One hundred and eighteen million, three hundred and seventeen thousand, one hundred and thirty two (118,317,132) tonnes ....but who's counting?
Those who manage the huge coal export port of Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay, that's who! This was the tonnage of coal which left Australia through this facility last year.
It probably seems somewhat trite to add that this combined port facility, which services eight mines in the Bowen Basin, is one of the largest coal export ports in the world. Interestingly, most of what leaves Australia through this port is not destined to be burnt in power stations....the Bowen Basin coal is metallurgical coal, a key resource in the steel-making process.
With its rail delivery network, shore stockpiles, transfer towers, surge bins, conveyor galleries, off-shore wharves and ship loaders, the operations of this massive port play a significant role in the economic and social fabric of Mackay and the surrounding districts and beyond.
With its rail delivery network, shore stockpiles, transfer towers, surge bins, conveyor galleries, off-shore wharves and ship loaders, the operations of this massive port play a significant role in the economic and social fabric of Mackay and the surrounding districts and beyond.
I've included this Google Earth shot to show the location of Hay Point and Sarina Beach relative to Sarina itself,
and this, showing the two separate facilities, the on-shore stockpiles, the long conveyor galleries and the loading wharves, well out to sea in deep water, to try and provide some perspective. The small township of Hay Point, also known as Salonkia Beach, which is virtually a company town, lies just to the south on a long, sandy beach.
As we set out from Sarina to have a first hand look at this facility, we could not help but reflect on the fact that here on the east coast we could gaze on these huge coal ports whilst on the west coast, almost on the same latitude, similar views were available, but here it is iron ore pouring into the vast holds of the bulk carriers.......Australia's two major primary exports leaving the country on completely opposite sides of the continent.
Our 25 kms journey to Hay Point took us through the tiny cane town of Alligator Creek, where one of the hundreds of cane trains working this area, jolting and clanking its way along the spiderweb network of narrow railway lines to the Sarina mill
brought us to a temporary halt.
Once the warning lights and bells ceased and the road was again clear, we turned right in front of the quaint Alligator Creek general store,
and this, showing the two separate facilities, the on-shore stockpiles, the long conveyor galleries and the loading wharves, well out to sea in deep water, to try and provide some perspective. The small township of Hay Point, also known as Salonkia Beach, which is virtually a company town, lies just to the south on a long, sandy beach.
As we set out from Sarina to have a first hand look at this facility, we could not help but reflect on the fact that here on the east coast we could gaze on these huge coal ports whilst on the west coast, almost on the same latitude, similar views were available, but here it is iron ore pouring into the vast holds of the bulk carriers.......Australia's two major primary exports leaving the country on completely opposite sides of the continent.
Our 25 kms journey to Hay Point took us through the tiny cane town of Alligator Creek, where one of the hundreds of cane trains working this area, jolting and clanking its way along the spiderweb network of narrow railway lines to the Sarina mill
brought us to a temporary halt.
Once the warning lights and bells ceased and the road was again clear, we turned right in front of the quaint Alligator Creek general store,
to continue past endless stands of tall cane in full flower, north-east towards the coast.
This short trip ended with a climb up a sharp incline to the car park
outside the Port of Hay Point control centre, where this sign directed us to the viewing area overlooking the port.
With its rooftop bristling with antennae, the control centre is a hive of activity.
Here the staff manage all the shipping movements in and out of both loading facilities. But they also perform another critical function. Akin to air traffic controllers, those on duty here peer through electronic eyes to play a major role in ensuring that all these huge bulk carriers safely negotiate the only approach routes in and out of the port, one which takes them though significant portions of the challenging shipping lanes of the Great Barrier Reef.
The public viewing platform not only presented visitors like us with grand views over the entire port facility,
but also housed a number of different information boards which tell the story of the development and operation of the port (you can just see the edge of one of these boards on the platform railing at the far right of this shot...more shortly).
The facility we were looking at today is one which has been significantly expanded over the past twenty years or so.
The latest improvements, built by the huge international engineering company Bechtel, (theirs is another extraordinary story in itself and well worth a quick 'Google'), was a challenging commission. It entailed constructing a new berth at the terminal, offshore and onshore facilities, land reclamation, as well as building and fitting out new trestles, conveyors, and ship loaders. And again, the numbers are numbing. This project came in at a cost of $2.45 billion!
