A total of $220M is available from the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages to help diversify regional economies, stimulate economic growth.
Regional Jobs and Investment Packages
The Regional Jobs and Investment Packages support the Australian Government’s commitment to stimulate economic growth in Australian regions.
Background
The Regional Jobs and Investment Packages have ten packages, each is a locally led pilot, enabling each region to determine local priorities and growth industries to drive economic growth in their region and create jobs.
A Local Planning Committee will be responsible for developing their Local Investment Plan that outlines industry growth sectors, new market opportunities and future workforce needs. Grants will be available in targeted competitive funding rounds to projects that align with the priorities in each region’s Local Investment Plan.
The program will invest in projects that will have long-term outcomes and will benefit the regions beyond the life of the program. Project outcomes should be sustainable without the need for ongoing government funding. It will only support new activities that go beyond business as usual or day-to-day functions.
Objectives
The Regional Jobs and Investment Packages’ intended outcomes are to drive economic growth and create jobs in ten pilot regions by investing in projects that will:
- diversify regional economies
- stimulate long term growth
- deliver sustainable employment
- enable applicants to enter new markets and sectors
Funding
Regional Jobs and Investment Packages funding is available across three streams.
Local infrastructure
- The minimum grant amount is $50,000.
- The maximum grant amount is limited to the available grant funding in your region.
Business innovation
- The minimum grant amount is $50,000
- The maximum grant amount is limited to the available grant funding in your region.
Skills and training
- There is no minimum grant amount.
- The maximum grant amount is limited to the available grant funding in your region
A total of $220 million is available through ten pilot regions. The amount available to each region is up to:
- QLD – Tropical North Queensland $20 million
- QLD – Bowen Basin $30 million
- QLD – Wide Bay Burnett $20 million
- NSW – North Coast $25 million
- NSW – South Coast $20 million
- SA – Upper Spencer Gulf $20 million
- VIC – Goulburn Valley $20 million
- VIC – Latrobe Valley $20 million
- VIC – Geelong $20 million
- TAS – Regional Tasmania $25 million.
Regional Jobs and Investment Packages Eligible Projects
Local infrastructure projects
To be eligible your Regional Jobs and Investment Packages project must:
- be a capital project or support a future capital project involving the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure
- have at least $100,000 in eligible expenditure, (or have at least $50,000 in eligible expenditure if you are granted an exceptional circumstances co-funding exemption)
- be ready to commence work within 12 weeks of executing a grant agreement.
Business innovation projects
To be eligible your Regional Jobs and Investment Packages project must:
- expand or grow your business
- have at least $100,000 in total eligible expenditure
- be ready to commence work within 12 weeks of executing a grant agreement.
Skills and training projects
To be eligible your Regional Jobs and Investment Packages project must:
- deliver skills and training to learners other than your employees.
Regional Jobs and Investment Packages Eligible Activities
Local infrastructure grants
Eligible activities must directly relate to the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages project and can include:
- purchase of materials
- external labour hire
- construction of new and upgraded infrastructure
- plant and equipment hire, lease or purchase directly related to the project
- external consulting costs directly related to the delivery of the construction
- feasibility study for a future capital project.
Business innovation grants
Eligible activities must directly relate to the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages project and can include:
- acquiring, installing, constructing and commissioning new machinery and equipment
- fit out, alterations /or extensions to existing premises related to the new machinery or equipment
- acquiring and developing new technology such as computer software and hardware
- nationally recognised, accredited or tailored training that is directly related to the project
- training required to navigate export barriers or access foreign markets
- expanding your business operations or opening new outlets in an eligible region
- moving your business from other areas of Australia to the eligible region. You must demonstrate that there are no significant negative impacts to the location you are moving from.
- feasibility studies to support new business activity.
Skills and training grants
Eligible activities must directly relate to the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages project and can include:
- tailored non-accredited training
- skill sets from nationally recognised training
- training that is accredited through state and territory systems
- activities that improve access to education or training and make it easier for learners in regional areas to complete their training or education
- feasibility studies relating to new training opportunities.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages you must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be non-tax-exempt
- and be one of the following entities:
- a company, incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust.
- Joint applications are acceptable, provided you have a lead applicant who is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply. You must have a formal arrangement in place with all parties.
