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All images for illustrative purposes only news&views AERIAL MAPPING GETS SIRIUS Imagine flying a remote-controlled plane for work. Position Partners has introduced a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to Australia: Sirius by MAVinci. The fixed-wing UAV is designed for survey and mapping applications in the construction, mining and agricultural industries and has the ability to survey large areas at a time, as well as operate under cloud cover, in windy conditions or in the rain. Sirius, which has a wingspan of 1.6 metres and weighs just three kilograms, will reduce the need for costly manned flyovers and enable tricky areas to be surveyed easily. The user simply plots a pre-planned route and sends Sirius into the air. Sirius also gives the user greater control and flexibility during flight, with fully automatic mode supported by autopilot-assisted mode or fully manual mode. www.posi tionpartners.com.au FIRST LIGHT RAIL The Gold Coast light rail system has been named as one of the world's Top 100 Infrastructure projects, rubbing shoulders with developments such as the US World Trade Center redevelopment and the South American Fiber Optic Ring. One of only two projects from Australia identified in the Infrastructure 100 Report, the Gold Coast light rail is being keenly watched on the global stage. The report, which reviewed world developments that are transitioning and future-proofing cities, highlighted the Gold Coast light rail as a noteworthy "urban mobility project" with efficient, cost-effective and green forms of urban transportation. The Gold Coast light rail was one of the first Public Private Partnerships (PPP) undertaken in Queensland post GFC and was acknowledged for its creative finance and two-tier delivery structure. This two-tier QUEENSLAND'S STEPS TO A HEALTHIER LIFE Modern technology may have a bigger impact on your health than you think. With the proliferation of online stores and the ability to do almost anything at the touch of a button, people are being deprived of daily walks that are good for their health. Australian Medical Association president Dr Steve Hambleton says that walking for at least 30 minutes each day may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, asthma, some cancers and other illnesses. However, research from BUPA shows that 50 per cent of Australians do not walk for even 15 minutes per day. Former Ironman Guy Leech says it's easy to incorporate at least 15 minutes of walking into each day by choosing a longer route rather than taking a short cut, or by simply getting off the bus a couple of stops earlier. 42 structure involves government-funded early works, such as undergrounding utility services, widening and improving roads and intersections; and a PPP with GoldLinQ to build, operate and maintain the light rail system. Stage One of the Gold Coast light rail will consist of 14 light rail vehicles and 16 stations, which will service a 13-kilometre route between Gold Coast University Hospital and Broadbeach, one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. The first passengers will board the new light rail system in 2014. The GoldLinQ consortium consists of McConnell Dowell Constructors and Bombardier Transportation, which make up the design and construction joint venture, and KDR Gold Coast, the operations joint venture. Together the companies have decades of experience delivering and operating rail projects across Australia and around the world. Keep up to date with the progress of Queensland's first light rail at www. goldlinq.com.au. Infrastructure 100 Report source: www.kpmg.com/global.

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