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NEWS 4 AgForce dismisses

gas claims

5 Blair Athol agreement quashed

6 Who are you voting for?

9 Small mines big winners

10 Rocky handles big loads

14 Inside a miner’s mind

20 Standing out in the crowd

REgulARS 18 Stuff to the Editor 19 Frank the Tank 24 Miner’s Trader 26 Weather & Tides 29 Money Matters

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19th August 2013 3

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A NEW study has debunked the myth that working in the mining industry increases the risk of mental illness.

New research from Griffith’s Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) compared the mental health and emotional wellbeing of men working in mining with men working in other industries.

“There is very little evidence that men working in mining have poorer mental health or outcomes compared with men working in other sectors,” the study’s lead author, AISRAP senior research fellow Dr Samara McPhedran told Shiftminer.

This was a very politicised area and it had been suggested that resources sector employees may experience higher rates of mental illness than workers in other industries, and that this in turn may place

miners at an elevated risk of suicide, she said.“My findings were looking at mental health

and wellbeing, and poor mental health is one of many risk factors for suicide risk,” she said.

She pointed out that much of the speculation about resources sector employment and mental health is based on anecdotal information rather than solid data.

This quantitative study looked at data of 375 men across the nation from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey at the University of Melbourne.

“Our study in fact, found very little evidence of poor mental health or emotional well-being among miners.

“Mental health and emotional functioning among male resources sector employees were both comparable with men working in other industries.

“This doesn’t mean miners don’t face work-related stresses and difficulties; it just mean that those experiences don’t necessarily lead to mental illness or elevated suicide risk.”

Dr McPhedran said mental health was still an issue across the board and appropriate supports were necessary in workplaces in every sector.

“The results imply that any policies, programs, and services being considered in the resources sector context may need to be carefully targeted to issues like work-family balance, rather than being based on assumptions of widespread, clinically significant mental health problems.”

Dr McPhedran and her team are now conducting a series of studies into suicide risk to sort fact from fiction.

AISRAP will be using data from the

Queensland Suicide Register, a unique database containing over 10,000 suicide cases.

“Despite intense interest and sometimes heated public debate, there has been very little rigorous study into suicide among miners.

“The data we have analysed so far shows that the risk isn’t elevated against other occupation.”

From AISRAP’s initial work it seems that Queensland miners were more likely than men in other occupations, who also died by suicide, to experience relationship problems prior to death, but this needs to be looked into in more detail, Dr McPhedran said.

“In terms of policy applications, this could provide helpful information for identifying miners who are at risk of suicide, as well as point the way to possible industry-specific intervention strategies.”

THEY’RE big, they’re toys and they’re flooding the market.

“All the toys are starting to come out for sale in Blackwater,” one Bowen Basin engineer told Shiftminer.

It’s not just Blackwater. Boats, jet skis and 4WD are for sale on every corner in towns across CQ and local classifieds are bursting at the seams with boys toys selling at bargain basement prices.

It’s the fire sale that happens every time there’s a downturn. Alicia Ranford is married to a miner and set up the Mining Family Matters website. She’s seen three massive sell-offs in her 20 years with the industry.

“I can say it is common because when people get a job that pays above average, they live up to that wage.”

It’s a cautionary tale. Old time miners will tell anyone who’ll listen that whenever they’ve lost their job in previous downturns, they’ve walked out the gates with dozens of co-workers who are in dire straits financially the very next day.

That situation has worsened during the latest super boom, with an influx of young workers who’ve only ever known big pay packets and unrivalled job security.

But every boom has a bust.“It is not uncommon for mines to shut

down and that, unfortunately, is the nature of the industry,” said Ms Ranford.

“We certainly really promote with new workers that they should be careful and take their time before they upscale their house, or car.

“If you have to sell your home [in a bust], your family is under even more pressure and it is stressful enough being made redundant.”

Booms and busts aside, Ms Ranford said the mining industry should offer workers the rare opportunity to get ahead.

“Even if you only have a job for 12 months, if you are careful with your money you could really set yourself up.”

Mark Hawkins is a financial adviser at FMD Financial, and he says it’s a matter of using 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 told Shiftminer.

Mr Hawkins says building a nest egg of between $5000 to $10,000 in a high interest account eases the pressure on day-to-day life.

“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.”

The modern day mantra “buy now, pay later” is a dangerous trap and workers should be wary about going into debt, other than buying a house, he added.

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

“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.”

Mining and mental illness not linked

Toyz r bustCover Story


4 19th August 2013

News

QUEENSLAND farmers have signed more than 4000 land access agreements with gas companies, which the gas industry says signals a good relationship between the two sectors.

Farmers, on the other hand, beg to differ.The Australian Petroleum Production

& Exploration Association (APPEA) says Queensland landholders have now signed 4017 land access agreements since 2011, and has trumpeted the figure as proof the gas industry is

working side-by-side with agriculture. “It is widely accepted that the gas

industry’s growth in regional Queensland is bringing enormous economic benefit,” APPEA stated.

“But these figures also underline how a great deal can be achieved through open, transparent and informative negotiation based on mutual respect and trust.”

“Interesting,” responded AgForce grains president, Wayne Newton.

Mr Newton says the figures belie the

true picture in the bush.“Well, it’s certainly been that many

land access agreements have been signed off. I wouldn’t question that,” Mr Newton told Shiftminer

“The question is, are the majority of people who’ve signed off all happy? That’s certainly a different issue.”

Mr Newton said landholders know that, by law, gas companies have access to land. He said many were forced to sign agreements under threat or duress.

Gas companies can threaten to take landholders to court if they don’t sign up, and many landholders have signed agreements they’re not happy with to avoid that action, he said.

“There are some who are thinking it’s good, and it just reflects an ability to negotiate. Some people are good negotiators and some want no pressure, so they won’t negotiate.

“You are talking about multinational corporations - they are the big boys - and they have well-trained people on staff up against your average Joe Blow farmer,” Mr Newton said.

“We certainly recommend landholders seek legal advice from people who specialise in this area and are up to speed with resource acts, and are aware of issues.

“People need to face up to the issue and get out and go hard with their negotiations.”

Meanwhile, back at APPEA, it is still a happy story on the farming front.

“While some difficulties were encountered in the early phase of the growth of the industry in Queensland, hard work and perseverance by gas companies and landholders are today showing others how it’s done,” it said.

“As significant progress is made on Queensland liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects worth more than $60 billion, the NSW natural gas industry continues to languish amid uncertain regulation and a looming supply shortfall that has the potential to hurt both businesses and households,” APPEA pointed out.

In comparison to Queensland, just four land access agreements were signed in NSW during the first quarter this year bringing the total to 285. No new natural gas production wells were added in the state, which continues to import 95 per cent of its natural gas from other states.

“The failure of NSW to respond to increasing gas demand and will have unfortunate consequences in the form of lost jobs and foregone economic opportunity. However the industry believes the solution to higher energy costs and the state’s energy security challenge is quite simple and people in NSW only need to look north of the Tweed to see how things can be done.”

4000 agreements doesn’t prove anything: AgForce


19th August 2013 5

Blair Athol agreement quashed in court - plus more

THE MOTHBALLED Blair Athol mine will never operate under its current workplace agreement if new owners were to take over the site.

That’s the ruling from the Fair Work Commission, which found in favour of Rio Tinto and ended a collective workplace agreement at the mine last week.

No one is currently employed at the mine, but the mining union, the CFMEU, argued that it could be reopened or sold and then reopened, so the same workplace agreement should cover future workers.

“We were disappointed by that decision... and we are looking for an appeal mechanism, so that’s the state of play,” CFMEU district president Stephen Smyth told Shiftminer.

Meanwhile, the Commission has upheld the union’s case against Peabody Energy.

Last month, the company slashed 400 positions from its Queensland and New South Wales coal mines, just weeks after it axed 450 contractor jobs.

“What the commission did was give us an extension to time frames set for

consultation,” Mr Smyth said.“We’re now talking to their

people and we have until August 23 before a decision can be made where it could get to stage where there are forced redundancies.”

Mr Smyth said across the Bowen Basin, morale was terrible.

“People are angry, and I understand that. A lot of people are blaming different things - and it doesn’t help when the mines get rid of permanent staff and keep on casuals.”

Glencore Xstrata’s decision to get rid of its main contractor Thiess at its Collinsville mine has not helped. Last month Thiess gave pink slips to 320 worker at the site.

The company will now run the mine itself, and key in determining whether workers will be re-hired is whether or not they agree to new terms of employment.

“Under the current workplace

agreement, it is going to be very difficult for the mine to be viable in the future,” Glencore Xstrata’s Francis Derosa told the media at the time.

“We say it’s a transfer of business and transfer of operation, but they say our employment agreement is inflexible,” Mr Smyth said.

“We want to ensure those workers get offered their jobs back and Glencore says there should be a change in culture, so we will see in the following weeks what happens.”

Overall, Mr Smyth believes most mining companies are still making good money and production volume has increased by 14 per cent.

“We are saying they should have managed better for when cycle would start to slow down. We’ve delivered during the good times and now times are tough we are thrown on the scrap heap.”

Crinum keeps goingMINING giant BHP says it will continue to own and operate the Gregory Crinum coal mine.

The decision comes five months after the company flagged selling off the mine after spiralling costs saw it shut down late last year.

However, after reviewing all its options, BHP says it now has costs under control and the mine will continue to operate under its ownership.

“This decision is a result of a strategic review of the mine, including investigation of potential divestment,” the company said in a statement.

“The review concluded that shareholder value is maximised by retaining the asset within the BMA portfolio.

“Recent operational improvements at the Crinum underground mine support the company’s decision to continue to operate the site.”

In February, BMA boss Stephen Dumble said if the mine wasn’t sold it would continue to operate.

“It’s important to remember that no decision has yet been made to divest the asset,” he said at the time.

THE public appeals process is “out of control” for coal projects in Queensland and has been hijacked by green groups, according to the peak mining industry body.

The Queensland Resources Council’s

Michael Roche told a Coaltrans conference in Brisbane this week that established and aspiring coal producers faced the cost and frustration of vexatious objections to new projects.

“We’re not talking about taking away the legitimate rights of people who are directly affected by coal or other resource developments to be involved in addressing real site-specific and project-specific questions,” he told the conference.

“We are acutely aware that it is important to get the balance right in terms of the industry’s social licence to operate.

“However, the system should not be holding the door open for vexatious appeals and objections with the sole aim of stopping – or at least delaying – all new projects and proposed expansions of coal developments.” Under the current system, Mr Roche said

lobby groups and organisations in the anti-coal movement could legally “stand” for objectors - and the rule book should be re-written to prevent it.

“There is a real problem with the potential for abuse of process by certain organisations,” he said.

“To give you an example, one coal project proposed for the Galilee Basin has been held up at great expense in the Land Court for several months, courtesy of an objector whose residential address is Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

“The extremists plotting to shut down our industry are very clever. They know that delays can kill projects.”

Green groups hijack appeals process: QRC

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In the past 12 months The MAC has partnered with close to 500 local businesses across our villages, Australia-wide. We have spent $40 million, sourcing everything from raw materials and waste services through to trade contractors and fresh produce.

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6 19th August 2013

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News

THE MINING seats of Central Queensland are on a knife edge heading into the federal election, with all three are up for grabs.

The usually safe Labor seat of Capricornia stretches along the coast from Rockhampton to Yeppoon in the south to Sarina and the southern suburbs of Mackay in the north, and also takes in major mining centres such as Collinsville, Moranbah, Dysart and Clermont.

Capricornia has existed since

Federation and for most of its history has been a Labor seat, but this time round there only needs to be a 3.7 per cent swing and its gone.

“It is definitely up for grabs and nobody should be surprised if Labor loses it,” Griffith University’s political analyst Professor Paul Williams told Shiftminer.

“It was definitely lost under Gillard and now it is knife-edge.”

