Feedback from the Box

I haven't posted on here for a few days ... life has gotten the better of me. Work, family responsibilities, sleep. Poor excuse I know, but an excuse none-the-less.

The Feedback Box has thrown forth another comment today. This one even shines a light on the way I live my life: The struggle to move forward and back your convictions and beliefs.

Sometimes the whole process of living in a modern world leaves us feeling depleted and dare I say it ... beaten. Which brings to mind the phrase we often hear ourselves utter in defense of the wrongdoing of others: "It's wrong ... but there's stuff all you can do about it."

It is hard to pull governments and corporations into line. It is hard to challenge set agendas. It is hard to re-ask the unanswered questions.

But it shouldn't be.

And if every disenchanted prick out there got together and helped ... the task wouldn't be hard.

This is a strange and dangerous world that we live in.

As a society we say we believe in things like justice and equity and sustainability. These values are reflected in the policies of government and industry. But an outsider looking in wouldn't see those values and policies reflected in the way in which our society is currently heading.

When it comes to our daily lives and at work we behave individually and collectively in ways that run counter to what our values and policies would dictate.

I was having a friendly chat with a politician recently about how the plans and policies that the local industry put on paper appear to be nothing more than a charade designed to keep people placated. I was dismayed when he admitted that government does the same, in the expectation that people will not actually hold them accountable. If we are going to be simply placated by the words of policies then we are in a deadly embrace with government and with industry. If we want a future that is worth living in it is dangerous to simply accept that business will go on as usual. It is dangerous not to expect people, governments, industry etc to actually implement what we know as a society we need to be doing.

Living in a dual reality in which we don't actually do what we know we need to do and everybody turns a blind eye is a sure way for things to end badly.

Weipa Dust Might

I wonder if the dust issue will blow over (pardon the pun) once Rio makes a few efforts to placate residents in New Nanum?

I guess I should take a moment to remind everyone what community support is all about ... it's about backing a collective opinion and following it through to reach the desired outcome.

Such support can be shown simply by making a single phone call, sending a short email or writing a brief letter.

Of course, it always helps to have a person to send them to.

My suggestion is to fire off your thoughts (via email, phone or letter) to one or both of the below representatives:


Hon. Andrew McNamara
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
PO Box 15155
City East, Qld 4002
Phone: (07) 3336 8032; Fax: (07) 3227 6309
Email: Sustainability@ministerial.qld.gov.au

Jason O'BRIEN MP
Ground Floor, Andrejic's Arcade
62-66 Grafton Street
Cairns Q 4870
Ph: (07) 4051 3849
Fax: (07) 4031 2437
Email: cook@queenslandlaborteam.com


Both of these blokes will welcome community opinion on this matter so don't be shy.

The Sky's the Limit

Apparently China will build up to 50,000 skyscrapers in the next 20 years, the equivalent of 10 New Yorks, creating sustained long-term demand for steel and other raw materials.

You probably already knew that last week the Federal Government approved Chinese State-backed aluminium company Chinalco to hold as much as 14.99% of Rio's London shares - equivalent to 11% of Rio's combined Australian and London equities.

What you may not know is that business analysts around the world are not entirely convinced about the quality of Rio's aluminium business. In fact the value of Rio's aluminium business may even be devaluing the entire company in the face of the BHP-Billiton hostile take-over attempt.

In English?

If successful, BHP-Billiton may just off-load the aluminium division to a suitable global minerals player ... maybe to a company that could level a few of the take-over/regulatory hurdles ... perhaps a company called Chinalco!

I'm keen to see where all this leads in the long term. My severely uneducated take on this is that BHP-Billiton would be keen to grab Rio's iron-ore related businesses and probably even Rio's uranium business, but to placate China they would jettison the aluminium portfolio to Chinalco and Alcoa.

Of course, I have been known to be wrong on the odd ocassion ... actually on nearly every ocassion.

Feedback from the Box

This morning's feedback reminded me about certain aspects of the aluminium industry.

You see, the Aluminium business is big business not just in Weipa but throughout the world.

However the one problem aluminium producers really have is energy use. The aluminium production process consumes vast amounts of energy. It's part of the reason why Rio Tinto bought Alcan. Alcan had great assets in Canada - Hydro power stations. In a modern world the word 'energy' is often sitting alongside the word 'crisis'. Hydro-power is like liquid gold in this world.

But there isn't a whole lot of hydro power in Australia for aluminium production, which is why Rio Tinto probably isn't too keen on the Federal Government's new carbon emissions trading scheme.

Which brings me to the entry in the feedback box:

Hey you know the local company that sends out those laughable sustainable development reports each year. Yeah, the same one that is tearing the place down. The same one that just announced a huge profit and a huge increase in the annual profit. Yeah, the same one that gets all the corporate welfare so that we taxpayers have the joy of watching them wreck the place (our place), put the money in their pockets and we pay them to do it. Well guess what! The same greedy bastards are lobbying hard in Canberra today for special consideration under the new carbon emissions trading scheme. They reckon they won't be able to keep on being so productive if they actually have to pay the real costs for the damage they are doing to the atmosphere. They reckon that they can only be profitable if they are allowed to continue to pollute the atmosphere. And that's only the start of it. You see the profits that these guys make are made by NOT paying the real costs of damaging the atmosphere and everything else. IE their business is NOT SUSTAINABLE.

Ufulla in big mob trouble, eh...

Racism...

I gotta tell ya, there's some idiots in this town.

A little while back some fellas working for a local contractor decided they would say some stupid things to a local Traditional Owner down at the servo.

Unluckily for these guys they neglected to think about the bystanders watching on and listening.

Luckily for these guys the bystanders didn't take down the number plate of the contractor's vehicle.

There's talk in Napranum about a letter of complaint being drafted up to send to the relevant employer. My guess is that if the culprits own up to the chat, they'll be out of a job by day's end.

Get one thing straight, you idiots, you jeopardise your employer's position to gain Rio contracts with such unacceptable behaviour. Also, you may not be aware of this, but Rio Tinto actually relies on a level of cultural awareness and positive relations with the local TO's so that they can maintain access to the land for mining. I'm not sure if these blokes have noticed what industry drives the local economy around here. For all the ranting I do about Rio, I still acknowledge that their presence drives the economic stability of this region.

Another point ... fellas like this continue to offend a huge proportion of the local residents. Not the best way to encourage positive race relations.

Now, a handful of blokes slinging shit on some old fella - telling him that they're going to cut him up and take him bush - will pretty much irritate the odd family in town or out at Napranum. It won't do the blokes responsible any favours in the job security department either.

If the offenders are reading this ... best save for your plane tickets out if you're fingered for it. There's been fellas sacked at your company for far, far less.

Feedback from the Box

I think this one could be from Rio management:

krjbgjlsFG

Try adding a couple of vowels.

You never know, just a few more practices and you'll be fast on your way to making some sense!

I jest, it's probably not from management ... it's probably from New Nanum residents. You ever tried talking with a mouth full of dust?!

Feedback from the Box

A cry for help.

Any body got a solution?

Is it possible to get some sort of machine which will blow the dust out of the house? Surely there is something out there.

Fill the house with a church full of exploding residents ... this should do the trick.

Feedback from the Box

Some feedback in reference to my previous post where I was rabbiting on about spirit and Rio and whatever... Just the usual mixed bag of dumb shit that you've come to expect from this blog.

Couldn't have put it better myself. At the rate this lovely planet is being demolished you would think we had a spare one on standby ready for us to evacuate to when we've finished missing this one up.

Life is short. This planet is a wonderful place and you only have one chance to be here. So why would you choose to spend your one life here wrecking the place to accumulate things that you can't take with you.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Perhaps it will be broad-banded...

