Archived News for Industry Professionals - August, 2013
There are tough times underway and ahead for many workers in the building and construction industries, but recent stats show even for those who are working – wage growth remains modest.
High pay offset by low mine living standards
Many are quick to attack the seemingly exorbitant pay rates of miners in Australia, but recent revelations have highlighted just how hard it is to make a living from the earth, and how tight some resources companies are making it for their workers.
Variation pays off at Wesfarmers
The company behind many of Australia's most iconic shopping outlets has posted some good-looking figures.
Logistics council welcomes Victoria's forward view
The Victorian State Government has launched a new strategy for the state to deal with the expected growth in freight volumes in coming years, the announcement of the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan has been welcomed by the nation-wide Australian Logistics Council (ALC).
Rapid bus transit could treat traffic trauma for commuters
New research into efficient and sustainable models for public transport has been undertaken by scientists at the University of Sydney, hopefully leading to a world without traffic jams.
ACT construction inspection spree launched
The ACT is going against the tide of safer construction, with new statistics showing a spike in serious accidents at Canberra worksites between 2011 and 2012.
Airbus' next big rig takes to the sky
More than decade of work developing the next generation of flying transporters has yielded the Airbus A400M Atlas; a massive new rig to be rolled out sometime this year.
Battle brewing on Coles crash
A legal battle is unfolding between a truck-driver, Coles and the Transport Workers’ Union.
Changes hope to end dangers in chemical code
Plans are underway to amend and update the laws governing the transport of dangerous goods and chemicals on Australian highways and rail lines.
Engineering the caffeine revolution
A Melbourne engineer has been awarded a $360,000 grant to design a travel coffee cup for the future.A Melbourne engineer has been awarded a $360,000 grant to design a travel coffee cup for the future.
Hauling stardust on the next transport frontier
An enlightening infographic has been compiled which has sparked the debate over when transport and logistics may break free of the atmosphere.
Hybrid-solar rig could be a mobile power gold-mine
A small Western Australian engineering firm is working on a design for a mobile hybrid diesel-solar power plant to serve the mining industry.
Minerals chairman against rhetoric from either side
The new head of the Minerals Council says the business sector is wary of promises from both major political parties in the lead-up to the federal election.
NASA aims for inter-planetary gold mine
With global resource demand becoming irreversably high and population too reaching ever-increasing numbers, many humans will be reaching toward space for a hand to leave the rapidly over-crowding rock.
New mode of travel in the pipeline
An internet billionaire has announced plans for a new method of transport which could change the way we move.
Newcrest takes a $5.8 billion slide
A raft bad luck and bad choices are catching up with one of Australia’s biggest mining firms, with reports Newcrest have posted s full-year loss of$5.8 billion.
Shree ploughs ahead with protesters at the gates
Protests have continued over two proposed iron mines in Tasmania’s Tarkine forest region, after approvals from the Environment Minister failed to allay concerns.
Train safety week on the rails
Relevant industry bodies in Australia and New Zealand have launched Rail Safety Week, an effort to promote the message of rail safety to local communities across Australasia.
Truckers wary of carbon fuel slug
Representatives of Australia’s trucking industry say the next federal government should drop any commitment to put a carbon tax on fuel.
Claims of secret Zimbabwe-Iran uranium deal
A stoush is unfolding in international energy relations, with reports that Zimbabwe has undertaken a secret deal to sell uranium to Iran being strongly denied by Zimbawean officials.
Energy Agency predicts crude demand will drop
One of the world’s chief energy price authorities says there is less demand for oil and that the world’s needs are gradually decreasing.