In order to be eligible for Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, you must provide:
- evidence from your board (or chief executive officer or equivalent if there is no board) that the project is supported and would be ready to commence within 12 weeks of executing the grant agreement, and that you can complete the project and meet the costs of the project not covered by grant funding
- evidence of funding commitment from other funding contributors (if applicable)
- an Accountant Declaration that confirms you can fund your share of the total project costs
The eligibility criteria for Regional Jobs and Investment Packages cannot be waived under any circumstances.
Timing
- Applications from Tropical North, Wide Bay Burnett, North & South Coast, Geelong and Bowen Basin close 15 August 2017.
- Applications from Upper Spencer Gulf, Regional Tasmania and Goulburn Valley close 19 October 2017.
- Applications from Latrobe Valley close 17 November 2017.
Regional Jobs and Investment Packages Recipients
The list of successful applicants that have been offered funding under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, Latrobe Valley region.
| Applicant Organisation | Project Name | Project Description | Stream | Project Location | Grant Approved | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd | Twin Band Resaw Value Recovery Project | This project installs a new high strain twin band resaw in the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) Greenmill, utilising innovative German sawing technology to maximise the recovery of timber and minimise the production of sawdust and wood chip waste. The project will enable ASH to employ 140 full time equivalent employees and increase recoveries and specification of timber feedstock from log input by 6 percent. This will enable a greater volume of timber feedstock to be available for the ASH staircase, window, door and furniture components manufacturing plants and a specification of timber feedstock enabling higher manufacturing recoveries which results in an increase in employment. | Business Innovation | Heyfield | $1,200,000 | $2,400,000 |
| Alberton Timber & Treatment Plant Pty Ltd | Alberton Timber Mill Expansion | This project involves the construction of a new post peeling facility at Alberton Timber and Treatment Plant, which includes two peelers, a rounder, a docking system and a wood chipper. It will replace the existing aged mill and enable a much more efficient and reliable manufacturing process. A second steam cylinder will also be installed. The increase in production volumes and drying time efficiency will enable the company to meet the growing market demands in the region for post products. | Business Innovation | Alberton | $550,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc | Stage 3 Accommodation – Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc | This project will expand Gippsland Rotary Centenary House with construction of 13 additional independent units and associated infrastructure for the accommodation of patients and their families attending the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre or the Latrobe Regional Hospital from all over Gippsland, including the Local Government Areas of Latrobe City, Wellington and Baw Baw. | Local Infrastructure | Traralgon | $900,000 | $2,126,620 |
| Mecrus Pty Ltd | Large Scale Hydroponic Strawberry Glasshouse Facility | This project will construct a 12 hectare glasshouse at Hazelwood to provide Australia’s first and largest protected environment for the hydroponic growing of premium strawberry varieties. The facility will be the first in the world to grow strawberries hydroponically 365 days a year, and achieve greater fruit yield compared to field grown strawberry plants. The project will strongly position Mecrus to compete against new imports and meet strong demand from supermarkets and consumers for year-round supply of fresh, premium quality strawberries of consistent size and outstanding flavour. The project will create 80 construction jobs and provide 138 permanent full-time jobs in strawberry growing, transport and logistics. | Business Innovation | Hazelwood | $3,000,000 | $34,430,000 |
| Audentes Investments Pty Ltd as trustee for the Audentes Family Trust | Value Adding to Wild Catch Australian Seafood for Export | This project aims to increase the value of medium and low value wild-catch seafood products landed in Victoria. The project will include the extension of an export registered seafood processing facility to include further processing and chilling facilities, and the purchase of specialised seafood processing and packing equipment. The project will support existing local commercial fishing industries and create local jobs. | Business Innovation | Sale | $123,600 | $248,600 |
| Bambach Wires & Cables Pty Ltd | Low Voltage Specialised Cable Manufacturing Facility | This project will establish an advanced low voltage cable manufacturing facility, including the refurbishment of an existing factory building, equipment installation, establishment of a test laboratory, and recruitment and training of personnel to produce newly developed cables for use in infrastructure and defence related projects. The project will benefit the company by increasing its manufacturing capacity and efficiency and in turn this will provide long term sustainable employment to 40-50 people over the project timeframe and more as the company grows. The new facility will reduce manufacturing cost, improve capability and enable the company to compete globally in export markets. | Business Innovation | Rosedale | $2,902,000 | $5,804,000 |
