Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, has confirmed the first group of successful recipients of the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million New Energy Job Fund grant.
Image credit: seaauto.com.au
According to the Minister, Victorian automotive technology company SEA Automotive is the recipient of one of the 24 grants that will be announced in the coming months.
The company will receive $516,720 in funding under the Manufacturing category, and will use the finances to support its work producing electric powered commercial vehicles.
The funding will finance the first stage of a commercial electric vehicle manufacturing facility, with a view to developing an innovative range of electric powered commercial vehicles. The initiative is expected to create around 80 high-skill jobs in the Geelong region over the next four years.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the Labor Government registered a strong interest in the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund with applicants providing ideas for clean energy projects that will position Victoria as a leader in new energy technologies.
“This remarkable project will cement Victoria as an electric vehicle powerhouse,” the Minister added.
“We’re proud to be rebuilding much needed confidence in the renewable energy industry while providing jobs for automotive assembly workers.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the grant award was a welcome development for Geelong, considering the imminent Ford closure.
“This is an extremely important announcement for the Geelong community and we welcome these new jobs, particularly in light of the upcoming Ford closure,” she said.
New Energy Job Fund forms a key part of the Government’s $200 million Future Industries Fund that was established to support high growth, high value industries.
