$17 M TO BOOST JOBS GROWTH IN SA’S SOUTH-EAST

Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and South Australian Industry Minister Tom Koutsantonis are encouraging South Australian businesses to help boost jobs and innovation in the State’s south-east.
The push marks the opening of the $12 million South-East South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund (SE SAIIF) to applications.
The fund is a joint initiative between the Australian and the South Australian Governments and it is expected the investment will create new long-term jobs in high-value manufacturing. The Fund was announced by the Ministers earlier this year following an announcement by Kimberly-Clark that more than 200 jobs would be lost at its Millicent site.
The $12 million SE SAIIF program is part of a $17 million package that includes up to $5 million for a labour adjustment program for Kimberly-Clark displaced workers that involves skill assessment and re-skilling workers.
Senator Carr said both Governments have worked hard to put the assistance package in place quickly to offset any hardship the local communities may endure.
“Around 170 permanent and 35 temporary jobs have been lost from Kimberly-Clark’s Millicent Mill following the international company restructure,” Senator Carr said.
“And a further 65 Australian jobs could be lost if there is no buyer for the Tantanoola pulp mill.
“The Government cannot and will not stand by and watch families and communities struggle through circumstances such as this.
Through SE SAIIF grants, we will invest in projects that will lead to the creation of high-value, high-skill jobs in the South-East region. This will strengthen the region’s manufacturing and service capacity and minimise unemployment.”
Minister Koutsantonis said the funding provides a timely opportunity to achieve just that while diversifying the region’s economy.
“The South-East is home to a major regional city – Mount Gambier – as well as several other commercial and service centres with access to infrastructure and transport networks, making it a great place to value-add and grow emerging industries,” Minister Koutsantonis said.
“I look forward to seeing how these grants can help create future employment opportunities in the South-East.’’
Federal Senator Anne McEwen will visit Millicent in South Australia’s South-East on 17 May to speak with the local community and officials about the Fund.
Businesses looking to apply for funding can also attend information sessions in the State. More information on these sessions will Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and South Australian Industry Minister Tom Koutsantonis are encouraging South Australian businesses to help boost jobs and innovation in the State’s south-east. .
The push marks the opening of the $12 million South-East South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund (SE SAIIF) to applications.
The fund is a joint initiative between the Australian and the South Australian Governments and it is expected the investment will create new long-term jobs in high-value manufacturing. The Fund was announced by the Ministers earlier this year following an announcement by Kimberly-Clark that more than 200 jobs would be lost at its Millicent site.
The $12 million SE SAIIF program is part of a $17 million package that includes up to $5 million for a labour adjustment program for Kimberly-Clark displaced workers that involves skill assessment and re-skilling workers.
Senator Carr said both Governments have worked hard to put the assistance package in place quickly to offset any hardship the local communities may endure.
“Around 170 permanent and 35 temporary jobs have been lost from Kimberly-Clark’s Millicent Mill following the international company restructure,” Senator Carr said.
“And a further 65 Australian jobs could be lost if there is no buyer for the Tantanoola pulp mill.
“The Government cannot and will not stand by and watch families and communities struggle through circumstances such as this.
Through SE SAIIF grants, we will invest in projects that will lead to the creation of high-value, high-skill jobs in the South-East region. This will strengthen the region’s manufacturing and service capacity and minimise unemployment.”
Minister Koutsantonis said the funding provides a timely opportunity to achieve just that while diversifying the region’s economy.
“The South-East is home to a major regional city – Mount Gambier – as well as several other commercial and service centres with access to infrastructure and transport networks, making it a great place to value-add and grow emerging industries,” Minister Koutsantonis said.
“I look forward to seeing how these grants can help create future employment opportunities in the South-East.’’
Federal Senator Anne McEwen will visit Millicent in South Australia’s South-East on 17 May to speak with the local community and officials about the Fund.
Businesses looking to apply for funding can also attend information sessions in the State. More information on these sessions will be provided through the local media.
The fund will be available over the 2011-12 to 2012-13 financial years. Applications close 5.30pm AEST 12 August 2011.
For more information visit www.ausindustry.gov.au phone 13 28 46, or email [email protected]
be provided through the local media.
The fund will be available over the 2011-12 to 2012-13 financial years. Applications close 5.30pm AEST 12 August 2011.
For more information visit www.ausindustry.gov.au phone 13 28 46, or email [email protected]