Archived News for Industry Professionals

The Queensland Government’s Skills and Training Taskforce has handed its interim report to the Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek.

The Taskforce, Chaired by Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Resources Council Michael Roche, was created to take an in-depth look at TAFE and how it could be revitalised.

“This interim report contains the preliminary findings of the Taskforce, which will help us assess what actions should be taken to reinvigorate TAFE and ensure it is more responsive to the economic demands of the State,” Mr Langbroek said.

Queensland takes axe to Natural Resources and Mines

The Queensland Government’s overhaul of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines will see the loss of 413 positions and around 360 retrenchments.

Report on energy potential in the NT

A new report by Geoscience Australia and the Northern Territory Geological Survey has identified potential uranium and geothermal energy-related resources in the southern part of the Northern Territory.

AiGroup funded to provide apprenticeship mentoring program

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is to lead a $3.1 million support and mentoring project which aims to advise apprentices on their career choice and improve completion rates for apprentices in the manufacturing industry.

Australian shipping emissions identified

Ship engine exhaust emissions make up more than a quarter of nitrogen oxide emissions generated in the Australian region according to a recently-published study by CSIRO and the Australian Maritime College in Launceston. Nitrogen oxide is a non-greenhouse gas, unlike similarly named nitrous oxide.

Hunt on for NSW Trains CEOs

The NSW Government is looking to appoint Chief Executive Officers for its new agencies, NSW Trains and Sydney Trains.

Local construction industry leaders meet to discuss key issues

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) will bring together local construction industry leaders at briefings around Australia during October to outline the key issues affecting building and construction businesses, and present the forecasts for business over the next decade.

Discussion at the ACIF Briefings will be seeded with the latest release of the ACIF Forecasts, the industry’s rolling ten year forecasts of demand across residential and non-residential building plus engineering construction. This half-yearly update of the construction industry forecasts will be presented in a new and interactive format – concise, punchy and focussed on the main drivers of change ahead of a dynamic expert panel discussion on the key issues, plus addressing questions from the floor.

NRL signs up to apprenticeship mentoring

Eleven experienced mentors will be employed by the National Rugby League (NRL) to help support Australian Apprentices complete their training in key trades, thanks to a grant of more than $2 million from the Federal Government.

Committee to vet $38 million Mining Engineering Centre

The South Australian Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Tom Koutsantonis, has announced the Parliament’s Public Works Committee has held a hearing into the proposed $38 million Mining Engineering Centre.

WA tightens petroleum regulations

The Western Australian Government has announced new petroleum environment regulations which mandate public disclosure of any chemicals introduced into a well or formation.

BHP Billiton sells Yeellrrie

BHP Billiton has announced the sale of its wholly owned Yeelrrie uranium desposit in Western Australia to Cameco Corporation for US$430 million.

Business Chamber hits out at transport plan

The NSW Business Chamber has accused the State Government’s rail transport plan of jeopodising the future prospects of a High Speed Rail network in a recently released report.

Chevron announces Shell deal

Chevron Australia has announced it has reached an agreement to exchange its holdings in the Browse development for Shell Development’s interests in the Clio and Acme fields in the Carnarvon Basin.

Government outlines ETS integration

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Cobmet, and the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, have announced that Australia and Europe will be linking their emissions trading systems.

Government promises a bigger slice of the resources pie for SMEs

The Federal Government has promised to enhance the opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises to gain business from resources projects.

Linfox opens new 'super site'

Logistics giant Linfox has announced the opening of its new Perth ‘super site’, with Premier Colin Barnett officially opening the new facility.

New home sales nosedive

A new report released by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) shows a disappointing start to the 2012/13 financial year for new home sales.

Queensland passes NHVR law

The Queensland Government has passed legislation establishing Australia’s first National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, which is now due to commence operations at the beginning of January next year.

URS appoints new Capital Projects director

Engineering and construction group URS Australia has announced the appointment of Geoff Pereira as the new Director of Capital Projects, with responsibility for overseeing mining and mine infrastructure projects for the company’s Western Australian operations.

Boom has a few good years yet

A report published by BIS Shrapnel shows that the country’s mining boom still has a few years left to run, with mining investment continuing to underpin activity of coming years.