| Fabpro Group Pty Ltd | Cordless Factory(TM) located in Eco Industrial Hub | The project is to construct a pilot Cordless Factory(TM) using solar power and the latest modular battery storage system as a prototype for a future development cluster of factories in the proposed Eco Industrial Hub. This will support the region’s farming/industrial community and create sustainable local employment within Rosedale by attracting like-minded businesses to the Hub and sourcing work locally and beyond the region. | Business Innovation | Rosedale | $100,000 | $210,000 |
| Neerim District Soldiers Memorial Hospital | Tarago Views Enhancement Package | This project is to upgrade resident facilities, enhancing the resident’s quality of life and the organisation’s capability to attract new clients. The enhancement will also allow the facility to access higher levels of aged care subsidy, therefore contributing to the entity’s ongoing financial sustainability and ability to maintain its position as the township’s major source of employment. | Local Infrastructure | Neerim South | $150,000 | $300,000 |
| KND Maintenance Pty Ltd as trustee for the Williams Family Trust | Pavement Analysis System Software | This project is to develop Pavement Analysis System Software (PASs), a specialised software system used to analyse road pavements via images and create a predictive assessment based on these images to forward predict reseal and maintenance programs. Current reseal and maintenance schedules can be inaccurate, variable and use valuable resources to maintain, creating a volatile industry culture. The implementation of PASs aims to create more sustainable employment within this industry, through strategic planning. | Business Innovation | Morwell | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Latrobe City Council | Morwell CBD Revitalisation | The Morwell CBD Revitalisation aspires to create positive change in the physical spaces of the Morwell town centre in order to shift its identity. The town of Morwell is best known for its relationship to the Hazelwood Power Station and the CBD Revitalisation seeks to inspire new ways in which people live, occupy and contribute and connect to Morwell. The Morwell CBD Revitalisation intends to renew and connect existing infrastructure and assets in the town’s build environment and contribute to the development of a green Morwell Village Hub. This will attract new service and retail businesses to the area, supporting and strengthening economic outcomes for existing businesses. | Local Infrastructure | Morwell | $2,000,000 | $4,250,000 |
| Gippsland Logging & Earthmoving Pty Ltd | Timber Waste Diversion – Bioenergy Pellet Manufacture | This project will assist to operationalise a timber pellet manufacturing facility in the Latrobe Valley township of Morwell. The project will purchase, install and commission drying equipment, programmable logistic controls (automation) and electrical connectivity to achieve operational capacity. When operational the plant will convert a locally available manufacturing bi-product (sawdust and residue) into a compressed pellet for use in domestic heating, animal bedding and absorbency markets. The facility is expected to provide 18 full time equivalent ongoing jobs within the local economy and divert up to 26,000 tonne of sawdust from landfill and low value usage streams per year. | Business Innovation | Morwell | $762,795 | $1,525,595 |
| Cool Group of Companies Pty Ltd | The Cool Group of Companies Integrated Manufacturing Facility | This project will construct a purpose-designed and fully integrated manufacturing, sales and logistics facility in Morwell, Latrobe Valley for on-site beverage dispensers and bottled spring water, drinks and beverages, embroidered/personalised workwear and clothing, uniforms and other related products. The manufacturing facility will have fully automated state-of-the art bottling technology, embroidery design/production, custom printed garment technology/equipment and include on-site sales, administration and logistics. | Business Innovation | Morwell | $1,749,500 | $3,499,000 |
| Drouin West Timber & Truss Pty Ltd | DWTT FutureFit Project Expansion Plan | Drouin West Timber and Truss`s (DWTT) two current manufacturing facilities require expansion into a significantly larger combined factory on a new 8 acre site to meet current long term agreements and manufacturing output requirements. The manufacturing of advanced components also requires acquisition of world class automated CAD and CNC driven plant and equipment. In summary the DWTT FutureFit Expansion Plan entails investing approximately $8.5 million in land, construction of an appropriate industrial facility, purchase of equipment and the employment of additional local skilled staff. | Business Innovation | Drouin | $2,000,000 | $7,100,000 |
| Kempe Process Equipment Pty Ltd | Kempe Engineering Morwell, Centre of Excellence Transformation Project | This project will construct a dedicated mechanical services, maintenance and repair facility in the Latrobe Valley offering specialist engineering service streams, which includes implementing advanced manufacturing (processes and equipment) and targeting major growth through servicing companies in the Food and Fibre and Energy and Resources sectors. This will encompass the creation of a Centre of Excellence for both the provision of existing and delivery of new engineering, maintenance and repair services that will create additional employment opportunities for skilled labour in the Latrobe Valley. | Business Innovation | Morwell | $619,200 | $1,238,400 |
