Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed
Welding technology showcased in Mackay
BOC, Weld Australia and Diverseco celebrated the launch of Weld Australia’s newly-formed Mackay Committee with a technology showcase at BOC Mackay’s Gas and Welding store last week. The event was attended by Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, and a panel of welding industry experts who delivered interactive demonstrations featuring a welding cobot, Crittenden said manufacturing contributes $20 billion a year to Queensland’s economy and regional areas have a key role to play in expanding this figure. “We are excited to be launching our new Mackay regional committee that will help support businesses and advocate for their interests,” he said.
Submissions closing soon for responses to gas supply issues paper
The federal department of industry is seeking responses to an issues paper on the security of Australia’s domestic gas markets. The nation is facing challenges to security of domestic gas supply, specifically in the east coast gas market, where the federal government expects a shortfall of gas next year. More information is available here. Submissions closes August 22.
New program for SME clean energy finance
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation says is investing up to $200 million alongside ANZ Bank as part of a new program to provide discounted clean energy finance to ANZ businesses, it announced on Monday. The discounted finance is designed to encourage SMEs to invest in activities to cut their emissions, including renewable energy, recycling technologies, energy efficiency measures and electric vehicles. The CEFC and ANZ will each contribute 0.25 per cent toward a 0.5 per cent discount on loans of up to $5 million. “As the cost of energy and other inputs continues to rise, it is important to help them access the benefits that renewable energy, battery storage and energy efficient equipment can deliver,” CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said.
Epiminder links with Planet Innovation on software development
Medical technology startup Epiminder has teamed up with Planet Innovation’s (PI) Digital team to develop software for its epilepsy monitoring device. Epiminder is developing an ultra-long term ambulatory electroencephalography (EEG) implant for monitoring seizures, currently under investigation in Australian clinical trials in Australia. Their system includes an implant, a wearable, a patient app and cloud-based software. Epiminder CEO Rohan Hoare, said it had allowed the company to define and align the future of their digital products. Clinical trials are underway at hospitals including the Austin, Alfred, Mater, Westmead and St Vincent’s Hospitals.
Australia could remain world’s dirty car magnet: EV Council
Australia will stay at the end of the queue for the best and most affordable EVs and fail to reach net zero without legitimate fuel efficiency standards, the Electric Vehicle Council has claimed. Australia is one of the only OECD nations not to have FES, the organisation said, making EVs difficult to purchase and creating long wait times for delivery. Australian consumer demand for EVs is beating supply. “The only fuel efficiency standards that will make a difference are standards in line with those that exist in the US and Europe,” said EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari. “Australia missed the boat by 30 years in introducing fuel efficiency standards making us the world’s dumping ground for dirty vehicles today.”
Victorian Medtech Manufacturing Capability Program recipients announced
Last week the Victorian government announced 12 businesses to share in $3.2 million of funding through the Medtech Manufacturing Capability Program. Each will receive grants of up to $500,000 to undertake new projects, scale up production and upgrade equipment. The co-funded projects are worth over $7 million collectively and would create 93 new jobs, according to a statement. Grants are being delivered through the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre. Successful applicants were Anatomics, Care Essentials, Compumedics, Cyban, Dolphin Products, Global Kinetics, Medmont International, Navi Medical Technologies, Neo-Bionica, Polynovo, Schott Minifab, and 4DMedical.
Image credit: afma.org.au
Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.
Topics Manufacturing News
@aumanufacturing Sections
Analysis and Commentary Awards Defence Manufacturing News Podcast Technology Videos