Homepage

Extra $440,000 for key Industry Participation Advocate role

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The State Government's newly created independent Industry Participation Advocate has been given a further funding boost of $440,000 over the next two years to help local businesses win more government contracts.Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister, Tom Kenyon said the Office of the Industry Advocate had gained strong support from local businesses and industry associations since being established in February this year."At this early stage, we've already seen examples where the independent advocate's early involvement has resulted in positive outcomes for local businesses," Mr Kenyon said."The Office has conducted more than 200 interviews with local business leaders, industry associations, professional organisations, unions and local business owners and operators."There's been a range of strong views on how vital the advocate's role is going to be with a number of consistent themes coming through," Mr Kenyon said.The Industry Participation Advocate, Ian Nightingale said he would be developing recommendations to reform tendering and contracting processes aimed at removing the cost burden to businesses and to ensure contracts delivered the maximum economic contribution to the State."An immediate focus will be the removal of some onerous terms and conditions from standard contracting arrangements, particularly in residential housing contracts forming part of the Affordable Housing Stimulus Program," Mr Nightingale said."Several Industry Advisory Panels will be established shortly which will support my role in implementing strategies to help overcome impediments to local companies wanting to access work from government contracts."Mr Nightingale said a series of 'Connecting with Business' events were also planned for later in the year aimed at bringing together local businesses and senior government project and contract managers."These sessions will highlight the capabilities of local businesses to help access and secure contracts with government agencies and to raise the awareness of agency procurement staff about who is in the market and what products or services exist that may match their needs."After each event, government representatives will provide feedback to companies about their business, products and services and how they can better sell themselves in future tenders," Mr Nightingale said.Each Connecting with Business event will include:Presentations from government buyers about procurement processes, what they are seeking from suppliers and upcoming opportunitiesBuyer stands where local suppliers can speak directly to purchasersPresentations from companies who've been successful in winning government contractsInformation about procurement approaches and trendsOpportunities to network with other companies with a view to forming joint ventures or identifying sub-contracting opportunities.Mr Kenyon said the additional $440,000 funding would allow the Advocate to help government agencies to simplify their procurement processes and cut the costs incurred by businesses when applying for government work.

State’s leading miner and gas producer support new Centre of Excellence

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

BHP Billiton and Santos today announced they are partnering with the Weatherill Government to develop the new Mining and Petroleum Centre of Excellence.Announced in the 2013/14 State Budget, the Centre of Excellence aims to bring together major resource companies, universities and mining services businesses to foster and coordinate innovation and applied research initiatives that have a global impact.Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis welcomed the announcement by the state's largest miner and oil and gas producers to team up with the Government to support a centre for innovation."Experience has shown South Australia performs at its best when Government, business and the community work together," Mr Koutsantonis said."Through a collaborative approach, the Centre will be able to support strategic projects that ensure that we are able to harness South Australia's mineral and energy potential."An area of focus for the Centre will be to explore innovative ways to develop the State's endowment of unconventional gas."As part of that objective, we have received strong support from the energy sector, in particular Santos, for a specialised learning and innovation centre for unconventional gas at Tonsley Park.BHP Billiton has committed $10 million to support education, training and research activities through the Centre to enhance South Australia's capacity to meet the challenges of deep mining and processing in South Australia."We look forward to working with the State Government and other stakeholders to build South Australia's capacity to further support the development of Olympic Dam and the mining sector generally," BHP Billiton President South Australian Darryl Cuzzubbo said.Santos Vice President Eastern Australia James Baulderstone strongly supported the establishment of the Centre of Excellence as a critical step to realising the potential of the unconventional gas business in SA, and leveraging this potential to attract leading industry service providers to Adelaide."We anticipate the Tonsley project will establish Adelaide as the centre for learning and innovation in the unconventional gas business both in Australia, and for that matter the South East Asian region," Mr Baulderstone said."Santos plans to relocate its training facilities to the new centre as it builds on more than 50 years exploration and production experience in the Cooper Basin."Mr Koutsantonis said he hoped that other major resources and energy companies will follow the lead of BHP Billiton and Santos in supporting the Centre and its objectives."BHP Billiton and Santos are early movers but the door is open to other major companies and mining services firms interested in joining us as partners in supporting research that can have applications beyond our borders," he said.Mr Koutsantonis said this Government has built a reputation for working collaboratively with the resource and energy industry to develop the State's resources."Whether it is through the Plan for Accelerating Exploration, the Resources and Energy Sector Infrastructure Council, or the Resources Engineering Skills Alliance, this Government appreciates the benefit of working with industry to tackle its specific challenges," he said."The Minerals and Energy ICT Roadmap now being finalised in conjunction with the Australian Information Industry Association is a further example of this partnership at work."

