GroundProbe - mine safety breakthroughInvented by engineers and scientists at the University of Queensland, Slope Stability Radar technology gives the global mining industry a level of safety in open-cut mines previously unavailable. To commercialise this exciting new technology, GroundProbe was established in 2001.
The radar technology improves mine safety with its ability to detect very small movements of less than 0.2 millimetres at ranges up to 450 metres. The GroundProbe service has been sold to high-profile open-cut mines operated by the world’s largest mining resources companies in the Asia-Pacific, African and American regions.
GroundProbe’s Slope Stability Radar can save lives by detecting wall movements that occur prior to rock falls. The technology has use in quarries, dams and civil engineering projects.
Award-winning Runge LimitedRunge Limited was named Queensland’s ‘smartest company’ when it took out top honours at the 2006 Premier of Queensland’s Smart Awards.
The company has distinguished itself as one of the world's premier suppliers of mining services. For over 28 years it 
has remained at the forefront of new technologies and software development and now boasts offices in Brisbane, Singleton, Perth, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg, Witbank, Calgary, Gillette, Denver, Staffordshire, Belo Horizonte and Santiago.
Runge epitomises what a 'Smart' Queensland company is all about - it is innovative, it invests heavily in research and development and it has a team of outstanding people with world-class skills and expertise.
Also the winner of the services category at the awards, Runge offers a range of consulting services in relation to the technical, geological and strategic aspects of mine establishment and operation, develops and sells software for mine planning, optimisation and management, and provides technical training courses to the mining industry.
Securing a globally competitive meat industry Less than a decade ago, Queensland’s meat industry was facing serious decline in its markets and the closure of processing facilities. To secure its future as a globally competitive export industry, the Queensland Government worked closely with industry to assist with the restructuring and technology upgrading of a number of meat processing facilities which are now larger and more efficient.
As a result of this organisational and structural innovation, Queensland meat has been making substantial gains in new markets. Between 1997-98 and 2004-05, total Queensland meat exports more than doubled from $1.6 billion to $3.3 billion.
Calypso mangoesCalypso, a new brand of mango, is a Smart State combination of science, marketing and improved product quality. The mango has been specifically bred for improved quality characteristics, colour, a fibreless texture, improved shelf life and a smaller seed. These make it ideal for the export market.
OneHarvest, the Brisbane-based organisation that is responsible for the commercialisation of the mango, said Calypso was set to change the Australian mango industry.
Since its release only seven years ago, there are now in excess of 300 000 trees planted, with plantings continuing to increase. Calypso mangoes have been market tested in seven overseas countries, with 800 tonnes sold in 2005-06.
Mincom strengthens US footprintQueensland-based software company Mincom was recently congratulated by the Queensland Government for its continued success in the US transportation industry with the upgrade of Long Beach Transit's enterprise planning system. Mincom, which has its global headquarters in Brisbane, is a strong example of a Queensland company shining on the world stage.
Long Beach Transit, which has 28 million annual customers, is a world leader in the adoption of the latest transit technology, utilising low emission engines, safer performing vehicles and the TranSmart global satellite tracking system. Mincom's role is to upgrade the Long Beach Transit enterprise solution to ensure it leverages the very latest functional and technical enhancements.
Mincom was established in 1979 and supports customer sites in more than 40 countries. It employs more than 1200 people in 19 offices across Australia, North America, South America, South East Asia, Africa, the United Kingdom, Russia and China.
The company acts as global technology partner for asset-intensive industries within the mining, utilities, transport, defence and government sectors. Its major clients include the London Underground, Australian Defence Force, the Chilean Navy, and Newmont Mining.
Microsoft recognises Queensland as smart location for eResearch labQueensland University of Technology (QUT) has announced the creation of a new eResearch centre in Brisbane with $2.7 million in initial funding.
The eResearch lab is said to be one of only 12 in the world and will provide scientists with advanced technologies to accelerate scientific research and discovery of sustainable resources. The lab will specifically focus its research efforts on water management, urban planning and climate change.