| DefendTex Pty Ltd | Energetics Research & Development Advanced Manufacturing Facility | Defence R&D company DefendTex will establish an Advanced Manufacturing and test facility for energetic materials such as propellant and explosives. This facility will be located on existing Defence land and will be the base for the company’s new Resonance Acoustic Mixing facility in support of the development of the next generation of rocket motors, to provide Australia’s first sovereign space launch facility. This facility will form the nucleus of the defence related Advanced Manufacturing capabilities of the company and provide the base for additional research & development projects with Australian and international partners. | Business Innovation | Dutson | $1,500,000 | $3,360,000 |
| Gippsland MTB Inc | Haunted Hills Bike Park | The Haunted Hills Bike Park project will build a multi-track facility in the Latrobe Valley, developed to provide a significant gateway trail network and skills development facility, which will attract strong interest within the visitor economy. Outcomes include:
| Local Infrastructure | Hernes Oak | $976,950 | $986,950 |
| BAW BAW Shire Council | Early Learning Centre Co-Located at Warragul Primary School | This project will construct an Early Learning Centre to be co-located at the Warragul Primary School. The facility will contain multi-use rooms tailored for kindergarten and play group use during school hours, allied health and early childhood intervention services during the day and with the ability to provide a much needed community hub outside of these times. | Local Infrastructure | Warragul | $800,000 | $2,408,000 |
| Utilitas Group Pty Ltd | The Advanced Biorefining Laboratory and bioHub Design Project | Utilitas has identified two regional bioHub opportunities in the Latrobe Valley to bio-process local organic waste streams, such as manure, sewage, crop residuals and food processing waste, and produce renewable energy, local jobs and valuable tradeable bio-products. BioHubs divert organic waste from landfill and recover valuable resources. The first identified bioHub is a 1.06 MWe plant located near Morwell to bio-process dairy and food processing waste. The second is a 1.67 MWe plant located near Warragul. This project will establish an advanced biorefining laboratory at Morwell and progress the bioHubs through project definition, financial close and detailed design, after which the bioHubs can be constructed into operation. | Business Innovation | Morwell | $515,597 | $1,031,194 |
| South Gippsland Shire Council | Gippsland Tracks and Trails Feasibility Study | To capitalise on Gippsland’s diverse geography and strong nature-based tourism assets, the project partners will develop a Gippsland Tracks and Trails feasibility study. The project will provide a coordinated approach to track and trail development and investment. The study aims to identify priorities enabling improvements to track and trail infrastructure for both walking and cycling. The Latrobe Valley would be identified as the economic spine within the strategy. | Local Infrastructure | Leongatha | $66,664 | $133,328 |
The list of successful applicants that have been offered funding under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, North Coast, New South Wales region.
| Applicant Organisation | Project Name | Project Description | Stream | Project Location | Grant Approved | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity Solutions Australia Pty Ltd | Biodiversity Management and Trading Services | The project will result in a new enterprise delivering services in the management and trading of biodiversity credits to support increased demand due to new government legislation. The key project outcome is the development of a biodiversity credit trading platform using innovative blockchain technology to enable the efficient and timely exchange of credits. | Business Innovation | Port Macquarie | $300,000 | $600,000 |
| Tweed Shire Council | Tweed Valley Rail Trail – Stage 1 of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail | The project will develop the Tweed Valley Rail Trail by redeveloping 24 kilometres of disused rail corridor from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek creating a shared use Rail Trail. The Trail will connect the regional centre of Murwillumbah with the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek. | Local Infrastructure | South Murwillumbah | $6,518,000 | $13,036,000 |
| The Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of New South Wales | The Whiddon Group Kyogle Aged Care Facility Extension | The project will construct a new 23 bed wing at the Kyogle Aged Care Facility. | Local Infrastructure | Kyogle | $4,707,730 | $9,415,460 |
| Stonelake Pty Ltd | Advanced Manufacturing of our Patented Building and Facade System | The project will establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Coffs Harbour to commercialise patented building and facade systems. | Business Innovation | Coffs Harbour | $338,216 | $676,432 |
| Kyogle Council | Culmaran Creek Export Infrastructure Upgrade | The project will upgrade transport infrastructure in the Culmaran Creek Valley. | Local Infrastructure | Culmaran Creek | $1,682,477 | $3,404,954 |
| Intellectual Vision Pty Ltd | The Raw Food Hub | The project will construct a new 600 square metre hothouse to increase production at the Synchronicity Farm. | Business Innovation | Nana Glen | $200,000 | $400,000 |
| Ballina Shire Council | Construction of a Coastal Shared Pathway, Skennars Head to Lennox Head | The project will construct a coastal shared pathway between Ballina and Lennox Head. This stage will follow the Coast Road from Skennars Road to the iconic Pat Morton Look Out at Lennox Head. | Local Infrastructure | Lennox Head | $880,000 | $1,769,675 |
| Seven Mile Brewing Company Pty Ltd | New Brewery: Accelerated Growth Into Emerging Market | The project will purchase additional equipment for the brewery which will increase production capacity. | Business Innovation | Ballina | $165,000 | $330,000 |
| Northern Rivers Food Incorporated | Up-skilling Northern Rivers Food Producers for Food Tourism | The project will provide training, professional development and a digital platform for Northern Rivers food producers based around opportunities for food tourism. | Skills and Training | Eltham | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Oneva Holdings Pty Ltd | Macadamia nut value added processing facility | The project will construct a purpose built extension to an existing rural facility with automated plant and equipment to produce a Macadamia nut based cheese product. | Business Innovation | Alstonville | $147,101 | $294,203 |
| Oz Group Trading Pty Ltd | Oz Group Export Ready Innovation Program | The Project will facilitate Oz Group becoming competitive in the exportation of blueberries in the Export markets in South East Asia, Asia and Canada. | Business Innovation | North Boambee | $1,050,000 | $2,100,000 |
| Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses Pty Ltd | Produced the Tweed Valley Way – Diversification and Sustainability | The project will fit out the newly constructed facilities which include an artisan cheese factory, a retail outlet and a café. | Business Innovation | Burringbar | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| LLA Group Pty Ltd | International Student Engagement Portal | The project will develop an automated and interactive web portal that links international students to education providers in Northern NSW and more broadly Australia. The project activities include portal development, content population and the commissioning of a new dedicated server. | Business Innovation | Byron Bay | $53,150 | $107,150 |
| Solaris Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd (formally PUF Ventures Pty Ltd) | Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation, Production & Manufacturing Facility | The project will deliver Stage 1 of a cannabis cultivation, production & manufacturing facility. The project activities include construction of a 100 square metre greenhouse and a 20,000 square foot extraction and processing facility. | Business Innovation | Ballina | $2,500,000 | $6,250,000 |
| Croker Oars Pty Ltd | Automation of Production and Advanced Manufacturing Procedures | This project will create an advanced composite manufacturing facility using new automation equipment and tooling, and implementing energy efficient and waste reduction initiatives. | Business Innovation | Oxley Island | $663,000 | $1,326,000 |
| Faircloth & Reynolds Pty Ltd | Ovalised ductwork, Enviropac manufacturing & software upgrades | The project will construct a facility to manufacture and retail oval and spiral duct. It will also upgrade existing buildings and equipment to commence production of Enviropac (CO2 based refrigeration), including construction of NATA accredited test facility and implement ERP and production software upgrades. | Business Innovation | Coffs Harbour | $2,009,008 | $4,018,016 |
| Valley Industries Ltd | Valley Linen Service Capacity Improvements | The project will address capacity by purchasing additional machinery and increasing power generation capacity. | Local Infrastructure | Taree | $166,583 | $333,166 |
| Adaptapack Pty Ltd | Applied Technology Packaging Machinery Manufacturer | The project will construct a purpose-built packaging machinery manufacturing facility including equipment installation and factory fit out. | Business Innovation | Alstonville | $1,530,000 | $3,060,000 |
| Stebercraft Pty Ltd | Fibreglass Reinforced Plastics & Engineering upgrade | The project will upgrade the existing facility, including modification of the existing factory, production cradle, deck tooling, additional equipment and a manufacturing software upgrade. | Business Innovation | Taree | $150,075 | $300,150 |
| Bamboo Engineered Products Pty Ltd | Bamboo Building Products Manufacturing Facility | The project will upgrade an existing factory, including removing asbestos, new electrics, roof, fit out and equipment. | Business Innovation | Taree | $500,000 | $1,010,000 |
| Food Machines Australia Pty Ltd | Expand Local Manufacturing Capacity | This project is the construction of a new factory on a greenfield site secured by FMA in the immediate vicinity of existing operations. This will meet increasing demand for larger project designs to manufacture, install and commission of fully integrated food processing systems. | Business Innovation | Wauchope | $137,000 | $274,000 |
| The Byron Bay Pizza Co. Pty Ltd | Byron Bay Pizza Co Production Facility Expansion | The project will expand, upgrade and streamline the production facility; expand the fridge and freezer storage rooms; and construct new preparation and production kitchens. | Business Innovation | Burringbar | $80,000 | $160,000 |
| JPH1 Pty Ltd | Jim Pearson Taree Transport Terminal | The project will construct a major transport terminal to complement our three segment driver change over on the Sydney to Brisbane transport operation. | Business Innovation | Cundletown | $500,000 | $4,000,000 |
The list of successful applicants that have been offered funding under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, Geelong region.
