Vol 12 No 6
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.
November • December 2012 • January 2013
Large market for
geomembranes Fabric Structures Committee
sets the standard
Aussie Tough, Aussie Value, Aussie Made!
Tomorrow’s
industry leaders
unite today All manner of
banners For more information on the Pilbara Canvas range see page 44.
Blend in with your environment using the Pilbara Canvas outback range
www.hvgfabrics.com.au STA member news | industry EVENTS | Members in the spotlight | RTOs
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Contents
Publisher CommStrat Editor Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au Design & production Annette Epifanidis annette@commstrat.com.au National Sales MANAGER Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 03 8534 5008 yuri@commstrat.com.au
16
Contributors Jamie Howard, Roger La Salle, Beatrice Moonen, Dhani Narejo and co, and Holly O’Dell.
10
COMMSTRAT ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au Specialised Textiles Association Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182 Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
ASSOCIATION
42 26 ASSOCIATION MATTERS 2 4 16
Report by STA President STA office update Young Leaders Conference Priming the next generation of industry leaders 33 Fabric Structures Committee report by Beatrice Moonen 42 STA welcomes new members
NEWS CORNER 8
Members' news
SUPERB STRUCTURES
subscriptions To subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc GST annually contact Ruth Spiegel ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au
12
18 Novel and unique structures Showcasing member talent
26 All manners of banners All that matters: the right ink, print and timely delivery 30 Using geosynthetics to stabilise soils In a remote Pacific location 34 Innovation Roger la Salle uncovers the ‘third eye’ 36 Truck cover and tarp markets pick up speed Banners on the move
SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS 44 Members’ products and services
TRAINING AND EVENTS 48 Industry events and RTOs
SPECIAL FEATURES 12 Gargantuan geomembranes The size of the market continues to expand
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 1
STA MATTERS
A few words from the President Thank you to all who put up their hand to be involved in a committee and thank you to those already working hard in the already well established Fabric Structures Committee.”
Another couple of months have flown past since my last
delivery of the Certificate 2, Installation of Blinds and
missive in this magazine. A lot has been happening in
Awnings Course. STA has received NWDF funding.
STA land and much of it has already been mentioned in
The process took a little longer than expected but with
various newsletters from the office or from me.
the agreement in the bag we should be in a position to
The most notable event of course was the recent
commence the first lot of training in February 2013.
Young Leaders Conference held in Melbourne during the middle weekend of October. Nineteen young leaders attended the event, which was hailed by all who
Fabric structures
attended as a great success. This event is fast becoming
Our Fabric Structures Committee has also been working
a feature of our calendar, an envied one at that.
busily and now the consumer checklist document has
Recently I was travelling overseas on business and our
been finalised it will soon be circulated to members,
Young Leaders Conference and subsequent challenge
along with the licensing document. In addition a letter
was known to my overseas contact (via our STA
to the Queensland Coroner has been prepared and sent
e-newsletters) and very favourably commented upon to
offering technical and expert assistance for the coronial
me and all I was with.
inquiry into the recent tragic fatality at Lismore involving
One comment was along the lines: ‘I wish we had
a shade structure.
something like this here.’ It is rare to find any industry association that does what we do in this regard. Congratulations and thank you to all who attended, Young leaders, Legends and members of COM. None
The Young Leaders’ Conference
of it would have been possible without all of the work and organisation of our hardworking and long-suffering
Much of the work done by the STA is not as high profile
association Manager Ana Drougas. Thank you Ana for
as the expo/convention or the Young Leaders Program
another winner.
but it does not mean it is any less important or valuable. We are very fortunate to have a very dedicated
Sell out success
Manager and COM, who work hard to make the
While we are talking of highs, the Super Expo 2013 on
to be involved with.
organisation something of value, something to be proud
the Gold Coast is selling out fast. Recently an additional
We are getting better all the time and much work is
hall was hired to allow for additional exhibitors. We now
continuing, such as the accreditation program, setting
have four halls at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre. At
up of various committees, for example the editorial
the time of printing, I understand 85% of the booth space
committee to give direction and ideas to the editor
has been sold. I also understand that all, or at least
who produces the association magazine; and also the
all but the sponsorship on offer, has been taken up. It
awards committee which is tasked to look at the awards,
certainly appears that the industry at large is very keen
categories, judging criterion etc.
on the idea of the combined expo.
