Sand Times A new future

the
Sand
Times
A new future
for Yarraman Valley
Issue 5 December 2009
Topsoil spreading as part of Yarraman Mine rehabilitation
Inside this issue
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
A new future for Yarraman Valley
Did you know?
A lifetime in mining
Message from the Managing Director
A beautiful place, here I rest
CRL team wins Straddie Salute
Mixed Team Event
CRL’s Community Development Program
2009 Round 1 sponsorship making a difference
Calendar, Tide Times & 4WD Tips
Construction Sands appeal proceeds
Lid being lifted on the mysteries
of Manta Rays
Staying safe during the holidays
What to do if you cross paths with a snake
Island happenings: galleries & exhibitions
Work, live, play – a lifetime on North
Stradbroke Island
Island history &
Ferry times – North Stradbroke Island
World leading rehabilitation practices will
pave the way for Consolidated Rutile Limited
(CRL) to restore an area of North Stradbroke
Island, called the Yarraman Valley, which was
first mined more than 40 years ago.
When CRL received permission to re-mine at Yarraman
in 1999, the company’s environmental experts also saw
the opportunity to improve the impact sand mining had
on the Yarraman Valley in the 1960s.
Prior to the original dry mining operations at Yarraman
Mine in the 1960s, there was a valley that ran south-east
to north-west and connected to Eighteen Mile Swamp
on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island. The
early dry mining had pushed tailings from the adjacent
dune crests into the valley, filling it and the seasonal
waterbodies and wetlands below.
With the recent conclusion of re-mining of the old valley
area, modern rehabilitation will now be used to restore it.
In order to recreate the Yarraman Valley, CRL first has
to establish and stabilise the primary landforms. This
commenced in late 2008 and in December 2008 a small
sand piper dredge was commissioned to start dredging
operations to remove tailings sand from the top of the
Valley.
All up around 360,000 tonnes of sand from the upper
part of the Yarraman Valley will be mined at an average
rate of 2,100 tonnes per day. Combined, the dredge and
onboard GPS will allow CRL to precisely align with the
design of the valley.
The total cost for recreating the upper part of the valley
alone is expected to be around a quarter of a million
dollars.
With the upper part of the valley expected to be
complete by early 2011, the next phase of works will
commence. This will involve stabilising the edges of
the valley watercourse to prevent it filling with sand as
the newly planted wetland vegetation takes hold and
managing the water quality, through passive treatment
options designed to ensure downstream water quality
values are not compromised.
This is the first time since the Keyhole Lakes were
rehabilitated that wetland rehabilitation has been
undertaken on NSI. Whilst this will be a new
undertaking for some in the company, CRL has a strong
track record in innovative restoration practices and will
draw upon the expertise gained through over 40 years of
operation and that of our many industry and research
partners.
Tailings: the left-over sand
after rutile, zircon and ilmenite
have been extracted.
CRL is committed to achieving best practice
environmental management in all areas of the business.
It is the first mining company in Queensland to have
successfully developed approved rehabilitation criteria
and is renowned internationally for its progressive
rehabilitation of native vegetation and ecosystems.
The Yarraman Valley will have both open water and
vegetated swamps created to attempt to replicate the
previous natural system. Already, parts of the valley have
been rehabilitated and are colonised by wetland plants
and home to water birds and aquatic life including the
rare Wallum frog.
CRL continues to be a world leader in its rehabilitation
techniques and actively rehabilitates to exceptional
standards. On average, CRL rehabilitates 75 hectares
of mining lease a year. That’s about ten times the size
of Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This will increase to
between 125 and 150 hectares a year over the coming
years to take advantage of completed landforms.

Did you know?
Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL) is committed to effective environmental management in
all areas of the Company’s business. This includes re-establishing disturbed areas as sustainable
ecosystems. To allow CRL to accurately re-create these ecosystems, staff collect a range of native
seeds to use when CRL is rehabilitating land which has been mined.
Currently, there are three staff members in the Rehabilitation team at CRL who painstakingly collect between 80 to
140 kilograms of seeds a year. CRL has nearly 500 kilograms of seed in stock, representing about 90 to 95 varieties of
plant species of North Stradbroke Island.
Some seeds are harder to harvest than others. Xanthorrhoea, also known as grass trees, produce few flower stalks
when there hasn’t been a bushfire for a while, making seed collection very difficult. However, following a bushfire
Xanthorrhoea flower and seed most prolifically and drop their seed much faster, making mass seed collection much
easier. One year after a bushfire the CRL team collected 180 kilograms of Xanthorrhoea alone – although it took them
two full weeks!
A lifetime
2
The Sand Times December 2009
in mining
Today it is a very rare thing to find an employee who has
worked for more than a few years for one company. It is
even rarer to come across a person who has stuck with one
company their entire working life.
Graham Patterson, a Projects Coordinator at the Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL) Pinkenba plant, embodies this
rarity. Earlier this year Graham reached a four decade milestone with CRL – that’s 40 years of service.