NSW and South Australia to join forces on mineral development

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The New South Wales and South Australian Governments will sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to maximise opportunities for mineral investment and economic development.NSW Resources Minister Chris Hartcher and South Australian Mineral Resources Minister Tom Koutsantonis today announced the co-operative approach between the two States to support exploration and resource development."Far-western NSW contains mineral-rich areas with proven potential for iron, base metals and mineral sands, and strong potential for uranium deposits," Mr Hartcher said."Both States have much to gain from an MOU which will encourage co-operation between agencies in respect to infrastructure access and development, policies on best practice regulation and planning processes."And as global leaders in geoscientific information acquisition and delivery, the MOU will help attract resources-related investment across both States."Mr Koutsantonis said the MOU aims to facilitate infrastructure access and interagency collaboration in the development of resources near the State border regions."We don't want a state border to become an impediment to developing an asset," he said."This MOU aims to eliminate cross-border obstacles so that we can ensure both States reach the full potential offered by our mineral endowment, especially in the Braemar Province."The MOU was announced at the AusIMM International Uranium Conference in Darwin.

Funding to realise the benefits of the mining boom for all

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The State Government will continue its commitment to supporting exploration and innovation with the 2013-14 Stage Budget including $8.6million over two years in new funding for our resources and energy sectors.Premier and Treasurer JayWeatherill said $6 million over four years will support a Mining and Petroleum Services Centre of Excellence."Creating this Centre of Excellence will bring together major resource companies, mining services companies and the expertise within our local universities to solve the problems that will allow us to unlock our resource potential," MrWeatherill said."Another $4million over two years will enable the extension of South Australia's home-grown PACE initiative that has already helped grow investment in exploration in this State to more than $300 million a year."This will bring total PACE funding over the Budget period to $28 million."A further $588,000 over two years will fund the Eyre Peninsula Land Use Support program, a joint initiative with the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, to foster better relations between farmers and explorers."MrWeatherill said realising the benefits of the mining boom for all South Australians was one of the seven strategic priorities of this Government."This Government has a global reputation for supporting the risk takers who with every new drill hole are hopefully bringing us closer to the next major discovery," Mr Weatherill said."But we also want to continue to support the innovators, who will define the way we explore, drill and extract resources in the future.MrWeatherill said the extension of the PACE program will allow the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy to continue to build on its extensive resource of pre-competitive geo-scientific data."Exploring is a risk-taking venture. Using pre-competitive geo-sceintific data to narrow down exactly where to place the next drill hole puts explorers in a better position to unearth the next great discovery," MrWeatherill said."This funding will help us to continue to unlock the secrets of the Gawler Craton, where we expect much of our next great mineral discoveries of gold, copper and uranium will be found."PACE will also continue to partner explorers in their drilling programs to stretch their investment in its exploration programs."By partnering with industry, we expect to entice further investment at a time when South Australia is already attracting more than $600 million a year in spending in the search for both mineral resources and oil and gas."MrWeatherill said the Eyre Peninsula Land Use Support program is a joint initiative with SACOME to target landholders who have been concerned about the recent arrival of explorers in their region."We want to build better relations between landholders and local communities and exploration and resource companies," he said."A lot of the past exploration in South Australia has been in remote areas, far from residential and regional communities."But now that explorers are beginning to target freehold farming districts in regions such as the Eyre Peninsula, it is important that they foster positive engagement with local communities at an early stage."South Australia's economic future prosperity requires both of these two major key producers to co-exist."This is an important program that will address perceived conflicts between farming and mining and exploration."

