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Australian rocket launch site given major project status

The South Australian government has granted major project status to a venture which aims to become Australia’s first commercial rocket launch site. Southern Launch is aiming for its Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex “to get off the ground in 2020”. The declaration takes the South Australian company to the next stage that will allow it to undertake a comprehensive assessment and submit a formal development application. Southern Launch announced in December it had found a site at Whalers Way on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula for its launch pad, just days before the new Australian Space Agency declared it would establish headquarters in the state’s capital Adelaide. The multi-user rocket launch facility will allow micro- and small-lift rocket manufacturers to launch satellites into polar orbits using cutting edge technology, further reinforcing South Australia’s contribution to the nation’s space sector. The 1190-hectare site sits at the bottom of Eyre Peninsula, about 35 minutes’ drive from the regional centre of Port Lincoln. The complex is 250km west of Adelaide and 500km south of Woomera, the historic rocket launch site that is restricted to military use. A taskforce, headed up by state government agency Defence SA has been established to help Southern Launch through the development process, which includes detailed plans of site operations, potential customers, economic benefit and environmental impact. Southern Launch founder and CEO Lloyd Damp said the major project declaration was a fantastic step forward and would allow more information to be released and public consultation to begin. He said major project status was usually reserved for huge infrastructure projects that ran into the billions of dollars. “Our project is a fraction of that size but the potential benefit to the South Australian economy is of great importance to the state,” Damp said. “The creation of something like a launch facility operates […]

Manufacturing finalists announced in Victorian Premier’s sustainability awards

A world’s first emissions report for the manufacturing sector and two very diverse manufacturers and have been announced as finalists in this year’s Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards. Beyond Zero Emissions’ Electrifying Industry, finalist in the new Environmental Volunteering category, is a report by expert volunteers that shows how to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing. Downer is a finalist in the Large Business category. In partnership with Close the Loop and RED Group, they have created an asphalt pavement material, known as Reconophalt, that incorporates non-traditional repurposed materials to reduce environmental impact without compromising product performance. The asphalt mix also remains perpetually recyclable. (See picture below.) Retub has been announced as a finalist in the Small and Medium Enterprises category for their program Premium Reusable Takeaway Containers. Retub™ is a modern reusable take-away food container that reduces waste in up to three different ways and uses a unique, built-in container exchange program, Reswap. The Premier’s Sustainability Awards is one of Victoria’s major sustainability programs, celebrating people working to reduce the impact of climate change and to create a better future for us all. The interim CEO of Sustainability Victoria, Carl Muller, congratulated finalists for their innovative work, building a more sustainable environment for current and future generations. “Delivering these Awards means we continue to discover and celebrate the talent and enthusiasm Victorians have for thinking creatively about new models of sustainability,” he said. “The Awards, now in their 17th year, acknowledge leadership, innovation and achievement. Each finalist is commended for improving sustainable outcomes across business, government, education, health and within the community.” Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Thursday 10 October at Forum Melbourne. The Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, will personally select the winners of the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award and the Premier’s Recognition Award, which […]

Dicker Data receives Australia’s first shipment of FujiFilm LTO-8 data tapes

To meet the unprecedented demand for Fujim LTO Ultrium8 Data Cartridges (LTO-8), Dicker Data has received and begun shipping the first Australian delivery of tapes. Dicker Data National Business Development Manager Paul Tutton. Dicker Data National Business Development Manager Paul Tutton explained, “To say the market has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of FujimO-8 tapes is an understatement. As such we pre-ordered the large amount of stock you see here, most of which we have already sold to our customers. Fortunately Fujims the manufacturer, have plenty of available stock and that combined with our next day delivery means our customers are always taken care of.” FujiFilm tapes use its patented Barium Ferrite (BaFe) magnetic particle technology with its outstanding recording/retrieval performance and long-term durability to offer a storage capacity of 30TB (12TB for non-compressed data), twice the capacity of the previous generation LTO-7*1. They are also capable of transferring data at 750MB/sec (360MB/sec for non-compressed). Paul Tutton concluded, “LTO tape is more relevant than ever to the market as it offers low cost of ownership, easy scalability and excellent security and protection from threats such as ransomware. The fact that FujimO-8 tapes are also available in WORM or an ECO pack in purchases of 20 carts or more for the plain packaging that eliminates individual plastic cases, makes these tapes a very attractive proposition indeed.” FujiFilmtape main specifications Capacity (at 2.5x compression) – 12TB (30TB) Maximum transfer rate (at 2.5x compression) – 360MB/sec (750MB/sec.) Number of tracks – 6,656 (32 track heads in the serpentine format) Cartridge memory – 130,816Bits (16,352byte); internal EEPROM with electromagnetic induction antenna Tape width – 12.65mm Tape thickness – 5.6μm Tape length – 960m *1　FUJIFILM LTO Ultrium7 Data Cartridge that complies with the 7th-generation LTO Ultrium standards

