Mildura is in prime position to benefit from a new push to revive manufacturing in Victoria and create new careers after the COVID pandemic highlighted our state’s over-reliance on imported goods.
Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh was at regional manufacturer Australian Turntables today to discuss opportunities to secure our state against global supply chain shocks by boosting content manufactured in our state.
The Liberals and Nationals have announced a $2.5 billion Bringing Manufacturing Home fund to support businesses to set up operations or expand in our state, with a $1 billion slice guaranteed specifically for regional Victoria.
“Mildura’s manufacturing sector is the biggest contributor to the local economy, generating a $1 billion contribution and more than 1300 local jobs,” Mr Walsh said.
“Shifting the focus to locally-produced manufactured goods will create even more new careers for young people in Mildura and the Sunraysia where manufacturing is already a key sector.
“Shortages, driven by international border closures in the past three years of pandemic, have highlighted the desperate need to reduce our reliance on importing products like farm machinery, farm chemicals, pharmaceuticals and PPE.
“Importantly, The Nationals will guarantee that funds will be invested in regional communities like Mildura so new or expanded manufacturing operations can be located in our backyard.”
Regional companies like Shepparton’s MedCon scaled up their production of essential PPE during the pandemic when global supply chain shocks led to life-threatening shortages, proving Victoria’s immense manufacturing potential.
Mr Walsh said that these companies have since been abandoned by the Andrews Labor Government.
“Only the Liberals and Nationals will support local manufacturing businesses so communities can rebuild and recover with confidence and that Victoria’s prepared for future crises,” Mr Walsh said.
“A wholesale economic rebuild can’t begin soon enough. Victoria needs a government with a positive plan to recover and rebuild our communities from the ground up.”