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SHIFT MINERMonday 15th August 118 Edition 2011The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news

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NewsYour job safe while coal prices high » page 5

NewsWhat Karratha can teach Gladstone » page 6

NewsCQ caravan parks full of miners » page 7

LadderHow can a dual sector uni help you? » page 11

Around TownAll the fashions trackside at Dingo » page 15

Off ShiftWhy co-ordination isn’t a pre-requisite for local sport » page 22

Money MattersGladstone going, going up! » page 26

Locally Owned and Operated - www.shiftminer.com

THE fight for lucrative FIFO dollars is pit-ting region against region, as Queensland councils jostle to cash in on the mining boom.

While central Queensland mayors have banded together to “say no” to 100 per cent fly-in fly-out (FIFO) operations, other coun-cils are actively lobbying mining companies to make their region a FIFO hub.

The Gold Coast is leading the push, with dozens of mining companies registering their interest in a partnership that would see an abandoned airport terminal revamped and used as a base for mining services.

The deal would see up to 2000 workers flying in and out of the Gold Coast to mines in the Bowen Basin and also into northern New South Wales.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) closed last week, with 24 mining companies lodging applications.

“We expect to have a decision in the next fortnight in terms of announcing the com-panies who are coming on board,” a council spokesman told Shift Miner Magazine.

“We are currently reviewing the EOIs and developing our business plan.”

The Gold Coast has been battered by a downturn in construction and the severe slump in tourism after the summer floods.

But it isn’t the only region hoping FIFO will stimulate jobs and growth.

» continued page 4

» page 14

When Mackenna goes to market

CLEAR FOR LANDING Regions

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Moranbah 07 4949 2000 Wendy Tieri 07 4981 7900 Nicolle Capella 07 4988 7600 Marelle Bowen 07 4786 0100 Rachael Mobile Banker 07 4944 4126/0417 792 736 Nick Dysart 07 4941 1100 Anne Mackay 07 4944 4100 Nina

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118th EDITION. 2011

- Shift Miner Magazine, 15th August 2011

CONTENTS

IS my job and house secure?

That might be a question you

asked yourself last week, when at

times it seemed like the world could

slide back into recession.

Well it seems it didn’t, although

what I write today might be irrele-

vant by the time you read it, because

things have been changing so fast and

frequently.

But we did a bit of a ring around to

try and get a handle on the outlook

for coal prices and your jobs, and in

short the future looks bright.

Metallurgical coal prices have been

all time highs at around $330 a tonne,

and with the rebuilding of Japan there

is still plenty of demand for steel and

coking coal.

Of course we still don’t know what

impact the various new mining and

carbon taxes will have on industry,

but probably the greater question to

ponder is a more local one.

Can a miner have a family friend-

ly lifestyle?

Everyone knows there is a quid in

mining for those prepare to work, but

lifestyle is another consideration that

is rising fast on the list of worker pri-

orities.

This edition we again look at the

curly issue of rosters and the FIFO

existence.

Between them, they effect us all.

FROM THE EDITOR8

Alex Graham

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25 MONEY MATTERS

NEWS6 Parkhurst boomNine sheds go up9 Baralaba bridgeMiner funds upgrade10 Skills crisisHere right now12 Looking backCoal’s bad old days

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MINER’S TRADER

18

118th EDITION. 2011


NEwS

The Sunshine Coast is also vying for a piece of the pie; there, the council has been in high-level negotiations with the mining industry for more than 12 months.

At the other end of the state, Cairns is also positioning itself to capitalise on the expected explosion of mining and industry jobs.

Earlier this year, the federal government approved a FIFO Coordinator to be based in the city, in a pilot project designed to link skilled regional workers with resource projects.

That position was officially set up last week.

One Cairns-based miner currently work-ing in the Bowen Basin said operating FIFO from the far north would tap into the gold and minerals mining skills base.

“There are a lot people up here look-ing for a start, if they chartered a plane they would fill it tomorrow,” he said.

“In Cairns and Mareeba there are plen-ty of skilled operators that have worked, for example, at Kidston gold mine which has now shut down.”

The miner, who did not want to be iden-

tified, said he was currently paying his own way to and from work.

“It costs me $700 return to fly from Cairns to Mackay so I can’t keep doing it for-ever but I took this job in the hope it would lead to FIFO work.”

Opening up regional opportunities is the flip side of the FIFO debate that is raging in central Queensland at the moment.

Mining towns are campaigning against a move to 100 per cent FIFO operations, which has been put on the agenda by BMA’s proposed Caval Ridge mine near Moranbah.

BMA wants to run the mine with a 100 per cent FIFO workforce, but local councils and unions say workers and their families should have a choice.

Whitsundays Mayor Mike Brunker is pragmatic about the push from other regions to cash in on FIFO.

“If I was a mayor down there I would be doing it too,” he said.

“But I won’t see my region used as a doormat by mining companies.”

Cr Brunker said if coal companies were serious about the skills crisis they would start regional training programs and offer real

incentives for workers to live locally.“If companies don’t want their workers

to move between jobs every time someone offers more money, then they have to think outside the square.”

“If you want to lock in workers, your best bet is with locals and offering them an attrac-tive housing scheme or going guarantor on a loan for a house.”

Further south in the Rockhampton region, officials are again pushing for flights to be offered for mine workers in the region.

“It has been looked at in the past, but I think we have the critical mass now for that to be investigated again by mining companies,” said Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll.

Ms Carroll, who is herself the wife of a Moura mine manager, has experienced the FIFO life in Brisbane and now the DIDO life in Yeppoon.

She said the choice was a no brainer.“The travel time is just so much less now,”

she said.“The proximity is really the selling point

for our region, workers are not so far from their loved ones and that is the number one issue.”

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Jobs safe while coal prices high

Queensland councils all want a piece of the FIFO pie

118th EDITION. 2011


Indigenous jobsIndigenous Australians will have more access to jobs and training in the Queensland resources sector.A new partnership between industry and the state and federal governments has been unveiled, with $340,000 being pledged to the scheme over the next two years.A plan will be drawn up which will outline specific strategies and timeframes for the project - and employment targets will also be developed.The MoU will cover the north west of the state and the Bowen Basin......................................................................

UCG first for Carbon EnergyCarbon Energy has announced an “Australian first” - it has generated power using syngas produced through underground coal gasification (UCG).The company has generated electricity at its Bloodwood Creek plant, bringing it another step closer to connecting to Ergon Energy’s local electricity grid in October.Only two UCG pilot projects are allowed to operate in Queensland at the moment - after the state government shut down Cougar Energy’s operations at Kingaroy.The other company, Linc Energy, recently drove a car across Australia on its synthetic diesel produced at Chinchilla......................................................................

QGC $1.2M rent assistanceQGC will provide a $1.2 million rental assistance scheme aimed at Gladstone apprentices and traineers over the next two years.The scheme will be run by the council’s community advisory service.Eligible applicants must be under 25, a Gladstone resident for at least three years, and in full-time employment as an apprentice or trainee.Depending on individual circumstances, an apprentice could get up to $80 a week in rental assistance.

FAST NEWS

NEwS

CENTRAL Queensland grain farmers say coal is taking priority on freight trains, despite state government assurances to the contrary.

The coal rail network was privatised late last year, and became QR National.

Agforce Grains President Wayne New-ton said at the time, the state government promised agricultural freight would not be forgotten.

“We were told by the Minister, grain wasn’t going to be disadvantaged,” he said.

“Yet in central Queensland, coal is once again receiving preferential treatment.”

The hot spot is the McLaren depot near

Clermont, where Mr Newton said a string of train cancellations was costing farmers and causing headaches for export company Graincorp.

“In the last 14 days of July, there was meant to be one train a day, but only three were load-ed and made it to Mackay,” said Mr Newton.

Mr Newton said the harvest was almost over, and the depot was rapidly filling up.

Graincorp has a “take and pay” contract with QR National, which means they pay for a certain number of trains per year - regard-less of how many they actually end up using.

Mr Newton said he believed part of

the problem was the tracks being used for grain now fell under both the QR and QR National networks.

“One of the issues certainly seems to be demarcation, all the lines are not necessari-ly QR National,” he said.

Agforce was seeking a meeting with the Transport Minister to sort out the problem.

A spokesperson for QR National said its freight business remained committed to the grain industry.

“We appreciate that short term opera-tional issues have impacted some services and are working to resolve these.”

Grain “second fiddle” to coal

THE reconstruction of Japan and the contin-ued growth of China and India are likely to underpin the local mining industry, despite volatility in share markets around the world.

At the time of print, the Australian share market had rebounded before dropping sharply again, leaving most analysts unwill-ing to make long term forecasts.

Irrespective of the future, the price for coking coal entered this uncertain period at a near record high.

According to the Bureau of Resourc-es and Energy Economics (BREE), Alan Copeland, the price for coking coal broke all records prior to June.

“A lot of the increases in coking coal

prices reflect the very high level of disrup-tion in Queensland over summer due to flooding,” he said.

“Queensland is the major supplier of metal-lurgical coal onto the world market so any disrup-tion there has a big effect on the global market.”

“In the June Quarter metallurgical coal pric-es out of Queensland were settling at around $330 a tonne which is an all time record.”

Prices have eased slightly since June to around $315 a tonne, and resource econ-omist and CQUniversity professor John Rolfe says they are likely to come back a lit-tle more given the current market situation.

“I think we will see the spot price for coal come back a bit further,” he said.

“Crude oil has come back six per cent to the lowest price this year, and that is really the barometer for energy stock.”

“Having said that, most mines have con-tracts in place for six to 12 months so the impact won’t be severe.”

Mr Copeland said while it was too early to forecast how the volatility would affect future prices, there were good signs from Asia.

“The re-building of Japan after the terrible tragedy of the tsunami should support steel production in that country this year and next.”

“At the same time we have seen major growth from China and India.”

Professor Rolfe agreed.“We are buffered because mining is driv-

en by the demand from Asia which hasn’t really been impacted by what’s happening in Europe and the US,” he said.

“I don’t really see there will be any huge impacts in mining in the next three to six months.”

That should mean jobs in the industry are safe for now, and there won’t be the sudden hit to contractor jobs as was felt during the very early days of the global financial crisis.

“Certainly in the short term I don’t think there will be many disruptions to current operations,” said Professor Rolfe.

“If the uncertainty continues, you might see a slow down in future expansion plans, but current operations should not be greatly impacted.”

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118th EDITION. 2011


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Rocky ‘sheds’ underdog statusNINE new commercial sheds have gone up in Rockhampton over the past six months, in an unprecedented industrial growth spurt.

