Surely no one in their right mind could seriously consider allowing FIFO workers from another country to come in enmass to mine here? Unless there are some very enticing political and personal payoffs. I agree though, Jack, with proposals such as this floating around we need to be careful about where we invest. The Gallilee Basin will certainly…[Read more]

There is a new twist to the FIFO approach by the mining companies, with several companies, Adani in particular, pushing for approvals to FIFO overseas mine workers. Clearly not a plan which would be beneficial to Australia, and local mining communities in particular. http://www.cqnews.com.au/story/2012/02/15/extreme-fifo-plan-strikes-fear-in-region…[Read more]

 Thanks, Jack It may be useful for other investors to know  that I was  told by my mortgage broker that the valuers sent out by the banks have risk categories that they use to rate certain areas. The valuer used to rate a house in Dysart that I had under contract rated that town, as well as Moranbah and several others in the region, at a risk rati…[Read more]

JT7 wrote:

crazya wrote:
Also here's a tip for those looking to invest in the mining towns, after speaking to a mortgage broker (Mortage Choice in G), unless you have 20% deposit, you won't be able to leverage into these places.  The LMI originators won't go near them and they do not take into consideration the high rent return.  Effectively i…[Read more]

More investment planned and approved for Queensland. Links to Mackay and Emerald newspapers…http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2012/02/03/investment-skyrockets/http://www.cqnews.com.au/story/2010/11/26/new-coal-mine-needs-infrastructure-mayor/

Muswellbrook very busy little town right now, existing nearby coal mines all expanding, new Xstrata mine at Mangoola up and running, with above target production and more expansion and hiring of employees planned now. Bhp's Mount Arthur mine, near town, expanding and hiring. Mount Pleasant mine, just outside town, expected to start con…[Read more]

   I've just returned from a three day house-hunting trip to Mackay. Prior to going, I spent many hours surfing the web looking at all varities of residential properties for sale in the region, including Hay Point and surrounding suburbs. I had quality houses, units, houses with development potential on large blocks, houses with renovation pros…[Read more]

 construction of CSG pipelinehttp://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2012/01/24/csg-pipeline-construction-underway-curtis-island/ about to commence near Miles.

Hi balniksI would suggest getting a builder around to have a look first. He can assess your situation and give you an idea about what is possible or not possible. Judging by your mention of the "deck kind of thing" I get the impression your plans could benefit from the input of an experienced builder with practicle knowledge. After talking to the…[Read more]

Von Krumm wrote:
Mining towns… $$$But be carefull, one person says something, does another…

TRADEEBA wrote:
Unlike Gladstone, Chinchilla market is still warming up and the ship hasnt sailed yet. 

Wrong!Aparently Chinchilla's ship has already sailed… 8 rears ago!http://www.hotspotting.com.au/index.php?act=viewArticle&productId=27Also I&#0…[Read more]

   Simple? Where is the creativity in that? And "to" is spelt too. And I'm left wondering… what does a creative name have to do with market analysis? Or SIMPLE personal opinion?

 Whoops I forgot to mention I live on the N.S.W. Central Coast and do the drive in drive out routine at the mine. I love Australia's coast line. Also worked for eight years as a gemmologist. Should have done a geology course instead of gemmology, then the mines would pay me much more to work for them.

Hi all…my name's Tony. I came to Oz almost thirty years ago from Idaho, been here ever since. Interesting to see so many yanks posting on this thread! I've been a carpenter in the  U.S. and Oz, night shift taxi driver in Sydney (interesting times), school bus driver around Newcastle for a couple of weeks (lousy pay, trying conditions), truck dr…[Read more]

 things r lookin up not down

  2012  gunna b good. I'm buying more. b happy b positive look ahead not behind

Hi fishmeet-Here is a link to the local newspaper in Gladstone, so you can keep up to date with local news and realestate for sale. I have one IP there and still interested in more. The LNG industry there is in very early stages, and although rents have increased sharply in last 12 months, property values have not yet risen to the levels which…[Read more]

Any residential builder or half decent carpenter could answer those questions. Getting one there without the likely prospect of compensation for their time would be the tricky part. You might have to consider providing incentive.

 Hey ten_burner… I agree with your comments on risk factor. My own tolerence for risk is a constantly evolving equation based on my income, job, assets, local, national and international developments and probably whether I got enough sleep last night. And I also agree- good on Zaki for having a go, and at the rate he's going he will probably…[Read more]

xdrew wrote:
Its somewhat a matter between getting finance .. and owning property. The banks will put a natural limiter on what you can borrow .. so you can try getting your money from other sources.Believe it or not .. there are lots of people quite happy to be getting 8% or 9% secured by property from a guy who pays his bills on time. If you…[Read more]

Hmmm…An interesting topic prompting some interesting responses. One other reason I found Zaki's story hard to work out was that he actually said he bought 11 of his properties in a 24 month period-all in one state, N.S.W., so of course he'll also have land tax bills to add to his list of expenses. He also says "some of my properties have…[Read more]