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Bell Bay in fight for survival

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 Juli 2013 | 17.13

A DARK cloud hangs over the future of Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, with an economic storm looming similar to the one that flattened the state's woodchip industry.

About 500 workers' jobs are in jeopardy, despite the smelter benefiting from a generous power contract signed with Hydro Tasmania this year.

The smelter cut 12 jobs this month, making the announcement in the same week the state reached its highest unemployment rate since May 2003, at 8.1 per cent.

Low prices, increasing costs of production and a high Australian dollar have hit Bell Bay hard and contributed to a national industry meltdown since 2008.

UBS industry analyst Daniel Morgan says pressure on Bell Bay and the Australian industry is rising. "The aluminium industry is beset by oversupply," Mr Morgan said.

Australian Workers Union national secretary Paul Howes has described Australian aluminium smelting as a "huge disaster zone".

Bell Bay plant manager Ray Mostogl has described market conditions as "extremely challenging", saying recent job cuts were part of an efficiency drive to make the smelter competitive.

But workplace efficiencies and cheap power may not be enough to save the smelter in a global market awash with cheap aluminium.

Even recent devaluation of the Australian dollar may not be enough to secure its future.

In the past two years smelters have closed in the US, Spain, England, Italy, Netherlands and Norway. The global storm hit Australia last year with closure of the Kurri Kurri smelter near Newcastle.

There are now five Australian smelters, including Bell Bay and all are struggling.

Revenue from Australian smelters has dipped 10 per cent a year since 2007-08.

The Bell Bay smelter, part of Rio Tinto's Pacific Aluminium group, is the smallest in the nation, producing about 177,000 tonnes a year compared to Boyne Island in Queensland, which produces 556,000 tonnes a year.

Rio Tinto has been reviewing the performance of Pacific Aluminium, which controls smelters in Australia and New Zealand, for the past year -- and the numbers do not look good, with a loss of about $500 million looming.

The big contributor to widespread aluminium woes is the emergence of China as an economic powerhouse willing to throw its weight around.

While smelters worldwide consider scaling back or closing in the face of the glut, China is ramping up production. It increased its capacity from 4.3 million tonnes in 2002 to 18.1 million last year and is now the world's biggest producer and consumer, raising its share of world production from 16.5 per cent in 2002 to 42.3 per cent last year.

China's expansion is set to accelerate with exploitation of a big deposit of cheap thermal coal in the country's northwest expected to drive construction of more smelters.

Mr Morgan said China consumed much of its own production and expansion of its export capacity would create even more difficult market conditions.

"China's growth in production has been spectacular, but it's not currently a headwind for the Australian producers," Mr Morgan said. "China's production is immense, but it is currently contained in their domestic market. Trade flows of primary metal are insignificant, both import and export.

"The rest of the world supply glut is hurting Australian producers more."

The centralised Chinese government provides big power subsidies for smelters to insulate their capacity against low prices. With smelters worldwide turning to government largesse and power subsidies, it could become a competition between smelters in a command economy, with both feet in the world's free markets, and those from market economies dependent on taxpayer aid.

The defining factor of survival could be whose pockets are the deepest.

Mr Morgan said governments were keen to keep smelters, and stand-alone economics did not drive where they were sited.

"Politically, an aluminium smelter is a high-profile source of jobs," he said.

"But also for the broader economy, a smelter facilitates economies of scale in power production and is a big, stable user of the power grid. This benefits everyone in the community indirectly.

"So any announced closure leads to the government taking a carrot-and-stick approach, explicit subsidies or enforcement of long-term contracts."

Mr Morgan said although the centre of aluminium production globally was moving to China and cheap energy centres like the Middle East, there was still hope for the Australian industry.

"If Australia can compete on energy costs and technology, then there is a future," he said.

"However, Australia's competitiveness is being eroded on energy costs, from the combination of gold-plating of transmission infrastructure, renewable energy schemes and carbon policy."

simon.bevilacqua@news.com.au


17.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Disaster data made easy

KNOWN as "ERIC", a new computer tool that will help authorities react better to emergencies was officially launched yesterday.

Developed by the CSIRO, the Emergency Response Intelligence Capability collects data and displays it on a map-based interface and helps generate reports showing who might need help and where.

ERIC pulls together data from the Bureau of Statistics, departmental regional profile data and live and historic data feeds to generate situation reports to help the Department of Human Services Emergency Management team respond faster and more efficiently as emergencies unfold.