Thank you to all who put their hand up to be involved in a committee and thank you to those
Training agreement Other good work has been done (quietly and in the
2 · CONNECTIONS
already working hard in the already well established Fabric Structures Committee. Remember you only get out of any organisation what
background) by Kent Williamson in relation to the
you put into it. Get involved, have your say and reap the
agreement with NSW TAFE and their input and training
rewards of membership of STA.
Backpacks
Marine
Panel Blinds
Fencing
Swags
Bags
Luggage
Grain Covers Blinds PVC Tension Structures
Ground Covers
Tarpaulins Covers
Sports Equipment Cotton Modules
Awnings
Canvas
Polyethylene
Banners Nylon Motor Awnings
Hay Stack Covers
Truck Side Curtains Interior and Exterior Jumping Castles
Window Furnishing Fencing Marquees Tents Structure and Membrane
Signs
Shade Sails Dam Liners Annexes
fabric solutions for australian applications
Roller Blinds
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N AT IONAL D ISTRIB UTORS O F INDUSTRIA L & COMMERCIA L TEX TILES
Contact our team today to find your fabric solution! Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 www.rickyrichards.com.au
STA MATTERS
Our young leaders are an integral part of our industry's future and as an association we are committed to supporting them and guiding them along the way.”
Specialised Textiles Association
The STA diary A recap on recent and upcoming association activities.
Super Expo
Fabric Structures Committee
The Super Expo has generated enormous
The Fabric Structures Committee is
interest and support from sponsors and
committed to keeping our industry clean,
exhibitors. Sponsorship was taken up so
transparent and skilled. To this end the
enthusiastically that it had to be extended -
committee is working on a consumer
and still some may be disappointed. Most of
checklist to facilitate the ‘right’ questions and
the exhibition booth space has been taken up,
comparison of installers.
so an additional (hence fourth) exhibition hall
A properly installed fabric structure is an
will be used to cater for the huge demand.
investment in lifestyle. The committee is
This Expo is shaping up to be bigger than
interested in ensuring that consumers, both
Ben-Hur and clearly what our industry is
domestic and commercial, who invest a lot
clamouring for.
buying a fabric structure, are getting the best
GreeneFox has been appointed project
product built by the best installer. After all a
manager for SuperEXPO 2013 and will
happy customer is the best marketing tool a
handle much of the marketing, bookings
fabric shade installer can have and this in turn
etc. In addition to Greenefox, Exponews
The Young Leaders’ Conference
reflects well on our industry.
the 21st century with some of the initiatives
The Young Leaders Conference is in its
operate and complete work according to
for next year’s Expo.
second year and was an enormous success.
standards, regulations and best industry
Our young leaders are an integral part of our
practise. And deliver a shade product that will
soon be up and running. This is where you
industry's future and as an association we are
exceed expectations.
will find all relative information on sponsors,
committed to supporting them and guiding
exhibitors, events, accommodation etc.
them along the way.
has been engaged to organise and manage registrations, provision of ipad apps, scanners for exhibitors etc. We are really moving into
A dedicated website for the SuperExpo will
During our recent member sessions across the
This year, COM decided to charge a nominal
Presenting consumers the right questions to ask is the critical first step, enabling consumers to secure a contractor who can
If you would like to know more about the work of the Fabric Structures Committee or have any questions, please contact Beatrice
country, a number of members expressed the
fee to attend the YLC, with the bulk of the costs
desire for the STA Awards night to continue as
being met by the association. The YLC is an
an independent event at next year's combined
expensive program to run and we will be
expo. This was discussed with the SuperEXPO
looking at opening the event to sponsorship or
committee and all agreed. However, the
a greater contribution by attendees (members)
overall format may be a little different. We are
in the future. Irrespective of the proportion
establishing an Awards Committee to review the
of costs met by the association it is a very
categories and other administrative details, but in
worthwhile project and one that deserves the
The Connections Editorial Committee is
essence it will be similar to past practices.
support of all employer members. It is so very
now on board and was scheduled to meet in
worthwhile for the young leaders who attend
late October.
The SuperEXPO 2013 program will probably feature a welcome reception on the Tuesday night, the awards night on Wednesday, a free
and is a program that we all can be proud of. Our two Young Leader groups have now
on email beatrice@shadesails.net See Beatrice Moonen’s report on page 33.
