South Australia joins national IR system
From January 1st 2010, South Australia’s private sector will join the reformed national IR system. The passing of the Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2009, will mean all private sector employers and workers in SA will have one set of industrial relations laws to work with.
It is expected that the national approach to IR will simplify employment arrangements for employers who work across state borders. CCF SA industrial staff will continue to provide all members with extensive support and will undertake a large number of industry updates over the next three years for workplaces transferring from the state jurisdiction to the national system.
Stormwater
The innovative stormwater harvesting project implemented by the Salisbury council has been recognised around the world. Following a November heat wave, there has been an announcement of a $150m investment in stormwater projects across Adelaide. This investment by local, state and commonwealth governments, will assist in the tripling of the annual stormwater harvest from our current 6000ML to more than 20,000ML. The state-wide water security plan, Water for Good, is supported by stormwater research and has been the key to securing funding for eight stormwater projects across the metropolitan area.
Training Ministers Civil Train SA tour
The Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education Michael O’Brien, recently spent a morning at Civil Train SA. After a tour of the training facility, he tried his hand at driving an excavator simulator. He then met with CCF SA board members and staff to discuss ongoing skill shortages and the unique training requirements of the civil construction industry.
Civil Train existing worker traineeship
On going lobbying by the CCF SA, has secured more than 100 existing worker traineeships at the certificate 3 level, through the Productivity Places Program. These traineeships will support existing workers, in their efforts to gain recognition for their current work skills and knowledge, and will enable them to complete a qualification at the certificate 3 trade level.
The program is part of the Australian Government’s Skilling Australia for the Future initiative, to ensure that Australians develop the skills they need to be effective participants and contributors, in a modern labour market. Ongoing skill shortages in SA have been recognised by the government through this funding and its continued support of Civil Train SA.
Major projects
As part of the states’ $2bn upgrade of the transport system, expressions of interest have been called for the $400m electrification of Adelaide’s metropolitan rail lines. This includes, design, construct, operate and maintain the electrified network. Design work will start early next year with site works to commence in 2011.
The $800m design concept has been announced for a South Road Superway (see page 31 this issue) that will continue work on a dedicated north-south transport corridor for Adelaide. The Superway will connect from the Port River Expressway to Regency Road, and will include:
- A 2.8km road bridge, elevated 10m;
- Modifications to a 1.7km section of South Road; and
- Upgrades to the local road system.
Planning is expected to be completed in mid 2010. Construction on local roads is expected to start in March 2010. The South Road Superway is expected to be open to traffic in late 2013.