Funding for advanced manufacturing priority

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The State Government's AdvancedManufacturing priority has been supported in the 2013-14 State Budget with a package of measures to assist in the transition to an advanced manufacturing future.The Budget will provide $4.1million over four years to establish a High-Value Food Manufacturing Centre."This initiative delivers on Advanced Manufacturing Council chairman Professor Göran Roos' recommendation to establish industry clusters based on the State's key strengths - such as premium food and wine," MrWeatherill said."The centre will bring together the food manufacturing industry, government, universities and researchers to accelerate the application of new knowledge and innovation in food manufacturing."It will focus on assisting the development of improved food and processing technologies and providing technical expertise in new product development."MrWeatherill said the Budget will provide $3 million over three years to continue the Small Business Innovation Research Pilot Program, which helps small businesses develop innovative products."The second phase of this pilot program also will aim to assist the State's manufacturers to develop the capacity to consistently make high-value products and services," MrWeatherill said.The 2013-14 State Budget also includes $150,000 over two years to place South Australian students within manufacturing businesses as part of a training program to be managed by the Australian Industry Group.An extra $27 million will be spent on training over the next two years to help South Australian industries meet their critical skills needs.MrWeatherill said the 2013-14 State Budget would provide funding to support people to train for the job opportunities emerging in advanced manufacturing, mining and mining services, premium food and wine and professional services."We want to make sure people have the opportunities to improve their skills and capacity to find rewarding jobs in areas of strategic priority to South Australia," Mr Weatherill said."We are seeing rapid change in the manufacturing sector. It is crucial that we retain and build on the talent and skills of the workers in those sectors so they can more easily find alternative work."Advanced manufacturing, mining and construction are all areas of projected growth and there is growing demand for skilled people in these industries over the coming years."MrWeatherill said the State Government has a strong record of investing in education and training."In 2010 we committed to creating an additional 100,000 training places by 2015-16," MrWeatherill said."We are accelerating our efforts so that those extra places will be delivered well before the initial target date."The additional funding for our Skills for All program will ensure we are able to support the increased demand for training."The Skills for All program has provided the opportunity for people to easily access training to gain qualifications for rewarding jobs, particularly in industries that are of strategic importance to the State's economy.Ensuring easy access to training is a foundation for ongoing economic prosperity and fundamental to improving the lives of many South Australians.TAFE SA, as South Australia's largest training and skills provider, will have a central role delivering training and qualifications in our metropolitan and regional communities.There are more than 1000 courses available from a total of about 200 approved training providers, including TAFE SA and private providers.

Exploration for oil and gas helps push spending to record $646.1 million

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said combined minerals and petroleum exploration spending for the 12 months to March 2013 was a record $646.1 million.Mr Koutsantonis said the record growth was driven by exploration for oil and gas in South Australia, offsetting weaker investment in the search for mineral resources.The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show petroleum onshore and offshore exploration expenditure was $119.4 million for the March 2013 quarter, contributing to $370.3 million in spending in the 12 months to the end of March.The March quarter result for petroleum exploration maintained the strong expenditure of $122.3 million reported in the December quarter 2012."This result for petroleum exploration reflects the very positive global outlook provided by South Australia's major unconventional gas discoveries," Mr Koutsantonis said.Mr Koutsantonis said the ABS figures also showed mineral exploration expenditure fell 18.4% nationally, reflecting a significant downturn being experienced in Australia and internationally.South Australia's mineral exploration expenditure for the March 2013 quarter was $37.6m, down from $66.8 million in the December 2012 quarter.Spending on the search for copper in South Australia was $14.3 million in the March quarter, down from $35.3 million in the previous quarter, in line with the significant wind back of copper exploration across Australia.South Australia's mineral exploration expenditure 12 months to March 2013 was $275.8 million, which continues to exceed the SA Strategic Plan target of $200 million a year."Lack of access to global risk capital and falling commodity prices are undoubtedly influencing spending by explorers and South Australia isn't immune to that trend," Mr Koutsantonis said.Mr Koutsantonis said the latest ABS results highlighted the need for the Government to maintain its role in generating pre-competitive data that can help to attract scarce investment.SARIG 2020, South Australia's unique online tool for unlocking the wealth of geological and geo-spatial data, also recently won an Australian Excellence in e-Government Award.Rules of access to the Woomera Prohibited Area being finalised by the Commonwealth should also encourage explorers to target minerals within South Australia's Gawler Craton, he said.