After a five year apprenticeship with Hardy Rubber at Yeronga, in 1969 Graham started work with CRL as a fitter/
welder at Pinkenba and he’s never looked back.
Graham is like a walking, living Wikipedia on the sand mining industry. He’s witnessed 40 years of sand mining and
has certainly seen the industry change over the years.
“Brisbane was a different place in the 60s and 70s. It was nowhere near as large and developed as it is today,”
Graham said.
“The same can be said for the plant at Pinkenba, there really wasn’t much else out there except for us [CRL] a golf
course, a few wild pigs and many snakes.
“One thing that hasn’t changed is the good people CRL seems to attract. I’ve worked with many great blokes over the
years and I’d say that’s one thing that has really kept me here,” he said.
When asked what he thought was the biggest change he had witnessed in CRL’s mining practices, Graham said the
commitment to the environment was the most outstanding advancement.
“I think most mining operations didn’t really understand the impact they were having on the natural environment
they were mining or really how to even restore mined areas.
“The commitment to rehabilitation that I see now from CRL is pretty astounding. They really know what they are
doing and have the technology to make things right,” he said.
CRL has a history of retaining employees for the long-run. Graham is just one of 96 current and past employees who
have worked for CRL for 20 years or more.
When not working at CRL, you might just find Graham and his wife soaking up the views from their beloved caravan
at Evans Head.

Message from the
Managing Director
The past year has been an eventful time for Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL) and
Unimin on North Stradbroke Island.
CRL entered a new phase of its corporate history following the friendly takeover by
Unimin Australia in July this year, when it became Unimin’s first acquired mineral sands
mining investment.
The combination of CRL and Unimin on North Stradbroke Island provides an exciting opportunity
for consolidation and delivery of world leading silica and mineral sand mining operations.
Our initial priorities during the first six months have been to set a path for smooth integration of
the two businesses.
This process is taking place successfully and I pay tribute to the efforts and commitment of all involved as
we undertake a full review of operational support departments and systems.
Our plans for the future include continued investment in the further development of all our operations and
a continued focus on maintaining the strengths of our business. We will retain an overarching commitment
to safely produce the highest quality materials, while working with respect for the environment and in
consultation with local communities.
Another option we are seeking to progress next year is our proposal to sell excess sand for the construction
sands market. Construction Sands represents a sustainable solution for mining operations on North
Stradbroke Island without creating additional environmental impacts. The construction sand proposal
makes good sense and can be managed in a responsible manner. It will also create valuable jobs on the
Island and contribute to the local economy.
I am proud to report that our operations have remained resilient during the year despite the global financial
crisis. Demand for our products has been largely maintained and we continue to operate profitably. These
positive results have enabled us to continue our commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future
for the North Stradbroke Island environment and community.
Some of the company’s vital statistics are:
• Employing over 240 residents from within the Redland and Brisbane City Councils
• Injecting more than $20 million to the local economy in 2009
• Contributing over $50 000 to local sponsorships and community grants in 2009
I am also proud of CRL’s positive involvement with the clean-up of the devastating Pacific Adventurer oil
spill which occurred in March 2009 in Moreton Bay. Several of our engineering and environmental experts
consulted to the recovery team and we also contracted to the physical removal of the waste oil.
As I previously mentioned in the last edition of Sand Times, we are also continuing to identify opportunities
to work with government toward strategic outcomes in terms of both expansion of the National Park estate
and security of our operations on North Stradbroke Island. We have good, long-term resources and with the
right approach, we are confident there is scope to expand the National Park and continue to manage our
operations in a viable and sustainable manner.
I thank all our people, dedicated contractors and suppliers who have each contributed to the ongoing success
of our operations. I would also like to thank the Traditional Owners, Elders and the broader community of
North Stradbroke Island, with whom we have had the privilege of working closely over the past year.
I wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas, along with a prosperous
new year and look forward to bringing you more news in 2010.
3
The Sand Times December 2009
Campbell Jones
Managing Director
Unimin Australia

a beautiful place
here I rest
4
The Sand Times December 2009
Just outside Dunwich and on your way to Point Lookout, accessible
by a little dirt track off Dickson Way, is a nature reserve and park.
What many people don’t realise is this little parcel of land is no
ordinary park. It is a park steeped in history and to the Island’s
traditional owners, one of North Stradbroke Island’s most culturally
significant locations.
Known originally as Moongalba, meaning ‘big hill’, the site was renamed by
the Island’s Indigenous Elders in 2004 and is now more commonly known as Terra
Bulla Leumeah, meaning ‘a beautiful place, here I rest’.
Terra Bulla was an important gathering place for the Island’s Indigenous residents
long before European settlement on the Island. The Island’s Indigenous Elders
recall stories told to them by their grandparents of the wonderful times shared at
the base of ‘the big hill’ by the sea. Almost like a market place, the Island’s tribes
– Nunukul, Ngugi and Gorenpul – gathered at Terra Bulla to trade food such
as shellfish, dugong, turtle, fish and an assortment of bush tucker. Other tribes
from as far as the Bunya Mountains would also come to Terra Bulla to barter for
these items, offering to trade for other items such as the Bunya Mountain nuts,
evidenced by the bunya trees now growing in the area.