To the north and south of Capricornia, the LNP is only

just clinging on to the seats of Dawson and Flynn with a 3.6 per cent and 2.4 per cent margin respectively.

“It’s a brave person who can call it either way in Dawson, but I think I would rather be the LNP member than the Labor candidate at the moment,” said Professor Williams.

“Dawson was no problem for the LNP under Gillard, but the Rudd momentum threw it back into contention. But the polls say that has stalled now.”

Dawson extends from Mackay to the south bank of the Ross River in Townsville, including the Whitsundays, Proserpine, Bowen, Ayr and Home Hill. Flynn

extends west from Gladstone and Gayndah to include Mount Morgan, Monto, Biloela, Moura, Blackwater and Emerald and includes a mix of mining, heavy industries and agriculture.

Professor Williams said one unknown in this federal election was the Katter/Palmer effect, particularly in regional seats like Dawson, Flynn and Capricornia.

“Palmer is completely untried

and untested, and Katter too at the federal level. I would say they’re not going to make as big a dent as earlier thought because this election is so polarising.

“People are either voting to go with Rudd or against him, it’s about leadership and cost of living. There’s not much contrast on policies or policy debate.”

For workers living in Queensland’s mining heartland, Professor Williams said two key planks of policy had barely raised a mention this election.

“The usual centrepieces of industrial relations and the environment haven’t even featured yet.

“The environment has dropped right off the radar. Climate change was top of the charts in 2007, lower in 2010 and barely even there in 2013. It’s not the sexy topic it once was so the major parties won’t waste valuable air space on it.

“This election is about water and electricity bills, it’s about Mr and Mrs Average on Struggle Street. Concerns about fraccing and dredging is confined largely

to the chattering classes.”In the heart of the Surat Basin

and the seat of Maranoa is safely in LNP hands, with a swing of 22.9 per cent needed to knock incumbent old-timer Bruce Scott off his perch.

The seat takes in Warwick, Dalby, Kingaroy, Roma, Goondiwindi, Cunnamulla, Barcladine, Winton, Longreach and Birdsville.

ALP research in the region has found there is a demographic shift towards Labor, with a strong influx of mining, energy, gas and construction workers. However, Professor Williams said it’s not enough to tip the balance over to Labor.

“Maranoa is safely in LNP hands, it’s not in contention,” he said.

Looking across the board at mining and industry, and Professor Williams said he expected both sides would lend an ear to the cause.

“I think you will see both leaders being more sympathetic to mining now the China boom has slowed. They will both want to try and stimulate projects and jobs.”

Mining seats up for grabs


19th August 2013 7

DESPITE a new union campaign slamming its decision to employ a 100 per cent fly-in, fly-out workforce for two Bowen Basin mines - especially as local workers lose their jobs in the downturn - mining giant BMA will not budge.

Two billboards demanding an end to the exclusive use of FIFO at the Daunia and Caval Ridge mines have been set up by the CFMEU on major highways around Mackay.

A BMA spokesperson told the WINO its decision to source its new workforce from the Cairns and Brisbane regions reflected BMA’s firm belief that the employment and economic benefits of mining should be shared with other regions of Queensland.

“Commute workforce arrangements are also about having a balanced employment offering that supports the choices of our employees about how they want to work and live,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said BMA was committed to the Bowen Basin and the company’s preference was to source the majority of its workforce locally where it could.

“BMA has the largest residential workforce in the Bowen Basin region.

“BMA’s workforce remains predominantly residential, and BMA is planning for residential employee numbers to grow in line with growth, and will continue to work to attract new employees to its mines.

“BMA’s continued investment in accommodation and community development across our key communities reflects that commitment.”

But CFMEU district president Stephen Smyth is not convinced.

“Caterpillar has a two-year contract with Daunia and I know for a fact they have 7000 people training in Brisbane to drive their machines.”

Asked if the union was flogging a dead horse when trying to get BMA to

reverse its decision, Mr Smyth said no.“Just because they say no, they

are not going to do it doesn’t mean they are right. It’s crap to say that,” he said.

“They are having trouble getting experienced people to operate draglines. I think they have an agenda to reduce the union.

“We are not against opportunity and choice - but it shouldn’t be imposed.”

The prominent signs read: “100% FIFO for a job in our town? That’s not fair. I want to work where I live.”

Mr Smyth said the FIFO billboards were part of a large campaign running around the country that was aiming to ensure Australian jobs were a central focus of the federal election campaign.

“Our nation’s future prosperity is linked to our ability to provide quality jobs for our kids,” Mr Smyth said.

“That means more investment in training, greater use of locally produced manufactured products, and a requirement that more of the proceeds of our mining boom are invested in health, education, infrastructure and the other needs of our regional communities.”

BMA sticks to guns on FIFONews

Frank the Tank on the radio?!

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mining, industry and gas workers across Queensland will keep you in the know.

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Shiftminer Magazine has become a must-read in the mining community, but it’s not always easy to get your hands on. Our new App is the best way to keep a virtual copy of the magazine in your back pocket.

If your job means you’re trapped behind a desk rather than out on site, you can keep up-to-date with our breaking news with Wednesday’s Industrial News Online (the WINO).

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To subscribe, jump onto the Shiftminer website at www.shiftminer.com, and simply click on subscribe.


8 19th August 2013

News

Isaac region the world’s biggest dump?

WHO dumps an in-ground swimming pool in bushland?

It seems unimaginable, but Isaac Regional Council workers found one recently. In fact, illegal dumping is a huge issue for the region.

“Council environmental health officers have found everything from in-ground swimming pools, fridges,

cars, televisions, building equipment and even personal documents thrown in creeks and native bush land,” Isaac Regional Mayor Anne Baker told Shiftminer.

Rubbish clean up is costing ratepayers $3000 a day, and the problem has become so severe council is installing four cameras in dumping hotspots

to catch the culprits.“Council officers do prosecute

offenders and they do issue large fines,” warned Cr Baker.

“The cameras are to identify offenders and to deter people from thinking about it doing this in the first place.”

Council’s waste facilities are located at Carmilla, Clermont, Moranbah, Middlemount,

Dysart, Clermont, Glenden, Nebo and St Lawrence and a recycle shop in Moranbah, all information can be found at www.isaac.qld.gov.au/resource-recovery-facilities.

Anyone with information relating to illegal dumping can contact Council’s Environmental Services Department on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).

Gladstone strikers return to workABOUT 140 workers will return to work as soon as safety concerns have been addressed at a the Wiggins Island Export Terminal (WICET) in Gladstone.

Workers for sub-contractor Monadelphous Muhibbah Marine (MMM) staged a three-day sit-in over potentially life-threatening concerns.

According to local media reports, the unions are happy with MMM’s response. The contractor is not back to production but is working to rectify areas and equipment that was deemed unsafe.

CFMEU Gladstone official Ben Loakes told media morale had lifted as management worked through issues with health and safety representatives and the unions.

“Monas has been proactive and that’s been met with respect back from the blokes,” he said.

Key concerns raised were non-trained workers being used as deckhands; a stand-by rescue boat used for transfers; workers climbing up tyres to access barges; and fatigue management with rostering.

WorleyParsons was dumped as manager of the terminal development last month, despite the project being 60 per cent complete, and WICET took over direct management last Monday.


19th August 2013 9

THEY’RE small and adaptable and if they can raise the money they’ll be building the next wave of mines in the Bowen Basin.

That’s the prediction of Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche.

“Beyond the mines already under construction by the majors like BMA’s Caval Ridge and Anglo’s Grosvenor project, the next set of mines to get the go ahead I expect will be from small- to medium-sized companies.”

While major players like BMA, Anglo and Xstrata lay off workers and contractors, new players like Bandanna Energy and Stanmore Coal are getting closer to the starter’s gun on new projects.

Mr Roche said their approach to date has been impressive.

“They are giving it a red hot go. They are taking very seriously the signals from the state government on things like co-existence with agriculture.

“They are also designing their mines with cost structures that could withstand the current climate.”

Mr Roche said the catch will be raising capital in a very difficult environment, but that a good project with joint venture partners would “probably” get up.

“In some ways this is the best time to build, costs are well down for engineering and construction and a skilled workforce

isn’t a problem because there are lots of good people out there and by the time these mines come online coal prices could be back up.”

In its latest quarterly activities report, Stanmore Coal said as other companies looked to get rid of non-core assets, more opportunities would arise for Stanmore to build on existing projects and speed up its timetable to production.

In other words, the company was preparing to act on the short-sightedness of the majors.

“History reflects that many successful new coal projects and companies are built in difficult market conditions when large resource company strategies are driven by short-term shareholder expectations,” the report reads.

“The company aims to capitalise on these opportunities through transaction structures which limit the need for upfront capital or will identify new sources of capital to finance these transactions.

“Stanmore Coal has personnel with a strong history of identifying and capitalising on opportunities with a limited capital base. The Lilyvale Project expansion announced during the quarter is another example of the company’s successful approach in this area.”

Meanwhile, after more than 12 months of doom and gloom in the coal industry,

Mr Roche said there was a small glimmer of hope in the outlook for the sector.

Mr Roche said while more jobs cuts were likely, and some more mines could still shut down when the latest round of take-and-pay contracts expired, there were some encouraging signs.

“I am hoping the next six months will be more stable,” he said.

“There are some signs of a sustained lower Aussie dollar, and some signs - only some, I don’t want to overplay it - that the coal price has at least bottomed out.”

Mr Roche said he’d spoken to about a dozen industry leaders over the past two weeks whose views varied from “light at the end of 2013” to “a couple of tough years still ahead of us”.

“In all this doom and gloom we are seeing some remarkable tonnage performances, a record at Hay Point port in June and one for Abbot Point in July,” said Mr Roche.

“Companies are trying to get tonnes out the door, it is a volume game now, trying to spread those high fixed costs over tonnes and that has to be good for job retention. You can’t do that without the right people.

“There’s no doubt companies are looking to reduce costs any which way, but I am hopeful we are through the worst of it.”

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News

Small mines the big winners Decision delayedBOWEN businesses are relieved a decision on the Abbot Point coal terminal expansion will be left until after the politics of the election campaign are over.

The federal Environment Minister Mark Butler was due to make a decision on the expansion project, which would include dredging at the site, on August 9.

But the Minister has deferred the decision to be able to spend more time analysing reports relating to the development.

“In order for these matters to be fully considered I have stopped the clock on my department’s assessment of the Abbot Point dredging proposal for a period of three months,” he said.

“This does not prevent a decision being made earlier if I believe I have enough information to make an informed decision.”

Bruce Hedditch from the Bowen Business Council said there was now no need for the important decision to be used as a political football.

“If that had happened and the Minister had approved it we would have had trouble, if he’d rejected it we would have had problems so I think this is the best decision,” he said.

“After the election is a new government, a majority will be able to make a sound decision based on the evidence in front of it.”


10 19th August 2013

THE Rockhampton airport should become a regional transport hub to service the needs of Central Queensland’s mining community.

That’s the message from Rockhampton Councillor Neil Fisher, who says the capacity of the town’s airport is underutilised.

“We’re very lucky in that we’ve got an airport that has the capacity to land some of the largest aircraft in the world. Just recently we accommodated an American C5 Galaxy without any disruption to passenger services,” he said.

Cr Fisher suggested large pieces of mining equipment, which are currently freighted to Brisbane, then transferred to mines in CQ by road could be flown into Rockhampton.

“Brisbane has capacity issues and it’s having an effect on all air movement. We’re saying to mining operators - give

consideration to Rockhampton’s airport. We’re closer to the Bowen and Surat Basins and we’ve got the capacity to handle this kind of freight.”

Cr Fisher suggested that Rockhampton has historically failed to promote its potential services to the resource sector.

“Talking with people in the industry, they’re surprised that Rockhampton has the capacity to handle these kind of aircraft.

“I’ve had communication on a number of occasions with people who are involved with flying equipment from Europe and Asia and having issues with getting clearances to the bigger airports.