The seed funding comes from a three-year collaborative agreement between the Queensland Government, QUT and Microsoft Australia, each of which is contributing $900 000.
The eResearch lab is claimed to be the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Scientists at the lab will combine the processing power of computers and the Internet to support research through the large-scale collaboration of people, data and other resources.
Microsoft has provided approximately $6 million in grants and resources over the past four years to assist Queensland in its transformation to a Smart State.
High-tech manufacturer plans Smart State fibre composites take-offA new multimillion dollar high-tech aviation manufacturing facility to be built in South-East Queensland will bring valuable jobs and international attention to Queensland.
Australian Aerospace is to lease a facility in partnership with French company EADS, producers of Airbus aircraft, experts in composite manufacturing and also a current supplier to Eurocopter.
The partnership has chosen Queensland as home for the new facility which would be used to manufacture fibre composite components for the Australian Defence Force’s Tiger and Troop Lift helicopters.
Under this new partnership, Queensland will manufacture a range of leading-edge fibre composite helicopter components including those for fuselages and wings.
These new-generation helicopters, with their significant composite structures and high-technology component manufacturing taking place in Queensland are confirmation of the Smart State at work.
The new facility is expected to be built in 2006-07, with expected employment of 63 skilled staff within three years and generating $12 million in sales revenue each year over the next 10 years.
Locally developed breakthroughs in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies are growing Queensland’s emerging capabilities in aviation and aerospace. Providing commercialisation outcomes for a wide range of defence and civilian applications, these revolutionary new technologies are a unique example of strong partnerships between industry, research organisations and government delivering new competitive advantages for Queensland.
More than 30 per cent of Australia’s growing UAV industry is located in Queensland, with Boeing Australia playing a pivotal role as lead supplier of UAVs to the Australian Defence Force. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT), in partnership with CSIRO, is also a key player in undertaking UAV research and development. Partnerships between Boeing, QUT and CSIRO have led to breakthroughs in the use of satellite technologies to improve avionics systems and robotics applications allowing UAVs to ‘see’, to take-off, land and navigate autonomously. A Queensland Government contribution of $3.53 million from the Smart State Research Facilities Fund, for the establishment of the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation at Brisbane Airport’s DaVinci Centre, will further accelerate the development of UAVs in Queensland.
UAVs are used extensively within defence settings for both intelligence and surveillance work. Civilian applications are wide-ranging, covering border security (Coastwatch and fishery patrols), emergency services, traffic monitoring, agricultural management and power line inspection. All of these applications improve outcomes and reduce the risk to human life in otherwise dangerous circumstances.
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Super Yacht Group - Great Barrier ReefThe Super Yacht Group – Great Barrier Reef is acknowledged as one of the most successful industry cluster models in Australia. The group consists of more than 50 organisations working collaboratively to develop, market and service the superyacht industry in Tropical North Queensland.
Formed in June 2000, the Group’s strategic goal is to position Cairns as a leading superyacht destination for refit, cruising, charter and training.
Superyachts, with an average price exceeding $40 million, traditionally cruise the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.
Through active market development, annual superyacht visitation has more than tripled from 10 vessels per year in 2002. More than 50 superyachts have visited Cairns in the last 12 months, more than any other region in Australia.
Since the inception of the Super Yacht Group – Great Barrier Reef, the regional economic impact has more than tripled from $15 million to $50 million per year.
Riviera GroupCoomera-based Riviera Group is a world-class leader in the manufacture of luxury marine cruisers and employs over 1200 staff. Beginning with the first timber Mariners that were hand-built in 1966, the company’s output now exceeds 350 express cruisers and flybridge convertibles a year. The company’s craft continue to set industry benchmarks for quality, refinement and performance. As a testimony to this, they have become the most awarded boats in Australian history.
