stuff to the editor 131st EDITION. 2012
FROM THE EDITOR HEARINGS into fly-in, fly-out and drive-in, drive out work practices have now concluded in Queensland. Last week the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia toured the state to gauge first-hand how workers and communities cope with FIFO and DIDO. Headed by Independent MP Tony Windsor they heard a wide range of testimony and insights from the very considered and measured to the emotional. It’s been a pattern repeated at all hearings that complement the 100 written submissions already provided. At the end of it all the committee is to make observations on what is working and not working with FIFO and DIDO and then provide recommendations for government, industry and communities on what changes should be made to make things better. It’s a certainty FIFO and DIDO is here to stay. What is not certain is what changes, if any, will be adopted despite the effort and expense of the enquiry. Already there have been suggestions of a donga tax to help pay for services provided to FIFO workers or a percentage cap put on the numbers of resident to non-resident workers that can be employed on projects. More sug-
Redmond’s Rants
gestions will certainly emerge before the hearings end. Moranbah has become the test case for FIFO-related issues. This year the town will have more FIFO workers staying in dongas than full time ratepayers - something not lost on media covering the committee hearings. Isaac Regional Council figures show 19,800 non-residential workers now live in local accommodation villages or on mining sites and that will grow to about 28,224 at some time this year. The council has 23,000 permanent residents living within its boundaries. Isaac Mayor Cedric Marshall welcomed the committee to town but rightly said they should have spent more time in the area. Ironically as small towns try to cope with the onslaught larger centres are fighting for a share of FIFO. Brisbane is the latest and has made FIFO workers part of its recently announced growth plans. The city is home to 177 mining companies. For all concerned the FIFO/ DIDO enquiry must not be allowed to be a waste of time and money and must find real solutions for the pressures on services, rents, lifestyle and low income earners or else the ratio of FIFO workers to ratepayers in some towns will eventually outstrip Moranbah.
Greg Sweetnam
Watching the weather not for measure,
Dawn can stand unaided,
Two eggs and hour with paper.
Sunlight, then day begin,
View the clouds clumsy drag-race, no straight line they don’t steer great.
Hour and minute not tendered for sale. Tea goes cold, make another,
SEEN SOMETHING WE HAVEN’T? Prizes for the best mining photos. Take it on your phone or camera and send it in
Text to 0428 154 653 alex.graham@shiftminer.com
Stuff to the Editor Our story in the last edition about maintaining a diverse economy in Queensland struck a chord with some readers:
People seem to forget mining is boom, bust. The young ones all want to work in the mines and chase the dollar - and why wouldn’t you? But we could be in some trouble in 30 years. Pat, Mackay Strong economies are diverse economies. That is a really worry for Queensland, and Australia while it focusses on mining. R.T, Mackay
It’s all very well to talk about diversity, but no-one is making all these people work in mining. They want to. R.M, Gladstone Frank the Tank’s fans come to the fore again:
Frank, you’re advice is priceless. Please do not stop. Crib would not be the same without you. T.E, Moranbah There is no subject Frank won’t touch. Nothing is off limits. Nothing is sacred. Nothing is funnier. Ron, Emerald
Got something to share? Send us your text messages or phone photos to 0428 154 653 Or email to greg.sweetnam@shiftminer.com
The musings of a CQ miner...
HOLIDAYS Idle boots by the door,
Sent in anonymously...
Give the dog a proper pat, plan to mow but never remember.
Page 16 - Shift Miner Magazine, 27th February 2012
Make a day’s plan, then wallow in the luxury of a plan not followed or even bothered.
The boots, the sander, the mower and shelves can all sit idle while this first day rolls on in highest grandeur.
To watch and wonder not push and pull, is the great reward of this day.
Who is Redmond?
Today’s the first day, the pure start, The one that means so much and you’ve long awaited.
Redmond was born in a cross-fire hurricane and now resides in Queensland. Former Golden Glove champ turned champion shearer, his shearing career was cut short when he entered the adult film industry and made 3467 films in three months. He now enjoys semiretirement and lives happily on his 100,000 acre property with his seven wives. He has received the annual Golden Pen award from the Writer’s Guild four years in a row in the Truth Telling category...