Archived News for Industry Professionals - December, 2012
The South Australian Government has finalised its road map to developing its unconventional gas resources, saying that it will chart the way for the State to tap into its ‘vast gas potential’.
Victoria pledges action on building industry report
The Victorian Government has promised action following a report into the governance and administration of the Victorian Building Commission.
IMOS hits millionth milestone
Australian researchers and scientists have achieved a major milestone in the Argo ocean-monitoring program after completing one million profiles of ocean observations in the program.
Aurizon secures Rio Tinto coal deal
Freshly rebranded rail haulage company Aurizon has announced it has secured a new performance-based contract with Rio Tinto Coal Australia.
HVCCC chief steps down
Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator’s (HVCCC) Chief Executive, Jonathan Vandervoort, has announced he will be stepping down from the role in January next year.
North Strathfield Rail Underpass contract winner announced
The New South Wales Government has announced it has awarded Macmahon Holdings/Bouygues Travaux Publics Australia the $260 million project to deliver the North Strathfield Rail Underpass project.
QR National rebrands
The nation’s largest rail freight company, QR National, has officially adopted Aurizon as the company’s new trading name.
Researchers team up with industry to promote mine safety
A team of researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have teamed up with a group of coal industry experts to develop an online database to deliver a ‘contemporary body of knowledge’ on managing mine site risks.
State of the Cities released
The Federal Government has released the annual State of the Cities report card, concluding that while the nation’s major cities remain among the world’s most liveable, they are increasingly affected by extreme weather events.
Volatile resources prices a global threat finds report
Fluctuating resources prices will set in motion a chaotic chain of events unless governments and businesses ‘get to grips’ with a new world order defined by resource politics, according to a new report released by Chatham House.
Commission to examine major projects approval process
The Federal Government has requested that the Productivity Commission conduct a study to benchmark the country's major project development process against international best practice.
Construction downturn eases finds report
The ongoing downturn in construction in Australia has eased in November, with activity declining at a slower rate in the month - up 1.2 points to 37.0 (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in the industry with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decline).
NCVER publishes student outcomes
More and more students are taking up vocational education and training (VET) as a response to the requirements of pre-existing employment, according to new research published by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Training (NCVER).
New CEO for Newmont
International miner Newmont has announced its President and Chief Operating Officer, Gary Goldberg, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and join the Board in March after current CEO, Richard O'Brien, steps down.
SA releases VET satisfaction rates
Over 90 per cent of South Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) are satisfied with their training studies, according to recent research released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
NT commits to biggest ever road work
The Northern Territory Government has reiterated its commitment to the $103 million Tiger Brennan Drive duplication work, which will bt the largest road project ever undertaken in the Territory’s history.
Port of Cairns EIS detailed
The Queensland Coordinator-General’s has released the terms of reference for the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed upgrade to the Port of Cairns.
Queensland moves to unlock mineral bounty
The Queensland Government has announced it will begin investigating ways to unlock as estimated $4 billion worth of natural mineral resources in the north west of the state.
Queensland releases CSG/LNG compliance plan
The Queensland Government has released a compliance plan to regulate the Coal Seam Gas to Liquefied Natural Gas industry in 2013.
Dwelling approvals drops
ABS Building Approvals show that the number of dwellings approved fell 7.6 per cent in October 2012, in seasonally adjusted terms, after rising for two months.
Government launches Kickstart initiative
The Federal Government has officially launched its $57.5 Kickstart initiative aimed at encouraging Western Australian employers to take on new apprentices to help address the State's growing trade skill shortage.