Local Government back in force

Reflecting the importance placed by local government on seeking productivity improvements, visitors from 113 New South Wales Councils and eight interstate Councils attended CIVENEX this year.

IPWEA directors said, “Of the councils represented, 21 New South Wales Councils sent 10 or more delegates, and only six Councils had a single delegate. This level of support from Councils has confirmed the importance of CIVENEX as a highly relevant forum for evaluating new equipment, processes and technologies for infrastructure works.

“The 100 percent attendance from the Central West, Hunter and Illawarra Councils and the presence of five councils from Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as two representatives from the ACT government authorities demonstrated the broad appeal of the event.

“It was also great to see people from Mid Coast Water, Sydney Water and Riverina City Council and energy authorities Ausgrid, Endeavour, Essential, Transgrid and Eraring.

“Strong attendance from State Government Departments included Education, RMS, NPWS, Dept of Trade and Investment, Fire & Rescue NSW, as well as the Australian army,” they said.

The return of the equipment demonstrations to the main exhibit area at CIVENEX 2012 was a big hit with visitors. Throughout the two days of the Expo, people were treated to earthmoving experts putting a range of equipment through its paces.

Just some of the heavy equipment demonstrations included The Terex PT–50 and PT–100G Posi–Track loaders, Hitachi’s ZX35U–3 (3.5tonne) excavator, John Deere 319D and 320D skid steer loaders as well as the Dingo tracked K95 and K93Y wheeled mini–loader.

JCB Construction Equipment Australia took the opportunity to demonstrate its JCB8065 mini excavator and the JCB 3CX backhoe, the Case skid steer was taken for a run on the slopes, and Chris Golding showed off a tilt truck from Tiltip.