Archived News for Industry Professionals - November, 2013
University authorities have been working to find the best way to convert the coal-fired Collinsville Power Station into a hybrid solar-thermal and gas-power station.
APRA moves to put up more super stats
The finance industry regulator is considering publishing more statistics and superannuation data, to enhance transparency in super funds.
Brief break in mud-slinging to wave off Rudd
The non-consecutive two-time former Prime Minister of Australia has announced his retirement, creating a symbolic end for an historic period in politics.
Commission plots the best path to road re-vamp
The Federal Government has unleashed the Productivity Commission on the task of investigating infrastructure costs, looking for the best way to deliver on their promise for significant improvements.
Debate fires up as Hockey moves to raise the roof
The Federal Treasurer believes the Opposition’s refusal to back the entirety of his attempted debt ceiling lift could lead to a government shut-down, as recently happened in the United States.
Groups link for vegetable boost
A new agreement could yield significant improvements for Western Australian vegetable producers, by linking them with local council resources.
Locals welcome push to the bush
The Queensland Government’s new plan could see thousands of residents heading for the bush, and all the social and lifestyle improvements it holds.
Robb says twelve-month trade turnaround could happen
The person tasked with delivering an ambitious Federal Government promise says enhanced trade between Australia and its Asian neighbours can happen – hopefully within 12 months.
Task-force formed to gauge Eyre resource risk
A taskforce has been created by a local government association to investigate the potentially harmful, impacts of mining development on regional communities.
Agriculture cuts could leave doors open to disease
With exports on the rise and a huge government focus on infrastructure and transport, it would stand to reason that securing borders from invasive diseases and destructive life-forms has become more important than ever – but regardless, the Federal Department of Agriculture is looking to shed over 200 biosecurity staff.
Coal company river seep prompts small fee
The Environment Protection Authority has issued a $3,000 slap on the wrist to a coal company whose slag pile seeped into a New South Wales river.
Grants to keep eyes on the Reef
Scientists in north Queensland will be able to continue working with one of the nation’s greatest natural assets with a new round of funding grants.
Law change moves favour to the miners, locals say
A quietly introduced piece of mining legislation has created concern from communities in Victoria.
Pleas for action before more deadly effects
The chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has spoken out, calling on individuals, grassroots and community groups to push for real action on climate change.
Protesters halt Maules Creek rail work
Activists and community members have successfully blocked Whitehaven Coal from beginning construction of the Maules Creek coal mine, near Narrabri.
Telework week shows remote possibility
The Department of Communications will host a talk on the office of the future, encouraging everyone to look to ‘teleworking’ for a better way to do their jobs.
Work stigma keeps depression locked, costing money and lives
A study by one of Australia’s most prominent charities has shown there is still a strong stigma about mental health in the workplace, which keeps many from seeking the help they need.
Bruce Highway widening attempts to cut death toll
More overtaking lanes will be added on one of the nation’s most dangerous highways, with duplication work to start soon on a section of the Bruce Highway north of Mackay.
Embattled truckers move to float above fire
Financial reports say the company that owns Cootes Transport will go ahead with its stock market float, despite its subsidiary’s troubles and safety review.
Indicoal eyes new Tasmanian dig
An Indonesian mining company is looking for approval on a plan to start a new open-cut coal mine in Tasmania.
Jobs take flight as Qantas culls to cut costs
Qantas has dropped the axe on hundreds of engineers at its Avalon maintenance base, devastating families in an effort to cut costs.