Connections inaugural Editorial Committee
The Committee will determine major themes and supporting articles to appear in
night on Thursday and the Gala Dinner on the
started working on their challenge which will
each issue. The 'new look' Connections is to
Friday night. A committee will organise the social
be presented at the SuperExpo 2013.
become effective from issue 1, 2013 and will
See pages 16-17 for a fuller report
set the tone for Connections for future years.
side of the expo. 4 · CONNECTIONS
Looking for a supplier to solve your industrial fabrics requirements...
the answer is
• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures
• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment • Fasteners, Fittings & Accessories
We’ve always got you covered! Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588 briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666 darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au
STA MATTERS
The committee is interested in ensuring that consumers, both domestic and commercial, who invest a lot buying a fabric structure, are getting the best product built by the best installer. After all a happy customer is the best marketing tool …”
Update on Accreditation Program
contact our office and join the training committee today.
Work continues on the STA's accreditation program.
meetings to take place via telephone, Skype and email.
The proposed approach and draft model was presented at member information sessions at cities
If you are passionate about training in our industry, Expected commitment: one hour each month with If you are interested in joining this committee, please email me at ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au
across Australia in late July/early August and was well received by members in attendance. Although there was some initial wariness, members on the whole understand the importance of
National Workforce Development Training
encouraging higher standards in our industry and feel positively disposed to self-regulation. Members at these sessions were also provided with a copy of a draft accreditation application form and asked to provide feedback on the proposed areas to
By now, you will all know that we were successful in our submission for funding towards Certificate II in Blinds and Awnings Members who have registered interest to participate
be accredited as well as standards and points to be
in this training will be advised shortly on the
applied to each.
commencement dates and procedure to follow. We
Feedback from these sessions is currently being
are currently working with NSW TAFE on a plan that
collated and used to define and shape further the
will see the first group/s of trainees commence their
content of the detailed accreditation application form.
training early in the New Year.
Once this process has been completed, we will
If your workplace missed out on the first round of
circulate the proposed approach and draft application
expressions and you are now interested in taking up
form to the wider membership base for comment.
the training, we are pleased to advise that training positions have become available. Please contact our
Awards for Excellence committee
office to place your name on the training list. If your company has identified a training need in the installation of blinds, awnings and shade structures, wasn't part of this round of funding and you would like
Three members have volunteered to start this
to know more, please contact me on 1300 555 787
committee which is separate to our judging
(local call) or email me for further information.
committee, and will just be required to revise the award categories, entry process and judging criteria. For this committee to have a good cross section we require two more members, preferably those with
Bright Future campaign for NSW work placements
experience in blind and folding arm awning, tent/ annexe/camping and or trimming product.
The Bright Future Campaign is a NSW Government
The expected commitment is a total of three
initiative established to promote the concept of
meetings of about one hour each between now
school-based apprenticeships, traineeships and
and the end of this year. This committee will then
work placements to employers around NSW. School
'hibernate' until the time or need to resurrect it arises.
Based Apprenticeships, School Based Traineeships
Meetings will take place via telephone, Skype and email. If you are interested in joining this committee, please email me at ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au
and Structured Work Placements are all excellent opportunities for students to gain valuable experience in workplaces while still at school. These opportunities provide a platform for students to explore an industry area and get a
Training committee update
head start in their career while still completing
We have three volunteers so far, representing WA, Vic
employers a chance to start working towards the
and NSW. We are now looking for representatives who
future skills base of their business.
are based in Qld, NT, SA and Tasmania. The training committee will work with training
their Higher School Certificate. They also give
To find out more about the Bright Future campaign or express your interest in gaining a
institutions across Australia to identify gaps and needs
school-based apprentice/trainee student for 2013
in our industry training.
visit www.sbatinnsw.info
6 · CONNECTIONS
STA Council of Management SPECIALISED TEXTILES Association Inc. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au
President Lance St Hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: lances@fabricsolutions.com.au
COUNCILLORS Kent Williamson Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) 25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056 Ph: (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129 Email: kent.williamson@rmit.edu.au www.rmit.edu.au Gary Smith Campbell & Heeps 5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899 Ph: (03) 98086911 Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: gsmith@campbellheeps.com.au Tom Gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication 80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: tom@pattons.com.au David Burton Ricky Richards 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Ph: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 Email: David.burton@rickyrichards.com.au Jamie Howard Total Shade Solutions 4 Aldinga St, Brendale Qld Ph: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865 Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au
Connections Magazine Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Ph: 03 8534 5008 Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
Member news
HVG appointment Halifax Vogel Group (HVG) has further strengthened its NSW sales team with the appointment of Steven Bell as Account Manager – HVG Fabrics.
