Archived News for Engineering Professionals

The Queensland Government has opened the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed multi-billion dollar Arrow liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Gladstone.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the release of the EIS was a major milestone for the proposed 300-hetare LNG project on Curtis Island, in the Port of Gladstone.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said it was a large, complex project involving local, state and federal government approval processes and one which would potentially impact on a number of environmental values.

“Consequently, in June 2009 the Coordinator-General declared it a ‘significant project’ for which an EIS is required,” Mr Broe said.

The Curtis Island facility is expected to have a capacity of up to 18 million tonnes of LNG per annum, through a staged development.

A nine kilometre-long feed gas pipeline would be needed from the Gladstone City Gate, traversing Port Curtis via a tunnel under the seabed.

Dredging of the sea bed of Port Curtis and the riverbed at the mouth of the Calliope River is also required to provide access to marine facilities on Curtis Island, and the mainland.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said he encouraged members of the community to have their say on the EIS.

Queensland expedites major projects

Queensland has announced it will expedite the development of three major projects with significant economic benefits for the state.

SAIC to open centre in Victoria

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has announced it will establish a regional cyber security centre in Victoria, generating 50 new highly skilled jobs over the next three years.

Work starts on Greenough PV project

The Greenough River Solar Farm is a 10-megawatt facility 50km south of Geraldton, with construction of the above ground electrical works starting four months ago to support the 150,000 solar panels across an area of 80 hectares.

Australia signs infrastructure MoU with China

The Australian and Chinese governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation on delivering infrastructure projects.

BAF to see off red tape

The Business Advisory Forum (BAF) has agreed to reform that will expedite environmental approvals and assessments at its inaugural meeting.

Leighton wins $420 million Indonesia contract

Leighton Asia has announced it has won a seven-year, $420 million contract to provide mining services to PT Marunda Grahamineral in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Logan wins Livable Cities projects

The Federal Government has announced Logan will host two innovative projects that will showcase best practice in urban design, planning and renewal.

Qantas to undertake biofuel study

Qantas has announced it will conduct a feasibility study into the potential of an Australian sustainable aviation fuel industry, backed by funding from the Federal Government after the company conducted a successful test flight of an Airbus A330 fueled by a 50-50 blend of biofuel and regulat jet fuel.

Victoria announces new construction guidelines

The Victorian Government has released enhanced Implementation Guidelines for the Victorian Code of Practice for the building construction industry.

Baulderstone wins Swinburne contract

Swinburne University of Technology has awarded Baulderstone the $70 million contract for the construction of the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

Chevron starts Wheatstone recruitment drive

Chevron has launched its first major recruitment drive to find operations personnel for the company’s $29 billion Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project.

Government announces $60 million in disability accommodation

The Federal Government has announced 21 companies to share in $60 million to help construct community-based accommodation for adults with severe or profound disabilities.

M80 work begins

The Federal and Victorian governments have announced work has begun on the next section of the $2.25 billion M80 upgrade, marking the commencement of the state’s largest road infrastructure project.

Alarm bells ring at Leighton

Leighton Holdings has issued its second profit loss warning in six months as the company struggles to stem the losses incurred from its troubled Victorian desalination plant and Brisbane airport tunnel.

COAG savages cities

The Reform Council of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has savaged the planning of the country’s capital cities, publishing a review that urges governments to do better in planning future land use, infrastructure assets and economies of the country’s major cities.

Government to open doors to US workers

The Federal Government has announced it will allow skilled workers from the United States, such as electricians, plumbers and other trades, to get their licence to work in Australia on arrival.

Parker Hannifin to base in Wodonga

US-headquarted engineering supplier Park Hannifin has announced it will consolidate its Australia-New Zealand hose and fitting manufacturing operations in Wodonga.