“Council is saying, ‘We’ve got an airport, we’ve got the capacity, we’d like to help.’”

According to Mr Fisher, the recent approval of the Gracemere Industrial Area will only strengthen Rockhampton’s claim as a transport hub to the mining sector.

“I see the airport and Gracemere industrial area as fitting like a glove. They’re very important and will work very closely together. Gracemere’s industrial estate is probably the best location of any of the current planned industrial estates in Australia.”

While regular flooding has caused the temporary closure of the Rockhampton airport in recent years, Mr Fisher suggested it would not cause a major disruption to potential freight services.

“Yes, we do have floods, but the overall impact on how many days the airport’s closed is probably less than some airports have with misting and visibility. I’s probably still one of Queensland’s most reliable airports.”

NewsBig load? Rocky airport can handle it

A US Air Force C5 Galaxy on the runway at Rockhampton Airport.

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Bimblebox makes way for mega mineTHE Bimblebox nature refuge will make way for Clive Palmer’s $8.8 billion thermal coal project in the heart of the Galilee Basin.

Queensland’s Coordinator General has ticked off on the project with a series of conditions, and the final decision now rests with the federal government.

The Bimblebox nature refuge is a 7912-hectare former cattle property bought in 2000 by a group of people with financial assistance from the Commonwealth Natural Reserve System project.

The property was bought at a time when broad-scale clearing in Queensland was the focus of public attention, and the property, in part, had already been approved for clearing.

It was gazetted a nature refuge in 2003, with grazing allowed to continue on the site.

Almost half of the area will be cleared for Waratah Coal’s open-cut mine, and the remainder likely to be impacted by subsidence from the underground mine.

The refuge is classified as a lower order conservation tenure, and its gazettal does not prevent mining on the site.

In considering the mine, Queensland’s Coordinator General Barry Broe said he didn’t believe the Bimblebox’s environmental significance was enough to stop the project.

“I do, however, recognise the loss that will result from disturbance of the [refuge] and require Waratah to compensate the state for the lost biodiversity, conservation and educational values by including in its offset proposal, a direct offset area of at least the size of the [refuge] and of equivalent or higher ecological value, capable of being secured as a nature refuge or higher conservation tenure.”

The Coordinator General is also convinced the project won’t adversely impact on the water levels of the Great Artesian Basin, but will impact groundwater levels within 12 to 30 kilometres from the site.

“Waratah has committed to enter into ‘make good’ arrangements with landowners in respect of impacted existing groundwater supplies and I have made a recommendation to DNRM that a condition of the water licence should require Waratah to conduct a thorough existing bore survey

and to enter into ‘make good’ arrangements with landowners prior to mining activities commencing.”

“The Jericho and Alpha town water supply bores are not expected to be impacted by mining.”

To read the report in full go to http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/

BANDANNA Energy says it is positioned to be the next thermal coal producer after it increased the amount of measured coal resources at its Springsure Creek tenement.

In mining parlance, a ‘measured’ coal resource refers to a deposit that has been sufficiently drilled and tested to allow an accurate assessment of whether a viable mine could be developed at the site.

Bandanna Energy’s managing director Michael Gray said the upgrade demonstrated the potential of the company’s Springsure Creek project.

“The identification of a total resource of 533Mt, and in particular the 35 per cent increase in measured resource confirms the potential for development of a world-scale thermal coal mine,” he said.

Bandanna still has to come to an agreement with landholders who will be affected by the project, including those impacted by a proposed 35 kilometre haul road across prime agricultural land.

However, the company said it was “quietly optimistic” that it will make the mine a reality sometime in the next two years.

Small cap miner confident on new mine


19th August 2013 11

THE Queensland gas industry is the latest part of the resources sector to welcome a growing number of females into its workforce.

Getting more women into traditionally male roles in mining is not a new concept. In the now fading coal boom, increasing female participation was considered a key plank in an industry strategy to avoid the growing skills shortage.

In some places it was highly successful like at Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek coal mine where more than 40 per cent of the workforce was female at one point. However, in aggregate across the whole resources sector, the workforce still remains heavily dominated by men, with many capable women finding rosters incompatible with being a mother.

However a new generation of younger women are leaving all

sorts of backgrounds to cash in on the CSG boom.

Take Alaina Leddy, Ciara Sheehy and Jane Mackie – three women working for Murphy Pipe and Civil as heavy machine operators on the Woleebee Creek to Glebe Weir pipeline project just outside of Wandoan.

After years as a financial planner, Alaina discarded a laptop filled with fluctuating financial data to take command of a fleet of

massive earthmoving equipment.Similarly, her colleagues Ciara

and Jane, also departed from successful careers in social work, hospitality and rural property management to be part of the army of workers enabling Queensland to take advantage of its biggest resources boom in history.

According to all three women, the leap of faith from their former professions was pretty easy to take.

“I really liked working in the financial sector, but I was eager to try something new before possibly getting stuck in a career rut, and with all the major development taking place across Australia in the resources sector, it just seemed like an exciting industry to be in,” Alaina said.

The story’s the same with Ciara, a former social worker, and Jane, who spent years either waiting tables or working the land.

Both enjoyed their former roles but yearned for something a little different.

“I used to have a very nice view of the city from my office window, but it’s hard to beat watching the

sun rise over the country ide from my new office, which is now the cabin of a dump truck,” Ciara said.

Jane, the only local of the trio, said working in the country was not a new concept for her and she has had similar machinery operation roles in some of the biggest mines in the country.

“It’s good to be closer to home and family and driving these big rigs is very enjoyable.”

“People look at the size of this machine and say to me, ‘geez, that’s massive’ but I then tell them that the last dump truck I drove in the mines could fit three of these machines quite comfortably in the back tray.”

One thing all three agreed on was that irrespective of whether you were a driver, a labourer or an engineer working on a pipeline project – working within a good team was imperative.

“We work six to six for a stretch of 21 days in some tough conditions, so it’s really important that you have a cohesive team that comes together to get the job done, but can relax and have fun when the work is all done,” Alaina said.

Girls take a gamble on gasNews

GIRLS ON THE GAS: (from left) Alana Leddy, Ciara Sheehy and Jane Mackie are playing a key role in the development of Queensland’s gas sector.

Sorghum, cattle and gas co-exist at Tharlane

GAS company QGC has added 350sqkm to agricultural production in Queensland through partnerships with farmers and graziers.

The QGC-owned land, from Dalby to Wandoan in southern Queensland, represents more than half the number of properties the

company owns to accommodate gas wells and associated infrastructure.

The agreements for share farming and agistment on 22 of the company’s 41 properties involve 4500 head of cattle and 1500ha of irrigated and dry-land crops.

QGC managing director Derek Fisher said partnerships with farmers and graziers was the best way to manage its land.

“We acknowledge we are in the gas business, not agriculture, and recognise that farm production has been taking place successfully alongside gas infrastructure in Queensland for more than 10 years,” Mr Fisher said.

“Cattle are grazing and crops are thriving in the same paddocks where wells are producing gas right across the Surat Basin and now increasingly on our own property.

“Through leasing, share farming and agistment agreements, local rural producers are improving their economies of scale.”

In 2012, QGC accepted a proposal from three farmers to grow crops and run cattle on its Tharlane property in the Fairymeadow district near Miles, about 300km north-west of Brisbane.

The property, which has 34 wells and associated infrastructure, has just produced a high-yielding winter sorghum crop averaging 6.5 tonnes a hectare.

Cattle adjistor Jamie Dougall operating on QGC’s amalgamated Junbar property


12 19th August 2013

SCHOOL students and Peabody Energy employees planted trees at Coppabella recently to commemorate Planet Ark’s annual ‘tree day’.

Coppabella mine manager

Albert Scheepers said the trees, which were planted over a one kilometre stretch, would help prevent the golf course fairway from erosion.

“The creek bed beside the

fairway is suffering from erosion which is encroaching on the golf course in some places,” he said.

“The trees will help protect the golf course against

further erosion, as well as improve the visual amenity for Coppabella golfers.”

Mine staff and students worked together to get the trees planted in record time.

Coppabella State School principal Shane Wilkie said the students also received a pre-planting safety briefing from Peabody mine staff.

“They ran through a full safety briefing with Peabody staff and identified all the hazards in their environment, then they worked together in small teams to get through 100 metre sections.”

Students will be able to keep an eye on the trees they planted, with the golf club being only a short distance from the school.

“The students will be able to monitor the progress of the trees they planted, which I’m sure they’ll enjoy,” said Mr Wilkie.

News

Rethink needed to stop loader fatalitiesOVER the past nine years, three people have died in loader-related accidents on Queensland mine sites.

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued its latest safety bulletin, stating that current controls are not robust enough on their own to effectively manage the risk.

“Most operations have improved their traffic management plans, but the risks around pedestrians and light vehicles interacting with loaders in operating areas could be reduced further,” the inspectorate stated.

People were killed or injured when they were struck by the bucket or rear of the loader, crushed between the bucket or rear of the loader and other equipment, crushed in the

articulation point or run over by the loader.“Each fatality happened during routine

loading activities in loader operating areas when the operator did not know the pedestrian was in the vicinity.”

The inspectorate warned that risks increased when a loader was working at the face - loading and dumping on stockpiles, dumping into bins and crushers, and generally whenever it is moving between load and dump locations.

The inspectorate recommended site executives review existing systems, processes, procedures and training that manage or control the interaction between pedestrians and light vehicles with loaders

in operating areas.The review could include clearly

defining and barricading loader operating areas; restricting pedestrian and light vehicle access within this area while the loader is operating or has the potential to operate; and making all workers and visitors aware of these requirements.

The inspectorate also suggested implementing a procedure for a loader operator to follow if pedestrians or light vehicles are seen in an operating area while a loader is operating.

It suggested separating light vehicle access roads and heavy vehicle haulage routes and providing dedicated

protected walkways for pedestrians to access the plant.

Workplaces could also implement a procedure for effective communication - positive - between light vehicle drivers or pedestrians and loader operators to ensure safe entry and exit of operating areas.

Collision avoidance equipment could also be installed on the loader, so the operator is warned if there is a pedestrian and the loader stops operating.

Finally, proximity detection devices could be installed on the loader that warns if a pedestrian is in the vicinity.

For more information, go to mines.industry.qld.gov.au

Alpha camp passes hurdleTHE development of a major mining accommodation complex in Alpha has received approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.

However, further details regarding the development remain commercial-in-confidence with the now unhindered sale yet to be finalised between its Australian-based owner and the overseas buyer.

Shiftminer understands the potential developer is a well-known mining accommodation provider, and that the land in question is within the Alpha township.

The proposed accommodation complex will likely service a number of major mining developments in the Galilee basin, including the $8.8 billion Clive Palmer-owned Waratah coal project, which was given conditional approval by the state government this week.

The nearby Hancock GVK mega-mine project also received state government approval earlier in the year. At full production it could export 30 million tonnes of thermal coal a year.

Meanwhile in December last year the third major Galilee player - Adani - said it was “ready to gear up” with its $10 billion Carmichael mine project.

Miners and students unite for annual tree day


14 19th August 2013

THE state of mind known as flow (maybe you’ve heard the phrase “in the zone”?) occurs when a person is absorbed in the present moment, performing a reasonably challenging activity in an almost effortless way.

Athletes, musicians, surgeons, and the like, enter this state of mind on a daily basis.

Well what’s so great about flow? First, the person involved

is enjoying their experience. There’s no boredom and there aren’t any irrelevant thoughts getting in the way.

In some cases, the perception of time may even distort as well – slowing down, or speeding up. Sometimes you’re so engaged you’re not even aware of time passing, which might be nice on

that last night shift! Second, the activity gets carried

out to high degree of excellence. For instance a dump truck

operator who is focused on reversing under the bucket correctly, instead of thinking about last night’s Home & Away episode, is going to do a better job.