It's a new era. Things change. Things need changing.

You know, I crap on a lot about Rio, rarely speaking sense and almost never offering constructive solutions.

My defense?

That's what mine management is paid to do. They manage. Micro-manage. Even mis-manage. I whinge or, as I like to say ... I protest.

Of course, I do have a few thoughts on the subject of protest:

A half dozen years ago a person I cared for deeply disappeared off the face of the earth (Revolution In Peace, Niamh). Months after her disappearance the gutless prick that was last seen giving her a lift took a dive off the Transit Centre rooftop in Brisbane whilst under police escort for a seperate sexual crime hours earlier. There was, and still isn't, any closure to Niamh's disappearance.

Anyway, Niamh, was one right out of the box. The kind of chick who had the balls to play the song 'Blow Up the Pokies' on the sound system whilst working at the RSL. She was a fiery bugger, full of justifiable rage at the world's injustices. I wish I - and you - had half her energy. If I had it, I'd put a match to the world.

We went searching for her body. We traipsed through acres of forest down south with the memory of Niamh's parents sharing table conversation nights earlier, discussing the usual light dinner topics: decomposition, cadavar dogs ... drugged-induced rape. Talk that no parent should ever have to broach.

It was all to no avail. The loggers came in and the whole joint was destined to be flattened. Niamh probably wasn't there anyway. She certainly wasn't in spirit. She was with her fractured Ma and Pa. She was in their kitchen flogging biscuits out of the cupboard after school. She was locked in her bedroom, moody and self-loathing. She was out past curfew at some party in town. She was buried... but she was never going to be dead. Not in spirit.

Now spirit is a funny thing. We all have it. We just don't know how to use it.

Which brings me to Rio Tinto in a round-about way. You see, I'm not against mining. How could I be? I drink rum out of aluminium cans, I drive a car with alloy components. Hell, I even close aluminium sliding windows to keep the friggin bauxite dust out of my house!

What I am against is idiocy.

I'm against the company mining too close to rivers and smaller water-courses nearby. It impacts waterborne wildlife. I'm against crap regeneration, because I have kids that will hopefully outlive me. I'm against local management decisions being made by wealthy upper-level managers in big cities. I'm against shareholder profit at the expense of sanity.

Why can't things be managed better? Why can't mis-management be punished with leaked information that shames the powers-that-be into making amends or reassessing. Let's say that running a mine with 'Best Practice Sustainability' results in 2 million less tons this year ... big fucking deal. Shovel it out the next year. The bauxite's not going anywhere. Fuck, I'll sell Rio the half million tons of dust in my lounge-room for nothing.

My point to all this?

God knows.

I think it has something to do with 'Priorities'.

On your way to bed tonight, stop by the kids' room (if you have any) ... take a moment to smell the room, savour the scent of your little boy or girl's pillow, feel the soft dent where their sweaty little head lolls each night. Now go to your own room ... run your fingers gently through your partner's hair. Watch their reaction for a moment and remember how you began this journey with them. How it all seemed possible.

Now go to sleep knowing that each one of these people will die.

Soon.

Sooner than you could ever imagine. In possibly the worst scenario you could ever imagine. Buried by circumstances that you could never ever imagine.

When you wake up and head off to work ... take a moment to email me ... and let me know how important the extra tonnage of dirt is to your life.

Park Life

Okay, here's a change of tack ...

Was Rio (WTA) responsible for the grassing of the New Nanum kids playgrounds?

If so, what a stupendous job. The park is an absolute corker. Wheelie bins, well-watered grass, lots of kids having fun. A first class job.

On the down side (there's always a friggin' down-side on this site isn't there?!) ... anyway, on the down-side, whoever was responsible for leaving the park as a two-acre gravel pit for the previous two years should bend over the nearest slippery slide and allow every single parent and kid in New Nanum to shove a boot up their arse. That may go some way to apologising for the sheer lack of care for the local kids.

Aside from that ... good job!

Speak out

Work for Rio?

Pissed off about something?

Well, don't forget Rio Tinto's Speak-OUT program for employees. Each month, a summary of all calls is sent to Rio Tinto's chief executive. He'd just love to hear what's on your mind. The Speak-OUT program has been developed to ensure that issues, which could give cause for concern to employees or to the company, are addressed in a confidential and timely manner.

Of course, if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea ... why not air your dirty laundry here at The Watchdog. We ensure that issues are dealt with in an unbalanced, non-confidential and total inappropriate way.

Just dial 1800 PIS SED - you can be sure that we'll take your call ... as long as it is after happy hour.

Comedy Central

Did you know that:

Wherever Rio Tinto operates, health and safety is the first priority.

You know, like three points of contact on the stairs ... red, blue, black pens only on your desk ... steel-cap boots whist using a meat mallet in your own kitchen.

Group businesses also put sustainable development at the heart of their operations. They work as closely as possible with host countries and communities, respecting their laws and customs. For Rio Tinto it is important that the environmental effects of its activities are kept to a minimum and that local communities benefit as much as possible from operations.

I'm benefiting from an increase of bauxite dust. But I'll tough it out for the good of the company. God knows the Chinese need a tip top business to step into down the track.

Also:

Rio Tinto follows the very best practices in safety, ethical business, social and environmental responsibility, and sustainable development.

...according to a Rio Tinto media employee whose previous job could very well have been writing TV commercials in the eighties extolling the virtues of smoking Camels ... 'for digestion's sake'. (Fair Dinkum true ad)

And:

Rio Tinto's fundamental objective is to maximise profit to investors...

Hey, Rio Tinto's average number of employees is now 47,000 ... 20,000 of those are managers, 10,000 think they're managers, and 5000 aren't a manager's arsehole.

I'm making this up obviously. The true figure is 47,038.


(Source: riotinto.com)

Sux, Lies and Videotape

A reader out there that works for a local company who has bauxite leases in the Western Cape has forwarded a Top Secret video to Top Dog... but I don't know what to do with it.

I know that if I post it ... or a link to it ... a whole load of brown stuff will hit the fan. In fact, it could start a RIOT ... That's an exaggeration of course. It won't start a riot, it will only make the said company very very embarrassed.

I really have to think about what I am ... dog ... or dirty bloody mongrel.

Any thoughts?

Feedback from the Box

Another shout from the Feedback Box:

Yeah, I had a read of Enduring Value. If this mine site is an example of it then it isn't worth the paper it's written on. Obviously just another attempt by the Australian Minerals Industry Council to con us into believing that mining companies are socially friendly and environmentally benign. They are just the kind of neighbours that you would want to have. I think not!

This from the nice folks at Rio Tinto:

"We are committed to contributing to sustainable development. Not just because it is right to safeguard the health of the planet for future generations, but because it also makes sound business sense."

And this from the nice folks at Weipa Watchdog, who are:

"Committed to contributing to sustainable attacks on crap corporate management. Not just because it is right to safeguard the health and wellbeing of community members, but because it is a lot of friggin' fun."

Top Dog

Feedback from the Box

The Feedback Box at the bottom of this website has spat forth another comment from the cyberspace:

Oh for shame that on my second last day in this interesting place that I find someone with a sense of humour who isn't afraid to show it.

I have learnt some weird and wonderful things during my short time here.

Yes, Woolies are a thieving pack of bastards selling dodgy fruit and veg. Somewhere in the back recesses of my mind I hear a jingle proclaiming something about the fresh food people. It must have been some city based ad company's bright idea. However, the Weipa Woolies staff have to be the friendliest checkout chicks and shelf stackers I've met in a long time.

Dust - aahh the joy. Where else can you step out of a shower to be lovingly coated the fine red film? I've come to believe that it is the only way to determine a 'true' Weipa-ite.

