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Perth Now
21-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Bid to save owls from rat bait poisoning
The City of Stirling has shown it gives a hoot by joining WA's growing 'owl-friendly' movement. Its council voted last month to become an owl-friendly city and has started to eliminate some rodent poisons from its operations and contracts. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, or SAGR, are common off-the-shelf baits that contain powerful but slow-acting poisons that can take days to kill rodents that have ingested them. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The rodents become easy meals for pets or native species, such as owls, which can also be harmed or killed by the poison. A report at the April meeting said the city had received at least 20 unprompted requests to stop using SAGR. The city is now promoting the use of responsible rodent controls, including at food premises, commercial properties, building sites and at home. The change is expected to cost the city about an extra $6000 per year. 'It's well known that these rodent baits can be harmful to non-target species, including our pets and native wildlife,' mayor Mark Irwin said. 'This is a simple step the city can take to protect those animals and share the message with the community.' Information about owl-friendly rodent controls and what people can do to keep rodents away from their homes is available on the city's website. This includes using physical barriers to prevent rats entering, picking up fallen fruit and making aviaries rat-proof. The city aims to promote this educational material and its free rodent bait sample packs, as well as collaborate with Birdlife Australia and other local governments to support the owl-friendly movement.
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
How one Perth council is making Facebook Marketplace exchanges safer
The City of Stirling has rolled out a 12-month trial aiming to give people a safer place to exchange items purchased and sold online. It intends to provide a more secure option for people using online selling platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, through having CCTV surveillance and passive public surveillance in a public space. The site at 679 Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley was chosen as it was deemed the most suitable location without the need for 'significant investment'. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The city believes the site has most of the key features for a good exchange location: free parking, accessible seating, good lighting, a public toilet and access to public transport. Mayor Mark Irwin said this was an emerging safety issue that was only going to become more prominent. The Mt Lawley location was considered the most appropriate site for the trial. Credit: Google Maps 'A lot of people who use these online platforms are happy to make exchanges at their house or at someone else's house — and that's fine,' he said. 'A safer exchange site just gives members of our community another option and allows them to meet in a public place where they may feel more comfortable. 'If this trial is successful, we will look at the possibility of creating safer exchange sites in other areas of the city.' Last year Victoria police created 35 exchange sites outside police stations after a trial in 2022. There are currently no plans announced to replicate the Victorian model in WA, so this would be the first of its kind in the State. The area is now fitted with signage and the city is encouraging community members and local businesses to share their feedback. The trial was proposed by deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale and will run for 12 months from May 6, with support from WA Police.
Web Release
13-02-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Serco announces latest defence acquisition ahead of IDEX 2025, reinforcing international expertise in military training and space capabilities
By Editor_wr On Feb 13, 2025 Serco, the international provider of critical government services, has announced the acquisition of Northrop Grumman's Mission Training and Satellite Ground Network Communications (MT&S) software business ahead of IDEX 2025, the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Adding to Serco's existing defence capabilities, the MT&S business provides the US military with advanced mission training services, and software that makes satellite ground networks more efficient. With expertise in training services and software engineering, and a track record of innovation, it supports programmes across the US Army, Space Force, Air Force, Navy, Combatant Commands and international partners. It has annual revenues of approximately $300 million. MT&S will add scale to Serco in North America, growing its business there to beyond $2bn of revenue and $200m of profit. MT&S will add to Serco's existing extensive defence and space expertise, bringing new capabilities to Serco's global military, defence and space customers. The additional of MT&S will enable Serco to provide even greater support to Middle East military and defence partners across training, software services and space. Mark Irwin, Serco Group Chief Executive said: 'We have approximately doubled revenue and more than trebled profit in Serco's North America business in recent years through a successful combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. MT&S provides an excellent opportunity to continue that success. 'The acquisition increases our scale, capabilities and growth potential in US defence, the largest defence market in the world, as well as providing solutions we can offer to our customers worldwide. The acquired capability delivers comprehensive, critical, technology-enabled services fully aligned to the US military's focus on enhancing warfighting standards and readiness through solutions that are both efficient and effective. 'We look forward to welcoming nearly 1,000 new colleagues from MT&S to Serco and are excited to add their knowledge and experience to our work supporting the US Department of Defense's enduring mission to provide the combat-credible military forces needed to protect the security of the nation.' Daniel MacGregor, Chief Growth Officer for Serco in the Middle East, added: 'As we announce this milestone at IDEX 2025, we recognise the increasing importance of advanced military training and space technologies for defence forces worldwide. The insights and expertise gained through this acquisition will further strengthen our ability to support governments and defence organisations worldwide. Knowledge transfer is at the heart of Serco's approach, and we see opportunities to share our best practices and capabilities with local defence sectors, working alongside national personnel to enhance mission readiness and operational efficiency right here in the Middle East.' MT&S will provide further opportunities for Serco to grow organically in both North America and internationally through: Increased exposure to markets: Following the acquisition defence will be its largest sector, representing approximately 40% of Group revenue and North America overall