Relocating from west to east
Steven brings more than 10 years of
Steven Bell of HVG
Greg Barnett from D&R Tarpaulins
experience in sales, having previously
recently managed to lure Fred
worked in real estate and for the past
Tarbotton over from Western
6 years in the industrial and decorative
Australia, where Fred worked for
fabrics markets in NSW.
Sail City.
Prior to joining HVG, he worked
Fred provided this snapshot of his
as Business Development Manager at Nolans/UDA, where his
career to date, which commenced
responsibilities included maintaining existing accounts and
when he was just 15 years old:
developing new customer relationships.
“I started in the Canvas/PVC
This experience will prove invaluable in his new role as Account Manager
industry in southwest WA in
– HVG Fabrics, as he will be tasked with developing customer relationships
November 1978 and the company
and encouraging sales growth of HVG’s extensive range of fabrics products
was very diverse covering all
for the agricultural, domestic & commercial shade and transport industries.
industry aspects including tarpaulins,
“I am looking forward to building long-lasting relationships with
Fred Tarbotton
customers in NSW and demonstrating the solutions that can be achieved with our cutting-edge range of fabrics products,” Steven said. HVG’s Fabrics products portfolio includes Tarpee® Polyfabric a high
marquees, annexes, blinds, awnings and general covers.
“At the end of 1981 I took three years out of the industry but on return began learning cutting, sewing, welding etc of all the industry had to
grade Japanese woven coated PE fabric for grain and cotton covers,
offer, including liners tarpaulins and blinds etc. I spent four years in
Flex PVC for transport covers including side curtains and roll tarps,
Perth before returning to Bunbury where I was appointed leading hand,
Duraskin® PVC for tension membrane structures, and Extrablock
responsible for up to eight staff and dealing with customers measuring
Shadecloth ideal for both commercial and domestic shade sails.
and quoting etc. From there I accepted a job in Perth as factory
Steve Simiana, National Sales Manager, HVG Fabrics said Steven’s appointment would help ensure the company expanded its fabrics products presence in NSW. “Steven brings to us not only a strong background in customer management and an enthusiasm for the fabrics products market, but also a wealth of experience and knowledge of the fabrics industry in NSW,” Steve Simiana said.
manager in a small Tarpaulin General Canvas manufacturing company. “Having moved to live near Fremantle, I decided to move closer to my new home and for the next four years managed a department in a large company manufacturing many textile products including awnings, blinds, marquees and some specialised bedding and medical products. “I convinced the company to become more involved in the industry and its association, then called ACASPA, and I was nominated to join the ACASPA Council – one of the best decisions I have ever made. My main focus was training and helping the WA government to set up trainee/
On the move
apprenticeships in the light manufacturing industries. We achieved our goals and now have a fully recognised training/ apprenticeship available through the TAFE system in every state.
Structureflex recently packed its bags and is now in a new location. Details as follows: 7/7 Lakewood Boulevard, Carrum Downs, Vic 3201 Phone: 03 8796 5400 Fax: 03 9708 2797 www.structureflex.com.au Alan Stewart’s email remains unchanged at alan@structureflex.com.au TexConnex/Hiraoka has also upped stumps and relocated to 2/37 Rimfire Drive, Hallam, Vic 3803 Phone: 8795 7322 or 9702 3778 Until recently the premises was occupied by Australian Solar manufacturers – which promotes itself as the only manufacturer of solar panels. Bob secured the site as it is bigger and better placed as a base for his expanding operations (see Bob's insights in the Geomembranes feature). 8 · CONNECTIONS
“During this period I launched my own general canvas manufacturing business in Fremantle which I successfully ran for two decades.” Fred recently crossed the continent to take up an exciting new role at D&R Tarpaulins. D&R Tarpaulins is located at Shed /84 Anton Road, Hemmant in Queensland and Greg can be contacted on 07 3393 3477 or by email greg@drtarps.com.au | www.drgroup.com.au
Y E! R R H U PA C
L
TE IMI
DS
SUPEREXPO2013 Inspiration in design & textiles!
