Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:07:03 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Two CORS sites up and running in an Australian first http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130586 Content:

The mining hub of Kalgoorlie and the coastal city of Albany have become the first Western Australian continuously operating reference station (CORS) sites to be completed as part of Landgate’s CORS project.

 

Both sites have started streaming data to Canberra.

 

In April, Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts announced that a network of 26 CORS sites would be built across WA to form part of a world-class initiative in the gathering of information about the earth’s surface across the continent.

 

The State Government, through Landgate, would contribute more than $2million over five years to fund the CORS project.

 

In addition, the Federal Government, through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), would contribute a further $1million.

 

The Minister said WA was also the first State to start sending data to Geoscience Australia under a national initiative that aimed to build 100 CORS sites.

 

“The generated data from Albany and Kalgoorlie will be used for research that will lead to better decision-making in the fields of hazard management, environmental protection and resource development,” she said.

 

“It will also support research in the areas of seismic monitoring, sea level variation and atmospheric modelling for improved weather forecasting.

 

“The CORS infrastructure will also form the basis for a future continent-wide, real-time positioning system, with applications in surveying and mapping, precision agriculture, vehicle navigation and tracking, location-based services and speed limiting systems.”

 

Mrs Roberts said Landgate has developed a strategy to complete the 26 CORS installations over the next four years.

 

“Other sites nearing completion are located at Esperance, Burakin and Kellerberrin,” she said.

 

Meanwhile, representatives from government, the survey industry and academia and real-time positioning service providers have met as part of Landgate’s Survey Networks Reference Group.

 

The Minister said the group had agreed that that the spatial industry needed to work co-operatively to build on the initial capacity of Landgate’s 26-station network.

 

“It’s important that we aim to maximise CORS’ potential to deliver huge benefits to the WA community,” she said.

 

Further information about the Survey Networks Stakeholder Reference Group is available from:  http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/Survey

 

Minister's office: 9213 6600

Date: 25/07/2008
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:41:36 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130586 Digital Art taking us back in time http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130403 Content:

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts today officially opened the ‘Mapping Time - The Lost Generation’ digital art exhibition at Landgate’s head office in Midland.

 

Mrs Roberts said history and modern technology had merged to become an art project illustrating the transformation of the Swan region over time.

 

“The exhibition is an innovative and visually stimulating way to learn about the development of our community and the people who are part of it,” she said.

 

The exhibition is part of a broader project known as ‘The Lost Generation’, which was developed in partnership with Disability Services Commission Accommodation Service Directorate (DSC ASD); Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts Australia (DADAA Inc); and the City of Swan.

 

“The first stage of The Lost Generation project enabled people with intellectual disabilities to tell their stories that were considered lost, through short films,” the Minister said.

 

Mrs Roberts said the ‘Mapping Time - The Lost Generation’ exhibition was the culmination of an ongoing art project which had been running at Landgate for several months.

 

“Staff, their family and friends were invited to contribute their old photos and images depicting their own lives in historical Midland,” she said.

 

The Minister said the group worked in collaboration with DADAA artists and took part in art workshops.

 

“I am proud that ‘The Lost Generation’ project started here in the City of Swan and that Landgate has embraced the opportunities to take part in and host this fantastic exhibition,” she said.

 

Mapping Time - The Lost Generation exhibition runs from June 24 to July 7.

 

Minister's office -  9213 6600
Date: 24/06/2008
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Eastern Metropolitan
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:24:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130403 Western Australia to join global earth monitoring network http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130024 Content:

Western Australia will be part of a world-class initiative to gather information about the earth’s surface.

 

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts today announced that a network of 26 continuously operating reference stations (CORS) would be built throughout WA, including Broome.

 

“The CORS are used in conjunction with global positioning system (GPS) technology to monitor seismic and tectonic motion,” Mrs Roberts said.

 

“Put simply, the concrete pillars stationed throughout WA are fitted with satellite receivers which can indicate land movement to the nearest millimetre.

 

“Amazingly, every year Australia moves about seven centimetres in a North-East direction.”

 

The State Government, through Landgate, will contribute more than $2million over five years to fund the CORS project.  In addition, the Commonwealth will contribute a further $1million.

 

“A site has been selected in Broome overlooking Roebuck Bay and near the super-tide gauge which monitors changes in sea-level,” the Minister said.