Federal Human Services Minister Jan McLucas, who launched the tool, said an early prototype was tested last summer and will be fully operational for the coming summer disaster season.

"ERIC provides staff with information on current emergency warnings combined with the demographic information of a particular community," Senator McLucas said.

"This allows the department to quickly pull together relevant information to make informed service-delivery decisions."

The CSIRO's Mike Kearney said: "One of the aims of this project is to use innovative technologies and practices to provide a more efficient and effective national service delivery system."

Senator McLucas also used the visit to thank Department of Human Services staff in Sorell for their work to help bushfire-affected communities.

"Staff were already on the ground when the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment was activated on January 6, providing support to those affected and a human face to Australian Government assistance," she said.

"They worked tirelessly including across weekends in service, recovery and evacuation centres and from the department's Mobile Service Centre at Sorell, Dunalley, Murdunna, Bicheno, Taranna and Ellendale, helping residents get back on their feet."

More than 7000 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment have been granted since the payment was activated, worth more than $7.9 million.

Claims closed for this payment on July 8 in the Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Tasman and Sorell local government areas and will close in the Central Highlands on September 9.

david.killick@news.com.au


17.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Record haul for Give Me 5

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 26 Juli 2013 | 17.12

HOBART radio duo Kim Napier and Dave Noonan are "over the moon" after raising a record amount for sick kids at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

The Heart 107.3 team's month-long Give Me 5 for Kids campaign raised $255,077.33. The impressive tally was for 2013 was revealed earlier today.

'We are so overwhelmed with the generosity of Tasmania, especially after the horrific bushfires that affected so many this year," Noonan and Napier said in a statement.

"We are both over the moon today and are so proud of this state and the way it always bands together -- an amazing day."


17.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Protest hits Spirit of Tasmania

WORKERS protesting against the sacking of one of their colleagues are stopping freight trucks boarding the Spirit of Tasmania in Port Melbourne.

Around 150 Qube workers are blocking the trucks from getting on the ship - which is due to set sail at 7.30pm.

The trucks are now backing up along Beach St, causing traffic problems in the area.

Passengers are not being blocked from boarding.

The Maritime Union of Australia, which has been involved in a dispute with Qube - Australia's largest import and export logistics company - over the dismissal of four workers in recent months, has denied it issued a stop work order earlier today.

Paul White, a spokesman for Qube, said: "We understand members of the MUA and their supporters are blocking vehicles trying to get on the Tasmanian vessel.

"They are allowing passengers on but not freight vehicles.

"It is related to the recent dismissal of an MUA member, which happened earlier this week.

"We will consider all of our legal options."

Kevin Bracken, Victorian branch secretary of the MUA, said: "We have had a dispute with Qube about the number of people who have been sacked.

"We haven't stopped any work at all today."

david.hurley@news.com.au


17.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gifts from sublime to ridiculous

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 Juli 2013 | 18.04

WHAT more could a future king of England want?

The Northern Territory's gift to the newborn Prince George of Cambridge is a baby crocodile named George, while Tasmania is sending some leather booties and making a donation to charity.

NT Chief Minister Adam Giles says George the crocodile will stay in Darwin, but he's encouraging George the prince -- and his parents -- to visit the territory and his reptile namesake.

The croc was hatched on the same day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced their pregnancy.

It's not the first time the Northern Territory has given royalty a crocodile.

Prince William and Kate have had crocs named after them.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings, meanwhile, has revealed the island state's present plans via Twitter.

The official gift will include two pairs of Tasmanian-made Baby Paws booties and a $3000 donation to the Smith Family for children's education.

-- with AAP


18.04 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cop accused of lying sacked

A POLICE officer accused of making a false statement over a 2011 triple shooting in Devonport has been sacked.

The 45-year-old Launceston constable had been suspended on full pay since October 2011 pending an investigation into allegations he gave a false statement to detectives investigating the shooting.

A statement from Tasmania Police today said the investigation found the constable had breached the Police Service Act Code of Conduct and that the officer was advised of his dismissal on June 14 this year.

Read more in tomorrow's Mercury.


18.04 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rains bring welcome relief

Written By Unknown on Senin, 22 Juli 2013 | 17.13

Farmers have welcomed recent heavy rains.

FARMERS have stretched out their arms and may have even danced in the rain.

