Archived News for Engineering Professionals

The newly established advisory group, Infrastructure Queensland, met for the first time last week, with Deputy Premier and group chairman Jeff Seeney acknowledging that that the state faces a ‘serious deficit of critical infrastructure’, and that more spending was vital to ensure the state’s continued growth, prosperity and reducing unemployment.

“This government knows the scale of the task ahead, but we also know that we have a responsibility to Queenslanders to manage the State budget and be prudent with taxpayer’s money,” Mr Seeney said.

“Infrastructure Queensland is an advisory group drawing expert advice from highly regarded private sector representatives and heads of key government departments to drive the State’s infrastructure projects.

“Infrastructure Queensland will provide advice to the State Government on long-term planning and priorities for infrastructure and help the government make the hard choices that need to be made.

Infrastructure Queensland is made up of prominent experts from the private sector, including:

David Thomas, partner with Minter Ellison Lawyers
Paul Fennelly, director of Infrastructure Originations with Hastings Fund Management
Warren Traves, Operating Centre Manager for South East Queensland with GHD
Russell Smith, CEO of the Port of Brisbane Corporation
Leith Boully, Chair of the Wide Bay Water Corporation
Robert Row, Queensland CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation
Dr Michael Regan, Professor of Project and Infrastructure Management from Bond University
Paul Clauson, CEO of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland
Greg Hallam CEO of the Local Government Association of Queensland.

New body to drive Queensland infrastructure growth

The Queensland Government has announced the formation of a new standalone unit aimed at fostering investment partnerships that deliver positive infrastructure outcomes across the state has been set up in the Department of treasury and Trade.

Pacific Aluminium reconfirms Tasmanian connection

Smelting giant Pacific Aluminium has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to maintaining operations in its Bell Bay smelter following a successful renegotiation of power contracts with Hydro Tasmania.

Entrepreneur program for University of Melbourne innovators

A new entrepreneurial program at Melbourne University, the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), has been established to assist the translation of innovative ideas to commercial reality.

Renewable Energy Agency appointments announced

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson has announced the final board appointments and the chief executive officer to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

University of Canberra plans new civil engineering degree

Plans by the University of Canberra to offer a new degree in civil engineering have moved a step closer.

Interstate Rail Network upgrade nears completion

The country’s most extensive rail works, the upgrade to the Interstate Rail Network, has entered the home straight according to Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese.

$50 million for Hobart Waterfront

The Federal Government has announced a $50 million agreement with the Tasmanian Government for the rejuvenation of the Macquarie Point Railyards in Hobart.

Abigroup secures Gladstone rail contract

Abigroup has announced it has secured a $76 contract from QR National to undertake the civil works for a 13km balloon rail loop for the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal at the Port of Gladstone.

Lambert Port expansion approved

The Western Australian Government has announced the approval of Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert Port B works. The approval of the works comes after Rio Tinto outlined a massive multi-billion increase to its domestic iron ore operations.

Macmahon wins Great Northern Highway contract

The Federal and Western Australian Governments have announced Macmahon Contractors as the winning bidder for the design and construction of the $220 million Great Northern Highway through Port Hedland.

Report sets out rail future

The future challenges and strategic opportunities for the rail supply industry are explored in a new report by ANU Enterprise, the commercial arm of The Australian National University.

Rio unveils $4 billion iron ore capital works program

Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced its next iron ore investment phase, unveiling a $4.1 billion spending plan to develop its tier one irone ore business.

$24.8 million for Victoria's manufacturing sector

The Victorian Government has launched a new $24.8 million program aimed at encouraging manufacturers to invest in new technology to boost productivity and competitiveness of the state’s manufacturing sector.

$400 million to boost Port of Melbourne

The Victorian Government has announced $400 million will be invested in the Port of Melbourne to boost its import and export auto trade at the Webb Dock facility.

Government releases infrastructure report

The Federal Government has released a major review that identifies potential new ways for local governments to plan, finance and deliver infrastructure investments.

Leighton expands Gorgon work

Leighton has announced that the scope of its required work for the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project in Western Australia has expanded, bringing the total value of work being completed to $1.85 billion.

Government releases rail roadmap

The Federal Government has released the Rail Manufacturing Roadmap – On Track to 2040 – following extensive industry and academia collaboration.

Queensland announces RoadTek reform

The Queensland Government has announced plans to reform the tendering process by the state-owned RoadTek in a bid to boost the state’s road and transport construction industry.

Work begins on Bega Bypass

Work has begun on the new Bega Bypass following three years of extensive planning and community consultation.

AGL to deliver large-scale solar project

Electricity giant AGL has been selected by the Federal Government as the successful proponent in the solar photovoltaic (PV) category of the Solar Flagships Program. The company, together with manufacturer First Solar, will deliver large-scale solar PV power projects totalling 159 MW at two sites in New South Wales.