THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. ANGUS TAYLOR MP
Federal Member for Hume
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Mornington Peninsula business, Australian Growing Solutions Pty Ltd in Tyabb, has successfully secured more than $1.5 million in funding, thanks to the Morrison Government’s $33 million first round of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.
Australian Growing Solutions Pty Ltd has been awarded $1,573,250 to expand their manufacturing lines for potting mixes and fertilisers at their Tyabb facility. The funding is expected to boost the capacity of blending potting mix and fertilisers from 20x2m3 batches per hour to a continuous 230m3 per hour – reducing dependence on imported raw materials and fertilisers.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the funding was great news for the Mornington Peninsula’s manufacturing sector and Australia’s food supply chain.
“In times of crisis, it’s important to know that steady supplies are available, especially for our agricultural sector that provides the food for our tables.” Minister Hunt said.
“By expanding their manufacturing capability, Australian Growing Solutions Pty Ltd can supply locally made fertiliser and potting mixes to Australia’s farmers and growers, so they can grow their crops without relying on imported products.”
“Not only does this project show that manufacturing is alive and well across the Mornington Peninsula, it also demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s economy and securing our national food supply chain.”
Commercial Business Manager for Australian Growing Solutions Pty Ltd, Adrian McCarthy said that Australian Growing Solutions (AGS) are excited by the opportunity for the business to play a pivotal role in onshoring and securing important components of Australia’s food supply chain.
“The grant will fund equipment that allows AGS to increase the speed and scale of our manufacturing, and importantly, replace imported inputs that have a poor environmental and ethical track record with products proudly made right here in Tyabb.”
“Our project benefits Australian growers and consumers, because it improves the security of growing media supply for the seeds that grow into what ultimately ends up on our plates.”
“We’re also excited to contribute towards future proofing our site and securing existing jobs for years to come.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said these grants will back innovative companies who will improve Australia’s access to critical products – medicines and agricultural production chemicals – including in times of crisis.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has showed us the importance of resilient supply chains, and manufacturing capability, within Australia – especially for critical products,” Minister Taylor said.
“Whether it be to ensure we have life-saving medicines, or that our farmers have the agricultural production chemicals they need to keep producing food for Australians – we want to secure our capabilities to make what we need.
“That is why the Government is investing in projects to support manufacturing of these critical products – as well as in the areas of semi-conductors and water treatment chemicals under Round two.
“These projects, with the Government’s support, will grow Australian manufacturing, build capability and support and create crucial jobs in Australia.”
Successful companies under Round one will receive matched grants of between $50,000 and $2 million across medicines and agricultural production chemicals – which were identified as sectors of focus in the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan.
Round two grants will cover eligible projects in the areas of semi-conductors and water treatment chemicals, identified during a second tranche of analysis. This support builds on existing strong collaboration with the telecommunications sector to ensure resilience to sustain critical operations in that area.
For more details and information on the successful projects Round one projects visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/supply-chain-resilience-initiative/grant-recipients.
For guidelines and to apply for Round two visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/supply-chain-resilience-initiative-round-2.
Media Contacts:
Minister Taylor’s office: Annabel Clunies-Ross 0428 295 517
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