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Specialised Textiles
Shade Products
Machinery
Equipment
Components
Accessories
Services
5-7 June 2013 Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Showcase your business at Australia’s largest trade exhibition for the window furnishings and specialised textiles industries. Ensure your company is on show by booking your space today. contact Brett Greene on 07 3262 3114 or email info@superexpo2013.com.au
superexpo2013.com.au
Presented by
BLIND MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
ASSOCIATION
Member news
MakMax makes a splash … Southside Memorial Pool MakMax Australia proudly announced its contribution to the redevelopment of Rockhampton’s landmark Southside Memorial Pool. The $17 million Federal, State and Regional Council funded project will feature a 4000 square metre tensile membrane roof over the main 50 metre pool manufactured and installed by Brisbane based MakMax. Partnering with Brisbane’s Liquid Blu Architects and Rockhampton builder JM Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd, MakMax will manufacture the Architectural Membrane roof in Serge Ferrari® PVC (Poly-Vinyl Chloride) fabrics , providing both shade and rain protection over the 50m pool and 650 seat grandstand. Fabrication of the membrane is scheduled to take place at MakMax’s Brisbane facility later this year with installation of steelwork scheduled for January 2013 and membrane to follow. The new state of the art facilities will service Central Queensland as the only facility of its kind in the region equipped to handle State and National swimming events. The Liquid Blu designed pool will comply with the highest FINA rating “Olympic and Championship Standard”. International swim teams are expected to be seen at the site during the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. MakMax Australia’s Director of Sales Daniel Cook says “We are
New Lambton Bowls Club gets sun smart Early in November MakMax Australia started work at New Lambton (Wests) Bowls Club in Newcastle, New South Wales. As part of a
extremely pleased and excited to be awarded this contract; it was very
complete redevelopment of the club house and facilities MakMax will
much a team effort. The knowledge that our project team demonstrated
supply more than 2600 square meters of tensile membrane roofing in a
throughout the tender and post-tender process was second to none and
variety of applications.
converted into a successful outcome. Now the real work begins”.
Partnering with Graph Building and Altis Architecture, MakMax will
The project team is currently detailing workshop drawings for
provide three separate structures on site. The key feature to this project
manufacture of the steelwork, membrane and hardware. The structure is
will be the main roof structure over green number one - a 1,600 square
scheduled for completion March 2013.
metre leaning arch/bowstring arrangement.
10 · CONNECTIONS
Wire balustrade regulations stay put Miami Stainless has advised that the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) recently announced it will no longer be supporting proposed changes to wire balustrade provisions in the National Construction In addition to the large PTFE membrane structure over green number one, the site will feature an inverted, semi-conical, double cantilevered PVC walkway structure surrounding green number two, additional
Code (NCC) for 2013. This means the wire balustrade regulations will again remain unchanged. The proposed changes detailed in NCC 2013 draft included
cantilevered PVC awnings which interface with the main roof structure,
provisions that would see the implementation of an offset rail design
and a custom designed PVC membrane structure to provide coverage
for horizontal wire balustrades between two to four metres above the
to the outdoor BBQ area adjacent to the clubhouse. It is anticipated that
surface beneath.
the project will be complete by mid January 2013. For more information visit www.makmax.com.au
The ABCB has acknowledged there were significant stakeholder concerns with the new regulations including deficiencies in injury data, assumptions used in the RIS, the potential negative impact on industry, lack of targeted consultation, underestimation of the cost impacts, and
Connections correction
problems associated with the proposed balustrade solutions. The ABCB has indicated there is a need for further analysis and careful review of the concerns raised in the public consultation process
On page 42 of the September/October issue of Connections we ran a piece about
before any changes can be introduced. “Although this is great news for the industry there will still be the
MakMax’s creative installation at Cairns
need for further involvement in the consultation process … and Miami
airport car park.
Stainless has and will continue to work closely with the ABCB through
It turns out that the fabric was supplied by Serge Ferrari, not Mehler. Ruwini Perera who is Marketing Services
future consultation and decision-making processes,” Matt Gisler said. Mark of Miami Stainless would like to receive any feedback or opinions as well as hear from anyone who may be interested in the
Manager with Innova International said MakMax
ABCB’s public consultation process. He can be contacted on 1800 022
has acknowledged and apologised for the mix-up.
122 or by email at info@miamistainless.com.au.