In 1882 the Australian Government declared Terra Bulla a location for one of
the Island’s Missions. Named Myora by the European settlers, the Mission was
managed by a Superintendent and his daughter, who was also the Mission’s teacher.
Some North Stradbroke Island Elders grew up at the Mission in the early 1920s
and 1930s. They recall frugal conditions with homes made of timber with dirt
floors and roofed with tea tree bark and later, galvanised steel. The mission was,
however, very self sufficient. Mango, banana, Brazilian cherries and lemon trees
were all planted on the site – you can still see the more than 100 year old mango
trees growing there today.
As part of their commitment to preserving the history of the traditional
owners and educating those who live on and visit North Stradbroke Island, the
Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council wish to further develop the land at
Terra Bulla and make improvements. Part of the Island’s Indigenous traditional
way of life was to live off the land and use to their advantage what nature had
provided them. With the support of CRL, Unimin and Redland City Council,
the Indigenous Elders plan to create garden beds to grow traditional Island bush
tucker such as Midgim Judgee Gum (or blue tongue), Gumbul and Gutta-Rubba
as well as plants that were used for medicinal purposes.
Located near the Myora Caravan Park, visitors and residents of the Island can visit
Terra Bulla to learn more about life on the Island before and after European settlement.
Contact the Mingerribah-Moorgumpin Elders-In-Council to organise a tour on
07 3409 9723.
CRL team wins Straddie Salute Mixed Team Event
CRL is proud to congratulate its employee team comprising Guylaine O’Donoghue, Padriag
O’Donoghue and Mark Chappell who took first place in the Straddie Salute off-road triathlon
Mixed Team event on Sunday 11 October 2009.
Padraig O’Donoghue, the team’s cyclist, said the race was challenging but also energizing for the whole team and a great
experience for all involved.
“We really loved the whole day – there was a fun laid-back atmosphere throughout the event that really seemed to fit
well with the culture of the island,” Padriag said.
“Having an off-road mountain bike leg and trail/beach run is unique for triathlons, the bike leg was exhilarating with
cyclists passing each other on a narrow off-road section and the on-road stretch was a long ascent that wore down
many riders.
“We also enjoyed the awards presentation at the Point Lookout Hotel as well as having lunch and a few drinks with the
other participants and volunteers,” he said.
This year the 27km Straddie Salute was tackled by 321 competitiors including 49 teams. This was almost triple the
numbers of competitors since the inaugural Straddie Salute of 2008.
CRL once again sponsored the Straddie Gift beach sprint. Proceeds from entries to the beach sprint went to the Point
Lookout Surf Life Saving Club.

CRL’s Community
Development Program
Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL) continues its commitment to the
cultural, social, health, environmental and economic wellbeing of the
North Stradbroke Island community. CRL applies this commitment
in many ways including through its Community Development
Program with support for a wide range of community based projects
and events.
The response to the program has been hugely successful with a variety of applicants
and nominations being submitted each round.
Past successful applicants of the Community Development Program include The
North Stradbroke State Emergency Services Group, Minjerriba Day Respite Centre,
Volunteer Marine Rescue, Stradbroke Island Youthlink Association and many more.
CRL is pleased to announce the following programs and groups who have been
successful in Round 2 of our 2009 Community Development Program:
• North Stradbroke Island Rugby League and All Sports Club – Oyster Festival
• Amity Club Playgroup and Stradbroke Early Learning Centre
– Physi Kids Program
• Stradbroke Wildlife Rescue – Wildlife Rescue Equipment
• Bay Players Group – Stage Curtains Dunwich Hall
• Minjerribah–Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council – Display Area for History Panels
• Stradbroke Island Youthlink Association Inc – Computer Equipment
• Dunwich State School – Life Education Program.
Applications are now invited for CRL’s Community Development Program,
2010 – Round 1.
To be eligible for sponsorship and funding, applications must be received by
15 March 2010. Community Development Program guidelines and application
forms are available on the CRL website www.consrutile.com.au or by contacting
Deb Olive – Community Relations Assistant on 07 3409 6912 or email
debra.olive@consrutile.com.au.
5
The Sand Times December 2009
2009 Round 1 sponsorship making a difference
Physi kids is a fully qualified physical education organisation which promotes a healthy and active
lifestyle with physical activity and awareness programs for children from two-and-a-half to six years
of age.
Paij Beckworth, a Physi kids instructor, has started the program at Stradbroke Early Learning Centre and Amity Club
Playgroup and said the classes have been very well received.
“The kids are really enjoying themselves and the parents seem to be really pleased the program is available,” Paij said.
“There are 27 children from North Stradbroke Island participating across three half-hour classes each week and they are a
great bunch of kids to work with.”
