Archived News for Professionals in State Government - May, 2012
The Victorian Government has outlined new planning controls for the state’s major ports in a bid to ensure future productivity in the sector.
The Ports and Environs Advisory Committee released the new set of planning controls for the ports of Melbourne, Hastings, Geelong and Portland.
State Planning Minister Matthew Guy welcomed the report, saying that a robust ports planning framework is paramount to the future economic growth of the state.
Call for applications for Victorian Science Prizes
The Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher has called for applications for the 2012 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation, and the 2012 Victoria Fellowships.
Ms Asher said the Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation will recognise two outstanding scientists this year for their lifelong commitment and achievements. Two individual awards of $50,000 each will be presented – one for work in life sciences and one for work in physical sciences.
As part of the Victoria Fellowships, the Government will provide $18,000 to up to twelve outstanding early-career researchers and innovators to enhance their careers with international study missions.
Applications close on Friday 29 June 2012. Application forms are available at www.business.vic.gov.au/vicprize or www.business.vic.gov.au/vicfellows
Liveable Cities projects funded
Eighteen local government councils have been awarded funding under the Federal Government’s $20 million Liveable Cities program, which aims to help make Australia's 18 major cities more productive, sustainable and liveable.
New State/Local corporation agreement for SA
The South Australian Government and the SA Local Government Association have signed a State/Local Government Relations Agreement.
Yarwun declared significant
The Queensland Coordinator-General has declared the $2.2 billion coal terminal at Yarwun in the Port of Gladstone a ‘significant project’, meaning the project will now undergo an environmental assessment.
Construction starts on Ichthys
The Northern Territory Government has announced construction has started on the $34 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
WA outlines capital works program
The Western Australian Government has outlined a $26.4 billion capital works program to be rolled out over the next four years, with $7.6 billion expected to be spent in the 2012-13 year.
WA posts $196 million surplus
The Western Australian Government has posted a surplus of $196 million for the state’s 2012-13 Budget, with surpluses projected to continue for the period going to 2015-16.
IT Queensland relaunches
The Queensland Government has announced the relaunch of Software Queensland as IT Queensland, with State Minister for Science and Information Technology Ros Bates saying the move will solidify the state’s ICT sector.
Metronode wins NSW consolidation contract
Leighton subsidiary Metronode has been selected by the New South Wales Government to consolidate its 130 data centres. The company will be contracted to construct two new centres to consolidate the state’s public sector data hosting requirements.
SA Government continues funding for road safety research
The South Australian Government has signed an agreement with the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) to extend funding for its road safety research for another five years.
Tasmania to introduce four term school year
The Tasmanian Industrial Commission has announced a final decision for the state to move to a four-term school year system.
Tasmanian energy sector reforms announced
The Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings has released the Government’s blueprint for energy reform, announcing that power retailing will be privatised, but the wholesale electricity market will be kept in public hands, despite a recommendation by the Expert Panel that it be open to competition.
WA bushfire risk office up and running
Appreciating the Risk - The Report of the Special Inquiry Into the November 2011 Margaret River Bushfire is available here.
WA Government supports minimum wage increase
The Western Australian Government’s submission to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission’s State Wage Case has recommended the State minimum wage be increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
New appointments to Sustainability Victoria
The Victorian Government has appointed three members to the Sustainability Victoria (SV) Board. The new members are Mr Ron Lovett and Mr Tony Hinton. An existing member, Ms Suzanne Evans, has been reappointed to the board.
NSW inquiry into workers compensation
The NSW parliamentary inquiry into workers compensation, undertaken by a Joint Select Committee established on May 2, is underway.
Queensland panel to review Cross River Rail
The Queensland Government has formed an expert panel to review the Cross River Rail Project with an aim to ensure the next major investment in rail is “affordable and meets the future needs of South-East Queensland.”
NSW succesfully leases Sydney Desalination Plant
Treasurer Mike Baird today announced the NSW Government has successfully refinanced the Sydney Desalination Plant for $2.3 billion, a result which is well above the book value.
SA releases gas roadmap
The South Australian Government has released a draft roadmap aimed at maximizing the potential of the state’s unconventional gas resources in an environmentally sustainable way.
Tasmanian irrigation project ready to start
Construction of Tasmania’s largest ever irrigation project is ready to start in the state’s Midlands region after the Federal and State governments gave final approvals for the $104 million Midlands Water Scheme.