BHP have applied for an extension until 2016 on approval decision for Olympic Dam. Very long time frame.

 
http://www.miningweekly.com/article/bhp-requests-extension-on-olympic-dam-deadline-2012-09-26

That's an interesting read, Josh. The sentiment behind the idea is mirrored in the Hunter Valley, where the local population and councils complain about the fact that a disproportionate share of state revenue comes from the mining regions, and not enough of it comes back to compensate for the negative impacts inflicted by the mining industry. And…[Read more]

I don't hold property there, but if I did I wouldn't sell it. Whyalla's story is not over yet.

I agree with Jack, no cause for panic, that would probably result in the worst outcome possible. What is occurring in the region at present has occurred in the past, and mid to long term a recovery and higher peaks have followed, and will again. Vacancy rates have been low, and rents high. There is obviously room for both to adjust before…[Read more]

Hi ccpat

I've cladded quite a few houses myself. Cladding can conceal a world of eyesores, including rot, badly out of level walls, and other forms of deteriorisation. I would assume that valuers (and cluey purchasers)  would keep this in mind when appraising a property. The quality of workmanship in the cladding industry can vary widely between…[Read more]

As Josh says above "it's greed from everyone…" And now the Queensland government, with incredibly bad timing, announces increases in royalty demands. I wonder if anyone in government is capable of considering the possibility that more tax from less mines equates to less…[Read more]

Just to clarify, the above post was intended to reiterate the huge investments in and around Gladstone. The media releases are dated, and not current, although their impact on Gladstone is. The following is a current release, and as mentioned in the article, the company would require more export capacity at Gladstone to ship it's…[Read more]

$2.5 billion dollar Wiggins Island coal terminal at Gladstone begins construction. Worley Parsons has begun site preparation.

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/a25bn-wiggins-island-coal-terminal-construction-to-start-2011-10-03

And a proposal for an additional 50 mil/ton/per/year terminal to be…[Read more]

Any such legislation would discourage developers and investors from supplying housing. The reason rents are high in those areas in the first place is demand exceeds supply. Self-defeating solution.

Union meetings with BMA have concluded…results under wraps pending employee votes. Sounds promising to me.

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2012/09/03/meetings-unions-enterprise-bargaining-agreement/

For anyone interested in more information on Alpha and the huge potential of the Galilee Basin, here is a link to Hancock coal…

http://hancockcoal.com.au/

Hey Mattsa

Alpha is in the Gallile Basin, inland from the Bowen and Surat Basins. There are HUGE untapped coal deposits there. There are several large scale projects on the drawing boards, all requiring new rail and water supplies. There are several different proposals for rail to ports, including Gladstone, Mackay and Abbot Point. BIG, BIG…[Read more]

GVK managing director of coal and infrastructure is quoted as saying the Alpha Project remains viable. Time will tell whether or not the project goes ahead on schedule. In the current climate, it would be a huge boost for confidence in the region. The managing director says discussions are well advanced with commercial banks re finance, and…[Read more]

Hi Josh, good post as usual. The strikes are a thorn in the side for BMA in particular, and the region in general. Yesterday BHP made an announcement that further job losses are inevitable in the coal industry, and that high production costs are a contributing factor to their decision to cut jobs. While there are a number of negatives impacting on…[Read more]

Gina is apparently looking for alternative water supplies. I think this approach is unethical and should be stopped. Perhaps it should be suggested to her that she might finance the construction of the Connors river dam herself.

http://www.cqnews.com.au/story/2012/08/17/producers-alarmed-as-water-allocations-sold/

Hi Sunny

I would suggest that first you should scratch Moranbah and Dysart from your list. Both have had huge increases in entry price recently, and both are dependent on coal. Coal prices are currently low and  some mines are reducing staff and cutting back on expansion plans. As towns dependent on single industries, they are both at the upper…[Read more]

I thought I was the luckiest kid in the world, with nature. I could walk through the forest. I could hear the animals. I could hear the woods talk to me. Everywhere I looked there was life. I could pick my own apples or cucumbers. I could eat the berries and pawpaws. I love pawpaws. And they gooseberries. I wouldn’t trade that childhood for all…[Read more]

I forgot to suggest you should read the comments below the article. The increases are widespread and exhorbitant.

http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2012/08/10/insurance-up-by-689-bundaberg-house-contents/

And labour are patting themselves on the back while they tell us the sky hasn't fallen down yet because of the carbon tax. There's been very little time yet for the increased costs to become apparent and filter down to the end payer. The pat on the back should be delayed…. it will eventuate into a kick in the ass.