| Applicant Organisation | Project Name | Project Description | Stream | Project Location | Grant Approved | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemond Composites Pty Ltd | Australia’s first Next Generation Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Facility | The project will construct Australia’s first commercial Carbon Fibre manufacturing facility which will produce commercial quantities of the next generation Carbon Fibre under license from Deakin University. The unique process developed by Deakin University and licensed by Lemond will be a Global game changer in terms of cost and performance. Applications previously discounted due to cost will be realised and the uptake of composite products will increase exponentially as a result. | Business Innovation | Waurn Ponds | $5,000,000 | $31,000,000 |
| Conservation Ecology Centre Pty Ltd | Wildlife Wonders: Ecotourism for economic development and conservation | Creating a world-class wildlife ecotourism venture on a spectacular site on the Great Ocean Road. ‘Wildlife Wonders’ will provide visitors with an opportunity to experience and learn about Australian wildlife on a highly memorable walk through a spectacular natural setting, guided by qualified, multi-lingual conservationists. This premium wildlife tourism experience will be designed and created by Art Director of The Hobbit films and designer of the successful NZ attraction, Hobbiton. The venture will ensure significant ongoing employment and career development opportunities. As a social enterprise, all profits generated through the business will be invested in conservation of wildlife and ecosystems of the Great Ocean Road region. | Local Infrastructure | Apollo Bay | $2,000,000 | $14,521,660 |
| Conflux Technology Pty Ltd | Conflux Technology Additive Manufacturing & Engineering Centre (AMEC) | The project will establish an Additive Manufacturing & Engineering Centre (AMEC) at the heart of the Geelong Innovation Precinct within the Manufutures Advanced Manufacturing Accelerator. The investment in an Additive Manufacturing (AM) prototype and pilot production facility will underpin the training of new staff and ensure a significant value-add to the region’s AM research and education initiatives conducted by Deakin University. In addition to the direct increase in Australian AM capacity, the Conflux Technology AMEC will be a consequential contributor to a sustained pipeline of high-value AM professionals who will propagate regionally as both employers and employees. | Business Innovation | Waurn Ponds | $1,029,464 | $2,058,928 |
| Royal Geelong Yacht Club | Development of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project | The project will redevelop the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct, a key section of the waterfront including the current Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) and marina, and the Victorian Sailing School (VSS). This will create vastly enhanced public access and facilities supporting tourism, community programs and major events. The age-expired VSS will be integrated with RGYC and provide student accommodation. Marina upgrades will include replacement of the deteriorating west wall with a wave attenuator that will provide public access and additional berthing. The project will transform the precinct, deliver visitor economy revenues and jobs and enable at least $16 million in non-government investment in future stages. | Local Infrastructure | Geelong | $2,000,000 | $18,994,000 |
| COESR Pty Ltd | Development of the CORA Village | Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) is developing an immersive elite sports and ecotourism destination which will include an arts and retail village. Located in Modewarre in the Surf Coast Shire, it will add a new must-see destination to the Great Ocean Road touring route. The RJIP grant will help support the arts and retail offering of CORA which will feature a 2km outdoor sculpture trail and a 2,500m2 Retail Village which will, amongst other things, showcase the best local produce and products. The Retail Village will include: a Microbrewery & Food Hall, Restaurants, Cafes, lifestyle shops, a Farmers Market and Art Gallery all supported by a 400 m2 distribution centre and a Childcare facility. | Business Innovation | Modewarre | $3,288,925 | $6,577,850 |
| Homestead Australia Pty Ltd | Tarndwarncoort (Tarndie) Infrastructure Investment Project | The Project will expand and develop business diversity and the associated tourism offer at historic sheep property Tarndie in western Victoria. Small building works and upgrades together with associated fit-out of spaces will enhance capacity to expand current operations, diversify farm revenue stream, maximise farm resources, support innovative agri-tourism, foster business enterprise and create ongoing employment opportunities. There is an enterprising tradition of evolving the farm business in a manner that both anticipates and responds to circumstance and demand and the building works envisioned through this project will facilitate the ongoing development of Tarndie as a key tourism and event destination into the coming decades and beyond. | Business Innovation | Warncoort | $145,000 | $290,000 |