I was introduced to the concept of flow while learning to play bass guitar. I noticed that while playing, my mind was completely on the job – and it was fun.

I wondered if I could translate this state of flow to my job as an operator. I’m going to tell you a bit about it so you can get more enjoyment out of your work as well as becoming better at what you do.

Anyone working in mining has heard of lapses.

A lapse is a slip in concentration, when the mind wanders from the task at hand to something else.

This inattention can cause a mistake and is often the catalyst for an incident. So what causes a lapse – aside from updating your Facebook status?

Mostly, boredom, which can also cause mental fatigue. If a task is too easy and we don’t need to invest much skill, we get bored. This is a major problem for many operators in the mining industry.

Boredom is dangerous – quite literally.

If you don’t pay attention due to boredom, your 793’s pos.1 might end up over a bund, and you might end up without a job or even in intensive care.

To get into the flow state, you need a task challenging enough that requires your full attention, and you need to have enough skills to meet this challenge.

If you don’t have enough skills, you’ll get anxious; and on the other hand, if your skills outweigh the challenge, it becomes too easy and you’ll quickly get bored.

So how do you make something as repetitive as being an operator more challenging so that you have to pay more attention?

Well if the task is too easy, you’ll have to create more challenges for yourself.

Now, this is a bit of a dilemma really: with the abundant safety standards in the mines, the mentality is to limit challenges and to make things easier. Short

of making the work environment slightly more dangerous so you have to concentrate more, the best thing for you to do is to set your standards a lot higher.

Start to try become a Master Operator. Do everything as best as you possibly can.

If you value your job, then making an effort to be better at it won’t be much of an issue.

For example, when you reverse under the bucket, do your best to get in there inch-perfect; don’t just fly in there on auto-pilot.

When you try to do your best, and you get the result, not only will you get more personal satisfaction, you won’t have to put up with the digger operator moaning about hopeless truckies over the two-way.

By concentrating on what you’re doing, by trying to be really good at it, you will find that your mind stops wandering and you get into the flow.

If your mind is on the job there are fewer chances of lapses or accidents.

So focus on what you’re doing, try and do the best you possibly can, and those twelve hours will fly by and you’ll enjoy your job much more.

And with job cuts looming, you’ll want to have a reputation for being a great operator.

Charlie Cameron* (not his real name) has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, completed in 2005. He has been working as an operator throughout the Bowen Basin for both small and large contractors since 2008 on various mine sites.

“INSIDE A MINER’S MIND”Flow into the zone...

News

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19th August 2013 15

Is this the first downturn you have experienced? The mining industry’s “downturn” experienced over the past 12 months has caused a lot of pain for many businesses and associated industries not only in Central Queensland, but all over Australia, and CouplerTec is very respectful of the many businesses that have struggled to remain afloat, and also saddened to see so many good companies lose the battle. There will always be a number of downturns as the economic cycle does its swings and roundabouts, the challenges for small and medium businesses is to remain afloat and that is why CouplerTec joins in the call for governments of all levels to do everything possible to assist business to remain strong and competitive in Australia. We need fresh new constructive ideas, help and assistance, not negative criticisms.

How is it different to other downturns?This downturn is tough because mining has become so strong in Australia’s economy and when it has a struggle such as it is now we all feel it.

What have you learnt from other downturns?Keep doing what you do best. When times are good don’t stop investing in the future. The CouplerTec research and development team has developed rustproofing systems to help save money. Mining environments are among the most corrosive on the planet and when vehicles are subjected to this environ they rust out faster. The CouplerTec Electronic Rust Proofing Systems have been tried, tested, and proven to work and ensure motor vehicle’s lives are extended and resale values are retained at an optimum.

How important is innovation to your business?Innovation has been the cornerstone of our business. This is why we protect it so strongly. The CouplerTec Capacitive Coupling method of electronic rust proofing is acknowledged as the world’s best. It is the ONLY method of rust proofing with proven success. There are other “pretenders”, other little gadgets that do nothing more than turn on a light, but only CouplerTec has a proven success story. CouplerTec systems protect vehicles for surf clubs, mining industry giants, government departments and more. Our own Toyota Land Cruiser (which has been featured on television driving through surf for more than a decade) still does not have one spec of rust on it. You have probably seen it featured on television.

What’s your people strategy at times like this?Growing and increasing the CouplerTec national distribution network has been our primary people strategy. This combined with our international dealer distribution strategy has ensured that our growth continues and we continue to employ more Australians.

Costs are an important consideration, but are they the only consideration in a downturn? It is no secret that we enjoy a high standard of living in Australia and the cost of wages and to manufacture in Australia are high, but we are committed to proudly displaying our Australian made logo. Yes, keeping our costs at a minimum are important but we are also focused on delivering a product that works.

What is your view about the future of mining in Queensland? Australia is mineral rich. The future is good we believe for CouplerTec Electronic Rustproofing Systems and also hopefully for all Australians. When times are tough we tend to keep our vehicles for longer and that’s why a CouplerTec system installed makes a lot of sense. It will help ensure the vehicle’s life is lengthened, the paintwork keeps looking shiny and like new for longer and ensure that even if you do get a stone chip or scratch the rust will not take hold. A CouplerTec Electronic Rustproofing System is a great investment for the future and a great way to ensure you save money. Buying a CouplerTec Electronic Rustproofing System is kind of like a “grudge” purchase – like buying a new set of tyres or getting the car serviced, however it is worth the small investment. The most important thing to remember is, make sure you insist on CouplerTec – the World’s best, and don’t settle for anything less.

To learn more Free Call 1800 NO RUST or www.CouplerTec.com.au

When was your business established?CouplerTec Electronic Rust Proofing was established in 1996.

What are your areas of expertise?CouplerTec is a wholly Australian owned manufacturer of Electronic Rustproofing Systems for the Automotive and Heavy Equipment Industries. With more than 600,000 systems now sold throughout the world, CouplerTec has firmly established an international reputation as the manufacturer of the World’s

Best Rustproofing Systems. The ONLY rust proofing system that has been internationally patented and is guaranteed to work.

What are your key products?CouplerTec has two ranges of Electronic Rustproofing systems. CouplerTec’s Automotive Range of Electronic Rustproofing Systems consists of five individual models that cater for all types of Motor Cars (hatchbacks, sedans and wagons), Vans, Four Wheel Drives and SUV’s.

CouplerTec’s Commercial Heavy Duty Range of Electronic Rustproofing

Systems consists of five models to suit large Trucks, Buses and Heavy Machinery.

Where are your key locations?CouplerTec’s International Head Quarters are located in South East Queensland at Burleigh Heads, however CouplerTec Electronic Rustproofing Systems are available via a dealer distribution network in every Australian state and territory.

To locate a dealer near you, please visit CouplerTec.com.au

No rust on CouplerTec - despite the downturn

Feature

tHe StreNGtH IN ADverSIty SerIeSCelebrating Queensland companies in mining for the long haul

Are you a business that’s in mining for the long haul and wants to be part of the Strength in Adversity series? Call Angus Peacocke on 4921 4333 or 0428 154 653.

At A GlANCe


16 19th August 2013 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.

Around townCAPRAS DINNER

(L-R) Jay Denman with Maree and Rebekah Taylor

Emmanuel and Brian Lepani Helen and Errol Rix

(L-R) Kent “the Beast Booker, Casey “the Red” Faine and Matthew“the Man” Green

(L-R) Cameron Stellard, Darren Sargood and Blake Wallace from CaprasMatthew and Arlene Elms

Shannon Green and Jemima JohnsonMonty and Alina FitzgeraldPaul Oram and Walson Carlos

Gavin Hisox and Josh Bengainire

Matt Henderson and David CareyBrent Field and Chris Wills

(L-R) Tim, Ryan and Stacey Steinhardt

(L-R) Jordja and Jacinta Trenaman with Toni Morrison(L-R) Ange Hannant, Shonna O’Brien and Brad Gorman

Thiess sponsored a community dinner for Capras players and members of the Blackwater Football Club recently.


19th August 2013 17

www.shiftminer.comBuy this and many other images at

Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together

Around townMIDDLEMOUNT RACESThe first Saturday in August was the Middlemount Race Day - made even more special by the fact the event was celebrating its 25 year anniversary now. The five-race meet is popular among local miners as well as farmers, with many travelling for the event and bringing their kids along too.

Jamie Sullivan & Erin Leckie Adam & Kylie Garde

Chloe Ryan & Britney Adams Katie and Zoe Parison Shawn & Slater Smith

(L-R) Brian Gregg, Brett Kirk, Alan Acton (L-R) Jakob Noonan, Jacob Moran & Jack DennisMelissa Abell and Ali Briggs

(L-R) Marni Duffy, Kathy Valinoti, Kathy Cox

Brett & Connie Phillips


18 19th August 2013

off Shift

Comment orSmS 0409 471 014

IT is a truth universally recognised, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a big boys toy - any man, for that matter. And this in itself is a cautionary tale. Just take a look at the classifieds, eBay and Gumtree, and you will see all the luxury items from around Queensland up for sale and for a good price, too.

This is the big fight I have in my household. While we don’t have a boat or jet ski, the tiffs are over things like mag wheels (what’s wrong with the factory wheels?), upgrading the phone (don’t you know you add to our waste and each phone means a child in Africa is putting their lives at risk in a mine?). As you can tell, I am just a barrell of laughs to live with.

I am sure many women out there want to tear out their hair when it comes to men and their toys (generalisation, I know).

But seriously, playtime is well and truly over with so many people losing their jobs or feeling insecure about their employment. It is not just about the luxury items but the worry about paying

off mortgages, school fees etc.For those young people in the

industry who have never known anything but boom times, this is going to be a hard lesson and have long-term consequences for some. It brings to mind a situation that happened not long ago to a young man who had just completed his apprenticeship. He got a job on a mine site and was about to earn a fortune. This was his first job, so the first thing he did that week was go out and buy an expensive car. Sadly, he lost his job the following week, couldn’t afford the repayments and the credit agency - an extremely large one - was about to take him to court. He had to sell the car for a huge loss and is now left with a debt and a bad credit rating. That’s a pretty hard lesson to learn.

So the point of my editorial this time around? Not much, sorry folks. Other than the lesson my parents taught me, but I didn’t necessarily follow: if you want something, save up for it!

The Abbot Point coal port expansion approvals process is an issue we have been following at Shiftminer for a long time. This is an excerpt of a letter written to the Federal Environment Minister, Mark Butler, from Tourism Bowen chairman, Paul McLaughlin. It highlights why a decision is needed on the terminal quickly, and just how important it is for the small town of Bowen.

Dear Mark,My name is Paul McLaughlin and I am the Chairman of Tourism Bowen. Bowen is a small coastal community where the bush meets the beach. We rely on a number of industries including, tourism, agriculture, fishing, coal mining and port operations. All these industries work together and help make Bowen the community it is today.Due to a downturn in tourism, fishing and agriculture over the past few years, the community has relied on the coal mining and port developments to keep us ticking over. Without these industries, the town hurts. At this moment, Bowen is doing it very tough with a high percentage of local business entering bankruptcy. This has been brought about mainly due to delays in mining projects and port expansions.Over the past 12 months, there have been around 6000 jobs lost in coal mining across Qld (mainly in the Bowen Basin), which has had a massive impact on our local economy. Bowen needs all the help and support it can get to fast track expansion projects at Abbott Point to ensure the ongoing viability of our community.As locals, we all love the beach, fishing and the pristine lifestyle we have. We have lived and worked with coal mining and ports over the past decades and have seen the very high standard of environment standards they abide to. We live in Bowen and see there is no environment impact to our community from these organisations as they have rigorous controls in place to manage any environmental issues.