Queensland waste-to-energy project receives international accolades

CST Wastewater Solutions’ major waste-to-energy project with NH Foods in Queensland has received international recognition this month through finalist nominations in both the energy and sustainability categories of the prestigious 2019 Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Global Awards. The technology involved in the double IChemE finalist nomination is a far-sighted green energy initiative by leading meat processor NH Foods Australia at their Oakey Beef Exports facility, and is already paying handsome dividends in terms of cleaner wastewater effluent, as well as a reduced fossil fuel environmental footprint and lower energy costs. The Global Water & Energy (GWE) COHRAL(Covered High-Rate Anerobic Lagoon) plant extracts green energy (biogas) from Oakey Beef Export’s wastewater streams to replace millions of dollars’ worth of natural gas over its operating life, in Queensland’s Darling Downs region. The plant – which occupies half the space of comparable technologies and stores biogas extracted from wastewater in a robust 6000m3 polyester balloon – was installed at Oakey by Australian environmental engineering and green energy authority CST Wastewater Solutions, which recently inspected the plant as it reaches its landmark fifth year of service in southern Queensland. In addition to food and beverage processors, the technology can be applied to agribusiness operations including all forms of meat, livestock, poultry, fish and agribusiness, including fruit, sugar, vegetable, grains and other crops. “It’s outstanding to receive this kind of international recognition, and we credit NH Foods Australia for their forward-thinking and innovative attitude to sustainability. They are leading the way in environmental and sustainable outcomes in the meat industry in Australia,” said Mr Michael Bambridge, Managing Director, CST Wastewater Solutions. “By transforming a wastewater effluent treatment and disposal problem into an ongoing productive asset, the plant has achieved a rare business and environmental ideal of cleaner, greener performance with stable, predictable and profitable […]

Australia’s Got Talent

Advance, the organisation that honours and engages members of Australia’s global diaspora, has announced the winners of its 2019 Advance Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of Australians living and working around the world. The 10 category winners represent a diverse group of leaders and innovators who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. These range from technology innovation, financial services and healthcare, to social impact, sustainability, and the arts. Advance Chairman Yasmin Allen said, “We can all feel very proud that Australia produces many exceptional leaders and trailblazers who are making a significant impact around the world. “It’s critical that our expatriate community remains strongly connected to Australia while they live and work overseas. We want to recognise and support their contribution and help resettle them when they are ready to return to Australia. “The Advance Awards shine a spotlight on these high achievers and provide a wonderful opportunity to share news of their important work with all Australians. “Through Advance events, academic ties, business networks, and mentoring programs, we’re creating a global network of Australians. We want to promote their skills and knowledge which in turn builds Australia’s reputation internationally.” Having received more than 200 nominations from 28 countries – from Maldives, UAE, Colombia, Switzerland, Netherlands, South Africa, Indonesia to Vietnam – winners are selected by a judging panel of renowned Australians who represent the country’s diverse entrepreneurial culture. Chaired by Advance Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Ken Allen AM, the judging panel includes Maggie Beer AM, Jillian Broadbent AO, Darren Burns, Michelle Garnaut AO, and Bob Isherwood. The 2019 winners will be formally presented with their awards at Advance’s Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner at The Star Sydney on Thursday 17 October. This year, Advance will present 10 industry awards, a Global Alumni Award and Global Impact […]

