The state government is promising businesses in Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong better access to research expertise to grow jobs, create investment opportunities and boost productivity following a funding announcement yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Employment Minister Wade Noonan announced up to $650,000 in funds for the Regional Industry Collaboration Program in Geelong, with the aim of providing brokerage services and seed funding to facilitate industry research projects between leading universities and businesses in the three regional cities.
Mr Noonan said the projects would see companies given access to new research, technologies, facilities and expertise at institutions in regional Victoria, saying one family-run waste management company had already used industry research projects to explore new technologies and improve their business.
The RICP is open to businesses in Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong which operate across the state government’s priority growth sectors, including new energy technologies, food and fibre, transport, defence, construction and manufacturing.
The announcement follows planning for a new $7.8 million food and fibre centre of excellence, scheduled to open at Bendigo Kangan Institute’s Charleston Road campus later this year.
The program will be led by the Geelong Manufacturing Council, and is part of the Government’s Future Industries Fund supporting jobs, investment and export growth.
“We’re helping businesses in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat embark on industry research projects that will create jobs, improve productivity and attract new investment,” Mr Noonan said.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the RICP would help connect businesses in the region with jobs and investment.
“By connecting businesses in Victoria’s west to our brightest research minds, we’re opening up new opportunities for skilled jobs and investment,” she said.