It is very disappointing when a few alarmists seem to speak on our behalf, suggesting our community does not want any expansion of the ports. Without having a full vote across the whole of Bowen, Icannot say what the numbers are for and against the port expansion; however I can say I have spoken to a lot of local people and I have found the vast majority support this expansion. A local petition has collected around 2000 signature to allow dredging to go ahead and these are from local people living in Bowen.I worry when I get visitors from the south staying at our apartments and they comment they have been asked to sign a petition to vote against this dredging. I wonder how many of the green petition signatories actual live in Bowen and understand what they are signing? I also get concerned that the highly effective green movement has millions of dollars allocated to shutting down the coal mining industry, yet it does not affect their day to day living like it does with us.I hope for the sake of our community that you consider the excellent track record that North Qld Bulk Ports Corporation has on dredging projects and also the fact that this is a small dredging project but an absolute necessary one if any expansion of the port is to progress. Without the dredging, there is no expansion, there is no stimulus to our region, there is no assurance for our community and there will be a higher number of bankruptcies.The community of Bowen is on the edge of our seats waiting for a positive outcome with regard to this dredging. Hopefully this will happen sooner than later and we can all get up and cheer opposed to a negative result which will have us falling off our seats.RegardsPaul McLaughlinChairman Tourism Bowen

Stuff to the Editor

All accidents and personal injury claims:• Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers Injury Claims• Public Liability Claims • Mining Accident Claims• Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Claims• Boating and Holiday Accident ClaimsDarren Sekac is available for consultations at the

Whitsunday and Proserpine offices on Thursday, by appointment only.

Darren Sekac* Call 4944 2000www.macamiet.com.au

*Personal Injuries Law Accredited Specialist (MAckAy)

PERSONAL INJURY EXPERTS

MACKAY

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Monday August 5, 2013 167th Edition

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No-care culture: HOW BECHTEL TURNED IT AROUND » Full report page 4

WIN $1000s in prizes, page 13

IT’S BACK!ARE YOU OUR MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR OR BACHELORETTE?

CARTON OF BEER FOR YOUR EYES!

It’s back by popular demand. You SMS us a photo to 0428 154 653 of something you’ve seen on site.

A bogged digger, the boss’s chocked motorbike - whatever tickles your fancy.Tell us in the text message what we’re looking at.

Every three months we’ll decide on a winner and post you out a carton of beer!So SMS your pics to 0428 154 653

Text in your best snap to 0409 471 014

Jayden Dillon and Jema Slotosch snapped at the Blackwater races recently.

PhOTOS TO ThE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITORINSTANT gRATIFIcATION


19th August 2013 19

Dear Frank,Deep inside, I am a really

outgoing guy and a barrel of laughs.

The only problem is that I am really self-conscious about my extremely large nose.

It is so big that people stare and kids come up to me and ask me why I have a big nose.

As a result, I just go to work, go back to camp, and spend my time off with my parents (I still live at home and I am 34).

How can I meet a decent girl who will look past my snout?

Gavin, Emu Park

I’ve got to say I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone having a nose so big that it prompts inquiries from random children.

Personally I don’t care for being asked questions by kids. Usually it’s something like, “Are you my new dad?” or, “Why were you and my Mum wrestling in the nude?”

Generally my answer is always the same, “There’s no Santa Claus and I won the wrestling match against your mum by technical penetration.”

I suppose the million-dollar question is what can you do about your colossal hooter?

The obvious solution is to simply lower your standards.

Some women out there are so unfortunate looking they’d have no qualms about going home with the elephant man.

With the liberal consumption of alcohol you can train your mind to ignore ‘deal breakers’ like excessive body hair, morbid obesity, missing appendages and unsightly gender reassignment scarring.

Unfortunately the morning after can be a fairly depressing experience.

After a recent night of heavy drinking I suffered horribly vivid nightmares about being mauled by a walrus.

I woke up the next morning on a houseboat next to a woman whose weight I’d estimate was in the range of ‘horrifying’ to ‘planetary’.

She was also missing all but two of her front teeth, which I suppose explained the tusks.

Fortunately shame-inducing memories such as that can be dulled with further application of alcoholic beverages.

It may also be wise to consider going after women who are a little bit older.

Many single women in their mid to late forties have given up on finding love and resigned themselves to a sad life filled with over-indulged house cats, erotic literature and extremely high-powered ‘personal massagers’.

If you show just a little bit of affection, these women they won’t even notice your beak; they’ll just be happy to be with a man they don’t have to inflate with a bike pump.

Frank

off Shift

frank the tank’S “Streakin” good love advice

GAVIN, If you want to meet a ‘decent girl’

then confidence is key. Lots of people have features they’re

not necessarily wild about, but if you’re really a barrel of laughs your personality should speak louder than your nose...you’ve got to get yourself out there!

On the other hand, if you feel as though its really impacting adversely upon your life, then perhaps you should investigate cosmetic surgery.

If you feel as though getting a ‘nose job’ would remarkably improve your self-confidence then I think you should definitely consider it.

Susan

SenSIBLe SuSan

IN THE US - A python escaped from a pet store and made its way into an upstairs apartment, strangling two young boys in their sleep.

The boys, aged seven and five were having a sleepover when the reptile entered their room some time during the night and constricted them.

The owner of the pet shop believes the snake escaped its enclosure through a hole in the ceiling.

Prior to the incident there was an online petition circulating to have the store closed down, citing an excessive humidity level in the store and the condition of some animals.

IN KENYA - A lawyer has filed a suit against Israel and Italy over the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Dola Indidis, a devout Roman Catholic, named Pontius Pilate,

several Jewish elders, King Herod, Tiberius (then emperor of Rome), the Republic of Italy and the State of Israel in the suit.

He claims the trial of Jesus was unlawful and that someone must be held accountable.

Mr Indidis attempted to file the same case in 2007, but it was dismissed as having weak legal standing...particularly since the parties he’s trying to prosecute have been dead for roughly 2000 years.

IN SWEDEN - Some people are cool under pressure, some people are not...this guy is not.

Mohkles Raheema was driving his pregnant wife to the hospital when the baby came unexpectedly during the car trip.

In what could only be described as a catastrophic reaction to a high-pressure situation, Mr Raheema lost

control of the vehicle and rolled it four times.

Fortunately no-one was injured in the accident and a passing motorist was able to give the family a ride to the hospital.

STILL IN THE US - A New York man has been arrested for trying to sell a baby on Craigslist.

The man was apparently embroiled in an argument with the child’s mother when he posted the advertisement to sell her child for $100.

He was apparently angry that the woman wouldn’t pay him enough attention, and so decided to post the ad out of spite.

New York Police charged him with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment of a social service.

It’s unknown whether he actually meant to sell the infant, or was just looking for attention.

faIr DInkum!

A New York man was obviously watching too much Once Upon A Time and decided to take a leaf out of Rumpelstiltskin’s book - but instead of claiming a first-born child he decided to sell it on Craiglist.


20 19th August 2013

Parents painstakingly peruse the options, weighing up all sorts of factors including location, cost, academic results and school ethos.

But in 2013, how are schools looking to stand out in the crowd? We asked University of Queensland Professor and education specialist Bob Lingard, and here’s what he came up with:

WebsiteSchools are spending a lot more time producing and updating a quality website. This makes it much easier for parents, particularly those who don’t live nearby, to access the school.

It’s a bit like branding, you’re going to put your best foot

forward on a website because it’s trying to sell the school’s potential.

I believe, though, the best way to get a handle on a school is still to go along and see it for yourself and spend some time there. Open days are a good way to do that, but you can also talk to other parents who have children at the school, or the kids themselves.

ResultsMany schools play up their focus on academic performance of students. For example, schools will advertise what percentage of their year 12s got an OP 1 to 5, what percentage went to university, or studied vet or left

university and went straight to full time employment. It’s a focus on outcomes and achievements after school.

Curriculum & Extracurricular activitiesOn the other hand, some schools make it their point of difference that they produce well-rounded students, and are not entirely focussed on academic results.

They might do this by highlighting what they offer in terms of curriculum - like an extensive LOTE program - or sometimes it’s about the extracurricular activities. It’s about offering drama, debating, public speaking, music, concerts,

sports and community service. Schools will play up those components in different ways, depending on how they see themselves.

This also links into facilities that are on offer - it can be a huge drawcard for a school to say it’s got great sporting facilities, science laboratories, music facilities etc.

ProminenceSome schools have been in the business for a long time, and they like to advertise that fact. They do it by saying things like “we have a long and proud history in Toowoomba” or “we’re the first boarding school in Central

Queensland” or “Brisbane’s oldest all boys school”.

Nurturing environmentThe notion of providing a caring environment for students is now considered very important among parents. Anti-bullying policies are a must, and schools can market themselves as having a caring and supportive environment. Some schools also use the notion that they will “get the best” from your child.

Shift Miner Magazine now presents six outstanding Queensland schools - and has asked them to showcase what they have to offer prospective students.

Standing out in the crowd

CHOOSING the right school for your child has always been a tricky business.


19th August 2013 21

Prep to Year 12 - Day & Boarding Weekly Boarding - bus to and from Townsville Practical, innovative learning in modern facilities Extensive Subject & Extra Curricular Range Comprehensive Arts Program Innovative Agricultural Science Program (including Cattle Club) Marybank - College Outdoor Education Facility Family friendly fees and payment options Gospel values and social justice in action

Phone 07 4787 1744 www.columba.catholic.edu.au facebook.com/ColumbaCatholicCollegeChartersTowers

Leading the way to a brighter future......

Shine at Columba

education Feature

Girls Grammar more than just a school

Leading the way for over a century

AN icon of Central Queensland, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School and its unique community has been synonymous with excellence for over 120 years.

Girls Grammar is much more than a School though.

When your daughter becomes a Girls Grammar girl she becomes a part of our family. Within this close knit family girls are more than just

classmates, they become sisters.Boarding at Girls Grammar offers

many wonderful opportunities and new experiences. Our many years of experience in the provision of residential schooling has enabled us to become specialists in the important role we play in the lives of our girls and young women.

It truly is impossible to understand what this ‘more’ really means without experiencing for yourself, the warmth and sincerity which is the ‘golden heart’ of Rockhampton Girls Grammar School.

Come and see us today to experience our community and find out what it means to be a Girls Grammar Girl.

Visit our website to find out more about boarding opportunities at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School www.rggs.qld.edu.au.

Contact Tammy Lang on 07 4930 0912 or [email protected] to arrange an appointment and receive a prospectus package. Join the Girls Grammar family today!

COLUMBA Catholic College, Charters Towers aims to provide a world of opportunities for its students. Working with parents, staff lead, guide and encourage students in the most practical, pastoral and resourceful manner to reach their potential.

Because many of our day and boarding students come from largely rural backgrounds, there is a strong following for our Cattle and Horse Clubs. Offering a comprehensive range of subject selections for students both academically inclined and those favouring hands-on activities, Columba is able to offer a pathway to

the future for all students.The College’s Creative Arts

Development Program provides our students with dance, drama, choir and band performing experiences. The range of curriculum and co-curricular activities is based on the firm belief that distance is no barrier to quality teaching and learning and nor should it limit unnecessarily the sporting and cultural opportunities of the students.

A weekly bus service runs to and from Townsville allowing families with work commitments to rest in the knowledge that their children’s education is well catered for in a safe and caring environment. From well-planned activities, thoughtfully cared for grounds, floodlit football ovals, swimming pools and tennis courts to the well-appointed accommodation, boarders at Columba Catholic College enjoy many of the comforts of home.

We welcome your approach to seek more information, confident that you will be surprised and delighted by what you find.


22 19th August 2013

Sleep well.Your child boards at one of theTop Country Schools in Australia.

The Australian has ranked The Rockhampton Grammar School among the nation’s Top 50 Country Schools and Best Secondary Schools in Queensland. Again. If you’re thinking about boarding, talk to us about why

Central Queenslanders choose Rockhampton Grammar and why we may be the best choice for your family.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL • EARLY LEARNING • PREP TO YEAR 12 • CO-ED BOARDING FROM YEAR 7

1300 GRAMMARwww.rgs.qld.edu.au

Every opportunity. Every student. Every day.

