MANUFACTURERS URGED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

Riverina and Central West manufacturers with shovel-ready projects to increase productivity and grow jobs are being encouraged to apply for a Federal Government Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) grant.  

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said businesses could apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology. The MMF Round Two is a key element of the Federal Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy. 

“There are many great manufacturing businesses in the Riverina and Central West which I believe can take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to grow – they have the ideas, they have the expertise, they have the experience – and here is the opportunity to seek funding to help realise their ambitions,” Mr McCormack said. 

Mr McCormack said the COVID-19 pandemic had focused the nation’s attention on the need for more domestic manufacturing not just to meet current needs and demands but also to grow the economy and create future jobs, especially in rural and regional Australia. 

“We want to help take hard-working manufacturers, such as those in the Riverina and Central West, to the next level because we know if they prosper our community prospers,” Mr McCormack said.

“By helping our manufacturers become more competitive, we not only create more direct jobs, but jobs in businesses right along the supply chain – from our farmers to our truckies.”

Round One of the MMF in April last year saw the Government invest $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects across the nation valued at more than $215 million. Round One grants included $92,000 for Wagga Wagga’s Viewco Glass. 

“The big change between Round One and Round Two is this time we will play to our nation’s strengths, with the projects needing to align with the National Manufacturing Priorities announced as part of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy,” Mr McCormack said. 

The National Manufacturing Priorities are: Resources Technology & Critical Minerals Processing; Food & Beverage; Medical Products; Recycling & Clean Energy; Defence; and Space.

Applications for Round Two of the MMF will be open until 21 January 2021. For more information on the MMF, including how to apply, visit business.gov.au/mmf.