Archived News for Industry Professionals - September, 2012
The debate about the impact of coal seam mining on groundwater has been fuelled by claims made in a television commercial produced by Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) and aired on Sunday 2 September that ‘CSIRO [and government studies] have shown that groundwater is safe with coal seam gas’.
CSIRO has responded to the commercial stating that at no time has it made any such a statement, and nor do the results of CSIRO research support such a statement.
“CSIRO continues to undertake research to better understand the impacts of coal seam gas extraction on groundwater quality and quantity.
Funding for WA mining exploration announced
A new round of grants to boost Western Australia’s mining exploration investment has been announced by WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore during the opening of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies’ (AMEC) Convention 2012.
New national office to oversee asbestos management
A new organisation with a central coordinating role will pave the way for a national approach to asbestos awareness and management in Australia.
Newcrest team wins mine rescue competition
Newcrest Cadia Valley Mine Emergency Response Team has defeated eleven other teams from across the country to win the Victorian Mine Rescue Competition sponsored by Fire and Safety Australia.
Port of Melbourne design contracts awarded
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SA mineral exploration hits post GFC high
The South Australian Minister for Minerals Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis has released figures that show that spending on mineral exploration in South Australia hit a post-GFC high in 2011/12.
COAG Housing Supply and Affordability Reform report released
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has released the Housing Supply and Affordability Reform (HSAR) Report.
Housing construction sector remains in doldrums
Approvals for private sector housing continue their struggle to gain momentum as Building Approvals figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed only a marginal increase.
NSW electricity industry to take on 139 apprentices
The NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has announced that 139 new apprentices will start training next year across the NSW electricity network.
The new recruits will start work with the State’s three electricity network business – Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential Energy as apprentice line workers, cable jointers and substation technicians.
Mr Hartcher said the three network businesses were now recruiting for the new roles which included applications, exams, and interviews to help select the brightest bunch of new trainees.
“These new recruits will learn their trade as they work, ensuring they stay safe while maintaining a reliable and efficient electricity network for the people of NSW,” Mr Hartcher said. “They will become the next generation of frontline workers, learning from some of the best and most experienced power workers in the country.
“More than half of these new apprentices will be based in regional and rural NSW, helping to support local communities and local economies.”
The apprentice class of 2013 will learn their trade in both the classroom and on the job training throughout NSW.
Mr Hartcher said that the three electricity networks expected to employ a total of 1,200 graduating apprentices over the next four years.
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.