Manufacturing's contribution to GDP in Australia peaked in the late 1950s and into the 60s when it was near 30 per cent. Now it has shrunk to about 5.5 per cent. The manufacturing sector could be a major employer again if it is encouraged to grow. Most of the 926,000 workers in the sector are employed by small to medium enterprises with fewer than 20 employees. New technologies such as digital drawing, robotics and 3D printing, as well as widespread shutdown of global supply chains caused by COVID-19, are making growth possible.Australia, for example, is the largest producer of lithium in the world and exports it in its raw form. Lithium is worth about $US750 a tonne in its raw form but if manufactured into batteries would be worth about $US150,000 a tonne. 

While hydropower is emission-free, the use of traditional turbines can result in negative impacts on fish, especially migratory fi

Cost-effective road surfacing and repair solutions are now available. In the right application, these can prove effective for fast

The global market for asphalt additives is expected to grow over the next 10 years to $6.3 billion, up from $3.6 billion in 2019. A recent study credits the anticipated growth to the recyclability of asphalt pavement, continued development of warm mix asphalt (WMA) in the industry, an increasing use of the products in applications beyond pavement and the burgeoning infrastructure market in the Asia Pacific region.

Bouncy asphalt made from recycled tires could help to prevent injuries to pedestrians and cyclists, reports The Times&nb

Strong local supply chains and a better environmental performance are dual desires many have for our economy post-COVID 19. Here's