Archived News for Engineering Professionals - November, 2011
Mining giant BHP Billiton has awarded $30.2 million in major contracts to VDM Group.
The first contract, from BHP Billiton Petroleum, will see VDM construct and design an administration control and warehouse maintenance site at the Macedon Gas project in Western Australia. Work on the petroleum site is due to begin immediately.
The group has also been contracted to construct a major accommodation camp, valued over $21 million, with work expected to commence in August next year.
BHP Billiton awards Norfolk $82 million contract
BHP Billiton has awarded Norfolk Group its $82 million contract for rail signaling systems at the mining giant’s Port Hedland project.
Theiss wins major contracts in SEQ rail project
Theiss has been announced as the main contractor to the $475 million TrackStar Alliance Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor Stage 2 Richlands to Springfield Project.
Middlemount spur opens to first train
The Middlemount Rail Spur, which directly links the Middlemount Coal Project to the Goonyella rail network, has officially commenced operations allowing exports through Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT).
Nine new petroleum offshore permits awarded
The Federal Government has awarded nine new offshore permits in the second round of the 2010 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release to enable petroleum exploration investment worth $380 million in waters off Western Australia.
Melbourne University advances building sustainability
A team led by Dr Tuan Ngo from Melbourne University’s School of Engineering, is conducting research into improving energy efficiency of Multi-Skin Façade (MSF) with an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to achieve better wind, fire, blast and impact resistance.
WA appoints MRA board
The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of the inaugural board of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), the new body which will be responsible for major redevelopments within the Perth metropolitan area, including the Perth City Link, Perth Waterfront, Riverside and the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre
Bioprinter awarded Engineering Innovation Award
Start-up company Organovo and Melbourne based Invetech have been jointly awarded the Engineering Innovation Award for the development of the world’s first commercial 3D bioprinter.
Watpac grows record portfolio
Construction, civil and mining contracting specialist Watpac has announced a record $2.3 billion portfolio as the company moves to expand further its mining services and construction projects around the country.
Researchers develop world's lightest material
Researchers have developed the world’s lightest material - with a density of 0.9 mg/cc - about one hundred times lighter than Styrofoam.
SA infrastructure development receives federal cash advance
In light of the rapid progress being made on a number of South Australian infrastructure projects, including the electrification of the Gawler Line and construction of the South Road Superway, the Federal Government has announced it will bring forward $196.5 million to maintain the momentum.
Victoria announces priority infrastructure
The Victorian Government has released its 2011 Infrastructure Australia priority list, outlining a platform to begin addressing Victoria's infrastructure backlog.
Deakin unveils Universal Motion Simulator
Federal Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr and Deakin University have unveiled a new Universal Motion Simulator (UMS) that will take trainee pilots and drivers through their paces in a safer, cheaper and more realistic training environment than currently available elsewhere in the world.
Master Builders award winners announced
Master Builders Australia has recognized the ‘highest achievers’ in the building and construction industry after hosting the Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards for 2011.
ASBEC releases final zero emission building report
The Australian Sustainable Build Environment Council (ASBEC) has released its final Defining Zero Emission Buildings report, urging the adoption of a common language and definitions for the use in the discussion of low energy residential development.
Mirvac wins $1.5 billion Karratha contract
The Western Australian Government has announced Mirvac as the preferred proponent to develop the $1.5 billion Karratha City of North Project.
NBN Co announces $635 million in contracts
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced $635 million in contracts to be delivered over the next five years by six separate companies.
Melbourne Uni announces new IT department
The University of Melbourne’s School Of Engineering will open the new Department of Computing and Information Systems (CIS) at the start of 2012.
Future AICPs to be made public
The Federal Government has announced that future Australian Industry Capability Plans (AICPs) will for all major Defence acquisition projects will be made public.
Transfield wins Surat Basin contract
QGC has awarded Transfield Services a $19.5 million contract for gas field work in Queensland’s Surat Basin.
Southern Expressway Duplication project contractor announced
An Abigroup joint venture has been selected by the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure to be the preferred contractor for the design and construction of the Southern Expressway Duplication project in Adelaide.