Treasurer Tim Pallas today announced the Andrews Labor Government will provide $60,000 towards a demand study for an LPG vehicle production plant in Geelong, fulfilling a key election commitment.
The four month study will assess the establishment of large-scale dedicated vehicle manufacturing and conversion facilities and evaluate the benefits of setting up a centre of excellence for research and innovation in auto LPG technologies.
The plan would boost the local economy and help to secure the future of Geelong’s automotive industry and jobs.
The Australian auto industry has experienced a decline in the number of LPG conversions, which has impacted sales, businesses and jobs in the sector, and led to uncertainty around future demand for LPG vehicles.
The study will assess the current and future LPG vehicle market, providing an analysis of key factors around vehicle procurement by fleet managers and identify economic and technology factors influencing the uptake of LPG vehicles in Australia.
Funding for the study will come from the Labor Government’s $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, along with the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and its strategic partner Gas Energy Australia.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Tim Pallas
“Developing LPG manufacturing and conversion facilities and a centre of excellence would secure the automotive industry and jobs in Geelong.”
“We’re keeping our promise and doing the study. It will tell us whether or not the proposal will work.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio
“The project could mean investments and export opportunities, create high skill engineering and manufacturing jobs and provide jobs for displaced workers from conventional auto manufacturing.”
“Our $200 million Future Industries Fund and $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will support job-creating projects right across Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020