Banks and Government join forces to help small business

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

Small businesses in South Australia will receive a payroll tax concession in a suite of initiatives to support small business in the 2013-14 State Budget.Premier and Treasurer Jay Weatherill said the small business package contained in the Budget was about supporting the people who run small businesses as well as their workers.Mr Weatherill today was joined by representatives of banks that are joining the State Government in offering products and services that support South Australian small businesses.ANZ Bank, BankSA, Bendigo Adelaide Bank, the Commonwealth Bank, People's Choice Credit Union, Westpac and NAB are all offering products and services that complement the State Government's small business package.Mr Weatherill announced that the State Budget will provide $21.6 million over two years to give employers a temporary payroll tax rate cut of up to 2.45 percentage points for taxable payrolls up to $1 million, with the concession phasing out for payrolls between $1 million and $1.2 million.This concession effectively halves the payroll tax rate for businesses with a taxable payroll of less than $1 million, providing relief of up to $9,800.This relief will be in the form of a cash grant paid upfront to eligible small businesses by RevenueSA before the end of each calendar year.Mr Weatherill said this would provide an important cash-flow boost to many small businesses."I know what it is like to start and run a small business. I know how important small business is to our economy. That's why I wanted to assist small business in this, my first budget as Treasurer," Mr Weatherill said."South Australia's small businesses are often the backbone of a community, providing jobs and services to local people."The Government has also delivered more than $320 million in savings per year to businesses and the community through cutting red tape."The small business package also includes $5.4 million funding over four years to help small businesses start up, become more innovative, gain government contracts and to cut red tape.The Budget provides $608,000 over two years to support small business start-ups and small business development."This initiative will support new small business start-ups by creating partnerships with key industry and professional associations as well as provide support for existing small businesses to develop and expand," Mr Weatherill said."Support for small business start-ups, which are typically sole-proprietors or a partnership, will focus on developing key knowledge and skills to successfully create robust business models."Support for small businesses that have consolidated their initial business model and are expanding, will focus on assisting business to manage the challenges of hiring employees, commercial property leasing and developing export opportunities."The Budget will provide $3 million over three years to continue the Small Business Innovation Research Pilot Program, which helps small businesses develop innovative products."This second phase of this pilot program aims to assist the State's manufacturers to develop the capacity to consistently make high-value products and services," Mr Weatherill said.The Budget includes $440,000 over two years for the Industry Participation Advocate to help local businesses win more government contracts."This will allow the Advocate to help government agencies to simplify their procurement processes and cut the costs incurred by businesses when they apply for government work - as well as making sure that South Australian business have better access to government buyers," Mr Weatherill said."A diverse range of small and medium enterprises are developing innovative solutions for the problems government agencies are facing, but often government buyers are unaware of all the new developments in the market."The Minister for Small Business, Tom Kenyon, said the budget includes $1.1 million over four years to increase the dispute resolution services of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, which will make it easier for more businesses to use the mediation services available from the Commissioner."Since the Office of the Small Business Commissioner opened in March 2012, the Commissioner has made great progress, fielding more than 4700 enquiries from small businesses," Mr Kenyon said."In 2013-14, the State Government will deliver more than $200 million dollars in payroll tax relief to South Australian businesses."For business more broadly, the 2013-14 State Budget includes $300,000 over two years for a red tape reduction taskforce to identify opportunities to further reduce government red tape for businesses.The Budget also will provide a stamp duty exemption for corporations that are changing their structure at a cost of $2 million over four years.Current administrative arrangements for eligible corporate restructures provide businesses with 95 per cent stamp duty relief on the transfer of assets within a corporate group. This measure will provide a full legislated stamp duty exemption for eligible corporate reconstructions. Annual payroll^ ($)Statutory tax rate (%)Concessional tax rate reduction (percentage points)Concessional tax rate* (%)600,000 to 1,000,0004.952.452.51,000,001 to 1,050,0004.951.953.01,050,001 to 1,100,0004.951.453051,100,001 to 1,150,0004.950.954.01,150,001 to 1,200,0004.950.454.5Above 1,200,0004.95-4.95^ Australian taxable payrolls *Rate payable on the value of wages above $600,000 Annual payroll ($)Payroll tax payable without concession ($)Payroll tax payable after concession ($)Concession ($)650,0002,4751,2501,225700,0004,9502,5002,450800,0009,9005,0004,900900,00014,8507,5007,3501,000,00019,80010,0009,8001,050,00022,27513,5008,7751,100,00024,75017,5007,2501,150,00027,22522,0005,2251,200,00029,70027,0002,7001,250,00032,17532,175-