One of the most fascinating aspects of this project, which delivered the new facility without disrupting on-going loading operations, was that much of the infrastructure was built elsewhere and delivered by sea to the port.
For example, this transfer tower and two surge bins, seen here ready for shipment to Australia, were just three of many components built in China.
Here is a photo of two of these transfer towers finally insitu at the port.
This huge shiploader, now installled on one of the loading wharves, was manufactured in South Korea, and was also transported by sea to Queensland.
I'll not bore you with more detail but will comment that for any interested, the full story of this expansion, which takes the concept of 'modularisation' to an entirely new level, is well worth the read (the 'Aurecon' website is one source).
Now back to the lookout, where, as I mentioned previously, information boards such as this told the story of the redevelopment,
and a very simple 'dot point' display (the on on the edge of the railing) showed how the system works.
For some reason which now completely escapes me, I failed to photograph the entire display, so I'll have to resort to a couple of piecemeal sections to give you the idea. This, for example, depicts the two stockpile areas and the loading wharves. The numbers on them are married to
descriptive 'buttons' such as these
which provide a simple but clear explanation of the entire port operation.
As for the views, well, they speak for themselves, but with my limited equipment I have not been able to do full justice to the scene below us. Here we can see the coal stockpiles being sprayed with dust suppressing water. Three ships (as indicated) were being loaded at this offshore wharf. From their positions in the water you can see that the carrier on the right of shot is all but ready for departure whilst that on the left is yet to take on its load.
This photo also gives some idea of the number of ships which load from this port. Believe it or not, the eighteen seen lying in the roads (on the horizon of this photo) are but a half of the entire number we counted. Just as we had seen on the west coast, these huge carriers arrive, take up a designated mooring, and then swing on their anchors until a loading berth is available.
On any given day up to forty vessels can be coming, going, loading or at anchor in and near this port, as can be seen at any time on the Port Authority website.
And none of these are seagoing squibs by any means.
By clicking on each dot a readout of the vessels' details can be gleaned. Most of the ships shown here on this particular day were a touch under 300 metres in length and had a carrying capacity in the order of 80,000 tonnes of coal.
With a loading rate of about 4,000 tonnes per hour, these carriers are generally turned around in less than 24 hours....... once they come alongside that is (thanks to 'shipspotting' for this shot).
The Queensland coal industry really does play a major role in the economy of not only that State, but of Australia as a whole. It is little wonder that the debate about its future, given the burgeoning concern about the effects of fossil fuel use in relation to global warming, continues to be so hotly prosecuted.
One of the major selling points encouraging folk to seek employment here at the Hay Point port is the lifestyle on offer, a lifestyle which is centred on the pleasures offered by living on what is considered in this part of the world to be a pristine beach.
This shot, courtesy of 'Mackay Region', shows the township at Hay Point and the stretch of sand which is Salonika Beach (the coal stockpile heaps can be seen above the end of the strip of sand).
This shot, courtesy of 'Mackay Region', shows the township at Hay Point and the stretch of sand which is Salonika Beach (the coal stockpile heaps can be seen above the end of the strip of sand).
This is one of several beaches of some renown in the Sarina area, beaches which are heavily promoted by the tourism authorities, with words like these:
"Salonika Beach is a tropical haven for visitors to Hay Point. The 2 kilometre stretch of sandy beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation. Gaze out toward Victor Island, only 1 kilometre offshore. The natural preservation of the area means wildlife experiences are easy to come by, with black cockatoos, sea eagles and bush turkeys often seen. Nearby wetlands provide unique bird-watching opportunities."
All this may be true enough, and indeed when it comes to Salonika Beach and the 'nearby wetlands', birds do abound and the scenes are tranquil and relaxing.
South of Salonika Beach, three more sandy stretches somewhat closer to Sarina and more directly accessible to that town, are the subject of similar promotion. 'Queensland places' is but one website which does just that with photos like this.
Well folks, prepare to buckle up for a personal opinion which I am sure would have steam issuing from the collective ears of all those involved with Queensland tourism!