Riviera Group places a high priority on the skilling, training and development of its staff and reaps the rewards of this investment. Developed in 1998 in partnership with local schools, the company and local community benefit from an innovative school-based apprenticeship scheme. This is a four-year competency-based apprenticeship resulting in a Certificate III in Boatbuilding. The apprenticeship covers the entire boatbuilding spectrum, including electrical, cabinet making and composite technicians. Several Gold Coast high schools are involved in the program, with many others showing interest. With this scheme, the Riviera Group is providing an essential link between schools and industry that is addressing the skills shortages in the industry with enthusiastic young workers.
Biolytix recognised for innovation in sustainable technologiesWastewater systems supplier Biolytix, based in Maleny, has received the Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award in Queensland’s Sustainable Industries Awards.
The Biolytix system uses only 140 watts of energy to treat 1000 litres of wastewater, whereas a standard aerated septic tank system typically uses 1600 watts to treat the same amount. This makes the system 90 per cent more energy-efficient to run than standard aerated septic systems.
The Biolytix® Filter was the only sewage and wastewater treatment system to win a Global Environmental Technology Award at the World Expo in Japan.
Biolytix is committed to leading the widespread adoption of this technology, which has the potential to improve the quality of water flowing into Queensland’s waterways.
Biolytix on-site wastewater treatment is energy-efficient, reduces odour and noise, costs half that of centralised sewerage, and can to be applied to households, businesses and communities. It contributes significantly to the resolution of global environmental problems.
Milton-based company’s new technology traps air pollution 
Another finalist in the Queensland Sustainable Industries Awards, Queensland-based Indigo Technologies, has developed the Indigo Agglomerator, a technology that targets the removal of fine particle coal-fired emissions. The company is a global leader in this new technology and has installations in Australia and the United States, along with prospects in China and Europe.
The Indigo Agglomerator is easy to install in existing power stations, is a low capital cost option and has low energy consumption. Indigo Technologies is adapting the technology for other applications including cement works, steel producers, pulp and paper manufacturers, waste-to-energy plants and road tunnels and hopes to install it in China and Europe during 2006.
Big incentives to draw big budget filmsThe Queensland Government’s new 12.5 per cent Local Labour Incentive is a major initiative that will attract high-end, big-budget productions to the State. The new incentive offers productions with larger qualifying expenditures, rebates based on a sliding scale up to a maximum $850 000 for hiring local cast and crew.
The Queensland Government, through Pacific Film and Television Commission, works actively to bring international feature film and television series production to the Smart State through a range of incentives including a State Payroll Tax Rebate, Head of Department Incentive and the pilot Post-Production Incentive.
This new Incentive complements the Federal Government’s 12.5 per cent Refundable Tax Offset, further increasing the attraction of Queensland to filmmakers.
John Cox’s Creature WorkshopJohn Cox’s Creature Workshop, located on the Gold Coast, is internationally acclaimed as a leader in the design and manufacture of fantasy creatures, monsters and realistic animals.
The company’s awards and honours include:
Outside Australia, John Cox’s Creature Workshop has undertaken work in Europe, South Africa, Asia and New Zealand. Recent projects include a long list of feature film productions including Peter Pan, Scooby Doo, Pitch Black and George of the Jungle 2.
The company has also developed an exhibition called How to Make a Monster: the art and technology of animatronics, which has been presented at a number of museums around Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Mexico.
Technology-assisted diversionary therapy making a difference in the Smart StateA new hand-held device for delivering screen entertainment has been developed here in Queensland. This new technology is used as a diversionary therapy tool for young burns patients as they undergo very painful and traumatic hospital treatment.
This important initiative has been created by the Australasian Cooperative Research Centre for Interactive Design (ACID). It demonstrates one of many innovative ways that creative industries are working with the health industry to improve quality of life.
With the support of the Queensland Government, ACID has successfully patented this new technology and is preparing to take it to a wider market.