Small business to be a key focus of 2013-14 State Budget

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The 2013-14 State Budget will include a small business package to support small and medium enterprises and to cut red tape.Premier and Treasurer Jay Weatherill said the State Government was committed to creating the best possible environment for South Australia's small businesses to operate and thrive."While the high Australian dollar and other global factors have created challenges outside of our control, we want to ensure we are doing everything in our power to support small business," Mr Weatherill said."We are doing this by creating opportunities, encouraging partnerships between small businesses and key industries and cutting through unnecessary regulation."Among the measures in the small business package is $5.4 million funding over four years to help small businesses start up, become more innovative, gain government contracts and to cut red tape.The Budget provides $608,000 over two years to support small business start-ups and small business development."This initiative will support new small business start-ups by creating partnerships with key industry and professional associations as well as provide support for existing small businesses to develop and expand," Mr Weatherill said."Support for small business start-ups, which are typically sole-proprietors or a partnership, will focus on developing key knowledge and skills to successfully create robust business models."Support for small businesses that have consolidated their initial business model and are expanding, will focus on assisting business to manage the challenges of hiring employees, commercial property leasing and developing export opportunities."The Budget will provide $3 million over three years to continue the Small Business Innovation Research Pilot Program, which helps small businesses develop innovative products."This second phase of this pilot program also will aim to assist the State's manufacturers to develop the capacity to consistently make high-value products and services," Mr Weatherill said.The Budget includes $440,000 over two years for the Industry Participation Advocate to help local businesses win government contracts."This will allow the Advocate to help government agencies to simplify their procurement processes and cut the costs incurred by businesses when they apply for government work - as well as making sure that South Australian business have better access to government buyers," Mr Weatherill said."A diverse range of small and medium enterprises are developing innovative solutions for the problems government agencies are facing, but often government buyers are unaware of all the new developments in the market."The Budget includes $1.1 million over four years to increase the dispute resolution services of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, which will make it easier for more businesses to use the mediation services available from the Commissioner."Since the Office of the Small Business Commissioner opened in March 2012, the Commissioner has made great progress, fielding more than 4700 enquiries from small businesses," Mr Weatherill said.Small Business Minister Tom Kenyon said the 2013-14 State Budget also includes $300,000 over two years for a red tape reduction taskforce to identify opportunities to further reduce government red tape for businesses."The Government has delivered more than $320 million per year in savings to business and the community through cutting unnecessary regulation and streamlining government processes," Mr Kenyon said."In the next stage, the government will seek industry feedback on key aspects of red tape that, if reduced, would create further business efficiencies."The taskforce will play a facilitation role in the development of red tape reduction strategies between responsible agencies and industry."The Budget also will provide a stamp duty exemption for corporations that are changing their structure at a cost of $2 million over four years.Current administrative arrangements for eligible corporate reconstructions provide businesses with up to 95 per cent stamp duty relief on the transfer of assets within a corporate group. This measure will provide a full legislated stamp duty exemption for eligible corporate reconstructions.