 

Mrs Roberts said CORS data could also be used by the revolutionary telescope project Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

 

“Should WA be successful in its bid for the SKA telescope, CORS data would be used to monitor storm activity in the upper atmosphere,” she said.

 

“Information will also be used by Landgate and the wider community for surveying, mapping, navigation and for engineering and agricultural machine guidance.”

 

Stations are already under construction in Esperance, Burakin (in the Wheatbelt) and Kalgoorlie.

 

The sites are being built by Landgate on behalf of AuScope Ltd, under the Federal Government’s National Earth Science Infrastructure program.

 

Minister's Office - 9213 6600
Date: 15/04/2008
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:12:40 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130024 Australia’s premier land information convention now an international event http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=41557 Content:

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts has welcomed spatial scientists and industry delegates from interstate and overseas, to the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) International Forum.

 

“The WALIS forum has grown to become one of the premier spatial information events in Australia, with more than 800 delegates attending the conference this year,” Mrs Roberts said.

 

The Minister said the WALIS forum, being held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre from March 12-14, was providing the perfect opportunity for delegates to share ideas and expertise.

 

“Spatial sciences are a part of our daily lives, from the Global Positioning System devices in our cars, phones and iPods to the application of satellite technology used for Google Earth,” she said.

 

Mrs Roberts said Google UK representative Ed Parsons would give delegates an insight into Google’s successful development of partnerships with governments and industry all over  the world.

 

Through Landgate, the State Government had formed partnerships with the Indonesian Ministries of Forestry and Environment and the Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space.

 

“These partnerships are valuable for the exchange of spatial information and the development of new technologies and practices,” the Minister said.

 

She said another major focus of the WALIS International Forum was the Shared Land Information Platform (SLIP), a world-first partnership across governments which supported business opportunities providing ready access to land information.

 

Further information is available at http://www.walis.wa.gov.au/forum

 

Minister's Office - 9213 6600   
Date: 12/03/2008
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:15:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=41557 New learning studios for spatial science learning http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=41546 Content:

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts today officially opened the Spatial Sciences Studio at Curtin University, Bentley.

 

“The new state-of-the-art computer laboratory is an ideal learning centre, which will provide access to the latest satellite technology for students currently studying geography in Western Australia,” Mrs Roberts said.

 

The Minister said the State Government had provided $430,000 over five years to support the development of the Spatial Sciences Studio.

 

“There is a need to attract more people to this rapidly growing field,” she said.

 

“Without spatial scientists we would not have Global Positioning Systems in our cars, iPods and phones, or access to internet technology like Google Earth.”

 

Mrs Roberts said she was particularly pleased that the centre provided an opportunity for indigenous students to engage in the study of spatial sciences.

 

Curtin University Professor Jane den Hollander said the brilliant design of the new studio provided the opportunity for Curtin to attract more domestic and international students, and to showcase the research and teaching expertise of the university.

 

“Students will now find themselves studying in a friendlier and more aesthetically pleasing environment with access to cutting edge technology,” Professor den Hollander said.

 

Mrs Roberts said the new centre was a result of a strategic alliance between the State Government and Curtin University.

 

“The studio is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to the future of spatial sciences in WA,” she said.

 

Minister's Office - 9213 6600
Date: 9/03/2008
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:15:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=41546 Traditional place name recognised http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=129017 Content:
12/7/07

One of Western Australia’s highest peaks is to be renamed in recognition of its traditional indigenous place name.

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts today announced that Mt Nameless, near Tom Price, would now enjoy a dual name and be known as Mt Nameless/Jarndunmunha.

Mrs Roberts said at 1,131 metres, Mt Nameless/Jarndunmunha was one of the highest and well-known peaks in WA, and it was fitting that the mountain would now carry both names.

“There is a growing awareness in local government of the recognition of traditional place names and the Shire of Ashburton, along with local Aboriginal communities, support the renaming of this peak,” she said.

The Minister said the WA Geographic Naming Committee had ‘Policy Guidelines for the Recording and Use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Names’, and had now adopted dual naming guidelines, which brought WA into line with other Australian States.

“The main objective of these guidelines is to ensure that Aboriginal place names are recognised by all Western Australians as a fundamental part of our State’s heritage and the need for them to be preserved,” she said.