ACID has invented this unique electronic device to divert the attention of young children. The hand-held device provides an interactive experience with colourful cartoon characters and short animated stories. Formal clinical research has proven the effectiveness of the new technology in reducing anxiety and the need for drugs in young burns patients.
The project is set to continue with the design of a device suitable for patients aged seven years and older. The provision of digital media content suitable for this age group will be provided by Queensland writers and artists.
The outcomes of this research are putting Queensland at the cutting edge of medical and clinical research and, most importantly, helping those most in need.
Queensland Clinical Trials Network, Inc The Queensland Clinical Trials Network, Inc (QCTN) was established through a $5 million investment by the Queensland Government in February 2005. Its objective is to significantly increase national and international investment in Queensland’s clinical trials industry with an aim to build the industry worth by an estimated $60 million by 2010.
The QCTN will do this by providing a visible point of contact for overseas and Australian researchers and companies wanting to conduct clinical trials in Queensland and putting them in touch with the best suited Queensland clinical trial operators.
Since becoming operational in July 2005, the QCTN has achieved the following outcomes:
QCTN hosted the inaugural Queensland Clinical Trials Industry Conference in Brisbane in October 2006.
Alchemia LimitedAlchemia, a Queensland-based biopharmaceutical company, has developed an innovative drug discovery technology, VAST™, which significantly reduces the time taken for lead discovery and optimisation of new therapeutics.
Through this technology Alchemia is developing an anti-cancer compound, ACL 16907, to restrict blood flow to tumours. Other therapeutic products are being developed to treat infections and eye diseases. The company will launch its synthetic anti-clotting drug, heparin, on the international market in 2008.
Alchemia was established in 1995, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2003 and is now one of the Top 10 ASX-listed biotechnology firms.
The company won the 2005 Premier of Queensland’s Smart State Award.
Making Queensland’s Future – manufacturing strategy outcomesThe Queensland Government’s manufacturing strategy, Making Queensland’s Future, is providing $26 million worth of assistance to manufacturers until 2006-07. The strategy’s initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of manufacturers, promoting international competitiveness with programs to support all aspects of performance including better management practices and systems, product and process innovation, export development, investment readiness and eco-efficient production.
Some significant activities and outcomes since the inception of the Strategy include:
World-class rail solutionsAn alliance between EDI Rail and Queensland Rail (QR) to develop, design and manufacture a narrow-gauge tilt train is an outstanding example of how collaborative approaches to innovation can create competitive advantage across a number of established industries.
The Cairns Tilt Train is an endorsement of the innovative engineering capability of EDI Rail and QR in transport technologies, but also is another jewel in the crown for Queensland’s tourism industry.
Queensland and North Rhine-Westphalia - partners in clean energy In 2004, Queensland, New South Wales and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration in the energy sector. The objective of this MOU is to contribute towards the mitigation of the greenhouse effect through improvements in power-plant technology, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
NRW, which contains the Ruhr region, is one of the largest mining and energy-producing areas in Europe. The research sectors in Queensland and NRW hold highly complementary expertise, while there is the potential for the exchange of ideas in carbon sequestration. A partnership between the two states has the potential not only to develop new technologies and materials that support clean energy initiatives, but also to put in place appropriate policies to manage emerging issues such as carbon dioxide geo-sequestration.
A proposal for collaborative research under this agreement was successful in its application to the 2005 round of the Queensland Government’s Innovation Projects Fund. The work focuses on the development of improved membrane technology for the separation for hydrogen and carbon dioxide from gas streams. This is an internationally relevant initiative with possible applications in coal gasification, natural gas re-forming, petrochemical processes and carbon dioxide capture for sequestration.
This partnership supports the implementation of the Queensland Government’s Smart State Strategy priorities. It is also in line with the State’s Research and Development Strategy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable economic development.
This is a Smart State collaboration which will not only assist Queensland to develop new ways of using Queensland’s natural resources efficiently and responsibly, but has the potential to contribute to mitigating global warming and climate change.
Last reviewed 19 June 2007