One of Queensland’s

Best Secondary SchoolsTHE AUSTRALIAN 2012, 2013

One of Australia’s Top Country Schools

THE AUSTRALIAN 2012, 2013

St Mary’s students well-prepared for life

RGS more accessible than ever

ST MARY’S Catholic College in Woree (Cairns) offers a co-educational setting with the latest facilities to cater to a range of student needs. St Mary’s students leave the College well prepared to face the future.

Traditional subject offerings and excellent QCS preparation see the majority of St Mary’s students being accepted in their tertiary course of choice and excelling in a range of career parts. In January 2013, St Mary’s also commenced operation of a Vocational Trade Training Centre. Through the Trade Training Centre, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a range of Certificate Courses including Hospitality, Construction and Engineering.

St Mary’s boasts a wide range of sporting and extra-curricular activities and its faculty of Performing Arts is renowned for its accomplishments in music and theatre. Our Performing Arts students are currently on a tour to Brisbane, showcasing their talents. St Mary’s boasts beautiful grounds for sporting activities an on-campus gym facility will begin operation later this year.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our community. For further information regarding enrolment or to arrange a personal tour of our facilities, please contact the College on 0740444200 or [email protected]

Visit our website to find out more: www.smcc.qld.edu.au

The Rockhampton Grammar School, one of Australia’s top country schools, will become more accessible to families in 2014 and 2015.

“With more than 1300 students the school is making changes to its Primary School in 2014 so there will be three classes available in each Year level from Prep through to Year 6,” says Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds explained.

“The number of places available in Year 7 will more than double by 2015, too, with four new classes added to the school’s existing three Year 7 classes.”

Established in 1881 the school currently boards 346 boys and girls. Boarding capacity is also set to increase as well by about 25 places.

The changes are a result of increased community demand and the statewide Year 7 shift to high school in 2015.

“The restructuring of Year 7 is a big transition year for boys and girls, intellectually, physically and emotionally,” he said.

All RGS Year 7 classes will be located in a new purposefully designed building suited to their learning requirements. A new Year 7 teaching model will introduce specialist-trained educators, moving students beyond the single teacher primary classroom model.

“Both teachers and students will embrace a new model of learning that will challenge, excite and reward.”

T 4054 6144E [email protected] Anderson Road, Woreewww.smcc.qld.edu.au

Providing excellence in education since 1986

22

56

ENROL NOW FOR 2014 AND BEYOND

St Mary’s Catholic College, Cairns, provides quality secondary co-education and vocational training in a caring and supportive environment. Enrolments for 2014 are now open. For more information and an enrolment pack, call us today.

Caring for their future


19th August 2013 23

THY WILL BE DONE

MA

CKA

Y

CHRISTIAN COLLEG

EMORANBAH SHS’s vision of “Pathways for Diverse Futures” is a platform for excellence. With the school achieving outstanding outcomes from the year 12’s of 2012, it is expected that the current cohort will even exceed their achievements.

Twenty-three per cent of the students achieved an OP score of 1-5 with one of our students getting a well-deserved OP1. Coupled with 100% of our students exiting with an OP score, a Queensland Certificate of Education or a certificate II or above, the school is in great shape.

With enrolment trends showing an increase in the school population,

Moranbah SHS has developed as an outstanding education institution. This is highlighted by the adjacent Coalfields Training Excellence Centre winning the 2012 Australian Training Awards for VET in Schools. The recognition of the community partnerships and the quality training that is available at our school certainly inspired the judging panel.

The school is continuing with its innovative approach to education through the recent opening of the Bright kids After School Care on the school grounds. Bright Kids has been developed to cater for the lack of child care facilities and the accompanying lack of training for young people in the area. The school’s P&C committee and Arrow Energy have provided their support of the program.

Moranbah SHS is definitely living up to its reputation as a leader in Australian Education. We look forward to continuing to provide pathways for diverse futures and invite you to enrol at our school and experience what we have to offer.

MACKAY Christian College is a leading, dynamic, growing school, with a heart for Missions. Situated in tropical North Queensland it is a multi-denominational Pre-Prep (Kindergarten) to Year 12 co-ed Christian day school committed to providing a safe environment in which students can develop academically, spiritually and socially through quality curriculum, modern

facilities and dedicated, caring staff.At Mackay Christian College our

values are C.L.E.A.R. – Christlikeness, Learning, Excellence, Attitude & Respect. These values are incorporated into the day to day operations of College life. The College is a unique educational facility with every staff member being committed to developing the best in each child, and to helping them become ‘all God wants them to be.’

Mackay Christian College offers a variety of Academic, Sporting, Agricultural, Vocational Learning and Performing Arts activities. It welcomes students from all walks of life, including ESL Students, Indigenous Students, International Students and Students With Disabilities. The College offers an affordable fee schedule and sibling remissions. Fee assistance is also available.

Visit our website athttp://mccmky.qld.edu.auor email us [email protected]

Serving the Mackay community

Moranbah students achieve excellence

CAR FOR SALE

78 XC FALCON GS UTE

250 Alloy head Crossflow on straight LPG,

Supercharged with Raptor V-L blower, T5 gearbox,

9\” Diff, 3.7:1 Ratio, Disc Brakes, Regretful sale

$27,500 onoPhone: 0428 344 437

LAND FOR SALEWONDAI 160 ACRES160 undulating acres at Wondai. 16 Metre Weekender, power,

phone, 2 watertanks, permanent gully, 2

dams, cattle yards with vet crush, fully fenced.

Splendid home site, with captivating sunsets. 1 Hour to Gympie

$345,000Phone: 0417 704 369

BOAT FOR SALE

2013 HORIZON 435 Easy Fisher PRO

on Dunbier, with 40 HP Mercury Tiller, saftey gear, Bimini top, front casting deck, rear storage with bait tank, Hummingbird 160X sounder, battery/

box, Side pockets, Rolled side decks

$14,490 Phone: 0749 467 286

CARAVAN FOR SALEBOROMA 700ST

Insulated Custom designed, Shower/Toilet, fitted with 2x Electrolux Air

conditioners, TV/DVD, W/Machine, Gas cooktop,Grill

& Oven,2x80ltr Water tanks, Hot water system,

Solar panel, Twin batteries, Battery charger, Wired for 240/12volt, 1x80ltr

GWT, Excellent condition. $42,000 neg.

Phone: 0419 001 369

LAND FOR SALE

YEPPOON

Acreage Living,

City Conveniences!

4000 sqm North facing, corner premium

block, 5 minutes from CBD, schools, transport.

Plenty of space for shed, pool, kids to play.

$300,000

Phone: 0409 391 254

HOME FOR SALE

DEVONPORT TASMANIA265+ Square

Executive Home5 Spacious Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms and 4 ToiletsIndoor Heated Pool and Spa

Energy Efficient DesignGet the “Million Dollar

Property” without the price tag

www.ellicehill.netPhone: 0418 140 241

HOUSE/LAND FOR SALE

NORTH OF YEPPOON

40ha. Open country, House, Dam, bore (1100gl/

ph) Submersible pump, Yards & ramp. Excellent

garden & views. 50ks nth of Yeppoon Turnoff. 1.3ks

off highway, bitumen road, School buses from Highway

$595,000 onoPhone: 07 4937 3564

BOAT FOR SALE

7mtr ALLOY LIGHTNING Walk-around Cabin with

V-Bunks, twin 90hp E-Tec, approx. 60hrs, very

well fitted out quick & economical Fishing Boat

with large deck area, Senior owner down sizing, can email full particulars and many detail photos.

$62,000Phone: 407 161 399

BOAT FOR SALE2008 BAJA26 OUTLAWLUXURY PERFORMANCE

POWERBOATAS NEW

496ci Magnum HO Mercruiser 70mph

4 Blade PropAluminium Tandem Trailer

Toilet, Cabin, Bunks, Seating

Custom Upholstery, Graphics

$95,000 onoPhone: 0414 330 803

HYDRAULIC JACK

FOR SALE

Custom made 2 speed

hydraulic Jack, 30 ton, fully

rebuildable, especially made

for working on Cat D9 Dozers,

Bomb proof, will last forever.

$220

Phone: 49 739 698

ROOM FOR RENT

ROCKHAMPTON

HOUSEMATE WANTED. Are you single, between

25-45 years old and looking for a house to

share. I have a nearly fully-furnished, polished

floored, quiet home on the Range.

Phone: 0450 390 373

CAR FOR SALE

Immaculate Holden

Statesman

WM 2007 model. V6 auto

immaculate condition

94,000k.

All leather interior.

$18,500 ono

Phone: 0407 373 664

BOAT FOR SALE2004 PowerCat 2600 Sports

Cabriolet. Twin 115hp Yamaha 4 stroke engines. Sleeps 4, Toilet, Shower. Road registered tandem

trailer. Always maintained and kept in a shed. All safety gear. Excellent condition. Registered

until September 2013. Reduced to $108,000.00 Must be sold. OFFERS,

OFFERS, OFFERS Very Negotiable

Phone: 0409 630 311

BOAT FOR SALE

Offshore Marine Master 2012 Mac5 Cuddy.

Brand new! 90HP Suzuki 4 stroke, Hydraulic steering,

Live well, Bimini, Bait station, self draining fully

welded floor, Kill tank. 4mm bottom, 3mm sides. Comes on Dunbier Glider trailer. Fishermans dream

$39,950Phone: 0404 891 776

CAR FOR SALE

MITSUBISHI TRITONGLXR 2011

colour coded drop side steel tray, 5 sp

manual, air, steer, power windows, cruise, CD, tow bar, long range

tank, UHF, immaculate, 62000K, full history.

$35,950Phone: 0418 725 318

UTE FOR SALE

HOLDEN COMMODORE

omega ute 2008 V6 auto120,000 km\’s

bluetooth hands free, reverse camera, a/c,

cruise controlRWC, rego until 10/2013

$16,000 neg.Phone: 0488 514 713

BUSINESS FOR SALE

OPEN TAXI LICENCE FOR SALE IN ROCKHAMPTON

Currently leased @ $385 inc gst/week

Includes shares in Rockhampton Cab Company

Perfect sideline income

$315,000

Phone: 0407 373 664

LAND FOR SALE

Get Tax advantages as a Primary Producer!

Buy and stock cattle on 32 acre Hobby Farm at Ravensbourne which is 40 minutes from Toowoomba and 90 minutes to Brisbane.

Phone: 0435 347 686

CAMPER FOR SALE

TOP-FORM

insulated alloy camper,

fits into 1.8mt. tray, fully

equipped, only need food

and personal gear to use,

$20,000

Phone: 07 4973 9698

CAR FOR SALE

VS CLUBSPORT

series 2, 19 inch chrome

mags, new power

steering pump,new

water pump,new front

brake pads, 142000km,

great condition

$8,500 ono

Phone: 0439 872 215

CAR FOR SALE

CLASSIC FOR SALE

Ford Mustang Convertable 67

302 V8 Auto. Left hand drive, disc brakes.Excellent condition,

Fully restored.

$48,000Phone: 0749 337 305

CAR FOR SALE

TOYOTA RAV 4This one lady owner Toyota Rav4 2010 is the perfect

small SUV. Well maintained with full service history.Auto MY10 (4/10) 2.4L Cruiser FWD standard

features include: Automatic, 5 seater Cruise control

Power windows & mirrors, Dual Air Conditioning with Climate Control.

Phone: 0407 840 484

HOUSE FOR SALE• Trying to get into the

property market?• Good income but not much deposit?

• Want to buy a house and lock in a profit from the beginning?

• You buy the land, we build the house and then we buy it back from you once its complete in 16 weeks for

$80,000 more. Why? Because we can’t finance the whole lot.

