Advance

Australia’s first hybrid car to be built in Victoria

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Toyota has announced that it will begin producing 10,000 hybrid Camrys at its Altona plant in 2010 - a move set to strengthen Victoria’s global competitiveness in the automotive industry.

Premier John Brumby welcomed the announcement, “during my recent trip to Japan I met with President of Toyota, Katsuaki Watanabe, to discuss the prospect of Victoria becoming home to a locally built hybrid car and I am pleased that Toyota has made this decision.”

“With car manufacturers moving on a global scale to produce green fuel efficient cars it is crucial that the Victorian auto industry secures a slice of this investment which will add $150 million annually to our economy,” he said.

From Japan, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that the Federal Government was delighted Toyota had invested in Victoria and noted support from the Government’s $500 million Green Car Innovation Fund.

“The Federal Government is talking to all the car and component makers about ways to build cleaner greener cars, to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency, as part of building a sound future of the Australian vehicle industry,” said Mr Rudd.

Toyota is the largest exporter of Australian produced vehicles. In 2007, 98,000 vehicles were exported to more than 20 overseas destinations.

Toyota introduced the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle in 1997, the Toyota Prius, and expects to sell one million or more hybrid vehicles a year in the next decade.

19-Aug-08 3:00 PM

The spectacular roof on Melbourne’s new Rectangular Stadium set to go up

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Construction on the new $267.5 million Melbourne Rectangular Stadium is well under way. In the next few months the stadium will become part of Melbourne’s skyline as the first shells of the distinctive bio-frame roof go up.

When completed in 2010, the Stadium will be the new home of the elite Melbourne Victory and Storm soccer and rugby teams. For many years soccer and rugby in Victoria have made do with inadequate grounds either designed for other sports or incapable of accommodating increasingly large crowds in comfort. “This stadium will change that” says Premier John Brumby, “31,000 spectators will have an awesome viewing experience while the players will have the very best quality playing surface and training facilities”.

The stadium leads the way with cutting edge design and environmental features such as rain water harvesting and low water and energy use fittings. The roof itself uses around 50 per cent less steel than the equivalent cantilevered structure – a significant environmental saving.

The project is being built by Grocon, who successfully redeveloped the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Pictures by: Artists impression

19-Aug-08 3:00 PM

Melbourne Zoo’s new elephant is pregnant

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Melbourne Zoo has confirmed that 15 year old Dokkoon, one of three Asian Elephants that arrived in November 2006, is pregnant. The pregnancy is the result of artificial insemination carried out in March by the Melbourne Zoo and visiting fertility specialists from the Berlin Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. Bong Su, Melbourne Zoo’s bull elephant is the father.

The pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound in early June. The ultrasound showed a black sack of amniotic fluid containing a tiny elephant embryo only 3 millimetres across. The foetus has a lot of growing to do before it is born in 22 months time. At birth, a baby Asian Elephant will usually weigh more than 70 kilos. Dokkoon currently weighs about 2,500 kilos.

The pregnancy is a major achievement for the new Cooperative Conservation Breeding Program for Asian Elephants which aims to create an insurance population of this critically endangered species.

Photo by: Andrew Brownbill, AAP

19-Aug-08 2:00 PM

Victorian short film Jerrycan wins prize at Cannes

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Victorian filmmaker Julius Avery’s short film Jerrycan was awarded the Jury Prize at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in May. Filmed at Clunes in regional Victoria, and using locals instead of actors, the film follows a day in the life of a group of kids with nothing to do. The story is about a teenager who risks everything after being bullied into making a life and death decision.

Julius Avery, 29, is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts. He was in Cannes to receive the Award and said: “It’s really an amazing endorsement to be awarded at Cannes. When I heard them announce Jerrycan, I stood up and everyone applauded... it was amazing. It’s a pretty humbling experience.”

Jerrycan had its Australian premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) which ran from 23 July to 10 August. Avery won the Emerging Australian Filmmaker Award at the 2006 MIFF and last year won the Australian Directors Guild Award for best direction in a student film.

19-Aug-08 2:00 PM

Victoria honours Scottish heritage with its own tartan

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Victoria has officially recognised the contribution made by one of its first migrant communities, the Scottish, by releasing an official Victorian State Tartan on 11 June. Today more than 32,000 Victorians are Scottish-born and 162,000 Victorians identify themselves as having Scottish heritage. At the official level, Victoria has a Sister State relationship with Scotland.

