Ann: Update on Gold Production from Agate Creek Gold Project, page-72

I've been up there a lot, and here are a few bits of information: 1. Narrow gage rail line runs parl. to the Qld border, north of Texas. It is in use. 2. A disused spur line runs to Texas. The coal could be hauled by rail for most of the distance. 3. The standard gage inland rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane is gradually under construction, in Victoria..with Federal funding. It will most likely use the existing rail corridor from north of Moree o the east in Qld. Be a fair while yet. Road links the Ashford area to Texas mostly fairly flat, 25k along the Bruxner Hwy, Dumaresq River valley along but a series of steeper climbs closer to Texas. Bit over 50 k each way. Ashford road reasonably level, maybe 30k of this.

Some of the local Ashford cockies freak out when a mine is mentioned because they are afraid the dust etc. would devalue their bordering properties. Its not a huge deposit, but good quality. Ashford is a quiet little place but liveable. Bowling club, cheap houses, PO, transaction centre, Servo/gen store/takeaway, school bus service to Inverell and good local schools, both Primary and High. The high school get very good results from small classes. Football teams (league) and one of the only sand golf courses around, with 60-80 members. Airstrip. Medical centre. Nursing home. Community car service. 1 man police station. Good fishing, freshwater in area, and all the major stores, in Inverell, business hub half hour drive south. Coal deposit about 8k out of Ashford. Don't think FIFO would be necessary here. The coal has alredy been lightly mined to feed the Ashford power station, closed down by some political idiots, so now local power has to come from the coast. Its wester slopes so not too dry climate. Town has never had water restrictions, good supply from big nearby dam.