The welcome rains have topped up dams, moistened dry soils and might even have a positive effect on livestock markets.

Dave Jones, a dairy and mixed cropping farmer from Hamilton, said rain over the past few days will help break down dry soil for pasture and crops.

"It will help put moisture into the soil profile," Mr Jones said.

He resumes milking on September 1 after drying off 400 cows because of the lack of rain over winter.

Tara Mendham, who has a PhD in agriculture and welcomes visitors to her Taras Richmond Farmstay, said about 60mm rain had fallen over the weekend.

"We had to irrigate in June, and we have never done that before, so this rain is really good," Dr Mendham said.

"Up to now we have had hardly any rain, we have been forced to feed out hay to the sheep."

Dr Mendham, a member of the Coal River Sustainable Living Group, said it is good for lucerne hay growth and pasture for her merino super-fine wool sheep.

Forcett farmer Brad Grattitdge sowed 50 hectares of poppies last week.

"This rain is fantastic, and is great for any crops just sown," Mr Grattitidge said.

"It might even help the livestock market and with the rain topping up dams puts us in a good position for spring.

"Even my lambs born weeks ago are loving it."

• Read more rural stories in Tasmanian Country, out every Friday.


17.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal baby on the way

Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: AP

THE Duchess of Cambridge has gone into labour.

Palace officials say Prince William's wife, Kate, has been admitted to the hospital in the early stages of labour.

Royal officials said that Kate travelled by car to St. Mary's Hospital in central London. Kate is expected to give birth in the private Lindo Wing of the hospital, where Princess Diana gave birth to William and his younger brother, Prince Harry.

The news that what had been dubbed by bored journalists 'the Great Kate Wait' was finally over was announced in a brief statement from Kensington Palace at 7.30am after rumours she had been spotted began circulating.

The statement read: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, in the early stages of labour.

For the latest updates visit News.com.au

"The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.''

The baby will be third in line for the British throne - behind Prince Charles and William - and is anticipated eventually to become king or queen.

The medical team will be led by royal gynecologist Dr. Marcus Setchell.

The child will be the first for William and Kate, who married in 2011 after a long courtship.

It is not clear if Kate will have a natural birth or deliver by a planned cesarean section.

Royal watchers must wait to be told of the baby's arrival from the palace, which is planning to reveal the news through a mixture of tradition and social media.

Palace officials have said that the first hint will come when a royal aide emerges from the hospital with a signed bulletin carrying the Buckingham Palace letterhead. The bulletin will be given to an official who will be driven to Buckingham Palace, where it will be posted on an easel in public view in front of the building.

At the same time the bulletin is posted, there will be an official announcement on Twitter and the media will be formally notified. The document will give the baby's gender, weight and time of birth.

It could be some time before the baby's name is made public. When William was born, a week passed before his name was announced. Charles's name remained a mystery for an entire month.

But it is the baby's gender that is of particular interest because the prospect of Kate's pregnancy prompted a change to laws of succession to ensure a daughter would not be passed over for the crown by a younger brother. Boy or girl, the child will be third in line to the throne and the prospective future monarch.

The birth of a new heir to the throne has been breathlessly anticipated since William and Kate wed on April 29, 2011, in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

When news of a royal pregnancy was announced, there was rejoicing in many households in Britain and throughout the world.

Despite a rough start to the pregnancy, when she was taken to hospital for acute morning sickness, the 31-year-old Kate made a number of public appearances that were halted only near the end of her term.

Since the duchess has cut back on her royal duties, media outlets have been clamoring for position outside of the hospital in anticipation of the birth, jockeying to secure the best vantage point for filming William and Kate emerging, babe in arms.

Officials have said that William plans to take two weeks' paternity leave and then return to his military duties as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in Wales.

His tour of duty is scheduled to wrap up around September, and he and Kate are expected to move from their isolated cottage on the island of Anglesey off the coast of Wales to Kensington Palace in central London.

But major refurbishment works at the palace likely won't be finished until at least a month or two after the infant is born - meaning that William and Kate will most likely have to make do with their current temporary home in London, a two-bedroom property at the palace.

Come autumn, however, the family will be able to move into their permanent London home, Apartment 1a at Kensington Palace - a four-story house with a nursery, 20 rooms and a private garden.

- with wires


17.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hopes to salvage Viking boat

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 21 Juli 2013 | 17.12

ONE of the biggest drawcards from February's Australian Wooden Boat Festival is now languishing at Franklin in need of some TLC.

