A year since the Turnbull Government launched a landmark new plan to capitalise on the nation’s strengths and turn Australia into an innovation leader, the Mornington Peninsula has benefitted from the major initiatives that are underway to boost investment, generate jobs and improve the quality of our lives.
Over the past 12 months elements of the National Innovation and Science Agenda have taken shape and are helping to drive a more prosperous future right here on the Peninsula.
Local Somerville business, Sealite received close to $1.1 million under the Coalition Government’s $90 million Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Programme. The funding will assist in the development of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (AMIC) for specialist marine navigation aids and aviation ground lighting systems in Tyabb.
The story of Sealite is a triumph of a local business utilising innovation to grow their business both locally and into global markets. After starting their business from their garage in 2003, Chris and Jeff Procter have successfully grown their workforce to over 125 here on the Peninsula. This funding will enable further growth in Sealite’s operations and represents a great local example of how the Government’s innovation agenda is creating new jobs.
The Turnbull Government is similarly investing in local schools by providing $10 million for CSIRO to extend the Scientist and Mathematicians in Schools Program.
Over the past year, Rye Primary School has been actively involved in this program, which links practising scientists, mathematicians, engineers and IT professionals with classroom teachers and their students.
The Government’s Scientist and Mathematicians in Schools Program aims to increase student interest and motivation in science, technology, engineering and maths through real-world exposure and I encourage all schools in our region to register their interest in the expanded program on the CSIRO website.
We have also committed $65 million towards a series of initiatives, designed to ensure that students are developing the digital skills needed for the 21st century workforce. Included in the suite of programs, is the Digital Literacy School Grants, which will provide grants of $10,000 to $50,000 for schools, who demonstrate innovative methods in the implementation of the new Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies.
The Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda is continuing to deliver positive outcomes for people across Australia, as well as right here on the Mornington Peninsula.
For more information on the agenda’s programs and initiatives visit: innovation.gov.au