Paij said CRL’s sponsorship is invaluable as it makes the program available for the first time on North Stradbroke Island
and will improve the self confidence of the children by teaching them all about the importance of physical exercise.
“The program heightens kids’ awareness of nutrition, gives them the feeling of team involvement and instils a love of
exercise which is extremely important in this day and age,” she said.
“The kids are able to express themselves, work as a team and most of all have fun!”

North Stradbroke Island
December 2009
s m t w t f s
Low 0208 Low 0250 Low 0332 Low 0415 Low 0501
High 0835 High 0920 High 1006 High 1053 High 1141
Low 1506 Low 1558 Low 1649 Low 1741 Low 1832
High 2033 High 2122 High 2213 High 2304 High 2358
1 2 3 4 5
Low 0550 High 0054 High 0155 High 0303 High 0414 High 0520 High 0621
High 1230 Low 0645 Low 0745 Low 0853 Low 1007 Low 1124 Low 1235
Low 1924 High 1320 High 1413 High 1508 High 1608 High 1709 High 1809
Low 2015 Low 2107 Low 2200 Low 2253 Low 2346
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Low 0037 Low 0124 Low 0206 Low 0245 Low 0320 Low 0354 Low 0427
High 0714 High 0800 High 0844 High 0923 High 1000 High 1036 High 1109
Low 1339 Low 1433 Low 1522 Low 1605 Low 1644 Low 1718 Low 1751
High 1906 High 1958 High 2044 High 2125 High 2202 High 2238 High 2313
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Low 0501 Low 0538 High 0030 High 0116 High 0211 High 0315 High 0426
High 1143 High 1215 Low 0618 Low 0703 Low 0758 Low 0903 Low 1021
Low 1823 Low 1857 High 1251 High 1329 High 1413 High 1505 High 1609
High 2349 Low 1933 Low 2015 Low 2102 Low 2157 Low 2255
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
High 0532 High 0631 Low 0047 Low 0140 Low 0230
Low 1140 Low 1252 High 0726 High 0816 High 0906
High 1716 High 1820 Low 1357 Low 1456 Low 1550
Low 2352 High 1921 High 2018 High 2114
27 28 29 30 31
January 2010
s m t w t f s
Low 0402 Low 0320 Low 0409
High 1024 High 0955 High 1042
Low 1707 Low 1642 Low 1730
High 2244 High 2207 High 2258
31 1 2
Low 0458 Low 0546 High 0038 High 0131 High 0230 High 0336 High 0447
Tide Times
• Always check the tide charts before driving on the beach.
• Beach driving: it is illegal to drive on any beach one hour
either side of high tide on North Stradbroke Island. Fines will
be issued to anyone found driving at these times.
• Point Lookout: Deduct one and a half hours from the tide
time at the Brisbane bar (this is the time shown in the daily
paper and on this calendar) for the correct high and low tide
on main beach.
For example: 10.30am Low Tide at Bar = 9.00am at Main Beach.
• Amity Point: Deduct half an hour for the correct high
and low tide times for Amity and Flinders Beach.
For example: 10.30am Low Tide at the Bar
= 10.00am at Amity and Flinders Beach.
Tips for Four
Wheel Driving
• Beaches are considered a road under Queensland
legislation, therefore road rules apply. Speed limits for
Flinders are 40km/hr and 60km/hr on Main.
• Use formed tracks only, never make new tracks and
stay off dune vegetation – it keeps the dunes in place.
• Lower tyre pressure makes driving on sand safer and
easier – consult your tyre supplier for correct tyre pressures
for your vehicle. Don’t forget to re-inflate your tyres when
driving on bitumen.
