The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $2.8 million in two key projects in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven to boost the local economy and deliver jobs as part of its plan to drive economic development in regional NSW.
The funding is part of the NSW Government's approach to delivering smart investments with local partners, ensuring there is a focus on priorities that make a real difference to regional communities.
The NSW Government's Regional Development Trust will provide funding of $2.8 million, and grant recipients will contribute a further $1.2 million to deliver some $4 million in investment supporting volunteers and emergency services and encouraging high-tech innovation.
The projects receiving funds from the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program are:
- $760,107 - for Medovex Pty Ltd to develop an advanced medical device manufacturing and sterilisation facility in Wollongong
- The project will create a facility to manufacture devices for chronic back pain treatment and conduct small-batch sterilisation of medical equipment, supporting the company's efforts to scale-up for export.
- It will create five new direct jobs in the health and advanced manufacturing sector and supporting innovation in regional NSW.
- $2,068,884 - for the Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW to build a new base for Shoalhaven volunteers and the community at Culburra Beach
- The project will include construction of a purpose-designed, state-of-the art emergency services base and training facility.
- The building will also be designed for wider community use including hosting meetings, workshops and functions.
Investments through the Regional Development Trust are a new approach to the way in which the Minns Government invests in shovel ready regional projects to create jobs and attract investment.
Each project is reviewed by the Regional Development Advisory Council, an independent body appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW to provide advice on investments and ensure the interests of regional communities are at the centre of government decision making.
Further announcements regarding other successful projects from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said:
"This investment will provide a significant boost for the Illawarra by supporting the local economy and creating jobs.
"This is about the Minns Labor Government working together with the private sector to support innovation and promote regional economic development.
"I'm proud to see our region benefit from smart investment that reflects the needs and strengths of our local communities."
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This funding backs projects that create jobs, boost local businesses and improve services and is delivering on the NSW Government's plan to invest in projects that deliver long-term benefits for regional communities.
"We are proud to support groups like the Volunteer Marine Rescue in their important work keeping our communities safe, and it's pleasing to see that the new facility will be one for whole of community use.
"Regional NSW is home to some of Australia's most talented innovators and I look forward to seeing Medovex use this funding to meet a critical need in equipment sterilisation and also to grow the technical arm of the business."
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:
"This is a win for Wollongong, which will support new jobs and help Medovex deliver life changing medical technology.
"Investments like this one add to the local innovation ecosystem.
"Skilled local fabricators, along with the research and education sector in the Illawarra, make the region ripe to play a greater role in the development and manufacturing of medical devices."
Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:
"This investment in Marine Rescue Services is great news for the local boating community and the community more broadly.
"It's vital that the Volunteer Marine Rescue has the resources to be able to provide their life saving services. This funding will ensure they are able to continue this great work.
"The new base will serve as a vital hub for emergency services, significantly improving response times to maritime incidents in the region and providing safer experiences for visitors.
"It's great to see the NSW Government backing projects that help young people get skilled, support tourism and build stronger connections across our community.
Member Elect for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
"This funding delivers practical support for the volunteers, workers and innovators who keep our regional communities thriving.
"Whether it's improving safety on the water or growing advanced manufacturing, these projects will have a lasting impact across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner, Todd Andrews said:
"We're grateful for the support of the NSW Government and the investment it's making not only in our volunteers, but also in the boating community in the region.
"So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Shoalhaven have completed more than 50 search and rescue missions, safely returning just over 100 people to shore.
"The planned new single-level Marine Rescue Shoalhaven base will include a state-of-the-art radio room, crew and training areas, garaging for vessels-including the flood-rescue support multi-purpose vessel based at the unit-storage facilities, and community meeting spaces.
"The new base will ensure Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at the Shoalhaven unit can continue their vital work, monitoring marine radio seven days a week and managing emergencies on local waters."
Medovex CEO, Christopher Athavle said:
"We are excited to have the support of the NSW government to continue developing an innovative back pain solution, for thousands of Australians and many more around the world."
"Making this product in Australia and NSW is a proud achievement for the whole team as we love our Country and State."
