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SHIFT MINERMonday 27th February 131st Edition 2012 The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news

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NewsKey farms attract a premium » page 4

NewsWorkers still wait at Moranbah North » page 4

NewsGladstone anglers get court date » page 6

Around TownLions club shares the love » page 14

Off ShiftEarly autumn descends » page 20

Money MattersClermont museum takes shape » page 22

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THOUSANDS of mining vehicles will soon need to be replaced to meet strict new safe-ty standards on all BMA sites across the Bowen Basin.

The new rules will apply to the company fleet, as well as contractor and sub-contractor vehicles.

Shift Miner Magazine understands from July 1, BMA will only allow vehicles with a 5 star ANCAP rating - the highest safety stand-ard available - on site; however, there will be a two year changeover period.

Currently, there are only five models of utes that meet the 5 star ANCAP stand-ard: the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Falcon FG, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Holden Commodore VE Omega.

The Black Auto Group, which owns Central Highlands Toyota, Mitsubishi and Great Wall in Emerald, has this month added the Volkswagen brand to meet expected demand.

“We have been awarded the Volkswagen franchise in the Central Highlands, and stock has been ordered and the showroom has been fitted out,” said the Black Auto Group’s Natalie Foster.

“We haven’t taken any orders yet because the stock hasn’t been delivered, but we antic-ipate there will be a demand because we are hearing of contractors who are ordering them through other dealers.

» continued page 8

Multicultural footy day brings communities together » More pictures page 15

BLUFF SHINES

UTE RUSHBMA safety changes drive ute sales

Page 3 - Shift Miner Magazine, 27th February 2012

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CONTENTS

Regulars 16 Stuff to the Editor 17 Frank the Tank 18 Miner’s Trader 20 Weather & Tides 25 Money Matters

NEWS5 LNG CEOs

answer tough questions

7 Doors close on Moranbah shoe store

10 Scholarships program extended

11 Brisbane wants more FIFO business

131st EDITION. 2012


News

ANGLO American is refusing to be drawn on what cutbacks, if any, have taken place to the contracting numbers at its Moranbah North underground mine.

Last week, the company responded with disappointment to The Shift Miner’s reports that up to 250 contracting jobs would be lost at the mine in the wake of a roof col-lapse last year.

The information had been provid-ed by a worker who told The Shift Min-er contractors and full-time employees had been informed by management there would be cuts.

When asked this week for contracting numbers at the mine before the Novem-ber roof collapse and current numbers, a spokesperson for the company provided the same statement it did last week about on-site personnel:

“Operations have resumed underground at Moranbah North mine and we are near-ing the completion of rectification work.

“Anglo American engages contractors in line with business needs and will ramp up and down accordingly.”

Major contractor Mastermyne plays a large role at the mine, and last week

the managing director Tony Caruso said his company’s contractor numbers had remained unchanged and he expected that situation to continue.

About 30 Mastermyne workers were moved to other sites immediately after the collapse.

Mr Caruso said he could not com-ment on other contractors and their num-bers as that was an issue between them and Anglo American.

PURCHASE of large tracts of Central Queensland farming land by resource com-panies is expected to continue as new projects and new players enter the mining arena.

In past months there have been signif-icant sales of well-known properties in the wider region, and Rockhampton-based Herron Todd White agent, Michael Chaplin, said that trend was likely to continue.

His office fields regular enquiries from resource companies and agribusiness over market trends, available properties and marketing property for sale.

“The resources sector has created a two-tiered market with farms bought at a pre-mium above market value by resources companies,” he said today.

“There are a lot of people out there with cash in their pocket now after selling and they are waiting to re-enter the market by purchasing sizeable, high quality, properties.”

Adani recently bought the 122,000-hec-tare Moray Downs beef property near Cler-mont for a reported $110 million.

Owner Graeme Acton told media after the story broke that he felt he had no choice but to sell.

Its the latest high-profile sale in a trend that shows buying land is a strategy to mini-mise community opposition and angst over gas and coal developments.

The proposed mine to be established at Moray Downs is projected to produce 60 million tonnes a year with a mine life of more than a century with an estimated project cost of more than $6 billion.

Other companies, such as Origin, Santos and Xstrata, already own sizeable tracts of land they are farming while it is developed.

For those fortunate enough to be in the sights of resources companies the sales can represent prices not seen since 2007 and this is generating a lot of discussion in rural

and regional communities.“It’s a pretty heavy topic at the moment.

The mines aren’t holding back and previous-ly they were buying bit by bit but now they are opting to buy the whole lot (of a farm).

Mr Chaplin says if the owners can sell a property and continue farming it on a lease-back agreement it can put them in an even

stronger financial position than a straight sale.Any sales required confronting senti-

mental connections to the land, however.He added most enquiries from poten-

tial buyers that want land to buy ask about resources activity on the farm or nearby.

“Most property owners are affected by mining - it’s a pretty common topic.”

Jobs uncertainty lingers at Moranbah North

CQ farm buy up continues

“The resources sector has created a two-tiered market with farms bought at a premium

above market value by resources companies.”

“Anglo American engages contractors in line with business needs and

will ramp up and down accordingly.”

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Monreagh Farm Manager Stuart Gray, who will live on-site with his family and run the property owned by Origin. It is just one of many that have been purchased by resource companies.

* Do you know more? Call Shift Miner Magazine editor Greg Sweetnam on 0403 540 181 to discuss the situation and how you’re affected.

131st EDITION. 2012


LNG CEOs served up questions THE CEOs of major gas companies will get a side order of questions from guests at the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited lunch tomorrow.The Gladstone Entertainment Centre event is being promoted as Everything LNG. The Industry Leadership Group, which includes the bosses of Arrow, APLNG, GLNG and QGC, will participate in an open panel discussion and answer questions posed by guests. ...........................................................................Collingwood & Taroom “significant projects”COCKATOO Coal’s Collingwood and Taroom mine projects have been granted significant project status by the state government. The projects, near Wandoan and Taroom respectively, are expected to cost about $1.8 billion to build and export up to 14 million tonnes of coal annually for 25 years. The projects include a seven-kilometre railway and a 16-kilometre electricity transmission line and could create up to 1000 jobs during construction and operation............................................................................Assessment to protect reefA GROUNDBREAKING assessment on how best to protect the Great Barrier Reef from the impact of coastline development - including farming and mining - is to be carried out. The state and federal governments and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have signed an agreement that will allow for the study aimed at protecting the unique environmental values of the World Heritage Area and the reef. More than 60,000 jobs are considered reliant on the reef by the government. ...........................................................................Dental hub for MackayA NEW dental practice is to open in Mackay. Westfund Health Insurance has bought premises to house a state-of-the-art six-chair dental practice and plans for this to be a dental hub for the region. There are also plans for the fund to purchase a mobile dental facility, which will ease the burden on residents travelling long distances for dental care. The news comes as Central Highlands Dental Surgery in Moranbah is closing. Full story Page 7.

FAST NEWS

News

JOHN Holland was been awarded a $220 million contract to construct stage 1 of the stockyard works for the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) project at Golding Point in Gladstone Harbour.

This will include building the structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumen-tation associated with the in-loading, stack-ing, reclaiming and out-loading systems.

It also includes the installation of 13 pre-fabricated substations, and the project’s main electrical, control, communication and piping reticulation.

The contract adds to the company’s portfolio of recent work in the coal sector,

including the Newcastle Coal Infrastruc-ture Group stage 2 inbound and outbound works, along with expansion works at the Abbot Point Coal Terminal in Bowen and the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal in Mackay.

The WICET project is owned and being developed by existing and potential coal exporters in Queensland to provide increased long-term coal export capacity.

Stage 1 of the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal has a contracted annual coal export capacity of 27 million tonnes.

Once fully developed, the terminal is expected to provide more than 80 million tonnes per annum of additional coal export capacity through the Port of Gladstone.

Construction installation works will begin late in 2012 with completion expect-ed in early 2014.

John Holland wins WICIT contract

QGC’S 540 kilometre gas pipeline will con-sist of 46,200 12-metre lengths of pipe weld-ed together and then buried.

The steel pipeline will run from Chinchilla in the Surat Basin to Gladstone where the coal seam gas will be shipped over-seas from the QCLNG Curtis Island plant.

Heavy rain in the gas fields had delayed work on the pipeline last month, but work is

back underway now with all 46,200 lengths of pipe delivered to sites along the route in preparation for welding and burial.

“More than 1300 people are involved in preparing the pipeline easement, dig-ging the trench, welding and test the welds before eventually burying the pipeline,” said QCLNG senior vice president Sandy Nairn.

“Each of the 42,200 welds on the pipe-line is subject to 100 per cent automatic ultrasonic testing to ensure it meets Aus-tralian and international standards and that we can be totally confident in the pipeline’s integrity.”

“If any welds fail to meet standards, they are repaired and re-scanned before being accepted.”

The pipe is also coated on the outside with epoxy to protect it against corrosion and handling damage, and on the inside to ensure smooth gas flow.

The pipeline will begin to be buried next month.

Once fully developed, the terminal is expected to provide more than 80 million tonnes per annum of additional coal export capacity through the Port of Gladstone.

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46,200 welds in 540km pipeline

131st EDITION. 2012


“It is like playing Russian roulette with our lives and the lives of consumers that eat our catch. It is madness.”

News

Gladstone anglers given court dateGLADSTONE’S anglers will be back in court on March 22 to push for $20 million compen-sation from the Queensland government.

On that date the Planning and Environ-ment Court in Rockhampton is expected to hear further details about how the busi-nessman believe that dredging operations to widen and deepen the Port of Gladstone for mine exports has caused sick and dis-eased fish in the harbour.

Gladstone Port Corporation is state gov-ernment owned.

Shine Lawyers have lodged the class action on behalf of 60 businesses arguing the Glad-stone Ports Corporation (GPC) has failed to comply with conditions set by the government and must now provide financial compensation to the Gladstone fishing industry.

Shine Lawyers Partner Rebecca Jan-causkas said the Gladstone fishing industry

needed action to safeguard their livelihood.The $70 billion port development and

associated dredging has been widely blamed in the Gladstone community for fish deaths in the harbour.

However, the GPC has always main-tained the dredging did not cause the sick fish, and that is backed up by an independ-ent scientific report.

In a statement, the GPC said it had always been keen to provide compensation to commercial fishers as required for the loss of access to fishing grounds caused by the Western Basin Dredging Project.

Fisherman and lead applicant in the claim, Trevor Falzon, described fishing in the harbour as chancing life.

“It is like playing Russian roulette with our lives and the lives of consumers that eat our catch. It is madness,” he said.

MORANBAH, Mackay and Brisbane host-ed the federal inquiry into the social and economic impact of fly-in, fly-out and drive-in, drive-out workers last week.

The hearings were part of a series of regional sittings for the House of Rep-resentatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia to gauge first-hand how workers and communities cope with FIFO and DIDO.

By the end of this year Moranbah is expected to have more FIFO workers stay-ing in dongas than full time ratepayers.

Isaac Regional Council figures show 19,800 non-residential workers now live in local accommodation villages or on mining sites and that will grow to about 28,224 at some time this year.

The council has 23,000 permanent resi-dents living within its boundaries.

Isaac Mayor Cedric Marshall welcomed the committee to town but said they should have spent more time in the area.

“They don’t need to be fly-in one day

and fly-out the next, otherwise we may as well have it down in Brisbane, Syd-ney or Canberra, wherever they come from,” he said.

“They could spend a week here just driv-ing around, just seeing the issues. A fly-in, fly-out inquiry is not what we want.”