Amity Point

High 1128 High 1212 Low 0636 Low 0730 Low 0830 Low 0942 Low 1102
Low 1815 Low 1859 High 1257 High 1342 High 1430 High 1527 High 1632
High 2347 Low 1942 Low 2024 Low 2111 Low 2202 Low 2300
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
High 0555 Low 0001 Low 0059 Low 0148 Low 0231 Low 0308 Low 0343
Low 1223 High 0654 High 0745 High 0829 High 0908 High 0944 High 1016
High 1745 Low 1330 Low 1424 Low 1509 Low 1548 Low 1623 Low 1654
High 1852 High 1947 High 2033 High 2113 High 2147 High 2220
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Low 0415 Low 0448 Low 0523 High 0005 High 0045 High 0129 High 0222
High 1047 High 1116 High 1146 Low 0600 Low 0640 Low 0725 Low 0823
Low 1723 Low 1751 Low 1820 High 1216 High 1247 High 1324 High 1411
High 2253 High 2328 Low 1851 Low 1925 Low 2003 Low 2052
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
High 0330 High 0449 High 0601 Low 0018 Low 0121 Low 0219 Low 0312
Low 0939 Low 1108 Low 1232 High 0704 High 0800 High 0851 High 0939
High 1517 High 1640 High 1800 Low 1345 Low 1445 Low 1537 Low 1624
Low 2157 Low 2310 High 1909 High 2011 High 2105 High 2156
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
February 2010
s m t w t f s
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28
High 0205 High 0342 High 0509 Low 0028 Low 0122 Low 0209
Low 0814 Low 0939 Low 1101 High 0615 High 0713 High 0803
High 1510 High 1627 High 1736 Low 1214 Low 1317 Low 1416
Low 2203 Low 2323 High 1836 High 1929 High 2016
Low 0252 High 0525 High 0630 Low 0040 Low 0133 Low 0217 Low 0255
High 0851 Low 1210 Low 1315 High 0723 High 0807 High 0845 High 0919
Low 1510 High 1730 High 1842 Low 1404 Low 1445 Low 1520 Low 1553
High 2102 Low 2331 High 1935 High 2018 High 2054 High 2127
Low 0330 Low 0402 Low 0436 Low 0510 Low 0545 High 0016 High 0056
High 0951 High 1020 High 1047 High 1115 High 1144 Low 0622 Low 0703
Low 1622 Low 1650 Low 1717 Low 1745 Low 1812 High 1215 High 1249
High 2159 High 2231 High 2305 High 2340 Low 1842 Low 1915
High 0144 High 0248 High 0411 High 0532 High 0642 Low 0107 Low 0207
Low 0758 Low 0914 Low 1049 Low 1218 Low 1329 High 0739 High 0830
High 1336 High 1446 High 1622 High 1750 High 1901 Low 1425 Low 1513
Low 2001 Low 2111 Low 2237 Low 2357 High 2000 High 2051
Low 0301
High 0916
Low 1557
High 2139
Dunwich
Point Lookout
Mining lease areas
For your safety, driving or
walking on mining lease
is not permitted.

Construction Sands
appeal proceeds
8
The Sand Times December 2009
Consolidated Rutile Limited’s (CRL) appeal
against Redland City Council’s rejection of the
development application to sell excess sand
to the South East Queensland construction
industry will proceed to a full hearing on the
merits of the application.
On 29 September 2009, the Planning and Environment
Court made a decision to uphold the first stage of CRL’s
appeal, with Judge Wilson finding that the company’s
application was lawful and correctly made.
In accepting CRL’s appeal, the court rejected claims by
the Redland City Council and co-respondents, including
local lobbying groups, that CRL had not appropriately
addressed all of the issues in making its development
application.
CRL’s Managing Director, Campbell Jones said the
company had always been willing and prepared to work
with Redland City Council and the Stradbroke Island
Community to arrive at a workable solution to export
excess sand from the island for the construction industry.
“The Court’s decision takes us one step closer to
selling excess sand for the construction sands market,
which represents a sustainable solution for our mining
operations on North Stradbroke Island without creating
additional environmental impact,” Mr Jones said.
“The original proposal for removal of excess sand volume
was supported by the Environmental Protection Agency
and the Department of Natural Resources and Water as
concurrence agencies in the application process, and will
lead to improved landform results in the rehabilitation
process which follows mineral sand mining activities.
“During the nine month development application
process, CRL cooperated with the Council experts
tasked with assessing the application. The Council’s
own documents show that the experts recommended
Council grant preliminary approval to CRL’s application.
Unfortunately the Councillors decided to ignore the
advice of their own experts and rejected the application,
although CRL addressed every issue raised by the
community throughout the extensive consultation
process.
“Clearly, we were disappointed at that outcome and that
is why we appealed the Council’s decision through the
Planning and Environment Court.
“The Court’s decision in September was about the
preliminary points of law and we will now proceed to a
full hearing of the appeal.
“We believe the CRL sand proposal makes good sense
and can be managed in a responsible manner, while
creating valuable jobs and contributing to the local
economy,” Mr Jones said.
Footnote: At the time of printing, the action group, Friends of Stradbroke
Island and co-respondents have indicated that they will appeal the decision
in the Court of Appeal. This is expected to occur early in the new year.
Lid being lifted on the mysteries of Manta Rays
The Moreton Bay Research Station, with the help of industry “Many people don’t realise that studying and understanding the manta ray’s
and government partners, has for the last two years been
feeding activities, movements and migrations in relation to oceanic conditions
can provide us with a biological indicator for any ecosystem impacts as a result
building a picture of the largely mysterious manta ray
of climate change,” she said.
population off the east coast of Australia.
Dr Townsend said the team was slowly starting to get a real sense of how the
The study, called Project Manta, has been recording the manta ray
manta ray population off the east coast of Australian is behaving.
populations, their behaviours, feeding, movement and migration patterns
“The end of October this year marked the start of the third season that manta
using observations and satellite imagery. Overtime it will identify individuals
ray have been monitored near North Stradbroke Island. We are certainly
via DNA and photographic analysis in Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier
starting to build a clearer understanding of what makes them tick,” she said.
Reef Marine Park.
