Archived News for Engineering Professionals - April, 2015
Claims of shoddy roof design have led to legal action against the builders and engineers of Brisbane’s iconic Gabba sporting ground.
State of states swing on housing
Financial reports say the increase in construction activity in New South Wales has made it Australia’s top economic performer.
Thumbnail pinned as new input
Researchers at MIT are developing a new wearable device that turns the user’s thumbnail into a miniature wireless track pad.
Business wants East West replaced ASAP
The Victorian Government has found a way out of the controversial East West Link project, for the low cost of a few hundred million dollars.
Baby star carries Earth's early ingredients
Astronomers have detected complex organic molecules - the building blocks of life - orbiting in a disc around a young star.
Dead RET talks take serious toll
Official figures show the renewable energy sector has lost almost 2,500 jobs in the last two years.
Robot sent to check Fukushima fallout
A robot has been sent to survey the condition of melted nuclear fuel at the Fukushima power plant.
Tearing tests of skin-deep strength
Engineers have used some high-tech devices to find out why human skin is so resistant to tearing.
Coalition continues hard road push
While Prime Minister Tony Abbott has recently appeared willing to let Victoria not build its contentious East West Link, others within his party are pushing for the big road build to continue.
Direct action starts amid questions over effect
Federal Government's first Direct Action auction is on this week, but analysts say the scheme simply will not work.
Local makers should look for high-tech niche
Industry experts have highlighted a few niche areas where Australian manufacturing could do well.
Non-mining keeps construction up
Home building appears to have boosted the construction sector, while engineering work dries up.
Pocket-sized life-savers wasted
Scientists say some parts of the world are covered in earthquake detection devices, but they are not being used.
Quiet white paper welcomed
The federal government’s Energy White Paper has received support throughout the resources sector, which is pleased to hear of measures to boost LNG.
Shell's big shot for top of pile
Oil and gas giant Shell is making an aggressive bid to become the world’s biggest LNG provider.
NSW calls for monitors as CSG increases
The New South Wales Government has put up tenders for the monitoring of coal seam gas impacts on groundwater, but some residents say it may be too late.
BHP's strike call riles CFMEU
BHP has been slammed for recommending the Fair Work Act be changed to limit the scope of strike action.
Big tax check brings bosses to bear
Major mining and technology companies will be called on to explain their tax arrangements, with the launch of a Senate inquiry into corporate tax avoidance this week.
Deal done for unprecedented dam
A subsidiary of global giant Leighton Holdings has won a $799 million contract to build a “mega reservoir” in Qatar.
Disagreement over RET exemption
Certain industries could be made exempt from the Renewable Energy Target, but the change will not come quickly enough for the Opposition.