|
2010 News
The Hunter Sub-Branch, on the 19th April, held its second meeting for 2010 at East Maitland. Meeting at the Hunter River Hotel, we boarded a bus and set off to the Daracon Construction site.
The afternoon was spectacular as we drove over historical parts of East Maitland, initially over a portion of the convict constructed Great North Road, of which Daracon preserved the convict cut stones and then along the flood plains where Les Darcy the world famous boxer lived and worked.
But I digress; we unloaded adjacent to the partially constructed bridge where we were guided across by our very informative guide Justin Foot, project manager for the job. Justin pointed out a number of special engineering features which included the free floating concrete slabs, sitting on big rubber ‘bungs' (maybe not the correct term) and the flood design aspects unique to this project.
We then walked underneath the bridge to inspect the techniques used to construct the bridge, the pre-loading and compaction of the off and on ramps is of critical concern. When considering these elements Daracon needed to be mindful of the very important levee system used all around Maitland.
As the sun set we traveled back to hotel for refreshments and discussions. Dayne Steggles Hunter Chairman formally opened the evening by thanking Daracon for kind hospitality and very informative tour. Certificates were presented to Brett Worner (Hanson) for a membership upgrade, and membership for Adrian Czadrik, and Peter Andrews by NSW Chairman Jim Gardiner.
After dinner Justin went through in more detail about the project and especially the relationship between contractor and client. The RTA has set very tight specifications for all material to be used on the job as well as the finished surfaces. These specification controls are of very great interest for all quarry operators and future projects in the Hunter.
Dayne thanked Justin and he was awarded an IQA shirt and bottle of wine for his efforts.
Bill Sanderson spoke briefly on the upcoming NSW Branch Seminar to be held at Coffs Harbour from the 14th to 16th May, please check the www.quarry.com.au web site for details and registration.
Matt Monaghan also discussed the IQA wards and sponsored awards and encouraged all to enter, leaflets were handed out and once again check the website www.quarry.com.au for details.
Thanks again to Daracon for a very interesting evening and sponsoring the bus and refreshments over the bar.
Below are some images captured at the 7 June dinner meeting during the recycling presentation by Dayne Steggles.
Greg Thomson, Hunter Secretary
2009 News
Hunter Sub-Branch’s fourth meeting in 2009 was held at Harbour View function centre where Keith Chilman welcomed everyone and he discussed the possible future structure of the IQA in NSW and that it was most likely now that there will be 5 sub branches, with Sydney being the newest and completely separated from the NSW Branch. As we understand the NSW Chairman will be appointed from the sub branch representatives and sub committees will be formed off the NSW IQA branch.
Greg welcomed the 54 attendees for coming, who represented 20 different quarry related companies. Greg briefly discussed some administrative business which included the future events for 2009, which include a coal mine visit on 8th October at Bulga and a meeting on the central coast in November. Greg also thanked the committee, Keith and Dayne for their assistance throughout the year.
After an enjoyable meal Michael van Koeverdan presented an interesting talk on what quarry products we should be making and why, which is a small portion of his new quarry products course to be rolled out soon. The practical and hands on presentation kept everyone interested, including light weight and heavy concrete and the crushed rock samples of different shapes and sizes.
The guess the rock competition was won by Michael van Koeverdan and Dayne Steggles (who was suspected of being coached by Rob Corkery) but after the stewards took some swabs and reviewed the video footage Dayne was cleared and the prizes were awarded.
A good night was had by all and we look forward to the coal mine visit in October.
Regards
Greg Thomson
NSW Hunter sub branch Secretary
|
