Ann: Clarification on Sale of Drummond Project, page-21

Hi TerryGI,

I read your post regarding the chat with the local & quoting thelast census. I’m just going to add my two Bobs () worth, this isn’t a shotat you. Just to clarify, I’m waiting to see how they fund it.

Jobs wise, I doubt locals would see anything for the construction phase.That’s not the kind of skills set I would expect locals to have & the companieswho specialise in that area would have their own crews for any projects theywin. That or a phone full of contacts. These guys tend to move from job to jobwhich brings up issues with accommodation (I’ll get to that). That's all subsequent to contracts either way. The fun part for ADNwill be staffing the plant (provided we get that far). I don’t recall how manymill rats they require to keep the plant ticking over but they have to compete withthe agricultural & fishing groups. That creates a number of issues foremployees & where their priorities lie if they live local.

I doubt they will have issues finding transport. The big companies havetrucks available in depots located from one end of the country to the other. I’dimagine it’s a four day drive at most from the furthest point to get there.

If we’re running triples then truck would need to meet that spec.Trailers need to be able to carry 20 foot sea containers, not hard. I likedyour post with the container pic btw. An old pic but relevant, things aren’tthat hard anymore. There are that many different design containers gettingaround these days you will find one fit for purpose. Besides they are talkingbulk bags, no need for anything that special.

Drivers I’m assuming would have to be DIDO if you couldn’t get localswhich I would expect to be the case.

The roadworks ADN spoke of completing aren’t urgent, they still meet thestandard required for operating triples as far as I’m aware. ADN has even goneas far as saying there would be no transport movements during school busoperation times.

As for accommodation, I wouldn’t be using rentals or caravans to startwith if at all. Transportable dongas are readily available. I’d set up nearsite & go from there. Let the construction guys work from there. Once they’redone then the plant employees & drivers use the dongas. It gives themsomewhere to stay while giving the option of moving to the area if they are notlocal, that or find a rental. If the employee is local then accommodation isn’tan issue. The main cause for concern with local accommodation for me is inflatedrents & property prices hence why I would initially lean toward dongas.

As for pub chat & local gossip…… sometimes it depends on where youdrink as to what you hear & what info people choose to tell others can varygreatly Who knows……

Obviously I haven’t spoken with any locals, it’s just my take on whatyou’ve posted. I’m waiting on updates the same as you. It’s been rough watchingthe SP trend the way it has. We wait & see the outcome of the ceramic tileexhibition…. Cheers Terry