| Teamworks Performance Pty Ltd | TWP Production Manufacturing Expansion | Expansion of current TWP production facility, procuring new machinery and equipment in the areas of sublimation, screen printing and garment construction / sewing and investing in a customised production and order IT platform. This project will result in significant import replacement and the ability to manufacture on-site, greater profitability, long term sustainability, jobs growth, greatly improved OH&S along with market leading innovation, expanding into new markets, major contract opportunities and greatly improved production time frames | Business Innovation | Bell Park | $70,000 | $150,000 |
| Flat Glass Industries Pty Ltd | Developing advanced architectural glass manufacturing capabilities | This project furthers the work to transition MHG Glass (from automotive glass manufacturing) to FGI Geelong (manufacturing architectural glass). It involves the installation of value-added equipment and automation to FGI Geelong’s architectural glass production line. The project will deliver improved product quality and the ability to manufacture larger and more sophisticated processed and high performance glass products. The improvements to the production line not only result in a superior and more competitive product, but also see the upskilling of employees in line with the implementation of advanced manufacturing equipment and techniques. | Business Innovation | Geelong North | $1,980,197 | $7,920,788 |
| Capricorn Power Pty Ltd | High efficiency engine converting waste heat to electricity | Austeng, a Vic manufacturing hall of fame and two-time Engineering Excellence award recipient, will manufacture and install Capricorn Powers first commercial advanced heat to energy engine, built on a V6 Commodore base, and independently verify much greater power output than an equivalent Organic Rankine Cycle engine. The engine will enhance energy productivity and sustainability at a customer site by providing reliable low-cost electricity and reduced waste and emissions. Benefits include knowledge and technology diffusion from partners into Geelong, and commercialising an innovative clean tech product enabling potentially very large engineering and manufacturing job growth for ex-auto skills serving new, global ‘markets of the future’. | Business Innovation | Grovedale | $292,750 | $772,750 |
| Australian New Energy Pty Ltd | Waste to Energy – Upscale Production | Pelletmate uses waste wood streams to produce wood pellets which are a renewable biofuel. Raw materials used in this process include off cuts from local truss factories and single use wood pallets that would otherwise be destined for landfill. We have a production bottleneck, as we can produce 5.1 tonnes per hour, and only bag two tonnes per hour. This grant would enable us to install a form fill and seal bagging machine that can perform this task much more quickly. Operation and programming of this machine is a very skilled task and training of several employees will be necessary. The project will employ six contractors and staff during the construction phase and six more full time staff on the in feed and productions sides. | Business Innovation | Moolap | $205,181 | $410,362 |
| EMU (Aus) Pty Ltd | EMU Australia Manufacturing and Product Automation ERP System Install | EMU Australia is investing into an automated cutting cell teamed with a state of the art closed loop manufacturing ERP product management system, enabling instant trace ability of jobs from manufacturing commencement right through to optimization and delivery to customer. State of the art technologies include 3D printing and a Computer Aided Design capability for investment into the development of new product ranges. | Business Innovation | Geelong South | $545,826 | $1,091,653 |
| 36T Pty Ltd | Multi-Materials Design and Advanced Manufacturing Facility | The project will tool, process develop and commission a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing centre for global export of world-leading carbon composite intensive cycle wheels for established customer Johnson Bikes. Beyond servicing the immediate commercial opportunity, establishment of 36Ts facility represents a strategic lead, enabling the development and implementation of smart, multi-material design in a broader range of applications. This project will provide a platform to develop advanced manufacturing processes and a team of modern-minded engineers, capable of driving change in the manufacturing landscape. | Business Innovation | Highton | $309,442 | $618,885 |
| CMTP Pty Ltd | Automated Timber Resaw System | Our project is the supply and installation of a new automated multi rip, timber re saw system that will enable us to produce thin boards not currently available by the major sawmills. This will allow us to cut customised non standard sizing, suitable for both the domestic and export markets. This is state of the art technology that will reduce manual handling and increase our productivity, sustainability and safety standards. It will also ensure the ongoing employment of over 40 staff at our Colac site. | Business Innovation | Colac | $500,000 | $1,260,000 |
| Australian New Energy Pty Ltd | Waste to Energy Briquette Manufacturing | Pelletmate uses waste wood streams to produce wood pellets which are a renewable biofuel. We have a local and interstate demand for briquettes (compressed wood blocks) which can be burnt in a normal wood domestic heater. Raw materials used in our process include off cuts from local truss factories and single use wood pallets that would otherwise be destined for landfill. This grant will used to install a wood briquette press and packaging line. The project will employ six contractors and staff during the setup and commissioning process and four more full time staff thereafter. This is a new type of manufacturing industry for the Geelong area, and so, will also introduce new skills to the local workforce. | Business Innovation | Moolap | $162,227 | $324,454 |
