REX - Regional Express

news&views FAST ACTION QUASHES SNAIL RISK Biosecurity has been a key issue in Australia since the introduction of the cane toad. In October this year, workers on an Origin Energy worksite in Queensland discovered exotic snails in washbasins that had been brought in from Thailand as part of prefab buildings on the site. The creatures, identified as Siamese snails, are considered a biosecurity risk because, like cane toads, they can become an environmental, horticultural or agricultural pest, as well as potentially carry parasites. Origin Energy's environmental management team was quick to act, closing down the site and reporting the find to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Colin Hunter, north east regional manager for DAFF, said Origin Energy's fast detection, reporting and ongoing cooperation was a great example of industry working with government to manage an onshore biosecurity risk. "Australia's biosecurity system manages the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering and establishing in Australia," Hunter said. "This incident is an example of our biosecurity system at work and the partnerships with industry and the community that we rely on to manage these risks." Origin Energy received a biosecurity commendation award from DAFF for its actions. REEF PLAN TO RESTRICT PORT DEVELOPMENTS In response to UNESCO's damning report about the deterioration of the Great Barrier Reef, the Queensland Government's Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy has been drafted to protect the natural wonder. It aims to contain port developments to the Gladstone region, Abbot Point and Hay Point, in conjunction with having fewer, larger ports along the coast. HERE COMES HERCULES Need a helping hand with heavy lifting? Dieci Australia's big-lift-capacity telehandlers – appropriately named Hercules – have 21-, 16- and 12-tonne lift capacities to a maximum height of between 9.5 and 9.9 metres. Dieci Australia reports a high level of interest from the mining sector, with all Hercules models offering a variety of 'pick and carry' attachments, which now include a tyre handler, cylinder handler, pump removal tool and drill rod handler for increased versatility on both open-cut and underground mine sites. Dieci Australia can also tailor- make all of its telehandlers to be MGD15 mine compliant (site specific). In an effort to further tailor the product to the mining industry, the Hercules will now offer miners and mining contractors a broader range of attachments that provide site maintenance solutions. With operator safety and confidence in mind, all the Hercules models are fitted with compliant load management systems. The Dieci range of telehandlers is manufactured in Italy and imported into Australia exclusively by Dieci Australia. For further information call Dieci Australia on 1300 888 479 or visit www.di eci.com.au. 44

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