Archived News for Engineering Professionals - August, 2015
Australia’s main financial regulator says it will turn its focus to ‘phoenix activities’ in the construction sector.
Expert says light-speed travel just needs power
Astrophysicist Professor Geraint Lewis says light speed space travel between galaxies may actually be possible.
Gorgon backers under ATO's lens
The Australian Taxation Office is looking at the funding of the massive Gorgon natural gas project, amid claims that it will make billions of dollars tax-free.
Rural satellite services to take off soon
The roll-out of NBN’s rural high speed satellite services will begin on 1 October 2015, the federal government says.
Steel-melting diamond laser fired
Australian researchers have demonstrated a new diamond laser that is 20 times more powerful than previous diamond lasers.
High-tech rocketeers give hypersonic report
Australian scientists have reported back from the latest trial of the joint Australia-US Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) Program.
Local solar crew looks for Indian boost
Adelaide solar manufacturer Heliostat says new deals with one of India's largest power companies could bring hundreds of new jobs to South Australia.
Buffett makes biggest play
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett is moving to buy out aerospace supplier Precision Castparts, in a deal valued at a staggering $37.2 billion.
Court action on Linc gas claims
A secret Queensland Government report allegedly warns that hundreds of square kilometres of prime agricultural land in the state’s southeast are at risk from toxic chemicals and explosive gases.
Jobs lost in tough times for copper
BHP Billiton has announced 380 jobs will be lost at its massive South Australian Olympic Dam mine, and experts say it is a sign of the times.
Robo-lessons ease path to human lives
A world in which humans share their homes and workplaces with robots is coming, and local researchers are looking to smooth the transition.
Senate demands WA road plan
The Senate has given the Federal Government until 5pm (AEST) today to release traffic modelling and cost benefits information relating to the $1.6 billion Perth Freight Link highway.
Abbott laments jobs lost in mega-mine hold-up
Prime Minister Tony Abbott is “frustrated” at the Federal Court’s decision to overturn the approval of Adani's Carmichael coal mine, saying it could have created thousands of jobs.
Cable recall goes slow while risks rise
Thousands of Australian homes and businesses have faulty electrical cabling posing a serious danger, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned time is running out to get it fixed.
Copper could fuel future after CO2 breakthrough
Research engineers have developed a new material that could capture greenhouse gas and convert it into fuel.
Ergon to trial new tech ahead of revolution
Electricity companies could soon roll out the next big energy revolution - offering large home battery systems to customers.
Local team takes high-tech title again
Australia has again taken out the most prestigious prize in the world of robot soccer.
Rio's iron ride leads to cap-ex cut
Mining giant Rio Tinto has posted first-half profits that show the company’s fortune sliding down alongside metal prices, leading it to make a pledge of $1 billion in cost-cuts this year.
Google's robo-car checklist revealed
Google has applied for patents that could let its autonomous cars choose not to drive.
Monash tips hat to Moore in supercapacitor studies
Monash engineers have reported on their successful miniaturisation of supercapacitors – an important step in the constant advance of batteries and power technology.
Sperling sees China staying solid enough
A former economic advisor to the White House has addressed this year's Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum, and told those attending to keep faith in China's future demand for steel.