The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing $3 million to support the recommendations of the Caterpillar Transition Taskforce.
This is in addition to the $60 million Northern Cities Major Development Initiative, with Burnie to get its share to ensure a stronger presence for the University of Tasmania at West Park.
Premier Will Hodgman said supporting jobs on the Coast was a key priority of the Government.
“We want to ensure advanced manufacturing has a strong future and continues to support jobs in Burnie and on the North West Coast,” he said.
“The $3 million in State Budget funding will be used to financially underpin the recommendations of the Transition Taskforce.
“The North West Coast has a proud history in advanced manufacturing, and the Taskforce has been working hard to develop a blueprint to ensure the future is just as strong.
“This funding will help to secure the transition of the advanced manufacturing industry into new areas of opportunity and help to actively pursue investments, to create jobs in the immediate, medium and long-term.”
The Deputy Premier and Transition Taskforce Chairman Jeremy Rockliff said outcomes from today’s Advanced Manufacturing Summit would inform the taskforce’s recommendations.
“The Transition Taskforce has been working to develop a blue-print to seek out new opportunities for the sector and develop partnerships that promote expertise and innovation,” Mr Rockliff said.
“Today’s summit is an example of the productive solutions the Transition Taskforce is working towards, and we will ensure those in the industry have a say and work together to drive solutions for the sector.
“The commitment of $3 million in funding will enable us to realise the eventual recommendations.
“While it is early days we are extremely encouraged by the attendance at today’s summit. It is clear that there is enormous support and commitment to ensuring a strong future for the advanced manufacturing sector.”
The Transition Taskforce will meet again tomorrow.