Joint media release

Local manufacturers in Cowper with shovel-ready projects to increase their productivity and grow jobs are being encouraged to apply for a Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) grant.

Businesses will be able to apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology, as part of the Morrison-McCormack Government’s economic support measures to help our nation recover from COVID-19.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said this grant round provided a real opportunity for local manufactures as many of them excel in the six National Manufacturing Priority areas, particularly in food and beverage manufacturing.

“I want to see our hard-working, local manufacturers go to the next level, because if they prosper, our whole community prospers,” he said.

“Cowper is home to a variety of manufacturing businesses and they are a significant employer of locals.

“There are some key food and beverage manufacturers here such as Norco who is commemorating its centenary this year.

“All local manufacturers in the electorate, but especially those in the six National Manufacturing Priorities areas, are encouraged to apply by 21 January 2021.”

The six National Manufacturing Priorities areas as identified in the Make It Happen – The Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy are Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing; Food and Beverage; Medical Products; Recycling and Clean Energy; Defence; and Space.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the MMF Round Two was a key element of the Government’s $1.5 billion manufacturing strategy.

“The Morrison Government knows that manufacturing is central to our nation’s economic future and creating jobs for the recovery from COVID-19 and for future generations,” Minister Andrews said.

“In these uncertain times, we’re giving manufacturing businesses the confidence and certainty they need to invest in themselves to deliver new and innovative products and services.

“We want to deliver more products for Australians, and beyond that, we want to open up more opportunities for manufacturers to take on the world with their top quality products.”

Round One of the MMF in April saw the Government invest $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million. These projects are expected to create about 2,600 new jobs.

The big change between Round One and Round Two is that this time we will play to our nation’s strengths, with the projects needing to align with the six National Manufacturing Priorities.

Applications for Round Two of the MMF will be open until 21 January 2021.

Mr Conaghan said Cowper’s manufacturing sector had withstood the many challenges of 2020 including COVID-19 and bushfires. He held a virtual manufacturing forum with local representatives in September including representatives from the boat building industry, food processing plants and carpentry and dental hygiene manufacturers.

For more information on the MMF and how to apply for a Round Two application, visit the Australian Government’s Business website.

Media Contacts:

Mrs Andrews –Keegan Buzz 0429 920 254

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744