Industry News
Record attendance at Mobile World Congress
Mobility continues to be an increasingly hot topic, with more than 53,000 unique visitors from 104 countries attending the Mobile World Congress Shanghai in late June. The three-day exhibition and conference featured 550 exhibitors and the conference program attracted over 4000 attendees. [ + ]
Lighting phase-out gets thumbs up
Lighting Council Australia (LCA) has welcomed the government's announcement to make lighting a priority focus under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program. [ + ]
Tesla fatality sparks investigation
The death of a Tesla Model S driver in Florida earlier this year has sparked a widespread investigation into the vehicle's autopilot system involving the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the US Government and the automaker. [ + ]
Discovery could lead to next-gen fluoro and LED lighting
The discovery of a new phosphor could lead to cheaper and more efficient fluorescent and LED lighting, according to new research from Europe. [ + ]
Handheld worklight recalled
Arlec Australia has advised that the company's rechargeable Handheld Worklight 150 Lumen 15 LED product may contain materials that do not comply with the flammability requirements of AS/NZS 60335.1.1 [ + ]
Geelong going green
The new WorksSafe Victoria headquarters is being given a substantial green push, thanks to funding from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. [ + ]
ABB to power new Renault-Nissan manufacturing facility
ABB will supply energy-efficient, low-voltage power distribution solutions to the new car manufacturing facilities of Renault-Nissan and Daimler in Aguascalientes, Mexico. [ + ]
Details of VW make-good revealed
Details of the proposed make-good by car manufacturer Volkswagen AG have been released. Information relates only to the United States at this stage. [ + ]
Queensland merger kills off jobs
The upcoming merger of state-owned electricity distributors Ergon and Energex is having an adverse impact on local Queensland electrical businesses. Regional company Gieger Electrical has notified its workforce that one third of staff will be let go in the face of a reduced workload. [ + ]
Get across the minimum wage increase
Increases to award rates and the national minimum wage are due to take effect from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2016. If you are an employer, you'll need to ensure you are across the changes. [ + ]
Breakthrough improves air-con efficiency
CSIRO has unveiled a solar-powered air-conditioning system to cool Australian commercial buildings, achieving greater energy efficiency. Operating at Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre in Ballarat, Victoria, the system uses concentrating solar thermal technology to produce heat energy used to power the air-conditioning system. [ + ]
Lighting the way towards safer helipad landings
Landing a helicopter on an onshore or offshore facility is still regarded as one of the most hazardous operations when flying, but a new lighting system is now changing that. [ + ]
Smart cities to dramatically ease congestion
New information from Juniper Research suggests that by 2021, the average driver will save an entire working day per year through less driving time. The advent of smart city initiatives, including including advanced traffic management and smart parking, will contribute to 4.2 billion fewer man hours on the road. [ + ]
Tool and equipment hire moves online
The team at Kennards Hire are now making it event easier to find the right tool for the job, launching what they say is Australia's first live equipment hire platform. [ + ]
MBA launches Jobs and Skills for the Future policy
Master Builders Australia (MBA) has formally launched its Jobs and Skills for the Future policy as part of its Strong Building: Strong Economy campaign for the next term of government. [ + ]