Archived News for Engineering Professionals
Downer EDI Limited has announced it is conducting a review, including the possible divestment, of its general consultancy practices – CPG Asia, CPG Australia and CPG New Zealand – as part of an overhaul of the Downer Group portfolio.
The Chief Executive Officer of Downer, Grant Fenn, said that earlier this year Downer had consolidated its Australian Engineering, Works, Emerging Sectors and CPG Resources businesses (including QCC and Mineral Technologies) into one division, Downer Australia.
“The review of CPG Asia, CPG Australia and CPG New Zealand is part of our ongoing drive to focus and streamline the business,” Mr Fenn said.
“CPG Asia, CPG Australia and CPG New Zealand are valuable consultancies with expertise in a number of important sectors and geographies. We have been approached by parties interested in acquiring these businesses and, because these firms operate relatively independently of the other divisions, we have decided to consider the divestment option.”
Mr Fenn said this review did not include the resource-focused consultancy businesses, Snowden, QCC and Mineral Technologies.
GHD wins BHP Pilbara expansion contract
GHD has been contracted by BHP Billiton Iron Ore to provide engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for non-process infrastructure projects to support their US$7.4 billion capacity expansion in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
HISmelt technology goes offshore in deal between Rio Tinto and Jindal
Rio Tinto has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian steel producer Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) to use the HIsmelt technology in a fully integrated steel making facility.
WestNet and Karara sign access agreement
WestNet Rail and Karara Mining Limited (KML) have signed a long-term rail access agreement for the Karara Iron Ore Project.
Report on High Speed Rail network released
The Federal Government has released a report by a consortium led by AECOM into the implementation of a High Speed Rail network along Australia’s east coast.
AECOM-led consortium appointed to design North West Rail Link
A consortium led by AECOM Technology Corporation (NYSE: ACM), a global provider of professional technical and management support services for government and commercial clients around the world, has been awarded a contract by the New South Wales Government to plan and design Sydney’s North West Rail Link.
Dry winter forces expansion of WA desal plant
The Western Australian Government has announced that work will begin immediately to double the capacity of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant (SSDP) to provide 100 billion litres of drinking water a year.
Queensland finalises LNG deal
Queensland has moved to strengthen its position as an emergent liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub after the proponents of the Australia Pacific Liquefied Natural Gas (APLNG) project have made their final investment decision.
Report examines innovation strengths and weaknesses
The second annual report on innovation in Australia has shown that our performance in the area of research and skills has been above OECD average and our performance in entrepreneurship is one of the best in the world.
Chief Defence Scientist to quit position
The Chief Defence Scientist of the Department of Defence, and the head of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Professor Robert Clark, will be leaving the position in October at the completion of his three-year tenure.
Abigroup secures Goldfields-Esperance region roadworks contract
Abigroup has been appointed by Main Roads Western Australia to be the Integrated Service Provider (ISP) for the road network of the Goldfields-Esperance region which covers an area of approximately 930,100 square kilometres and has around 2200 km of arterial roads.
S2F merges with SKM
Architectural and engineering firm S2F has joined forces through a merger with projects firm Sinclair Knight Merz. In Australia, New Zealand and China, the merged operation will take the name "SKM–S2F".
Study to assess Upper Spencer Gulf heavy industry hub
The South Australian Government has commissioned a $500,000 study to determine how a heavy industry hub in the Upper Spencer Gulf could enable local industries to leverage opportunities linked to the growing mining and energy sector.
WA local government road funding tops $145 million
The Western Australian State Government will contribute more than $145 million to local roads in Western Australia in 2011-12, an increase of more than $9million on the past financial year.
Details about Queensland Major Projects Office released
The Queensland Government has released details about its planned office that will be responsible for streamlining medium to large-scale development projects.
Contract signed for Mackay bagasse power plant
Mackay Sugar has appointed local company G&S Engineering to erect the plant and major machinery for its $120 million Cogeneration Project.
Tetra Tech to acquire Proteus
US-based resources and water engineering company, Tetra Tech Inc, has announced plans to acquire the assets of WA mining engineering company Proteus EPCM Engineers.
Proteus, based in Perth, has about 150 employees primarily located in Western Australia and has annual revenue of approximately $30 million. The acquisition is expected to close in early August 2011. The company has been owned by partners, Lachlan Walker and David Sutton.
Tetra Tech's Chairman and CEO, Dan Batrack, said the acquisition was a step in the execution of Tetra Tech's global expansion strategy.
"Like Canada, Australia's high-growth economy is driven by strong demand for natural resources. This acquisition will serve as a gateway to new markets across Asia and Africa. We plan to continue expanding our service offerings in Australia in each of Tetra Tech's core markets."
Proteus has provided engineering services to the mining and minerals processing sector for more than 25 years, with experience in a wide range of commodities, particularly iron ore, precious and base metals, gold, mineral sands, and aluminum. They generally act as the owner's engineer, designing facilities and providing procurement and construction management services. Proteus is joining Tetra Tech's Engineering and Consulting Services segment.
With around 12,000 employees worldwide, Tetra Tech Inc – listed on NASDAQ – provides consulting, engineering, program management, construction, and technical services addressing the resource management and infrastructure markets.
Queensland engineering firm trials soy biodiesel
Shadforths Civil Engineering Contractors on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is trialling B20 soy biodiesel in 20 machines at the Sunshine Coast Council’s new Nambour landfill site.
WA boom to continue 'for decades' as Engineering demand expands
A report published by Deloitte Access Economics shows that the Western Australian economy is set to continue to prosper for decades on the back of jobs and export growth.
Skills shortage grows as labour demand increases
Research conducted by the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) shows that nearly two-thirds of large companies are considering hiring from overseas in order mitigate the effects of the growing skills shortage.