Chaired by Independent MP Tony Wind-sor, the committee has already received more than 100 written submissions. Region-al hearings allowed more information to be gathered first hand on the impact of FIFO and DIDO, Mr Windsor said.

The final report will provide insights on the extent and projected growth of FIFO/DIDO work practices and well as the provi-sion of services, infrastructure and housing availability for FIFO/DIDO employees.

Queensland has 38 projects set to start by 2017, including 23 coal mines and 12 coal seam gas projects, supporting 30,000 new workers, according to latest government figures. Many of these will utilise FIFO and DIDO.

FIFO hearings end in QLD

Same report tells same storyTHE latest statistics released by the state government have failed to shed any new light on the safety of mines and quarries across Queensland.

The Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report 2010-11 by the Department of Employ-ment, Economic Development and Innova-tion (DEEDI) has just been released.

However, they are more or less the same statistics released four months ago when the Commissioner for Mine Safety pub-lished his own report into the performance of the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.

The Commissioner reported that there had been three deaths on Queensland mine sites during 2010-2011 but that, on the whole, safety had improved.

A spokesperson for the department said the slightly updated figures had been re-released because it was now a legislative requirement for the Commissioner to pro-duce and table a report.

He said the second report was more comprehensive and had a mine by mine breakdown.

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche says that the three fatalities that occurred during the year were still three too many.

“Two of the fatalities were vehicle-re-lated accidents at surface coal mines while the third resulted from an earth collapse on a small opal claim.

“All were tragedies for their families, friends and work mates.”

Lost time injury frequency rates fell again from 3.8 to 2.9 injuries per million hours worked in 2010-11. Days lost to injuries were down from 14,325 days to 11,027 days while the lost time injury plus disabling injury duration rate fell from 34.4 days to 27.4 days per injury.

Overall, the severity rate for lost time injury plus disabling injury also fell from 311 days in 2009-10 to 230 days lost per million hours worked.

The Commissioner reported that there had been three deaths on Queensland mine sites during 2010-2011...

131st EDITION. 2012


News

FIFO hearings end in QLD

Shoe sale marks end of an eraTHE real estate boom in Moranbah is one reason why an iconic shoe business is clos-ing for good.

The Boalywood Shoe Shop, touted as the best little shoe house in the west, is holding its final sale as own Ruth Boaly closes the doors due to ill health.

“It’s just that I couldn’t afford to rent it out,” she told The Shift Miner.

“I own the building so I am selling, and frankly anyone who buys this building is better to rent it out and get 10 times the return than they had a retail business.”

The shoe shop has attracted the likes of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Queens-land Premier Anna Bligh, and has been a necessity for many women in the region.

“To get a return on what you pay for real estate, you would want to get a lot more than what you would invest in a business,” Ms Boaly said of her decision to sell.

Ms Boaly is selling two buildings, which also means the closure of clothes boutique in her second building.

Moranbah Traders Association spokes-person Lyn Busk said the town is seeing the closure of several businesses - all for differ-ent reasons.

“These are businesses where people stuck their necks out 20 year ago and now they are taking advantage of the high pric-es,” Ms Busk said.

“Ruth has health problems and it is time-ly for her to take advantage of prices and get a good retirement.”

However, once these businesses are gone, it is very difficult for new businesses to start up and take over.

“I am in fear of the future of business-es because of the price of real estate,” Ms Busk said.

In order for a business to start up in Moranbah, you need to have a lot of talent and a lot of money, she said.

Ms Busk said the problem comes down to lack of affordable housing, and with the current closure of small boutique-type busi-nesses, all that will be left in the town is mining-related businesses.

“If we want to attract and retain fami-lies in Moranbah, we need to provide what women want, otherwise they will go and do their shopping in Mackay.”

Meanwhile, Mr Boaly is gearing up for her big closing down sale tomorrow.

“I just hope that one day after I close some women will get a little building and start the way I did 22 years ago and put their stamp on it. I really, really hope that is going to happen,” she said.

“Please thank everyone who has sup-ported me over the past 22 years. I know I have thanked people a million times, but thank them a million and one times for me.”

MORANBAH residents are losing their shoe shop, a clothing boutique - and now they are set for another kick in the teeth.

The Central Highlands Dental Sur-gery has announced it be will be closing its doors on 30 March due to unworkable lease agreement with their landlord.

Practice manager Trisha Hahn said the surgery’s owner, Kim Dodds, had been looking for new premises over the past year, but there is nothing available.

“It is not a matter of just moving into a vacant building - it needs to be pur-pose built. We have specialised equipment requiring installation technicians, accredi-tation by Radiation Health.

“It has been said in the past another shopping complex will be built, with the facilities for a medical centre, but we are still waiting for that,” said Ms Hanh.

Dr Dodds has owned and operated the surgery for over eight years and has lived in the region for close to 15.

The practice has served a large area including Emerald, Blackwater, Dys-

art, Middlemount, Clermont, Coppabella, Nebo, Glenden and of course Moranbah.

Residents will now have to travel at least two-and-a-half hours to Mackay to see a dentist.

This news comes a week after local business icon, Ruth Boaly, announced she is taking an early retirement and selling her two buildings. (Story below).

Her sell-up not only means the end of her shoe shop, Boalywood Shoes, but also the closure of a clothing boutique, which leased the next door building.

Moranbah Business Traders liaison, Lyn Busk, said the closure of these types of businesses will have an enormous impact on the town’s demographic and whether people choose to live in the town or not.

“We need families in Moranbah and in order to attract families, we need to have these small boutiques. They provide a good shopping experience and that’s what wom-en want,” she said.

And, if women are happy and have their needs met by the town, then their

husbands are more likely to choose to live in Moranbah, according to Ms Busk.

“If you want to buy a pair of shoes or a swim suit - and we have just had our aquat-ic centre opened - then you should be able to buy them here and not drive two-and-a-half hours to Mackay.”

“These businesses have all been profit-able and we don’t want to lose any more shops.”

In addition to the closure of the den-tist, shoe shop and clothing boutique, an embroidery shop and a homeware shop are also for sale.

“I fear for the future for some of our businesses because of the prices of real estate,” she said.

Ms Busk said the problem comes down to a lack of affordable accommodation and available land.

Businesses that will be coming to set up in Moranbah will need a lot of mon-ey behind them in order to afford the sky-

rocketing rents.“I am looking forward to more com-

mercial shopping areas opening up in the near future, and while it is happening, it is taking such a long time and there is lots of red tape.”

By the time it does eventuate, it could be too late.

And even if it does, businesses will have a difficult time attracting staff, she said.

“The new shopping complex is meant to house a McDonalds, but they won’t be able to attract staff because there is nowhere for them to live.”

The Isaac Regional Council and the ULDA have set aside land for accommo-dation and 120 houses are to be built.

Ms Busk said it was not happening fast enough to deal with the challenges facing Moranbah.

“If it is not fast-tracked, if people don’t stick it out and stay, then it will be the demise of a lot of smaller businesses.”

More teething problems as Moranbah grapples boom

“I fear for the future for some of our businesses because of the prices of real estate.”

131st EDITION. 2012


A SPIKE in coal prices is expected to cancel out any production losses stemming from the recent miner’s strike in central Queens-land, according to a key resources analyst.

Coal production in the Bowen Basin was hit when more than 3000 workers walked off the job over a week ago at seven BMA (BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) mines.

The workers are back after the week-long

strike in what was the latest industrial action in a dispute between unions and BMA that has been ongoing for close to 15 months. At issue is the new enterprise agreement.

Analyst Gavin Wendt said the impact on coal prices was already known.

“When this campaign started we saw an immediate flow through effect, and coal prices spiked,” he said.

Those prices, he said, were helping to insulate the company from the full impact of the strike.

“While it (the strike) is an issue for BHP, in terms of production and sales volumes, prices

will definitely receive a little boost along.“That certainly helps offset the pain of

any slippage in terms of sales volumes.”BHP’s competitors are in an even cosier

position, according to Mr Wendt.“Other producers who aren’t impacted

will be saying - this is great, the coal price is being pushed up for us.”

The weather also plays a key role in determining coal prices.

While Queensland coal producers have been spared the severe weather of the last wet season, there has still been a slow down in production.

Of concern to workers and BMA is that after the extensive negotiations and a strike they have still not reached agreement.

The major sticking points continuing to be union rights, the bonus system and accommodation issues.

Neither side has shown any willingness to budge, and the CFMEU’s Steve Pierce said the union and BMA were still to speak over the next step in negotiations.

He said the union was now considering its options, and more strikes could be on the horizon.

“We are also working very closely with Toyota whose engineers are reviewing their vehicles in light of the changes.”

The Central Highlands region is abuzz with contractors keen to work out what the new rules mean for them.

“It’s all anyone is talking about, people are asking us because they want to know the

implications,” said Ms Foster.Meanwhile, Shift Miner Magazine also

understands BMA has just bought 2000 Ford utes to be used on its Queensland mine sites.

Bremmer Ford, based in Ipswich, will service the vehicles and has been look-ing for land around Emerald to build a service facility.

“The major sticking points continuing to be union rights, the bonus system and accommodation issues.”

News

FROM PAGE 1

Coal price spike at right time for BMA

“It’s all anyone is talking about, people are asking us because they

want to know the implications.”

131st EDITION. 2012


THE eviction of more than 27 people from Middlemount’s only caravan park not only means possible homelessness, but could also spell the end for several local businesses.

Permanent residents were recently giv-en notice to vacate the town’s only caravan park by August, but there is no where to go, says Isaac Regional Council’s mayor, Cedric Marshall.

“It will affect a number of businesses as they have several employees staying at the caravan park,” he said. “If businesses close, that will be a loss of service industry.”

There is very little private land available, with the majority owned by mining compa-nies and the rest unallocated state land.

Council approved the plans for The Mac Services Group to redevelop the site last year, which included provision for a tourist park with 27 powered caravan sites.

“They have made a decision that they don’t want permanent residents and they are a private company and we have no con-

trol,” Cr Marshall said.“We didn’t know they would evict the

permanent residents.”One of the residents is mail contractor

David Wood.Mr Wood starts his mail delivery from

Mackay at 1am and travels through Nebo, Coppabella, Dysart and to Middlemount, where his finishes the day at 7.15pm.

This is his designated rest stop.Mr Wood said he initially stayed at a

hotel when he first started delivering the mail years ago, but rooms were getting increasingly harder to get.

So in the mid-2000s he bought a caravan and became a permanent resident.

“We were told back then that the car-avan park would never close. We knew it would be downsized because the rest would be converted into single rooms, which is fair,” he said.

“To be given an eviction notice was a hell of a shock.

“It doesn’t just affect me, there are oth-ers who are employed in town and they will probably lose their jobs because there is nowhere to stay.”

Residents have met with mining town advocate and Independent candidate for Mirani Jim Pearce and Isaac Regional Councillor John Black to discuss the issue.

The Shift Miner asked The MAC if it would be open to accommodating the per-manent residents, considering the accom-modation issues in Middlemount and the possible effect on local businesses.

The MAC chief executive officer Ron Green responded with a written statement:

“The application approved by Isaac Regional Council contains no provisions or conditions for The MAC to provide perma-nent caravan sites. The new park is designed to help service tourists and short stay visi-tors to the region,” he said.

The approved application includes provi-sion for the tourist park, as well as an addi-tional 400 rooms to be added to the village.

“A staged construction programme on the re-development is planned to com-mence in late 2012 to be completed mid 2013,” Mr Green said.

In an earlier statement, Mr Green said residents had been given plenty of notice - six months as opposed to the required two.

In the meantime, Cr Marshall said the council would endeavour to try and help where it can.

“The majority of accommodation being built is for the mining industry,” he said. “So hopefully the mining industry can get involved and put a bit of pressure on the company.”