“We have had an overwhelming amount of support from both professional
CRL is pleased to be a three year sponsor for Project Manta. CRL believes
and recreational divers, helping us to get a sense of the manta ray behaviour
environmental management is an essential part of business and sponsorship of near Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
research into the manta ray can assist not just the manta, but Moreton Bay for
“With manta ray season starting again at North Stradbroke Island we
future generations to come.
continue to seek the support of divers by sending through old and new photos
One of the project’s lead scientists, Dr Kathy Townsend, said there were many and video recordings.
reasons why it was critical the behaviour of manta rays was understood.
“We are particularly after pictures of the underbelly of the manta ray. Like a
“Manta rays are such spectacular creatures and a major draw card for many human fingerprint, the black and white patterns are unique to each mantra
divers. It’s a wonder little research has been done on a species that has actually ray and can be used to identify them,” she said
been labelled vulnerable to extinction by the Union for Conservation of If you would like to find out more about Project Manta or would like to show
Nature and Natural Resources,” Dr Townsend said.
your support, why not join the Facebook group: PROJECT MANTA - The
manta rays of eastern Australia.

Staying safe
during the holidays
Summer is a time to relax and enjoy everything North Stradbroke Island has to offer. The following tips are here to help
everyone have a safe and enjoyable Christmas break whether on the road, the water or at the beach.
Driving
and traffic
safety tips
1. Before you leave home remember to prepare your car – have it serviced and check that you’re
prepared for emergencies with a blanket, torch and first aid kit
2. Make sure you are well rested before starting your journey – consider sharing the driving
and on long trips take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
3. If you want to enjoy a few alcoholic beverages don’t drive. Catch a cab or designate
a (non-drinking) friend to drive
4. Beach driving is not easy or second nature. Plan around the tides, obey the speed limits
(the beach is a road so also keep to the left) and importantly carry a shovel and recovery gear
5. If you have children in the car, ensure they are in the appropriate child restraint.
9
Boat and
sailing
safety tips
Tips to remember before you go out on the water:
1. Be weather-wise, always check local conditions for boating safety the day before and on the
day of departure
2. Follow a pre-departure checklist, including safety regulation compliances
3. Use your common sense and operate at a safe speed especially in busy and go slow areas, and
be alert at all times. Remember, it is illegal to drink and operate a boat
4. Make proper use of life jackets, if it’s not on it can’t help you
5. Develop a float plan (i.e. lodge your itinerary/timing with someone) and always carry the
appropriate flares, marine radio and EPIRB in case of an emergency.
The Sand Times December 2009
Beach
and surf
safety tips
1. Swim between the flags – the red and yellow flags mark the safest place to swim at the beach
2. Look at the safety signs to identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach
3. Children should always be supervised by an adult, and always swim with a friend to look out
for one another
4. If you get into trouble in the surf, raise your arm to signal for help and try to stay calm – float
with a current or rip, don’t try and swim against it
5. Be careful with your belongings on the beach, more people on the beach increases the chance
of your valuables being stolen
6. Remember – slip, slop and slap. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat and sit in the shade
when possible.
From everyone at Consolidated Rutile Limited, we wish you a safe, happy and enjoyable Christmas season.

10
What to do
if you cross paths with a snake
The Sand Times December 2009
Locals and tourists aren’t the only ones who like to lap up some sunshine over summer; the hot days will increase your chance of coming across a snake.
As cold-blooded animals that require the warmth of the sun to become active, snakes will often hide under cover then come out to feed as the day
progresses. If it becomes too warm, they will hide away in a cooler spot until late afternoon or early morning.
With summer upon us it is important for everyone on the Island to be cautious of snakes and to be aware of necessary first aid procedures if bitten.
Australia’s snakes are unique and many are poisonous. Australia has six of the most deadly snakes in the world, and most of them can be found on North
Stradbroke Island.
Estimates suggest that between 500 and 3,000 snake bites occur annually in Australia, mostly in the warmer months in rural and regional areas.
In warm weather they will hunt at night as well, so regardless of the time of day, it pays to be cautious.
While snakes usually try to avoid contact with people as much as possible, they will bite if they are taken by surprise.
How to avoid a snake:
• When moving through thick scrub
or bush, make plenty of noise and
move slowly
• Be careful when shifting objects
on the ground
• When walking in the bush, always
step onto logs, not over them.
What to do if you
see a snake:
• Do not approach the snake
• Give the snake a wide berth and
keep your distance
• Do not try and capture or handle it
• Remember, snakes only attack if
they feel threatened
• Do not try and kill them. Snakes
are protected by law.
What to do if bitten
by a snake:
• Do not wash, cut or apply
substances to the wound
• Remain still, as movement assists the
venom to enter the blood stream
• Apply a pressure bandage over the
bite as tight as possible (similar to
binding a sprain)
• Apply a splint if possible to
immobilise the limb
• Bring transport to the victim or
carry them to the transport
• Take them to the hospital
immediately.
Remember: almost all snake bites occur when people try to handle, harm or kill the snake.

