camps with 1000 others. It’s hard for them to understand.”

34

profile

Dust-A-siDe®

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productivity .................. Fewer wet-weather stand-downs

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meet demand.5. Over 50 Billion dollars in

investment across 11 current projects in mining, defence, government, infrastructure and agricultural.

6. Up to another 28 potential projects in mining, oil and gas projects set to kick off over the coming decade. Some of the most significant mining, oil and gas projects the country has ever seen are being and will be serviced and supplied through Darwin.

7. Strategic location within close proximity to Asia.

8. Depreciation components typically double other capital city locations due to high

AUSTRALIA’S GATEWAY TO GROWTH....... DARWIN NT

Darwin City

construction standards, building materials and cyclone ratings.

9. ‘Multi-tiered Economy’, with Mining, Defence, Government, Agriculture and Tourism all providing economic benefits.

10. Limited space to grow within the CBD area with Darwin situated on a Peninsula surrounded by water on 3 sides putting residential property in the CBD at a premium for property investment.

08 8944 4555 5/48 Cavenagh Street Darwin NT [email protected]

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43

a desired period and convert them easily back into cash when needed.

Entry and exit costs The entry and exit costs of property transactions can make the idea of quick turnover even less attractive. Stamp duty, legal fees, agents’ fees and government charges can add up, typically putting the investor behind even before they own the property.

While shares do attract small fees – for the execution of a trade or to engage the services of a stockbroker – these costs are minimal in comparison to the amount invested, and work favourably for the investor who’s looking to invest or access funds without penalty.

While some investors may opt for shares over property or vice versa, each carries its own pros and cons. It’s important to understand which will suit you. Understanding how each asset will perform is important – but life is full of changes, so make allowances within your portfolio that allow it to evolve in line with your situation.

nothing like the swings you’ll get in the share market.

In contrast, it’s not uncommon to see shares increase by 20 or 30 per cent in a few hours, bringing riches to many. But values can fall just as quickly, so be aware of the risks and realise the level of volatility to which you may be exposed by investing in shares.

Leverage The returns of shares versus property often track quite similarly over the long term, but there’s no doubting the amount of leverage property can achieve compared with shares. It is this leverage that allows the investor to control large amounts of funds with relatively few dollars, equating to large gains (or losses) when the market makes its move.

Commonly, investors leverage at five or 10 times their principal amount when buying property. This is considered reasonable and even conservative to some, as property’s relatively low levels of volatility mean there is far less associated risk.

Shares, on the other hand, fluctuate wildly, so the thought of borrowing five, 10 or even 20 times the amount invested would make most investors’ heads spin – and would open them up to massive losses should the market move against them.

WHILE THERE are hundreds of ways to make a dollar, if you’re looking at investing, by far the most popular option for Australians is shares or property. While both can offer great returns when managed properly, each has characteristics that make it better suited to one person than another. Here are a few things to consider.

Volatility Defined as the percentage of movement in prices, property has always been a favourite for investors due to the low price fluctuations the market generally experiences. Niche markets do have large swings up and down but it’s rare and is certainly

Margin calls A margin call is when you borrow to invest and then the price falls so low that it threatens the amount the lender has put into the deal. At this point the lender forces the sale of the investment to recoup their money. This often spells the end for the investor, who has to sell at a price that not only wipes out their original investment but leaves them owing massive amounts to their lender, with no asset to fall back on. Property investors may not be familiar with the term because, typically, margin calls don’t happen in property – a comforting fact to remember.

Liquidity Property investment has many pluses but being able to buy and sell quickly is not one of them. Shares can literally be traded in a nanosecond; property transactions take weeks, months or sometimes years to execute, making ready access to funds difficult.

Shares, however, can be traded often and at any dollar value, making them supremely convenient: you can invest for

Expert buyer’s agent and author of Why Property Why Now

JOSH MASTERS

SHARES VS PROPERTY

Property investment has many pluses but being able to buy and sell quickly is not one of them.

With more than 15 years’ experience in the industry and hundreds of property purchases under his belt, Josh Masters is

one of Australia’s most respected buyer’s agents. Learn more at

joshmasters.com.au


45

INVESTING IN property requires planning and involves having several strategies. Success in growing your property portfolio is not only about property values increasing, it’s about balancing your accessible equity/cash with your ability to service debt. Here’s the essential compact guide to preparing for securing your next loan.