Cr Marshall is meeting with Anglo Coal, who awarded the development contract to

the MAC, to see what the mining company can do.

“There is a critical shortage of residen-tial accommodation in the region and we are trying to address this,” he said.

There are several affordable projects in surrounding towns.

In Dysart, the council has a portable housing project, which it will roll out to Clermont and Moranbah.

In Moranbah, the ULDA is working on 126 blocks of varied accommodation.

“It all seems to be slow, but you can’t just get a piece of land and develop it. It all takes time.

With the mining boom, it comes with such a rush that we can’t keep up,” Cr Marshall said.

“We are trying to keep up with Clermont as we know the Galilee Basin is about to hap-pen. We have identified several blocks for res-idential so that can relieve the pressure.

Mr Woods blames the state government for the situation, and said it should have been releasing land earlier to accommodate workers because it has known about the mining expansions.

Queensland’s Housing Minister Karen Struthers indicated late last year that she will be meeting major employers and min-ing companies about what pressure they could collectively apply to keep rents at rea-sonable levels.

The Minister has set up a taskforce to investigate the situation and see what can be done to ease the rental squeeze.

“This is a nice little caravan park and it will just go - just like the ones in Tieri and Dysart,” Mr Wood said.

Cr Marshall said the issue must be resolved before August.

Caravan park closure could spell end for businesses

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“They have made a decision that they don’t want permanent residents and they are a private company and we have no control.”

Tieri caravan park before it closed [pictured]. Middlemount’s permanent caravan park will soon be no more as well. The 27 permanent residents have to leave the park by August.


Why not consider a career in health and aged care?· Flexible work rosters

· Industry leading pay

· Seeking medical officers, midwives, nurses, carer’s, Allied Health Professionals

· Excellent career prospects

· Across all mining areas including Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Yeppoon

Go to www.mercycq.com/careersor call our recruitment team on (07) 4931 7478

MERCY HEALTH and AGED CARECentral Queensland Limited

Mine Site Heavy Earthmoving Diesel Fitter QMAG is seeking applicants for the position of a Maintenance Fitter to join the heavy mobile plant maintenance crew based at our Kunwarara Mine site. This position will report to the Maintenance Supervisor (Mobile Plant). Applicants will have demonstrated success in a heavy mobile plant servicing and repairs in a mining environment with work on haul trucks, excavators, dozers, graders and loader. Applicants must:

• Have a Diesel Fitter/Heavy Mobile fitting trade qualification

• Demonstrate a flexible approach to work and a commitment to continuous improvement

• Follow safety procedures and instructions with minimal supervision

• Have excellent diagnostic aptitude on Engines/Transmissions and Hydraulics

• Conduct fault finding using electronic equipment tooling and OEM guidelines

The maintenance team work a 24/7 roster with transport provided from our process plant at Parkhurst, Rockhampton.

• Lifestyle roster• Home every night • Close to the beach

For more information, visit our website or contact HR. Please send your application to the HR Department, Queensland Magnesia Pty Ltd, PO Box 5798, North Rockhampton Qld 4701, email [email protected] or fax 07 4936 1380 by 17 February 2012. Ph 07 4920 0200.

www.qmag.com.au

SHIFTMINERladder

G E T W H E R E Y O U W A N T T O B E

Brisbane wants bigger slice of FIFOBRISBANE is the latest destination to stake its claim to be a major fly-in, fly-out hub.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has unveiled the city’s plans for business development over the next two decades and a key part of projected growth was FIFO services and attracting resource sector workers.

An estimated 177 resource industry companies already have their main office in Brisbane and the city council says for every mining job in the state there are 19 indirect jobs created. This in itself shows the poten-tial for growth.

“The global expansion of resource indus-tries is bringing an unprecedented win-dow of opportunity to Brisbane and we are on the cusp of a resource-based economic transformation,” he said.

“This is expected to drive strong business investment and expansion in Brisbane and this plan sets out the economic agenda to ensure Brisbane is in the best possible posi-

tion to maximise the returns from the cur-rent resource boom and deliver long-term prosperity for our city and its residents.”

A staggering $25 billion was put into Brisbane’s regional economy in the past year and city council believes up to 340,000 new direct and indirect jobs can be created in the city in the next 10 years.

Major mining companies BHP Billiton, Santos, Rio Tinto, Xtrata, Peabody Energy, Bechtel and Vale all have offices in the city.

The fight to become major FIFO hubs also involves the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast who want a share of the market to improve the economics of their regions.

Cr Quirk told guests at the Sebel dur-ing the launch of the plan that increased air services and airlinks over the next 20 years formed part of the multi-pronged plan as more workers commuted from Brisbane to remote work sites.

Brisbane is forecast to double its econo-my to $217 billion by 2031.

RIO Tinto has unveiled plans for a driver-less train network to carry iron ore, sparking concerns about job losses and widespread discussion about the future work practices of the industry.

There are currently no plans to bring the trains to Queensland.

In announcements made by the compa-ny on its website and through a number of media interviews last week, it was revealed the Rio Mine of the Future Project, which has had its name trademarked, will lead to a

$500 million automated rail network in West-ern Australia’s north west in about two years.

The network will be the first in the world using long-haul automated engines while driverless trucks are currently being used in the Pilbara.

Rio Tinto believes the innovation will address skills shortages.

However, Gary Wood, of the Construc-tion, Forestry, Mining and Energy Workers’ Union told media it may lead to job losses.

“This is all about profitability at the expense of workers and workers’ jobs,” he said.

This was quickly dismissed by Rio Tin-to’s Greg Lilleyman.

“Our business, no matter what, even with the autonomous train program will still need more employees in five years time than we need today in total,” he said.

“The jobs might be a little different and the skill sets different but we still need more people and I think that’s the same across the industry.”

Driverless trains focus of Rio investment

For employeesIt’s the place to go to search for jobs that are relevant to your skills set and industry experience.We’ve listened to your feedback, and we know you want a dedicated jobs section. Ladder will bring you what opportunities are on offer in the region, and further afield.

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G E T W H E R E Y O U W A N T T O B E

Mackay nursing students Kahla Edwards and Brittany Power are developing their skills and experience in their chosen career thanks to support from an annual scholar-

ship programme that is now open for 2012 applications.

Since 2009, the Hail Creek Mine CQUni-versity Partnership Programme has been

offering scholarships worth $4000 each over two years to first-year nursing, health, busi-ness, science, IT, and engineering students.

This year seven scholarships worth a total of $28,000 are on offer and applica-tions are being accepted now until the clos-ing date of March 2, 2012.

In addition to the financial benefits of the scholarships, the programme can offer various opportunities in career develop-ment including work experience, mentor-ship, networking opportunities, and mine site visits.

As former scholarship recipients, both Kahla and Brittany are currently working at Hail Creek Mine two days a week to assist the site in delivering its health and wellbe-ing programme to workers.

They are strong advocators of the schol-arship programme, and encourage first-year students to apply for this year’s round.

“I’m enjoying the opportunity to apply my university studies on a mine site in my local region,” 2010 scholarship recipient and final-year nursing student Brittany said.

“I’m from Mackay and I want to stay here after I finish my degree, so the oppor-tunity to study locally and gain work expe-rience at the mine through the scholarship has made a huge difference.

“When people think of working for a mining company, they typically think of truck drivers, trades people, and engineers, not nurses or other health practitioners.

Hail Creek Mine general manager oper-ations Rowan Munro said the scholarships support local people in their chosen fields and provide opportunities to pursue their career in central Queensland.

To apply for one of the scholarships or to find out more, please contact Hail Creek Mine’s Marie Cameron on 07 4951 6437.

Scholarships offer career defining opportunities

“When people think of working for a mining company, they typically think of truck drivers, trades people, and

engineers, not nurses or other health practitioners.”

Driverless trains focus of Rio investment

Hail Creek Mine’s Fiona Kruger and scholarship recipients Brittany Power (nursing), Phillippa Cary (business), and Markeen Valdez (IT) during a visit to Hail Creek Mine.

131st EDITION. 2012


News

Is this steamy weather a risk to your hearing?

If you, or someone you know suff ers from these symptoms phone Clarity Hearing Solutions today for a free no obligation consultation.

Advanced Hearing Aid and Audiological Specialists

e [email protected] w www.clarityhearingsolutions.com.au Jodie Miles Audiologist B.SPATH(HONS)., M.AUDST., MAUDSA(CCP)Grant Collins Audiologist B.PSYCH(DIST)., M.AUDST., MAUDSA(CCP)

Hope for Industrial Deafness

Call now for your free no obligation consultation 4957 2000

Visiting Moranbah, Proserpine, Sarina & Northern Beaches

Water resistant hearing aids……since when?

Up until a few months ago, there were no actual waterproof hearing aids on the market and most hearing aids needed to have additional preventative measures taken to prevent problems from humidity in the wet season. However, a few months is a long time in hearing aid technology and now there is a device available which is completely waterproof. Furthermore, there are whisperings in the industry of several other brands also releasing their own waterproof models. I think it will only be a matter of time before it will be standard for all hearing aids to be waterproof which is great news for Central and Northern Queensland. However, unless you are one of the lucky ones to have a newly released waterproof hearing aid you will need to be aware of the limitations of your device.

Can a hearing aid really be water resistant?

If your hearing aid is less than 3 years old, there is a good chance your device is moisture resistant. What this means is that both the circuitry and the outside casing is coated with substances to repel moisture. Furthermore, the electronics of the aids themselves are sealed in casings which make it very hard for the moisture to enter. Most manufactures claim that you should be able to drop a hearing aid in fresh water and they will survive. However, should the water be salty, have detergent or other corrosive properties, then the hearing aids may be damaged. This of course causes problems up here in the tropics due to perspiration during the summer months and consequent corrosion of the hearing aid circuitry. No hearing aids are immune to this as they are all designed and made in the northern hemisphere where they do not experience conditions like these.

What can hearing aid users do to protect their hearing aids from moisture if their aids are not waterproof?

The only way to avoid corrosion and extend the life of all hearing aids is to take preventative measures to stop the moisture from spending long periods of time within the devices. This includes daily use of moisture absorbing kits. These can be either a silicon tablet which absorbs the moisture through a silicon substance, or they can be electric devices which blow warm air. Another tool we use up here for devices which sit behind the ear is a cover called ear gear. This is a moisture and grime repellent cloth matched to your hair colour which discreetly sits over the top of the hearing aid preventing perspiration, dust and grime from entering the aid. They can be cleaned regularly with soap and water and are a must for those working or spending long periods of time outside in dusty, dirty and hot environments.

Jodie Miles – Clarity Hearing SolutionsB.Sp.Path.(Hons).,M.AudSt.,MAudSA(CCP). Senior Audiologist

TIPS FOR THE WET SEASON- Keep your hearing aid as dry as possible.- Consider the new range of waterproof hearing aids available.- Clean regularly.

With the wet season in full swing and the humidity and heat stepping up a notch, it’s a good idea to touch upon waterproof and water resistant hearing aids and preventative measures again.

Call now for your free no obligation consultation 4957 2000Shop 6, 25-29 Evans Avenue, North Mackay

Visiting Moranbah, Proserpine, Sarina & Northern Beaches & Walkerston.

If you, or someone you know suff ers from these symptoms phone Clarity Hearing Solutions today for a free no obligation consultation.

Advanced Hearing Aid and Audiological Specialists

e [email protected] w www.clarityhearingsolutions.com.au Jodie Miles Audiologist B.SPATH(HONS)., M.AUDST., MAUDSA(CCP)Grant Collins Audiologist B.PSYCH(DIST)., M.AUDST., MAUDSA(CCP)

Hope for Industrial Deafness

Call now for your free no obligation consultation 4957 2000

Visiting Moranbah, Proserpine, Sarina & Northern Beaches

LIKE many in the tourism game, John Cameron has moved his business with the times to capitalise on the mining dollar.

