Date: December 11th 2009

Westprint Friday Five December 11, 2009  

Included this week are:

·         Mining in the Flinders Ranges

·         Trailers

·         Satellite Phones

 

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Friday Five 11.12.09  

1. Women of the Outback. Sue Williams. Drought, flood, harrowing isolation and horrific accidents . . . the Australian outback is no place for a lady. But the women of the Outback are a different breed: tough, resilient and endlessly resourceful. They're both the backbone and the heart of Australia , keeping their farms going, their families together and their communities alive - and often against overwhelming odds. $26.95 plus post. Add to Cart 

2. The Shark Net. Aged six, Robert Drewe moved with his family from Melbourne to Perth , the world's most isolated city – and proud of it. Then a man he knew murdered a boy he also knew. The murderer randomly killed eight strangers – and an innocent Perth was changed forever. $26.95 plus post. Add to Cart 

3. Cassowary Crossing. A Guide to Offbeat Australia . Mixing travel with trivia, history and mystery, it shows you the unreal sights of the real Land of Oz There's something for everyone - in cities, small towns and countless out of the way locations. $24.95 plus post. Add to Cart 

4. Complete Guide To Reptiles. Steve Wilson and Gerry Swan. 2nd Edition. Australia has one of the richest and most diverse collections of reptiles in the world. More than 800 species have been named to date. Complete Guide to Reptiles provides accounts for them all, and most are illustrated with colour photos. The book also explains how reptiles are classified and how scientific and common names are applied. 512 pages with index. $49.95 plus post. Add to Cart 

5. Flying Nun (The). For over ten years Sister Anne Maree flew over some of the most remote parts of outback south-west Queensland . The stoic resilience of these women who battle against drought and loneliness in a harsh environment provide the 'Flying Nun' with the inspiration to pursue her unusual mission. This is not just Sister Anne Maree's story, it is also the story of the many women to whom her life and work are devoted. 248pp.  $25.00 plus post. Add to Cart

6. Offbeat Australia . David Astle. Your guide to the weird and wonderful places that most tourists miss. Explore the odd places that make Australia truly offbeat. Find out where you can sleep with lions, join a riverboat postman on his rounds, and rent a cave for the night. Mixing travel with trivia and history with mystery, this book is the ideal glove-box companion. S/cover 420 pages $24.95 plus post. Add to Cart 

7. Classic Children’s Books $16.95 each plus post.

• Blinky Bill. Dorothy Wall. Blinky Bill is one of the best known characters in Australian children's fiction. Add to Cart

• (The) Magic Pudding. The adventures of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff. Whistle 3 times and the pudding becomes whatever you want, Add to Cart

• (The) Muddle-headed Wombat. Wombat, Mouse and Tabby Cat began their careers on ABC Radio. This book brings together 4 stories from the series. Add to Cart

• Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Undoubtedly one of Australia 's best loved children’s books.  Add to Cart

 

Books are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. To reserve your copy of any of the following books please email info@westprint.com.au with the title you are interested in. All emails will be answered during the following week, either with details of how to pay, or a ‘sorry, the item has already sold’ email. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price.  

Postage Rates. These items will usually not be found on our website. Orders will be supplied on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Westprint normal postage rates are now $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.

 

Disclaimer.

Please note that the opinions and articles included in the Friday Five are not necessarily those of the Westprint mob. Nor do we endorse any products (other than our own), or tours listed in contributed articles.

Friday Forum

Jo’s forum comments in green.  

Northern Flinders Ranges mining interests  

·         I don't know if you were aware, but the Northern Flinders Ranges (including The Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary) is under threat from mining interests. Would you be prepared to run the text below in the next Friday Five?  It's pretty urgent as the deadline for submissions (see text) is 19 December.  I appreciate that it involves taking sides in the debate but if we don't make a stand we could see this fragile ecosystem - which has enough of a struggle anyway - destroyed by mines and mining roads.  By all means include my contact details if you want to. Tony Milln  

Please note: the following article was sent by Tony Milln and is included for your information. It is not an indication of Westprint ‘taking sides’. 

Mining exploration has been a running sore in the Northern Flinders Ranges for some time, including the burial of 23000 bags - 40 tonnes - of low level radioactive waste at Mt Gee and a further 40 tonnes of the same in the Yudnamutana Gorge, and theft of 90,000 litres of rainwater.  The SA Dept of Environment & Heritage (DEH) and Primary Industries & Resources SA (PIRSA - where the SA mines and energy bureaucracy is located) have now produced a Management Zones Proposal ("Seeking a Balance") for the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and its immediate adjoining neighbouring properties. 