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 11
Special Feature
Captivating business Spurred by increasingly stringent environment regulations in mining, agriculture and landfill, the market for geomembranes is enjoying a stellar trajectory. By all accounts the market looks set to remain healthy, and some savvy businesses are reaping the rewards of moving into the sector. By Nicola Card
Life in the fast lane
Testing times
The shape of the world has shifted considerably during the past four
That snapshot helps illustrate why the ExcelPlas Laboratory is
years. A black man was sworn in as US president, waves of recession
constantly conformance testing plastics, polymer and geomembranes
reverberated across the globe, a nuclear plant was uprooted in Japan,
(HDPE, LLDPE, fPP, PVC, EIA-R, EPDM) for properties such as tensile
Greece went bankrupt, several dictators were toppled, and the world
strength, weld strength, tear strength, puncture resistance, stress
population hit seven billion.
cracking resistance, oxidative induction time (OIT), UV ageing
And in that same time frame, the geomembrane market has moved apace. In the words of Dr John Scheirs, Principal Consultant of ExcelPlas “The geomembrane market is very much the hot topic …
resistance, multiaxial burst strength, truncated cone puncture, carbon black content and carbon black dispersion. Why the need? Given that many materials are manufactured in hot,
things have moved swiftly due to the mining boom, coal seam gas and
humid non air-conditioned plants in the tropics (including Thailand
landfill … for example the Victorian EPA mandated double linings for
and Malaysia) it is not always possible to maintain consistencies and
landfill following the Cranbourne disaster.”
that affects the properties of the material which invariably come with a
Remember that debacle? Built decades ago, the large landfill was devoid of any form of polymer lining. “They just used sand and as
design life of 50-100 years. “There’s a saying by engineers that ‘It is always the two dollar
the weight decomposed the methane generated migrated through
component that lets down the million dollar project’. Not unlike the ‘o’
the sand and accumulated in underfloor cavities of new houses in the
ring on the space shuttle,” Scheirs said.
nearby community,” Scheirs explained. “It was a costly process – the
Much is at stake, given the magnitude and function of geomembrane
fire brigade took gas samples and found that lower explosive limits
applications: water management/irrigation, coal seam gas and
were exceeded which meant houses were at risk of blowing up if there
associated water/containment ponds; acid leaching of base and precious
was an ignition source, so residents had to be evacuated.”
metals and other mining applications, as well as landfill plus energy or
The EPA which lacked data bases relating to older landfills then had to establish a register and double liners for landfills was mandated;
biogas capture from landfill and sewerage treatment plants. While each sector is booming, coal seam gas is steaming ahead.
predominantly high density polymeric material separated by a leak detection system. This has increased demand for quality membranes. Soon after, Best Practice Environment Management was published,
Streaming gases
setting rigorous standards and higher reliance on conformance
During the past four years Queensland has seen “unprecedented
(pre-installation testing). Also Construction QA placed demands on
levels of activity” in coal seam gas (CSG), with Max Brady of Darling
welds, leak testing, holes and tears. Other states have taken note of the
Downs Tarpaulins stating the geomembrane industry is “still very
tightening of controls.
much driven by the coal seam gas sector.”
12 · CONNECTIONS
“There is lots of competition but the risk of low-cost producing countries is short-cuts taken with raw ingredients … it is important to use high grade resins in the design of geomembrane applications otherwise product will not last long enough to give satisfactory performance in the field.” Bob Cahill of Tex Connex
Along with extraction of gas from wells comes salty sub-terranean
the flow of water as well as erosion.” Whatever the weather, it’s a win-win for the lining industry with a
water from aquifers. The toxic hypersodic or hypersaline water destroys matter in contact, hence enactment of legislation for water
flurry of activity surrounding channel upgrades or remediation of
containment and treatment via large container dams and brine ponds,
existing infrastructure involving millions of square metres of liners.
with desalinated and potable water then pumped back into the aquifer. Thus the strong demand for polyethylene liners. The tally of Australian CSG wells is believed to be around 2000
Reflections on a watershed
but within 15 years the number is likely to swell to 20,000, creating
The past four years have been a watershed with many activities
enormous demand for water management – and subsequently, a strong
underpinning the use of geomembranes, hence pressing demand for
flow of orders for geomembranes.
ExcelPlas services in Construction QA and testing fusion welding, load
Scheirs explained the processes surrounding leachate collection
testing and more.
process for iron ore enrichment which involves containing and
Keeping a keen eye on all local and global developments, John
separating acids from the environment through a series of processing
captures and collates notable events through his monthly newsletter
ponds. Suffice to say huge areas – hectares – are involved, spawning
GSN geosynthetic news (visit www.excelplas.com). One avid reader is
enormous demand for leach pads.
newcomer Graham Brown of Garden City Geotech.
