May 2014 (5.14)
The Coalfields Express
Delivered FREE to homes in most Queensland mining towns & mining camps. Circulation 25,000
The voice of the Coalfields!
Coastline Newspapers
“Get real” – TV ads reveal reality of the Reef by Sherry Barnes Television commercials now screening nationally are urging Australians to become properly informed about the true environmental health of the Great Barrier Reef. The ads are authorised by the Queensland Resources Council in the wake of an admitted scaremongering campaign by activist groups. “Their stated objective is to shut down Queensland’s export coal and gas industries,” said CEO Michael Roche. “The Reef is convenient and emotional leverage following a 2012 report finding the Reef had lost 47% of its coral over the preceding 27 years.” The authors of the report, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and Wollongong University are unequivocal in attributing the blame to storms (48%) crown-of-thorns starfish (42%) and coral bleaching (10%) Mr Roche said activists are ignoring this scientific evidence and blatantly peddling the line that port developments, dredging and shipping are the dangers. “The message is clear – there is no dredging of coral reefs or seagrass and no disposal of dredge spoil on coral reefs, seagrass or other environmentally sensitive areas,” he said. “We ask Australians to learn
more from the Queensland Government’s Reef Facts website.”
World Heritage Area – “a dumping ground” “No PR campaign can absolve the coal lobby from responsibility for the effects of climate change on the Reef,” said Australian Greens’ Senator Larissa Waters.
“The Reef is under pressure like never before and at this sensitive period, the Newman and Abbott Governments are letting big mining companies treat the World Heritage Area as a dumping ground for dredge spoil and a shipping highway to export more climate-destroying coal.”
Bundaberg’s Chern’ee meets with royalty Rising Indigenous artist, Chern’ee Sutton from Bundaberg discussed her painting Ajarku Muruu with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after it was accepted as an official gift to the royal couple. “Premier Campbell Newman introduced me and Kate said she’d be interested in seeing some of my artwork,” said Chern’ee. “I replied that I’d just given one of my reconciliation paintings not only from myself, but from all Australians. The Duchess said she’d keep an eye out for it on their return home.” Chern’ee said she was honoured and humbled that Ajarku Muruu, which means in Kalkadoon language All One Country is being taken back to England. “It tells of a united Australia, all moving towards reconciliation and equality – my meeting with their Royal Highnesses and their acceptance of one of my paintings is one of the biggest highlights of my career so far,” said Chern’ee.
Chern’ee explains her painting to the Duchess of Cambridge after being introduced by Premier Newman.
‘I was also honoured to be part of the 200 Queenslanders invited to the State Reception and grateful that Premier Newman personally introduced me to William and Kate.” For information on where Chern’ee’s amazing art is exhibited and available for sale, www.cherneesutton.com.au
INSIDE THIS COALFIELDS EXPRESS Hook a Book My Kitchen Rules chefs at Boat Show
JUST PERFECT -
Mining - what do kids think of it
You could win Australian Fishing Basics book
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COASTLINE NEWSPAPER PTY LTD. Managing Director/Editor: Michael McRae, 32 Takalvan Street, Bundaberg, PO Box 1775 Bundaberg 4670. Phone 07 4153 1133 Fax 07 4153 3821 ACN 010897542 ABN 96 101 897 542. Est. 1986 - an independent Bundaberg owned family newspaper. Typeset and additional layout by jpg Design & Print P/L, Sunshine Coast. Printed by Fairfax, Brisbane. Copyright © Coastline Newspapers. Reproduction of any portion including advertisements or photographs without permission is not permitted and may render one liable for damages. DISCLAIMER: This publication is designed to provide authoritative information with regard to the subject matters covered. Whilst every effort has been made to present all information accurately, the Publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of any inclusions, or any advice given, or for omissions from the publication. NOTE: All charges, facilities and timetables show in this issue are subject to change without notice. Coastline thanks Tourism Queensland for supplying some photographs used in this publication.