The purpose of this report is apparently to find equilibrium between conservation and resource use and it seeks submissions from the public by 19 December 2009 .  The report can be found by accessing www.savearkaroola.com.au , and going to "what is proposed" on that website which has been created specifically to deal with this issue.  Strangely the single resources that appear worthwhile are those for the mining industry and it is light on for any protection for Arkaroola - particularly in the Ridgetop Area.  In fact most of the protection is for about 15% of the property that is only accessible by a day's hard walk, and is of little real interest to the mining industry anyway.   

On the other hand the Ridgetop area is being left open for the purpose of mining and exploration access.  There is only one small area within the Ridgetop area, of about 1 sq km in area at Split Rock where complete protection is suggested.  Even Sillers Lookout could be mined.  Mines could also be set up in the valleys next to each of Mt Painter, Mt Gee and the Armchair.  Even though there is some protection for these three mountains, they could still be mined underground, with tracks and infrastructure being set up on their surfaces.  Indeed, the very difficulty of constructing mining roads in that area would do inestimable damage to the environment. 

The SA Premier has apparently decided to fast-track the issue and there are now only a few left to get submissions in before 19 December.   We have travelled throughout the Flinders for many years - including most recently to Arkaroola in the gammon Ranges (Northern Flinders) - and it seems incomprehensible to us that mining would be contemplated in such an important and beautiful heritage area.  In particular the Sprigg family has spent many years developing and protecting the Arkaroola area and Old Man

Sprigg and his wife Griselda would be turning in their graves at the present mining proposals.   So I urge you to write or email something to the contact people listed towards the back of the Seeking a Balance report supporting rejection of the mining proposal and seeking a strengthening of the existing Environmental Class A legislation of the Development Act, or Arkaroola as we know it will be lost forever.  The Save Arkaroola website contains a great deal of information that would help in making a submission.

 

Important Notice from 4WD Victoria – Urgent Track Closure. 

·         We have been advised that there has been an unlawful major chemical dump of Arsenic contaminants on the Gibbs Access Track in the Wombat State Forest ( Victoria ). 

This is deemed to be a life threatening situation which is being attended to by DSE. People are asked to keep clear of this area until further notice. If you have any information in relation to this unlawful act, please contact us at Four Wheel Drive Victoria urgently.  

Also:

Proposed Track Closure in the Alpine National Park. Dairy Farm Flat Track near Castle Hill and South of the Pinnacles. The track closure is proposed due to it going through the centre of a damaged peat land that requires rehabilitation. The closure would not limit access to anywhere; apart from the track itself, as a ridge-top track not far to the East runs parallel to Dairy Farm Flat Track and links up to the same roads/tracks north and south of it. This is still in the planning stage; we will inform you of further information as it comes to hand. Thank you. Office – 4WD Victoria .  

Website wanted

·         I’ve been endeavouring to locate a website that gives the current information regarding the water level at the causeway at Innamincka.  Department of Transport just states the road condition e.g. “closed due to rain”.  Bureau of Meteorology Qld Rivers Report finishes for Cooper Creek at Nappa Merrie and SA doesn’t mention Cooper Creek . Any advice would be appreciated. Bruce

Trailers in the Kimberley

Below are the guidelines for vehicle access in the Purnululu National Park . Thanks to David Grosse, Senior Operations Officer, Department of Environment and Conservation East Kimberley for this information.  

Hi Jo. We don’t have any issues with the publication of the caravanning sheet. This has all come from some issues that were raised a few years ago when the design of off road caravans improved dramatically. One of the initial ones was the Kimberley Karavan – one of the owners was given permission to enter the park and it snowballed from there to the current situation. We still get requests/ (abuse) for not allowing dual axle vans in – hence the engagement of consultants to come up with the following guidelines. David Grosse

Purnululu National Park Vehicle Access Guidelines

Please do your bit to help protect Purnululu National Park ’s fragile environment by heeding the following advice. By doing so, you will not only be protecting yourself and the roads but also the natural wonders you’ve travelled so far to admire.

Only off-road, four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance and low range gears are permitted in Purnululu National Park .

SINGLE AXLE off road or heavy duty trailers, caravans and other towable units ARE permitted in the park.

DUAL AXLE trailers, caravans and other towable units ARE NOT permitted into the Park and will be asked to leave.

Dual axles are not permitted for several reasons:

1.      Dual axle units damage the park’s fragile tracks. The rear wheels on the second axle are unable to turn left or right with the tow vehicle when cornering. Consequently the second axle gets ‘dragged’ around corners rather than following the tow vehicle in the direction of travel. This ‘drag’ effect cuts up and damages tracks and, even in a short period of time, makes tracks rougher and more difficult to traverse.