Boost to training programs to assist industry transition

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0930

An extra $27 million will be spent on training over the next two years to help South Australian industries meet their critical skills needs.Premier and Treasurer Jay Weatherill said the 2013-14 State Budget would provide funding to support people to train for the job opportunities emerging in advanced manufacturing, mining and mining services, premium food and wine and professional services."We want to make sure people have the opportunities to improve their skills and capacity to find rewarding jobs in areas of strategic priority to South Australia," Mr Weatherill said."We are seeing rapid change in the manufacturing sector. It is crucial that we retain and build on the talent and skills of the workers in those sectors so they can more easily find alternative work."Advanced manufacturing, mining and construction are all areas of projected growth and there is growing demand for skilled people in these industries over the coming years."Mr Weatherill said the State Government has a strong record of investing in education and training."In 2010 we committed to creating an additional 100,000 training places by 2016," Mr Weatherill said."We are accelerating our efforts so that those extra places will be delivered well before the initial target date."The additional funding for our Skills for All program will ensure we are able to support the increased demand for training."Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister Grace Portolesi said the Skills for All program has provided the opportunity for people to easily access training to gain qualifications for rewarding jobs, particularly in industries that are of strategic importance to the State's economy."Ensuring easy access to training is a foundation for ongoing economic prosperity and fundamental to improving the lives of many South Australians," Ms Portolesi said.TAFE SA, as South Australia's largest training and skills provider, will have a central role delivering training and qualifications in our metropolitan and regional communities.There are more than 1000 courses available from a total of about 200 approved Skills for All training providers, including TAFE SA and private providers.

South Australia’s SARIG online resource application wins national award

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 +0930

SARIG 2020, South Australia's unique online tool for unlocking the wealth of statewide geological and geospatial data has won an Australian Government Excellence in e-Government Award for 2013.The South Australian Resources Information Geoserver enables users to view and download information relating to minerals, petroleum and geothermal exploration in South Australia.Developed by the Minerals and Energy area within the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE), SARIG won the national award last night at the Australian Government ICT Awards Celebration Dinner at Sydney's Darling Harbour.SARIG 2020 won the national award under the e-Government Geospatial Category, with the following award citation:"The SARIG 2020 geospatial web portal is a great example of how government is using location aware information to inform service design and delivery."With the integration of more than 400 spatial datasets from across government and the private sector this online resource is a highly sought after commodity both locally and internationally."Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said the SARIG portal is an integral part of delivering world-class data to the resource industry."I'm very pleased that SARIG has won this award. It acknowledges DMITRE's world-leading work in attracting minerals and energy investment to this state," Mr Koutsantonis said."Online access to precompetitive geoscience knowledge is an essential resource that supports our explorers."The SARIG 2020 application was funded through the Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE 2020)."By providing relevant geological data and information PACE 2020 and SARIG 2020 have reduced investor uncertainty and supported investment decisions," Mr Koutsantonis said."SARIG 2020 has incorporated more than 35 new spatial layers in the past 12 months, highlighting South Australia's expertise and technical knowledge."SARIG 2020 also gives explorers a real-time perspective on their permit application progress, increasing the transparency of government business processes."Introduced in 2006, the Excellence in eGovernment Awards recognise and promote excellence, innovation and professionalism in the use of Information and Communications Technology.Projects in the geospatial category are judged on how well they address complexity, innovative application of technologies, future value to the geospatial community and customer satisfaction.Read more about the Australian Government ICT Awards Program.

