4 May 2020

Eden-Monaro gets $200,000 for jobs and industry modernisation

| Dominic Giannini
Join the conversation
3
Rural highway in Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Two manufacturing companies in Eden-Monaro have received almost $200,000 in modernisation grants that will also bring jobs to the region. Photo: File.

The local manufacturing industry in Eden-Monaro has been given a helping hand by the Federal Government as a new $50 million modernisation fund aims to prop up businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The fund has paid out almost $200,000 to two manufacturing companies in the region in the hope of boosting productivity and creating more jobs in a lagging economy.

The Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) will help subsidise 200 projects worth more than $215 million Australia-wide for small and medium businesses to upgrade manufacturing processes and upskill their workforces.

NSW Liberal Senator Jim Molan said it is this support that will help the region – that has been devastated by bushfires, drought and COVID-19 – get back on its feet.

“This investment will not only strengthen these businesses and create jobs, but will also provide a much-needed confidence boost for the whole region as we face this unprecedented pandemic,” said Mr Molan.

The Columbia Corporation will receive $100,000 towards a $267,000 welding upgrade project that will automate manual welding processes to increase the productivity of softwood sawmill systems.

Tactical Research will also benefit from the fund, receiving a $90,000 grant to more efficiently build electro optic systems such as lasers and LEDs. The financial injection from the Federal Government will cover 50 per cent of the $180,000 project.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews is expecting the modernisation fund to create an extra 2600 jobs Australia-wide and help the industry become, and remain, more competitive post-COVID-19.

The fund was established to invest in new technology and equipment before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, but the incapacitation of local industries because of enforced restrictions and lockdown measures means the payments are needed now more than ever, said Minister Andrews.

“Now as we face the coronavirus pandemic and look to come out the other side stronger, this investment will be more critical than ever,” she said.

“I am determined to further strengthen Australian manufacturing, and the current pandemic gives us the opportunity as a nation to reassess and commit to the values of Australian-made goods.”

Applicants could apply for amounts ranging between $50,000 and $1 million for up to 50 per cent of a project. The first stage of the fund is now closed.

The second stage will put $30 million towards larger businesses, providing grants between $100,000 and $1 million and covering up to 25 per cent of projects to support investment in new technologies.

The awarding of the grants comes during a time of uncertainty in Eden-Monaro after incumbent federal Labor MP, Dr Mike Kelly, resigned due to medical reasons on Thursday, 30 April.

Mr Kelly said the person who takes over his mantle following a by-election will have to champion local issues currently facing the region, and put them at the forefront of the national agenda. He claimed the Eden-Monaro region has suffered more than anywhere else in Australia in recent times.

“[Eden-Monaro] deserves to be prioritised right now,” he said. “We need clear, thorough [and] imaginative policies to rebuild our economy.”

The past summer’s bushfires burnt more than one million hectares, destroyed 1000 homes and killed more than 9000 livestock in the Eden-Monaro region alone.

Mr Molan was originally touted to put his hat in the ring for the federal seat but told Region Media his focus is on serving the people of NSW as a senator and recognising that the needs of fire-affected people in Eden-Monaro are best represented in the Lower House.

Join the conversation

3
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Penelope Hunt9:33 pm 07 May 20

Will be interesting to see how many projects are in LNP or marginal seats. Sports Rorts, anybody?

Carolyn Smart12:30 am 07 May 20

How opportune,a bi election in the offing wouldn’t have anything to do with this announcement.

Merit based lol. Will be very interesting to see the actual number of real jobs created through some of these Manufacturing Modernisation grants across several recipients. Unfortunately whilst we had expected that this would be a great opportunity to be provided with assistance to invest in improving processes and business opportunities when it comes to calculating real jobs generated through adding technology improvements is a bit like pie in the sky. In most cases investment in capital equipment and technology improvements help to retain employment with some potential additional growth if this opens new markets or opportunities. For some of the grants provided to certain manufacturers on the list I would question any actual increase in the addition of higher paid and higher skilled employees. As one never hears of the final “real” numbers of jobs created maybe a little fudge factor goes a long way in determining success and receival of these types of grants. Maybe the Minister overseeing the grants process could answer how this is proven to be the actual case.

Daily Digest

Do you like to know what’s happening around your region? Every day the About Regional team packages up our most popular stories and sends them straight to your inbox for free. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.