2.      Dual axle units are generally wider than single axle units. Several sections of the park’s tracks are not sufficiently wide enough to permit two of these caravans passing each other safely – even if the drivers did see each other coming.  

Advice for driving in Purnululu National Park :  

1.      Engage four-wheel drive for the duration of the visit to the park.

2.      While in the park, reduce tyre pressure by approximately 10 psi from normal highway pressure.

3.      Observe the speed advisory signs.

4.      All vehicles must proceed slowly and with caution at creek crossings, blind rises and sharp corners.

5.      Be aware of wildlife and feral cattle, particularly at dawn and dusk, and if possible, do not drive in the park after dark.

6.      In case of breakdown or recovery, visitors should be aware that roadside assistance is only available at Kununurra or Halls Creek and visitors are responsible for any costs incurred

7.      Be aware that you are travelling on an ungazetted track and that insurance companies are unlikely to cover any costs for accident, injury or vehicle recovery.  

Drivers with single axle off road caravans or other towable units should also note:  

1.      Proceed DIRECTLY to your camping area after registering at the Ranger Station.

2.      Trailers must remain in the camping area until departure and are NOT permitted on other tracks within the park.

3.      The tow vehicle must comply with the load ratings of that vehicle and of the trailer and the tow bar.

4.      Consider towing training prior before visiting the park.  

·         We visited there last year in July towing our Ultimate Camper and firstly there was no signs indicating any restriction, secondly the road in was quite suitable for any off-road trailer, and thirdly there were lots of trailers in there of all makes and models. I suspect the whole thing is a bit of marketing hype. Jim  

Satellite Phone Query

·          Mobile phones cannot communicate via satellite.  To get help from police, fire or ambulance services in Australia , dial '000' or '112'. Contact can even be made if your mobile has been blocked or your security settings have been activated.  It should also work even if there is no SIM card in the phone.

You can still attempt a normal '000'emergency call from a GSM or Next G™ mobile but if you do not have reception with your own carrier, you can dial '112' and your call will be carried by any available GSM network if it is available.  Note that you have to be in range of a GSM network (land based, for this to work). Hugh.

The link to the Telstra information on this subject is http://telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/advice/emergency.cfm  

·         While not being an 'official' reply, I tried to call 000 last Saturday in the northern area of the Otway Ranges in Victoria . Without service I was not connected. I had to travel until the phone was in range before being connected. Fortunately as it turned out it wasn't a serious incident. Andrew.  

·         My 45 years experience in communications, together with available data from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), lead me to make the following comments:

The assertion that a mobile phone can be used to call 000 anywhere in Australia because it links to a satellite is absolutely incorrect, and is the extension of a hoax circulated following the 2005 terrorist train attacks in UK. Plenty of info is available by searching for '112 Hoax' on the internet. A GSM Mobile cannot talk to a satellite. Do not rely on a mobile as an emergency phone in the middle of the Simpson Desert . Some info on the hoax is available here - http://www.snopes.com/science/mobile.asp

When you dial 000 from your mobile, if you are in range, you are automatically connected via your Network provider to emergency services. If you have no coverage, you may not connect. However, if you dial 112, even though you have no coverage from your provider, you will get connection with any other provider who is within range. I.e. if you are Optus, but out of range, but are within range of a Telstra signal, your 112 call will be connected via Telstra to emergency services. If you are not within range of any network provider, you will not connect - especially not to a satellite.

There are changes proposed to mobile tower equipment to route 000 calls in a similar fashion, but I do not know if all have been implemented. It would be good to see a response from ACMA on this subject. They do have an Emergency Call Services Advisory Committee. 

·         I have just read the latest Friday funny and wish to comment re mobile phones.  The average mobile phone does not have a satellite capability as they are all “radio” type phones and rely on a network of transmitter/repeaters to provide the service.  If there is no tower in range they will not work even if you dial 000 or 112. For all my remote travel I carry an Iridium satellite phone and have had no problems.  This is to back up my “next G” country ready mobile when out of range.  Graham. Getabout 4wd Adventures  

·         Information that we were given while doing a recent St John First Aid course is that 000 will get you emergency contact via your own carrier if in range. 112 will get you contact through any carrier in range. Alan  

·         Not even a satellite phone will work in some isolated spots, because there is NOT 100% coverage of the earth's surface. This is because signals from a satellite transmit in all directions and the intersection with the earth's surface gives a "circular-shaped" region and a collection of circular shapes will not necessarily result in a complete coverage on the earth's surface. So, to be SURE in emergencies you NEED High Frequency radio, HF using the VKS-737 network, for example. John  

