Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, and Minister for Innovation and Science, Ed Husic, joined the regions’ manufacturing and industry leaders for a Roundtable discussion on the National Reconstruction Fund.

Ms Coker said the Roundtable provided an opportunity for local industry leaders to showcase their visions and explore opportunities through the NRF.

“Our region is home to so many innovative and ambitious people, and through the NRF, we want to see their capabilities and ambitions grow,” said Ms Coker.

“Industry and manufacturing industries have played such an important role throughout the history of our region, providing employment, and putting us on the map. These new industries will continue that proud tradition.”

Among those who attended the Roundtable were representatives from Austeng, Air Radiators, BAE Systems Australia, Carbon Nexus, Carbon Revolution, Cobram Estate Olives, G21, Universal Motion Simulation (UMS) and Quickstep, among many others.

Minister Husic had the opportunity to tour a number of facilities throughout the day, including a potential future site for Recharge Industries, and Flaim and UMS at Deakin University Waurn Ponds.

“The most successful modern economies are built on strong, advanced manufacturing capability. The NRF will help deliver this for Australia,” Minister Husic said.

“We want the Geelong-region, and the nation more broadly, to be a country that makes things, that has faith in its know-how and has the ability to get the job done.”

The $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund will support, diversify and transform Australia’s industry and economy, helping to create secure, well-paid jobs, securing future prosperity and driving sustainable economic growth.