New $755 million drilling rig to join oil search off South Australia’s coast

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 +0930

Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis today welcomed the announcement a $755 million offshore drilling rig has been commissioned for the search for oil off South Australia.Mr Koutsantonis said U.S. based Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc has announced an agreement with South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd to build a new Moss CS60E design drilling rig to be used by BP as part of its exploration program off Ceduna."The search for oil and gas off South Australia's coastline has really taken an international dimension with a UK resource giant working with Diamond Offshore Drilling of the US and South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries to construct a rig for use here," he said."Indications are this rig will be delivered here after November 2015 to begin deepwater drilling."Diamond Offshore has more than 30 years of experience working in Australia and has developed an international reputation for its expertise in deepwater drilling."The entrance of international companies such as BP, Chevron, Norway's Statoil and only this week Europe's Northern Petroleum again and again highlight the genuine interest being shown in South Australia's oil and gas potential."Whether it is the Cooper, Otway or Bight Basins, energy companies are showing new interest in South Australia's onshore and offshore resource potential, which is translating into expenditure on exploration and mining services such as constructing and operating drill rigs."Spending on the search for oil and gas in this State has grown markedly in the past few years and now rivals the expenditure on exploration for mineral resources."A record $602 million was spent on exploration in petroleum and mineral resources in 2012, with almost half of that expenditure directed into the search for oil and gas."This is the first time the combined expenditure on minerals and petroleum has broken through the $600 million mark in South Australia's history."Companies such as BP and Northern Petroleum and New Hope's Bridgeport Energy are expected to add to this exploration spending with extensive onshore and offshore work programs to be carried out in the next few years."

State’s senior oil and gas regulator recognised at APPEA

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0930

South Australia's senior oil and gas regulator has been recognised for his contribution to the national industry at the Australian Petroleum Producers and Explorers Association conference.Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy's executive director Barry Goldstein has been awarded the prestigious Lewis G Weeks Gold Medal during last night's APPEA conference dinner in Brisbane.APPEA Chairman David Knox said Mr Goldstein's major contribution to the industry's regulatory practices had "revitalised petroleum exploration in South Australia and established a positive template for onshore regulation".Born in the United States, Mr Goldstein graduated from the University of New York with a Bachelor of Geology degree in 1975 and the University of Missouri as a Master in Geology in 1977.His career led him to Australia where he eventually became Exploration Manager and Chief Geologist at Santos, South Australia's home-grown oil and gas company.After working for more than 20 years as a successful exploration geologist, he became Executive Director of Petroleum and Geothermal Energy at DMITRE's Energy Resources Division.Mr Goldstein has also been South Australia's long-standing representative on the Senior Committee of Officials, which supports the Council of Australian Governments' Standing Council on Energy & Resources.Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis says Mr Goldstein's drive and persistence has helped make South Australia a leader in onshore regulation, not only for petroleum but also for the development of so-called "hot rocks" geothermal energy."Like most exceptional public servants, Barry's name would be unknown to most South Australians, but they owe him a debt of gratitude for his hard work and dedication" he said."Barry and his team have developed regulatory systems that are recognised as some of the best in the world."His leadership has created opportunities to develop South Australia's gas resources in a sustainable way and provided options for reducing uncertainties that may act as a disincentive to investment."I congratulate Barry for his professionalism, dedication and of course this well-deserved award."

UK’s NP and Sydney’s Bridgeport to invest in State’s oil and gas sector

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 +0930

South Australia's global standing as an attractive destination for petroleum has been enhanced with a UK oil and gas firm and an Australian explorer set to invest a combined $79 million in this State.Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis announced NP Oil and Gas Holdings Ltd (a subsidiary of Northern Petroleum Plc) as the successful bidder for a new petroleum exploration licence (PEL) in the Otway Basin and Sydney-based Bridgeport Energy as the winning bidder for a Cooper Basin PEL.Speaking from the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) Conference in Brisbane, Mr Koutsantonis says the highly competitive bidding for the two PELs reflects South Australia's international standing as an exploration target."Cooper-Eromanga basins are Australia's largest onshore oil and gas province, supplying major south-eastern markets with gas for more than 40 years and oil since 1982," he said."Otway Basin in the State's southeast is regarded as the state's second most prospective onshore oil and gas province."The investment to be made by NP Oil and Gas Holdings and Bridgeport Energy guarantee work programs comprising a combined 11 wells and 550km2 of three-dimensional (3D) seismic survey data collection.For the respective bids, the two companies lodged the most competitive work programs in the state's tender process and both meet all the legislated requirements for financial and technical capabilities as a precedent to being offered the PELs in South Australia.Mr Koutsantonis says now, more than ever, it's critical South Australia is ready to compete for capital to extract resources by providing best-practice investment and land access frameworks."With the arrival of these new explorers, South Australia is building on our well-founded reputation for world-leading investment and regulatory frameworks for upstream petroleum exploration and production," he said.As a condition of the licence being granted, both companies will be required to prepare an Environmental Impact Report and a Statement of Environmental Objectives for on-ground activities in line with the State government's commitment to sustainable development.Bridgeport Energy will also be required to resolve native title land access issues, in line with the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993.