“There are probably hundreds of traditional Aboriginal names, virtually unknown by the general community, for features such as mountains, lakes and rivers that currently have a well-known European name.

“Now that we have adopted the dual naming guidelines, there is an opportunity to recognise these traditional indigenous place names and garner wider community recognition.”

Geographic Names Committee spokesman Brian Goodchild said Mt Nameless was named by a Hamersley Iron survey team in the early 1960s.

“In many cases, a preference for either the European or the Aboriginal name cannot be determined, hence the dual naming,” Mr Goodchild said.

“Where possible, proposals are investigated to establish if there is enough community support to replace the European name with the indigenous name, however the adoption of the dual naming guidelines provides an opportunity to promote and represent harmony between the two cultures.”

Minister's office - 9213 6600


Date: 12/07/2007
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Pilbara
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:41 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=129017 Canning Stock Route Centenary Celebration http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=124716 Content:
27/06/07

Celebrations to mark the centenary of the Canning Stock Route’s development were launched today by Land and Information Minister Michelle Roberts.

The centenary of the route’s development, from the time surveyor Alfred Canning first set out in May 1906 to survey the track, to its completion in 1910, presented the opportunity to foster a new spirit of co-operation and understanding between traditional owners and other Australians, Mrs Roberts said.

“The Canning Stock Route travels through lands that are rich in Aboriginal history and the track is an enduring symbol of the courage of pioneering Australians who explored some of the most isolated and harsh outback country in Western Australia,” she said.

“It’s part of our shared history and by joining together we can foster partnerships and a spirit of co-operation that will serve us well in the future.”

A $2million, three-year collaborative project to locate, interpret and ultimately preserve and manage important Aboriginal rock art sites along the stock route is already under way.

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies will conduct this project in partnership with the Australian National University, National Museum of Australia, traditional owners, Aboriginal corporations and Government agencies including Landgate, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and the Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Minister said another major collaborative project involving indigenous communities, scientists, artists and public and private sector organisations was being planned by not-for-profit organisation, FORM Contemporary Craft and Design Inc.

“This project will facilitate, curate and present a national and international exhibition of paintings, artefacts, story-telling, cultural information and oral history,” she said.

“The program of centenary events is a ‘work-in-progress’ and, given that we have until 2010 to celebrate this milestone, there is plenty of time and opportunity for interested people or organisations to get involved.”

One of the first centenary events will be the Department of Environment and Conservation’s “Desert Tracks” Landscope Expedition along a section of the stock route in August this year. Another expedition is planned for 2008.

A website, co-ordinating Government and community projects and events linked to the centenary celebration, is being established by Landgate.

Minister's office - 9213 6600


Date: 27/06/2007
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt;Goldfields;Regional Budget;Southern Western Suburbs;Southern Eastern Suburbs;Southern;All
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:00 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=124716 New Spatial Sciences Studio - a first for Western Australia http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=127425 Content:
8/05/07

A new science studio will provide a focal point for geographic information science, surveying and cartography in Western Australia.

In a joint project between Curtin University and Landgate, a state-of-the-art Spatial Sciences Studio will be established at the university’s Bentley Campus in 2008.

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts announced today that Landgate and Curtin University of Technology would collaborate for the purpose of developing and promoting education and research in Spatial Sciences.

Mrs Roberts said one of the key objectives of the alliance was to develop and construct the leading educational facility on the Bentley Campus.

“Spatial information is fundamental to the lives of us all,” she said.

“It is used in environmental monitoring, management of natural resources, assets, land and emergencies.

“The State Government, through Landgate, will contribute $430,000 over five years to establish the studio, which will be used by spatial science students at Curtin.

“The studio will also be a research facility and will promote educational initiatives to primary and secondary students, with a special focus on the eastern metropolitan region of Perth.”

The Minister attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Curtin University Vice Chancellor Jeanette Hacket and Landgate’s chief executive Grahame Searle at the university today.

Mrs Roberts said during the five-year term of the MOU, Curtin and Landgate would explore other opportunities in the spatial sciences field.

“These will include programs to attract indigenous students into spatial sciences courses; developing programs of student exchange and scholarships to attract international students; and the development of a Landgate cadetship program,” she said.

“I commend this alliance between Curtin University and Landgate, because it holds the key to increasing awareness and promotion of the many applications of spatial information for the benefit of all Western Australians.”

Professor Hacket welcomed the alliance and the opportunity for Curtin to work together with Landgate to advance the spatial science industry.

“Curtin is very pleased to enter into this alliance with Landgate as we continually strive to forge strong and effective partnerships with industry, business and government to enhance the quality of our teaching, learning and research,” she said.

“We look forward to working closely with Landgate to advance spatial science education in WA, and to increase awareness of the industry and the excellent employment opportunities available.”

Minister's office - 9213 6600


Date: 8/05/2007
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt;Goldfields;Regional Budget;Southern Western Suburbs;Southern Eastern Suburbs;Southern;All
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:26 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=127425 New online title service now available to the public http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=127322 Content:
4/04/07

Landgate (formerly the Department of Land Information) has launched its newest online service, making the purchase of a property much easier.

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts said the new service offered members of the public access to online land and property information.

“This is an incredible improvement in the provision of land information to the community,” Mrs Roberts said.

“Previously, members of the public had to visit Landgate’s counter, email or phone their request for information.

“Now they can purchase a certificate of title for land and ownership information simply by visiting Landgate’s webpage at http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf

The property industry has had access to the service online for some time, which had helped to streamline business activities.

The Minister said those wanting to use the service could do so by using a credit card and having access to the Internet.

“It costs just $14.00 to purchase a title and because it is a secure site, credit cards can be used for payment,” she said.

A PDF copy of the title is emailed within minutes of the request.

Information shown on a title includes the legal land description; landowner/s name/s; ownership arrangements and any registered interests held over the land or restrictions of use.

“This information is handy for potential land purchasers, land owners and anyone wishing to research information about a piece of land,” Mrs Roberts said.

The new title service is the first in a series of products and services that Landgate is making available online for the general public.

The Minister said combined, these services would form Landgate’s online ‘shopfront’, where the general public would be able to buy a wide range of products by credit card.

“This is another good example of Landgate’s commitment to make land information more accessible to the community,” she said.

Minister's office - 9213 6600


Date: 4/04/2007
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt;Goldfields;Regional Budget;Southern Western Suburbs;Southern Eastern Suburbs;Southern;All
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:25 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=127322 WA's award-winning Firewatch Program helps Indonesia's wildfires http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=129143 Content:
12/03/07

A team of fire monitoring experts from Landgate, (formerly the Department of Land Information), is helping the Indonesian Government reduce the smoke haze caused by the huge forest fires which have plagued South East Asia since the 1990s.

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts said Landgate’s Satellite Remote Sensing Service (SRSS) had a 25-year history of customising satellite-monitoring applications to meet the specific needs of Government agencies across Australia.

“Importantly, Landgate’s Firewatch program has been recognised as Australia’s leading fire monitoring service, winning multiple awards including the Government Technology Gold Award and WA Premier’s Award in 2005,” Mrs Roberts said.

“Taking this expertise overseas to assist our near neighbours in monitoring and managing wildfires via satellite has been a logical step.”

Today the Minister welcomed the Republic of Indonesia’s Consul, Dr Aloysius Madja and a ‘hot spot team’ from Indonesia, to Landgate’s Satellite Remote Sensing Service in Floreat.

The Indonesian team of seven is taking part in a six-week training program with the SRSS technical team.

“This intense training program follows visits by SRSS technical teams to Indonesia to meet Forestry and Environment Ministries, to assess their needs and ascertain sources of local spatial information which will be used to generate fire maps,” the Minister said.

“Access to these fire maps will help these agencies to control and restrict the spread of forest fires which have been an annual disaster in the region for many years.”

The Landgate technical support and training team will return with the Indonesian hot spot team to assist them in setting up the Fire Hot Spot Monitoring and Management Program in their country.

Mrs Roberts also welcomed two representatives from the Forest Protection Department of the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development who were also taking part in the intensive training program.

“By undertaking an effective role in trying to solve the regional smoke haze problem and the protection of regional forests, Landgate is helping to strengthen Western Australia’s relationship with Indonesia and South-East Asia,” she said.

Minister's office - 9213 6600


Date: 12/03/2007
Minister: Roberts
Portfolio: Land Information
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt;Goldfields;Regional Budget;Southern Western Suburbs;Southern Eastern Suburbs;Southern;All
]]> LANGROUP\AFongChan Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:42 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=129143