Archived News for Engineering Professionals
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new workforce agency that will target “pressure points” in Australia’s emerging patchwork economy by focussing on training and retraining workers for new jobs in specific industries currently experiencing skills shortages.
Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, announced the Government would bring forward the work of the National Workforce and Productivity Agency to advise on how best to meet the continuing demand for skilled workers and support industries and workers affected by structural adjustment.
“Today I announce Skills Connect – a range of initiatives designed to consolidate the Government’s skills programs and better target industry and worker training,” Senator Evans said.
Preferred bidder nominated for Darwin's marine supply base
The Northern Territory has named the ShoreASCO Consortium as the preferred bidder to construct, own and operate Darwin’s Marine Supply Base. The base will service the logistical needs of the oil and gas sector.
Economic benefits of biomass examined in report
The Federal Government as released two reports into the future of biomass in the Australian economy.
New technology previews long-term impact of mining on groundwater aquifers
A new centrifuge at the University of New South Wales Water Research Laboratory can act as an environmental “time machine”, allowing researchers to preview the long-term effects on groundwater aquifers of activities such as coal seam gas and longwall mining.
WA signs new China trade and investment deal
The Western Australian State Government has become the first non-national governmental body in Australia to sign a Memorandum of Understand with China after Premier Colin Barnett signed a co-operative trade and investment agreement.
NTC finds Australians unwilling to pay for better infrastructure
The National Transport Commission has published a report that has found that while Australians generally want a better transport system, they are likely to reject policies that would help pay for it.
OSD Pipelines and PROCOM form alliance
OSD Pipelines and PROCOM Consultants have formed an alliance to provide a seamless project management, engineering and execution service through an integrated team of engineering consultants.
O'Donnell Griffin wins state NECA awards
Electrical engineering and communications specialist O’Donnell Griffin has received awards across four states in the National Electrical and Communications Association State Awards.
Australia and New Zealand submit SKA proposal
Australia and New Zealand have submitted a joint proposal to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The official submission is a crucial step towards the goal of hosting the world’s most powerful radio telescope.
Leighton Holdings announces new Thiess MD
Leighton Holdings has announced Bruce Munro as the new Managing Director of the company’s wholly owned subsidiary Thiess.
Rio Tinto increases Pilbara energy investment
Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced plans to invest a further $816 million in the company’s Pilbara iron ore project. The spending will be directed toward the company’s integrated power and gas network.
Siemens awarded top ranking in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Siemens has been ranked the most sustainable company in its industry for the fourth time in a row.
Oakajee deal nears completion
The Western Australian State Government has announced that a deal to overhaul the troubled $5.9 billion Oakajee port and rail development is only weeks away from being finalised.
Rio Tinto to spend $299 million on Pilbara water project
Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced a $299 million project to construct sustainable water supply for its iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The plant will have a planned capacity up to the 333 million tonnes (Mt/a).
WA Government releases desalination findings
The Western Australian Government has released a study which assesses the opportunities for desalinating saline or brackish groundwater reserves in the state’s Wheatbelt region.
$63 million for Victorian manufacturing
The Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a joint $63 million round of funding for automotive company Nexteer Australia.
QR National announces new $900 million rail project
Rail freight group QR National will expand its coal haulage capacity by more than 70 million tonnes after agreeing with a consortium of coal companies to build a rail link to the new Gladstone export terminal.
NSW Budget outlines infrastructure spend
The New South Wales State Government has allocated $5.4 billion in road building and maintenance of key road assets in the state's Budget.
NBN Co signs construction agreements
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced two separate agreements with major construction companies to conduct work in Western Australia and Victoria.
Queensland announces road reconstruction funding
Federal and State Governments have announced $195 million in joint funding for reconstruction of key road infrastructure in Queensland's north west.
Pipe management project launches
A consortium of local and international university and industry bodies have launched the Advanced Condition Assessment and Failure Prediction Technologies for Optimal Management of Critical Pipes project. Considered one of the world's largest water infrastructure projects, the system will work towards improving the accuracy of current condition assessment tools for detecting portential failure in Sydney's major water pipes.