December 2018 Newsletter now available here…
2018 has provided QMRS with challenges and opportunities that have been met with skill, capability and integrity. As we look back over the second half of 2018 and consider how QMRS will continue to serve and improve our offerings provided to the Qld mining industry there is a clear feeling of pride in the performance over this period.
Firstly, let me apologise for the absence of a 3rd quarter newsletter. The active response by QMRS to North Goonyella mine from late September through October required a high level of focus and resources. To those mines who allowed our volunteers to respond and to those who were affected by rescheduled training activities I thank you for your support and understanding. The successful response by our people and the technology we deploy has demonstrated one of the core reasons QMRS exists.
Over this 6-month period QMRS has facilitated 4 mines rescue competitions, 2 underground and 2 surface, which have brought together competitors, assessors and helpers to provide challenge, learning and comradery. Our training activity in both underground and surface coal rescue have continued at an increasing pace as the industry once again enters a growth phase. For the future we have progressed the design of a new mines rescue station for our Boonal site and have obtained council approval for its development. This will also provide the template for a new Moranbah based station at some future time. New trainees, new client mines and new geographical areas of activity are all steps towards QMRS’s objective of influencing the safety performance of the Qld coal industry.
In the area of emergency preparedness our MEMS training courses have continued at a hectic pace in both surface and underground coal. Supporting this focus area is a major project to redevelop our emergency event data management program MRAS. Engaging NSWMR in this project will help align both States in the response processes utilised for mine emergencies. Most recently I was able to present a paper on QMRS training and operational activities to the Turkish Mining Association conference on Mine Emergency Preparedness. This conference, attended by 550 delegates from Turkey with presenters from Canada, USA, Europe, Sth Africa and Australia, is a biannual event held since the Soma disaster to help improve mine safety in Turkey. It was a great experience and Australia has much to offer this country’s mining industry.
Please enjoy the details of our activities that follow and have a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Year, and we look forward to working closely with you over the coming year. To my staff, I thank you for your efforts and commitment over the last 12 months. Enjoy your break before we recommence for what promises to be another full and satisfying year.