Archived News for Engineering Professionals - February, 2011
The WA Government has released design plans for the redevelopment of Perth Waterfront, together with a commitment for project funding in this year’s State Budget and confirmation that earthworks will start in early 2012.
Construction is expected to take about 30 months with the project due to be completed in mid-2014.
Premier Colin Barnett said Cabinet had approved $270 million funding for the Perth Waterfront Project in the 2011-12 State Budget. He said preparation of the site will begin immediately after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October this year which will pave the way for major earthworks in early 2012.
Built Environment Supplier Advocate appointed
The Australian government has appointed a Built Environment Supplier Advocate, Mr John Gaskin, who will help Australian companies identify opportunities and promote their interests in making major building projects and procurements more sustainable.
Review to examine Victorian flood warnings and response
The Victorian Government has announced a review of flood warnings and emergency response efforts to be undertaken in the wake of this month’s floods. The review will be led by Mr Neil Comrie, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police and current Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report Implementation Monitor.
The 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response review will examine:
Flood recovery oversight plans announced
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced oversight and accountability measures to oversee delivery of flood recovery programs.
High-Speed Railway study commences
A feasibility study has commenced to determine the economic benefits and financial viability of a high speed rail network along Australia's east coast.
Funds ‘reprofiled’ to assist with flood recovery
The Federal, Victorian and NSW Governments have agreed to ‘re-profile’ three major infrastructure projects to free up funds for rebuilding after the floods in those states.
Projects pushes ahead planning on North Qld roads
The Federal and State governments have confirmed the devastating floods would not stop vital planning and design work on a number of north Queensland road projects from pushing ahead.
Work starts on High Speed Rail study
The feasibility study commissioned to determine the economic benefits and financial viability of a high speed rail network along Australia's east coast has started following the appointment of outside experts to complete the first stage of this work.
Report on infrastructure principles released
The Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has released a report, Infrastructure Planning and Delivery: Best Practice Case Studies, which provides a resource to help governments and industry to optimize effectiveness in the development of infrastructure.
Opera House upgrade begins
The $152 million capital works program to improve tourist and visitor safety at the Sydney Opera House has commenced, with funding of $152 million from the NSW Government.
Plan for Darwin growth released
The Northern Territory Government has released its Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan Towards 2030 for public consultation.
Productivity Commission study into Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments
The Productivity Commission is undertaking a benchmarking study into Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments. This study is the third year in a series of reviews benchmarking Australian business regulatory burdens.