Archived News for Industry Professionals

The recent cut to the official cash rate has failed to ignite construction activity according to a survey of over 500 builders conducted by Master Builders Australia (MBA).

Recovery date still a mystery says HIA

Despite a rise in approval figures for August, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has said the prospect of a recovery in the sector is still only a vague possibility.

Report shows increasing mine safety

The Queensland Government has welcomed the release of a report that shows the state’s mine safety record is continuing to improve, with fatal injuries dropping from three in the 2010-11 period to one in the 2011-12 year.

SA announces housing grant reforms

All South Australian homebuyers will be eligible for a minimum of $8,500 under a new reform package announced by Premier Jay Weatherill.

Tasmania announces skills fund

The Tasmanian Government is calling for applications from public and private training organisations for a ‘major skills program’ aimed at reducing the skills shortage and increasing the state’s productivity.

Port of Melbourne records bumper year

The Port of Melbourne has posted a record throughput of 87 million revenue tonnes for the 2011-12, recording an increase across all cargo types.

Tier 3 railways open until next year

The Western Australian Government has announced that the Tier 3 railway lines will remain in operation until at least the end of October next year.

Victoria bolsters mining laws

The Victorian Government has introduced amendments before Parliament aimed at strengthening the enforcement powers of the State’s mining and extractive authority.

Australia Post announces $2 billion redevelopment strategy

Australia Post has announced that the company will invest over $2 billion to transform its national logistics network and create a ‘universal digital platform’ to deliver the for the increased services Australians are demanding.

Changes at the top for Boart Longyear

Drilling equipment specialist Boart Longyear has announced that Craig Kipp has terminated his tenure as Chief Executive Officer and director effective immediately.

NCVER details value of qualification completion

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has published a new report that shows that students generally benefit from completing a vocational qualification, although the pay-off varies.

Second stage of Alpha mine approved

The Federal Government has announced it has approved the joint GVK/Hancock Coal proposed new coal terminal at the existing Port of Abbott Point.

$45 million for Victorian road repairs

The Victorian Government has announced a $45 million repair and restore package aimed at addressing the condition of the State’s roads.

Maldon to Dombarton contracts out to tender

The Federal Government has announced contracts for specialist engineers and environmental advisers to identify and investigate the design, safety and delivery of the proposed Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link.

Ashton mine gets PAC nod

The New South Wales Planning Assessment Commission has approved the construction of the new open cut coal mine in the State’s Hunter Valley region, almost a year after it was first rejected by the Commission.

ATSB to conduct rail investigation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has announced it will be conducting full investigations of all passenger and freight rail networks from January next year.

BHP Billiton confirms iron ore job cuts

Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced as many as 900 jobs will be cut from its iron ore business in a bid to shield the company from lowering demand and dropping prices of iron ore.

Construction of country's largest LNG pipeline starts

Construction of 540km of steel piping that will transport CSG gas from the gas fields in the Surat and Bowin basins an LNG facility on Curtis Island has started in Queensland.

High Speed Rail from Canberra to Sydney a must argues Byron

Almost 12 million passengers would make use of a high speed rail (HSR) service between Canberra and the Sydney CBD by 2036 according to forecasts released by Canberra Airport.

NSW green lights North West Rail Link

The New South Wales Government has granted planning approval for the construction of the North West Rail Link, marking the start of the delivery of the State’s largest transport infrastructure project.