Archived News for Industry Professionals
The Victorian Government has announced a moratorium on all hydraulic fracturing as part of a suite of reforms aimed at providing greater certainty on the impacts of the coal seam gas industry’s effects on the environment.
The reforms also see a total ban on the use of BTEX chemicals, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, in fraccing practices in Victoria.
The announcement comes as the State and Commonwealth Governments continue to work on the formation of a new National Harmonised Framework for the coal seam gas industry. State and Federal Energy and Resources Ministers are expected to consider the framework in December.
AI Group hits out at Victoria's TAFE cuts
The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) has spoken out against the Victorian Government's cut to the TAFE sector, saying the $300 million cuts could not come at a worse time as the demand for skilled workers continues to grow.
ABS releases diesel vehicle data
The number of registered diesel vehicles has increased by 60.6% from 2007 to 2012, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
ALGA to develop State of the Local Road Assets Report
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has commissioned Jeff Roorda and Associates (JRA) to develop the first State of the Local Assets Report, which will form the technical base for continued advocacy for increased government funding for local roads int the future.
BHP shelves Olympic Dam expansion
Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced it has elected to shelve the $30 billion expansion of its Olympic Dam expansion in South Australia.
Government approves Alpha mine
The Federal Government has announced its approval of the Alpha coal mine and associated rail works in Queensland, paving the way for construction of the country's largest coal mine.
QR National announces 900 jobs to go
Rail giant QR National has a round of 750 voluntary redundancies, bringing the total number of positions shed from the company to 900 for the calendar year.
UQ to research CSG water impact
The University of Queensland has announced a research project measuring the impact of the coal seam gas (GSG) industry on Australia’s underground water supplies.
NSW calls for comment on for construction inquiry
The New South Wales Government is calling for public submissions for its inquiry into insolvency in the construction industry.
Ankata mine open for business
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has officially opened the new Ankata underground copper-gold mine at Prominent Hill.
Coal job losses inevitable says Roche
Queensland Coal’s Chief Executive, Michael Roche, has warned that the State’s coal sector could be facing tough times in a speech delivered to the 8th Coaltrans Australia Conference in Brisbane.
ITS calls for entries for National ITS Awards
Intelligent Transport Systems Australia is calling for entries for the 2012 National ITS Awards. The awards, launched in 2010, recognise the achievements of the country’s ITS sector.
LionGold drops Navigator bid
Singaporean gold investment group LionGold has announced a full withdrawal from the formal takeover bid it proposed to Perth based Navigator Resources, following weeks of speculation over the proposed bid.
Queensland holds first Moreton Bay Rail Link briefing
The Queensland Government has held the first Moreton Bay Rail Link industry briefing, attracting over 300 business representatives to hear from State Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson.
WA announces roads funding
The Western Australian Government has announced the State’s Mid-West region will receive $46.1 million for road upgrades through the Safer Country Roads initative.
Webb Dock development inches closer to start
The Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (PoMC) $1.6 billion redevelopment of its Webb Dock facilities has taken the next major step after the awarding of major civil and maritime design contracts.
Work to begin on Maldon to Dombarton link
The Federal Government has announced the final stage of funding for the design and planning work for the Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link in a bid to have the project ‘shovel ready’ as soon as possible.
Yancoal posts first results
Newly ASX listed coal miner Yancoal has posted its first half year ASX report, posing a $415.7 million after tax for the 2011-12 year, while admitting that adverse market conditions may hamper its growth.
ACCC greenlights Qube's MIST acquisition
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has announced it will not oppose Qube Logistics’ acquisition of Macarthur Intermodal Shipping Terminal (MIST).
Australia Institute calls for more CSG research
A new report released by the Australia Institute has warned that the country risks significantly underestimating its contribution to global climate change if it fails to adequately measure fugitive emissions from coal seam gas wellheads.
BlueScope upbeat despite $1 billion loss
Steel giant BlueScope Steel is remaining positive despite announcing a $1 billion loss after tax this financial year.