John Cameron has run Little Johnny’s Tours on the Capricorn Coast for four years, but over the past 12 months with his business partner Dave Kendall, they also operate a vehicle rental business from Yeppoon.

Anything from buses to mine spec vehicles can be hired - and increasing-ly the service is being used by local con-tracting companies who have workers out in the coalfields.

“We do dry hire buses - where you drive the vehicle - and they are used a lot by contractors who need to run their people from their accommodation to the mine site,” said John.

“Being the Capricorn Coast, all of our business is through networking and word of mouth.”

“We’re only small so we’re not really competing with the big hire companies - in fact, we’re probably easing a bit of their pressure. Our point of difference is we’re

easier to deal with for the customer.”The business is another in a long list of

local companies who are backing the CQ NRL Bid.

John, why is Little Johnny’s Tours & Rentals behind the bid?Both Dave and I follow the game, and we usually pick guys up and take them in to watch the local side whenever they are playing.

To attract a home team would mean so many more people coming to this region who will want to have a look around.

From our business’ perspective it will mean more people wanting tours, and hiring cars to get around.

What would it do for the region?There will be an increase in the number of people coming up here from down south, places like Melbourne, and they are going to spend money.

It will be good for all the businesses in the region - I mean look what it has done for Townsville.

Not only that, there are a lot of locals who support teams like St George and the Broncos and it would be great for them to get to see their teams play here as well.

Is it really a possibility?I do. We are not getting any publicity down south, all the media commentary is about Perth, the Central Coast and Bris-bane nothing about Central Queensland.

But I don’t think that matters, what matters is good corporate sponsorship and there is a passionate push on up here. From the financial side of things there is a lot of big business backing it too.

I think we are in league heartland and we have a fantastic business plan and nowhere else is booming like cen-tral Queensland so there is the money to support the bid. Hopefully they will look past the media hype and focus on what matters.

Proudly supported by Shift Miner Magazine

All ABOArd lITTle JOHnny’S BuS


If your local club has any news or

photos it wants added to this page,

you can submit your articles to

[email protected]

What’s happening in sport in your town?Bluff gate opens door for Indigenous rugby leagueThe success of the Highlander’s multi-cultural rugby league knockout in Bluff could, for the first time, see a junior team heading to a flagship Indigenous carnival on the Gold Coast.

The Highlanders sent its open side last year, but gate takings from Bluff could clear the way for a separate junior side to compete as well.

The Bluff Multicultural Knockout is into its second year, and while not exclusive to Indigenous players, it does feature a number of all Indigenous teams.

Organiser and spokesperson for the Highlanders Lennie Comollatti said it had been a great weekend of rugby league.

“Both the shield and plate finals were close games,” he said.

“In the shield final, Fitzroy beat Woorabinda 26 to 18 and in the plate final the Highlanders beat Woorabinda 26 to 24.

“It was really hot weather to be playing football in so I think it really bought the teams closer together.

“But everyone played in really good spirit.I would especially like to thank all the people who

helped out, because we all know things like this don’t happen without that help.

“And of course I would like to thank all our sponsors including SMW Group, the CFMEU, the Central Highlands Regional Council and all the other big list of businesses I can’t mention individually.”

Best and fairest in the shield final was Kayland Davis, while Jessie Taylor made his a successful comeback to the game winning best and fairest in the plate final.

In other games, the Central Highlands won the U16s and the Bluff Women’s side beat a composite side in the open women’s competition.

Long grip on pink batsNeville Suell took a long grip on his cricket bat at a pink cricket day in Rolleston recently, smashing 17 fours and five sixes on his way to 121.

The effort by the Emerald magpies batsman was the on-field highlight for the charity cricket match

organised by the Rolleston cricket side.The day was organised in collaboration with

the McGrath Foundation and spokesperson for the Rolleston club Rick Jones said the day had been an entertaining one.

“Rolleston made 296 off the 40 overs and in reply the Magpies were all out for 253,” he said.

“So it was a big high scoring game, and it was pretty warm so I suppose a boundary was the best way to get your runs.

“I think there were a few balls lost in the long grass and it was a pretty tough hit out for the bowlers.

“Having said that, Dave Smith from Rolleston had some good figures getting 4 for 20 off six overs.”

Despite the pink flavour, the game was for competition points.

However given that neither side is able to make the Central Highlands finals, both teams were willing to risk their hand which partly explained the high scores.

More than $2500 was raised for charity on the day, and over 100 people were in attendance.

Kiwi forecast five in 2013The soreness from the 2012 Waitangi day Rugby extravaganza may just be passing, but already the cocky Kiwis are talking five in a row in 2013.

While Waitangi Day is a public holiday in New Zealand - the 2012 game at Emerald between New Zealanders and a world Barbarian side was no holiday for the players.

In a game most memorable for its defence, the Kiwi side ground out a victory beating the rest of the world by just one point.

The score at half time was 10-all with the final score 16 to 15 - but had the world Barbarian side been able to convert a penalty goal in the dying minutes of the game the result could have easily gone the other way.

World coach Darryl Corrie told local media penalties lost them the game.

“A close game is a good game always, one point in it,” he said.

“It shouldn’t have come down to a kick in the end but it did. He could have won it but he didn’t.

“The penalties we gave away were probably the

www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au

Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be part of the central

Queensland community and committed to the future.

To apply for funding for your local project or organisation

please contact Hail Creek Mine’s business services advisor Marie Cameron on (07) 4951 6437 or marie. [email protected].

Hail Creek Mine has invested nearly $1M in the communities of Nebo, Mackay, Mirani, and Sarina through our Community Development Fund since its inception in 2006.

Through the fund, we proudly partner local groups and projects that deliver sustainability to these communities in skills, education, and training; employment; economic development; health and wellbeing; art and culture; and the environment.

We are now accepting applications for the first round of funding in 2012. Applications close Thursday 8 March 2012.

Apply now for funding from the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund

All ABOArd lITTle JOHnny’S BuS

worst, they were probably what lost the game for us.“I think we were over eager, we hadn’t played as a

team together and that comes with training and with playing together.

“You can’t buy that. You can’t mould a team in three weeks or in four weeks.”

PRETTY IN PINK: Rolleston and Emerald cricketers raise money for cancer

131st EDITION. 2012


arouNd towN

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

LovE wiTH a RoaR! The Blackwater lions Club took on a Valetines day theme for their markets held recently at the Civic Centre.

Shirley Pidgeon enjoying her fairy floss

Marion Watson with Kerry and Greg Anderson

Lorraine Sullivan painting the face of Steven Lambert watched by Jason and Jasmine Lambert

Jack Reid and Stacey Charles

Jenny Ryan and Rhonda Atkinson

Frank Wilson and Beth Baker

Ron and Bev Richardson

Kurt Ingram and Bridie Anderson selling Valentine roses

Andrew Entriken and Mick Gilligan

Judy Say thought the kids shouldn’t be the only ones with their faces painted.

Ken Challacombe and Robert Oates

Alison and Ayzlin Wood

Chris, Ben and Lisa Duncan

`Tarni Anderson with Taja and Lainee Ingram

6 bed, 3 bath family home on 44 acres of land. 5 minute drive out of town. 9ft ceilings, tiled floors, Caesar Stone bench tops, 2 pac cupboards and a walk in pantry. 4 separate living areas. Main bedroom has walk in robe + ensuite. Large covered patio with mountain views. Separate 2 bed, 1 bath unit with access to the 15m x 9m shed with 3 phase power. There is also a 18m x 9m open mach. shed. 3 dams. Fenced for livestock. 45mins drive to Brisbane airport & even less to Sunshine Coast airport.

$1,400,000Exclusive Agency

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SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Glass House Mountains

131st EDITION. 2012


arouNd towN

www.shiftminer.comBUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT

Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together

Bluff hosted a Multicultural Football game at the weekend, with teams from Woorabinda, Central Highlands, duaringa

and Bluff taking part. Good times were had by all.

Bronte Lancaster and Kaylah Brown

Jack Brumby and Jacob O’Connor

Samia Richardson

Hayden and Shanea Hoffman and Keegan Freeman

The 2 Woorabinda teams

The 2 Under 16’s teams

Shanae Anderson and Kess O’Kearney

Carla Hallam and Koorine Walker

Josef, Nathan, Michael, Marli, Greg and Elisha.

Virginia Oakley, Allison Cameron, Del Thaiday, Katherine Oakley and Lilly Ray.

Georgia Willmann and Kelsea Anderson

Keenan Richardson

Greg Richardson with Mary-Ann and Keenan Lammermoore.

Stephen & Garry Clarke with Gavin Godbold

Cheyanne, Anana and Denyse

TackLing mULTicULTURaLiSm

131st EDITION. 2012


stuff to the editor

Sent in anonymously...

SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVEN’T?Prizes for the best mining Photos.Take iT on your phone or camera and send iT in

Text to 0428 154 653 [email protected]

Got somethinG to share?send us your text messages or phone photos to

0428 154 653 or email to [email protected]

Our story in the last edition about maintaining a diverse economy in Queensland struck a chord with some readers:

People seem to forget mining is

boom, bust. The young ones all want

to work in the mines and chase the

dollar - and why wouldn’t you? But

we could be in some trouble in 30

years. Pat, Mackay

Strong economies are diverse

economies. That is a really worry

for Queensland, and Australia while

it focusses on mining. R.T, Mackay

It’s all very well to talk about diversity, but no-one is making all these people work in mining. They want to. R.M, Gladstone

Frank the Tank’s fans come to the fore again:

Frank, you’re advice is priceless. Please do not stop. Crib would not be the same without you. T.E, Moranbah

There is no subject Frank won’t touch. Nothing is off limits. Noth-ing is sacred. Nothing is funnier. Ron, Emerald

Stuff to the editor

HEARINGS into fly-in, fly-out and drive-in, drive out work prac-tices have now concluded in Queensland.

Last week the House of Rep-resentatives Standing Commit-tee on Regional Australia toured the state to gauge first-hand how workers and communities cope with FIFO and DIDO.

Headed by Independent MP Tony Windsor they heard a wide range of testimony and insights from the very considered and measured to the emotional. It’s been a pattern repeated at all hearings that complement the 100 written submissions already provided.

At the end of it all the commit-tee is to make observations on what is working and not working with FIFO and DIDO and then provide recommendations for government, industry and com-munities on what changes should be made to make things better.

It’s a certainty FIFO and DIDO is here to stay. What is not cer-tain is what changes, if any, will be adopted despite the effort and expense of the enquiry.

Already there have been sug-gestions of a donga tax to help pay for services provided to FIFO workers or a percentage cap put on the numbers of resident to non-resident workers that can be employed on projects. More sug-

gestions will certainly emerge before the hearings end.

Moranbah has become the test case for FIFO-related issues. This year the town will have more FIFO workers staying in dongas than full time ratepayers - some-thing not lost on media covering the committee hearings.

Isaac Regional Council figures show 19,800 non-residential work-ers now live in local accommo-dation villages or on mining sites and that will grow to about 28,224 at some time this year.

The council has 23,000 per-manent residents living within its boundaries.

Isaac Mayor Cedric Marshall welcomed the committee to town but rightly said they should have spent more time in the area.

Ironically as small towns try to cope with the onslaught larg-er centres are fighting for a share of FIFO. Brisbane is the latest and has made FIFO workers part of its recently announced growth plans. The city is home to 177 min-ing companies.

