Local manufacturers in Mallee with shovel-ready projects are being encouraged to apply for a Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) grant. Any businesses with shovel ready projects and a goal to grow are encouraged to apply.

Businesses will be able to apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology, as the Morrison Government continues to support the post-COVID-19 comeback.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the MMF Round Two was a key element of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

“The Morrison Government knows that manufacturing is central to our nation’s economic future and creating jobs for the recovery from COVID-19 and for future generations,” Minister Andrews said.

“In these uncertain times, we’re giving manufacturing businesses the confidence and certainty they need to invest in themselves to deliver new and innovative products and services.

“We want to deliver more products for Australians, and beyond that, we want to open up more opportunities for manufacturers to take on the world with their top quality products.

Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster said the Government is backing businesses to back themselves and grow.

“We want to help take hard-working manufacturers like those in the Wimmera and Mallee to the next level, because we know if they prosper, our community prospers,” Dr Webster said.

“Mallee is home to over 500 manufacturing businesses and is a significant employer of locals.

“By helping our manufacturers become more competitive, we not only create more direct jobs, but jobs in businesses right along the supply chain – from our farmers to our truckies.”

Round One of the MMF in April saw the Government invest $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million. These projects are expected to create about 2,600 new jobs.

The big change between Round One and Round Two is that Round Two is focusing on the nation’s strengths, with the projects needing to align with the National Manufacturing Priorities announced as part of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

The National Manufacturing Priorities are Resources Technology & Critical Minerals Processing; Food & Beverage; Medical Products; Recycling & Clean Energy; Defence; and Space.

Applications for Round Two of the MMF will be open until 21 January 2021.

For more information on the MMF, including how to apply, visit business.gov.au/mmf