Each colour in the tartan (pictured) has special significance. Blue represents the colour of the shield on the Victorian Coat of Arms and the background of the Eureka Stockade Flag. Green represents the olive branch on the Victorian Coat of Arms and pink represents the Common Heath, Victoria’s floral emblem. The five white lines represent the five white stars of the Southern Cross which appear on both the Victorian Coast of Arms and the Eureka Stockade flag.

The tartan was designed by Mrs Betty Johnston and is registered on the Scottish Tartans World Register.

Photo by: Paul Rovere, The Age

19-Aug-08 2:00 PM

EastLink motorway cuts driving time

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Forty years after it first appeared in the Melways, Melbourne’s EastLink motorway opened to traffic on 29 June. The 39 kilometre motorway linking Mitcham to Frankston includes 17 interchanges, 6km of toll-free bypasses, 88 bridges and a 1.6km tunnel under the Mullum Mullum Valley.

The community was invited to walk, ride or run along the motorway on 28 June and motorists had the opportunity to try out the road for free during the first month of operation.

EastLink offers commuters a 24 minute trip from Mitcham to Frankston at a cost of $4.96 on weekdays ($3.97 on weekends and public holidays). The bypasses at Ringwood and Dandenong are toll-free, short distances such as Whitehorse Rd to Canterbury Rd cost 33 cents ($0.26 on weekends and public holidays) and a trip through the tunnel will cost a minimum of $2.28 ($1.82 on weekends and public holidays). Tolls are higher for commercial and light commercial vehicles. Commuters can purchase a day pass for $4.96 or buy a tag.

Landscaping along the motorway continues the native planting theme introduced on the Eastern Freeway, with 3.6 million new plants and 60 wetlands. The road features a number of memorable art installations, including a mini roadside hotel, giant bird, sculptural tunnel entrances, colourful noise walls, eye catching bridges and more.

Running alongside the road is a 35 km bicycle and walking path connecting Donvale to Dandenong South. The EastLink Trail provides a journey through bushland preserved along the Mullum Mullum Creek and enables riders to travel by bike path from central Melbourne to Carrum.

The $2.5 billion project was built as a public private partnership with Thiess John Holland and ConnectEast. It took just over three years to construct and opened 5 months ahead of schedule.

19-Aug-08 1:00 PM

Victorian P plates go green

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

On 1 July, Victoria’s new Graduated Licensing System came into effect and 250,000 probationary drivers switched from red to green P plates. The new four-year, two-stage probationary licence aims to reduce the dangers young people face on the roads.

The system requires learner drivers to stay on their learner permit for at least 12 months and have 120 hours of driving experience – including at least 10 hours at night – before they sit for their licence.

If they pass, motorists will receive a one year P1 licence with red plates. P1 drivers can only carry one passenger aged between 16 and 21 and are not allowed to use a mobile phone at any time (including hands free and text messaging).

P1 drivers can only progress to a P2 licence if they have a good driving record. The P2 licence lasts 3 years and motorists have green plates. P2 drivers, like P1 drivers, are restricted from driving high powered vehicles.

Statistics indicate that probationary drivers are involved in casualty crashes three times more often than experienced drivers and account for one-third of Victoria’s road toll.

19-Aug-08 1:00 PM

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for Victoria

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The Victorian Government has been implementing a range of measures to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and clean up Victoria’s electricity generation industry.

New solar energy power plant for northern Victoria
Construction of the world’s largest photovoltaic demonstration power station will begin in 2009 in northern Victoria. The 154MW solar power station, being constructed by Solar Systems, will produce enough power to run 45,000 homes.

TRUenergy recently invested $290 million in Solar Systems. Solar Systems also received grants of $50 million and $79.5 million from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

Queensland and Victoria to produce a solar atlas
The Queensland and Victorian Governments recently announced plans to team up to produce a solar atlas - detailing the best locations for solar energy generation with land suitability and transmission network overlays.

New Government support for innovation in the energy sector
The Victorian Government’s Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) has made $182 million available to companies looking to build pre-commercial large-scale demonstration projects. Companies can apply for funding through ETIS, which aims to boost industry and government collaboration on renewable energy and carbon capture and storage projects. For further information go to http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/etis/

New gas field opening in the Gippsland Basin
Gas forms an important part of the clean energy solution with gas fired power stations emitting up to 70 percent less greenhouse gas than brown coal. In July, the Government approved $1.4 billion plans by ExxonMobil Australia and BHP Billiton Petroleum to develop the Turrum oil and gas field in the Gippsland Basin. The Turrum oil and gas field contains more than 110 million barrels of oil and gas liquids and one trillion cubic feet of gas – enough energy to power a city of one million people for 20 years.