Galleries & exhibitions
Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
Get to know the history of North Stradbroke Island by visiting the award winning Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
(2009 winner of the Regional Museums Award). Founded in 1987, the museum covers a range of topics including:
• Pioneer room featuring innovative and intriguing artefacts and stories from the early days of white settlement
on Stradbroke
• Aboriginal room which looks at the last history of the Aboriginal community on North Stradbroke Island
over the last 100 years
• Shipping looks at the shipwrecks around Stradbroke Island
• Lighthouse looks at North Stradbroke Island lighthouse
• A sperm whale skull – one of the largest ever found by Queensland Museum on a Queensland beach.
The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum can be found at 15-17 Welsby Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.
Museum opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am to 2.00pm
For more information call the museum on 3409 9699 or email info@stradbrokemuseum.com.au
Minjerribah–Moorgumpin, Elders-in-Council Q150 exhibition
The Minjerribah–Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council are promoting community awareness of the Aboriginal culture and
traditional heritage on North Stradbroke Island. As part of the Q150 celebrations they have created an exhibit that takes
visitors on a journey through the Island’s Aboriginal history.
The exhibit is located at 2 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. If you would like to visit the exhibit,
please call in if the Elders are open or contact the Minjerribah–Moorgumpin Elders directly on 3409 9723 or email
mmeic@bigpond.com to make a booking.
Salt Water Murris’ Gallery
One Mile (Moopi Moopi Pa) at North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is a special place for the Quandamooka people.
It is the place where the water of Moreton Bay meets the sand, land and foliage of Minjerribah. The exhibition, One Mile:
Memories, Thoughts and Stories, shares community and family experiences including living, hunting and playing at One Mile.
Visit One Mile: Memories, Thoughts and Stories exhibition at 3 Ballow Road, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.
Gallery hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10.00am to 3.00pm
Saturday to Sunday, 10.00am to 4.00pm
For more information please call 07 3415 2373 or email saltwatermurris@bigpond.com.au
Note, all artworks are for sale.
Work, live, play – a lifetime
on North Stradbroke Island
Many regular visitors to North Stradbroke Island would agree the Island has a way
of drawing them back time and time again. Of course, there is a lot to come back
for, whether it’s enjoying the fresh sea air from the perfect camping spots, a peaceful
swim in Blue Lake or taking in the spectacular views from Point Lookout.
For others, North Stradbroke Island is more than just an island escape, it’s in their blood
and it’s a home few people would trade. No more true is this than for Island identity
and member of the Minjerribah–Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council, Uncle Pat Iselin.
Uncle Pat has lived and worked (almost) all his life on North Stradbroke Island. For
Uncle Pat, his parents, grandparents and great grandparents North Stradbroke Island
provides an unbeatable way of life.
At nearly 80 years of age, Uncle Pat has seen the Island grow, change and evolve.
He met and married his wife of 60 years, Aunty Margaret Iselin, on the Island and
together they raised their family here.
He is also one of the Island residents who made their living on the Island, spending
more than three decades of his career as an employee of the Island’s first mining
operation Titanium and Zirconium Industries (TAZI), later Associated Minerals
Consolidated.
In the 1950’s North Stradbroke Island was far more isolated than it is now. As the
onsite boilermaker Uncle Pat not only repaired boilers but he and his team fixed
everything from broken-down mining vehicles to steel pipes.
“Things weren’t as easy as they are now in the sand mining industry. A lot of the
minerals were mined by hand,” Uncle Pat said.
“After a big storm the black-coloured minerals could be seen right on the beach.
Trucks would be sent out and three or more fellows would be out shovelling the
sand straight off the beach into ex-army Blitz trucks and other four wheel drives.
“They’d do this a couple of times a day. It was
hard, back breaking work but in those days we
just didn’t have the technology,” he said.
Uncle Pat remembers when TAZI built the
trans-island rope-way to transport sand from
Main Beach to Dunwich.
“We needed to build a rope-way to transport
minerals from Main Beach to Dunwich. To do
this, TAZI had to construct six towers across
swamp land to connect the ropeway, which
carried about 300 big buckets of sand,”
Uncle Pat said.
“Around $2.8 million, a lot in those days, was
spent on building a concentrator, the rope-way,
a dredge called Titania and a dry plant and light house at Dunwich.
Island
happenings
One Mile Coming Home,
Joshua Walker © 2009
“Titania started dredging just behind the sand dunes on Main beach in about 1955
with a second dredge, Zirconia, starting in 1957. They were exciting times as more
and more we started seeing all this heavy equipment coming in and improving the
whole sand mining process,” he said.
Uncle Pat saw TAZI change to Associated Minerals Consolidated in 1969 and
continued another 16 years of service until his retirement from the mining industry
in 1985.
Uncle Pat has always maintained a keen interest in the mining activities on the
Island. He’s seen the benefits of the evolving technology and has witnessed a change
in the rehabilitation methods used to rehabilitate mined land.
Many of those visiting North Stradbroke Island may know Uncle Pat. Perhaps you
sat in the back of the cab he operated with his son-in-law for almost thirteen years.
For Uncle Pat the North Stradbroke Island way of life is in his blood. It’s home.
