Fernbrooke Ridge Project Director Gary Searle said the registration of land for Stage 8 has just been approved. “Buyers will now be able to have their block of land transferred into their name and commence the building process.

“This is an exciting stage for buyers and Lend Lease. We are seeing a changing environment here at Fernbrooke Ridge on almost a daily basis. Being able to watch the new community grow is a satisfying experience.”

The high level of interest in land sales at Fernbrooke Ridge has seen the next land release brought forward by two months to meet the demand from purchasers.

Fernbrooke Ridge will become a thriving community that prides itself on a range of parkland for the kids to play. Over 70 hectares will be dedicated for useable, beautiful green spaces including park land, sports fields, and hike and bike trails.

Fernbrooke Ridge is located 9km from Ipswich CBD, 32kms south-west of Brisbane and only 6 minutes drive from the Cunningham Highway which makes travelling to Amberley RAAF Base a breeze. Local schools are within walking distance and the University of Southern Queensland, Orion Springfield Town Centre and the future Springfield train station are only a short drive away.

And with land now selling from $145,000 as well as a large variety of Home and Land packages from a range of Queensland’s leading builders starting from $289,000, there has never been a better time to make the move to Fernbrooke Ridge.

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/-first-homes-to-start-construction-at-fernbrooke-ridge

The Kooragang Industrial Water Scheme (KIWS) involves constructing a new water reuse plant that will use Micro-filtration Reverse Osmosis processes with a 9 ML/day output including provision for a future expansion to 12 ML/day.

Abigroup’s Ian Hutchinson, who is the Hunter Treatment Alliance Program Manager, said, “I’m very excited that Hunter Water Corporation Board has decided to deliver the KIWS project using the Hunter Treatment Alliance delivery model.

“We believe that the KIWS team have found the best technical and value for money solution available to Hunter Water Corporation for this type of project.”

The project includes an on-site education centre building, discharge and return water pipelines and the design, construction and commissioning of all telemetry and control systems for the scheme.

Design work is set to start in May 2012 with site mobilisation expected to commence in December 2012. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2014.

The Hunter Treatment Alliance is carrying out a $240 million five-year program of works with the Hunter Water Corporation designed to enable the region to cater for increased population growth and ensure the plants operate reliably and sustainably into the future.

The program includes the upgrade of 13 existing wastewater treatment plants in the Newcastle region. The scope of work varies for each of the wastewater treatment plants but mainly includes the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the upgraded plants.

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/abigroup-wins-water-recycling-plant-project-in-the-hunter

Hon Elizabeth Constable
Minister for Education

Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Liz Constable today announced a major redevelopment of one of Western Australia’s biggest and best performing secondary schools.

Willetton Senior High School, which was named WA Secondary School of the Year in the WA Education Awards 2011, will receive $32.5million worth of new and redeveloped facilities in the State Budget 2012-13 for the first stage of works, expected to be completed in 2015, and the commencement of a second stage from 2016.

Mr Barnett said the State Government was looking at a long-term plan for the school which could see up to $80million spent to provide a 21st century learning environment to better meet the needs of some of WA’s most able students.

“This school, built in the 1970s, has been growing rapidly, with 1,736 students enrolled in semester one this year, making it the biggest public secondary school in WA,” he said.

“Significant areas of the school need refreshing, so that the increasing number of students learning here can benefit from contemporary learning facilities.”

Willetton Senior High School, which became an Independent Public School in 2011, is one of WA’s very best performing public schools and features regularly in the annual list of the top 20 schools based on results in WA Certificate of Education (WACE) courses.

“Stage one will provide for the construction of a new science block suited to the high standard of science education at the school, complete with the most up-to-date science and technology equipment, more laboratories and a dedicated planning area for staff,” the Premier said.

“It will also provide permanent classrooms to maintain and enhance student learning programs, and gifted and talented facilities, relieving the need for transportable classrooms.

“From 2015 we will begin to look at stage two facilities with a view to redeveloping the current library, mathematics and administration buildings.

“While we are looking to invest up to $80million in this school, full costs are indicative at this stage to enable the Department of Education to undertake further planning work with the school and community.”

Dr Constable praised principal Chris Booth and his staff for forging an outstanding reputation for Willetton Senior High School, based on consistently high student achievement in both academic and vocational education.

