The regional workshops are organised by Gary Gibson, from Gary Gibson & Associates Mining and Mine Management Services, on behalf of the ACARP Roadway Development Task Group (RWDTG).

The workshops will highlight a number of wins achieved in specific areas of development and invite discussion from all those involved in roadway development including operators, trades, team leaders, explosion risk zone (ERZ) controllers/deputies, development coordinators and engineers, superintendents and mine managers.

Presenting at the workshop will be Gary Gibson, Beltana development coordinator Matt Bonnard, Springvale development coordinator John Vincze, Crinum development maintenance coordinator Alan Bruce, United development coordinator Jim Richardson, as well as a RWDTG member.

Participants will be encouraged to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities they have experienced in roadway development and to recommend ways and means of improving performance.

In addition to the technical presentations and discussions, opportunities will be available for selected original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and researchers to stage displays at the workshop and present developments in technology and research.

The Central Queensland workshop will be held on September 1 in Mackay; the Hunter Valley workshop on September 5 in Pokolbin and the Southern/Western region workshop on September 6 in Penrith.

Further regional workshops are scheduled for March 2007 and August 2007, with a Roadway Development Operators’ Conference scheduled for February 2008.

Watch International Longwall News and the September edition of Australian Longwall Magazine for detailed articles on the workshops’ presentations.