The nightly parade of bachelors near the Evan's Landing phone box. Ladies - truly a sight to see. Telstra may be responsible for the lonely hearts of Weipa connecting.

I've also been told a tale of the almighty alumina God descending from his undoubtedly airconditioned and dust free heaven to assert his right to enter any and all dwellings within the township to determine the number of serfs residing within.

Personally, I'd throw open the hereto padlocked gates and welcome said alumina God with open arms. I think he'd enjoy a cup of tea that he needs to compete with the flies to drink, bikkies that have been kept in the freezer to hide them from the ants and if it all gets too much I can offer him a shower (cold only, no luxury of hot water here) and a nice lie down, after I remove the dustcovers from the bed.

And Top Dog, I discovered that Weipa has a mobile dog wash. Surely their business will boom with the New Nanum dusty dog explosion ;)

Car washes, dog washes ... all this bloody dust ... I've had to wash me kids once a day as well. The little buggers aren't too keen on the bucket and hose though.

Also, I'll second the statement about the Woolies staff ... you guys rock. Top shelf product all of you.

Pat Malone

By the way, the old Top Dog is on his Pat Malone these days.

Ie nobody has been roped into adding posts on this site.

Remember, if anyone out there does want to contribute, just whack a message in the box at the bottom of the page. We're not fussy ... just look at the other crap on here!

Enduring Values?

Here's the link to the booklet mentioned in the earlier post.

Enduring Values website

You can check out a whole host of reading matter via the menu on the left hand side of the Enduring Values site.

Happy reading.



Top Dog

DAM it all to hell

I missed the entertainment that was on show the other night at St Luke's Church.

Apparently it was an interesting gig. Plenty of high drama, some good acting by the cast on stage and a few hecklers in the crowd.

Boy, did I pick the wrong night to stay at home and paint my nails ... don't get any wrong ideas, I paint them with glow in the dark nail polish - that way I can see my feet during the night when I traipse through the newly-laid dust on the floor between the bedroom and bathroom!


Anyway, the whole town was talking about the performances down at St. Luke's. I'm guessing the lead actors were probably not expecting such a sell-out crowd. And yet, I'm thinking the crowd was probably expecting some sell-out Rio superstars.

Harsh words?

Probably. It does seem like I'm making a personal attack, doesn't it?

That's because I live in New Nanum... and before any of you fuckers go on about "if you don't like it, leave" ... let me say this ... Pull your fucking head in.


I'll also let you in on a little secret ... it's called community consultation. Rio only seemed to come out with their tailings dam info when Watchdog got wind of it months ago (Feb).

Next minute we got double-page ads in the paper, a few meetings and a few posters on the notice board.

What we didn't get was PRIOR consultation, ie before planning.

I wonder if anyone in RIO ever thought for a minute about the poor pricks living right across the road from the dam?

Did anyone cite potential dramas with Night-time noise for those residents and their kids, let alone the dust.

Did anyone think twice about maybe starting the project at a time in the year when wind didn't blow the friggin dust all over Nanum?

Did anyone think how often dog owners will have to wash their dogs?!

No.

Or maybe they did. Who knows.

All I know is that in three years time the EPA brings RIO into line with the new guidelines - currently the all-powerful Comalco Act wins out.

Is this dam being re-walled to beat the new standards? If so, it's a low act - a crap stunt to pull on residents without consultation.

RIO's company literature states that many measures are taken with regards to community consultation. In fact Rio prides itself on this very same detail ... they're even signatories on a standard called ENDURING VALUES, which is the Australian Minerals Industry Council's 'Best Practice Community Engagement Program'.

Did any management or key decision-makers actually read this when it was passed around the office?

Can anyone in the office actually read? Or did they not cover English Language in your university degree?!

End of rant...

I gotta go mop the fucking floor ...

Feedback

New feedback from yesterday:

As a person thinking about moving to wiepa, i thought i would have a look on the net for info about the place and came across this site!my husband wants to transfer there with work but from what i am reading all the posts i am left wondering is it really worth it!!! everyone is so negative about the place. i understand this sight is about having a winge but could anyone give me a few positive thoughts about the town, it cant all be that bad!!!!!!!!

Yep, this site is basically a whinge site. Don't take anything written here as gospel - Hell, I don't even believe most the shit I write.

I'm not sure where you are living at present, but I can safely say that Cape York Peninsula is one of the most diverse and spectacular locations in the country. If you are keen on outdoor leisure activities and a laid-back lifestyle then you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot.

As for the negative stuff... we just want our town to remain attractive and livable. Like all towns, ours has its fair share of problems - be it the proximity of mining, the itinerant community, the misinformed idiots running stupid websites. Same shit ... different location.

The Watchdog tries to be a bit more proactive about shining a spotlight on a few community issues.

Hope that helps.


Top Dog

Feedback

More May feedback:

Isn't it time this Act was reviewed.I would be surprised if there is any Act in this country that has not had a review in 50+ years

This feedback must be in relation to the all-powerful Comalco Act, which will in fact change - in parts - in three years time. Rio will have to conform to the new EPA standards that Chalco has to perform under.

Except when it comes to Rio's 80% water rights of all water-courses. Which - in my understanding - aren't covered under the new guidelines and are probably considered a company asset.

Maybe there will be a flurry of activity during the next three years - you know - the odd tailings dam expansion, new mine development ...

Feedback

May feedback:

What has happened to April and Mays Blogs?

The dog ate them.

Feedback

April feedback:

Hahahahahahahaha

Where the hell have you been all my life?

Do you take GROUPIES?

You have a new regular fan.

This is brilliant!

"Puppy"

Well, Puppy, all I can say is that Top Dog certainly enjoys a bit of group love!

Feedback

More April feedback:

Is the bugle playing "The Last Post" here. I hope this inactivity is not the death of something that could well be a part of the Weipa democracy?

Nope. No bugle playing. We're baaaaccckk.

Smaller and crappier than ever.

Feedback

April feedback continued in relation to this old post that I put up:

To the writer of the post: My apologies for not publishing it. You may have to rewrite it and try to be a little more general, otherwise the Watchdog will be dragging its backside through a defamation case.

Sure we slander RIO, Woolies and the Town Orifice, but they're faceless corporate monsters or heroes, depending on who you talk to. We don't name names. Not because we don't want to, but because we're gutless pricks ... especially when people are chasing us for money!

Anyway, the gist of the feedback that we received was in relation to sub-standard work on vehicle repairs. There was also some mention of misleading advertising and a reference to aspects of the business in question being Australian owned - but more so - Australian operated.

Apart from that, well, it's like that lovable German guard, Shultz, used to say on Hogan's Heroes:

"I know nuzzing..."

Reader responce:

You have given enough information in the info below for me to know which mechanical business you refer to. One that I work for. And yes you are right - very close to defamation. We are 100% Australian owned and yes we do encourage multiculturalism including indigenous employees. If someone has a problem with work performed, it would be advantageous for them to go back to the business for help. What benefit will they receive for bagging the business on some website? Very dissapointed in this - but not surprised.

Feedback

More housekeeping.

April feedback:

Whats the go RIO????

You have taken sunrise Creek off of us Betriches Landing, Cool Pools, and now you are going to take the Motocross track. FAIR FREAKING GO!!!!!!!!!!!

Feedback

Here's some catch-up housekeeping.

This feedback is from a reader way back in April:

Ok What is it with winging you all have the balls to do it on a fucking computer but do any of you have the balls to actually make an official complaint??? yeeah didn't think so. i have already told you if you want something done about it you need to jump on the website make an OFFICIAL complaint and wait for them to get back to you, and they will. Then when they do you have to have the BALLS to actually say what you think, and don't just sit back and expect that now you have had a phone call you have done your bit. Now that we are bagging out everyone in the town lets have a look at alcohol prices i can get a carton of 4X gold delivered to weipa for $34.00 so how about we all have a winge about that too. Or about the price of the shit people serve up and class it as a meal? Or about the prices of Petrol? Or about how much it costs to get 1 inch cut off your hair?? come on weipa if you are going to have a winge lets work on the whole town!!!!!!

Hibernation Hello

They say you should always let sleeping dogs lie.

But winter is drawing to a close and Top Dog has been in hibernation for far too long.

Apparently I've missed a few fun and games whilst slumbering. Word is that there's been a few dog fights around town and guess what? I've not been involved in any of them ... no murmurings, no growls, no nothing. I've been a good dog.

Anyway, it seems the dust has settled - so they say - and it's time to come out and play again.

Only this time I'm gonna be running with a growing pack of mongrels. We've been chewing on some bones under an old CYPRESS tree. So stay tuned.

Things could get interesting ... but they probably won't.



Top Dog

Tell them what you think

Yesterday in the post I received a Weipa Town Authority "Community Survey". The great thing about this is if you tell then your name you get a chance to enter a draw for a trip to Cairns.
Yes you stand a chance of getting onto a blacklist depending on your response, take care.
But a pat on the back must go to the WTA for putting out the survey after the huge rate hikes, the ever growing pot holes, the excellent communications of late and to cap it off a iffy election.
No surprises with the responses I bet.

Did you miss out?

With just 17 votes between them it is a little bit concerning that some potential voters did not get an opportunity to cast a vote.
Acording to the rumour mill between 60 to 70 people were informed they were not on the role. Watchdog has been told some had enroled last year!
The electorial role closed on Thursday 31st January for this election, if you had enroled before this date you should have been able to vote, that is providing the correct role was used.
If you enroled after that date you missed out!
If you enroled before that date and missed out let us know.

Feedback

CONGRATULATIONS CARRY.. you had my vote and im STOKED you made it.. =)

YAYYYYY **blows party whistle** WOOT...

Common sense prevails

Weipa residents have chosen the new Mayor, with 17 more electors showing common sense and casting their vote for Carrie Gay.
The new team are Chair - Carrie Gay,
Elected WTA Members are Crazy Pete and Peter Miller.

Feedback Letter to Watchdog

With town office permitting the building of homes, shops, offices, motels and whole estates all over the place - it is interesting that when it comes to putting a block of flats next to one of the town office honchos all sorts of objections are raised.

All I can say is sow what ye reap.

been there, done that, said sorry

ELDERS from a Far North Queensland community are calling for children to be removed in the face of a comprehensive breakdown of social norms.
Sydney Morning Herald 14/03/2008

Election weekend

Just a reminder to everyone to head down and vote this Saturday. Hopefully the turnout will be a bit better than the last one - its really worth casting your vote. Maybe one day we will join the rest of Aus and have our own council! Until then we have to back the candidates willing to take a stand on our behalf. Good luck to you all.

Nice to see a few comments coming out. Be great to get some more feedback from all sides to keep things topical. Don't be shy.

Lost Dog

Feedback

RATES $1255.65 per year ?????? I think not !!!!! ... Check your facts & you will find that is for 6 months only .... Weipa Rates are more like $2,419.40 which includes Water ,Domestic garbage & Sewerage (one pedestal Only) Come on rate payers ,UNITE & REBEL

Feedback

Does anyone know when the sports centre area will be completed at Rocky Point?

This is one thing this town needs, a place to go to have a bit of fun. Though it may take a decade or longer before it is completed. What about the petition for a Ten Pin Bowling Alley?

Lakes

There have been a few comments on the use of the Lakes. Putts Palms and Six Tunnels are great swimming holes but small in comparison to the Lakes at the moment. With the pool still out of action (will it be completed this month?) its understandable locals are looking at the Lakes for fun. There seems to be an issue with boats and boards being used so perhaps someone can clear this up.

Lost Dog

No mans land

One person has asked the Watchdog to look into the following:
When you travel out to East Weipa and cross the haul road, at the centre of the intersection are you on the civil road, or the haul road.
The person claims he once asked Comalco that question and the reply was along the lines of private vehicles have to give way to haul trucks and obey signs. Good advice, but it did not answer the question.
Watchdog wants to know if any vehicle crosses the haul road does the driver need a mine driving permit, site induction and the vehicle to comply with whatever standard?
Or do haul trucks cross a civil road and the drivers need to be licenced, and haul trucks registered. Could the police stop haul trucks for random breath testing?
Any comments please to Watchdog

Feedback

A reader asks the question...

Wats u doin?

Answer: Cricket watching and working.

Also checking out home sales in Cairns ... 2000+ a last count, not including units. Bargains coming soon.

The joys of high interest rates.

Oh, wait, you mean the Watchdog blog ... well, it seems it's going to die the lonely death it probably deserves!

Feedback

Rates ... please .... $1255.65 per year ... what for?

Reduce the garbage collection to once a week ... be reasonable please ... we are here trying to get ahead... not go backwards.

If there is to be a community of Weipa then try to act a bit 'community minded'. High rates and over the top fees for dog registration, pool use and food (living expenses) are making it impossible to try to justify living in this beautiful place.

I love Weipa - have been here all my life ... now it's getting too expensive to live here. What's going on? Your thoughts?

Talkfest

Pat on the back for Rio and the public info sessions on a range of topics - shame the public didn't outnumber the orange shirts but it was good to get feedback on environmental issues that I personally struggle with.

Am I comforted by what I heard? Probably not, but I appreciated the discussions and we can always live in hope of better outcomes.

I hear public attendance was poor across all the info sessions which doesn't bode well if complaints have been forthcoming and the public doesn't take the opportunity these sessions provide. Are we all that complacent or skeptical of the responses?

It's comforting to remain anonymous, look even I get solace in that, but sometimes we have to come out of our shells and have a voice. The mining we do here forever changes the landscape - there is no returning it to its original state unless we have several lifetimes up our sleeves so its vitally important its done in a balanced way.


Lost Dog

Feedback Letter to Watchdog

What the hell is going on with the hospital waiting times?

My wife took our sick 2 year old for a checkup and was told there is a 3 hour wait!!!

She looked down the hallway and there was the doc chatting away sipping on his cup of coffee for about 15 minutes. Will this improve with the new hospital? I doubt it will as most likely there won't be a greater number of docs on duty.

Am I right or does anyone else know more?

Some fishy business

Just a little piece of info for those keen to see 'sustainable' planning - the Wenlock River has the richest known freshwater fish fauna in Australia. We all take the river systems for granted up here but they really do need some form of protection to retain their pristine quality for future generations. You don't have to be a 'flag waving greenie' to see the importance of long term environmental planning.

Lost Dog

'Poor' Woolies

Anyone with Woolies shares would be really happy to see the latest profit figures. SMH today reported "Woolworths said net profit for the six months to December 30 rose to $891.3 million from $695.6 million. That was above forecasts of $864 million in a Reuters survey of eight analysts." Wonder if we will get some 'special' dividends?

Lost Dog

Feedback Glitch

We received some feedback recently that I'm reluctant to publish.

The message mentions an individual's name and their related business which can only lead to a kick-arse load of trouble for us.

To the writer of the post: My apologies for not publishing it. You may have to rewrite it and try to be a little more general, otherwise the Watchdog will be dragging its backside through a defamation case.

Sure we slander RIO, Woolies and the Town Orifice, but they're faceless corporate monsters or heroes, depending on who you talk to. We don't name names. Not because we don't want to, but because we're gutless pricks ... especially when people are chasing us for money!

Anyway, the gist of the feedback that we received was in relation to sub-standard work on vehicle repairs. There was also some mention of misleading advertising and a reference to aspects of the business in question being Australian owned - but more so - Australian operated.


Apart from that, well, it's like that lovable German guard, Shultz, used to say on Hogan's Heroes:

"I know nuzzing..."

Feedback

Never mind these postage sized blocks of land that RTA trickles out at their pleasure. If I wish to live arms length from my next door neighbour then I can do that in Melbourne or Sydney.

Where are the 5 or 10 acre blocks?

The attraction of living here is the lifestyle (sorry company drones, it's not RTA), room for the boat, the quad, the shed and all the trimmings that go with a bush lifestyle.Of course this will cost money........say no more.

Crazy Pete

And the new owner is.......

Heard there might be some joy in the next housing ballots - word has it complaints have led to future ballots having two independent onlookers to put a stop to the ongoing disapproval of the previous system and a better checking of the eligibility of applicants.

True or False. Has anyone heard anymore - I am sure all those eager to own a little slice of paradise would like to know.

Lost Dog

Feedback Letter to Watchdog

Dear Watchdog

I was poking around on the internet and magically came across your site, great work well done.

A dam post about the dust got my maximum attention, I could not have put it betta myself.

Got to keep moving, cheers for now

D B

Feedback Letter to Watchdog

Dear Watchdog

I know some of those potholes are almost big enough to fish in but check this weather out - can anyone tell me where the real fish are biting? Can't seem to hook Woolies for a chew so maybe worth a cast in the rain for some real 'fresh food'.

Feedback Letter to Watchdog

Dear Watchdog

The holes at the Woolies Round-about are nothing compared to the two large craters on the intersection at Kowari. People have opted to slip into 4wd and try the mud along the roadside. How long does it take to fill in a hole? The ones along Lorim Point from the Evans Landing turnoff to the Shiploader are so bad that you spend more time on the wrong side of the road than the right side. Riotinto are so interested in keeping the workers safe at work, well how about on the way to work!

It's in the mail

Enjoying the line up for your post?

Apparently good things come to those who wait ... like Christmas for example!


Top Dog

That Empty Feeling

Look I really don't want to keep giving Woolies a smashing on this blog ... but the mongrels really do ask for it.

Why the hell is there continually a shortage on NON-PERISHABLE stock...?!

Okay, so milk is perishable ... but has there been a reduction in the national birthrate of dairy cows? Obviously there's a severe shortage of milk and we are on rations up here. Surely you can order enough milk to last the whole week? It's not like you are left with too much unsold product by Tuesday.

But wait, it's not just the bloody milk ... it's a whole host of other products.

Here's an alert: Last time I looked, tin food and food in glass jars didn't go off in a week. Therefore you can actually order it a month in advance.

Hell, why not order it in when you can see the stock is running low ... wow, what a novel idea that would be!

Top Dog

Going Potty

How's the pot holes out there...?!

The Woolies roundabout is like going on a tour of the Grand Canyon.


Top Dog

Bad Dog

Talk about being a bad watchdog ...

I've been an absolute dis-service for the last few weeks. I haven't chucked a post on here since my last Woolies rant.

But alas, I'm back ... smaller and crappier than ever.

You see I'm trying rid myself of this blog and hand it over to some other folks.

I'm not sure how often they will post... more than me I'd guess. And I certainly can't guarantee that they'll be hardcore whingers like me. Thankfully they seem keen to have a shot at this blog while I focus more on life's important things like er... rum and cricket. The new mob have even threatened to throw their names on their posts too. Which probably means they will lose every single one of their few friends!! Personally I'd suggest they sign their posts using a nickname like everyone else on the internet.

I've heard around the traps that some folk are a little reluctant to send in any emails because they are scared of having their names known by myself or anyone else that posts on the blog.

I totally empathise with these people. Which is why I've added an anonymous feedback form at the bottom of the page. Feel free to rant without a care...

It truly sucks when you want to pull some bastard up and clarify some home truths ... only to realise speaking out may result in you losing your job ... friend ... wife.

Talking of bastards ... (it's a joke)

Full marks to RIO for acknowledging that the public wants info about their community. The big-wigs have scheduled some Public Info Sessions at the Council Chambers for the following dates:

Wednesday 27th Feb -- 5 to 8pm
Thursday 28th Feb -- Noon to 3pm
Saturday 1st March -- 10am to 1pm

There's a whole host of topics that they will cover during the sessions. No doubt some of the info will inevitably be public relations spin but that's up to you lot to decide what info should be cleared through your personal bullshit filter.

If any of you actually turn up! Top Gear is on SBS on Monday night and the early episodes are on Saturday night ... so there's no friggin excuse.

Except if you're on a 'promise'.

Cheers
Top Dog

Not a good line to follow

Poly Unsaturated wrote:

Just thought id share these photos, i just took this morning on my mobile phone, with you.. Seems this drizzly Weipa weather is taking its toll on a few people (have you seen the amount of cars backing up past the service centre in the mornings just to drop kids off at school behind the flats? its a worry but that's another story) .. Anyways this poor bastard obviously couldn't decide which way to go so decided into the ditch was his best option hahaaaa. those poor ol goodline guys get it tough, well I thought the photo was quite amusing since he had heaps of other choices on where he could turn.. I just put it down to a busted window wiper perhaps ..

Stick to what your good at

Word around town is that a big local employer has again got into strife trying to sell real estate.

It appears a local professional has had to step in to rescue them again.

Will they never learn.

It might be time for someone to change his name to Spike, after another great comedian!

One less holiday to worry about

Weipa residents have been blessed this year, given a extra day to graft for their bosses.
That is those of you not on AWA's.

Not sure if it was an oversite, or planned but we have no gazetted show holiday this year, as yet!
Long time residents will recall the Coen Race Day holiday of years past. When the Coen Race Day terminated it was replaced by the Cairns Show Day.

A quick search of the Wageline website showed no "Show Holidays" or "Special Holidays" for the town of Weipa.
No gazetted holiday means business as usual, and a cost saving for businesses not having to pay for nonproductive time.

Remember the Local Authority is Rio, coincidence or not, your views please.

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue

Well, Roses are red and Violets are blue.

Each appears to play for a different team, if the colour of their bumers means anything.

In Weipa Andoom is red and East Weipa is Blue, the Watchdog has been told.

What are we talking about I hear you ask.

Read on dear friends, and I do think of readers as friends, however I digress.

Rio's Andoom employees, we have been told, have to stay at their posts until the town goes into code Red in the time of impending cyclonic conditions.

Their workmates at East Weipa will be home safe with family at this stage, allowed to venture home when condition Blue is anounced.

It is safer to be at home or elsewhere taking shelter under condition Red, but if you want to make some money venture to the Mission Bridge with a camera and you might get the image of a lifetime as a Landcruiser is blown off the bridge.

Well done Rio,
Please tell us we have it wrong, or is production at Andoom more important than the safety of your employees?

Pulling the Wool over our eyes

Here's an interesting comment that was posted under my Dogs of War rant.

A member of my family is the financial manager of a large food manufacturing company. About a year ago, she informed me that Woolies in Weipa was making the company she works for, foot the bill for freight to Weipa. So I'd just like to know the other excuse for the prices we have to pay for food in Weipa.

Does Woolies really have this kind of pull?

You bet it does.

Paul Clitheroe wrote an article that said Woolies sales figures for the December quarter showed first half sales were up almost 16 per cent to $22.1 billion. To improve your sales by 16 per cent when you're a small company on the way up is good work, but to continue to grow sales by 16 per cent when you're the country's biggest retailer is quite astounding.

Clitheroe goes on to say that there are reservations about the culture of Woolworths that are a little harder to measure. These can be broken down into a few key areas that are relevant to us:

1. The buying power that comes with being a giant enables Woolworths to really throw its weight around with suppliers. The end result is lower prices for consumers (really!!! - Top Dog) and higher dividends for investors, but in the process it has on occasion been absolutely ruthless and quite anti-competitive.

2. Woolworths has displayed plenty of arrogance when it comes to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Trade Practices Act. Twice it has been caught out in blatantly anti-competitive activities and both times it has fought the charges to the limit of the law and, even then, effectively claimed the law was wrong. Not nice.

3. It's unlimited growth ambitions are nice for investors, but you might wonder about how healthy it is for our society overall to suffer a loss of diversity in retailers across just about every facet of retailing. The expansion in selling petrol is a foretaste of what Woolworths would like to do in pharmacies and most other fields where dollars are exchanged for goods at the retail level.


That last point is interesting in so far that it brings attention to the ambitions of investors who own the company and the social responsibility to the communities in which the company operates.

Sounds a little like mining companies doesn't it?

Don't get me wrong Woolies (and RIO) are a great investment for those who hold shares in them. The stock has consistently trended upwards for the best part of a decade. A $10,000 Woolworths (ASX: WOW) investment in March 1998 would have yielded $56,000 today. The same investment in RIO would have yielded about $66,000. But before the RIO share boom $10,000 in RIO made you $38,000 by March 2007 - the same cash made you $48,000 in Woolworths. So we're not talking about a pissy little fruit and vege store here.

Again - and I know this sounds like I'm a whingeing prick who bangs on about this stuff - I don't mind these companies making money ... just be a little more ethical you bastards.

It's only Weipa

A new road is being developed in the industrial area of Rocky Point.

It appears a resident thinks a new road will save precious seconds, and it only being Weipa he or she can place a road wherever they like.

Any ideas for a name for the new road?

Letter to Watchdog

Dear Watchdog,

I am sure most of us were horrified by the above image of the mother and calf being hauled into the Japanese ship then I read where the Norwegians plan to take 1052 Minke whales - apparently they say it's sustainable? Gosh we hear this word a lot these days - often the connotation seems to be used to give approval to suspect decisions. Isn't this a term being bandied constantly in the mining realms.

Anyway enough of that, I think the old mining game has had a hard week, billions of dollars put out there - important for Australia as we continue on this ROCKY ride to prosperity. My main reason for posting is the fascinating seacow or dugong. This was prompted by the call for more protection for this quiet unassuming mammal grazing in our shallow coastal waters. I thought they only bred every two years but it can be up to seven so some protection seems to be necessary to stem their decline. Fishing nets, boats and hunting (sustainable? - oh there is that word again) seem to be attributing to their decline.

I am all for banning whaling but I think we should also look closer to home and protect this little known mammal.

Safety concerns for Nanum

The new Nanum white water rafting centre has opened.

Situated at the Joy Rollin Memorial Park the white water course was open for business after Friday nights rain.

We hear a lot about safety from Weipa's largest employer, so how come they have engineered an open drain through the centre of a childrens playground?

How much extra to run pipes and place dirt over them?

In the past three weeks five people have been drowned in open drains in Australia.

What price is safety for our children?

Wish You Were Here

You've got a problem: It's hot and you'd kill for a dip in a creek somewhere.

Solution #1: Fruit Bat

#2. Eliot Falls

#3. Twin Falls

Ahh, the wonders of Cape York.

Riderless Horse

Anyway ... before I got on my high horse with the previous post, I was going to ask if anyone out there wanted to contribute something on this site.

Fair Dinkum, I'm sick to death of whacking up stuff by myself. Occasionally someone else contributes posts but mostly it's just me going on some wild rant. Not really that interesting, huh?!

So, in the name of 'Voice for the People' and all that garbage, I offer up an opportunity for you lot to send in some thoughts. Personally, I'm only going to be posting once every blue moon, so without you this blog will probably just wither and die.

"And about bloody time," some of you say.

Hey, I hear ya.

Dogs of War

My apologies for the lack of updates yesterday ... I had better things to do - TV, Rum, drunk monkey sex ... that last one is a lie actually - I wasn't drunk!!

Those who know me will be aware that I originally started this site because I wanted to have a shot at Woolworths. I - like numerous others in this town - are sick to death of paying top dollar for inadequate food. A friend suggested that we were lucky in Weipa, 'You should try living in Aurukun,' they said.

Fair comment. Except for the fact that Weipa is a large town of 3500 people and Woolies is a major - actually, The Major - grocery operator in the country. Woolies has a monopoly within this town but has obviously, in my opinion, chosen to abuse their privileged standing.

Which is why I thought it was time for someone to try and make some noise. You see, apathy is a strong force in society today. It's far easier to take the buck. It's far easier to be entertained. Far easier to admit that there is 'Nothing we can do about it'. That's bullshit of course. Our children's children will probably strike up in 1960s-style social revolution because of our current lack of social revolution. I'm not talking a revolution to overthrow government. I'm talking about having the strength to vocalise for change when things aren't right.

Well, guess what ... things aren't right in the world. See image below.

Closer to home: Talk of Vyces being closed and possibly mined - if true - is outrageous. The lack of forethought in other local mine planning begets belief - water run-off silts up the waterways that you and I fish in for fun.

There is a social and environmental responsibility that RTA proclaims in all their literature. Sustainability speeches are delivered around the world by Chairman Paul Skinner and many RTA managers. Whether it be at the London School of Business or at the 5 star Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi. Are these speeches just spin? Lip service to provide friendly copy for media releases? Probably.

But RTA isn't the only culprit. Some dodgy dealings are going on in this town. To be fair this is no different to other towns, although it still doesn't make it right. I guess this site could provide the community a chance to shame and 'not name' the guilty.

Again, those who know me will realise that I am doing this because I actually give a flying fuck about what happens in this community. And to those that don't give a damn - here's a personal message ... you fucking disgust me.

The almighty dollar is the least honorable thing to be driven by. Nice role models for your kids.

End of rant.

Save the trees

There's a comment posted under our 'Vyces Vice' rumour from last week that we're going to post just to see if anyone has anything to add on the topic.

I just think it's pathetic that so called 'environmentalists' actually work for Rio under the guise they'll be developing wonderful tree saving initiatives from within the regen department.

Wake up to yourselves....why would you be working for a multinational mining giant who desecrates everything in it's path?

And as for the Vyces story - how on earth are these people letting this go ahead? If this isn't the blind leading the blind then i don't know what is.
I only hope people start using sites like this to make some noise.

In all seriousness (yes, we can be serious at times ... though rarely) this is a tough area of debate. Lots of sides to approach this argument. We'd love to hear what residents think about this.

Maybe this question could help as a guide:

Do you think it is possible for environmental/cultural/social science professionals to maintain the relevant independence whilst working for a mining company? And do these professionals have the clout needed for their opinions to be of weight within the company?

Silica Hand Slap

Wow, didn't take long for a little controversy.

Here's the comment written under our uninformed silica beat-up titled 'Breath-Taking Views'. Seems we were wrong, mis-informed, possibly even sensationalist. But you already knew that about us.

Silicosis is caused by the the inhilation of respirable Quartz or Amorphous (non crystalline) silica.

Respirable dust is defined as particles in the 5 micron to 0.5 micron range.

Testwork done when I was an RTA employee indicated that there was no amorphous silica in the local dust and that quartz does not break down to 5 micons or smaller.

Whilst I appreciate the humour in some of your articles, this one could cause a lot of pain and or panic in people who do not know the facts including yourselves. I suggest that you remove the article and appologise or prepare for an onslaught.