New gas power plant to be built in Western Victoria
Origin Energy also announced plans to develop a new $640 million natural gas-fired power station in western Victoria. Origin received planning approval to build the generator with a maximum capacity of up to 1,000 MW at a site 12 kilometres from Mortlake. A 550MW plant will be developed in the first stage.

New clean coal power plant
The Victorian Government recently signed a contract with HRL to build a 400 MW new clean coal-fired power station – enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. It will use a new technology called integrated drying gasification combined cycle (IDGCC) which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent and reduce water consumption by 50 percent, compared to current best practice for brown coal power generation in the Latrobe Valley.

The new plant will demonstrate the viability of a new process which has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions in other future power stations in Victoria and around the world. The project is a collaboration between HRL and leading Chinese power station construction firm Harbin Power Engineering Company and the State and Federal Governments.

Establishment of Clean Coal Victoria
The Victorian Government has committed $12.2 million to create Clean Coal Victoria in the Latrobe Valley, an organisation dedicated to maximising the value of Victoria’s brown coal resources. Clean Coal Victoria will plan for the long-term extraction, development, use and rehabilitation of the State’s coal resources.

Carbon capture and storage project
In July, the CSIRO announced its Latrobe Valley Post Combustion Capture Project, which is operating at Loy Yang Power, had captured CO2 from coal fired electricity generation for the first time in Australia. The new system is capable to capturing up to 1000 tonnes of CO2 per year and is a significant breakthrough in the development of carbon capture technology.

The Victorian Government has made $110 million available through ETIS to boost industry and government collaboration to tackle carbon capture and storage. Companies can apply for ETIS funding to build pre-commercial large-scale demonstrations of new carbon capture and storage technologies.

5 Star building standards for home renovations
In May, the Victorian Government announced 5 Star standards for home renovations and relocations. This announcement is in addition to the 5 Star energy requirements for new homes. To find out more about making your home sustainable, visit http://www.makeyourhomegreen.vic.gov.au/ or the Building Commission http://www.buildingcommission.com.au/

19-Aug-08 1:00 PM

World Expo Shanghai 2010 Staffing, Retail and Operations Tender

noemail@advance.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

11 August 2008 - The Australian Government has released a Request for Tender (RFT) for Staffing, Retail and Operations services for Australia’s pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) seeks to engage a high quality service provider to work with DFAT to recruit, train and manage a team of people who will work at the Australian pavilion. The successful tenderer will provide administrative services; manage pavilion venue operations, including for high-level VIP functions and business program events; and will manage and operate the two retail areas located in the pavilion’s spacious atrium.

The pavilion will showcase contemporary Australia through cutting-edge exhibitions and will provide an impressive platform for the business and cultural programs. From 1 May to 31 October 2010, seven million people (up to 40,000 every day) are expected to visit the Australian pavilion. In addition to expo visitors, Australia’s pavilion will reach a much broader audience in both China and Australian through a comprehensive and innovative communications program.

This tender is critical to Australia’s success at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, which is expected to be the largest world expo in history. The Australian pavilion team at the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan, was recognised as a strong drawcard. Energetic, friendly, knowledgeable and, in many cases bilingual, our people helped us to stand out from the crowd and engage, entertain and inform visitors. We aim to do even better in Shanghai.

The successful tenderer will provide services relating to pavilion staffing, including the recruitment, training and oversight of pavilion attendants and guides; VIP reception staff; interpreters; chefs and kitchen staff; waiting and hospitality staff for the VIP function area; and staff for the retail, food and beverage outlets.

The closing time for lodgement of submissions is 2:00 p.m. AEST Monday 22 September 2008.

Full details of DFAT’s requirements, including tender documentation, are contained on the DFAT website: http://www.dfat.gov.au/tenders/DFAT08-SWE-029/index.html .

More information about the Australian Pavilion can be found at: http://www.expo2010.com.au.

Any enquiries regarding the Staffing, Retail and Operations RFT should be directed in writing by e-mail to:expo2010shanghai@dfat.gov.au

[Press Release Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong]

19-Aug-08 0:00 AM

Member Profile - Caroline Casey

noemail@advance.org — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

THE ROAD TO LONDON - CAROLINE CASEY
An ongoing series of profiles by the Media, Communications & Technology network.

