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