“Last year, 11 public school students won General Exhibitions from the Curriculum Council, which are awarded to the top 40 WACE students, and incredibly, five of them came from Willetton Senior High School,” Dr Constable said.

“The number of students achieving a Vocational Education Training qualification has also risen from 35 to 173 in just four years.

“Teachers and students have been doing a wonderful job in these ageing facilities. It is essential all students have the best possible environment in which to learn.

“This is particularly important because in 2015, year 7 will become the first year of secondary education, with students benefiting from the specialist expertise of teaching staff and the outstanding facilities and technology available in our secondary schools.

“However, we are very conscious that any building program in a working school must consider the interests of current staff and students, so the redevelopment program will be planned with the school community, to ensure that we keep any disruption to teaching and learning to an absolute minimum.

“Construction will begin next year, and an architect will be appointed shortly to begin detailed design and planning work in consultation with the school community.”

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/-state-budget-2012-13-building-the-state-80million-redevelopment-for-willetton-shs

The Aluminium and Nickel CSG will include all current nickel and aluminium assets in the portfolio: Nickel West and Worsley (both Australia), Cerro Matoso (Colombia), Mozal (Mozambique), Hillside and Bayside (South Africa), and two non-operated joint ventures, Alumar and Mineracao Rio do Norte (both Brazil).

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Aluminium, Nickel and Corporate Development, Alberto Calderon said: “Despite the current challenges, BHP Billiton is committed to Aluminium and Nickel as commodities that may benefit from later phases of economic development in the emerging economies.

“However, individually, Aluminium and Nickel are small divisions relative to the other businesses in BHP Billiton. The combination of these into a single business unit will provide appropriate scale within the BHP Billiton portfolio, as well as simplifying the functional structure of the business to assist in our efforts to make it a more efficient and competitive organisation.”

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/stainless-steel-materials-and-aluminium-update

Dr Chris Bourke Member for Ginninderra has welcomed commencement of the second stage of the upgrade of the Lake Ginninderra Eastern Valley Way Inlet in Belconnen.

The ACT Government has invested $4.52 million in the second stage of works to improve recreational access and facilities at Eastern Valley Way Inlet on the foreshore of Lake Ginninderra.

“The stage two works continue the improvements to the landscaping and promenade areas adjacent. These include the replacement of the pedestrian bridge across the inlet, the conversion of the inlet into a wetlands system and the completion of paving adjacent to the new Belconnen Skate Park,” Dr Bourke said.

“The new wetlands will be an important habitat for water birds, frogs and tortoises and improve Lake Ginninderra’s water quality. The new wetlands, paved areas and bridge will provide an attractive outlook across the inlet for the Belconnen Skate Park, Ginninderra College, the Lake Ginninderra foreshore retail and business precinct and new residential apartment blocks.

“Work to replace the pedestrian bridge across the inlet has begun. The path leading up to the bridge is closed. Fencing, warning and diversion signs around the area alert people of the closures.”

Dr Bourke said stage one works, completed in July 2011, significantly improved the foreshore’s open recreational space. It now showcases a totally revamped Belconnen Skate Park, new shelter, lighting, paved areas, seat walls, street furniture and plantings.

“Once the Eastern Valley Way Inlet work is complete, Belconnen residents will enjoy a more attractive foreshore, improved water quality, better access and a revitalised lake edge for recreation and events,” Dr Bourke said.

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/lake-ginninderra-foreshore-revamp-commences-next-phase

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney today announced an environmental assessment of the $1.2 billion Fitzroy Terminal Project would progress to the next stage.

Mr Seeney said the announcement cleared the way for the proponent to finalise its environmental impact statement (EIS) for the major terminal project between Rockhampton and Gladstone.

“I’m delighted that the Queensland Coordinator-General has approved the final terms of reference for the EIS for the proposed coal export facility. It means we are one step closer to knowing if the project is fit to be approved,” Mr Seeney said.

“The proposed project has the potential to create nearly 400 jobs for the region and will help to meet the demand for essential coal export facilities, allowing up to 22 million tonnes of coal to be shipped out each year.”

Mr Seeney said the facility would transport coal from the existing Blackwater and Moura rail networks via a 1.3 kilometre rail spur.

“If approved, it will include a rail unloading facility, an overland conveyor system, stockyards, a barge loading terminal in Raglan Creek adjacent to Port Alma and a rail spur connecting the site to the central Queensland coal rail networks,” he said.

“It will also include associated power and water supply infrastructure.

“The overall objective of this project is to alleviate bottlenecks at ports and use barges and transshipping technology to avoid the need for major port structures or significant dredging.”

Mr Seeney said the Coordinator-General received 28 submissions from the public and advisory agencies on the draft terms of reference.

“Based on the feedback received, we have improved the terms of reference to consider the protection of the marine environment and the management of coal handling around the existing industrial facility at Port Alma,” he said.

“The EIS assesses the potential environmental, economic or social impacts of the proposed project and suggests ways of avoiding, minimising or mitigating any risks.

“We will circulate the EIS to key community and industry groups and advertise for public comment when the Coordinator-General is satisfied that it adequately addresses the terms of reference.”

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/proposed-fitzroy-terminal-project-moves-to-the-next-stage-

It is the first of a series of measures across the city which will see more than $12 million invested by the State and Federal Governments, Adelaide City Council and the private sector to regenerate the city’s public spaces.

Premier Jay Weatherill today launched the plans saying the transformation will see the western end of Hindley Street become a very attractive place for students and the public.

“With the new hospital precinct and expanded convention centre taking shape nearby, this project will be even more important,” he said.

“Taken together, these projects will transform the north-west of Adelaide’s CBD into a vibrant, buzzing place filled with people.

“South Australia has once again been recognised for the foresight we have demonstrated by putting the rejuvenation of our capital city among our highest priorities.

“A vibrant capital city is one of the keys to a confident, progressive State and it’s terrific the Federal Government shares that confidence in South Australia generally and Adelaide specifically.”

Adelaide City Council and The University of South Australia have also each pledged $1 million to the project, with the university now able to finalise the designs to transform its Hindley Street facade into an attractive, people-friendly place by the end of 2013.

Member for Adelaide, Kate Ellis, said the Commonwealth’s $1 million contribution from the Liveable Cities program was focused on priority projects to make Adelaide more productive and sustainable.

“Today’s announcement is a great example of the benefits when all level of governments come together to get a result,” Ms Ellis said.

“That is why Federal Labor has ended the Commonwealth’s self-imposed, decade long exile from our major cities and is again engaging with the states, territories and local councils to bring about a much needed urban renaissance,”

“It is crucial that we continue to rejuvenate the CBD to encourage more people to move into what is the undoubtedly the best city in the world,”

“However to do this we must make the city a more vibrant place and to make it easier for city residents to move around.”

These projects will be announced in the months ahead and follow an agreement between the State Government and Adelaide City Council to reform planning laws, delivering the best in design, open streetscapes and millions in investment.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood welcomed the continued rejuvenation of the city’s west end.

“Partnerships are vital for the transformation of Adelaide and I welcome the State and Federal governments’ contribution to our city streets and commend UniSA on its bold vision to make Hindley Street people-friendly,” he said.

University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Høj said today’s announcement represents a significant milestone in the university’s vision for a revitalised, re-energised west end.

“This initiative is a key element of UniSA’s City West Campus Master Plan and in transforming the west end into a vibrant education precinct,” Prof Høj said.

“We are delighted with the support from State and Federal governments, and from Adelaide City Council to help realise that vision.”

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/rejuvenating-adelaides-west-end

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced Harbour City Ferries, a partnership between Veolia Transdev and Transfield Services, had won the contract to operate Sydney Ferries under the NSW Government’s franchise model, and will transition to take over management as early as late July.

Previously the new operator was expected to be in place by the end of the year.

“This is exciting news for ferry customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Veolia Transdev and Transfield Services won the contract from an experienced field of local and international transport operators.

“A key responsibility for the new operator will be to improve the customer experience for the 14 million trips carried out on ferries each year.

“Sydney Harbour is an international icon, and it deserves to have a world class ferry service.

“The new operator was selected based on the best package of approaches to improving customer service, safety, operations, maintenance and management of the Sydney Ferries workforce.

“The NSW Government will work in partnership with the new operator to improve services for ferry customers.

“The NSW Liberals Nationals committed to delivering on the key recommendations of the Walker Inquiry, and today is an important step towards giving ferry customers the world class services they deserve.

“Importantly for customers, the colours of the existing Sydney Ferries fleet will be retained and so will the name ‘Sydney Ferries’. Existing services and fares will continue as normal as the operator focuses on improving services for customers.”

Under the franchise model the NSW Government will retain ownership of Sydney Ferries’ existing vessels and the Balmain Shipyard, and will retain full control over fares and service levels.

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/-veolia-transdev-and-transfield-services-to-begin-operating-sydney-ferries-five-months-early

The contract, awarded by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), extends the services provided at Peak Downs Mine and includes project management, fleet maintenance and operational services for overburden mining at the project.

Greg Fokes, General Manager, Leighton Contractors’ Mining Division, said “This demonstrates our ability to work closely with our clients and add value to their operations, and recognises the hard work the mining team has put into the project over the years at Peak Downs.

“Our relationship with BMA at Peak Downs has now entered its eleventh year and we look forward to continuing to work with BMA and developing future opportunities in the region.”

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/-leighton-contractors-awarded-604-million-contract

Minister for Health Lawrence Springborg today committed the first $4 million of $15 million over four years to improve specialist services at Cairns Base Hospital, meeting his first pre-election promise to the Cairns community.

The $4 million funding package to be allocated from July 1 will attract specialists to Cairns in key areas such as neurology, rheumatology, plastic surgery, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) intensivists, rehabilitation and other services.

The package will include the provision of necessary associated support services.

“This funding will be used to bring speciality services to Far North Queensland,” Mr Springborg said.

“This is the first step towards moving Cairns Base Hospital down the path to tier 1 funding.”

Mr Springborg visited Cairns Base Hospital and unveiled for the first time a 3D scale model of how the new Cairns Base Hospital Clinical Services Building (Block D) will look once it’s complete in 2013.

He also inspected the progress of Block D following the recent completion of construction of the ground floor.

“The new Clinical Services Building when complete will significantly expand Cairns Base Hospital and provide improved health care services for the far north community,” Mr Springborg said.

“When complete, 292 of the hospital’s 531 inpatient beds will be located in Block D.

“The building will also house increased cardiac and surgical services including Cardiac Investigations and the Cardiology Inpatient and Coronary Care Units.”

Mr Springborg said Block D would be the location for a new surgical admissions centre.

“This new service will manage all patients presenting for surgery including both day surgery patients and those who require overnight or long stay admissions,” he said.

“This will enable the admission of patients for surgery to be done in a more efficient manner.

“There will also be a 23 hour extended stay unit within the centre, which will provide improved service for patients who need to stay overnight after their surgery but who do not require a longer stay in hospital.”

Block D will house the new main entrance and include a dedicated set down/drop area adjacent to the hospital transit lounge.

Mr Springborg toured the completed stage 1 of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) which includes two patient bays and staff offices.

“From next week we will see the first patients moved into these bays,” he said

“This is the first stage of improving the health services for some of our most critical patients.”

Mr Springborg also inspected the new location for child and adult health services at the Cairns North Community Health Facility.

“Fourteen health services from four different locations now be housed under the one roof – creating a ‘one stop shop’ for community-based health services,” Mr Springborg said.

“This new purpose-built facility reflects current thinking in promoting health, managing chronic disease and reducing the need for hospital treatment through preventative health measures, early intervention and particularly though service integration.”

Services that will now be co-located include community and rehabilitative chronic disease services, the rheumatic heart disease prevention program, the Child Development Unit, low risk cardiac rehabilitation services, child and family health services, migrant health services, immunisation programmes, Aged Care Assessment Team, memory clinics, and Home and Community Care programmes

They join Oral Health Services, Sexual Health Services, and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donor Centre, which moved to Cairns North in 2010 and the Diabetes Centre and the Home Dialysis Unit which commenced clinical services at Cairns North in 2009.

Queensland Health has committed $446.3 million to the Cairns Base Hospital redevelopment plus an $8.3 million contribution from the Commonwealth for the construction of the new Radiation Oncology facility.

In addition, the Commonwealth has contributed a further $8 million for additional subacute services and $12.1 million for the Planned Procedure Centre within the surgical area, while the State Government has provided a further $6M towards the Cairns North Community Health Facility.

Article source: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/-minister-for-health-committed-to-improving-specialist-services-at-cairns-base-hospital