RETROSPECT
YEAR IN
2011
November
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RDAS school hall opened enator Alex Gallacher (Labor, South Australia) officially opened the Roxby Downs Area School’s new multi purpose hall.
The hall, a product of the Federal Government Building Education Revolution (BER) funding scheme, was under construction since February 3. The opening ceremony was attended by RDAS students, teachers, parents, representatives from BHP Billiton and participating construction company Ahren’s and Senator Gallacher. RDAS Principal, Kath Macalister stated in her address how well managed the project had been, on both sides of the fence. “I want to begin by acknowledging the exceptional work undertaken by our builders... you don’t know how many comments we get about this hall, and it’s all positive!”
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RELCG success in first week
fter a quiet first couple of weeks, the staff at Roxby Early Learning Community Group took the time to bond together and with the children.
Centre Director Gail Reid indicated support from the board; new families and the community had ensured the centre opened on the said date of November 14. “The community has just been so positive and supportive in offering to do stuff or donate.” “We’ve got really amazing management here at the moment it’s been so awesome. To be able to pull together what we have done in this amount of time is almost unheard of. They have just been tireless.”
Seth Enslow and ‘Bubba’ come to Roxby!
Crusty Demons stars 'Bubba' Chaisson and Seth Enslow.
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he annual Roxby Downs Motocross spectacular went off with a bang with appearances from Seth Enslow and ‘Bubba’ Chaisson from the Crusty Demons.
Hard work went into the lead-up of the event with added facilities and better viewing areas for patrons this year. Motocross Club President, Clint Gow-Smith said the night went exceptionally well. “Going on all the feedback I was getting through the night and phone calls and messages yesterday, I am really happy how the night came together. Mr Gow-Smith was extremely happy with the crowd numbers on the night and said it was good to see so many families spread out along the main straight area. Seth and ‘Bubba’ were obviously the crowd favourites and the highlight of the night. “Having Seth Enslow and ‘Bubba’ present at any event is always going to get people talking so even though we didn’t see a increase in our takings it’s certainly given many people a life long memory; having the opportunity to get a photo or have a conversation with these guys. They were really supportive of our event and really took the time to socialise and get amongst the Roxby locals,” Mr Gow-Smith said. The Californian duo arrived in Roxby on Friday, November 4 and are known worldwide for their pioneering appearances with the Crusty Demons, who have over 16 years released rolling footage of freestyle motocross riding.
Libs back mine Bill
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he South Australian Liberal Party has recently backed the Olympic Dam mine expansion legislation with the Bill set to pass South Australian Parliament before the end of this year. The Opposition supported the legislation for global miner, BHP Billiton’s $30 billion expansion of Olympic Dam to turn it into the world’s largest open cut copper, gold and uranium mine. Chris Thomas shaved off his beloved iconic moustache The Liberal Party decided to allow the legislation to pass to join others in raising funds for a friend. without amendment or delay as the Bill must pass Parliament before the end of this year so the initial $525 million support the proposition,” he said. in spending can be generated. Monday, November 7 saw the South Australian Liberal Party, in a closed meeting; discuss the value of the indenture that BHP Billiton signed with former Premier Mike Rann in October. The Liberal Party unanimously agreed to support he Roxby Downs community banded together to the Indenture Agreement Bill which fixes BHP Billiton’s royalties for the first 45 years at 5 per cent and help one of their own, once again. 3.5 per cent respectively. After some already astonishing local fundraising accomplishments this year, the community raised the bar, raising almost $60,000 for a local lad in need. The official total of money raised came to $57,885.85 from a combination of auction items, gate takings, campaigning for back and chest waxing and the loss of Chris Thomas’ moustache along with the collection of trivial ‘fines’. A whopping $36,020 was made from the auction alone, which featured various items, from garden plants and sportremier Jay Weatherill said he will support Prime ing memorabilia to signed Crusty Demons motorbike helMinister Julia Gillard’s proposal to export mets and flat screen televisions. uranium to India at the ALP (Australian Labor Approximately 250 locals gathered for the event, which Party) Conference in Sydney during December. event spokesperson Rob Kraack said would be ‘the largest Ms Gillard asked the ALP’s National Conference to crowd the bowling club has seen.’ overturn party policy and allow uranium to be sold to All money raised will go directly to a local apprentice Troy countries that have not signed the nuclear non-prolifera- Gum, who has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic tion treaty. cancer. Mr Weatherill said there are significant international The crowd amped up auction bids for the cause, with issues associated with the proposition but he will support incredible amounts thrown around for some trivial items. Ms Gillard’s proposal. A café sandwich press and a couple of hand tools sold for “I am prepared to accept the Prime Minister’s views on $700, and a cardboard cut out of the Bundaberg Rum ‘Bundy’ these matters,” he said. Bear for $550. Mr Weatherill said South Australia is a substantial uraThe most expensive item auctioned was a five cubic menium explorer and he is keen to build on our strong rela- tre concrete voucher from Holcim, followed closely by two tionship with India. iPads, a Crusty Demons signed helmet and a toolbox, which “Therefore it is clearly in South Australia’s interests to all sold for $1,300 each respectively.
Gillard proposed to export uranium to India
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Roxby digs deep for a mate in need
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December
Indenture passes both Houses
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he State Parliament and Upper House recently approved legislation for BHP Billiton’s $30 billion Olympic Dam expansion. After more than 30 hours of debate on Tuesday, November 29, Parliament ratified the Roxby Downs Indenture Act unlocking BHP Billiton’s $1.2 billion for initial works and equipment for the project. Page 12 – Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The Legislation returned to the House of Assembly last Thursday for final approval. Minister for Mineral Resources, Tom Koutsantonis said the Bill’s passage through Parliament was a momentous occasion for South Australia as the State will undoubtedly benefit from what will become the world’s largest open cut mine. He said, “This really is a game changer for our state; this is the moment future generations will look back on and say, ‘that was the time South Australia took its rightful place amongst the giants of mining.”
$27.3 million plans for Roxby Village
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HP Billiton submitted an ‘Application for Category 3 Development’ with Roxby Council on Thursday December 1.
The application includes plans for 298 additional rooms in the Roxby Village together with other extensions and infrastructure. The Development Application report for the Roxby Village extensions states the estimated development cost is $27.3 million.
www.themonitor.com.au
The report also provides supporting information for the proposed development application in relation to the significant expansion of the Roxby Village located between Burgoyne Street and Olympic Way. The extension will include; 298 additional rooms, ensuite accommodation, rooms in blocks of 12, a recreation room and continental breakfast mess, six laundry blocks, a store (where a communications hub can be established if required), associated roadways, car parking and storm water drainage and all associated infrastructure. THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper