Archived News for Industry Professionals - February, 2013
Rail logistics giant Aurizon has announced it has reopened its Blackwater rail system on the Central Queensland Coal Network to diesel coal trains and electric coal trains following the completion of the repair works of the line damaged by ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald.
Bowen receives warm industry welcome
Group Training Australia (GTA) has extended a warm welcome to Chris Bowen as he takes up the Ministry for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.
Construction downturn continues finds AIGroup
The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) and Housing Industry Association’s latest Australian Performance of Construction Index (PCI) has shown recorded a further 2.6 per cent slump, ending at 36.2 points in January - where readings below 50 indicate a contraction and the distance from 50 the strength of the contraction.
Culture a crucial role in Indigenous education success
A strong sense of cultural identity plays a crucial part in the education and training success of Indigenous students, according to a new study released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
Federal Government announces Tarkine listing
Tasmania’s Tarkine region will become the 98th area protected under the National Heritage List following the Federal Government’s final ruling.
Housing prices on the rise
Seven of the country’s eight capital cities recorded a bump in housing prices for the December quarter, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Tasmania courts offshore oil and gas sector
Tasmania has rolled out a publicity campaign aimed at courting large-scale oil and gas industry players by selling the state as a prime base for offshore oil and gas operations.
Smart technology for West Gate Freeway
The Federal and Victorian Governments have announced it has selected Visionstream to install electronic freeway management technology along the West Gate Freeway, with work expected to commence mid this year.
ACCC calls for comment on Tiger acquisition
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called for comment on the proposed acquisition of 60 per cent of Tiger Airways by Virgin Australia.
Government incorporates Koongarra into Kakadu National Park
The Federal Government has introduced a Bill before Parliament that will repeal the Koongarra Project Act – which allows uranium mining at Koongarra – and incorporate the region into the Kakadu National Park.
Mirvac reveals executive shuffle
Mirvac Group has announced a significant reshuffle of its executive team, in what it calls a move to ‘better leverage its integrated model and maximise expertise of the senior executives within the Group’.
NBN benefiting training and education finds study
A new study released by the National Broadband Network (NBN) claims that the service is already having a significant and positive impact on education.
New Safety Commissioner appointed
Alan Edwards has been appointed as the country’s new Federal Safety Commissioner, following the recent departure of Jeff Willing from the role.
Queensland to issue first reconstruction tenders
The Queensland Government has put industry on notice after it announced the first round of contracts to begin repairs to the state’s road and transport infrastructure are being drawn up for tender later this month.
Global factors driving petrol prices finds ACCC
Global factors such as the ongoing unrest in the Middle East and the continued depletion of conventional crude oil supplies have been identified as key factors in determining petrol prices, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Major road project kicks off
The Western Australian Government has announced the start of work on major road works around Perth, in a bid to ease congestion and improve flow to the State’s capital.
NT appoints new Darwin Harbourmaster
The Northern Territory Government has announced the appointment of decorated Royal Australian Navy veteran Tony O’Malley as the new Darwin Harbourmaster.
Great Eastern works to be completed six months early
The Federal Government has welcomed the recent announcement that the $280 million Great Eastern Highway widening project will be completed in June, six months ahead of schedule.
Heavy vehicle crash rate down
The Federal Government has welcomed recently released statistics that show a 20 per cent decline in road fatalities involving heavy vehicles in the last five years.
Laramide moves to list on ASX
Canadian mining company Laramide has announced it has lodged a prospectus with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) ahead of the company’s planned listing on the ASX in March.
Moreton Bay field narrows
The Federal and Queensland Governments have announced that the shortlist for the construction of the Moreton Bay Rail Link has been reduced from four to two.