An estimated 470 jobs will emerge from the ashes of the Illawarra’s imploding manufacturing sector, with 13 businesses sharing in $16.2 million provided by a government-backed aid package.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Funds will go towards a cross-section of businesses in the tourism, environment, engineering and boutique manufacturing sectors.
The funds represent just over half of the $30 million rescue package announced in August following BlueScope Steel’s decision to axe 800 jobs at its Port Kembla plant.
Applications are being called for second-round grants.
The Federal Government contributed $20 million to the package, while BlueScope and the NSW Government gave $5 million each.
The successful businesses at least matched public funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with total spend coming to more than $46.5 million.
Well-known tourism operators and lesser known niche manufacturing businesses are among the recipients.
Jamberoo Action Park will receive $2.2 million in funding to expand its park, creating 54 jobs, while Wollongong’s Sky Dive the Beach will receive $896,500, creating 20 jobs.
The largest grant from the fund, $6.1 million, went to Unanderra company Focus Pty Ltd, to establish a print manufacturing hub employing 190 people.
Unanderra’s nearby Hydromet Operations received $1.3million for a new rotary furnace, which will employ about 20 people.
Hydromet manager Barry Wyborn said the furnace, about twice the size of a cement mixer, uses extreme heat to extract lead and other materials from batteries.
Mr Wyborn said when he is looking for new workers he will give preference to those made redundant by BlueScope.
‘‘Those sorts of people come to a company and they already know about safety systems, and they know about environmental systems, you don’t have to tell them that they need safety helmets and gloves,’’ he said.
‘‘They’re the sorts of people we are looking for.’’
He said the extra funds would also have a flow-on effect in the area.
‘‘We will now need companies that will provide work clothing, we will need companies who provide forklifts, we will need electrical expertise - there are all these side-benefits that we won’t necessarily produce but that others might see the opportunities,’’ he said.
Greg Combet, the Minister for Industry and Innovation, said funds were aimed at transforming the region’s economy.
‘‘They will create sustainable employment and business opportunities,” he said.
Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner agreed that the fund would ‘‘diversify and strengthen’’ industries in the region.
BlueScope steelmaking manager John Nowlan said the range of recipients reflected the Illawarra’s ‘‘innovative thinking and entrepreneurial capability’’.
The Federal Government is taking applications for round two grants under the scheme. Further information is available online at ausindustry.gov.au or on 132846.