Lisa Doolan of Tex Connex stated that the mining industry, from base metals to nickel, copper, gold and all in between, has to be particularly careful to avoid negative publicity in a world far more conscious of environmental damage.
Very proudly Australian made Australian family business Garden City Plastics invested millions developing
“Mining companies are increasing their demands; these days two
Garden City Geotech manufacturing facilities in Heatherton, Victoria.
or three layers of geomembrane systems are being installed, instead
Business Development Manager Graham Brown explained the
of one or two,” said the trained civil engineer. “They may have a leak
business was reviewing avenues for diversification and up popped
protection layer such as a geonet and another liner to detect damage
geomembranes on the radar; a market surveyed on behalf of the think-
with methods of picking up leaks in a liner.”
tank Industry Capability Network (ICN) Victoria.
Wet or dry, a flood of work
market, and settled on the flat T-die dual extrusion calendared process
Strong demand also stems from the shift in weather patterns from
machinery is massive, each of our three rollers weighs 25 tonnes, is
drought to floods, with Scheirs saying “In the past irrigation channels
nine metres wide and one meter in diameter enabling widths of up to
were collecting precious water, but in times of excess rain they manage
eight metres,” Brown explained.
“We considered which types of membranes would be best for the …only two places in the world make the calendared sheet lines; the
“There’s a saying by engineers. ‘It is always the two dollar component that lets down the … million dollar project.’ Not unlike the ‘o’ ring on the space shuttle.” Dr John Scheirs of ExcelPlas NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 13
Special Feature Equipped with a Honeywell gauge control system and Zumbach
“The geomembrane industry is still very much driven by the coal seam gas sector and mining generally.” Max Brady of Darling Downs Tarpaulins
“Landfill is significant too, with municipal tips requiring a double
pinhole detector, materials are mixed in Moretti gravimetric
lining to help prevent toxins seeping out; also dams are big business
weigh scale blenders to ensure even dispersion of stabilisers and
… but our first break was in the northern Victoria irrigation program in
carbon black. The advantages of flat sheet extrusion process for
the sandy channels from rivers to the Murray Darling food bowls area,”
geomembrane is gauge control to within +/- 3% compared to the
Brown, a chemical engineer, explained. “They were losing lots of water
blown film process thickness variations of up to 10%.
as the river flats are sandy and we won the tender to line the channels.”
Tech specs: Garden City Geotech sources Chevron Phillips K307
The family company has invested several million dollars in machinery
natural resin for the GRI GM13 HDPE geomembrane, due to its
and upgrades. “Had we bought via the United States we may have secured
“excellent stabiliser package and outstanding stress crack resistance”
slightly higher quality equipment but timing was a consideration, it would
and the company claims the broad fusion range results in more
have taken two years to arrive and we wanted to move more quickly to
consistent welds than with most other materials.
secure our position as the first in Australia to produce this line.”
“The standard is the Geosynthetic Research Institute’s GM 13 and we
It did not take long for Garden City Geotech to gain a foothold in the
easily exceed that benchmark which is used in mining and by landfill
geomembrane market whose import statistics clock in at 60,000 tonnes
and authorities for water channel lining and other applications,” Brown
annually. The company has the capacity to produce 20,000 tonnes a
told Connections.
year and their operations “Have the benefit of removing dependence
Australian made carbon black masterbatch (M248) – with its very fine milled particle size which provides long term UV resistance – is used in the black geomembrane. “This is quite thick material; it is flexible to a degree but basically strong
on imported material which reduces uncertainty associated with imported supply and shipping delays,” Brown said Few would disagree that in a nation whose manufacturing base is fast shrinking it is refreshing learning about a quality, home-grown start-up
material … previously this type of material was all imported,” he said.
that has quickly forged a significant presence.
Heavy transport
On a roll
Shipping containers or contract carriers criss-cross the continent
About the time Geotech first flicked the switch on its giant rollers,
transporting Geotech rolls, each weighing one and a half tonnes.
newcomer Tex Connex was rolling up its sleeves for business, with
Representing around 60% of business, traditional mining and coal seam
Bob Cahill appointed agent for world renowned geomembrane
gas form the bulk of Geotech’s three markets.
manufacturer Layfield Environmental in mid 2011.