Rockhampton has traditionally lagged behind Mackay and Gladstone in secur-ing mining related industry, but now the Parkhurst industrial precinct is alive with new business.

Rockhampton Regional Councillor Brett Svendsen is the chairman of council’s strate-gic planning committee.

“I’m confident that we are really giving it a shake and starting to compete for min-ing related work,” he said.

“We have been the underdog for a while now, but council has recognised that and we are now giving it a good kick along.”

He said companies are increasingly identi-fying Rockhampton as a good place to invest.

“It’s about floorspace and dollars per metre, and Rockhampton is very competi-tive on price.”

The Parkhurst precinct is on the north

side of the city, and that is another drawcard for employers and workers who want to live on the coast.

“You can access the estate from the Capricorn Coast easily and without going through the city and many people now pre-fer to live on the coast.”

The council is also working to upgrade the older area of the estate - known as “the igloos” locally - with several new projects to move in there.

The road to that section of the precinct will soon be upgraded.

“We are giving it a facelift, our services have been a bit lacking there and we have taken that on board and responded,” said Cr Svendsen.

He said he expected growth in the new sec-tion of the estate to continue into the future.

“The approvals have been steady and so have the number of projects actually getting off the ground.”

“It is great news for local jobs.”

KARRATHA might be a long way from Gladstone, but the Western Australian boom town paints a cautionary tale for cen-tral Queensland.

Karratha Shire deputy president John Lally was invited by the Gladstone Engi-neering Alliance (GEA) to talk about the experiences of his town during its boom.

Should growth in Gladstone follow a similar course, there will be radical changes to the social fabric of the port city.

In Karratha, half the population are fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, and nearly three-quarters of the houses are owned by either investors or mining companies.

Just 28 per cent of houses are owner-occupied.

The average wage is 54 per cent higher than the national average, and housing pric-es jumped by 23 per cent a year for the fives years to 2010.

Rent is four times the national average.It is a story that resonates in Gladstone.Rents and median house prices in the

port city have soared since a number of global companies made a final decision to develop the CSG industry.

Mr Lally commended Gladstone on its

capacity to gear up the gas boom, and said preparation the was key for the local council.

“Unless you take the community along with you, the community will be devastat-ed,” he said.

“The issue for us was that we were not ready for it, and everything got skewed and we had resource companies competing with contractors for housing.”

“There was no land available and rents and house prices just went crazy.”

“What we have since done is got our planning organised and we have done our Pilbara cities plan and we know where we are going to expand.”

“We have borrowed money from the government to allow us to get more land and infrastructure prepared, but it should have been done seven or eight years ago.”

Despite the slow start, Mr Lally said they were seeing results with rents in towns like Dampier falling by about a quarter to around $1600 a week and house prices were stabilising.

In the past prices had been growing at around $100,000 a year.

However, Mr Lally acknowledged con-struction lead times were still a problem,

and there was still too much demand on town infrastructure.

He said the other risk of poor planning was increasing fly in and fly out (FIFO) workforces.

“In the past there was always some FIFO in the construction workforce, but because we couldn’t supply housing for the

operational workforce for the big resource projects they were forced to fly them in,” he added.

“They have a job to do so you can’t blame them for that.”

“But it becomes a big problem when the operational workforce starts to become FIFO.”

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“I’m confident that we are really giving it a shake and starting to compete for mining related work.”

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118th EDITION. 2011


NEwS

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A central Queensland miner has kicked in $25,000 to give Emerald students the oppor-tunity to attend an Indigenous bush camp.

Forty-four Emerald High students trav-elled to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and took part in cultural activities including mock hunting for wallabies and listening to tradition languages.

It was a chance for Indigenous students to show their non-Indigenous classmates something of their culture and history.

It is the third year the camp has run, sup-ported by Rio Tinto’s Kestrel Aboriginal Community Development Fund.

Year 10 student Isaiah Huet, said the camp was an eye-opener.

“We did lots of fun activities but the best was the kayaking tour to Stradbroke Island where we went on a mock hunt to find wal-labies,” he said.

“We were exposed to opportunities that provided us with more insight and information about the history of Indigenous people and their laws, which has motivated me to learn more about my own heritage and family tree.”

Emerald State High School head of department of the arts and Indigenous edu-cation Samantha Ashton said the camp was

a highlight for Indigenous students.“They each get to invite a non-Indige-

nous classmate from the school to share the journey with them, which is a great way to expand the education and understanding levels of Indigenous culture amongst the wider school community,” she said.

There are strict behaviour and attend-ance policies in place that students must fol-low to attend the camp.

“The camp builds their self-confidence, communication skills, and they have a broad-er view of the world and a stronger belief that they can do anything,” Miss Ashton said.

CENTRAL Queensland caravan parks are being used almost exclusively for min-ing and industry workers, after the summer floods decimated the tourism trade.

Caravan Queensland CEO Ron Chap-man said in Mackay, Gladstone and Alpha nearly 100 per cent of caravan park capacity was booked out by mining and industry - and it was edging that way in Rockhampton.

In some cases, the entire park is booked

out by a single company - and that is saving struggling operators from bankruptcy.

“Tourism in Queensland since the floods has been disastrous,” said Mr Chapman.

“Many operators would have been going out the door, but then the fairy godmother, so to speak, comes and offers to the lease the parks and in some cases that is literally saving their business.”

Caravan parks in the Bowen Basin have

accommodated mine workers for years, but over the past six months that trend has spread to the bigger regional towns.

There has been a radical change in the ratio of short term tourist stays to long term resi-dents - but it’s not just workers using the parks, in some cases entire families are moving in.

“In Mackay for example, FIFO (fly-in fly-out) workers might relocate their fami-ly from Brisbane, Maryborough or Sydney,” said Mr Chapman.

“So the wife and kids are living at the caravan park full time, and dad flies back to be with them when he’s not at work.”

“That is happening more and more.”“It’s cut a heck of a lot out of the tourism

market, which is disappointing in one way, but in the other way it has been the saviour of many operators.”

Mr Chapman said in order to restore the balance more caravan parks should be built, but government charges made that unat-

tractive to developers.“Before you even turn a sod of soil, you

are looking at between $10,000 - $20,000 in infrastructure charges,” he said.

“Sewerage treatment charges used to be $500 per annum, but two and a half years ago they upped that and now it costs any-where between $5500 and $27,000.”

“On top of that they have started valu-ing caravan parks on what they could be - not what they are.”

“It’s called “best use” and while previ-ously they were zoned “special purpose” it now means the government can say we could put a high rise there so the value rises from say $3 million to $8 million and up go the rates and land tax.”

Mr Chapman said the state government needed to address the situation.

“While this business is welcome relief now, in the medium and long term it is going to cause problems for tourism,” he said.

Camp gives teenagers cultural experience

Workers - not tourists - in CQ caravan parks

“Many operators would have been going out the door, but then the fairy godmother, so to speak, comes and offers to the lease the parks and in some cases that is literally saving their business.”

FOR SALE: This Bowen caravan park is on the market, advertised as “growth potential” given the Abbot Point expansion

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Emerald High students Isaiah Huet & Pat Conlon at

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

118th EDITION. 2011


NEwS

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IT has been poisoned for grazing and is now being cleared for mining, so what would pos-sibly call the central Queensland bush home?

Try sugar gliders, greater gliders, black-headed monitors, yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bats, owls, tree frogs, brown snakes, tree snakes, diamond pythons, and Gould’s wattled bats - just to name a few.

Sounds more like a trip to Australia Zoo than the Bowen Basin, but central Queensland coal mines are alive with native birds and mammals.

Aerial spraying to open the land up for grazing decades ago has created a land-scape of dead, hollow trees, and according to Vital Signs Environmental Services sen-ior ecologist Steve Rose - that’s prime real estate for animals.

“Some of those very large, hollow 200-year-old trees are like high rise buildings for animals,” he said.

“Cockatoos, gliders, parrots, bats, gliders can all be living in the one tree.”

“In Brisbane you might have 20 or so hollow trees, but in the same area in CQ you have hundreds and hundreds of them.”

Over the past few years, the laws gov-erning land clearing for new mine projects have changed.

Now all Environment Impact Statements (EIS) include provision for what’s known as a “spotter catcher” to oversee the process, so wildlife can be caught and relocated.

Steve Rose has been travelling to central Queensland coal mines for six years to car-ry out “spotter catcher” duties.

Before a parcel of land is cleared, Mr Rose carries out spot lighting at night, and looks in trees and hollows for tell tale signs of life like nests and scats.

“Endangered animals crop up in the most crazy places, in the most flogged bits of habitat you’ve ever seen,” he said.

“We have found koalas right up against pits, and greater gliders as well.”

“It all depends on the noise and dust in particular.”

Once Mr Rose has marked which trees and hollows are home to animals, those trees are gen-

tly bulldozed to allow them to escape unhurt.“Usually snakes, birds and bats are the

first to come out,” he said.“I will then carefully use a chainsaw to

get to any animals like gliders or owls that can nest very deep inside.”

The animals are caught, bagged or caged, then released at nearby creek lines or in off-set areas.

But even Mr Rose draws the line at sav-ing some of the less grateful creatures.

“Handling some of those big aggressive brown snakes is not worth the risk,” he chuckled.

“I’m not going to lie to you - I have walked many a big snake off site.”

“We just try and walk them away from the clearing, and most don’t want to return to a disturbed area anyway.”

Mr Rose said many miners were not aware

of the wildlife that lived so close to operations.“In one of the early jobs I did in the

Bowen Basin, I had a group of mine engi-neers who were skeptical there were any animals there at all,” he said.

“When the first tree that came down, two greater gliders came cruising out, and they were just shaking their heads in amazement.”

Dozens of birds, reptiles and mammals are saved on most clearing jobs in the region.

And while the work is rewarding, it is no stroll in the park.

“It is absolutely exhausting work, the last job was eight days of continuously walking behind dozers with a chainsaw in 40 degree heat,” said Mr Rose.

Mining no lifeless landscape

Found at a CQ mine site near you:

Betong

WHO LIVES HERE? A spotter catcher at work checking for life in a hollow tree

Sugar gliders

Baby pale-headed parrot

Goanna

Greater glider

118th EDITION. 2011


NEwS

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Training program development and delivery.

Promotional and educational aids.

One contact point for all waste services.

A flood-battered coal company will pay half the cost of upgrading a bridge in cen-tral Queensland that was out of action for 40 days during the summer floods.

Cockatoo Coal will chip in $8 million of the $16 million needed to raise and widen the bridge at Baralaba.

