Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker, Dave Reynolds from Faircloth and Reynolds and Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh. –
Rachel Vercoe
Coffs Harbour businesses have received a major boost and a kick start to 2018 with the Coalition Government announcing $3.4 million in funding to help deliver more local jobs under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the initiative was part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to back jobs in regional Australia and drive economic growth across the Mid North Coast.
“Everything the Coalition Government does is focused on backing local business and local communities to get ahead,” Dr McVeigh said.
“Thanks to Luke Hartsuyker’s relentless advocacy we have been able to deliver $3.4 million for local businesses which will create more than 60 new construction jobs and 140 ongoing jobs,” Dr McVeigh said.
“After an extensive assessment process involving strong community input, three projects totalling $3.4 million will be delivered in Coffs Harbour, providing residents with a range of employment and investment opportunities.”
The $220 million pilot program is being rolled out in 10 regions across the nation and is designed to diversify regional economies, particularly those that have undergone large structural changes to help drive economic growth and job creation.
Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said he was pleased to see the Coalition Government investing in key projects that would allow the region to reach its economic potential, create jobs and support the local economy for years to come.
“Faircloth & Reynolds is a fantastic local business which has evolved from a two men and a ute operation into a successful company that employs hundreds of locals,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“This project will upgrade their manufacturing capacity, allowing them to service more modern premises and employ more local people.
He said Oz Group was another success story for the Mid North Coast.
“Australian blueberry exports continue to go from strength to strength, and this grant will enable them to increase their processing capacity and take advantage of lucrative new trade opportunities in Asia and generate more jobs on the Mid North Coast,” he said.
“We will see the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility for the delivery of building and façade systems in Coffs Harbour, which will provide 14 jobs during construction and 100 jobs post-construction.”
Successful projects under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages: Cowper
Successful recipient: Faircloth & Reynolds Pty Ltd
Project : Upgrade manufacturing capacity to produce ovalised ductwork and Enviropac air-conditioning units, which will allow the company to better service modern building designs
Grant Approved : $2,009,008
Successful recipient : Oz Group Trading Pty Ltd
Project : Streamlining and updating blueberry-processing equipment at this farmers’ cooperative to increase processing capacity. This upgrade will increase competitiveness in the export markets such as South East Asia and Canada
Grant Approved : $1,050,000
Successful recipient : Stonelake Pty Ltd
Project : Establishing a manufacturing facility to commercialise the patented Buildonix façade building system and increase local production of building materials.
Grant Approved : $338,216
• Successful projects in the Cowper electorate announced under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages
• The $220 million initiative is designed to stimulate job creation and investment in regional Australia
• Three projects, totalling $3.4 million, will be delivered in Coffs Harbour.