11
The Sand Times December 2009

Island
history
Did you know?
North Stradbroke Island has the region’s oldest archaeological site at Wallen Wallen Creek just south of
Dunwich. Research at the site has provided evidence of human activity dating back to at least 21,000 years
ago. Most Aboriginal settlement sites around the coastline date from around six to eight thousand years ago.
There are many shell middens still in existence today. The more obvious ones can be found at Point Lookout
(near the Surf Club) and Dunwich (Polka Point). There are also extensive middens around Blue Lake and
south of Wallen Wallen Creek on the inside of the island.
12
The Sand Times December 2009
Head Office:
Unit 1, 58 Metroplex Avenue
Murarrie Queensland 4172
Phone: (61 7) 3909 4500
Fax: (61 7) 3909 4501
North Stradbroke Island Office:
PO Box 47
Dunwich Queensland 4183
Phone: (61 7) 3409 6800
Fax: (61 7) 3409 6801
This magazine is printed on
ENVI Recycled Paper
DEPARTURE TIMES ONLY
CLEVELAND
#4.55am
# 5.55am
6.55am
7.55am
8.55am
9.55am
10.55am
12.55pm
1.55pm
3.25pm
4.25pm
5.25pm
6.25pm
# 7.25pm
st
As of the 31
March 2008
1 MILE JETTY
DUNWICH
#5.25am
6.25am
7.25am
8.25am
9.25am
10.25am
11.25am
1.25pm
2.25pm
3.55pm
4.55pm
5.55pm
6.55pm
# 7.55pm
Times in Red Denotes no services at that time
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays.
# Denotes No Bus at that time.
Limited services Christmas Day please enquire.
Vehicle Ferry Timetable - Effective 31st Aug 2009 to 18th April 2010
Monday to Friday
DEPARTS CLEVELAND
DEPARTS DUNWICH
5.30am – Q
5.30am – M
6.30am – M
6.30am – Q
7.30am – Q
8.00am – M
9.00am – M
9.00am – Q
10.00am – Q
10.30am – M
11.30am – M
11.30am – Q
12.30pm – Q
1.00pm – M
2.30pm – M
2.00pm – Q
3.30pm – Q
3.30pm – M
4.30pm – M
4.30pm – Q
5.30pm – M
6.30pm – M
Friday (as above + extra trips)
7.30pm – M
8.30pm – M
Saturday
5.30am – Q
5.30am – M
6.30am – M
6.30am – Q
7.30am – Q
8.00am – M
9.00am – M
9.00am – Q
10.00am – Q
10.30am – M
11.30am – M
11.30am – Q
12.30pm – Q
12.30pm – M
1.30pm – M
1.30pm – Q
2.30pm – M
3.30pm – M
4.30pm – M
5.30pm – M
Sunday
6.00am – M
7.00am – M
8.00am – Q
8.00am – M
9.00am – M
9.00am – Q
10.00am – Q
10.00am – M
11.00am – M
11.00am – Q
12.00pm – Q
12.00pm – M
1.00pm – M
1.30pm – Q
2.30pm – Q
2.30pm – M
3.30pm – M
3.30pm – Q
4.30pm – Q
4.30pm – M
5.30pm – M
5.30pm – Q
6.30pm – M
7.30pm – M
· M: Minjerribah (access lift to café) Q: Quandamooka
Water Taxi Timetable - Effective 31st Aug 2009 to 18th April 2010
Monday to Friday
DEPARTS CLEVELAND
DEPARTS DUNWICH
5.55am –
6.25am
6.55am – 7.25am –
7.55am – 8.25am –
8.55am – 9.25am –
9.55am – 10.25am –
10.55am – 11.25am –
12.55pm – 1.25pm –
1.55pm – 2.25pm –
3.25pm – 3.55pm –
4.25pm – 4.55pm –
5.25pm – 5.55pm –
6.25pm – 6.55pm –
Saturday & Sunday
6.55am – 7.25am –
7.55am – 8.25am –
8.55am – 9.25am –
9.55am – 10.25am –
10.55am – 11.25am –
12.55pm – 1.25pm –
1.55pm – 2.25pm –
3.25pm – 3.55pm –
4.25pm – 4.55pm –
5.25pm – 5.55pm –
6.25pm – 6.55pm –
Connects with bus from Cleveland & Railway
Connects with bus from Point Lookout
· Buses only connect with water taxi services not vehicle ferry services
· Timetable is subject to alteration
· Please check with us for Public Holiday & Christmas Day timetable
· Water Taxi travel time between Cleveland & Dunwich is 25 min each way
· NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED
· Catch this bus from Cleveland shops / train station
· The Veolia Bus No. 258 transfers to the Stradbroke Ferries Water Taxi Terminal
· Vessels subject to change
· Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to allow time for loading
· Timetable is subject to alteration
· Please check with us for Public Holiday & Christmas Day timetable
· Ferry travel time between Cleveland & Dunwich is 45 min each way
· BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL