Leighton Contractors and e3k have teamed up to create the Leighton Energy Efficiency Equations, or Le3 method for short, for benchmarking the energy efficiency of material transportation.

The idea for the research and development came from Leighton Contractors, operators of one of the largest fleet of bulk materials transport vehicles (haul trucks) in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Steve McDonald, General Manager Plant for Leighton Contractors said the company needed a reliable measurement system that could be applied equally across all operations and within the operations, where the nature of the work undertaken varied frequently.

“When we looked for such a system, it was clear that no-one had developed anything that could take into account the variation that we frequently encounter, particularly in our contract mining operations,” Mr McDonald said.

“Together with e3k we have been able to develop a system which will enable us to lower our carbon emissions and fulfil our commitment of becoming a more sustainable company.”

Leighton Media Centre

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The 2009 Australian Federal Budget outlined an enhanced Research and Development Tax Concession scheme

From 2010-11 the Government will replace the current R&D Tax Concession with a simplified Tax Credit.

The new credits (either a 40% or 45% credit), are equivalent to a 133% or 150% tax deduction respectively.

The 45% credit applies to firms with an annual turnover of less than $20 Million, whilst the 40% credit applies to foreign owned firms and those with an annual turnover of greater than $20 Million.

The refundable 45% Tax Credit will be available to small companies in tax loss, with no limit on the level of R&D expenditure i.e. firms will receive a tax refund of 45% of their R&D spending when they file their tax return, even if they are in tax loss.

The current Tax Concession works in the same way but at a lower level equivalent to a 125% tax deduction rather than a 150% tax deduction, and with a $2 Million cap on R&D expenditure.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

The 2009 Australian Federal Budget outlined an enhanced Research and Development Tax Concession scheme.

From 2010-11 the Government will replace the current R&D Tax Concession with a simplified Tax Credit.

As a transitional measure for 2009-10, the R&D expenditure cap for the existing R&D Tax Offset will be lifted from $1 Million to $2 Million.

The cap is the maximum amount a firm can spend on R&D to be eligible for the Tax Offset.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

The 2009 Australian Federal Budget outlined an enhanced Research and Development Tax Concession scheme.

From 2010-11 the Government will replace the current R&D Tax Concession with a simplified Tax Credit.

Under the new Tax Credit system, eligibility criteria will be tightened to maximise the results of the Government’s investment. Only genuine R&D will be supported.

The Government plans to consult further on the eligibility criteria in developing the legislation during 2009. A consultation paper is expected mid 2009 with an exposure draft towards the end of 2009.

Working with an AusIndustry Registered Research Agency (RRA) is expected to ensure that genuine R&D is being undertaken.

Gilmore Engineers Pty Ltd – e3k has been a RRA since 2001 (registered number 34439).

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

Gilmore Engineers Pty Ltd – e3k has been a RRA since 2001 (registered number 34439).

Other advantages of working with a Registered Research Agency are:

1. A company which spends less than $20,000 on eligible R&D in any year is entitled to the full concession if the R&D is performed by a Registered Research Agency, provided that the RRA is not an associate of the company.

2. A company is able to claim, in advance, payments made to the RRA for contract R&D projects to be performed in the following twelve months.

Federal Government support is provide in the form of business assistance through a network of private sector COMET business advisers. Merit based financial assistance is available to successful applicants.

COMET assistance is available for up to 2 years.

Grants of up to $120,000.00 excluding GST are available.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au