25 September 2009
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| Professor Helen Bartlett |
A world class geotechnical engineering research group is being established at the Gippsland campus of Monash University in a joint initiative with the Victorian Government.
The Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor today announced the government would provide $3.25 million over five years to establish a Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Engineering Research Group (GHERG) at the University's Churchill campus.
The announcement was welcomed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of the Gippsland campus, Professor Helen Bartlett.
"This is yet another way Monash University is working with the Gippsland community to find solutions to the issues that matter most to them," Professor Bartlett said.
"Monash is already working with local power generators to find ways to reduce carbon emissions. We are training graduate doctors with specific skills in rural medicine and working with local school leavers to encourage university-level study. Now we are working to ensure the safety and security of the mining industry in the region."
"Monash is very excited to be engaged in partnership with the State Government and the mining industry in the Latrobe Valley . We are delighted to be providing world class expertise that should help prevent further mine failure issues in the region," Professor Bartlett said.
Professor Sam Adeloju, Head of School of Applied Science and Engineering said creation of the research group would support recommendations made in the 'Government Response to the Mining Warden Inquiry into Yallourn Mine Batter Failure'.
"By providing broad range geotechnical and hydrogeological research and development support to the Latrobe Valley coal mines we hope in the long-term to develop to be a Centre of Excellence in geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology here at Monash," Professor Adeloju said.
The group, which will be headed by a newly appointed Professor of Geotechnical or Hydrogeological Engineering, will include seven research and technical staff, as well as several PhD research students. It will also utilise the skills and knowledge of industry experts and other academics from Monash University 's Clayton campus.
The group will foster research and innovation in coal geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology, particularly in the areas of mine stability, mine monitoring systems and interpretation, and ground subsidence. It will also have the capability to review and develop a systems modelling approach to planning, involving issues such as mine water quality, quantity, contamination, ground subsidence, safety risks and the potential effects of bushfires.
The research group will also develop short course training programs for mine personnel in the region.
For further information or arrange interviews contact Tim Mitchell: +61 3 9903 4830 or 0437 457 896.
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