The federal government is seeking input in the development of roadmaps for priority areas identified in its Modern Manufacturing Strategy. The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources is seeking views on what the key strengths, opportunities and solutions are to grow manufacturing in in the following areas: resources technology and critical minerals processing food…
Technology billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has joined the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in backing solar cell manufacturing start-up SunDrive Solar which is aiming to make a new breed of cheaper, more efficient solar cells. Cannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures and Blackbird Ventures have invested $5 million into Wollongong, NSW based SunDrive which was founded by UNSW graduates…
An overarching criticism of the recent federal budget is that it overlooked the workers hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, namely women. However, the budget includes one promising, albeit small, initiative that focuses on this group. The government announced a cadetship program to help women to upskill in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), or to build a STEM career.
Construction robotics company FBR has announced that it has built its first two-storey house.
Perth materials technology group FYI Resources has successfully completed the operation of its pilot plant at Welshpool in Western Australia, producing high purity alumina (HPA) tailored to end users in the LED and lithium-ion battery markets. The company, which plans a kaolin mine at Cadoux, WA and a processing plant at Kwinana south of Perth,…
Two University of Wollongong (UOW) academics have been named as recipients of New South Wales Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering in recognition of their pioneering research work. Distinguished Professor Zaiping Guo will receive the Prize for Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology and Distinguished Professor Antoine van Oijen will receive the Prize…
The federal boost to university research and CSIRO funding “is a good beginning” that must be followed by a new focus on working with industry to translate institutional research “into tangible things”, according to ANZ bank chairman and University of NSW chancellor David Gonski.
Vitamin producer Blackmores has simplified its product offerings around the Blackmores name with the sale of its China-oriented Global Therapeutics businesses to McPherson’s Limited for $27 million. McPherson’s, a once well-known Australian manufacturer with roots dating back to 1860, has been rebuilding itself in the health, wellness and beauty products fields and takes on Global’s…
Building products giant Boral has agreed to sell its half of the key USG Boral joint venture for $1.43 billion as it fights to regain credibility following its underperforming venture into the US market. The company will book a pre-tax profit of $540 million on the sale. Boral is also looking at ways to offload…
The federal government is seeking submissions from stakeholders on a prospective gas reservation scheme.
