http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/9169949/wages-blowout-threat-to-new-lng-projects/

once again we see the cat beeing flogged and skinned to no end.

Ok many will claim this is not true, but just had to tell a client it's too dame expensive  to build a facility in Port Headland cause he can't afford the labour costs on a Green Field agreement again!

The above article highlights whats going on, some contracts are paying reasonable rates, but others are forced by union agreed green field rates into the stupid region of pay scales...

So we will see more and more off shore work being done again.

PS this client will now consider building the entire facility in the USA and bring it in on large ships in sections and welding the facility together once landed here. That way he cuts his total costs by 50% !!! using Yankie labour at a quarter of the rates we paying up there. ( no he won't go to China or far east, as he wants a high quality facility with technology that he does not want " copied" once he leaves the construction phase...

I decided to change things up a little yesterday and take the missus out for a snorkel. On the way I had a few casts over some shallow reefs for some GTs or Red Bass but unfortunately didn't have any luck. Next stop was 'Manta Pass' where all the Mantas come in for a feed at low tide. As we were tieing up to the bouy I saw one go under the boat and then as soon as the missus was in the water another one went by so she was 'happy as Larry' and I was king for the day already. We saw a few more go by, had a visit by a massive school of rainbow runner, then went for a snorkel over the reef one side of the pass. Then after a relaxing lunch watching a few more mantas cruise by we headed outside the reef for a quick troll on the way home. I was at least four miles away from the barrier reef with two marlin lures out the back. I happened to look up and saw a massive splash, line poured off - drag singing and the fish went down, down, down. You beauty I thought. Once we got the boat in the right position the fish came in a little to easy to be the marlin that I was hoping for. Eventually I got it to the boat and landed my now PB wahoo at 26lb 8oz and I was glad not to loose an expensive marlin lure to a wahoo. Not a bad concellation prize. After that it was lures in and headed home. On the way we came across a pod of dolphins who were obviously on my side and knew that it would please my lovely bride if they jumped of the bow for five minutes or so. Mantas, snorkelling in 30 degree water, a PB Hoo and 'missus pleasing' dolphins. What a great day on the water.

Driving back from my fishing spot I came over the hill in the road, And a black panther run across the road in front of me 50meters away. AND NO NOT ON DRUGS

Went to the police and the cops gave me a number to ring with the goverment and iam having to google the spot for him and he will take it from there

Now you guys might think i am mad but its real, Been going there 10years and i have not seen any think like it before

steve

This is going to leave me wide open - but i am currently looking at buying a cheap 4WD - having been made redundant i don't have much to spend but i want to keep beach fishing. I can either blow about 8k on a risky older vehicle or take over the wife's 2004 Santa Fe. It has a 4WD drive badge on the back but is a viscous drive all wheel drive unit. I believe some Santa Fe's had a sort of real 4WD drive set up but not this one. Are these beach capable or am i going to have problems? Any advice is most welcome.

This may not please everyone, but i am back on board after a sabbatical ( couldn't pay our Broadband bill ). Well, over the last few months i have learnt a thing or two - i will share them with you:

1. Never trust your employer - a letter assuring you you you are valued and safe on Thursday is followed by an on the spot redundancy the following Monday.

2. Never trust your bank - as if you need to be told this!

3. Never trust your financial advisor - he's in it for the money and beware of Fully Preserved Super - his commission is fully preserved and you can't touch it until 60 so you can't bail out your mortage in an emergency.

4. Never under value your mates - we have survived thanks to a mate - no thanks though to the mineral boom, my ex employer, my financial advisor and the mongrel banks.

5. Always wear clean undies in case you go to hospital - what a load of crap - took the wife in tonight with a ruptured appendix and i wasn't checked at all.

Had a phone call on our home line this arvo from a private number and a woman with an Indian accent proceeded to tell me she was from a company that is contracted to microsoft to deal with security and virus problems and that they were getting messages from my computer and that my computer was not far away from crashing big time.She wanted me to visit some web site by pressing the windows button and the R button but It seemed a bit suss to me, anyway cut a long story short told her piss off and that I thought she was full of bullshit and her responce before hanging up was "well if your computer crashes dont call us" which confirmed my suspicion that she wasnt legit.

Did a bit of searching on the net and found this from microsoft themselves.

http://www.microsoft.com/australia/presspass/post/Microsoft-issues-warning-on-phone-scam

 Cheers

Gazza

HI guys, has anyone had any problems with the anti reverse on one of these reels, and if so what was wrong, and how did you fix it?

does any1 no  what the diameter of 60  and 80lb frog braid is?

Hey guys, if your sitting around today a little bored check some of this action out.

http://syd1-0003dsb.server-web.com/index.php/live/

Check the conditions, nice change from the endless summer...

Rockingham flood victims need assistance - Please Give Generously


Torrential rain hit Rockingham in the early hours of last night.

Victims were seen wandering around aimlessly, flannies soaked, woollen trackies sagging, muttering 'Faaackinell'.

Flood waters devastated the area causing approximately $30 worth of damage.

Three areas of historic burnt out cars were disturbed. Many locals were woken well before their Centrelink cheques arrived.

The Rockingham Times reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered and were still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Read St ..

One resident - Tracy Maree Sharon Britney Madonna Skye-Smith, a 15-year-old mother of 5 said 'It was such a shock, my little daughter Chardonnay-Mercedes came running in to my bedroom crying. My youngest two Joachim and River slept through it all.' The water rushed in the front door and out the back – it was amazing, the place has never been so clean!”

Apparently, looting, muggings and car crime were unaffected and carried on as normal.

The Australian Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4,000 crates of Bacardi-Breezers to the area to help the stricken locals. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including Health Care Cards, Jewellery from Kmart and Bone China from Big W.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

This appeal is to raise money for food and clothing parcels for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in this disaster. Clothing is most sought after - items most needed include: flannelette Shirts, tight blue jeans or spandex, singlets (blue & white) white sport socks, Ugg boots, hoodies and any other items usually sold in Priceline or The Reject Shop.

Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.
Required foodstuffs urgently needed include: Microwave meals, Baked Beans, Ice cream, Sarah Lee Frozen Cheesecakes, Chips, all Fizzy drinks, Wagon Wheels, Tim Tams, Coco Pops and Fruit Loops. No Diet Coke

Donations of $ 25.00 will be taken to buy a packet of Winny blue 25s and a lighter and cans of Jim Bean to calm the nerves of those affected.

Hi guys

The sounder on my lowrance elite 5 combo has just started reading inaccurately and flashing randomly.

I was wondering if anyone has encountered this problem before?

Or where is the best place to take my boat to get it fixed?

Any help would me much appreciated. Thanks

 i heard a few different stories as to what happened down at the rally in freo the other day.

how did it all go, i heard there was a bit of an upset by someone holding a banner of some sort. 

The echo sounder on our rescue boat has died and if someone has one sitting in their shed gathering dust could they consider donating it to a good cause, notably Carnarvon Sea Rescue. It doesn't have to be anything special as all it has to do is show the depth.

I am willing to pay for postage or arrange pick up.

Can anyone list the jurisdiction that the fisheries officers can apply to boat owners, as opposed the Water Police. I've only had dealings with the Water police, and am curious to know what and how far the fisheries officers can go with out over stepping their boundaries.

Looking for a rod suitable for stella 5000, soft plastics and light jig work quite like the look of some browning rods Brian at Nedlands has shown me does anyone have one and are they any good. What else would be good.

Thanks

Howdy all, we are buying a new car shortly and it will be a family car, so no bull bar on the front (XR6 Falcon) I'm looking at the electronic shu roo to put on the front. Anyone have any good, or bad, things to say about these.

Cheers

Dale

http://www.shuroo.com/index.php

 Hey all fellow fishos! 

I have decided to run in the HBF Run for a Cause race on 22 May 2011. Not only that, I've also created a page to rally some donations to a charity. I've chosen the Cancer Council for this. 

It's the first time I'm doing this and it would be the first time I'm running such a long distance at one go and it is a challenge for me. I used to be a sprinter/power type athlete and I can't do it anymore due to injuries. I know it's not as dramatic as the World's Greatest Shave but it's still going to the Cancer Council. My target amount is not high, but I would still hope that I can hit the target. 

Therefore, I appeal to you guys to help me with this target. Any small amount will be equally appreciated. 

hbfrunfundraising.com.au/johan_wong

Cheers guys! 

so you think you can dock your boat...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zqsfRUJn2I

this guy just makes it soooo easy... Holy Cr@P...

now this guy is a littls lower...but hey he can do IT!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8F_GyUBYU&feature=related

Can anyone recommend a company to supply and install  a skylight to my home, NoR?

thanks

hi i thought id ask here if any one does insurance

need public liability and   plant ect

thanks

Perfectionnnn

Not fishing related, does anyone no the head of the river result from yesterday

Cheers Bullwing

Now boys what is the prediction this time. I recon straight over the top of the rigs just off Kcity. BTS will be Cat 3 or maybe 4!

BOM says heading offshore, other models more onshore. Dont know with these things. Dont feel like the 3rd tie down for the year. Getting boring!

Neels

For those on their way through to Exmouth stick some shade cloth over your grill or radiator because they are nearly in plague proportions up here at the moment and they are not the usual little buggers. Most of these ones will go at least 4 inches--100mm long so be prepared for a yellow windscreen and headlights

.From the latest info they are nearly all the way through to Exmouth from Carnarvon.

Thanks to every one for the support on this topic.

Talked to the guy's around my factory and someone saw it go past yesterday. ( d#ckheads drove straight past my factory)

I new of a local crackhead that used to have a workshop only 300m from mine, that lived in Ashfield.

Went for a drive and HEY there it is in his driveway . Wanted to take it and smash him but decided to call the police.

Met the police out the front but they could not go straight in. They didn't want to stuff up procedures and lose everything.

I watched them all exit out the back and left the girlfriend to deal with the cop's.

I was asked to leave with advise that i will get my gear back, police didn't want any altercations with me being there.

These guys are so dumb its a joke. steel somthing,take it past the owner place of work,park it in there own driveway, one suburb away.

Good thing is i should get it all back and i know who did it and were they live. 10 years of MMA training and i might finaly get to use it LOL.

Cheers Crew... Grant..

Hi crew, sorry to put up a post like this but i'm devo'd.

Got home from work about 8pm to find my trailer missing. Checked with my friend's and neibours and no one borrow'd it.

I spent 2 months last year rebuilding it for a trip to steep point. Very solid 4x4 box trailer with jerry can holders and a large esky on the front.

I'll include a couple of pic's but i just put a canope on top that are not in the pic.

Just to make it worse i had all my camping gear inside as well.

If anyone gets offered a cheap trailer that looks like this one, please PM me so i can kick there heads in( oops i mean call the police)

I have reported it stolen and have many photo's of it being built.

It has been painted grey.

We get a lot of these little twisters come through the building sites when we're working and finally got one on video. Could see a few plastic bags in the sky and knew one was heading out way so got the phone out. They're pretty cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_FO-C2jjFA

 for those that have been watching the series and the ones that want to watch it. its on at 7;30 hd1

Just an Idea I'd like to put forward. I would love to send these guys some fishwrecked merchandise some shirts and caps etc to show some sort of solidarity and respect to fellow fishos. I'd be willing to kick in a $100 towards the gear as a starter if there is enough agreeance among the rest of you. If you like this idea Adam tell me where to send the dough. Don't know if they will hang around in Aus though. But thought I'd put it out there.

Article in today's West - just another reason why we should all be at the meeting on Wednesday

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/opinion/post/-/blog/talkingpoint/post/14/comment/1/