Media Release: $6 MILLION GRANT TO EXPAND GEELONG TECH PRECINCT

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Friday, January 25, 2008

$6 MILLION GRANT TO EXPAND GEELONG TECH PRECINCT

The Victorian Government will give Deakin University a $6 million grant to build a new design and manufacturing research centre at Waurn Pond’s Geelong Technology Precinct, Premier John Brumby announced today.

At the Geelong Technology Precinct, Mr Brumby said the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) grant for the new Proof of Concept centre was part of a $13 million expansion project which also included a refurbishment of the existing precinct building.

“The expansion of the Geelong Technology Precinct is great news for the Geelong region and economy,” Mr Brumby said.

“University forecasts predict the new centre will create over 400 direct and indirect jobs and almost double the current precinct capacity through additional researchers, staff and collaborators. The project is also estimated to deliver an indirect boost to the local economy of about $48 million.

“When completed, Deakin University will have an expanded research program and be able to build more industry partnerships nationally and overseas. This will reinforce Geelong’s growing reputation as a centre for innovation and excellence.”

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government provided $1.96 million in 2002 to establish the technology precinct, which opened in 2004.

“The Proof of Concept building will enable the centre to expand the university’s smart design and advanced manufacturing capability and be a site for research into biotechnology, new materials and intelligent information systems such as robotics,” Mr Brumby said.

“This expansion will go a long way to support Deakin’s vision for the precinct to be a place where industry and researchers collaborate to create new technologies and new manufacturing and knowledge industries.”

Minister for Regional Development, Jacinta Allan said the precinct expansion included:
· A new 3000sqm Proof of Concept centre next to the Geelong Technology Precinct for translational research and industry-sponsored prototyping work; and
· Infrastructure improvements to the Geelong Technology Precinct building, including expanding the central services laboratory area, upgrading the Bio Deakin Laboratory, and installing a waste water treatment facility in the wine science rooms.

“Deakin University will contribute $7 million to the expansion project. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2010,” Ms Allan said.

Ms Allan said RIDF had been successful in leveraging investment to deliver vital infrastructure projects across Victoria.

“To date, the Brumby Government has provided $377.4 million through the RIDF to fund 157 projects worth $1.06 billion across regional and rural Victoria,” she said.