Mindarie mine reopening demonstrates benefits of China investment

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The official resumption of mining at the Riverland's Mindarie heavy mineral sands mines clearly demonstrates the benefits provided by China's investment in South Australia.Premier Jay Weatherill, at today's opening ceremony, said the investment by Murray Zircon not only rehabilitated the former heavy sands mine but is already creating jobs and improved services for the local economy."It is tremendously satisfying to celebrate the resumption of mining at Mindarie - as South Australia's first active mine, now under majority ownership of a Chinese company," Mr Weatherill said."Murray Zircon's Chinese parent, Orient Zirconic, has a long-term view to investing through the entire value chain from this mine site to factory."This long-term strategy adopted by Murray Zircon is similar to South Australia's commitment to building its advanced manufacturing capabilities through value-adding."Most impressively, from South Australia's viewpoint, is that zircon shipped from this mine is increasingly making its way into many specialist products and applications."Mr Weatherill said the Mindarie mine has a workforce of about 140 jobs; 60 staff directly employed on site, and a further 80 contractors - making it a significant regional employer."Another positive development is the new on-site accommodation for more than 50 employees," he said."In conjunction with Murray Zircon, the District Council of Karoonda East Murray has sealed a portion of the Knight's Well Road, which will benefit the local community."The company is also working with local government to secure a much-needed telecommunications tower for the area."Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said as part of its acquisition Murray Zircon has assumed the high cost of rehabilitating the former mine's operations."Murray Zircon from the outset committed to a technical program that would complete the rehabilitation of the land disturbed by the former mine operators," Mr Koutsantonis said."The expertise of independent agronomists has led to the introduction of some innovative approaches to reshape the soil profile here at Mindarie."So far, signs are positive this new style of rehabilitation is working," Mr Koutsantonis said."The lessons learned here in South Australia about the restoration of productive farming land will undoubtedly interest to operators of other heavy mineral sand mines around the world."Murray Zircon was formed in 2011 with majority ownership by the Orient Zirconic Science and Technology Industry Co. Ltd. from Guangdong Province.The company then acquired the mineral sands mine which had been under care and maintenance since 2009 after the previous operator Australian Zircon announced it was going into voluntary administration.

Have gas appliances serviced - avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0930

The Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE) has urged South Australians to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide and to have gas appliances serviced.DMITRE's Technical Regulator, Rob Faunt, said with colder weather generating an increase in the use of gas heating, it was timely to remind the public of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning."Carbon monoxide is a silent killer - you can't see it; you can't smell it and you can't taste it - but it can be fatal," Mr Faunt said."According to SA Health, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and ultimately loss of consciousness and death."In the cooler, southern states of Australia, an average of one person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning every year with hundreds more suffering long-term health issues."To avoid these issues I urge people to have all gas appliances, particularly gas heaters, serviced by a licensed gasfitter at least once every two years."Mr Faunt said outdoor gas appliances such as heaters and barbecues require adequate ventilation to perform safely and are not designed to be used in enclosed spaces."If enclosed, the appliance will burn abnormally forming carbon monoxide which can build up rather quickly, reaching potentially fatal levels," Mr Faunt said."The golden rule is if an appliance is attached to a portable gas bottle, don't bring it inside."As recently as last year, fire-fighters in Victoria found a man dead in his home from a suspected case of carbon monoxide poisoning. An LP gas patio heater was found in the living room and investigators believe it was being used to heat the home. For more information on the dangers of carbon monoxide visit: www.sa.gov.au/energysafe