The crossing regularly floods during the wet season cutting off the town, the nearby Aboriginal community of Woorabinda and the Baralaba mine.

Cockatoo’s Baralaba mine was one of the worst affected sites during the sum-mer floods, when the Dawson River broke through its levee banks.

Floodwater inundated the main pit, and mining only resumed in May.

Meanwhile, the town of Baralaba itself was cut off for weeks, with the bridge under water.

Now, Cockatoo Coal will help the state government fund the vital upgrade before the next wet season.

Work will begin this month, and will be welcome relief to the 300 vehicles

that use the route daily.Cockatoo Coal’s Tony Green said the

entire bridge will be replaced with a new structure 4.2 metres higher, with improved approaches on both sides.

“This will mean the bridge is less sus-ceptible to closures during the wet season, resulting in improved access over the noto-rious Dawson River for both the communi-ty and for Cockatoo Coal,” he said.

“I’m sure local communities will be very pleased to see such a vital flood immunity project moving into the next phase.”

The Mains Roads Minister Craig Wal-lace has been forced to defend why private companies should be funding state govern-ment infrastructure.

“I think it’s great to see companies do this... where they are making good profits,” he told the ABC.

“They are using our roads and our resources to make that profit.”

“This is a company, obviously with the community in mind, that are doing this.”

“They are doing this as well to improve the operations of their particular mines in the area and we appreciate that approach.”

By the government’s own admissions the original Baralaba Bridge, which was built in the 1930s, has always been flood-prone.

Mr Wallace would not say whether the upgrade would have occurred without Cockatoo’s funding, but said the govern-ment was living up to its responsibilities in terms of roads funding.

“We have the biggest road construction program of any state in Australia,” he said.

“In regional Queensland this year for instance we are spending $1600 for every man, woman and child, and about $750 in south east Queensland.”

“Compare that to WA where the aver-age spend is $300.”

“It is by far the biggest roads budget in any state but we welcome this partnership and we appreciate they are chipping in $8 million.”

Mining minnow bankrolls bridge upgrade

FLOOD PRONE: The Baralaba Bridge will be upgraded thanks to a $8 million contribution by Cockatoo Coal

“I’m sure local communities will be very pleased to see such a vital flood immunity project moving into the next phase.”


“As the mines kick into next gear then second tier industry struggles through the state, it’s going to be interesting times.”

SHIFTMINERladder

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

SHIFTMINERladder


Welcome to Shift Miner Magazine’s Ladder

Our dedicated recruitment section

IT is crunch time for employers desper-ate for skilled workers, according to one recruitment specialist.

While analysts have been pointing to an inevitable skills crisis in mining and industry for years, OBI Recruitment director Peter Martin says the day has arrived.

“Each month it steps up another gear, there is no doubt about it,” Mr Martin told the WINO.

“It is certainly more competitive out there, and it’s only going to get worse.”

The crunch is not being felt in the retail sector, but in the industrial arena tradesmen and engineers are in short supply.

Gladstone is at the centre of Queens-land’s new LNG export industry, and Mr Martin said skilled workers are in short sup-ply - and so are beds.

“Gladstone is particularly difficult, and there is virtually no accommodation in the whole place.”

Competing with the new LNG indus-try is the coal industry - with a host of new projects and mine expansions

underway or on the cards.“As the mines kick into next gear then sec-

ond tier industry struggles through the state, it’s going to be interesting times,” he said.

More employers are increasingly going down the path of hiring skilled workers from overseas.

In the past, there has been much criti-cism of the lengthy waiting times for 457 visas, but Mr Martin said that problem has now been resolved.

“The processing times have sped right up, which is very welcome.”

Now, the wait for permanent visas has become excessively long.

“It can now take nine months or a year now for those to get sorted out - that has blown out from a couple of months.”

Mr Martin said aside from the lengthy waits for visas, Australia was highly desira-ble destination for overseas workers.

“The strong Aussie dollar, sunshine and good working conditions make Australia a very attractive destination.”

Skills crisis here and now in CQ

FOR EMPlOyEES

It’s the place to go to search for jobs that are relevant to your skills set and industry experience.

We’ve listened to your feedback, and we know you want a dedicated jobs section.

Ladder will bring you what opportunities are on offer in the region, and further afield.

FOR EMPlOyERS

It’s the place to go to find the skilled workers you need to keep your project on track.

Your message will be in front of your target audience - tradespeople, engineers, supervisors and skilled operators.

Don’t waste your time with expensive advertising campaigns that don’t work in publications that don’t target the mining community.

Take your message directly to the people you want working for you.

For enquiries call 4921 4333.


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W E D N E S D A Y ’ S I N D U S T R I A L N E W S O N L I N E

NEWS YOU WON’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE

THE Queensland Government has cleared the way for CQUniversity to merge with the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.

The merger will create the state’s first dual sector university, with nearly 40,000 students.

The amalgamation has been stuck in the planning stages for well over 12 months, waiting on state government approval to finalise the deal.

But now the Premier Anna Bligh has given it the green light, and signalled how important it will be in meeting the skills shortage in the region.

“Central Queensland is taking off with new mines, new port facilities and new industries,” she said.

“The region is on the brink of a build-ing and construction boom with $70 billion worth of developments expected to come on line in the next two years.”

“It’s estimated the CSG and LNG industries will create 41,000 jobs over the next 20 years.”

“The proposed merger would create a tertiary institution that delivers both voca-tional and higher education – a ‘one-stop-shop’ for skilled workers.”

The Director of the Pathways Project at

CQUniversity, and Associate Professor of Mining, Dr Col Greensill, has been a driv-ing force behind the merger.

He said the new dual sector university would provide seamless pathway for students.

“It means students can upgrade their education between high school and a PhD while continuing to work,” he said.

“That is key in starting to fill these criti-cal positions that are going to be needed.”

So what does that mean for those of you currently enrolled in TAFE or uni, or looking to do so in the near future?

Well, a lot less red tape, according to the man now steering the ship forward, Depu-ty Vice Chancellor of Industry & VET Nik Babovic.

“It’s going to help you a lot because it will mean a direct pathway through your entire progression whether you are doing a trade or a degree,” he said.

“All our programs will be linked, so for example you might do your CERT III and then a bridging diploma before an under-graduate degree in engineering.”

“It makes that transition simpler and once you are a student your process of enrollment is cut down, as are the number of applications needed.”

Mr Babovic said being a student at the one institution meant a smoother way of progressing up, or even sideways.

“For example, it can help undergraduate students who want to pick up a skills set to enroll in a CERT III for that purpose.”

Mr Babovic said he believed the dual sector university would play an enormous role in delivering real solutions for the

skills shortage.“Until now TAFE has been the promi-

nent provider of apprentice training in this region.”

“With that footprint, and with the add-ed power of research from the university, we can go into organisations and provide solutions from CERT I right through to post graduate degrees.”

What a dual sector uni means for you

BETTER OFF: The merger will see more solutions to the skills crisis - like these mining engineer graduates from Anglo American (file)


TOM Wharton was just 22 when he began work at the Moura mine in 1961.

A single man, Tom shared a tent with a few other miners and slept on an old stretcher left over from the Australian mil-itary campaign in New Guinea.

Food was cooked on a stainless steel plate over a wood fire stove and drinking water was pumped straight from the Dawson River.

“They had a tap about a foot and a-half up the tank, so the mud could settle in the bottom, and you could drink a bit of water out of it then,” Tom recalls.

“In fairness, I never saw anyone get sick, but we didn’t get treated water for a couple of years after that.”

At the time, the Moura mine was owned by a partnership between Thiess, Peabody and Mitsui (TPM) and the companies were hoping to capitalise on the growing export opportunities in Japan.

According to the The Coalminers of Queensland, which is a collection of essays by unionist Pete Thomas, TPM’s desire to spend on machinery did not extend to liv-ing conditions.

In one instance, an American executive of TPM who was challenged about Moura living conditions replied:

“Peabody came to Australia to mine coal, not to build houses.”

The fight for better living conditions became the first real battle of the coal min-ing union in Queensland.

As Tom recalls, the atmosphere between the company and the union was tense.

“You were just a piece of meat, they didn’t like unions, wouldn’t talk to them,” he said.

“Unionists were regarded as communists.”It was the days before hard hats and

safety protocols, and according to Tom min-ers had to rely largely on their wits to pre-vent accidents.

“We were doing all the jobs you do now.”“But we had none of the luxuries like

roll cabs on dozers.”“When I first started in the pits you had

no big fancy high wall lights - you just had the lights on your shovel, that was it.”

In 1963, the Coal Industry Tribunal was set up to investigate the living conditions of miners in Moura.

Justice Frank Gallagher visited the town and the mine as part of the inquiry, and was shown how families lived in squalor.

Tom remembers one family, in particular, who made an impact on the judge.

“Judith and Mick had about six or seven kids - all little girls, bar one.”

“Justice Gallagher went into their tent - dirt floor - and he saw these lovely little girls, all beautifully dressed up, clean clothes, and that’s what swayed him, we believe.”

“After that he told to the company: ‘you will build houses here’.”

Tom is still involved in the mining indus-try today, working at mines around central Queensland on a part-time basis.

Tent living, dirty water, mud floors

THE WAY WE WERE...Shift Miner Magazine takes a look back at history of the coal industry in Queensland. From its very beginnings in the late 1800s, to the tough life of many miners in CQ during the 1960s.

“Nauseating revolting and disgusting” 1960s conditions ALTHOUGH living conditions for miners in the 21st century are on the whole modern and comfortable, the same cannot be said of those endured by the industry’s pioneers.

Coal mining in the Bowen Basin in the 1960s was basic - to say the least - in terms of both working and living conditions.

Early complaints by miners about the unacceptable conditions in Moura prompt-ed a visit by then union boss Tom Millar.

Millar visited Moura and Kianga mines in 1961 and discovered what he deemed to be the worst living and working conditions he had ever encountered.

Single men were charged 15 shillings a week to live in a small hut with no ceiling, lining or heating, furnished with nothing more than four bunk beds.

Conditions were little better for married men, who were charged 30 shillings a week to live in six by three metre corrugated iron sheds.

Some sheds were home to a husband, wife and as many as six children - the near-est hospital was 56 kilometres away in Biloela.

Water was sourced from the nearby riv-

er, and then treated with chemicals to make it safe for human consumption.

After a trip to Moura in 1962, a journal-ist for the Queensland Guardian reported:

“Water is carted from the Dawson Riv-er in a water cart, and is muddy and discol-oured. Tea made from this water retains the muddy colour and taste. Being cattle coun-try, flies are abundant...”