·         A mobile phone sends signals on a totally different freq to that used by Satellite Comms.  Any suggestion that a normal 3G or CDMA mobile can call 000 when 'out of range' may result in someone relying on this in an emergency, and losing their life as a result. 000 is also not permissible on some networks that are not your contracted supplier.  Try calling on a Telstra phone when in an Optus network area! The "Internationally Recognised" mobile distress number is 112. 112 will transfer to your local emergency network in ANY COUNTRY, on ANY NETWORK, as long as you have a signal. 112 is coded into ALL MOBILE phones.

Anthony.  

I have also received a letter outlining plans for the Globalstar second generation satellite phone but have run out of space this week. It will be in next week’s FF.   

Friday Funnies

Santa's Visit Application

Please Note: You better not pout, you better not cry, you better be good, I'm telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he hasn't got much time. To assist in the efficient processing of all children's requests please fill in this form clearly and truthfully.  

Applicant details: What did your parents name you?

Where do you live?

Have you been good?

On the scale below please indicate (tick) your level of behaviour over the past 12 months (Remember he knows)

Angelic, Kidding around, Despicable

1   2   3   4    5    6    7    8    9     10

If you ticked between 1 and 4 inclusive: What would you like for Christmas? (Please print).  

If you ticked between 4 and 7 inclusive: What would you like for Christmas? (Please print)

If you ticked between 7 and 10 inclusive: What would you like for Christmas? (Please print clearly)

Access details. What is the pitch of your roof?

If the pitch is more than 30 degrees please attach a roofing diagram indicating at least two (2) anchor points. (Eg. TV antenna, spire, chimney etc.)

Does your roof have a minimum load bearing capacity of 1 ton per square metre? (9 reindeer, a full sleigh, plus a big bloke in a funny suit).

Please attach a certified engineer's report clearly outlining the average load bearing capacity of your roof.

On the night please ensure that your driveway is clear of all objects bigger than a cat.

Do you have a chimney?

If Yes

When was it last swept?   /   /    Approx. diameter of stack opening in centimetres

Please ensure on the night that the hearth is clear of burning embers and sharp objects.

If No

On the night please leave the back door or a large window ajar.

Gift placement details. Where would you like your gifts placed?

Stocking (Please specify stocking size)

End of bed

Under the Christmas tree

Hidden (Please indicate level of difficulty), All day to find, Half day to find, Ten minutes to find

Refreshment details. What type of refreshments will be available? (Circle more than one)

Beer, Wine, Milk, Soft drink, other (Please specify, including percentage proof)

Cake, biscuits, fruit pie, other (Please specify)

Where will these refreshments be found?

Bar, Fridge, Cupboard (Attach a house plan indicating which cupboard/s in which room/s), on the kitchen table (Preferred option)

Declaration

I the abovementioned child living at the abovementioned address, declare that the information provided herein is true and correct in every detail. Furthermore, I authorise Santa to contact my parents of the same address to confirm the details set out herein. I understand that in the event that my story does not correspond with that of my parents, especially the bit about my level of behaviour, it could be a lean Christmas. I also promise to be asleep when Santa arrives, because, he does know.

Your name in running writing:

What’s today?     /    /   

Please send this completed application by Air Mail, arriving no later than, the night before Christmas, to:

Mr. S. Claus

C/-Mail Service HOHOHO

North Pole

Form SCLAUS1 ES, Dec 08

 

·         A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing; his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: "My friend is dead! What can I do?"

The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: "Just take it easy. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, and then a shot is heard. The guy's voice comes back on the line. He says: OK, now what?"  

·         There was once a doctor who found a magic lamp. When he rubbed it, a genie jumped out and said to him, "You have three wishes. But there is a catch – this wish system of mine was designed by a lawyer, so whatever you wish for every lawyer in the world will get double of!"

The doctor replied, "That's no problem, I can live with that." He then said, "For my first wish, I wish I had a Ferrari." "OK", said the genie, and a Ferrari appeared in front of the doctor. "But remember, every lawyer in the world now has 2 Ferraris'," the genie told the doctor.

The doctor remained unperturbed and said, "For my second wish, I wish for 10 million bucks." So 10 million bucks appeared in front of the doctor and the genie said, "Remember, every lawyer in the world now has 20 million bucks."

The doctor was non-committal and then said, "I’ve always wished I could donate a kidney!"

 

To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers.

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Cheers for now,

Jo

 

 

 

 

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