The Solar Dawn consortium, led by Areva Solar, will build a 250 megawatt (MW) solar thermal gas hybrid power plant near Chinchilla in Qld.
Solar Dawn will be one of the largest power plants of its kind in the world as well as one of the most environmentally responsible.
At least 85 per cent of Solar Dawn’s power generation will be entirely emissions free.During construction, Solar Dawn estimates the project will generate $570 million in economic activity in the region and create 300 jobs on average.Many axillary services are outsourced to other companies to provide services. This project is going to create new jobs in Australia.
The project consists of approximately 450 hectares of infrastructure including a ‘solar field’ containing the mirrors and steam boiler tubes, and a ‘power block’ with the steam turbine generators, gas boilers and ancilliary equipment.
It is expected that the proposed project will commence operation in early 2015 following the finalisation of project development in December 2011 and three years of construction
In recognition of the impact of the continued resource boom on the local workforce, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced it will be hosting a number of public interviews in Port Pirie, South Australia, on February 23.
As the two-speed economy begins to spread its effect across the country, more positions in these industries become available – in some cases there are more roles than there are experienced workers.
With these key factors in mind, it’s little wonder that the DIAC would consider municipalities such as Port Pirie when making face-to-face visits.
The spokesman asserted: “Some businesses in regional communities can find it difficult to fill skilled vacancies with local workers and may want to consider sponsoring suitably qualified workers from overseas.
While the information provided by the departmental officers is quite useful to both employers and migrant workers, the spokesman reminded business owners of their role in the sponsorship transaction.
“It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that non-Australian workers they hire hold a visa with valid work rights,” said the spokesman.
As international workers are sourced and begin to settle in to these communities, they often begin to bring their families over to join them.
For many, the DIAC has special visa subclasses for spouses and dependent children and can even provide sponsorship solutions for parents and other relations.
However the requirements of these arrangements can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, so savvy professionals will be seeking the assistance of migration agents to find the best possible avenue that suits their needs.