Regards
An ex (retrenched) RTA employee.

Oops ... sorry about that. Sometimes we think we're too smart by half.

Photos

A photo function has been added to this poor excuse for an informative blog.

If you've got a pic send it in via email... or don't.

Breath-taking Views ... continued

Yeah, so where was I ...?

That's right, Silica dust.

Apparently RTA are going to cover us with dust. No, not us here at the Watchdog. Us: as in you poor bastards living in Nanum.

According to one of our many unreliable sources, the tailings dam behind Denman's Swamp is said to be getting a face-lift. If you don't know where this is you soon will ... just listen for the bulldozers knocking down the regenerated trees. If that's not enough of a signpost for you, perhaps you can wait until the dust starts flying.

Of course, once the dust blankets everything you'll have Buckley's chance of finding the joint.

The one good thing about dust is that it dries out your throat ... which means you need to wet your gullet with a cool - overpriced- beverage.

Real Estate Update

Rumour has it that only about 30 people put in for the first round offer of land sales at the exclusive Cuff ... er, Golf Links Estate.

It seems the restrictions that have been proposed have had the desired effect of discouraging those seeking to make a quick buck flipping the properties.

Still no word on who has reserved the most sought after Lot 28.

On other property news ... 14 Tarquin goes up for Ballot this week. Price: $238,000 - best of luck with this lottery.

Breath-taking Views

Silica is the second most common mineral on earth.

It is found in sand, many rocks such as granite, sandstone, flint and slate, and in some coal and metallic ores like ... well, you take a wild guess.

Silicosis is due to deposition of fine dust containing crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO2).

The induction period between initial silica exposure and development of detectable silicosis is usually 10 years. Shorter induction periods are associated with heavy exposures, and acute silicosis may develop within 6 months to 2 years following massive silica exposure.

The Weipa bauxite deposit has 5 to 5.5% of SiO2 (apparently it doesn't - see post above).

Word is that Nanum should have a nice dust cloud coming their way once a new RTA project begins shortly. How much of that cloud is going to be SiO2 is debatable. And what the hell, just shut the house and turn on the air-cons - a little dust inhalation never hurt anyone ... well, except those who died from it.

So say tuned. We'll be coughing up that story as soon as we get the details correct ... or close enough to be controversial.

War and other hostilities

To quote that old English bloke, Will Shakespeare:

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our English dead!

It looks set to be a time of great adjustment as the battle for RIO truly begins.

BHP has indeed announced their plans to push on with their revised full scrip (share) offer of 3.4 BHP shares for 1 RIO share... without board approval from RIO.

The bid is now hostile.

Therefore BHP will approach RIO shareholders in an effort to gain the required 50% holdings. It can probably be safely said that the RIO directors and management will suggest this action as non-recommended. Will it help? Who knows.

Even as BHP tries to gain control of the board they will surely be looking over their shoulders with fear. Chinalco can easily put in a competing bid for RIO ... but unlike BHP, the Chinese have the luxury of making a full cash offer.

The war has only just begun... and the English dead may in fact line a new Great Wall of China.

Make no mistake about it ... by the end of the year Rio Tinto will be no more.

RIO shares on the move

BHP Billiton Ltd chief executive Marius Kloppers says the takeover of Rio Tinto Ltd can be completed without the support of Chinese aluminium giant Chinalco.

State owned Chinalco and its US partner Alcoa Inc teamed up to secure a 12 per cent stake in Rio Tinto's UK shares on Friday for $US14 billion ($A15.6 billion).

Mr Kloppers told journalists during a conference call on Wednesday the deal could be completed without the support of Chinalco and junior partner Alcoa.

"By the terms of our offer, absolutely," he said.
BHP Billiton, which had, under UK law, until Wednesday London time to formalise its bid for Rio Tinto, announced an offer of 3.4 of its shares for every Rio share.

The offer is an improvement on an informal three for one approach made late last year.
The offer has a minimum acceptance condition of more than 50 per cent of the publicly-held shares in each of Rio Tinto Ltd and Rio Tinto plc.

Mr Kloppers would not comment on whether BHP would hold discussions with Chinalco, adding that its share raid was "just another factor".

Speculation remains that the goal of Chinalco and Alcoa is to be at the bargaining table to pick up aluminium and copper assets potentially divested if BHP Billiton gains control of Rio Tinto.

Sign writers are already planning for BHP, Billiton, Rio Tinto, Alcan, Chinalco or BHPBRTAC for short.

New employees will have to be extra large just to fit the company name on their shirts.

Anti Authoritarian

What the hell happens behind closed doors at Weipa town HQ?

I've been getting a lot of negative reports about the Weipa Town Office ... sorry, forgot the name change - Weipa Town Authority.

The problem with the WTA is that they have all the bureaucratic bullshit of a typical town council, with one exception ... you can't vote this mob out.

I guess the solution is for the town to get off their collective arses and make some noise. And now seems like a pretty good time. There's been a sizable take-up on sales of company houses to employees plus a huge group of home owners in New Nanum - which means there's lots of real residents.

Real residents = RATE PAYERS

So if you have an issue with anything that is or isn't being done in the best interest of the town then fire us off an email ... we'll be happy to draft up a scathing letter and send it off to the WTA.

We'll also post it to BHP/Chinalco/Alcoa/Rio/Alcan or whoever the hell this town will belong to by mid-year!

你好，你笨澳洲人屁股

Or translated...

'Hello, you stupid Aussie arseholes.'

Okay, so we were wrong. China's RIO investment didn't send RIO stock sky high. In fact the shares topped out at just over $130 a share then settled back near opening price. A long way off our predicted $138. Thank god we don't play the stock market.

This whole China interest in RIO is probably proving to be a slight shock for Paul Skinner (RTA Chairman) and Tom Albanese (CEO). Though BHP will be feeling the pinch a little bit more.

The two companies probably weren't expecting to see China pop up this late in the takeover game. Which proves the Chinese are canny investors. And if RIO and BHP think that China is simply after a blocking stake or an investment opportunity then they would be fools.

Ever heard of Australia's Future Fund?

We copped a whole load of press coverage over the sale of Telstra a few years back and what would happen to the cash proceeds. Well, that cash was part of the Future Fund - a 50 billion dollar bank balance that would allow Australia to venture overseas in search of suitable investments. So far we've done stuff all on that front. The Chinese, on the other hand, are being a little more proactive.

China has a Sovereign Wealth Fund that is topped up by the interest earned on their vast national reserves of foreign exchage.

Ie; the Chinese have so much US dollars that they could buy every single public company listed in America.

I shit you not.

What does a powerhouse like China do with that money? Well, you open up the purse strings to your many state-owned companies (Chinalco, Chalco etc) to invest in overseas companies (RIO, BHP etc). If foreign ownership regulations can be smoothed over in Australia, Europe and America then China won't have the issues it had in trying to buy Unocal in the US. Once ironed out China will have every opportunity to not only take a larger stake in RIO, but they could probably choose to wait for BHP to swallow RIO. That then leaves the possibility of China devouring a new BHP. The fact that no one else has money in a global credit crunch simply plays into China's hand.

Fantasy land?

We'll see.

At Bloggerheads

We're shouting a beer to the fella who runs CairnsBlog.

Not only did this tropical terror of independent media give the old Watchdog a pat on the back in a recent post, they've also been kind enough to put the boot into the local power-brokers down that way on a regular basis. If you know us, then you'll know we love to see just about anyone copping a bit of a touch-up in the media ... as long as it's not us.

Blogger Michael P Moore says in his bio that CairnsBlog aims to entertain, inform and open debate on a myriad of issues. Also to discuss local politics in a direct straight-forward way, as Cairns approaches the Council Elections in March 2008.