In 1963, the Coal Industry Tribunal was set up and a judge called in to review the situation.

Justice Frank Gallagher travelled to Moura where he described the living con-ditions of miners as “nauseating, revolting and disgusting”.

At the end of the hearings, Justice Gal-lagher ruled living conditions were unac-ceptable, and that lack of housing was the main concern.

This ruling significantly changed the landscape in central Queensland, with the state government then insisting mining companies provide homes for their workers.

In essence, it lead to coal towns like Tieri, Glenden and Middlemount being built by mining companies for their workforce.

IN 2011, coal mining is Queensland’s most lucrative export industry, but where did it all begin?

In 1825, explorer Edmund Lockyer first observed outcrops of coal along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Two years later, Captain Patrick Logan noted the presence of coal between Ipswich and Brisbane.

It was here, in Ipswich, that the first coal

in Queensland was mined.In 1843, small amounts of coal were

mined by John ‘Butty’ Williams to supply steam ships operating between Brisbane and Sydney.

While most of Queensland’s coal is today exported overseas to make steel or fire power stations, Williams made his mon-ey selling coal directly to consumers.

In the 1850s, Williams had established

the first ‘mine to door’ service - coal was sold to residents for 16 shillings per tonne.

Over the coming years a number of other mining operations began in the Ipswich area.

In 1860 the total output of coal for the year was 12,327 tonnes, which back then had a total value of 9,244 pounds.

By 1883 this figure had jumped to 100,000 tonnes a year, and by the turn of the century nearly 400,000 tonnes worth

of coal was mined in Queensland - large-ly in the Ipswich area, with a small amount being mined near the Darling Downs and Maryborough.

By the early 1900s, the industry has spawned a rail network and manufacturing sector, and Ipswich was a thriving industrial hub.

Coal mined in the region was used for producing gas, building railways, powering ships, and generating electricity.

The cradle of coal mining in Queensland

FORGOTTEN TIMES: Workers at Rhondda Colliery in Ipswich, 1905

FORGOTTEN ERA: Tom

Wharton on site in the early 60s

If your local club has any news or

photos it wants added to this page,

you can submit your articles to

[email protected]

What’s happening in spORT in your town?

Battle of mines seek soldiersCentral Highlands Rugby League is looking for players and teams to nominate for its upcoming “Battle of the Mines” league carnival to be held in October.

It’s the second year the carnival has been held, and organisers are hopeful of an even greater representation from mines across central Queensland.

Last year Callide Dawson won the competition beating teams representing Lake Lindsey, Grasstree, Ensham and Gregory Crinum mines.

Queensland Rugby League development officer Andrew Lawrence is hoping for even more players this year.

“We are just wanting to offer a social game so mines can have a friendly game against each other, and we have opened up the age limits and made it masters rules to facilitate that,” he said.

“The masters rules really minimises the injury risk.”“We have a 5 metre rule to reduce the collisions and we have

the two in a tackle rule so that the wrestle is less intense.”“We also realise most people are not in peak fitness, so

we have squads of 25 which means no one is playing when they are fatigued, which is when most injuries occur.”

Mr Lawrence said feedback from mine managers was the competition had a really positive affect on worker morale.

“A number of people said it was amazing how it got people on site interacting and working together.”

“And of course the winning side had 12 months of bragging rights.”

The competition will be held on 15 October at Emerald and mines interested in playing can register now by emailing Andrew at [email protected]. or call 4988 2224.

Middlemount races all the way to the bankFor the first time in 5 years, the Middlemount Race Club will make a profit after the enormous success of its recent race day.

The Middlemount racing committee decided to try and make the event more family-friendly this year - and it seems to have worked with more than 2000 people attending.

Queensland Racing was also impressed with the state of the track, saying it was in the best condition they have seen it in.

The Middlemount Race Club secretary, Nicole Matheson, said the races have revitalised the club.

“We received just under 2000 people so we were overwhelmed with the crowd, it’s definitely a record of sorts,” she said.

“The move to making it more family-friendly has definitely worked, and I don’t think there was a time when their weren’t children on the kids rides, I think there were even a few big kids on them.”

“In the past we have struggled for sponsorship and the new licencing rules do make it much harder.”

“But we will run at a profit for the first time in five years, which means we can start investing more in our mining communities.”

Cattle dogs keen to protect home turfThe Capella Cattle Dogs will try and embrace some of the traits of their namesake this week when they host a home major semi-final against Emerald.

The Capella side secured the minor premiership a fortnight ago beating Emerald who finished in second position, and Clermont and Moranbah who filled the third and fourth spots.

The Rolleston Roos received the wooden spoon after a season plagued by personnel problems.

After being the top performer this year, Capella player and QRU development officer Joel Johnston says the finals can be a game-changer, because players will cancel work commitments to be available.

“We have been performing well this year and the home ground is a big advantage,” he said.

“Come finals time all the teams get all their players available, which can really change things.”

“I guess we are most concerned about Emerald, but Moranbah could be the dark horse with a really strong forward pack.”

“It’s a good competition this year - everyone has beaten everyone so anything can happen.”

Meanwhile in Schoolboy Rugby, Central Highlands schools have bridged the gap with the bigger coastal cities in the regional play offs of the Ballymore Cup competition.

Rockhampton Grammar won the U18s division comprehensively winning 60-nil, despite a standout performance by Emerald’s Llyod Steigler.

The U15s division was a closer affair with Proserpine High School just beating Rockhampton Grammar in the finals, although Moranbah High pushed both sides in preliminary matches.

Dysart Bulls secure home semi-finalLack of game time will be a major concern for the Dysart Bulls when they play a home major semi-final in a fortnight’s time in the Central Highlands rugby league competition.

The Bulls will play the winner of this weekend’s game between between the Tieri Pirates and the Blackwater Crushers, who finished second and third respectively.

The Bulls have had two of the last three weeks off the paddock, having a bye last weekend and missing another match when Springsure forfeited their game against Dysart on 6 August.

The game before that was the first game of the season they lost - when they were beaten by Tieri.

Coach Bill Devine said the areas of their game that had been their strengths disappeared that night.

“We were outclassed on the night and our normal brick wall defence disappeared,” he said at the time.

“We leaked in 9 tries to the talented Pirates, losing 46 to 12.”

Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be part of the Clermont, Emerald, Capella, Nebo and Mackay communities.We are pleased to partner with Pioneer State High School and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy to support

Toolkit for GirlsThis initiative is providing pathways towards careers in mining for female students at Pioneer State High School.

More than 20 students from years 10, 11, and 12 recently heard from Hail Creek Mine professionals, visited a simulated underground coal mine facility, and tried their hand at practical mining activities.

Five students are completing a Certificate I in Resource and Infrastructure Operations, and have undertaken a three-day work placement at Hail Creek Mine.

We support a range of local projects through the Clermont Region, Kestrel Mine, and Hail

Creek Mine Community Development Funds.

For more information about the Funds contact:

Specialist Samantha Faint on 0447 599 990,

Maureen Tutton on 07 4984 7694, or

www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au

CLUB CONTACTS PERSON CONTACT

Dysart Bulls RL Gavin Reid [email protected]

CQ Cruisers Clinton Saunders [email protected]

Blackwater Basilisks RUFC Kerry Lee Katchel [email protected]

Emerald Tigers RL Jay Edwards 0448 154 231 [email protected]

Emerald Brothers Cowboys RL Damon Walsh [email protected] (07) 4987 4610

Moranbah Bulls RUFC Joel Hunter 0429 575 276 [email protected]

Moranbah Raceway Darby Salmon 0424668 934

Moranbah Classic & Muscle Car Club Ross Brackley 0428 259 367

COMMUNITY CALENDAREvent details date venue start

Rugby league MajSF Tieri v Blackwater 20/8/11 Tieri Afternoon

Rugby league MinSF TBA 20/8/11 Tieri Afternoon

Rugby Union MajSF Capella v Emerald 20/8/11 Tieri Afternoon

Rugby Union MinSF Moranbah v Clermont 20/8/11 Tieri Afternoon

All the action at the recent Middlemount junior rugby league carnival. All teams over the age of 6 competed with Emerald sides, including an all female open side who played Austag against the U14 boys side. The girls will now play a fully contested game against Springsure on 27 August. Pictures supplied by Darryl Heise.

Proserpine High School were the winners of the regional final in the Ballymore Cup

118th EDITION. 2011


arOuNd TOwN

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

Chiz Ruxton and Cr Roger Ferguson Cathy, Shae, Ned, Brynn and Brooke Mackie

Youngest Moranbah Drum School student, Laylah Smith, belts out a tune

GRAB A BARGAIN

Rebecca Vogele and Michael O’Mara

Kelly Crompton and Kate Macfarlane

Belinda, Harry and Isabella Ney

Mackenna and Judd Crompton

Reagan Kemp, Jaydene Fudge and Kristen Macfarlan enjoyed listening to Moranbah Drum School’s performance

Cooper, Lisa and Isabella Cooper

Danielle Bennett admires the earrings on display at one of the stalls

The monthly Moranbah Freemason’s Markets is the perfect place to catch up with friends, snag a bargain at one of the many stalls and listen to a special performance by Moranbah Drum School.

Sali Kekewick, Sara Llamas and Corey Kekewick

118th EDITION. 2011


arOuNd TOwN

Rachel Stanley and Tarly Kingston

Mick and Liz Gilligan and Gaylene Burton

James and Alison Eder, and Jesse Connor

Gaylene Burton, Karen Blackburn with Jenny and Bob Firth

Best Dressed boy and girl Lexy Olive and Cooper Lane

Dale Finger, Karen and Peter Howard and Greg Yipp

Sharelle Keller, Noeleen Olive and Gladys Brice

Margaret Low with David and Patsy CollinsBest Dressed Lady was Jodi Hill

Gary and Sharon Gilligan

Peter Mackenzie, Stewie Hoare, Dennis Olive and Patrick Brennan

Ashleigh Tottenham and Joanne Walker Carlie Roberts and Popey Dee Power and Lorraine Devan

www.shiftminer.comBUY THIS AND MANY OTHER IMAGES AT

Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together

DINGO RACESThe Blackwater Lions Club held

their race meeting at Dingo recently, with many locals

glamming up for an afternoon

trackside.

