Archived News for Professionals in State Government - August, 2012
Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced it has elected to shelve the $30 billion expansion of its Olympic Dam expansion in South Australia.
The company announced that due to current market conditions and subdued commodity prices, it would seek less capital-intensive methods of expanding its operations in the site.
“As we finalised all the details of the project in the context of current market conditions, our strategy and capital management priorities, it became clear that the right decision for the Company and its shareholders was to continue studies to develop a less capital intensive option to replace the underground mine at Olympic Dam,” BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers said.
Government approves Alpha mine
The Federal Government has announced its approval of the Alpha coal mine and associated rail works in Queensland, paving the way for construction of the country's largest coal mine.
South Australia launches new climate change action framework
The South Australian Government has launched a new framework to shape the state’s climate change action by Government and the community in the State.
WA passes key water reform
The Western Australian Government has passed two bills aimed at improving the governing of water services before State Parliament.
LGAT hits out at forced amalgamations proposal
"Tasmanians for Reform is calling for meaningful changes to local government that will see improved services, greater capacity and reduced costs," TFR Chairwoman Mary Massina said.
NSW calls for comment on for construction inquiry
The New South Wales Government is calling for public submissions for its inquiry into insolvency in the construction industry.
WALGA backs red tape legislation
The Western Australian Local Government Association has publically backed legislation introduced before State Parliament that will enable two or more Local Government bodies to establish regional subsidiaries.
ACT public servants claim $90 million over three years
ACT public servants claim $90 million over three years Public servants in the Australian Capital Territory have claimed an estimated $90 million over three years in workers compensations in illnesses and injuries in the workplace.
Ankata mine open for business
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has officially opened the new Ankata underground copper-gold mine at Prominent Hill.
Queensland flags payroll overhaul
The Queensland Government has flagged sweeping changes to the State Government payroll systems, with Information Minister Ros Bates saying work will begin first on her own department.
Queensland holds first Moreton Bay Rail Link briefing
The Queensland Government has held the first Moreton Bay Rail Link industry briefing, attracting over 300 business representatives to hear from State Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson.
WA seeks comment on OHS regulations
The Western Australian Government has called for comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed national Work Health and Safety (WHS) reform as they apply to the State’s workplaces.
Webb Dock development inches closer to start
The Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (PoMC) $1.6 billion redevelopment of its Webb Dock facilities has taken the next major step after the awarding of major civil and maritime design contracts.
Wivenhoe Dam engineers cleared of wrongdoing
The Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has cleared the engineers who operated the Wivenhoe Dam during the Queensland floods of 2010 of any wrongdoing.
$10.6 million for Victorian grain productivity research
The Victorian Government has announced $10.6 million in funding to boost research that will accelerate productivity growth in the grains industry by developing superior varieties and management practices best suited for local conditions.
Anne Gale named SA Equal Opportunity Commissioner
The South Australian Government has announced the appointment of Anne Gale as the state’s next Commissioner for Equal Opportunity.
Engineers in top demand finds report
The Western Australian Government has released the latest State Priority Occupation List, showing that engineers, nurses and childcare workers are among the most sought-after employees.
Queensland outlines Royalties for Regions
The Queensland Government has announced applications for $60 million in funding under the first round of the Royalties for Regions program will open in September.
Santos confirms Moomba shale well
Gas giant Santos has confirmed that the planned Moomba 191 dedicated shale well is commercially viable and will soon begin production of the country’s first dedicated shale well.
Victoria TAFE battlelines drawn
The ongoing and increasingly public debate over TAFE funding in Victoria has descended into an unseemly brawl, with thousands of teachers descending on Central Melbourne to protest the cuts.
Victoria opens CCS research centre
The Victorian Government has officially opened the new Peter cook Centre for Carbon and Capture Storage (CCS) Research at the University of Melbourne.