Archived News for Industry Professionals - October, 2013
A deal has been signed that should see the construction of a 1000 megawatt geothermal electric plant in Ethiopia worth an incredible $4 billion.
Figures show firms looking less this year
A survey says global exploration budgets for non-ferrous metals have taken a nosedive this year.
Finishing touches on Newcastle rail relief
Planning is just about done and work will soon begin on the $163 million Newcastle rail freight upgrade
Minister calls for relaxed exports on military hardware
The Federal Defence Minister wants Australia to get more involved in exporting military hardware, with a review launched into the current practice of keeping gear here in the interests of safety.
Pay back lands after three-hour tedium
United Airlines has been ordered to pay more than US$1 million in fines after leaving passengers on the tarmac for over four hours.
Robo-drivers show clean slate so far
Google has released data reportedly showing its driverless cars are safer than those with human operators.
Terms settling, fight starting over insulation scheme
The Federal Government has begun to finalise the terms of reference for its enquiry into deaths related to a government home insulation scheme, but already it has been called a political witch-hunt.
Training and payments promised after tragic collapse
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has taken steps in response to the horrendous working conditions of many factories in Bangladesh, following the recent deaths of over a thousand workers.
Transport catching up with aging, roaming population
The Tasmanian Bus Association has put together its plan to tackle transport issues for an ageing and diversely located population.
Transport cops stride strong line to safety
Feedback has shown people feel safer on public transport when there are protective service officers (PSOs) around, but the overall perception is probably not what the police were aiming for.
Union stands up for 'outrageous' dismissal
The New South Wales Transport Workers Union has come to the defence of a heavy vehicle operator allegedly in the firing line of one of the worst bosses in the industry.
Electric big-wig says Australia should pay a carbon price
The vice-chairman of General Electric says Australia needs a price on carbon, but has not come up with the right plan yet.
Fossil fuels' environmental knock-out in two rounds found
A new Australian study has shown there is more than one way that fossil-fuel extraction damages the land when it is mined.
Golden path found to trim carbon dioxide for fuel
If there is one substance mankind is producing in abundance and looks likely to continue doing so, it would be carbon dioxide – but a new development may see the ability to turn large amounts of CO2 into biofuel.
IBM's subtle sacking spree continues
The Australian arm of computer giant IBM is planning to slash hundreds of jobs from its operations here, but it is unclear how deep the cuts will be.
Push for bigger stamp on poor choices
A large number of respondents to a recent survey say governments should take a more active role in controlling food labels to improve public health, education and benefit the environment.
States linked in Federal pledge for country coverage
The Federal Government may take a lead from Western Australia in its attempt to improve mobile phone coverage in country Victoria.
Stats show phone services improved, public calmed
It seems phone providers have stepped-up their game, or customers have relaxed a bit, with figures showing the number of phone industry complaints dropping by around a quarter in some states.
Talks to take green tips, trade from China
Some of the officials behind the massive sustainability push in China will soon address an Australian audience.
Dollar fears drive Hockey's boosting, raising
Treasurer Joe Hockey was responding to fears over lost potential resource profits in his recent move to raise the debt ceiling and boost the RBA, reports say.
Gonski trickles down to needy New South Wales
Schools in New South Wales have seen the start of benefits from the multi-billion dollar education funding reforms installed by the previous federal government.