Have clarity about your approach to your next property. Can you avoid loan mortgage insurance or not? Don’t shop around for the best rate, as you could inadvertently end up with several credit enquiries on your credit report; use a broker. Every time you apply for a credit card, personal loan, interest-free finance

for furniture at a retail store and so on, a credit hit occurs. The more credit hits you have, the more of a risk you become to a lender. This means you could end up with a higher rate, sometimes upwards of two per cent.

Reducing your credit card limit will increase your borrowing capacity. Declare all your liabilities and assets.

Avoid taking a loan or guaranteeing a loan with someone else other than your spouse (most lenders will attribute 100 per cent of the debt to you and only 50 per cent of rental income, if any). If you’re over 55, lenders normally require an exit strategy, which often excludes downsizing or selling a business.

Apply when you have two incomes. If you apply after just changing jobs, it can prove difficult; if you apply after just becoming self-employed, it could prove impossible.

Obtain a copy of your credit file to ensure you’re aware of what’s on it. I’ve seen so many instances in which someone has a default listed of which they were not aware. This will affect

servicing and the interest rate you get.Have your paperwork ready: two

forms of ID, two forms of income verification, savings statements, contract (if a purchase), six-month repayment history (if a refinance) or three-month repayment history (for credit cards/personal loans, if consolidating debt). Fill in all sections on the application. Many lenders credit score, and they could decline you for suspected non-disclosure. Consider having interest-only loans for investment debt (reduce your non-tax-deductable debt, your home mortgage).

With the new legislation on positive credit reporting, you could be quite exposed; even late payments may be visible to other lenders, affecting your chances of getting a loan. I’d be interested in your opinion about whether or not you think it’s fair that lenders become privy to your personal information. Email me your thoughts at [email protected]

For more information, visit australianpropertyadvisorygroup.com.au

Andrew Crossley is a property investment adviser and property advocate and the

founder of Australian Property Advisory Group, which specialises in representing

the buyer, not the seller.

From Australian Property Advisory Group

ANDREW CROSSLEY

TIPS TO GET FINANCEWhat you must know when arranging finance for your investment property.

Don’t shop around for the best rate, as you could inadvertently end up with several credit enquiries on your credit report.

BUYER’S AGENT VENDOR ADVOCACYSTRATEGISTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Attention property buyers: Are you interested in buying your next investment or home in Brisbane

and need help?

Hot Property Specialists offers a compressive service for time poor professionals to invest into the Brisbane property market, with years of local knowledge of the Brisbane area Hot Property Specialists can Search ~ Evaluate ~ Negotiate your next property purchase providing guidance from start to finish, we

even help clients post settlement with professional property management that specialises in interstate investors. Zoran Solano Buyers’ agent, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency

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SEVEN SMART TIPS FOR HIGH-INCOME EARNERS


47

those on lower incomes. The article also interviewed a high-income householder who claimed the income the household earned (more than $200,000) made them feel just ‘comfortable’. What makes you feel ‘rich’ is a matter of perception.

Think about it: what do we really need in this life? Answer: food, water, shelter and clothing. What, however, do we really want in this life? Answer: status symbols relevant to food, water, shelter and clothing!

You may be earning $200,000 a year but after income tax, mortgage repayments, credit card repayments, car and personal loan repayments, a plethora of indirect taxes and levies and the cost of living, you’d be lucky to save $1000 a month if you’re like most families.

Many high-income earners buy items they believe will boost their status among their friends and family – items that provide the lifestyle they believe they deserve. However, this lifestyle causes unnecessary consumer debt and severe financial

1Reduce your credit-card limits and cancel any

unused credit cardsIn a previous article for this magazine, I emphasised some common mistakes people make with their credit cards. High-income earners are guilty of the same mistakes. Many people have more than one credit card. That’s OK if you manage the debt. But most people don’t – their cards control their lives.

Remember, if you don’t pay the balance of your credit card/s in full every month, the bank’s servicing calculators will multiply your total limits by four and deduct that figure from your borrowing capacity when you apply for a loan. Tip: Once you’ve paid off a significant amount of debt, reduce your credit card limit before you apply for a property loan. This will make a huge difference to your borrowing capacity.

2Consolidate your personal debt

A prospective lender prefers to see consolidated debt than

IN MANY ways, the financial characteristics of mining personnel are very similar to those of the rest of the population. Like everyone else, you like to spend, to enjoy the fruits of your labour and lifestyle. However high-income earners also face their own unique challenges. If your combined household income is greater than $200,000, there are seven tips you should consider.

multiple debts. Always look for opportunities to consolidate any personal loans and cards with high interest rates. It’s not rocket science: one interest rate on one loan always looks better than multiple loans.