The 11-tonne pine and oak Viking boat Rusich made a 13,500 nautical mile journey from the Volga to the Derwent for the festival.

But the adventurers who brought it to Tasmania on a journey of goodwill have reluctantly gone back to Russia without it because it is unseaworthy for open ocean sailing without about $25,000 of repairs.

The Russians who built the boat as a non-profit venture cannot afford it.

A consortium of local marine heritage enthusiasts hope to convince federal authorities to waive hefty import-export fees in the interests of acquiring the vessel as a tourist attraction for Southern Tasmania.

Ship broker Laurence Burgin, of Franklin Marine, said it was difficult to value the boat, but a couple of experts had estimated it at around $80,000.

Franklin resident James West, 62, who has Russian heritage and speaks the language, has been keeping in touch with the Rusich's owners on behalf of the would-be buyers.

The boat is currently under a Customs Control Permit that expires in October. For the boat to be able to be sold it must be officially "imported" to Tasmania and be subject to significant federal taxes.

Mr West said import taxes, GST and other fees could amount to more than $15,000.

He said supporters of the Rusich had been lobbying MPs and were in contact with Customs hoping the fees could be waived.

"It would be a magnificent gesture by the Australian Government if this could be the case, as it would save the intending purchaser [significant funds] which could be put towards the cost of repairs and the restoration of the magnificent vessel," he said.


17.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fading snaps tell migrant tales

FOR the past 38 years, Nicola Goc has been enchanted by her mother-in-law's tales of migration from Poland after World War II.

A cherished biscuit tin full of old black and white photographs offers a pictorial essay of the emotion-charged pilgrimage, which began the day the war started, when the 16-year-old was taken by Nazis and separated from her family.

The series of well-thumbed snapshots offer a precious reminder of life in Poland and new beginnings in Tasmania.

And they give a remarkable insight into a bygone era, especially for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of migrants who want to learn more about their heritage.

Which is what spurred Dr Goc to start a research project centred around the photographs and stories of migrant women in Tasmania.

The University of Tasmania senior lecturer in journalism and media studies has received a grant for the study "Snapshot Photography, Female Subjectivity and the Migrant Experience", which will culminate in a photographic exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery next year.

She is calling on migrant women to come forward and share their stories as part of the project.

Dr Goc would like to hear from Tasmanian women from English and non-English speaking backgrounds who migrated to Australia in the post-World War II period.

She is also interested in speaking to women who have snapshots that were sent to them from family and friends in their country of origin.

"Snapshot photographs play a central role in recording our lives and in this project I am particularly interested in the ways in which family snapshot photographs have helped migrant women both to maintain connections with the lives they left behind and to make meaning of their new lives in Australia," Dr Goc said.

"Migration is a fundamental feature of our times and it always involves displacement and loss.

"At the most intimate level this sense of displacement and loss is often expressed through the importance placed on faded family snapshots, arguably one of the most revered material objects to be found in a migrant's home."

Dr Goc has already amassed a selection of old photos, which offer an insight into post-war life.

Flicking through the faded, often coffee-stained images at her Sandy Bay home, she recounts the tale of an American nurse who fell in love with an Australian man in Saigon during the Vietnam War and later came to Australia with him.

Other shots include a family portrait taken in France during the 1930s; numerous funeral portraits of Eastern European families; seaside antics of a family from Argentina enjoying a trip to the beach; and an image of a baby with his Bulgarian grandmother just days before he migrated to Tasmania with his parents in the early 1950s.

The problem is that most of the photos she has are anonymous - they were collected from car boot sales, garage sales and auctions, leaving Dr Goc to rely solely on the brief descriptions handwritten on the back.

"The anonymous ones tell me something but not what I really want to know ... which is why I'm very keen to talk to the women themselves," she said.

She has collected albums full of old photographs as well as collecting the old snapshot cameras used to take them.

Dr Goc said women who migrated to Australia after World War II had been largely ignored in migration research, so her project aims to redress this.

She said while most migrant men got jobs and worked hard to build a name for themselves in their new homeland, migrant women often worked away quietly in the background for little recognition, despite being the backbone of the family.

Anyone interested in participating in the research project can contact Dr Goc on 6226 2473 or email Nicola.Goc@utas.edu.au


17.12 | 0 komentar | Read More
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