Unfortunately we can't fully support Mike with his venture ... not because he's doing a bad job ... but because the bastard is a kiwi...!! And let's face it, there's way too many kiwis in FNQ nowadays - soon they'll out number the friggin' Victorians!

Here's to ya, Mike ... Keep slingin'.

Cook the Watchdog

The State Government Member for Cook, Jason O'Brien, visited the Watchdog site this week and posted a comment in relation to our spiel about Weipa fuel prices. Here's what he had to say:

I really do enjoy hearing from my constituents so please email me about this issue or anything else.

FYI the state government still subsidises fuel by 8 cents per litre and has recently made some steps to ensure this is being passed on to motorists.

In other good news, new federal member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, is already speaking out to ensure fuel is on the agenda with a revitalised Australian Consumer Commission and its price enquiry.

We are both trying to be in and around Weipa on March 4 and 5th if anyone wants to catch up. We're trying to get to the Chamber of Commerce meeting on the 4th and will confirm shortly. I have been asked to speak on net fishing in Albatros Bay and will report now that, despite trying, I am having little headway with the Minister.

Congratulations to whoever is pulling this site together. I hope that it is successful and people in Weipa use it to discuss political issues and to keep the politician bastards like me honest.

Firstly, thanks Jason for the interest in our community.

Secondly, to those in the community, it is your right as residents to express your personal opinion to your political representatives about the state of this town. Please take up Jason's offer and discuss the issues you have at hand.

You can do that directly through Jason O'Brien's office or post/email a rant on this poor excuse for a media site!

Full takeover not planned

A person close to the company said Chinalco is making an application for voluntary approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board, despite not being required to do so on the basis of its current stake. Chinalco and Alcoa Inc. Friday revealed their stake in Rio Tinto, creating an obstacle for BHP Billiton Ltd. in its own takeover proposal for Rio Tinto.
Chinalco President Xiao Yaqing is in Australia to brief the government and local media later Monday on the move on Rio, but another person close to the company said he has no plans at this stage to meet with BHP Billiton.

The person said the Chinalco stake was designed to give it a seat at the table in a fast changing industry and that it fits with its long-term goal of becoming an international diversified resources company, but said there are no current plans for a full takeover bid for Rio Tinto.

The logo competition is on hold for the time, also there is no truth to the rumour that the yuan will be accepted for payment of electricty accounts.

Which Way?

Up or down?

RIO shares should provide some entertainment on the stock market over the next two days.

If BHP pulls out of its takeover attempt then RIO shares will probably cop a beating ... on the other hand, if BHP continues --- well, sky's the limit.

Happy investing to those of you who play the market.

Alcohol ban for the Cape

Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, is considering banning alcohol in the state's indigenous communities after a review found alcohol management plans had failed to restore order.

The review states that "levels of harm remain grossly and unacceptably high compared to the Queensland average". There are 15 times more serious assaults in these townships than across Queensland as a whole, and 12 times more hospital admissions.

Sly grogging remains a major problem, despite 2668 charges being laid and nearly $700,000 in fines imposed since alcohol management plans started.

The Queensland Government introduced alcohol management plans after a 2001 report by Justice Tony Fitzgerald found excessive alcohol consumption in indigenous communities was the main cause of social problems. At the time, Justice Fitzgerald said: "The position is so serious that, despite constitutional obstacles, unless significant improvement is reported within three years, consideration should be given to a prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol."

In the wake of the grim findings of the review of alcohol management plans, Ms Bligh is reported to have said recently it was time to revisit the issue. "The results show radical action is required," she said. "I'll be meeting with the indigenous community mayors in February 2008 with a view to either tightening up the existing plans or moving to complete prohibition." Any toughening of restrictions had to be accompanied by more emphasis on rehabilitation, she said. Cabinet will consider a full evaluation of the alcohol management plans in March.
Source- SMH
What could this mean for Weipa?

Weipa residents must be given a voice in any government discussions regarding the Cape.

Letter to Watchdog

Dear Watchdog,

Just a thought!!! Seeing as your site is going so well and you are having so many hits each day, maybe you should think about having a classified section. It will beat having to go to the shops to look on the notice boards if you are in need of something, or are having a clean out.
I for one will be keeping an eye on it if it goes ahead.
Keep up the good (Fun), work.

A Happy Reader.

Thanks for the kind words Happy Reader.

We don't muck about ... in fact, we've already started selling things on this site. Why, just last Friday we brokered a 12% sale of RIO for 14billion bucks and shortly after that we sold a cold bacon and egg toastie to some stupid 10year old. It's all in a day's work really.

Stay tuned ... next week we're going to try and sell our soul.

Everyone else has.

Getting Agro on Rum

Is everyone in Weipa a professional tennis player or something?

We must be.

It's like we've gone 5 sets with Roger Federer and copped the biggest Roger-ing of all time. How else can you explain the alcohol prices in town?!

How's this for Weipa fun:

1 x Carton of Bundy Rum Cans - a couple of cents shy of $100.00
1 x Carton VB cans - $55.00

Now I just got off the blower to the mob down at Smithfield Tavern (ph: 4038 8100) and they had this to say:

1 x Carton of Bundy Rum Cans - $64.00
1 x Carton VB cans - $43.oo

And get this ... the buggers apologised because they just had a price rise. I just about fell on my arse with laughter, but luckily I didn't. My arse is in a little bit of pain thanks to the regular shafting I've been getting from the grog shops.

But here's another thing: the rum cans are the special 440ml bastards!! Talk about teasing.

I suggest you buy three cartons of Rum cans in Cairns and purchase a plane ticket with the savings.

Not only will you get cheap grog, but you'll enjoy the flight back because your arse won't be sore from the shopping experience.

(Note to transport companies: Why not advertise some transport costs in the Bully, maybe you'll get some customers beating your door down.)

Stand Up

Nice to see that someone has voted Pro Rio in a few of the polls.

Anyone that feels like we're being too hard on the company please feel free to write in with some thoughts of your own. This blog should by no means be a one-way street of left-wing ranting posing as community communication.

We welcome your thoughts ... whether we agree with them or not.

A Couple of Bloody Alcos

Let me introduce the new boys in town: Chinalco and Alcoa

Along with yesterday's financial shock of Chinalco and Alcoa's combined 12% buy of Rio comes a little crystal ball viewing into the future of Rio Tinto.

Chinalco is the parent company of Chalco (almost 40% ownership) - yep, the same Chalco who currently own the Aurukun bauxite lease. Alcoa is the Aluminum Company of America.

These are big guns.

And they're aimed at Rio and BHP respectively.

Alcoa was once a favourite to own Alcan (Canadian Aluminium) but alas that trophy went to Rio for a $40billion opt in.

The significance of this new investment in RTA is bigger than most people truly understand. Alcoa is said to be only fronting just over a billion dollars in the new stake. So primarily we are seeing the arrival of the Chinese into the commodities market in a big way. Smaller scale investments have been made over the past few years, mainly into iron ore companies, but yesterday's buy marks a new dawn.

The 12% stake doesn't actually constitute a blocking stake in the sale of Rio to BHP as it didn't represent a 10% all Australian share buy. Rio is dual listed - Australia and London.

The implications of this new investment are wide-reaching. Management positions will definitely be reshuffled. The Rio and BHP boards will be feeling the heat this morning and will be wondering what the hell happened. But the signs of China's involvement have been obvious for several months.

What does this mean for you?

If you are a shareholder you will see a sharp spike in the price come Monday morning.

If you are a worker then one day in the not too distant future you may find yourself working for a large Chinese mining monolith ... digging up Cape York for Chinese car engines.

Welcome to the globalised world.

It's best for everyone ... apparently.