14 · CONNECTIONS
With his qualifications in Agricultural Science, experience with a
Cahill notes a bank’s recent upbeat advisory on agribusiness, with
polypropylene company and years spent dealing with fabricators,
demand for farm commodities anticipated to bolster the economy for
Cahill was a natural for the role and in common with Geotech found a
several years, and good long-term opportunities stemming from healthy
ready market helped by the three-decade strong reputation built by
crops after years of drought. The welcome term “bumper harvest” is
Layfield which is regarded as a leader in the field, supplying top quality
being bandied around.
products from superior grades of parent resins. “The risk of low-cost producing countries is short-cuts taken with raw ingredients, it is important to use high grade resins in the design of
The crew at Tex Connex have certainly jumped on the bandwagon at a timely moment and are set to enjoy the journey. “It’s a diverse market and there is lots of competition. But whether it’s
geomembrane applications otherwise product will not last long enough
mining or molasses each project is treated on an individual basis and
to give satisfactory performance in the field,” Cahill told Connections.
we carry out a detailed assessment of what the material is trying to
“Ours is a mix of HDPE and LLDP which has slightly different
contain, for example certain chemicals may be aggressive toward the
properties so it can be moulded and prefabricated. That is our market
liners and shorten their life, otherwise a normal lifespan would be up to
niche, we can supply material that can be fabricated in the workshop
25 years.”
which gives the fabricator greater control of the welding conditions,
> continues page 23
but realistically some work has to be done on site. Our materials just provide more flexibility,” said the man who until last year had limited involvement in geomembranes. “It’s not too far a stretch from tank liners to dam liners,” quipped Cahill who is now immersed in effluent and waste control at piggeries and dairies, dam liners and floating covers for water storage/reservoirs (which reduce evaporation and maintain water quality and keep blue green algae at bay through reduced sunlight) and in mining and coal seam gas applications for salt water containment. Also liners for molasses and other crops.
CSG Advisory Committee An Independent Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Developments was recently developed to equip governments with “the best scientific advice available” when making decisions about coal seam gas and coal mining projects, and to scope and advise on bio-regional assessments with scientific analysis of the ecology, hydrology and geology to assess the potential risks to water resources as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of coal seam gas development For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/coalseam-gas-mining
Left: Lights flash when a silo runs empty, alerting operators to change the pipe-work to a full silo. Top: Geomembrane stock ready to be exported. NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 15
Special Feature < continued from page 15 Tex Connex Colleague Lisa Doolan who boasts years of experience
Max Brady of DDT says “Despite the negativity that assails us through
in geomembranes and geosynthetics added that when solvents or
the mainstream media these days I’m a little surprised and impressed
oil based products are involved great care needs to be applied in
by the apparent resilience and strength of the mining and energy
matching lining to product and that “When anything is questionable
sector.” He reckons there is still “plenty of ongoing investment by
we get testing done before getting approval. Either Layfield or
the mining and energy sector – which includes coal, CSG, and base
independent testing lab such as ExcelPlas, who are gurus in testing.”
metals,” and observes only a minor downturn in mining margins.
The years ahead
in base metals but not in the area of CSG with gas exported to India,
What sort of a future awaits? Cahill believes the tighter regulatory
than manufacturing. And environmental safeguards for bio-gas are very
controls in livestock management coupled with a strong agribusiness
strong so it is still a good time for membranes.
Dr Scheirs concurs, saying “There is now a little softening of demand China and elsewhere for use in domestic heating or cooking rather
sector and need to tighten up waste collection practices paint a relatively
“It is like a perfect storm – and that puts demand on supply. Hence the development of new manufacturing plants here and overseas. More
rosy picture. “With our 15 years of drought followed by two good years of rain it has
plants will continue to be built, until we reach oversupply.”
looked like a boom, but that will drop off with drier weather [anticipated] over the next two years. However lots of momentum is being generated
For more information:
around Australia becoming a major food supplier to the Asia Pacific
www.gardencityplastics.com
region, hence the strong signs of agricultural investment.”
www.gseworld.com
For his part, Graham Brown of Geotech “Cannot foresee a stalling
www.layfieldenvironmental.com
in the mining market and China is still growing at an enormous rate,
www.excelplas.com
growth may be steadier rather than frantic, but lots of orders are still
www.ddt.com.au
coming through the pipeline.”
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NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 23