Archived News for Professionals in State Government - January, 2012
CommSec’s most recent State of the States report has found that the ACT has had the stand-out economy over the past quarter, while WA has slipped back.
The ACT continues to enjoy low unemployment and housing activity, construction, population growth and economic growth all above average. Its weaknesses are retail spending and business investment.
The Western Australian economy continues to be driven by construction work but population growth has slowed, dragging on the housing sector. Unemployment is low compared with other states but it has been drifting higher.
NSW to inject $7 million into cancer research
The New South Wales Government has announced $7 million in grants to two esteemed research groups as part of the translational cancer research program.
WA commits to Esperance Port
The Western Australian Government has announced its formal support of the expansion of Esperance Port, with State Transport Minister Troy Buswell announcing plans to increase capacity by up to 20 million tonnes per annum in a staged plan.
Ichthys LNG Project signed off
Japanese oil and gas company, INPEX Corporation and the French giant TOTAL S.A. have confirmed the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the US$34 billion Ichthys LNG Project. The agreement was announced at a ceremony in Darwin, the site of the onshore gas processing facilities which will be built to produce 8.4 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum.
Victoria announces $100 million for regional infrastructure
The Victorian Government has announced regional and rural councils will share in over $100 million for vital infrastructure in the first allocation round of the Local Government Infrastructure Program (LGIP).
NSW starts water sharing plans
New South Wales has commenced two new water sharing plans that cover the NSW Murray-Darling Basin groundwater sources.
Mount Isa master plan to be released
A master plan that is set to coordinate the development of freight infrastructure in north west Queensland over the next 50 years is set for release by the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ).
$103 million upgrade for Ford in Victoria
The Federal and Victorian governments have announced $103 million in co-funding to boost the fuel efficiency and emissions performance of the Ford Falcon and Ford Territory models being manufactured in Australia.
Victoria appoints Executive Director for major projects office
The Victorian Government has announced Tim Bamford as Executive Director of Major Projects Victoria (MPV), tasking him with overseeing the state's more complex and important construction projects.
Victoria reviews local laws covering building sites
The Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has released the Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper to help reduce the regulatory burden faced by the building industry as a consequence of inconsistent local laws applying to building sites.
New Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services
Marlene Morison has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services.
New chief for Major Projects Victoria
Tim Bamford has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Major Projects Victoria (MPV).
Mr Bamford has a background in engineering and a experience in management positions including Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. He joined MPV in 2008 and has been the Project Director of the $363 million stage 1 redevelopment of Melbourne Park.
Other projects currently overseen by MPV include the Flinders Street Station international design competition, the $288 million Centre for AgriBiosciences at Latrobe University, the $128.5 million Hamer Hall upgrade and the E-Gate development in West Melbourne.
Mr Bamford takes over from acting Executive Director, John Wiles.
MPV is part of the Victorian Department of Business and Innovation and provides project delivery services and advice to Victorian Government departments and other agencies in the delivery of complex projects.
New Perth planning authority commences
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), which will be responsible for urban renewal and revitalisation of Perth, commenced operations on January 1, 2012.