Archived News for Engineering Professionals - May, 2015
A new study has found the use of lead solder in water supply pipelines has resulted in environmental contamination across a 70km stretch of land in central New South Wales.
RET deal rolls ahead, igniting wood-burning issues
A Senate inquiry has been told around 1,000 wind turbines will need to be built to meet the new Renewable Energy Target figure of 33,000 gigawatt hours.
Local work to power future motors
Australian research engineers are working on a system that could vastly improve the efficiency of electric motors.
Miners to get feet wet on offshore releases
The Industry Minister has unveiled 29 new offshore areas for oil exploration at an energy industry conference.
Printable radios as new use for graphene
British engineers have printed a radio frequency antenna using compressed graphene ink, in what could be one of the first commercial applications for the high-tech material.
Australia takes top place in rooftop solar race
One of Australia’s biggest energy industry lobbies say the nation has become a world leader in solar power installation.
Solar road scores high in early tests
Reports are in from a trial of a solar power generating road in Europe, and it appears ot have gone quite well.
Tech edge taken on NZ's new designs
The rebuilding of Christchurch's earthquake-ravaged CBD has been delayed by several years, but residents will soon get a high-tech preview of what’s to come.
Turnbull joins tech education bandwagon
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has backed Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s call to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education by teaching kids to code.
Shorten says future starts with STEM
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten focused on science, technology and education in his budget reply speech overnight, vowing to push Australia to the cutting-edge.
Regional funds spread wide
The northern part of Australia has been celebrating wins in this week’s federal budget announcement.
Green coffers raided for Reef money
The new Federal Budget takes money from the Green Army to boost Great Barrier Reef spending.
Research sees big hit with hint of sweetness
Research money has been re-jigged in the latest federal budget.
RET talks approach approval
UPDATE 18/05: The Abbott government has ditched plans for two-yearly reviews, in a move that should see changes to the RET passed by parliament within weeks.
Alcoa closing Victorian plants
Alcoa will close its coal mine and power station on Victoria's coast in August, putting 85 people out of work.
Unis ranked on LGBTI efforts
A new guide has rated Australian universities for their acceptance and inclusiveness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students.
WA moves on big rail build
The WA Government has requested proposals for the $1.575 billion Perth Freight Link project.
57-storey super-build sets pre-fab benchmark
A Chinese construction company has put together the world’s tallest pre-fab tower in less than three weeks.
Andrews looks at new roads for federal money
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed new costs in the scrapping of the East West Link project, while he tries to garner support for a different road build.
Chimneys chasing panels' place in the sun
While solar panels gain popularity – and increase in efficiency – around the world, experts say some alternative design could help us gain more free power from the Sun.
Feet stamped, fists raised at Federal inaction
This week’s Federal Government budget launch could be hampered by vocal protests from unionised government workers across many sectors.