Archived News for Industry Professionals - July, 2013
A mining group will soon deliver its environmental impact study in preparation for work on a new silver mine in New South Wales.
Smart drivers avoid breach sweep
A recent education campaign may have helped reduce the number of truck drivers caught in a sweep of compliance enforcement this year.
Toll both building and bargaining
Construction has begun on transport and logistics group Toll’s new $24 million hub in Hobart, while the company threatens thousands of employees planning a strike.
Top-tier truckers needed
The talent pool for transport managers and heavy-haulage coordinators is reportedly dwindling, according to recruiters.
Transport confidence down, confusion up
The Commonwealth Bank 'Future Business Index' report says confidence in transport and logistics has plummeted, as industry players view operations for the rest of the year with trepidation.
ACTU calls for step up in women's role
A recent forum has taken stock of the role of women in Australian technical and trade industries, and found numbers are far too low.
Fibre-optic crews left $15 million short
Unions Tasmania is claiming the company tasked with rolling out the National Broadband Network owes workers millions of dollars, which the company has called an “invoicing-related matter”.
Holden sheds workers for shaky future
Four hundred Holden workers in Adelaide have taken voluntary redundancies, finishing work this Friday in an attempt to save the iconic brand.
Hot rocks take off
The pilot site for geo-thermal energy generation in Western Australia is bubbling along, reportedly operating better than expected.
Kits to boost industries online
Advice for improving technical and trade services through high-tech means will be available soon, with The Australian Industry Group receiving $500,000 to develop a digital business kit for manufacturers on the NBN.
MBA calls for contractual clarity
The Master Builders Association says changes from the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Award Review have not helped clear anything up for workers or small business operators.
Origin says ETS could push coal
The chief of Origin Energy has said the price of carbon would have to be a great deal higher before the company would think of moving away from coal.
Rare earth gold rush in US
The US Geological Society is encouraging people to comb through the left-overs of old mining operations and look for materials they may not have known were valuable in the past.
Viney rains train safety claims
A Victorian opposition MP is claiming the safety of regional train passengers at risk because V/Line trains are breaching passenger safety load limits on every service line.
Swan says homes can form support
The former treasurer says Australia’s housing market could prop up the economy during a downturn in mining profits.
Telstra goes for gift of 4G
Telstra has announced it will expand its 4G coverage to provide service to 85 per cent of the population by Christmas this year, with an increased focus on regional coverage.
Council goes for growth
A north Queensland council has presented a list of demands to companies looking to start a bauxite mining venture, pitting five companies against each other for the right to dig near the Watson River.
Councils play for rates shift
A conglomerate of some of the country’s highest producing councils are pushing for more control over mine rates.
QLD digs in to EIS reform
The Queensland Government has opened the door even wider for mining companies in the state, with more cuts to red tape for investors.
Uphill battle brewing on ETS plan
Some legislative hurdles will need to be cleared for the Prime Minister’s plan to bring forward an Emissions Trading Scheme.
Seeney passes coal mine dumps
Four coal mines were given permission to release their legacy water into Queensland river catchments last November, now the Deputy Premier says they will all be allowed to dump excess water.