For all concerned the FIFO/DIDO enquiry must not be allowed to be a waste of time and money and must find real solu-tions for the pressures on servic-es, rents, lifestyle and low income earners or else the ratio of FIFO workers to ratepayers in some towns will eventually outstrip Moranbah.

FroM tHE EDItor

Greg Sweetnam

The musings of a CQ miner...Redmond’s Rants

Dawn can stand unaided,

Sunlight, then day begin,

Idle boots by the door,

Hour and minute not tendered for sale.

Tea goes cold, make another,

Watching the weather not for measure,

Two eggs and hour with paper.

View the clouds clumsy drag-race, no straight line they don’t steer great.

Give the dog a proper pat, plan to mow but never remember.

Make a day’s plan, then wallow in the luxury of a plan not followed or even bothered.

To watch and wonder not push and pull, is the great reward of this day.

Today’s the first day, the pure start,

The one that means so much and you’ve long awaited.

The boots, the sander, the mower and shelves can all sit idle while this first day rolls on in highest grandeur.

Who is Redmond?Redmond was born in a cross-fire hurricane and now resides in Queensland. Former Golden Glove champ turned champion shearer, his shearing career was cut short when he entered the adult film industry and made 3467 films in three months. He now enjoys semi-retirement and lives happily on his 100,000 acre prop-erty with his seven wives. He has received the annual Golden Pen award from the Writer’s Guild four years in a row in the Truth Telling category...

HOLIDAYS

131st EDITION. 2012


fair diNKuM

IN THE US - Police in Pennsylvania were forced to use an electric stun gun to sub-due a nearly 300 pound sock thief.

The man allegedly entered his local Walmart completely naked, stole a pair of socks, put them on and continued walking around the store.

Police were forced to use the stun gun after the man refused to comply with their commands.

The naked sock thief was charged with indecent exposure, aggravated assault, simple assault, retail theft, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.

IN AUSTRALIA - A Darwin couple got the fright of a lifetime when they awoke to discover a 1.7 metre crocodile in their lounge room.

It is thought the croc escaped from a nearby farm and locals say it’s not the first time, alleging that 15 crocodiles have escaped from the same farm in the last five years.

The couple were woken by their dog barking loudly in the early hours of the morning when they discovered the salt-water reptile just three metres from their bedroom door.

A member of the Crocodile Man-agement Unit in Darwin was called and eventually subdued and removed the unwelcome house guest.

IN BRITAIN - Wildlife rescuers who were called over 30 times in four days to res-cue a swan from a frozen pond in South-ern England have urged the public to stop contacting them, because the swan is sim-ply resting.

According to the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, the bird

was not stuck in the ice but was in fact resting there to keep itself warm.

The wildlife service thanked the public for their concern, but insisted that swans very rarely become trapped in ice.

STILL IN THE US - A couple of sci-fi fans turned bakers made a life-size storm trooper cake for a recent Star Wars con-vention in Boston.

The husband and wife team who designed the cake reportedly did so sim-ply because they could.

In the end the larger than life cake took two weeks, 208 eggs and a whole rebel alli-ance to create, and wound up feeding 600 hungry fans at the convention.

One shudders to think of the immense number of Star Wars cake puns being thrown around at the convention, but some popular possibilities include, “Use the forks”, and “Chew-baker”.

FAIr DInkuM!

M: 0448 243 343 E: [email protected] dweDaryl Watson Engineering

www.dweonline.netSpecialising in the timely delivery of on-spec components for your business.

Quality doesn’t have to mean slow

General manufacturing and Fabrication

Motor sport, boating and leisure

Mining, Earth moving, Hydraulics and Agriculture

Transport

I’m not going to tell you to choose your girlfriend over your mates, but have you considered that their source of this information could be less than reliable?

Rumours can spread very easily, and

before you know it half the town’s got an opin-ion about someone they’ve never even met.

Having said that, if this is something that really bothers you perhaps you could broach the subject tactfully. When the time is right you could ask your girlfriend a few questions about her previous boy-friends in an attempt to suss her out.

I wouldn’t get too carried away though, as a lot of women hate talking about their exes.Susan

Frank the Tank’s “Streakin”

good love advice

Dear Frank,I’ve been dating this girl lately and my mates keep telling me that she’s no good, that she’s “been around” so to speak. I really like her, but now I can’t get the fact that she might have be promiscuous out of my mind. I’m afraid if I don’t say anything it will ruin any chance we have for a long-term relationship, but how can I confront her about something like this? Bill

WELL, Bill, personally I don’t mind my women promiscuous; in fact, the more experience the better.

Think about it this way. Who would you rather service your car: a mechan-ic with 20 years experience, or an appren-tice in their first week?

Sure the veteran ‘mechanic’ might be a little rough around the edges, and their personal hygiene may rival that of a Cal-cutta street beggar, but when it comes time to ‘change the oil’ there’s no-one you’d rather have under your hood.

Speaking of Calcutta, my current ‘mechanic’ hails from the sub-continent, and I can assure you, Bill, while she’s not much of a looker she is one very experi-enced snake charmer.

In any case, I take it from your letter that you are inexplicably against the more experienced members of the fairer sex, so fear not. There are ways you can uncover your girlfriend’s sexual past.

You may not know this, but social net-working sites like facebook provide an excellent means for stalking current or prospective girlfriends.

Go through your girlfriend’s Facebook page. If she’s friends with a troubling number of men who are topless in their profile pictures, there’s a good chance she’s been around the block.

If she’s friends with a troubling number of women who are topless in their profile pictures, there’s a good chance she should add Frank the Tank as a Facebook friend.

Now, in the unfortunate circumstance that you discover your girlfriend’s been with a disconcerting number of gentlemen, you may want to confront her about it.

This can be quite tricky, because if you offend her it will likely drive you apart and force her into the arms of one or more men.

I recommend falsifying a letter from her local doctor, informing her that she has an incurable sexually transmitted disease.

Naturally, she’ll be devastated, and when you inform her that you’ll stay with her despite her horrible disease, she’ll be yours for life.

I must admit that I haven’t used this technique since the mid seventies, and women are generally a little wilier than they were back in the good old days.

Accordingly, if your girlfriend rings her doctor to discuss how to treat her newly diagnosed incurable disease, you may find yourself in a spot of bother.

If you can hold out another month or so you can try this little scheme around April Fool’s Day, so if it all goes pear-shaped you can just say, “April Fool’s” and pass the whole thing off as a joke…that’s what I did when my ex-wife caught me bed with her sister.FrankBill,

Sensible Susan

If you have a question for Frank and susan Email Us at: [email protected]

The musings of a CQ miner...

May the forks be with you: a husband and wife team baked

a storm trooper of a cake.


HOUSE FOR SALESUNSHINE COAST

SACRIFICEBuy before 30/4/2012Get $10000 govt bldg

boost Brand New impressive Level, 4bed 2

bath, DLUG,Fenced, Side accessRoom Shed/Van Nth

EntertWalk shops/schoolFantastic Buy

Offers near $400,000Ph. 0409 055 062

HOUSE FOR SALE

Agnes Water, 4

acres, 3 Bed, 2 Bath.

3Metre verandah’s,

Carport, 4 Day Shed,

Fenced yard, Dam.

7.5 k to town and beach

$485,000

Phone: 0409 254 525LAND FOR SALE

Mission beach - 75 acres

Cleared - elevated homesite

with views

2 Perm creeks

river boat ramp & beach

$ 360,000.00 NEG

Phone: 0428 277 625

LAND FOR SALE

Land for sale, Hervey Bay. Turtle Cove Estate.

views of Fraser Island. Cannot be built out.

Underground power, phone and water at front

barge to Fraser. About 10min to Town. ono.

$262,000 ono

Phone: 0411 098 241

BOAT FOR SALE

Flybridge cruiser, chart plotter, radar, auto pilot, bow & stern thrusters, zodiac, RFD, 5 berths,

shower, toilet, 250 lt fridge, 300 lt freezer, air con &

much more. Immac cond. Gladstone.

$155,000 ono.Phone: 0437 657 433

PUMP FOR SALE

mounted centrifugal

self priming water

pump 4 cylinder

cummins engine.

$30,000

Phone: 0423 870 848

BOAT FOR SALEAustralian Lightweight

Sharpie No. 727Kevlar Hull, sails and

spars in good to excellent condition, comes

with registered trailer and beach trolleyBeautiful to sail

$3,900Phone: 0428 154 653

HOUSE FOR SALEFully furnished fully a/c modern home on 7.5 acres 500 metres

from Midge Point beach, 2 bedrooms 2

or 3rd bedroom large carport 3bay shed fully

equipped workshop

Phone 0428 476 001

CAR FOR SALE4X4 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Z71 Crew Cab

Diesel Engine, Allison Transmission 75,354klm, leather

owner vehicle loaded with options. $89,700egc.

[email protected]

HOUSE FOR SALEEungella, 90 mins

from Mackay.Eco-architect designed award winning 3 bdrm

home on 5 acres, 2 yrs old, 4 bay shed,

stunning views. Adjoining optional

174 acres of improved pasture also for sale.

$749,000. Phone: 0420 104 278

CATTLE PROPERTY FOR SALE

3000 acre cattle property 70klms Nth of Bundaberg

Balance yet to do in 2 stages should gross $1.4m.

Yards, shed etc.

Price $1,350,000.

Ph. 0419 674 413

CRANE TRUCK FOR SALE

Nissan Atlas Crane Truck

988 model, 79,000 k

4495 GVM, Tadano 2T crane

RWC, Only car licence

needed to drive

$13,500

07 4941 7147 or

Phone: 0427 824 880

BOAT FOR SALE

Only used in FRESH water.Mercruiser Black Scorpion 330hp Engine with MPI.

Meticulously serviced and cared for.

Craftsman made excellence for the serious skier/

boarder.Phone: 0418 794 525.

PLOUGH FOR SALE

Grizzly S24 plough very

good condition new

bearings discs about 1/2

worn located near rocky.

Phone 0429 948 198

HOUSE FOR SALEHouse on 40 acres near

Agnes water QLD. Unique pavillion style home, 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms

with 9x12 shed/ carport. Partially cleared and

fenced, waterhole and a small dam. Large deck

and breathtaking views. 15 km from surf beach

and town of 1770. $510,000

Phone: 0400 797 075

JET SKI FOR SALE

08/09 Honda F15GPX Turbo

3 Seater 1500cc Turbo

3 Red Genuine

Honda Lifejackets

85hrs

$15,500 ono

Phone: 0447 606 727

ACREAGE FOR SALE

1200 acre property with modern 3 bedroom home,

solar, good water, millable timber.1 hour to bundaberg

and 25 minutes to 7x7 mine.

Phone 0447 031 588

CAR FOR SALE

SLT Lonestar Edition Heavy Duty

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Allison auto trans. Wood grain

inserts 5th wheel hitch, tow bar 4 door dual cab

Dula Wheels104000klms

$89 000 oboPhone: 0432 429 264

CAR FOR SALE2002 Ford F250 XLT King Cab 4 X 4, 7.3ltr turbo

diesel/gas.Vic. rego March 2012.

AURORA slide-on camper, fridge, 4 burn gas cook, HWS. Double bed, ext

shower, water, deep cycle batteries, 800W inverter, loads storage. STACER boat 3.9m 25HP motor,

$80,000Phone: 0417 587 425

HOUSE FOR SALEAgnes Water/1770

3 Bed Rendered Block Home French Doors to

Surround Patios

approved ShedWith Shr/Toilet,

13000 Gall Tanks, Large Dam Mine Worker

Neighbour$510,000

Phone: 0407 794 506

CLASSIC FOR SALE

1970 ht Holden ute

immaculate original

condition

buy

$26,950.