• If you are serious about making money then call

Dave on 0411 344 688

LAND FOR SALE

2.5 ACRES VICTORIA

Owner can part finance over 3Y if needed.Fenced, Bitumen

road frontage, near school shops etc

Approved for building

$50,000Phone: 0413 501 222

UTE FOR SALE

2009 FORD RANGERsuper cab XLT, BMA mine compliant (not 5

star ANCAP rated, doesn’t include CASCAM or IVMS), never been in pit, white. 121,000kms

$25,000

Phone: 4944 1272 or 0417 789 681Email: [email protected]

UTE FOR SALE

2010 FORD RANGERtwin cab ute, BMA mine compliant (not 5 star

ANCAP rated, doesn’t include CASCAM or IVMS), never been in pit, white. 88,000kms

$28,000


UTE FOR SALE

2011 (Mar) FORD RANGERtwin cab ute, BMA mine compliant (not 5 star ANCAP

rated, doesn’t include CASCAM or IVMS), never been in pit, white. 60,000kms

$30,000


UTE FOR SALE

2010 (Dec) FORD RANGERtwin cab ute, (purchased new April 2011) BMA mine compliant (not 5 star ANCAP rated, doesn’t include

CASCAM / IVMS), never been in pit, white. 82,000kms

$30,000


NOW ABSOLUTELY FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS at www.shiftminer.com


19th August 2013 25

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

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35 #MUIDEM

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Across 1. Gypsy wagons 5. Coats in pan juices 9. Requests more stock10. Of flowers12. Study of zodiac13. Turf14. Caress with lips16. Ultra19. Eternally21. Painful24. Revises (text)25. Rejoice27. Scales (mountain)28. Moves to another country29. Drooped30. Demonstrates (against)

Down 1. Wheat or rye 2. Perches 3. VCR 4. Anxious 6. Crocodile relative 7. Endanger 8. Spatters11. Rubber wheel15. Unseen17. Violations of law18. Coaching (team)20. Wealthy21. Infantryman22. Insect, praying ...23. Wild animals26. French cap SHIFT MINER

Handy Crossword - (15A grid)Handy Crossword 073s. pdf© Lovatts Crosswords - 1/10/2009 - Artist -TK

S H A B B I E R E S T A T EP B A X T P AR E O C C U P Y Z I P P E RO A K A E F E RU P R I S I N G S F U N G IT D S P E D N

A L O E Y A N K I N GS E I E X SC O N F O R M M O D EO S N A I B JR A N G E M E T E O R I T EC A S A T P K TH E R E S Y R E M E D I A LE E E N R N AD E S I S T E S C A P I N G

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LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONSPUZZLES

off Shift

SUPERHERO movies are box office gold at the moment with films like The Avengers, Iron Man 3, and Man of Steel all making truckloads of money at the box office.

The latest in this long line of

blockbusters is The Wolverine, the highly anticipated follow up to the X-Men trilogy.

Hugh Jackman reprises his role as troubled mutant Wolverine, who is struggling immensely with his personal demons.

Wolverine is summoned to Japan to say goodbye to an acquaintance who is dying of old age.

Shortly after arriving he finds himself embroiled in an assassination attempt on a

young woman by the Yakuza (the Japanese mafia), which seems to coincide with a plot to steal his mutant healing power.

It’s up to Wolverine to face his demons and take down the bad guys without his superhuman healing power.

It’s immediately evident that The Wolverine isn’t just a balls-to-the-wall action film - it has some dramatic substance.

Wolverine’s constant nightmares and struggle to renounce violence are just as compelling as the action scenes.

Although Hugh Jackman is undeniably bad-ass as Wolverine, his talent as an actor is evident as he portrays a hero struggling with profound psychological issues.

The action is well paced throughout the film, and the sequences last for a perfect amount of time.

Some superhero films (Man of Steel, for instance) have a tendency to go overboard with action, which can create a sort of sensory overload and become slightly boring.

Fans of previous X-Men films will more than likely love The Wolverine, although some may be a little disappointed by the lack of mutants in the film.

If you’re a fan of superhero movies, or just action movies in general then this film is definitely for you.

X-Men fans would be well advised to watch the credits and wait for the very cool teaser trailer.

mOVIe reVIew BY JUSTIN CARLOS

WOlvERINE HAS SuBSTANcE, NOT juST clAWS

Males and females alike can appreciate a well-put-together physique....


26 19th August 2013

Thick fog and frost with change of highWEEK 1 - the early fog forecast in Shiftminer last edition caused visibility down to 100-500 metres along the eastern quarter of the capricorn Highway. This was due to the continued “change of high” tracking across the Tropic of capricorn.Here is a short simple version of recent meteorological sequence of events. The fogs develop on the western flank of the high in a moist north to north-easterly. Then the eastern flank of a new high (see Sat Pic) replaces the previous high with cold/cooler drier south to

south-westerly air and possible frosts. This is why clermont recorded minus 1.3c on the Saturday August 10. Many places from Miles/Rolleston/gindie/clermont/Middlemount/Moranbah recorded frosts with their second and third coldest morning of the year. Warm sunny days followed with Emerald recording 31 degrees last Tuesday and Wednesday - the warmest day since mid-April.More warm to very warm temperatures start the week. Maximums should reach 33-35 degrees west of jericho and 30-32 degrees for most of the coalfields. just the risk of one weak late high-based thundery shower about the Drummond Ranges and the Blackdown Tablelands. Then a cooler south-westerly through

Surat/Roma/Rolleston on Monday reaching Middlemount/Moranbah by Tuesday.Minimums drop to single figures (slight frost on hills) in the south and daytime temperatures reach 25-26 degrees. A front over victoria on Thursday causes yet another dump of snow and 90-100kph gusts for the Alps. The Tropic of capricorn change of high sequence breaks and shifts south. A burst of cold southerly air moves north causing frosts for southern Queensland. This could reach the central Tablelands early weekend.Boaties! The light winds are finishing! Mon: NW/NE 5-10 early mist/fog with NNE 10-15 avo. Then a late night SSW 10-15. Tue: SSW/SSE 10-15 increasing 15-20 later. Wed: SSE/SE 18-13. Thr: SSE/SE 14-09 tending ENE 5-10 inshore avo. Fri: SSW/

SSE 12-17 Sat: SSE/SE 12-17 gusting 20-25 north of Heron. Sun: SE 15-20 with a squally shower.WEEK 2 - The SOI hovers around at +7.4 with a hint of a fall. To project, the August/September SOI as a lower value indicates a dry start to spring.If a high develops over the Tasman Sea mild minimums and warm days are likely for the coalfields. Afternoon cloud - and a hint of a brief shower - in the east.Marine Lovers! South East Trades are back! Mon: SE/ESE 15-20 with squally showers (SS) gusting above 25 knots offshore. Fri: SE/ESE 15-20 SS north of Heron ESE 18-13 south Sat: ESE 12-18 north and ESE/ENE 10-15 south. Sun: ESE 17-11 north of Sarina and ESE/ENE 8-11 south.

your WEATHER FOREcAST With Mike GriffinT i d e T i m e s

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mon 19 Tue 20 Wed 21 Thu 22 Fri 23 sat 24 sun 25Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0147 0.50 0233 0.29 0316 0.18 0356 0.16 0435 0.25 0513 0.43 0548 0.690743 3.63 0830 3.79 0914 3.91 0957 3.96 1039 3.94 1121 3.84 1203 3.671347 0.45 1436 0.30 1521 0.24 1603 0.30 1643 0.47 1722 0.74 1800 1.062009 4.43 2053 4.50 2135 4.47 2216 4.34 2255 4.10 2334 3.78

0339 0.46 0424 0.26 0506 0.16 0545 0.16 0622 0.29 0031 5.48 0109 4.980926 4.96 1011 5.14 1054 5.26 1136 5.29 1217 5.22 0658 0.53 0735 0.861537 0.23 1624 0.11 1708 0.12 1750 0.26 1831 0.54 1259 5.03 1342 4.772147 6.12 2230 6.18 2311 6.10 2351 5.86 1911 0.94 1954 1.40

mon 26 Tue 27 Wed 28 Thu 29 Fri 30 sat 30 sun 1Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht

0012 3.43 0054 3.09 0149 2.80 0312 2.63 0456 2.69 0001 1.43 0044 1.200622 0.97 0700 1.24 0758 1.46 0927 1.54 1049 1.45 0602 2.89 0649 3.091247 3.47 1339 3.28 1447 3.16 1613 3.18 1727 3.35 1153 1.28 1241 1.091842 1.38 1939 1.65 2116 1.77 2256 1.65 1819 3.57 1901 3.76

0150 4.45 0240 3.94 0359 3.56 0551 3.52 0115 1.81 0203 1.47 0241 1.210814 1.24 0905 1.60 1023 1.85 1158 1.81 0709 3.76 0758 4.06 0836 4.291432 4.47 1538 4.23 1708 4.18 1833 4.40 1307 1.56 1356 1.29 1435 1.062045 1.84 2202 2.15 2355 2.12 1930 4.71 2013 5.00 2048 5.20

off Shift

YEPPOON - After a lot of indifferent weather there’s finally been an extended patch of the good stuff.

Adrian from the Secret Spot Bait and Tackle in Yeppoon said

boaties around the Capricorn Coast have been taking advantage of the good weather and getting out wide in droves.

“There’s been heaps of Spanish mackerel out around

Flat and Perforated Islands, good showings of squid around Bald Rock and Pumpkin Island, and some really nice red fish being caught as well.”

Despite the excellent

conditions, it’s been hit and miss out wide, according to Adrian.

“Fifty per cent of the boats are coming back with good catches and the other half are putting in huge miles and catching nothing. It’s just the conditions this time of year; it’s either red hot or not at all,” he said.

If you’re out on the water keep an eye out as there’s been a lot of humpback whales sighted around the Keppel Islands.

MACKAY- There’s been a lot of action offshore around Mackay thanks to the recent good weather.

As may be expected, the mackerel are on the bite, but Clinton from Tackle World Mackay reckons they’re not hungry for bait.

“Offshore there’s been good Spanish, blokes have been getting them on 100 or 150 gram Raider Lures, but not so much on baits - just the odd one on gar.”

The shipping channel and inshore reefs have been fishing well for coral trout and nannygai, and the creeks are good.

“There’s a lot of king and blue salmon around in the creeks, and the Pioneer River has been great for winter whiting, bream and

grunter,” said Clinton. If you’re willing to put in the

time, the dams around Mackay have been producing the odd bara.

GLADSTONE - It’s been an angler’s paradise around the Harbour City of late, thanks to some fantastic weather.

Dylan from Pat’s Tackle World in Gladstone says the catches out wide have been nothing short of phenomenal.

“The offshore fishing has been unbelievable. There’s some big red emperor and a lot of Spanish mackerel around at the moment. They’ve been running thick around Rundle Island.”

If you can’t get offshore, there’s still a lot of fish being caught in close.

“There’s been a few salmon and some good grunter kicking around the harbour. Try fishing rocky points and long flats like mud bars,” said Dylan.

Despite the colder weather barra are still being caught in the Boyne River.

If you have a good photo or fishing yarn

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

BaIt ShOp BanterRed Snapper caught this 55cm Mangrove Jack.


19th August 2013 27

off Shift

JAPAN is a world leader when it comes to technology and innovation, unfortunately they also lead the world in inventions that perplex and bewilder the average person.

Presented for your amusement and amazement are Shiftminer’s top five crazy Japanese inventions.

1. Creepy intimacy simulating pillow thing After a bad day at work sometimes all you want to do is cuddle up with your sweetheart and go to sleep...there’s only one problem...you’re single.

Weep no more, there’s a weird pillow that simulates the intimacy you so sorely crave.

2. Electro SmileDon’t you just hate it when you’ve tried everything but just can’t make your children smile? These worries are a thing of the past thanks to Electro Smile!

Deliver an electric shock directly to your child’s face and leave them smiling for days (with only slight twitch side effect).

We’d recommend not over using Electro Smile, unless you’re keen on turning your child into the Joker.