Australia’s first electric motorbike launched in Adelaide

The Fonzarelli NKD electric motorbike and its charging stations will be manufactured in Adelaide, South Australia. Michelle Nazzari and Simon Modra met at a wedding several years ago in Sydney and spent the evening engrossed in conversation about motorbikes. The pair of entrepreneurs stayed in touch as each went their separate ways, Simon back to Adelaide and various startups in the sustainability sector, and Michelle into her own electric vehicle company called Fonzarelli. “I had been working in automotive manufacturing with electric and hybrid buses,” said Nazzari. “That’s where it all started, but I looked at the powertrain and it’s very simple and thought, ‘yeah, I might give this a go,’ and so set up the company and started tinkering.” Nazzari launched her first electric scooter in 2012-13 under the brand Fonzarelli and has grown the business from there. Always with the push to increase mileage and with a dedication to motorcycles still in her heart, Nazzari reconnected with Modra to tackle the issue of charging stations for her NKD electric motorbike. The electric dual-sport mini motorcycle has a range of up to 120kms and can produce 6000 RPM and a top speed of 100 km/h. Modra, who is also an architect and Future Submarine design researcher at the University of South Australia, jumped at the chance to collaborate with Nazzari on the NKD project and convinced her to manufacture the charging stations and bike in South Australia. “It’s a legitimate form of transport – there are many motorcyclists out there who don’t have a car and we’re lucky battery power has become so reliable now and Peter [Coombs – Chapter president of Design Institute of Australia] did give the hat-tip to Tesla,” Modra said. “Now we’ve got this incredible range with the vehicle and we’re getting further and further out.” […]

Kemppi releases MasterTig range

Kemppi, has launched the new Kemppi MasterTig family which is designed to withstand demanding welding environments and high temperatures; the next generation of MasterTig welding machines is impressive. It sets new standards in usability, welding quality capability and power efficiency. The MasterTig range has been redesigned with the professional welder very much in mind. The machine’s Weld Assist feature lets welders setup 60% faster to help increase productivity. Welders simply select the material, thickness, joint type and welding position. Weld Assist then determines the best parameters for the welding task. It also provides recommendations for the electrode size, filler wire, gas flow, groove type, pass profile and travel speed. Welders can also weld up to 30% faster, thanks to the MasterTig’s Double Pulse function. Double pulse accelerates the travel speed in DC hand welding and mechanised applications. This not only allows welders to power through work, it reduces distortion levels and delivers excellent weld appearance. Double Pulse also reduces heat input by 20%, helping to minimise welding costs. The range is also packed with high-technology features that enhance TIG welding. The MicroTack function lets you complete multiple, repetitive tacking on thin sheet applications quickly and without forgoing quality or the visual appearance of the weld. iTEC is engineered ignition technology. It ensures a reliable arc start every time and is particularly useful with long torch extensions for site welding or precise thin materials and low current applications. The Optima AC feature is a customised waveform that combines the best of the traditional sine and square forms. It improves welding quality while reducing the noise level in AC TIG welding by 20%. Other advanced features of the range include 99 memory channels, a weld time clock that lets you measure and record job data, and Auto Pulse. The MasterTig range is […]

Environment takes action on synthetic greenhouse gas offenders

The Department of the Environment and Energy has recently fined two companies and an individual for offences under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. A New South Wales-based company has been fined $12,600 for importing a bus with an air conditioning system containing HFC-134a, a synthetic greenhouse gas, without an appropriate licence. HFC-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon – a type of synthetic greenhouse gas commonly used as a refrigerant in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, including in vehicles. Synthetic greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, and HFC-134a has a global warming potential of 1,430, meaning it traps 1,430 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. The import into Australia of equipment containing these substances is prohibited unless the correct licence or exemption is held. The company involved is a major automotive retailer and was aware of its obligations under the Act at the time it imported the bus. A Victorian-based company has been fined $12,600 for importing a pool heat pump containing HFC-410A without an appropriate licence. The company was unaware of its obligations under the Act. Head of the Department’s Office of Compliance, Monica Collins, said: “Reducing emissions of synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances is a priority area for the Department. “We work with the Australian Border Force to monitor and inspect imported and exported goods to ensure compliance with the Act and where appropriate undertake enforcement activities. “Importers and customs brokers should check import requirements for synthetic greenhouse gases or ozone depleting substances, including when they are contained in equipment, before importing or exporting goods. “It is advisable to allow adequate time to apply for a licence or exemption as this may take up to 60 days”. A New South Wales-based refrigeration mechanic has been fined $2,520 for discharging a scheduled […]

