Archived News for Engineering Professionals - September, 2012
The Western Australian Government has released the preferred planned rail line to Perth airport, with State Transport Minister Troy Buswell saying it will significantly improve access to and from the city.
Port Access Road completion inches closer
The Federal Government has announced that the $190 million Townsville Port Access Road is progressing on time and will be completed and open to traffic by Christmas.
Report to help build in a changing climate
The Federal Government has released a suite of new reports aimed at helping stakeholders make informed decisions about how to build in a changing climate.
Syndey University engineering masters program accredited by Engineers Australia
A postgraduate engineering program at the University of Sydney has received full accreditation from Engineers Australia, making it unique in Australian universities.
Downer wins $70m Mt Mercer Wind Farm contract
Downer EDI Limited has been awarded a $70 million contract by Meridian Energy Australia for engineering work on the Mt Mercer Wind Farm in Victoria.
The wind farm, located 30 kilometres south of Ballarat, will consist of 64 turbines with 131MW capacity.
Downer will conduct balance of plant work which includes the design and construction of the electrical and civil works including the wind farm sub-station, 33kV collector system, internal road network, crane hardstands and wind turbine foundations.
The wind farm will provide enough energy to service the electricity needs of the entire Ballarat community.
The Chief Executive Officer of Downer, Grant Fenn, said Downer has extensive capabilities in the renewable energy sector having previously worked on the Colgar Wind Farm in Western Australia, Lake Bonney Wind Farm in South Australia and Waubra Wind Farm in Victoria. Downer has delivered in excess of 1GW across 11 Wind Farm developments across Australia to key customers.
Construction of the Mt Mercer Wind Farm will commence in December and is expected to take two years to complete.
Xstrata to slash 600 positions
Xstrata Coal has announced it will be cutting around 600 positions from its operations, including both contractors and permanent positions. There would also be reduction of some roles at the Sydney corporate headquarters and consolidation of office-based operations in Queensland.
KPMG releases Technology Innovation Survey
KPMG has released its Technology Innovation Survey, identifying disruptive technologies in consumer and enterprise markets over the next four years and highlighting leading innovation markets and innovation management trends in the technology industry.
NSW draft Renewable Energy Action Plan released for comment
The NSW Government has released its draft Renewable Energy Action Plan for public comment.
CSIRO chief appointed to head up SKA Organisation
Dr Phil Diamond, Chief of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, has been appointed director general of the SKA Organisation that will oversee the construction and operation of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
Applications open for Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity grants
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has called for applications for funding under Round Three of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program over 2012-13 and 2013-14.
Victorian grants for manufacturing productivity available
The Victorian Minister for Manufacturing Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva has launched the Victorian Manufacturing Productivity Networks $7.5 million competitive grant program, which will help Victorian manufacturing networks assist members to improve productivity and competitiveness.
New Victorian program to support technology uptake
The Victorian Government has launched a new $8 million Technology Voucher funding program that will encourage the uptake of new technologies.
Queensland engineers develop remotely piloted aircraft for bushfire surveillance
Avionics engineers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are developing technology to enable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for use in detecting bushfires.
NSW Medical Devices Fund launched
The New South Wales Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, has announced the establishment of the Medical Devices Fund and called for applications to support the development and commercialisation of medical devices in NSW.
Oil and gas training and research the focus of CDU agreement
Charles Darwin University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Incospec and Associates Australia that will further its capacity for education, research and on-the-job training related to the needs of the oil and gas industry.
Perth gets Australia's first electric car recharge network
Perth has gained Australia's first electric car recharge network with 23 new fast-charge stations installed across the metro area in a project led by researchers from The University of Western Australia.
UNSW energy research centre launched
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has officially opened the Tyree Energy Technologies Building, UNSW's new home for energy research.