118th EDITION. 2011


Got somethinG to share?send us your text messages or phone photos to0428 154 653 or email to [email protected]

Last edition’s “stuff to the editor” about a roster change at Dawson mine has rocked the boat. We have received many responses on the subject:

Re Dawson mine roster change. No blan-ket questionnaire has been completed. C Crew are all wondering where this infor-mation has come from, as an active mem-ber of the union, I am wondering where this came from. I would challenge the person presenting this proposal to attach their name to this propaganda, with full results from ALL production workers - as the majority of C crew are against change, these figures don’t seem to add up. The senior site executive informed us recently that the consultants that asked this question a couple of months ago had a 49/51 per cent result to roster change. A. Hotz

I am responding to the ‘stuff to the edi-tor’ about the roster change at Daw-son mine in the 117th edition. I wonder why there is only a minority of 23% of the ‘workforce’ against the proposed ros-ter change? That’s because the majority of the production crews has not heard or seen of any type of vote, so who knows where this 77% came from?? We already do an even time roster and it would seem to me the PJ day is fatigue management and does increase family time. If you are so concerned about spending more

time with your family, what about the hours that is wasted in travel to and from work? If you are sincerely concerned about quality time with your family, may-be you should move them to the commu-nity. This roster was in place when you signed your contract of employment. What will be next, “too tired to travel after 5 night shifts” then you will be ask-ing for fly-in fly-out. You can not have your cake and eat it too bud. If you don’t like our community roster go somewhere else. TOURIST!!

Week on week off is the go (7 on 7 off). Best roster I’ve ever worked. Halves the travel as well as opposed to 4 on 4 off.

SHIFT MINERMonday 1st August 117th Edition 2011

The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news

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NewsCQ miner joins energy

drink warning » page 5

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champs » page 7

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in Mozambique?

» page 8

Ladder

What you need to

know about Standard

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Around Town

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Cattle country sold

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Locally Owned and Operated - www.shiftminer.com

THE coal industry in Queensland is slow-

ly recovering from setbacks caused by last

summer’s devastating � oods, and is estimat-

ed to be back at 80 per cent capacity.

Seven months after the deluge, and

the results are now in for the 2010-2011

� nancial year.

The Queensland Resources Council chief

executive Michael Roche said what had

been shaping up as a record year for coal

exports, had ended up only marginally bet-

ter than during the global � nancial crisis.

Mr Roche said that based on � rst quarter

totals, Queensland had been well on track

to export more than 200 million tonnes

of coal in 2010-11.

“However, as a result of the record

rainfall from September that extended

into widespread � ooding of coal-produc-

ing regions, Queensland’s annual exports

fell some 40 million tonnes short of that

projection,” he said.

“The 163 million tonne total con� rmed

by port data is 21 million tonnes down on

the previous year and just four million

above what we were able to export during

the global � nancial crisis.”

But the industry has certainly turned the

corner in recent months.

» continued page 7

Moranbah’s littlest

world champ

» page 13

RUNNINGAT 80Wet mines still not

back to full speed

Moranbah’s littlest Moranbah’s littlest

world champ

POCKET ROCKET

stuff tothe editor

STuff TO ThE EdiTOr

“Digger on fire” sent in anonymously

Tune into the Michael J. Breakfast show

from 7:35 am every Monday for 4RO's CQ Mining Update, with special guest Angus

from Shift Miner.

Michael Bailey - Weekdays 5am - 9amBreakfast

Greg Cary - Weekdays 9am -12pmMornings

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118th EDITION. 2011


fair diNKuM

IN ITALY - A grieving man was struck by lightning and killed while scattering his brother’s ashes on a remote mountain.

The man chose the spot in the Ital-ian Alps because it was the favourite location of his younger brother, who was killed in a car accident.

After scattering the ashes the mourning man was caught in a storm, and was struck by lightning while climbing down a ladder.

He fell to his death.

IN LONDON - Staff at a London aquarium have successfully weaned a fish raised entirely on chocolate to a healthier diet.

Aquarium staff could not under-stand why Gary, a four kilogram Gourami, refused to eat the food he was given, until they discovered he had been fed nothing but chocolate by his previous owners.

In order to gradually wean the fish off chocolate he was fed grapes with Kit-Kat pieces inside, his apparent chocolate treat of choice.

Despite the fact that Gary has suf-fered no measurable ill-effects from his life long chocolate diet, aquarium staff advised against feeding fish con-fectionery of any sort.

IN WALES - A crematorium is offer-ing friends and family of deceased people the chance to attend funeral services online.

Virtual attendees can view funeral

proceedings as they happen, for up to seven days afterwards, or a DVD copy can be arranged.

The crematorium stressed that online access to the services is strict-ly private, and controlled by the family of the deceased, with a password being required to log onto the online feed.

Only about a dozen ‘online’ funer-als have taken place since the feature became available over a year ago, but the crematorium is confident the serv-ice will grow in popularity to meet the needs of people who may be physically or geographically incapable of attend-ing a conventional funeral service.

IN QUEENSLAND - A Kooralbyn family say they are prisoners in their own home because of an ill-tempered wallaby.

Julie Bambrick says the unusual-ly aggressive pretty-faced wallaby was responsible for knocking her husband over and biting him on the face, men-acing her 11-year-old grandson, and hissing at her whenever she ventures into the garden.

The wallaby first attacked Ms Bam-brick’s grandson in March, and since then keeps a watchful eye over the home, intermittently hassling anyone who ventures out.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife service reportedly advised Ms Bam-brick to fill a water pistol with dye in order to ‘mark’ the offending animal, which proved challenging as the walla-by attacked her before she was able to.

FaIR DInkum!

“The unusually aggressive pretty-faced wallaby was responsible for knocking her husband over and biting him on the face.”

Rebecca,I’m not sure there’s anything you can do to stop your boyfriend from noticing oth-

er women, short of having him fitted for a set of blinders!

Try telling him that when you see him checking out other ladies it makes you feel as though you’re old news.

You may find he’s doing it without even thinking about it, if he knows it’s upsetting to you I’m sure he’ll cut it out.

Susan

Dear FrankI’ve been with my boyfriend now for a couple of years and generally our relationship is great, the only problem is when we’re out and about he is constantly checking out other women. I know it’s not really a big deal, but I’m worried that his wandering eye could be the start of something more serious.What can I do to stop him window shopping?Rebecca, YeppoonI must say it’s always quite a pleas-ant surprise when a woman writes in for Streakin’ Good Love Advice.

There are some members of the fair-er sex who tend to think of old Frank as a bit of a misogynist, but I would like to take this opportunity to vigorous-ly defend those accusations and set the record straight.

For instance, some women have tak-en offence at my lobbying the transport department to make it illegal for wom-en to drive motor vehicles, but I honestly believe it’s in the interest of public safety.

There has also been a lot said by fem-inist action groups about some of my campaign promises in a recent mayoral election.

Apparently pledging to deport and detain all women who cannot - or will not - cook in an abandoned Soviet smelting plant crosses some sort of line.

And to that woman, who claims she was imprisoned in my basement for six years - well I think she is blowing things way out of proportion.

For starters, she was the one who sug-gested we do a prison role-play, and then she gets upset after I sentence her to 10 years’ hard labour (with early parole for services rendered to the warden).

In any case, back to the topic at hand.It is natural for a man’s eye to wander,

Rebecca, as the old adage goes, ‘the grass is always greener’.

There are things you can do, howev-er, to ensure that your man’s eye always returns to you.

The next time you see his eye drifting try spontaneously exposing your breasts in public.

That will not only catch his eye, it’ll make him extremely jealous that a big group of strangers just saw his girlfriend topless, and he’ll constantly keep his eye on you to make sure the twins don’t make any more unscheduled appearances.

If this technique fails you may have to try something a bit more heavy-handed.

The next time you catch your boy-friend checking out another woman knee him swiftly in the groin.

After a while he will come to associate looking at other women with crippling pain, and this should set him straight.

I should warn you though, we men are a crafty bunch, an ex-girlfriend of mine once tried the knee to the groin technique on me.

Little did she know that after a lifetime of pretending to fall over in shopping cen-tres to look up women’s skirts I always wear a cricket box in case I get caught and receive an irate knee to the privates.

In fact, the 2006 census results revealed that more women shattered their knee caps attempting to knee me in the groin than from heavy oven doors accidentally opening onto them, the previous leading cause of knee injury in women.

Frank

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

Sensible Susan

Frank the Tank’s“Streakin” good love advice

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HOUSE FOR SALE

Glendale Relocatable home, 13.2m x 7.2m, 2 x

bedroom, main with ensuite, plenty of kitchen

cupboards, wall oven, and ceramic glass cook top,

raked ceiling in large lounge/dining, 2 x split system

a/c, excellent cond, Rockhampton

$115,000 ono

Ph: 4926 9084 mob: 0431 197 846.

CAR FOR SALEPRADO GRANDE 08

Diesel, Auto, Leather Int, S/Roof, Centre

Fridge, Adj Air Susp, Sat Nav, D/Hill Assist, 3Yr Factory Ext Wty,

T/Windows, Floor Covers, 75,000klm

VGC $60,900 o.n.o.

Mob: 0407 138 822

CAR FOR SALE

Landcruiser ute, 06

model, diesel, bullbar,

sidebars, towbar, a/c,

cd player, uhf radio,

white, tinted windows,

115000kms,

$41,500.

ph: 0400 543 398

HOUSE FOR SALE3 bedroom home, fully renovated, on

1/4 acre+, 11m x 9m enclosed shed withconcrete floor and 3

phase power. Optional 4400m2 leased land adjoining.

20 mins Toowoomba. $225,000. John

$225,000. 0428 646 014, 07 5464 6200

BIKE FOR SALE2009 Honda CBR 125r

As new condition, 1222k\’s, 1st log

book service was at 1000k\’s, Lady owner, Excellent Learner bike,

6 months Qld rego upon purchase, can deliver to Moranbah

(Mackay)$4,000 ono

0403 166 835

HOUSE FOR SALE40 acres Agnes water

QLD 4 bed, 2 bath 9x12 shed. Partially cleared & fenced, waterhole and a small dam. Large deck breathtaking views. 15 km from surf beach.realestate.com.au

id 107171818.$510,000

0400 797 075

LAND FOR SALE

Hervey Bay. Turtle Cove Estate.

Elevated half acre flat block with 160 degree views of

Fraser Island.

Cannot be built out. Underground power, phone and

water at front of block.

6mins to Airport 3min boatramp and barge to Fraser.

About 10min to Town.

$262,000 ono.