Konecranes’ MAINMAN planned maintenance technology earns top safety award

Australian cranes and lifting technology and service leader Konecranes has won the ‘Best Practice in Safety’ award at the 2019 Bulk Handling Awards for its advanced planned maintenance technology, MAINMAN. Konecranes’ MAINMAN technology is used in major infrastructure, industrial, logistics and materials handling projects where equipment must be cost-efficiently maintained in peak condition to optimise uptime and ensure critical work proceeds without breakdowns. “The bulk handling industry is critically dependent on cranes and lifting equipment, and for operations and maintenance managers, safety and uptime are always top priorities,” said Mr James Dowe, Managing Director, Konecranes Australia. “For a company that’s been focusing on optimising safety and uptime for Australian industry for more than 30 years, it’s truly an honour to receive this recognition in the prestigious Bulk Handling Awards. It’s a credit to the entire Konecranes team,” said Mr Dowe. “MAINMAN technology – like any preventative maintenance programme – is designed to help safety-conscious Australian companies ensure they are totally standards compliant. The difference with MAINMAN is that we use all available data to customise the programme to the customer’s equipment, application and duty cycle to make it as efficient as possible,” he said. Konecranes is the world’s crane service organisation, with more than 600,000 pieces of lifting equipment of all makes and models under service contract worldwide. With 22 service centres in Australia and 24/7 availability, Konecranes is dedicated to optimising uptime and safety for local industry. MAINMAN advanced planned maintenance technology MAINMAN provides an in-depth picture of the condition of lifting equipment, as well as routine maintenance work such as adjusting and lubricating. The service includes a preventive maintenance inspection, visual checks, routine maintenance, and operational and functional testing of cranes and lifting equipment. The latest Konecranes MAINMAN technology includes: Paperless service and installation reports Integrated business and […]

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Cemintel’s Territory range secures AS5113 EW classification

Light weight building innovator, Cemintel, has secured the first AS5113 EW classification for a fibre cement system. Cemintel’s Territory range acquired the additional rating to its existing CodeMark certificate following recent testing; demonstrating conformance to the rigorous Standard. Cemintel’s intelligently engineered, flexible systems and prefinished fibre cement cladding solutions aim to set new standards for design, performance and safety in Australia. Securing the AS5113 EW classification for the Territory range is a natural extension of the organisation’s commitment to developing quality, locally engineered building solutions. “Derived from the Japanese values of simplicity, nature and quality, the Territory range draws on traditional building materials like stone, timber, concrete and metal for inspiration; providing builders, designers and architects with a flexible, high performance, palette for iconic external designs,” says Paul Manks, General Manager of CSR Cemintel. “With the Territory range now meeting all of the criteria of the AS5113 EW, the most comprehensive fire safety rating for external walls available in Australia, designers and property owners can be even more confident that they are making a safe and aesthetically striking choice.” Standards Australia introduced AS5113 in March 2016. The Standard sets out procedures for a large-scale test that provides a reliable indication of the facade system’s resistance to the spread of fire. “While organisations in Australia may have tested to the AS5113 Standard, attaining EW certification is challenging; many systems have failed to pass the debris requirements. Following the Territory test, no debris was apparent and the wall was deemed to be in good condition.” “The classification has been added to the CodeMark certification to give the industry increased confidence in the compliance of the products and systems. The prefinished Territory range met all of the requirements, with no concessions required for any of the Pass criteria needed to receive the EW […]

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