Coal mine to deliver boost for Far North Queensland

People interested in property and real estate markets in Far North Queensland often ask about the present impact of jobs in the mining sector; after all, Cairns is the closest regional centre on mainland Australia to the burgeoning industry in Papua New Guinea, not to mention a seemingly ideal engineering and manufacturing hub for the booming resource sector in the Oceania-Australiasia region.

The truth of the matter is however that the overall economy in the Far North has benefited relatively very little from the mining industry; in fact, due to the high AU$ throughout recent years as a result of strong mining exports, the Far North has become a less attractive destination to it's traditionally popular international tourist markets. The news below regarding the allocation of 250 positions for tradespeople in the Far North serves more as yet another "vote of confidence" for the future of our recovering local economy.

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FLY-IN FLY-OUT mining jobs worth a combined $40 million are up for grabs for 250 Far Northern tradies as the world's biggest coal exporter spreads the wealth from its huge new projects in central Queensland.

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance wants a FIFO workforce for its newest Bowen Basin coal mines, and the resources giant has set aside a quarter of the 1000 vacancies exclusively for tradespeople from the Cairns region.

About 14,000 Brisbane- based tradies have already applied for the other 750 jobs, and BMA expects similar interest from the Far North.

The recruitment drive begins today, calling for qualified local tradespeople with or without mining experience.

In return, BMA is promising an "attractive" seven-on seven-off roster at the Daunia or Caval Ridge mines, access to latest technology and equipment, career development, and accommodation in a modern village while away at work.

Mayor Bob Manning said the plan was "visionary" and signalled growing investor confidence.

"Over the past few months there’s been times when I've felt like a rooster missing a few feathers but today I feel like a full-fledged rooster and I feel like crowing quite a bit about this," Cr Manning said.

"This announcement is a major stamp of confidence in this city.

"...It comes on the back of a number of announcements we've had in recent times and these announcements paint a somewhat brighter picture for our region..."

"It comes on the back of a number of announcements we've had in recent times and these announcements paint a somewhat brighter picture for our region.

"It sends the message that we’re back from lunch."

BMA's asset president Stephen Dumble said the successful Far Northern applicants would bring about $40 million in wages straight from the coal mine back to their home city.

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"And importantly it will create a number of other economic spin-offs that will take that total economic contribution to in excess of $60 million a year, through the services that will be required to support the jobs and the families of the employees – areas like housing and retail," Mr Dumble said. In an example of the indirect benefits of the extra jobs, BMA will have to charter about four more flights from Cairns Airport a week to ferry the staff to and from their new workplaces in central Queensland.

BMA is the state's biggest regional employer, with about 10,000 mining workers currently based in central Queensland. But a shortage of skilled workers in those traditional mining towns means the company is now looking to the far north and southeast of the state for staff.

Tropical North Queensland TAFE institute director Joann Pyne said the region was well placed to fill the vacancies, with growing numbers of students in mining-related courses.

"We've got a lot of people in the region who have spent the last few years really skilling up," Ms Pyne said.

"We find in times of unemployment, people spend a lot of time and energy making themselves very skilled so they’re in a prime position now."

TNQT will work closely with the mining giant to fashion courses around the job vacancies.

Mr Dumble said the new roles would commence midyear and applications were being taken now.

"We are looking for a combination of work- ready employees and new coal industry recruits for operator trades and processing roles," Mr Dumble said.

Article printed by the Cairns Post - 21st February 2013

Peter Musso licensed real estate agent at Ray White Smithfield selling property in Cairns' beautiful northern beach suburbs including Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, Trinity Park, Smithfield, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Machans Beach, Caravonica, Kamerunga and surrounds.

Will the resources sector continue to 'boom'?

Although not directly associated with the unparalleled increase in value of the mining industry seen in many parts of Australia, Cairns' property markets have experienced an indirect benefit through a growing number of workers seeking housing in the region as a fly-in fly-out basis for their employment in those mining areas.

In this way, Cairns is set to benefit as the closest Australian port to Papua New Guinea and it's significant mining prospects, including current operations in central and northern Queensland and even in areas of the Northern Territory.

Tim Lawless, head of the research and analytics team at RP Data, recently reported on information concerning the mining industry in Australia and it's future for growth relevant to national property markets asking the specific question of "Will the resources sector continue to boom?" Article text:

Well, the experts certainly think so.  If you have any interest in the resources sector, arguably the best source for information is the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).  Their most recent forecast for the 2011/12 financial year is a 15% increase in the value of Australian energy minerals and metals over the previous year, bringing the total value to over $200 billion which is a record for export earnings.

The number and value of advanced resources projects is at an all time high with most of these projects located in Queensland (31) and Western Australia (40). Additionally there are a further 404 ‘less advanced’ projects that are either undergoing feasibility study, awaiting approval or awaiting final investment decisions.  These include 14 proposed LNG developments which have the potential to add 75 million tones to Australia’s annual LNG production capacity.  BREE also point out that there are 15 less advanced iron ore projects which have an estimated capital expenditure of $1 billion or more... Read Full Blog Article Here

Peter Musso - Ray White Cairns Beaches - Real estate agent selling property in Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, Trinity Park, Smithfield, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Machans Beach

Cairns Looking to be Main Base for Mine Workers

Planning has begun to help Cairns overtake Townsville as the second biggest fly-in, fly-out base for Australia's mining industry.

Local industry leaders met this week and identified up to 80 long to medium-term resource projects that could be supported from Cairns, which provided a beautiful environment and lifestyle for FIFO workers and their families.

Queensland Resources Council deputy chief executive Greg Lane said Cairns was in an ideal position to take advantage of expanding its FIFO base with billions of dollars of mining projects coming on line soon.

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