0411 098 241

VAN FOR SALEOnsite caravan permanent at

Capricorn Palms Yeppoon. Self

contained 2brm van with hard annex

cyclone roof. Overall inside 11mts x 5.4mts plus carport. Outdoor

area with garden shed. $48,000 neg

0438 936 377

CRANE TRUCK FOR SALE

Nissan Atlas Crane Truck988 model, 79,000 k4495 GVM, Tadano 2T

crane6.4m under hook

RWC, Only car licence needed to drive

$13,50007 4941 7147 or

0427 824 880

VAN FOR SALEDiesel, Automatic, A1 condition 94,000 klms

2 single beds or double, plenty of

storage, a/c, awning, shower, water pump,

news strutts, CB. 3 way domestic fridge, 2 ring

cooker microwave.Gas bottles, cutlery

and cooking utensils.Selling due to ill health

07 4125 3341

LAND FOR SALEPiece of paradise in

Morton Bay, 35k from Brisbane city Corner

block on Coochiemudlo Island, 5 min walk to beach. Coochie has 3 long sandy beaches,

great fishing, boat ramp, golf course, tennis court, Mains power, water and waste, excellent ferry

$179,0000431 748 494

HOUSE FOR SALEToomulla Beach (40Km

North of Townsville) 2-bedroom,

steel-framed, low-maintenance home in peaceful suburb. Land

592m2. Seeks sea change’ dreamer. More

information online.Low $200,000s. 0411 228 870.

HOUSE FOR SALE

Quality Land,

House and Land

Brisbane Gold Coast

FIFO orINVEST

0403 124 460

www.

riversidesanctuaryormeau.

com.au

VAN FOR SALE

For Sale

on site caravan at over

50s park on northern

Gold Coast

solid annexe

weather roof

own bathroom, toilet

lots of storage

$50,000 ONO

0401 933 283

LAND FOR SALE

Mission beach - 75 acres

Cleared - elevated

homesite with views

2 Perm creeks

Good fishing, 5 minutes to

river boat ramp & beach

$ 360,000.00 NEG

0428 277 625

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0438866814

HOUSE FOR SALESunshine Coast Salary Sacrifice Take $21000 off the pricebelow even

for investors. Brand New impressive4bed 2 bath DLUG, level

fenced, Room Shed/Van Nth Entert.

Walk shops/school FANTASTIC BUY

$419 0000409 055 062

LAND FOR SALECheapest block of land at bangalee beach yeppoon

Local boat & vehicle ramp onto beach

Walk 15mins along Farnborough Beach to Rydges Resort for a

cocktail Great fishingIdeal family, holiday or

retirement location$235,000

0417 779 031

UNIT FOR SALEBeachfront studio

apartment in Resort Complex - main street

Yeppoonparking, air cond, pool,

gym, island and harbour views

live in or rent out ph. Daniel $175 000

0417 630 357

LAND FOR SALEVery special 125 acres

1 min south Miriam Vale on Bruce Highway,

beautiful house site, grow anything, creek, first

time selling in 30 years, also 136 acre reserve

adjoining $460,000.

0488 210 047 or 4979 184

HOUSE FOR SALEMackay

6 Chelsea Crescent Glenella

4 bedroom ensuite walkinrobe aircondioned

patios double garage single bay powered shed pool close to shopping

centre schools flood free good neighbourhood

$565,000 0427 426 768

LAND FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

Pelican Waters Sunshine

Coast

Brand new open plan 4 bed

+ study, ensuite,media,

side access, high ceilings.

Great Investment. Take

advantage Govt Grant.

$595,000

0409 767 121

LAND FOR SALE

Vinyeard Weekender

Acreage lifestyle set in fertile valley. Successfully

growing Shiraz, Verdelho, Chardonnay & Olive groves.

North of Brisbane, pwr, ph, school close by.

$79,500

07 3440 2777 or 0418 775 936.

LAND FOR SALE

5 acres, 25 min beach

$115,000 PWR, PH, views, handy to schools. Adj

properties are successfully growing tropical fruits,

great safe waters for fishing, swimming, kayaking. Be

quick!

07 3440 2777 or 0418 775 936.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Investment property Mackay, Self contained, fully

furnished studio unit in beach side resort complex. Great

returns, high occupancy rates,

24 hour on- site management.

$145,000 negotiable. Private sale.

07 4942 2504.

MOTORHOME FOR SALE

9.5 mt 6GB1 Iszu recon. Motor- deisel .Fresh_Grey_Black

tanks. Storage Bins- Generator- Gas hot water- Lg Rollout

Awning & much more

$ 55.000 PHONE 0400974848

HOUSE FOR SALE

T’ville , 2 bed cottage,

fully a/c, insulated,

Large rear enclosed

deck, front pation,

security screens /door

3x3 shed, 7,2 x 3

carport, 3yr old,

Blinds etc

$120,000 neg

0401 968 725

BOAT FOR SALE1998 Aquarius 36ft

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

RFD, 5 berths, shower, toilet, 250 lt fridge,

300 lt freezer, air con & much more. Immac

cond. Gladstone. $155,000 ono.0437 657 433

118th EDITION. 2011


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C R A Z I E S T R U S S I AR C N I N C LA T R O C I T Y S A C H E TY O U U E D O IO B S E R V A N T O W L E TN S T C R A U

G E N E H U N D R E DE H L E S EG O A H E A D C O D EG Z P Y H S PF L A S H K N A P S A C K SL R A E G H O AI O D I N E D R E A D F U LP E T I L F MS A D I S T I N C E N S E S

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LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS

“I’m really sorry,” said the girl behind the counter. “Your order will be ready in ten minutes.”

Cheryl took a deep breath, placed her hands on the counter, leaning on them, and then breathed out. “Let me just run through the facts here,” she said, and glanced at her her watch. “I ordered fish and chips at seven, and you said it would take about ten minutes.”

“Yes, but we’re really busy. I’m very sorry.”

Cheryl put her hand up. “Here me out. You said ten minutes. Twenty minutes later, I came and checked on my order, and you told me I was up for another ten minutes.” Cheryl raised her eyebrows.

The girl nodded slowly.

Cheryl continued, “So I returned twenty minutes after that – at seven forty; forty minutes after the start of my ten-minute wait – and you told me the kitchen was really busy, and it would take ten minutes to complete my order. Any problems with the story so far?”

The girl shook her head, and looked around at the other customers.

“So I went back outside, again, and got into my car, again, to wait, again, with five children – five hungry chil-dren.” Cheryl could hear her

voice, like it was in the dis-tance. “And then I came back, twenty minutes after that, at eight o’clock, and you gave me the same spiel. Like a broken little record, you said, ‘Sorry, the kitchen’s busy, it’ll be another ten minutes.’”

Cheryl took a deep breath, and looked around. Spectators had gathered around, and some of the customers were check-ing their watches and leaving. Good for them. “So here I am, twenty minutes after my last ten minute wait, having waited a total of one hour and twenty minutes for some lousy fish and chips, and you’ve got the gumption to tell me it’ll be another ten minutes?”

“Sorry, but the kitchen’s really busy. Ten minutes, tops.”

“No. No, no, no, no, no. I don’t believe you. You are a liar. I want my money back, now.” She reached out her right hand, palm up, shaking.

A few people started to clap. The girl behind the counter looked stunned.

A bell rang behind her, a package was dropped into the hot box from the window into the kitchen, and a voice called out cheerfully, “Order up! Seventeen!”

Without taking her eyes off Cheryl, the girl took the packet and handed it over.

“Thank you,” she mumbled. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

5 minute fictionTen MinuTes

Bernard S. Jansen is 32, married has three young boys. He lives in Emerald, works as an engineer at a local coal mine and is active in his local church. Read more of Bernard’s writing online at surgebin.blogspot.com or email him at [email protected]

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

118th EDITION. 2011


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Calling all incompetent athletesBy Justin CarlosONE of the greatest things about this coun-try of ours is the promise of a fair go - and nowhere is this more apparent than in local sporting fixtures.

Sure, it’s sometimes nice to head to the local footy grounds and see the next up and coming youngster carving up all who oppose them with deft moves and natural talent.

But it is of equal - if not greater - enjoy-ment to watch someone who is completely and utterly incompetent making a complete mockery of the sport they’re trying to play.

Think of it like a trip to the circus, watch-ing the flying trapeze is amazing, but all you talk about on the car ride home is the bearded lady.

This is what makes watching local sport so great - the spectacular, idiosyncratic shortcomings of your local team.

I once journeyed to the local AFL grounds to watch a friend of mine partake in some spirited aerial ping pong.

Upon my arrival I was greeted with the sight of him sprawled across the turf get-ting a vigorous hamstring rubdown from a female trainer.

Did this dampen my spirits?Quite the opposite, I laughed so hard at

the image of him being massaged fervently in the middle of a heated contact sport that I myself almost required medical attention.

Despite frequent concussions, entire quarters of play without handling the ball, and repeated ankle rollings, that friend of mine now captains his AFL side, which is again a testament to regional sporting clubs.

Through sheer attendance alone one can rise through the ranks of their local club to become a respected, senior member of the organisation (despite once missing an important match after rolling an ankle attempting to cut a birthday cake).

It’s important to remember, it’s not superstars and heroes that make our local sporting clubs so great, it’s the people that turn up every week and give it their all.

At this point you may be asking yourself, is their any point to this raving article about incompetent sportspeople?

Well, there is, and the point is this; get out there and sign up for your favourite sport, be it cricket, tennis, footy, darts or competitive bird fancying.

Local clubs don’t need teams full of superstars with massive egos and meticu-lously groomed facial hair, they need aver-age joes who are keen on a laugh and a beer after the game, so get out there and sign up!

SPRING is fast approaching, and with it comes a treasure trove of warm weather activities that we love here in Queensland.

Most Queenslanders love spending time in and around the water, but if lazing by the beach or sitting on the bank of a river wait-ing for the fish to bite is a bit like watching paint dry for you, it could be time to try a water sport that’s a bit more thrilling.

All around the state water skiing enthu-siasts are gearing up for the start of a new season, and looking forward to hitting the water at CQ’s best ski spots.

There are waterski clubs in Emerald, Black-water, Clermont, Mackay, Baralaba, Rock-hampton and Moura, so no matter where you’re on shift you should be able to get out on the water without a great deal of travel time.

Ski clubs around CQ usually hold ski competitions from about September, so if you’re an experienced skier you might want

to sign up and try to upset the competition, or if you’re new to the sport just get down and check out the pros in action.

Ross Angel, of Rocky Ski Surf and Snow says individual memberships to CQ ski clubs are usually between $50 to $100, and family memberships generally between $80 and $120.

If you’re new to the world of water ski-ing the Rockhampton Waterski Club can help get you up and skiing in no time.

Rocky is one of the few clubs around CQ that sports their own club boat, so they are well equipped to educate green skiers in the ways of the water.

Other clubs around CQ may have begin-ners events running from time to time, so contact your nearest club to get all the info.