Where did you grow up in Australia?
Melbourne's outer bayside suburbs.

What's your current role?
Senior Producer at Turner Broadcasting looking after all our VOD, video sharing and social networking services for
entertainment brands in EMEA (Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Turner Classic Movies, AdultSwim and NutsTV)

What brought you to London?
I was ready for a change after spending 4 years in Hong Kong and looking for new career opportunities - and perhaps even some chillier weather.

How long have you been there?
3 years

How did you find settling into London as a professional!?
It was quite a smooth transition as I had worked at CNN in Hong Kong previously so had no difficulty finding a job here. I also had kept in touch with many former colleagues from both Australia and Hong Kong who had relocated to London, which meant I had a ready-built network here.

What is the best part of your current job?
The opportunity to work at the forefront of technology with great content across a range of genres, including: kids, news, young adult and movie brands. I also really enjoy working for an international company and collaborating with people from around the world.

How has the overseas experience shaped you?
It's opened up a lot of opportunities I wouldn't have considered previously. I've also gained a much greater appreciation for how world class many Australian companies are in the new media area. I look back at some of the projects I was involved in at Fairfax in the late 1990s, including online video, content management solutions and web blogging, and realise we really were at the cutting edge of the industry.

What are the key skills you will take back to Australia if you go back?
My skill set has expanded considerably, especially in the areas of communication and presentation, as well as strategic planning. I've also gained a better insight into the global media marketplace and commercial opportunities which exist beyond Australia's shores.

What suggestions do you have for other Australians wanting to follow a similar path?
Just do it! The cost of living in London is high, and the wages, at times, don't match up, however the experience of working in such a highly competitive market makes it an opportunity not to be missed.

18-Aug-08 9:00 AM

Diplomatic Announcement - High Commissioner To United Kingdom

noemail@advance.org — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

DIPLOMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT – HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UNITED KINGDOM

The Government will recommend to the Governor-General the appointment of Mr John Dauth LVO to be Australia’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Mr Dauth is expected to take up his appointment in September 2008.

Mr Dauth is one of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s most senior diplomats. He has held a range of posts crucial to Australia’s political and strategic priorities, including Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (2001-06).

Australia-UK relations have a unique vitality and closeness marked by shared heritage and values, aligned security interests, vibrant trade and investment cooperation and extensive people-to-people links. Australia and the UK collaborate on security and counter proliferation.

The UK is Australia’s most important trading partner in Europe, accounting for about one third of Australia’s total trade with the EU, and our sixth-largest market for exports. In 2007, Australia’s total two-way trade with the UK was valued at nearly $24 billion. The UK is Australia’s second largest direct foreign investor ($64 billion in 2007). The UK continues to be our second largest source of international visitors, with close to 700,000 visitors in 2007.

Prime Minister Rudd’s successful visit to the UK in April this year served to further strengthen and expand the bilateral relationship, with cooperation on new initiatives announced in a joint statement with Prime Minister Brown. These included climate change, the International Health Partnership and the Millennium Development Goals Call to Action.

Mr Dauth is currently Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, a position he has held since February 2006. He has served Australia well in Wellington, including by facilitating strong engagement between Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific. Mr Dauth has played a key role in Australia’s reengagement with Pacific nations in the lead up to the Pacific Islands Leader’s Forum in Niue this month.

Before his assignment in Wellington Mr Dauth served in a number of positions overseas including as High Commissioner in Malaysia (1993-96), Consul-General in Noumea (1986-87), Charge d’Affaires in Tehran (1983-85), First Secretary in Islamabad (1974-76) and Third (later Second) Secretary in Lagos (1970-72).

From 1977-1980 Mr Dauth worked on secondment to Buckingham Palace as Assistant Press Secretary to H.M. the Queen and Press Secretary to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

Mr Dauth has also held a number of positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including Deputy Secretary (1998-2001), First Assistant Secretary, South and South-East Asia Division (1996-98), First Assistant Secretary, International Security Division (1991-93), Chief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs (1989-91), Assistant Secretary, Public Affairs Branch (1987-89) and Head, Commonwealth and Multilateral Organisations Section (1980-82). He joined the then Department of External Affairs in 1969.

Mr Dauth was born in 1947. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney.

Mr Dauth’s appointment follows the departure of Mr Richard Alston, who completed his tenure as High Commissioner to UK in March 2008. Since then Acting High Commissioner, Ms Frances Adamson, has performed her duties with distinction. This has included visits to London by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Treasurer and me.

6-Aug-08 8:00 AM