Phone : 0422 377 385

JEWELS FOR SALE

Collectors Item

Phone: 49 854462

or

mob 0400 320 970

ROADHOUSE FOR SALECondamine Roadhouse.

Western Downs Coal seam gas hub

Local & tourist & mining trade Freehold roadhouse

w 3 bd house. Ideal family town -

school ,sports facilities,

lagoon nearby.all offers considered

Phone 07 4627 7106

LAND FOR SALE

Rural land 15 min cbd

proserpine 2x200 acre

lots good grazing land

and house sites

$520,000 the pair will

sell seperatly POA

Phone: 0447 031 588

NEED HELP WITH YOUR CAR PROJECT?

Passionate about cars and attention to details

Kit Cars. Classic Cars and racers

COMBINE FOR SALE

24 run Horward bagshaw

combine 12 new 12 old

hoses ram rebuilt good

condition.spare boots.

Phone 0429 948 198

CLASSIC FOR SALEChev 1955 factory right hand drive

two door wagon V8 three speed manual with overdrive,All

new upholstery New whitewall tyres,All new glass and chrome,New fuel tank,New cd player

and speakers, $49,500

Phone 07 5523 0330 or 0409 209 246

131st EDITION. 2012


off shift

Shift MinerHandy 15A blank gridShiftMInerHandyblank.pdf©Lovatts Publications 2010

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1. Roadside channel

2. ..., vegetable or mineral

3. Lotto competition

4. Breathing hole

6. Hand over for trial

7. Most irate

8. Administer

11. Assemble (film) for screening

15. Sudden bright idea

17. Producing in great numbers

18. Tissue decay

20. Weirs

21. Mythical vampire

22. Connected by treaty

23. Off course

26. Goatee

acRoSS 1. Clutching

5. View

9. Skinniest

10. Acting platforms

12. Endeared

13. Hymn, ... With Me

14. Cain’s victim

16. Craves

19. Protest banner

21. Song for two

24. Farm cart

25. Rissoles

27. Polar covering

28. More nauseous

29. Hansel & ...

30. Openly

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SHIFT MINERHandy Cross 1826 - (15A grid)ShiftMinerHandy096s. pdf© Lovatts Publications 31/08/2010

L E A P F R O G O C T A V EI B L N R U NL E A N I N G S F E N C E SA T C O S S T LC H E C K L I S T C H I N AS S N O E O V

R A N G P E N A N C ED I B D S SI M M O R A L S P O TS M I I U G OS C A L D F E S T I V I T YE T G E P R V SC O U S I N D E C A D E N TT R N C Q U ES L E I G H S T R I P P E R

# 18 3 2 9 6 1 8 5 4 75 8 1 7 9 4 6 3 26 7 4 2 3 5 1 9 87 1 2 5 8 3 9 6 48 5 6 9 4 7 2 1 34 9 3 1 2 6 7 8 52 6 8 4 7 9 3 5 11 3 5 8 6 2 4 7 99 4 7 3 5 1 8 2 6

LaST EDiTion’S SoLUTionS

“Have you been in Australia long, Dr Ramji?”

“Please Mark, just be calling me Ramji. I have been here twelve years. I came first to study medicine at UQ.”

“Wow.” Mark was lying face down on the examination bench, waiting for Ramji to remove a mole from the back of his leg.

“Can you feel that?” said Ramji.

“Feel what?”

“Good, the anaesthetic is working just fine. I was poking your leg with the point of my scalpel.”

“Well, I didn’t feel a thing. You can start now, I suppose.”

“I am already starting, Mark. Please be lying very still.”

Mark lay very still. The pulling and tugging as Ramji cut into his leg felt weird. “Can I ask you a personal ques-tion, Ramji?”

“Sure. Normally it is I that is asking the personal questions.”

Mark laughed, and relaxed a little. “Are you a Muslim; is that why you have that … your head covered?”

“No, Mark,” said Ramji, “I am not a Muslim. This is a turban I have on my head. I am Sikh.”

“You’re sick?”

“No, I am not ill. I am a Sikh. It is a reli-gion, from my native India.”

“Fair dinkum?” said Mark. “I though it was mainly Muslims in India.”

“Actually, Hindus are by far making up the biggest Indian religion. Then there are many others, like Muslims, and Christians, and us Sikhs, and many, many others. I am ready to start your suturing now.”

“My what?”

“Your sutures. Stitches.”

“Cool. I suppose you have a lot of people ask about your turban?”

“Actually, no. You are the first in about one year. I am thinking people are scared they will be offending me.”

“Have I offended you?”

“Good gracious, no.”

“That good.”

Ramji laughed. “Yes,” he said. “Especial-ly as it is I that is having the scalpel.”

Mark laughed too.

Ramji said, “May I ask what are your reli-gious beliefs, Mark?”

“I’ve got to say, I don’t like religions, myself.”

“Oh?”

“It causes so much conflict.”

“That is true; there is much religious con-flict. But then, people are always finding some things to be fighting about. Stop-ping the religions is not enough to be stopping all the wars. Your leg is all fin-ished now Mark.”

Mark sat up on the bench and looked at the dressing on his leg and poked at the skin around it, feeling where the anaes-thetic had deadened his leg.

“So what’s your answer?”

“To make world peace?”

“To stopping religious violence, and con-flict.”

“Respect, and freedom, and not taking revenge. I have the freedom to be a Sikh without fear; and my neighbour, a Chris-tian, and my other neighbour, perhaps like you, with having no religion at all.”

“But aren’t people always killing each other about religion in India?”

“True, it is happening sometimes,” said Ramji, his head rocking from side to side. “That is one very big reason for why I am loving Australia. I did not stay here for the taste of the food.”

Mark laughed, but he wasn’t convinced.

“But doesn’t people coming here, and keeping their own religions, stop them from being part of Australian society?”

Ramji made a tut-tut sound. “Mark, my friend, I am a doctor, here in Emerald, removing a mole and maybe cancer from your leg. Am I not right now being a part of this Australian society?”

by Bernard S. Jansen5 minute fiction

A pArt of this AustrAliAn society

Bernard S. Jansen is 33, married has three young boys. He lives in Emerald, works as an engineer at a local coal mine and is active in his local church. Read more of Bernard’s writing online at surgebin.blogspot.com or email him at [email protected]

GOT AN IDEA FOR A STORY? Let Bernard know - email him at [email protected] or hop on his blog surgebin.blogspot.com

131st EDITION. 2012


off shift

YEPPoonFISHING has been excellent, says Adrian from the Secret Spot in Yeppoon.

“There’s heaps of tuna splashing off-shore near Man-And-Wife just waiting to be caught by casting a 40-gram chrome lure,” he says.

“Bottom fishing around the local islands is pretty good, too.”

Hannah’s Rock, which is only 20 minutes out the harbour, was the spot where Adri-an and his mates caught a 20-pound cod, a 30-pound cobia and an 8-kilo coral trout.

“We caught a barramundi cub, too, but it had to be returned,” he says.

Baron and Child have been good for Spanish mackerel, “but we’ve been losing a few to the tax men”.

“Crabs have been on the move, and I have had quite a few people come through the shop who have caught a few. Quite a few peo-ple are getting their bag limit,” Adrian says.

Barramundi are in the marina, and the bot-

tom of the tide is the best time to catch them.“The Causeway has been good for bar-

ramundi and mangrove jack by the hard-core lure fishermen, but they are also good with live bait.”

Coorooman Creek is fishing well with a variety of species, including blue salmon and grunter.

“The best time to get them is on the last hour of the incoming tide and the last two hours of the outgoing tide.”

The Pinnacles is good for bottom fishing, particularly for pelagic fish.

“At Sunday Point, there’s salmon, threadfish, barramundi and some good fin-germark. Live prawns are fishing well, and at Waterpark Creek, some have been float-fishing live prawns.”

But for something different, Adrian says to head to Awoonga Dam to get some big barramundi.

“So if anyone fancies a long drive, head to Pikes Crossing Road, pop a boat in - and you only a 10-foot tinny. Anything else is

too restrictive. And head up from the cause-way and fish all the snags upstream.”

Fishing has been fantastic all over, he says.“The only thing stopping us is the occa-

sional storm.”

mackaYFURTHER north in Mackay, fish are biting too but perhaps not the same variety.

Adam from Nashy’s Compleat Angler says there has been lots of barramundi, grunter and fingermark.

The places to head to are the Train Bridge on the Pioneer River, which is pro-ducing a lot of barramundi, and the Hospi-tal Bridge.

If you are after fingermark or trevally, head out to the harbour.

“A few Spanish mackerel are getting caught out wide, but they’re not hitting real-ly hard yet.”

Crabs and prawns have slowed right down, but overall fishing is pretty good, Adam says.

BaIt sHop BantEr

Gla

ds

to

ne

Ma

CK

aY

Gla

ds

to

ne

Ma

CK

aY

tIDE tIMEs Feb/MarMon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Sun 4

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0545 1.44 0031 3.46 0123 3.28 0239 3.17 0411 3.25 0529 3.49 0623 3.78

1152 3.30 0624 1.69 0724 1.92 0912 2.01 1052 1.86 1157 1.60 1245 1.31

1754 1.37 1228 3.03 1328 2.79 1500 2.67 1653 2.77 1805 3.02 1852 3.30

1826 1.60 1928 1.81 2117 1.87 2246 1.72 2353 1.47

0130 4.58 0213 4.31 0324 4.08 0511 4.09 0636 4.42 0102 1.90 0151 1.50

0736 2.01 0822 2.38 0950 2.65 1207 2.52 1316 2.13 0728 4.84 0809 5.25

1325 4.16 1406 3.74 1535 3.42 1750 3.46 1905 3.80 1401 1.73 1439 1.37

1945 1.86 2029 2.18 2201 2.40 2355 2.26 1951 4.18 2029 4.53

Mon 5 Tue 6 Wed 7 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Sun 11

Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0047 1.20 0134 0.93 0217 0.70 0300 0.52 0341 0.44 0423 0.47 0506 0.62

0707 4.04 0749 4.25 0828 4.40 0907 4.47 0945 4.45 1025 4.32 1108 4.08

1328 1.04 1408 0.80 1447 0.59 1526 0.44 1604 0.39 1642 0.46 1720 0.63

1934 3.56 2013 3.80 2052 4.01 2131 4.19 2211 4.29 2252 4.30 2337 4.21

0235 1.15 0317 0.84 0359 0.61 0440 0.46 0523 0.43 0605 0.56 0027 5.69

0847 5.59 0924 5.86 1002 6.05 1040 6.12 1120 6.03 1200 5.77 0650 0.84

1517 1.05 1554 0.78 1631 0.54 1709 0.38 1746 0.34 1824 0.45 1243 5.36

2107 4.86 2145 5.16 2224 5.44 2304 5.64 2345 5.74 1902 0.70

If you have a good photo or fishing yarn

send it through to our resident bait chucker- [email protected]

Week 1The sweltering heat last Sun/Mon 19-21st Feb could be the last for the summer. With autumn just around the corner the sun is now approaching the Equator. Gusty storms with good falls broke across the Coalfields to appease the heat. Some 48hr falls of note to the 23rd of Feb with 24hr totals in brackets:

Northern Half:Upper Bee Ck. 120 (92 late Tue), Moranbah (84 late Wed), Clarke range 74(55 late Wed), Dysart 40(23 late Wed), Braeside 39(30 late Wed), Fitzroy Dev. Rd.Br. 30 (late Tue), Clare 25, Middlemount 15, Mackay 4 (3.8),

Southern Half:Beckers 99(66), Kenbula (72 late Tue), Baralaba 71(50 late Tue), Moura 70 (38 late Wed night), Westwood (56 Tue night), Emerald 42(39 late Tue), Taroom (41 late Wed), Blackdown 34 (21), Rolleston 27(24 late Tue), Capella 24 (23), Comet 15 (14).Now a fresh SE’ly has hit to cool conditions down with

coastal showers reaching inland during last weekend and tapering off early in the week. The ridge associated with a high in the Tasman is keeping conditions rather stable. We could say an autumn feel about it.