will represent approximately 50% of Group underlying operating profit. Following the acquisition defence will be its largest sector, representing approximately 40% of Group revenue and North America overall will represent approximately 50% of Group underlying operating profit. Enhanced capabilities in large and high-growth defence sectors: MT&S helps to ensure armed forces' mission-readiness. It will advance Serco's expertise in synthetic training, exercise simulation, and satellite ground network software services. Training represents a significant proportion of defence investment and the acquisition materially strengthens Serco's position in this market, providing a strong platform for future growth. MT&S helps to ensure armed forces' mission-readiness. It will advance Serco's expertise in synthetic training, exercise simulation, and satellite ground network software services. Training represents a significant proportion of defence investment and the acquisition materially strengthens Serco's position in this market, providing a strong platform for future growth. Increased scale and technology capabilities will benefit Serco's pipeline of potential new work: MT&S has a strong track record delivering large programmes in training, space and technology services. The ability to reference this past performance will enhance its ability to win new work in our existing pipeline. Serco also expects to be able to expand the pipeline as it explores new opportunities with its combined capabilities. MT&S has a strong track record delivering large programmes in training, space and technology services. The ability to reference this past performance will enhance its ability to win new work in our existing pipeline. Serco also expects to be able to expand the pipeline as it explores new opportunities with its combined capabilities. Ability to export MT&S's capabilities outside of the US: Military training and satellite capability are critical services for armed forces around the world. MT&S offers best in class solutions in these areas, which have so far been primarily limited to the US. Serco sees significant applicability to its other existing markets, including the Middle East, UK, Australia and Europe. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in mid-2025, at a purchase price of $327 million. (£264m). 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Zawya
13-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Serco announces latest defence acquisition ahead of IDEX 2025
$327m acquisition of leading US defence business from Northrop Grumman expands Serco's scale and offering in worldwide defence markets. Serco, the international provider of critical government services, has announced the acquisition of Northrop Grumman's Mission Training and Satellite Ground Network Communications (MT&S) software business ahead of IDEX 2025, the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Adding to Serco's existing defence capabilities, the MT&S business provides the US military with advanced mission training services, and software that makes satellite ground networks more efficient. With expertise in training services and software engineering, and a track record of innovation, it supports programmes across the US Army, Space Force, Air Force, Navy, Combatant Commands and international partners. It has annual revenues of approximately $300 million. MT&S will add scale to Serco in North America, growing its business there to beyond $2bn of revenue and $200m of profit. MT&S will add to Serco's existing extensive defence and space expertise, bringing new capabilities to Serco's global military, defence and space customers. The additional of MT&S will enable Serco to provide even greater support to Middle East military and defence partners across training, software services and space. Mark Irwin, Serco Group Chief Executive said: 'We have approximately doubled revenue and more than trebled profit in Serco's North America business in recent years through a successful combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. MT&S provides an excellent opportunity to continue that success. 'The acquisition increases our scale, capabilities and growth potential in US defence, the largest defence market in the world, as well as providing solutions we can offer to our customers worldwide. The acquired capability delivers comprehensive, critical, technology-enabled services fully aligned to the US military's focus on enhancing warfighting standards and readiness through solutions that are both efficient and effective. 'We look forward to welcoming nearly 1,000 new colleagues from MT&S to Serco and are excited to add their knowledge and experience to our work supporting the US Department of Defense's enduring mission to provide the combat-credible military forces needed to protect the security of the nation.' Daniel MacGregor, Chief Growth Officer for Serco in the Middle East, added: "As we announce this milestone at IDEX 2025, we recognise the increasing importance of advanced military training and space technologies for defence forces worldwide. The insights and expertise gained through this acquisition will further strengthen our ability to support governments and defence organisations worldwide. Knowledge transfer is at the heart of Serco's approach, and we see opportunities to share our best practices and capabilities with local defence sectors, working alongside national personnel to enhance mission readiness and operational efficiency right here in the Middle East." MT&S will provide further opportunities for Serco to grow organically in both North America and internationally through: Increased exposure to markets: Following the acquisition defence will be its largest sector, representing approximately 40% of Group revenue and North America overall will represent approximately 50% of Group underlying operating profit. Enhanced capabilities in large and high-growth defence sectors: MT&S helps to ensure armed forces' mission-readiness. It will advance Serco's expertise in synthetic training, exercise simulation, and satellite ground network software services. Training represents a significant proportion of defence investment and the acquisition materially strengthens Serco's position in this market, providing a strong platform for future growth. Increased scale and technology capabilities will benefit Serco's pipeline of potential new work: MT&S has a strong track record delivering large programmes in training, space and technology services. The ability to reference this past performance will enhance its ability to win new work in our existing pipeline. Serco also expects to be able to expand the pipeline as it explores new opportunities with its combined capabilities. Ability to export MT&S's capabilities outside of the US: Military training and satellite capability are critical services for armed forces around the world. MT&S offers best in class solutions in these areas, which have so far been primarily limited to the US. Serco sees significant applicability to its other existing markets, including the Middle East, UK, Australia and Europe. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in mid-2025, at a purchase price of $327 million. (£264m).
