Archived News for Industry Professionals - October, 2012
The National Transport Commission has hailed the success of an initiative that encourages the take up of safe, higher-productivity heavy vehicles, with the scheme now approving over 1000 heavy vehicle combinations since its inception.
Queensland to introduce competitive cash bidding for exploration rights
The Queensland Government has announced the formation of a new competitive cash bidding process that will apply to companies seeking the right to explore on highly prospective coal, petroleum and gas resources tenements.
Shipping management group holds first meeting
The North-East Shipping Management Group has conducted the first meeting of its recently established working group for water space management issues, focusing on the safety of shipping and the efficient coordination of maritime activities.
Tasmanian Freight logistics team sought
The Federal Government is calling for expressions of interest from individuals wanting to serve on the soon-to-be-established Tasmanian Freight Logistics Coordination Team.
Bids open for Webb Dock redevelopment
Bids for the $1.6 billion redevelopment of the Port of Melbourne have been officially opened after the Victorian Government called for expressions of interest for the new Webb Dock container terminal, automotive terminal and Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) Hub.
Dwelling approvals on the rise
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Building Approvals show that the number of dwellings approved rose 6.4% in August 2012, in seasonally adjusted terms, following a fall of 21.2% in the previous month.
Queensland to drop QR National shares
The Queensland Government has confirmed it will sell $1.5 billion worth of shares in rail freight company QR National.
WA names Gateway project winner
The Western Australian Government has announced the Gateway WA Consortium has been chosen as the preferred alliance partner to delver the billion dollar Gateway WA project, with work expected to start early next year.
Construction continues slump
The country’s construction sector has fallen the sharpest rate in the last 12 months in September, according to the Australian Industry Group’s (AI Group) and Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI).
Drillsearch moves to acquire Acer Energy
Oil and gas producer Drillsearch has launched a $118 million take-over bid of Acer Energy Limited at 25.5¢ cash per share.
Phosphate mine gets green go ahead
A new multi-million dollar open cut phosphate mine looks likely to go ahead after the Queensland Government completed its assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Resources workers oblivious to hazards
New workers entering the resources industry are dangerously unaware of the majority of hazards that surround them, according to new research published by Edith Cowan University (ECU).
TAFE SA to take on new role in November
The South Australian Government has announced that TAFE SA will officially become a statutory corporation from November 1, as part of the government’s Skills for All package of reforms to vocational education and training.
WPA open for business
The South Australian Government has welcomed the unlocking of the Woomera Protected Area (WPA) after the Federal Government lifted the initial moratorium phase, seeing it replaced with a standardised Deed of Access.
Funding boom for NT skills
The Federal and Northern Territory Government have announced the formation of new partnership aimed at revitalising the Territory’s skills sector with key reforms to be implemented over the next five years.
NSW releases 20 year infrastructure strategy
Infrastructure NSW has announced the release of the State Infrastructure Strategy, which recommends 70 major projects and reforms that should take priority over the next five, 10 and 20 years in an attempt to drive productivity and economic growth.
Australian Vocational Student Prize nominations open
Nominations for the Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) are now open, with Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett calling on schools to nominate students for the Prize.
Forrest cleared of wrongdoing
The High Court of Australia has ruled that Fortescue Metals’ Chairman and former CEO, Andrew Forrest, was not liable in potentially misleading investors, overturning a previous Federal Court.
Sydney hits out at infrastructure plan
The City of Sydney has urged the New South Wales Government to reject Infrastructure NSW’s recommendation for the redevelopment of George Street, saying the proposal does not reflect what businesses, stakeholders, transport experts and the community wants.