| Pure Ponics Pty Ltd | Aquaponics Urban Farming Food Production Expansion | The project will increase the scale of PurePonics food production facilities, expanding fish and plant growing areas, improving advanced system controls for greater production security and creating more jobs within agriculture in the field of aquaponics. This will provide the Geelong region with greater security of year round supply of premium food product and a range of specialised, skilled and unskilled jobs in urban based agriculture in an emerging industry. The project will also construct facilities and build aquaponics systems, supported by research with Deakin University, which will facilitate national expansion, headquartered in Geelong, of PurePonics food production farms amongst urban populations across Australia. | Business Innovation | Waurn Ponds | $720,500 | $1,441,000 |
| CPS (Colac) Pty Ltd as trustee for CPS Trust | Expansion of Manufacturing Facility | The project will consist of the construction of a new 30m x 12m manufacturing facility at 42 Hugh Murray Drive, Colac Victoria and the purchase and installation of a new Roland Texart RT 640 dye-sublimation transfer printer and heat transfer calendar, along with fabric finishing equipment, software and computing systems to produce quality garments for the regions sporting clubs and other organisations that are predominantly being imported from China, creating new local and sustainable jobs. | Business Innovation | Colac | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| McMeckan Consulting Pty Ltd as trustee for The McMeckan Family Trust | Outdoor Cooking Instruction Facility | The Project will enhance Basils Farm as a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable food and wine business on the Bellarine Peninsula by constructing an outdoor cooking facility. The facility will be supported by an onsite micro grid system based on solar power with complementary lithium ion batteries and on site treatment of food and human waste based on organic principles that will be recycled across the property. Basils Farm business vision has a focus on an educational experience for customers. The innovative energy and waste management systems will be key part of this educational experience. | Business Innovation | Swan Bay | $300,000 | $900,000 |
| York Sourdough Pty Ltd as trustee for York Sourdough Unit Trust | Botanical Brew Start-Up | The project will start up a Jun Kombucha brewing facility in Geelong for the manufacturing of an alcoholic and non-alcoholic honey and green tea fermented probiotic beverage, to supply retail and wholesale outlets in Australia and for export. Benefits to the region include supporting local farmers and producers and value adding to their products; training and re-training the hospitality industry in fermentation and fermented products; having available on the market both locally and internationally, a food product/ beverage, which promotes the Geelong region (tourism), as a centre for healthy clean food production. | Business Innovation | Geelong West | $500,000 | $2,010,040 |
| Colac Otway Shire | Lake Colac Master Plan Stage 1 Implementation | Lake Colac is an iconic feature of the Colac Otway region. However, the facilities adjacent to Lake Colac do not allow the area to be utilised to its full potential. Community consultation undertaken during the development of a new Lake Colac Foreshore Master Plan in 2016 re-affirmed the value the community place on the lake foreshore, as well as a strong desire to see it become a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. The Federal Government funded the development of the new Master Plan that sets out a 10-year program of improvements to the Lake Foreshore. | Local Infrastructure | Colac | $250,000 | $500,858 |
| Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club Inc | Redevelopment of Operations and Training Centre – Anglesea SLSC | To provide a fit-for-purpose lifesaving facility that will also serve as a conference venue, an education hub and a focal point for other sporting and leisure activities and thus assist in promoting tourism in the region. | Local Infrastructure | Anglesea | $500,000 | $4,400,000 |
| DRW Investments Pty Ltd | Geelong Workshop maintenance efficiency & innovation project | This project is designed to provide improvements and efficiencies in the maintenance of the trucking fleet. Having the ability to carry out in-house testing of brake systems, wheel alignments and free play checks of the suspension systems during regular servicing provides point of use diagnostics and rectification. This eliminates the need to send the trucks to Melbourne preventing lost time and unnecessary fuel usage. Additionally correct alignment of the wheels will further reduce fuel usage and tyre wear, both having positive impacts for the environment. This project also allows for the direct employment of one FTE which then allows scope for the employment of an Apprentice, providing the Geelong region with additional employment. | Business Innovation | Norlane | $95,000 | $190,00 |