Boaties! After the fresh SE’ly winds last weekend the coming weekend looks promising if the winds go NE’ly. Winds ease Thur/Fri, but an upstream high may push the winds more moderate easterly early weekend before easing late Sun.

Week 2The SOI has fallen to +6 the lowest in many months. The tropics in WA are firing up but it looks rather subdued in the Queensland section.Temperatures warm ahead of a trough from the south early in the week. This could herald a thundery shower or two across the Coalfields.

Marine Lovers! A light north easterly could be rather fresh late Mon. Then a SE’ly should arrive by mid-week.

YOUR WEATHER FORECASTWith Mike Griffin

FISHING PARADISE

FOUNDCalling all serious fisherman to the best fishing

location on the coast. Close to mining areas (You have probably driven

past the turn-off!)Fully s/c accommodation silly season, 2011 & 2012

Crew bookings available

Phone: 49373145email: [email protected]

web: www.stanagebay.com

Storms with last heat for Summer

131st EDITION. 2012


YOUR WEATHER FORECAST

off shift

Beachfront location with spacious air conditioned 2 and 3 bedroom Ocean and garden side apartments. Low rise apartment complex with pool, gym and indoor spa and sauna. Walk to restaurants & Jupiters Casino. Totally non smoking complex

P. (07) 5592 5350 F. (07) 5592 [email protected]

THE other day I was driving along and I saw some kids riding past on skateboards.

I involuntarily muttered to myself, “Damn kids.”

I then had what could only be described as a startling epiphany...I’m getting old.

The incident with the skateboards was not the only disconcerting symptom I’ve been experiencing.

New musical trends sound abrasive and alien to me, and I find myself unleashing tirades upon my friends and family, accus-ing them of not knowing what real music is, and claiming that, “They don’t write

songs like they used to.”Modern fashion baffles me, for instance,

in my youth it was considered powerfully ‘uncool’ to wear a cap with a flat brim, now it seems to be firmly in fashion, a fact that my brain seems unable to either accept or process.

The final, and perhaps most damning sign that father time has not left me behind, are my frequent complaints about the cost of everyday items.

The other day I actually found myself say-ing to a checkout cashier, “Three dollars for a Coke? That’s daylight robbery, I remember when they were a dollar seventy-five!”

In an attempt to cheat the ageing proc-ess I’ve come up with a few easy steps to make me seem “hip” and “with it” to unbi-ased observers.

If you’re attempting to resist getting old, you may want to employ these steps in your day-to-day life.

First, force yourself to listen to the top 10 songs every week, and try to incorporate some slang from these popular songs into everyday conversation.

For example, “Say, Jim, that looks to be one bootylicious cup of coffee you’re drink-ing there.”

Second, ignore your natural inclination to avoid clothing stores that play deafening techno music and feature strobe lights that

have the potential to cause a fatal seizure.Resist the urge to punch the obnoxious

storeperson who recommends you try on an unimaginably pretentious shirt sporting a picture of Adolf Hitler playing one-on-one basketball with Michael Jordan.

Last, and perhaps most importantly, avoid getting upset when informed of the price of everyday foodstuffs.

I recommend practising smiling in front of a mirror at home while a close friend or family member tells you upsetting or infuri-ating information.

This should stop your face from twisting into a hideous scowl upon discovering the café you’re having lunch at charges $8.50 for a lemonade.

Way before James Cameron directed the sci-fi juggernaut Avatar, he was well known for a science fiction picture of a completely different kind, Aliens. Released in 1986, sci-fi horror hybrid Aliens was a hit with fans and critics alike.

The film is a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1979 film Alien and follows the story of Lieutenant Ellen Ripley, who - after her disastrous ordeal in the original Alien film - has awoken 50 years into the future after drifting through the galaxy in cryogenic

stasis. In the 50 years Ripley has been frozen, the planet on which she first encountered the alien has been colonised. When she tells the authorities that a violent alien creature killed her entire crew, they send a team of colonists to investigate Ripley’s claims. Soon afterwards contact is lost with the colony, and a special forces team is sent to the planet to establish the fate of its inhabitants.

While investigating the planet Ripley and the team of marines are attacked by a group of aliens, and it becomes apparent that the entire area is overrun with space monsters. The sole survivor of the alien outbreak is a young girl, who Ripley forms a strong attachment to.

As the film unfolds and more and more marines fall prey to the marauding aliens, Ripley has no choice but to fight to escape the infested planet.

While Aliens may lack the slick 21st century special effects of Avatar, the film has still aged extremely well. With no computer-generated effects in 1986, Cameron and the entire special effects crew do an amazing job of bringing the terrifying

aliens to life on the sliver screen, a feat that was recognised at the 1987 Oscars, with Alien winning both the best sound editing, and the best visual effects Oscar.

More than 25-years after its original release Aliens remains one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time, and still

retains its ability to shock and terrify as hapless humans fall prey to the monstrous creatures.

If you’re into science fiction, horror, or you want to see what James Cameron did before Titanic and Avatar, get your hands on a copy of Aliens. You won’t regret it.

ClassiCREViEWBy JuSTIn CArlOS

IN SPACE, NO-ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM…

The ravages of age...

131st EDITION. 2012


MoNeY Matters

Accommodation starts from $189 per night (min 3 nights)

Stay 3

nights or more and

receive a complimentary

$100 restaurant

voucher.

Come and enjoy a private, romantic getaway in one of our tree houses and cabins in either

of our two beautiful locations.

As a bonus, book the above special and you will receive

which you can prepare at your leisure

TREETOPS seaview CABINS or

TREETOPS rainforest CABINS

MONTVILLE

oFFsHIFT speCIAls

RESIDENTS and visitors to Clermont will soon be able to take in some of the area’s rich history in an exceptional new museum.

The Clermont Historical Centre and Museum is currently being renovated, and while it’s not visible from the outside a great deal of progress has been made to the development of the site.

A volunteer training room, new kitchen, and floating ceiling have been constructed, and a new lighting and electrical system will

ensure that museum exhibits are well lit.Isaac Regional Council Mayor Cedric

Marshall says the renovation indicates the council’s commitment to the preservation and promotion of local heritage.

“Preserving our unique history for future generations to enjoy is of great importance for the region,” he said.

“[The] council thanks the community for their patience whilst this facility is refur-bished.

“As with all renovations they take time, but once it’s re-opened the finished cen-tre will be an excellent point of interest for community members and visitors alike.”

In the coming months consultants will assist in the construction of new exhibits and displays.

February will see the main exhibition building refloored and repainted, and new furniture and equipment installed.

The Isaac Regional Council is expected to release more information regarding the progress of the refurbishment next month.

Clermont committed to local history

you will be able to see more at the Clermont Historical Centre and

Museum, thanks to its makeover.

131st EDITION. 2012


Your health

For those too busy or embarrassed to ask the important questions about their healthEXPERT ADVICE

Tammy Farrell is a registered nurse, nutritionist and author of ‘The Real Man’s Toolbox – A DIY Health Manual for Men’. Tammy grew up in the Hunter Valley with two brothers in the local coal mines. In 2007, she started to give health talks in the Hunter, and that’s when she began compiling the book, helping hundreds of men answer questions about their bodies.

Dear Tammy,

So often you hear the expression ‘high-

energy foods’. What does this actually

mean? Jo High energy foods refer to the

food evolution where we can start feeding

our body natural boosters that don’t come

in a can! Too often we mistakenly believe

a fast-paced lifestyle equals less time to

prepare nutritious meals and snacks so we

revert to low-nutrient, high-fat fast foods

that make us feel exhausted and irritable

at the end of a day. Asking your body to

perform at its peak while eating a low-nu-

trient diet is like putting mower fuel in a

race car and expecting victory at the fin-

ish line.

Try including some of these high-oc-

tane energy foods in your daily diet and

feel the difference. Spirulina: this clean

green algae is packed full of antioxidants,

phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals and

delivers long-lasting energy. For an ear-

ly morning or late afternoon boost that

takes less than a minute to make, mix half

a banana with a cup of frozen blueberries

in a blender.

Add 1 tablespoon of spirulina and top

with apple juice. Blend until smooth. Yum!

Brown rice: because it is still in its natu-

ral form - a wholegrain, brown rice will

give you long-lasting, slow-burning ener-

gy. For a quick snack add 1 cup of brown

rice with a tin of tuna and 1 teaspoon low

fat mayo. For lunches and dinners add

brown rice to a stir-fry packed with fresh

veges or salad with grilled/steamed fish or

chicken. Bananas: a perfect energy-giving

snack food, as it’s packed full of complex

carbohydrates allowing for a slow, sus-

tained energy release.

One of the best and cheapest ‘fast-

food’ snacks around! Sunflower seeds:

loaded with vitamins B1 and B6, which

help the body convert carbs into energy,

sunflower seeds are a quick and easy pick-

me-up snack. Make a trail mix of nuts and

sunflower seeds to have on the run or

sprinkle over steamed veges or salads.

Salmon/tuna: you can’t go past these

two deep-sea beauties when it comes to

a high energy boost. Salmon and tuna are

high in protein and low in GI so they keep

your blood sugars and energy levels even.

They also help keep you feeling fuller for

longer so you’re less likely to overeat!

Water: so many of our bodily functions

depend on water, so keeping up an ade-

quate intake is essential to maintaining

energy levels.

Dehydration can impair thinking as

well as cause constipation, which can

lead to toxins being reabsorbed into the

body. This has a big impact on energy lev-

els. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water a day –

more if you exercise or work outdoors in

the heat.

Until next time. stay healthy,

stay informed.

Makes 5 litres

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

Zest Eatery Open 4.00pm to 8.00pm daily

Prawn and Fish Chowder

CALLIOPE | COPPABELLA | DYSART | MIDDLEMOUNT | MORANBAH | NEBO

1300 622 222themac.com.au

131st EDITION. 2012


MoNeY Matters

WHILE Gladstone and Moranbah con-stantly steal the headlines when it comes to booming real estate, there is another city that is slowly beginning to shine.

Rockhampton is the town to invest in - and now is the time to do it - if you want something that will weather the highs and lows of the mining boom.

And the year ahead is looking posi-tive, thanks in part to Gladstone’s growth, says Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Rockhampton representative Noel Livingstone.

The city saw a modest - but steady - growth with a 1 per cent increase in median house prices to $319,500 in the year ending December.

“We will never have the same level of industrial activity as Gladstone, in terms of accommodation squeeze, but Rockhamp-ton is a good administration base and more and more businesses are using Rocky.”

The market is quite solid at both the top and bottom end, and the start to the year has been a lot more positive than last year, he says.

“Vacancy in rentals is creeping around one per cent - as it is increasingly

hard for people to find rentals.”“We are in some ways experiencing the

same thing as Mackay, with a lack of rentals compared with demand and a lack of avail-able land to satisfy demand,” Mr Living-stone says.

Latest figures from the REIQ show the mining boom is driving demand and price for real estate in Central Queensland and the Darling Downs.

Stand-out performers this quarter were Blackwater, Gladstone, Mackay and Toowoomba, which all postedmedian house price growth.

Blackwater’s median house price increased a whopping 17.7 per cent to $365,000 over the year ending December.