For more information visit www.water-skiqld.com or contact Ross at Rocky Ski Surf and Snow on 4922 7074.

Spring into skiing

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LOCAL SPORT: Not just for the abled....

as can be seen by my “capable” friend here

118th EDITION. 2011


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*Entry Form available at the gate upon ticket purchase or online at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au. Terms and Conditions apply. A copy of the terms and

conditions are available at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au

JONATHAN Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs was a success with audiences and critics alike, winning all five major Acade-my awards (best actor, actress, film, direc-tor and screenplay), a rarity for a film that can be characterised as belonging to the horror genre.

It also gave us one of cinema’s most memorable characters - Hannibal Lecter.

The film follows a young FBI cadet,

Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) who is recruited to help catch Buffalo Bill, a serial killer who imprisons his victims before removing their skin.

Starling is sent by her superior to speak with incarcerated psychopath and brilliant psychiatrist Dr Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), believing that Lecter may hold the key to discovering

the identity of Buffalo Bill.Lecter is intrigued by the ambitious

Clarice and agrees to help her catch Buf-falo Bill if she agrees to tell him personal things about her life.

Clarice must then trade information with Lecter in an attempt to save the life of a senator’s daughter who is abducted by Buffalo Bill.

The Silence of the Lambs can be con-sidered a horror movie, containing a number of particularly gruesome scenes, however the narrative plays out more like a crime thriller, making the film more appealing to viewers who may not neces-sarily be horror fans.

As one would expect from a film gar-nering such critical acclaim, the story is propelled by outstanding performances by the entire cast.

Anthony Hopkins won an Acade-my Award for his role as Hannibal Lect-er, despite the fact that he has less than 17 minutes of screen time in The Silence of The Lambs, a testament to his incredibly chilling performance as the super intelli-gent psycho, Hannibal.

The success of the film prompted screen adaptions of three other ‘Hannibal Lecter’ novels, although none have man-aged to recapture the atmosphere or suc-cess of The Silence of the Lambs.

If you’re in the mood for chills and thrills The Silence of the Lambs is sure to provide, so turn out the lights, turn up the sound and make a dinner date with Han-nibal Lecter.

ClassiCREViEWBy Justin Carlos

It rubs the lotion on its skin...

118th EDITION. 2011


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FISHING IN YEPPOON

THE fishing in central Queensland over the past few weeks can be summed up in one word, according to John from the Rosslyn Bay Fisherman’s Co-op.

“Crap.”“Honestly, you’d be better off mow-

ing the grass and knocking off some jobs at home,” he told us.

There has barely been a break in the weather over the past fortnight, and neither commercial or recreational fisherman have been getting out.

For the ones that have managed to snatch a morning here and there, the spoils have not been worth it.

“There are a few mackerel about, but it is still pretty light one - and reef fish aren’t fishing well either,” said John.

“Banana prawns were beautiful until

recently, but now they are gone too.”So get that grass under control, and

count down the days until the next weather system moves in.

FISHING IN GLADSTONE

ROCKHAMPTON fishermen might be better off driving themselves to Gladstone, where the fishing has been great both in the creeks and out wide.

The hot water outlet is still the favourite haunt for barra, and those heading to the Calliope River are coming home with blue and thread fin salmon.

“There are also heaps of flatties around the mouths of the rivers at the moment,” said Josh from Pat’s Tackle World.

Out wide, the weather has been patchy but there is good fish when you get out there.

“We’ve seen some nice red emperor have

been caught, mackies and some 20 kilo Spanish.”Josh says in the next month or so you

should start to see your doggy and school mackerel coming in as the weather warms up.

FISHING INMACKAY

BREAM are the fish of the day in Mackay at the moment.

Big bream are being caught at the river mouth along the rock wall.

“The barra are starting to bite too, they are coming on pretty good,” said Zac from Nashy’s Compleat Angler.

Try Murray and Constant Creeks.Salmon are biting well at night - on live

bait and fresh dead bait.“There have been the odd mackerel

caught as well,” said Zac.Although it has been blowy, so not many

people are getting out wide.

BaIT sHOp BanTER

Gla

ds

to

ne

Ma

CK

aY

Gla

ds

to

ne

Ma

CK

aY

TIDE TIMEs AugMon 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat 20 Sun 21

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

0404 0.60 0432 0.67 0457 0.76 0521 0.89 0546 1.06 0003 3.10 0044 2.83

1003 3.57 1033 3.55 1103 3.50 1134 3.42 1210 3.30 0614 1.25 0657 1.44

1559 0.72 1626 0.82 1653 0.97 1722 1.17 1755 1.39 1255 3.16 1357 3.05

2213 3.95 2239 3.80 2306 3.60 2332 3.36 1840 1.64 1956 1.83

0552 0.78 0618 0.88 0016 5.02 0040 4.69 0106 4.32 0138 3.91 0227 3.52

1141 4.69 1211 4.64 0642 1.02 0705 1.21 0732 1.45 0806 1.73 0902 1.98

1746 0.84 1814 1.05 1240 4.53 1311 4.37 1349 4.16 1441 3.95 1604 3.86

2351 5.28 1841 1.31 1911 1.63 1949 1.97 2044 2.30 2228 2.46

Mon 21 Tue 22 Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Sat 26 Sun 27

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

0317 3.26 0435 3.48 0545 3.78 0008 0.96 0109 0.79 0205 0.62 0258 0.48

0918 1.71 1051 1.59 1206 1.35 0645 4.10 0739 4.37 0830 4.58 0918 4.70

1517 3.21 1637 3.15 1759 3.18 1312 1.08 1408 0.83 1500 0.63 1546 0.49

2157 1.25 2304 1.12 1908 3.30 2006 3.43 2058 3.57 2146 3.67

0410 3.27 0021 2.21 0125 1.80 0212 1.38 0254 1.01 0335 0.69 0415 0.42

1045 2.04 0602 3.40 0709 3.73 0758 4.09 0841 4.43 0922 4.73 1003 5.00

1741 4.05 1212 1.79 1312 1.40 1402 1.02 1448 0.68 1533 0.41 1617 0.21

1850 4.46 1939 4.91 2022 5.33 2103 5.67 2143 5.94 2223 6.09

If you have a good photo or fishing yarn

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

FirSt burSt oF hot weatherWeek 1 - After our fifth burst of cold weath-er last Tuesday when temperatures fell by 6-8 degress with widespread frosts across the Coal-fields, central Queenslanders woke to a mild morning with an 8-10 degree jump in overnight minimums. This was instigated by a trough that caused fresh and gusty very warm north west-erly winds with gusts up to 30 knots. It caused fire authorities great concern, broadcasting a high fire danger, particularly after the very low winter rainfall and extended frosts - curing the grasslands. The first burst of hot temperatures reached 29C in Capricornia and the northern Coalfields (not seen for almost three months). A cooler south westerly across Rolleston/Spring-sure/Emerald capped the maximum to around 24C. Then a “crash” back to near zero overnight, south of Emerald. This topsy turvy weather con-

tinues into the third week of August. Brief coast-al showers early in the week trying to reach the inland. Warmer temperatures return with early fog mid to late week. Then our seventh burst of cold air on the last two days of the week.

Not good for the boaties! Fresh SE’ly winds gusting to mid twenties for most of the weekend. Plus coastal showers reaching the eastern fringe of the Coalfields.

Week 2 - The August winds could keep up for the fourth week of August. Squally coastal showers and 2/3 metres seas, only if a low devel-ops in the Tasman. The dry conditions for July into August have many people fearing a bad fire season and a poor wet season. The SOI peaked at +10.7 early in the month and now sits at +9.3. If this trend continues then a lower value wet season could develop. Just a little early to say.

YOuR WEAThER FORECASTWith Mike Griffin

YOuR WEAThER FORECAST

118th EDITION. 2011


YOur hEalTh

Time ManagementManagement of Priorities

People Management . Project Management . Focus on goals

Plan - Organise - Delegate - Control

“Craig Martini Time Management Diary”

Visit website: www.timeman.co.za or Call (07) 5471 3222

Serves 4

This pasta originates from southern Italy and is full of

easy to cook but delicious in taste.

INGREDIENTS:

400g spaghetti or penne

425g can diced tomatoes

thin strips

shredded

METHOD:

Cook the pasta in a large

the pinch of salt and ½ tbsp of oil until al dente (according to the packet instructions).

medium heat. Add garlic and chilli and cook for about 2 mins or until garlic is soft.

semi-dried tomatoes and capers

pinch of salt and pepper.

Increase the heat to high and

heat and simmer for 20 mins or until the sauce reduces.

Drain the pasta and return to saucepan. Add sauce mixture

pasta is coated.

Tip: Although spaghetti and penne are ideal, you can also try using linguine or vermicelli.

Zest Eatery Open 4.00pm to 8.00pm daily

Pasta Puttanesca

COPPABELLA | DYSART | KAMBALDA | MIDDLEMOUNT | MORANBAH | NARRABRI | NEBO

1300 622 222themac.com.au

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

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

Hi Tammy,

Recently I have been looking at my pack of cigarettes wondering why I am still hooked on these things. After all, I can’t say I’m getting a whole load of enjoyment out of them, they have just become such a habit and the cost is just getting ridiculous. Have you got any suggestions on kicking the habit?

Cheers, Tom

Hi Tom,Smoking cigarettes for most people certainly comes down to the ongoing habit, which can be broken with the want for change and the commitment to stay a non-smoker.

The Quit Now campaign recommends to:• MakethedecisiontoQUIT• Prepareyourself(knowyour

triggers)• Setadate• Tellthosearoundyouyouare

quitting

• Changeyourfriendsifyouhaveto• QUITwithasmile• Learnnewwaystooccupyyour

‘non-smoking’ time• Continuetobeanon-smoker

Firstly, take a step back and consid-er when it is in your day you look for that cigarette. Is it when you are driv-ing to and from work, thinking about a task, under pressure, having a beer, or when you’re in the house?

Once you have identified when you are most likely in your day to pull out that fag, start to make a few changes in order to stop yourself from doing so. It may be as simple as wanting to smoke your cigarettes on your drive to and from work, if this is the case, ban yourself from smoking in the car, this may prevent you from having three, possibly even six ciga-rettes in your day.

If you know you are the type una-ble to stop cold turkey, become aware of your triggers and try to minimise your exposure to these events.

Try to follow those eight steps Tom, it certainly can help, but if you are requiring more tips or other pos-sible deterrents contact the Quit-line on 131 848 or 137 848 for further assistance.