Whilst I do not dispute the fact that all these beaches present quite long, sandy stretches along which to ramble, the course, yellow soft sand above the high water mark, and the often somewhat muddy looking, damp sand of a low tide, such as this here at Salonika Beach, are a far cry from the fine, white sands of most of the beaches of South Australia (and elsewhere).
I'll be the first to admit that those of us who live in SA are spoilt rotten when it comes to the quality of our beaches, and I accept that my highly muted endorsement of the beaches of much of Queensland is based on that experience, but there is more to it than just the quality of the sand.
When it comes to the proposition that these are ideal places for swimming, my criticism of that as a realistic selling point is unreserved.
These delightfully warm waters present an ideal habitat for several species of highly dangerous jellyfish, amongst the worst of which are the Irukandji, Box Jellyfish and the the Portuguese Man o' War (and there are several others.....somewhat less dangerous but more than capable of delivering a very painful sting).
It is widely accepted that between October and May there is an increased presence of jellyfish, but even during what is known as the 'low season' (the cooler months of winter), stings have occurred.
Now just in case you may think that I am being unreasonably critical, this is the official advice from the Whitsunday Regional Council in relation to sting prevention:
- Wear protective clothing such as a full body lycra or neoprene suit. This is the number 1 way of preventing stings as suits protect up to 75% of the body and cover areas where stings more commonly occur. Not all suits offer equal protection - lycra or neoprene offer the greatest protection. Such suits are also excellent for sun protection and protection from coral cuts, etc.
- Wear protective clothing, even if wading, as most box jellyfish stings occur when wading.
- Enter the water slowly (i.e don’t run in) as Box Jellyfish will often swim away if given the time and opportunity to do so.
- Swim between the flags and follow Life Saver’s advice if swimming at patrolled beaches.
- Be aware of high risk conditions that indicate Irukandji such as sustained NE winds, flat or calm weather, sea lice felt in the water and/or salps/plankton present.
- Always carry vinegar when going boating or undertaking other marine activities.
And the good news is that these wretched things are no longer confined (as has always previously been thought) to the waters of Far North Queensland. Several swimmers off Fraser Island have been stung by Irukandji over the past few weeks.
Even the 'stinger nets' which are a feature of many popular beaches of FNQ, do not guarantee complete safety. Is it any wonder that we have a firm policy once in these areas.....we do not swim in anything which is not surrounded by tiles!
Whilst we will never enter the water at any of these beaches, we were more than interested to drive around them, but sadly I must announce that for some reason (as has happened once or twice previously), the photos we took have somehow vanished from our files, so I shall have to rely on what I could glean from the various websites to provide something of a pictorial presentation.
And balance demands that I concede here that the small but clearly expanding communities which have grown up in this area look charming, as does the entire area, demonstrated here in this shot from 'Oz Aerial' showing Grasstree Beach (bottom right), Campwin Beach (bottom left) and Sarina Beach, which joins Campwin and stretches to the headland.
Over a thousand folk call what are virtually twin towns home, where the range of local shopping, quality restaurants and cafes, and good tourist accommodation are what one would expect to find in such a community.
Both Salonika and Sarina Beaches host resort motels (this is one of the two at Sarina...brought to you courtesy of 'trivago')
whilst Sarina Beach is also home to a fine looking and very active surf lifesaving club.
No discussion about the beaches near Sarina would be complete without a reference to Armstrong Beach, about a 15 minute drive east of the town.
As this shot from 'realestate' shows, this is another small beachside community nestled along a straight stretch of beach.
The caravan park here is owned by a relative of one of our Kurrimine Beach freinds, and we did take the time to toddle down and have a good look around with the view that we may stay here in the future.
But again, the quality of the beach held little appeal for either of us, and whilst the decidedly rustic charm of the caravan park was attractive enough, we decided that we would much rather stay in the delightful surrounds of the Sarina Palms when visiting this neck of the woods.
So, dear readers, that is our take on the beaches near Sarina, one which I am sure must come across as somewhat biased and a little sniffy and one with which those who promote regional tourism would be less than happy. I would prefer to view it as realistic!
Well, after this rather dark assessment of Sarina's much vaunted surrounds, let me conclude with a little touch of levity in the form of a sign I spotted on the back of one of the vans with which we shared the park in Sarina during our first visit.
In our experience to date, this should be something seen far more often. It seems that the only thing missing here is the exclamation mark.
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