Gladstone’s median house price increased 8.6 per cent to $478,000 over the quarter and was up 15.6 per cent over the year ending December.

New figures from the Residential Ten-ancies Authority reveal the median rent for a three-bedroom house in Gladstone has rocketed 45 per cent over the past year, from $330 to $480 a week.

The other area most affected by the min-

ing boom is the Isaac region, where the median house price increased 13.5 per cent to $488,000 over the year ending December.

REIQ chairman Pamela Bennett says while demand for property in Queensland’s mining centres was a positive, continual assessments need to be conducted to lessen the impact on residents of these areas who are not employed in the mining sector.

With rents in Moranbah reportedly up

to $3000 a week, local businesses are feel-ing the pinch with several closing down.

Isaac Regional Council’s mayor, Cedric Marshall, said there is a critical shortage of residential accommodation, but his council is tyring to address this.

“The ULDA is working at Moranbah to get 126 blocks off the ground,” he says. “It all seems to be slow, but you can’t just get a piece of land and develop it. It all takes time.”

Rocky: the quiet achiever

A FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE

7549

Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this advertisement, the particulars and information in it are not to be construed as containing any representations upon which any interested party is entitled to rely. All illustrations, drawings and photographs are for professional presentation purposes, are indicative only and not necessarily to scale. Subject to any statutory limitation, none of Brisbane Housing Company Limited CAN 101 263 834 or any of its subsidiaries, employees or agents will be responsible or liable in any way to any party whatsoever that relies upon anything contained in this document for any reason whatsoever. All information and material subject to change without notice. Sustainability declaration available on request.

Sam Patterson | 0401 240 042 | [email protected]

Only seven 1-brm apartments left from $319,000Lift access & low maintenance

Central location, unique for the areaRecreational area & air conditioningHinderland views

2011 UDIA QLD – AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE WINNER LIMITED AVAILABILITY

MITCHELTON, BRISBANEsyrahonblackwood.com.au

Only two 2-brm and eight 1-brm left from $280,000Energy efficient

Easy access to transport & CBDFully tenanted, only NRAS left

1-brm apartments from $349,000Sought-after location with views

Body corp. fees paid for 2 years (expires 30/4/2012)

Recreational area & air conditioning

FITZGIBBON CHASE, BRISBANEcoreapartments.com.au

CHERMSIDE, BRISBANEquadrantchermside.com.au

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

LIMITED SPECIAL!

$10,000Builder’s Boost

UNTIL 30TH

APRIL 2012

locality Median Sale Qtrly Median Sale dec11 change 12mts to dec 11

BerSerKer $235,000 2.0% $242,000 GrACeMere $332,000 2.9% $331,000 KOOnGAl $261,000 4.8% $250,500 nOrMAn GArdenS $429,500 10.1% $434,500 THe rAnGe $335,000 7.0% 338,000 WeST rOCKHAMPTOn $260,000 2.0% $257,500 yePPOOn $404,000 13.0% $410,000

We will never have the same level of industrial activity as Gladstone, in terms of accommodation squeeze, but Rockhampton is a good

administration base and more and more businesses are using Rocky.

131st EDITION. 2012


MoNeY Matters

IF you work in mining, chances are the money is good at the moment, and you are in a position where banks are falling over themselves to lend you a small fortune when they see your pay packet.

You can easily get the loan for that boat you

saw advertised - or even upgrade your car.But before you get carried away with

dreams of catching that elusive black mar-lin you saw heading past North Keppel and gently housing it in the back of your brand-new Toyota Landcruiser Prado GRJ150R, it

may be a good time to hit the pause button.The mining industry can be volatile, so what

happens if you have to take part in a strike?What if you get injured and can’t work

for a while - or you lose your contract?If you don’t manage your finances cor-

rectly, just one week off work can put you and your family in the red.

So what can you do to make sure you are well prepared for any sudden changes in cir-cumstances?

Financial adviser Martin Hawkins, from FMD Financial, says it is a matter of using your common sense.

“If you are well paid, you would have the resources to build a rainy-day fund.

“This is sensible cash management. For example, if you earn a thousand and you get into the habit of spending a thousand and then you don’t earn, you could be in a lot of trouble,” he says.

So build a nest egg. Try to put aside at least $5000 to $10,000 into an easily accessi-ble bank account and earn a bit of interest.

“It makes sense. If you are sick, or go on strike, or the roof blows off your house, you will have a bit of money behind you,” Martin says.

Be wary about going into debt, other than buying a house, he adds.

“For anything else, save up for it. Banks don’t lend money for nothing, and you don’t

want to have the attitude of buy now, pay later.”There is the problem of boys and their

toys, which is a widespread and indiscrim-inate affliction that affects magazine pub-lishers, financial advisers through to those in the mining industry.

Say no to instant gratification, and yes to saving, Martin advises.

“If you are on contract, your work could stop tomorrow. It is like this for anyone in a volatile industry.”

“So build a nest egg for a rainy day, and then look at long-term ways of saving money.

Superannuation is a good way to save, because it is tax effective, but you have to wait until you are at least age 60 before you can access it.

But there are other ways you can save, and your financial adviser can tell you.

Quick tips on being money smart

• Have an emergency fund of between $5000 and $10,000 in your bank account

• Set a weekly budget for day-to-day living - and stick to it!

• Do you want a shiny toy? Then save for it. Say no to debt (unless it’s a house)

• Talk to a financial adviser about long-term savings strategies

For Sale

First Release – High Quality Luxury Apartments38 Kent St Gladstone

Artist’s impression only

7615

5It was all fun and games at the local 4Wd rally until Aaron stuck his car on an ant’s nest. Then he received news that a cyclone had hit and blown the roof off his house. He really wished, then, that he had listened to his mum and saved his $10,000 nest egg.

Money’s not too tight to mention

131st EDITION. 2012


MoNeY Matters

What is the latest news on the $10K Building Boost Grant?

The cut off has been extended from 31 Jan to 30 April 2012. However don’t be complacent as both the buyer and sell-er must sign the contract prior to 30 April in order to be eligible. So don’t wait until the last couple of weeks in April to take advantage of the $10K Building Boost Grant!

Don’t forget the NAB will allow cus-tomers to use the $10K BB Grant as part of their deposit when purchasing through Steve Taylor & Partners. If you would like more information regarding how much you need to get started, or how you can take advantage of the Grant before it expires call Steve Taylor & Partners for a free consultation.

Is the outlook for the Brisbane Proper-ty Market improving?

Shown is a Prop-erty Clock, which is a visual representa-tion of the current property market. Twelve o’clock is the height of the

cycle and 6 o’clock is the bottom. One o’clock is the start of the slowdown. Seven is the start of the upswing.

The price of any item is dictated by sup-ply and demand, and the Melbourne prop-erty market has been over-promoted and over-built. upply now exceeds demand and they are at 1 o’clock.

Brisbane however is at half past 6. That is it has passed the bottom of the market and is on the upswing. Last year’s flooding delayed Brisbane’s upturn by about a year, but it has begun. This opinion is shared by Krista Franks at the DSnews.com in her recent article “Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards” [24 Jan 2012].

The state’s growth is on the rise, boost-ed by coal output and major resource development. The number of jobs is increasing, which will translate to high-er levels of overseas and interstate migra-tion. This in turn will create stronger housing demand and hence price and rental growth. The bottom line is the pros-pects are good and if you are getting into the market, you will never buy better than right now!

The Future Looks Bright For Brisbane, report by Xpert Recruitment, describes the Brisbane Economic Development Plan, which is put together by The Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and BCC in con-junction with a steering committee made up of representatives of key industries mostly from the private sector. Companies such as Rio Tinto, Deloitte, Jones LangLa-salle, Brisbane Airport Corporation and Port of Brisbane were involved.

I thought I would share a few key points for you:

• The key message is that the resources boom represents the single most significant opportunity for the Brisbane economy over the next 20 years.

• Forecast economic growth is expected to outstrip population growth with Brisbane’s economic output projected to increase by 40 per cent from roughly $55,000 per person in 2011 to over $75,000 (in 2011 dollars) per person by 2031.

• Brisbane will need to accommodate an additional 443,000 workers by 2031. About 343,000 of these will be required by 2021.

• By 2031 Brisbane will be home to an additional 820,000 residents bringing the population to 3 million.

• A lot of work is going into areas such as lifestyle development, transport infrastructure, especially key areas such as the port and airport to position Brisbane as a key international city.

• There is a great opportunity for Brisbane to develop as a regional (i.e Asia Pacific) resources industry hub and due to this is an increasingly attractive location for global and regional resources industries to set up shop.

All very positive and, as one of the speakers, said the outlook for Bris-bane is as good over the next 20 years as it is for any developed city in the world. We are apparently at the begin-ning of this historic phase of growth. [Feb 2012. xpertrecruit.com.au/news/ ]

MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS




Proudly Audited by


Steve Taylor is a property developer and consultant. If you would like more information about building wealth, beating inflation and reducing your income tax, contact Steve Taylor & Partners for a free consultation on 4980 7733 or google Steve Taylor.


Immediate Development Dispersal - First Lot Auctioned UNRESERVED“Waterview Development” Moffatdale via Goomeri

(IDEAL WATER SKI & FISHING LOCATION)

Auction Venue Lex Heinemann 0417 191 491Allan Wain Kingaroy Real Estate 0428 718 914 raywhiterural.com

BM

RB

RI 0803

Rural

WATERVIEW DRIVE

BA

RA

MB

AH

RO

AD

1Architect

House Plans

Available

Architect House Plans

Available

SOLD

9075m2

6300m2 4520m2 4000m2 4000m2 4000m2 4035m2 5475m26650m2

17.6 acres23

4 5 67 8

910

N

Bjelke Petersen Dam

BA

RA

MB

AH

RO

AD

1

9075m2

Kingaroy

Mo�atdale

WaterviewDevelopment

Goomeri

Vineyards

MoffatdaleState School

Dusty Hill Winery

+ Prendergasts

Tavern

WATERVIEW DRIVE

BA

RA

MB

AH

RO

AD

1Architect

House Plans

Available

Architect House Plans

Available

SOLD

9075m2

6300m2 4520m2 4000m2 4000m2 4000m2 4035m2 5475m26650m2

17.6 acres23

4 5 67 8

910

N

Bjelke Petersen Dam

Kingaroy

Mo�atdale

WaterviewDevelopment

Goomeri

Vineyards

MoffatdaleState School

Dusty Hill Winery

+ Prendergasts

Tavern

First L

ot

Auctioned Unreserved

20% DOWN, SETTLE IN 6 MONTHSPRIOR OFFERS STRONGLY CONSIDERED

P R O M E N A D EA T P O R T S I D E W H A R F

THE SMART CHOICE IS PORTSIDE

Promenade Hamilton Apartments in the heart of Portside Wharf is a must have for the savvy investor. This exclusive Portside Wharf address enjoys aguaranteed rental return with above average yield. A prime riverfront location and fantastic amenities sets this development apart from the rest.

NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE AT PORTSIDE.

Luxury apartments now selling. Contact us today.* Conditions apply refer to website. Guaranteed rental return available on select apartments only + Colliers Report 2011

Bene� t from record low vacancy rates & up to 85% higher than average rents in Hamilton+

10km to domestic and international airport

6km to Brisbane CBDDiverse mix of dining, shopping and entertainment options on your doorstep

Portside Wharf Sales & Information CentreOpen daily 10am-4pm | 39 Hercules Street Hamilton QLD 4007 | Phone 07 3630 1666 | portsidewharf.com.au

DISPLAY APARTMENTSNOW OPEN

Documents

sm131_Shift Miner Magazine