Multiple loans not only cost you more in interest, they have a negative impact on your borrowing capacity. Consolidating existing debts often reveals extra cashflow you can use to fast-track the elimination of all credit cards and consolidated debt.Tip: It’s smart to pay off the smallest debt first, working your way up to the largest debt. Watch the ‘Debt Snowball’ Strategy video by David Deegan at smartfinancialadvice.com.au to help you get out of the debt trap.

3Avoid unnecessary consumer debt

Many high-income earners don’t consider themselves wealthy or well-off. A recent finance article revealed that people on higher incomes spend a higher percentage of their cash than

Founder and director of Smart Property Adviser

KEVINLEE

Having a high income isn’t a free pass to spend carelessly, advises Kevin Lee.

Kevin Lee is a property investment adviser in Australia.

To attend one of his free ‘no secrets’ seminars, visit

smartpropertyadviser.com.au

BUYER’S AGENT VENDOR ADVOCACYSTRATEGISTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Attention property buyers: Are you interested in buying your next investment or home in Brisbane

and need help?

Hot Property Specialists offers a compressive service for time poor professionals to invest into the Brisbane property market, with years of local knowledge of the Brisbane area Hot Property Specialists can Search ~ Evaluate ~ Negotiate your next property purchase providing guidance from start to finish, we

even help clients post settlement with professional property management that specialises in interstate investors. Zoran Solano Buyers’ agent, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency

Looking to buy Real Estate in Brisbane? Don’t do it Alone!

BRISBANE PROPERTY MARKET STARTS TO HEAT UP!

SUITE 1/15-17 MONTAGUE ST, GREENSLOPES | P (07) 3170 3760 | E [email protected] | W hotpropertyspecialists.com.au

Call the team to take the next step!

(07) 3170 3760


48

Tip: This flight could be a blessing in disguise. Take some time – right now – to think about your financial future and start writing down your goals. Dream big and plan for the next five years. Work backwards: What do you want to have achieved in five years, three years and one year from now? What do you need to do – what are your action steps – over the next 12 months, three months and next week, if you’re to start achieving your goals?Ask yourself the following pertinent questions:(a) When do you want to retire?(b) What income do you want in

retirement so as to be able to live the retirement lifestyle you desire?

(c) What’s your plan for achieving (a) and (b)?

Remember, no-one plans to fail; they fail to plan! If you don’t have a realistic plan or aren’t confident about how to achieve your goals, you need to invest in your financial education.

than you do. If you have cash sitting in a general savings account – or, worse, a number of small savings accounts – your money isn’t working for you. You’re pretty much giving the banks a free pass.Tip: Consolidate all those extra funds into one term deposit or your offset account. Better still, invest them in shares or property. And do your research before you decide what is the best strategy to help you to achieve your financial goals.

6Have the right loan structure

Your variable rate home loan might benefit from having an offset account attached, so speak with your financial adviser or mortgage broker to assess if it will work for you. Also, structuring investment loans as ‘interest only’ has been popular for about 30 years now but it’s not always the smart thing to do.Tip: Debt reduction might just be the new black. Make sure your

loan portfolio is well structured, organised and regularly reviewed. A poorly structured loan portfolio reduces your flexibility, increases your risk profile and can create reporting and tax nightmares.And diversify your loan portfolio across different lenders; that way, you have leverage when you apply for finance; it diversifies your risk of overexposure to any one lender; and it gives you the upper hand when negotiating.

7Have a long-term wealth plan

Speak with your financial planner and accountant about your long-term wealth plan. You need to have written goals in place. It’s a sad fact that only three per cent of people have written goals, and that their income and wealth are greater than those of the other 97 per cent of people combined. The primary excuses for not having written goals are laziness, apathy and not enough time. But they’re just that: excuses.

pain. Expensive lifestyle items depreciate in value as soon as you sign the paperwork.Tip: Instead of wasting your money on consumer debt, consider buying assets that have the potential to increase in value over the longer term; for example, investment property.

4Have the right insurance in place

Your financial planner can help to ensure you always have the right insurance in place. If you don’t have the right insurance protection, here’s what would happen if you lost your job or became seriously ill or injured and couldn’t work: (1) You’d lose your high income; and (2) you’d lose your home and other assets.Tip: Having seen what life can unexpectedly deliver, I strongly advise people to take out adequate life insurance, trauma insurance and income protection insurance.

5Look for ways to make your money work for you

As we touched on earlier, start to think of consumer debt as unnecessary. Look for ways to make your money work harder

You need to have written goals in place. It’s a sad fact that only three per cent of people have written goals.

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