118th EDITION. 2011


MONEY MaTTErS

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Steve Taylor & Partners has over 30 years experience in providing individuals, couples and families with the right strategies to create wealth and change their lives. GOOGLE Steve Taylor or call 4980 7733

















04/11

129

55

Big Sky Financial Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 95 133 452 589) is a corporate authorised representative (CAR 331478) of Outlook Financial Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 40 083 233 925 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 240959)

www.bigskyfs.net.au

The right advice as you need it

Specialising in a wide range of fi nancial services including:

fi nancial planning investment accounting & tax superannuation insurance estate planning

Call us on 1300 700 189 or visit www.bigskyfs.net.au

MONEY TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

HAVE you just put your information togeth-er to do your tax return and wonder where all your hard earned money has gone?

This is not an unusual feeling at this time of year for many of us.

Do you want to feel more in con-trol by this time next year and actually feel like you’re getting somewhere with a clear focus on a strategy for your long term financial future?

Do you have a feel for your annu-al outgoings - what do you spend on food, entertainment and holidays, personal and household insurances, education, medical expenses, car insurance and registration, util-ities such as electricity, gas and phone/inter-net/cable TV, sporting activities, clothes, etc?

Understanding and managing this is the key to managing your income against your expenses.

George S Clason wrote a book in 1926 called The Richest Man in Babylon, which advocates saving 10 per cent of your salary.

This rule of thumb is still applicable today, and the compulsory superannuation guarantee of 9 per cent goes some way towards this goal, but these savings are not accessible until you either reach 55 years of age (if you were born before 1 July 1960 or 60 years for those born after 1 July 1964) or you retire from the workforce.

In the meantime, you usually need to buy a home, several cars, educate your children etc, so in addition to your retire-ment planning savings (superannuation), you also need to plan how to meet your other goals along life’s pathway.

Unless you have some sort of strate-gy - incorporating short, medium and long term goals - so you are in control of your finances, achieving your and your family’s goals can be an elusive dream.

If you would like an obligation free dis-cussion, please call Corrine Gyuris CFP, Senior Financial Planner at Kennas Finan-cial Services Pty Ltd on (07) 4924 9100.

Tired of never getting ahead?

118th EDITION. 2011


MONEY MaTTErS

A peak but no trough for CQ real estateGLADSTONE is again the bright spot in the central Queensland real estate market, with agents reporting fast sales and sky-rocketing prices since the approval of major gas projects.

In its latest report, property valuers Her-ron Todd White (HTW) said peak demand was for houses under $400,000.

“Since the major projects were announced we have seen an increase in val-ue across the board generally between 10 and 20 percent,” the report read.

“In the sub $400,000 range there is cur-rently limited stock and high demand, which has been heightened by soaring rents.”

In other central Queensland towns, steady growth is being driven by mining.

In Mackay, while building approvals were down by almost 25 per cent in May compared with the previous year, buying

established homes remained steady and median prices have not fallen.

“While we had plenty of gloom, there was not too much doom, values have held rela-tively well across most sectors,” HTW said.

“The only down side is the residential unit towers in Mackay and the Harbour which are still experiencing softening mar-kets, with a large number of both developer stock and resales on the market with limit-ed demand.”

It is a similar story in Rockhampton and on the Capricorn Coast where the number of houses being sold has fallen, but prices remains steady.

“The majority of activity in this region has been in the $300,000 to $500,000 price range,” HTW said.

“Vacancy rates in Rockhampton are at approximately 2.4 per cent and local

“In the sub $400,000 range there is currently limited stock and high demand, which has been heightened by soaring rents.”

www.agneswater1770.harcourts.com.au

AGNES WATER – Unit 105 Pavillions

Ground floor luxury INSPECT – By AppointmentFOR SALE – By Negotiation over $350,000VIEW AT – www.agneswater1770.harcourts.com.auPROPERTY ID# – QAR110401Jason McMeniman M: 0417 674 765 P: 07 4902 1444E: [email protected]

Phone: 07 4974 9470 www.prdnationwide.com.au/agneswater

TOWNHOUSE WITH PRIVATE POOL IN HEART OF AGNES

3 bedroom 2 Bathroom 2 Car Accom Pool. Stunning 2 storey free standing townhouse. Large living area, deck and kitchen upstairs. Upstairs bedroom is spacious with ensuite. No better place to kick back and relax than the undercover patio area beside the pool! Agnes Water surf beach & shops approx 150m walk. Secluded swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants & palms.

FINGERBOARD ROADHOUSE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Auction includes Freehold and Business. Property is 2.34 ha ( 5.8 acres) of fully fenced Freehold - zoned Rural with Commercial Enterprise. Roadhouse Business - currently selling fuel, hot food, grocery supplies and stock feed. The only Roadhouse on trek to popular tourist destinations of Agnes Water & The Town of 1770 on the East Coast of QLD. Both areas well known for their pristine beaches, great surfing and fishing.

SENSATIONAL SUMMER SUNLOVER HOME 4 bed 3 bath 3 car

Beautifully restored Queenslander - stroll to Agnes Surf Beach & Shops. This stunning home maximises the great lifestyle in Agnes, with large open plan living area, and decks out the front & rear of the home. Downstairs, a self contained Granny Flat offers rental options. The block itself is 916m2 in size, with plenty of space for a pool or shed. 2 minutes walk down the road and you can go for a surf, eat out at the restaurants, or shop for all your needs at the nearby shopping centre. A modern, fully refurbished, caesar stone kitchen has lots of storage space, and room to cook up a storm!

ABSOLUTE WATERFRONT ON 83 ACRES

Crabbing, fishing, boating and swimming all from your back door step. 1 of only7 properties with direct water access. Stunning ocean views from one of many elevated home sites. Huge pandanus palms, figs and moreton bay ash trees just to name a few create a dense rainforest feel. Only minutes Drive to the ever popular Baffle creek and national parks. Ideal rainforest/coastal cabin retreat (STCA).

Inspect by Appointment

Feel safer having your money invested by locals?

Get low ongoing fees for your managed investments. Want a managed fund that can perform better than most managed funds on the market?

From as little as $500 with an ongoing contribution or $2,000 you can invest in a fund that is run by Central Queenslanders, for Central QueenslandersCDIF is targeting an annual return of 8% income plus capital growth

Contact Capricorn Investment Partners to receive a copy of the PDS Telephone: 1800 679 000 www.cdif.com.au

In Mackay, building approvals are down but sales of established homes remain steady, and so do prices


1634 Crystalbrook Road CRYSTAL BROOK

Off shift just got a whole lot more fun5 Acres on the Proserpine River

Home + granny flat, 5 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, IGP

2.13 acres cleared flat land with boundary to the river

Bore with great water supply Multiple sheds for cars/boats/machinery etc Close to Proserpine Dam/Barramundi fishing paradise

Auction date 27/08/201110am in PRD Rooms

Contact Lynne Erricker and Anne McDonald Mobile 0402856159

Email – [email protected]

web ID A_117318

BLACKWATERMOTEL SITE

For full details call: 07 49 875 875 Clinton Adams 0428 875 875www.cdadams.com.au

4125

385a

a

Auction on site 20th August 2011 2024m2 Prime Land - Blackwater Qld.

DA

APPROVED

Start time is 10am

LINEAR SHIFTMINER 4M AD.indd 1 26/07/11 8:25 AM AIRLIE BEACH AND WHITSUNDAY REAL ESTATE

Call Terry Ph. 07 4947 6269 Mob. 0408 760 994

E: [email protected]✆1300 REAL ESTATE (Whitsundays)

®

2 X 3 BRM 2 BTH DUPLEX, FISH & GOLF CLOSE BY

A FEW MINUTES TO THE TAVERN & BISTRO

3 BRM DOUBLE CARPORT, WALK TO THE BEACH

GREAT INVESTMENT OR 1ST HOME BUYER

$300,000

YOU MUST REMOVE. NEED A BLOCK OF LAND? FULLY FURNISHED & RENTED AT $265.00 PW

COUNCIL APPROVED, IDEAL WEEKENDER LAST CHANCE OFFER FOR THIS 2 BRM UNIT

$30,000 neg$214,700

$215,000 ea

COASTAL VILLAGE LIVING, GREAT ENTERTAINER

$320,000

3 BRM HOME. MAKE AN OFFER. MINS TO BEACH

800M2 ALLOTMENT WITH A 20M FRONTAGE3 BRM HOME ON 6.7 ACRES 10 MINS TO BEACH

POWER, PHONE AND WATER AVAILABLEDRASTICALLY REDUCED. EASY DRIVING TO MINES

$90,000 $299,000

4 BRM + 2 BTH 1 MIN TO BEACH ACCESS TRACK

$379,000

INGROUND POOL, GREAT FISHING AREA

EASTWOOD SHIFTMINER 4M AD.indd 1 26/07/11 8:06 AMLAWSON'S EDGE SHIFTMINER 4M AD.indd 1 26/07/11 8:26 AM

Welcome to our latest and most exclusive stages at Aqua’ta Bulimba. Consisting of stylish and individual luxury apartments, there is a wide range of designs to choose from including our smart 2 bedroom to our super-sized 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses. All apartments offer cutting-edge designs and finishes with fully equipped designer stone kitchens, luxurious bathrooms and ensuites, polished timber floors or imported tiles to the living areas, huge balconies or terraces (some apartments have huge decks with a wrap around terrace and courtyard), and secure access with lift. Fully landscaped gardens, personal training studio, Zen room and garden. Most apartments have 2 or 3 car accommodation and separate storerooms. Corporate Leasing Advantage available for 2 years on completed apartments starting from $700.00 per week. Aqua’ta stages one and two will appeal to astute buyers wanting to secure a luxury apartment with a choice of designer finish options. Shopping is easy with the Oxford Street Shopping and dining precinct only a 300 metre stroll along the park from Aqua’ta.

For more info contact Brian White on 0488 278 282 or see more details and virtual tour at www.ponsford.com.auThe Display Suite is open daily 1.30pm-3.00pm (closed Wednesday) and is located at the corner of Barramul and Corio Streets Bulimba.

Your choice, Your style… either buy off the plan now with settlement not required until early 2012 or check out our current stage which is nearing completion.

Bulimba Luxury Apartments Now Selling from $529,000 to $1.07M

STYLISH LIVING AREAS

ZEN ROOM FOR RELAXING

SUPERB KITCHEN DESIGNS

* $10,000 Grant available to all Investors and Owners now. Up to $32,000 available to first home buyers through Government Grants. *Conditions Apply.

sm118_shift miner magazine

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dingo page

gladstone page

miners page

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local sport page

mining boom

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lobbying mining companies