3. Public transport plunger hatThere’s nothing more embarrassing than falling asleep on the shoulder of a stranger during a bus or train ride.

Thanks to this nifty hat you can nod off without a care in the world...except for missing your stop...or being robbed...or being touched in your sleep by weirdos.

At least if the plunger apparatus ever malfunctions the hard hat should prevent concussion.

4. Solar-powered cigarette lighterHarness the awesome power of the sun to ignite your tobacco products!

Unfortunately if you feel like smoking at night or when it’s slightly overcast you may need to hold onto your regular lighter.

5. Upside down water harvesting umbrellaIf only there was a way to combine keeping dry with harvesting drinkable water...wait, there is!

This very ‘green’ device will add a silver lining to being caught in rainy weather by amply supplying you with nourishing H20.

Unfortunately using this umbrella could have a Pied-Piper effect and lead to you being followed around by hippies and doomsday enthusiasts who like your style.

cRAzY jAPANESE INvENTIONS!

www.binnaburralodge.com.auCall 1300 246 622 for bookings and enquiries

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28 19th August 2013

cRISIS MEETINg IN lEAguE HEARTlANDTHE management of the Central Highlands rugby league competition had a crisis meeting last week to work out a strategy to combat the exodus of players from the competition.

This issue came to a head a fortnight ago when the Peak Down Pirates team had to forfeit against Middlemount after 10 of their players lost their jobs at the Xstrata-owned Oaky Creek North mine.

The Shiftminer understands the retrenchments were part of job losses Xstrata announced last month.

Competition president Darren Sargood says the region has to adapt to the new challenges.

“It’s not just the players who lose their jobs; it’s also those who remain,” he told Shiftminer

“Many of those players will stop playing because they don’t want to get injured and put their job in jeopardy and nobody can blame them for that, they need to put food on the table.”

The impact of the downturn has not affected all towns equally. In fact, earlier in the year, Blackwater reported increased participation in local sport as employees were put on more sport-

friendly rosters.Broadly speaking, the teams

performing best in the region at the moment are those areas with a mixed mining and agricultural economy like Emerald and Clermont.

Mr Sargood said the committee would tonight look at a range of options to maintain the competition in the future.

“We will look at the possibility of playing 11-a-side or reducing the number of teams in the competition,” he told Shiftminer.

“It might be that we are better off with a smaller but stronger competition, and some people would say the competition in its current form is too long anyway.”

Mr Sargood said no changes would be made this season, with only two rounds left and the teams at the top of the table still strong.

“But [looking forward] we have to think outside the square, because having a large competition where the weaker teams get thrashed is demoralising for those players who are available.

“We can always unshrink it in the future, it all just goes in cycles I guess.”

BATTlE OF THE MINES STIll ON

Sport

Celebrating our long term future in Central Queensland with first production from the Kestrel Mine ExtensionThis 20 year extension of Kestrel Mine will provide a secure future for our 400-strong workforce and continue our investment in local community projects through the Kestrel Mine Community Development Fund and the Kestrel Mine Aboriginal Community Development Fund.

riotintocoalaustralia.com.au

Proud to be a part of the central Queensland Community and committed to the future.Pictured: Celebrations at Kestrel Mine with a cake in the shape of the

new “longwall” now mining coal.

Teigan Lawrence and Maddison Brotchie

Rhys Brotchie, Ashley O’Neill and Reece Anderson

George Hoare, Rod, Delaney and Val Beak

Andrew, Allira, Danielle, Dave and Lisa

Clint Kelly, George Chong and Clint Singleton from Cloncurry

Daniel Hickson, Clayton Geary, Sterling Scrivener and Angie Hoffmann.

Despite the downturn and the player crisis, organisers of the 2013 Battle of the Mines rugby league competition are pushing ahead with plans for a big carnival in October.

Headlining the event will be a masters of rugby league State of Origin match featuring former greats like PJ Marsh, Chris Walker and Steven Bell.

The one other major change on other years is that the number of teams available to play is going to be capped at 10 to make sure the carnival can be finished before 7:30 at night.

NRL development officer based in

Emerald Andrew Lawrence is hopeful the mining downturn won’t have a large effect.

“We are hoping that the downturn doesn’t have an effect, but we are a little bit worried about it,” he said.

“I think most of the old mines will be there, and we already have two new mines coming on board. Clermont Coal is going to be sending a team for the first time which is great.”Team nominations close Friday, August 30. Nominations to be either posted to NRL, P.O.Box 25, Emerald, Qld 4720 or emailed to [email protected]

The Blackwater Rugby league faithful were rewarded when local side the cQ capras beat the Ipswich jets 32 - 16 when the two teams played in Blackwater recently.


19th August 2013 29

THE US Powerball jackpot has climbed to an astonishing $400 million, so naturally people are buying tickets by the bucket load in an attempt to become an instant mega millionaire.

Let’s forget the fact the odds are one in 175 million; it’s extremely nice to fantasise about becoming filthy rich overnight.

Which begs the question, if you suddenly had enough cash to fill a swimming pool, what would you do?

I think most of us would squirrel a large

chunk away in a term deposit, which would no doubt yield substantial interest annually, maybe invest some in property, and of course keep some on hand to have a good time.

Unfortunately not everyone in the world thinks so pragmatically, here’s the Shiftminer’s top five squandered fortunes.

MICHAEL JACKSONThe king of pop amassed one of the biggest fortunes ever by a musician and at one time was reportedly worth more

than a billion dollars. His financial decline began in 1988

when he purchased the 2600 acre Neverland Ranch, which cost over $200,000 a month to operate.

Declining record sales coupled with eccentric and excessive spending (Jackson tried to buy the elephant man’s bones for close to a million dollars) and costly legal woes saw Jackson mortgaged to the hilt and grossly in debt at the time of his death.

MIKE TYSONDuring the 80s and 90s Mike Tyson was undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes on the planet.

His fists of fury saw him beat some of the best boxing had to offer and he was crowned the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, amassing a $300 million fortune in the process.

Unfortunately his antics out of the ring sullied a storied career, with Tyson being arrested 38 times between 1986 for everything from drunk driving to rape.

He lost millions in settlements and legal fees. He filed for bankruptcy in 2003, but has

enjoyed a moderate rise back to stardom enjoying fame from cameos in films like The Hangover.

MC HAMMERStop...Hammer Time!

Catch rap beats and parachute pants earned MC Hammer a sweet $30 million fortune in an extremely short amount of time.

Mr Hammer wasted absolutely no time squandering his fortune on mansions, expensive toys and fair-weather friends.

He now lives as a pastor in California.

NICOLAS CAGEThe Academy Award winner is internationally famous and was once one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood.

Unfortunately a $14 million dollar tax bill and some outlandish purchases like European castles and dinosaur skulls have seen him fall on hard times financially.

A slew of low-grossing flops at the box office is presumably not helping Mr Cage overcome his monetary woes.

DENNIS RODMANThe basketball hall-of-famer made millions winning five championships for the Chicago Bulls alongside b-ball legend Michael Jordan.

Unfortunately Rodman squandered his multi-million dollar fortune on illegal helicopters, a pick-up truck with a portrait of his face on it, countless parties and a 47 foot speed boat named ‘sexual chocolate’.

Rodman owes around $100,000 in back taxes, all as close to $750,000 in unpaid child support.

THE MIllIONAIRES WHO SQuANDERED IT All

off Shift

Michael Jackson squandered his fortune on his Neverland Ranch.


30 19th August 2013

THE Reserve Bank cut rates, that’s fantastic...or is it?

If you’ve got a mortgage the rate cut is positively fantastic news, but if you’re trying to build a savings account the record cut could see you get shafted.

In order to account for the money you lose through inflation and tax the interest on your savings account needs to be at the very least, 3.5 per cent.

Even before the rate cut has been enforced, there are very few Australian banks paying an ongoing interest rate of more than 3.5 per cent.

With the reserve bank cutting rates to 2.5 per cent, it’s highly likely the banks will pass this on to savers in the extremely near future.

This lower interest could actually see your savings going backwards, which means it’s time to evaluate both your bank and the savings plan you’re in.

If your interest rate is less than 3.5 per cent it’s time to switch, you can use the internet to compare the best rates among banks and other financial institutions.

Changing accounts frequently (roughly every six months) to take advantage of high interest ‘introductory’ offers is a good idea for those with the time and inclination to do so.

This rate cut is expected to impact adversely on two groups of people, young people saving for things like cars or home deposits, and those nearing retirement who are trying to build a nest egg.

RATE cuT BAD NEWS FOR SAvERS FRANk THE TANk’S STREAkIN’ gOOD ElEcTION gOSS

Money Matters

THE federal election is fast approaching and virtually every media outlet across Australia is trying to offer insightful, informative and hard-hitting commentary on the titanic struggle between Labor and the Coalition.

Unfortunately, they’re all failing. Because of my proven track record at

digging up the real stories, Shiftminer sent me out to get the inside goss on the federal election.

I’ve been doing some sleuthing, and you’d be amazed at the secrets you can uncover if you spend the day hiding in a rubbish bin in the toilets at Parliament House.

Tony Abbott came in and locked the door behind him, which made me hopeful of getting some extremely juicy gossip.

Unfortunately he just did push ups for 45 minutes while reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

A few hours later Kevin Rudd came in and I was hoping he’d unveil a devious master plan on how the extra revenue

from cigarette sales will really be spent. I was extremely disappointed when all

he did was reenact the ‘Are you talking to me?’ scene from Taxi Driver, before practising his hair flicks in the mirror.

K-Rudd has been accused of exploiting the ignorance of children to foster his ‘rock star’ image and I was intending to dig up some dirt on that...then I remembered that Frank the Tank has also been accused of exploiting the ignorance of children, most recently by dressing up as Dumbledore from Harry Potter and telling kids they’d been accepted to wizard school, providing they could steal the $200 entry fee from their parents.

I decided that Canberra was a dead-end and decided to try my luck back in Queensland.

My search for the truth continued as I headed back to the Sunshine State, but unfortunately I lost my notepad on the plane (I tried to use it to discipline a nearby child and it was confiscated by the flight crew) and decided to regroup at the pub.

In the process of regrouping I had a few too many ales and the rest of the night’s a bit of a blur, although I vividly remember borrowing Peter Dowling’s phone then belting out a version of ‘Red Red Wine’ on karaoke...

A SIGNIFICANT problem in property settlements can often be that a separated couple can have very different ideas of the value of their assets. Very inaccurate estimates of value can lead to court orders being set aside.

Getting an agreed value on your assets will often make a big difference in helping to get a property settlement negotiated and settled. There is no point making totally unrealistic arguments about the value of assets if it is only going to stop you from reaching an agreement and wasting time and money on lawyers arguing about it.

There is no requirement to obtain proof of the value of assets in the event that you are able to agree on value. If you do not agree, it is not good enough to say that your opinion on the value of the assets is right and the other person’s opinion on value is wrong; you need evidence to back up your opinion.

Separated couples rarely get formal valuations of all of their assets completed by

registered valuers or accountants. Often there are formal valuations of houses/land, plant and equipment of businesses and the value of businesses themselves.

However separated couples regularly rely on some of the following sources of information to help try and reach agreement on the value of things:

• Red book searches about the value of motor vehicles;

• Comparative advertised sale prices in pocket traders and eBay for the value of individual items such as shipping containers, buggies, tinnies etc; and

• Real estate agent appraisals.

If neither person wants to keep an asset or cannot afford to keep an asset then it will need to be sold. The value of the asset is usually whatever the sale price is.

Very inaccurate valuations can prevent a couple from being able to settle or can result in agreements being set aside by the court. Accordingly it is always a good idea to do your homework and be realistic in your assessment of values or if you are at all unsure getting an expert valuer or accountant to help.

Supplied by: JameS baileypartner

Sr Wallace & Wallace

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INAccuRATE vAluATIONS cAuSE PROBlEMS IN PROPERTY SETTlEMENTS

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