Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

NSW government’s $2.5 million critical minerals co-investment fund The NSW government has launched a new $2.5 million co-investment seed funding program, which it says will “unearth the state’s next major critical minerals projects.” The new Critical Minerals Exploration Program requires a 50 per cent co-investment from successful applicants and will encourage more exploration in NSW,…

NSW targets $27 billion in extra investment in “innovation-intensive firms” over next decade

The NSW government has released its decadal innovation plan, which it says will build on the state’s current strengths including attracting 65 per cent of the nation’s venture capital investment and hosting five of eight “unicorn” enterprises (a privately-owned startup worth over $1 billion.) In a statement on Monday, the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 was…

NSW government releases industry policy, setting manufacturing growth targets up to 2040

The NSW government has released its industry policy, linking three missions: Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition, and Local Manufacturing, with the latter including what it says are “ambitious” targets around growth in value added and local content in rolling transport stock. According to a statement from trade and industry minister Anoulack Chanthivong on Wednesday,…

New electric bus manufacturing hub planned for Nowra

Nowra, NSW is poised to become the latest hub for cutting-edge public transport innovation, as Foton Mobility Distribution, an Australian-owned bus manufacturer, plans to establish a new 6,000 square meter electric bus manufacturing facility. This development, scheduled to begin construction in late 2025 pending council approval, aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to revitalising local…

$47 million Illawarra Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence scheduled to open in 2027

Combined NSW and federal funding worth $47 million has been announced to establish the Illawarra Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW Wollongong, the third TAFE CoE announced for the state. According to a joint statement from the two governments on Tuesday, the upcoming facility will: Provide targeted training in traditional and emerging…

Replacement for Freshwater ferries to be electric, locally-made

The NSW government has said that the next generation of Sydney’s Freshwater ferries will be locally-made, with Transport for NSW beginning “market sounding” for a zero-emissions fleet, contrasting this with previous decisions to purchase three overseas-made vessels for the Circular Quay to Manly route. In a statement on Tuesday, the government said the upcoming Freshwater…