The Andrews Labor Government is supporting businesses in the mining sector to grow, innovate and connect as part of a new program launched in Bendigo.
Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes today launched the Regional Innovation Accelerator program, giving local businesses in the Mining Equipment Technology and Services (METS) sector an opportunity to discuss the support they need to drive innovation and investment – particularly in regional Victoria.
The program launch involved an interactive forum where mining industry leaders outlined what they looked for when entering into partnerships with regional METS companies and how Victoria was an Australian leader in METS innovation.
The four-year program is part of the Labor Government’s mineral resources strategy State of Discovery, which promotes responsible mining and the creation of confident regional communities.
The METS industries encompass a variety of services and thousands of jobs in Victoria – including mineral exploration, mining products, engineering consulting, construction, information and communications technology and community and professional services.
The mining and METS sectors contributed $13.6 billion to the Victorian economy in 2016-17, representing four per cent of the State’s total economic activity and supporting around 121,000 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes
“The Regional Innovation Accelerator program will help METS businesses across country Victoria work with local mining companies, fast-track product innovation and promote Victorian services in the marketplace.”
“We’re attracting people to our minerals and mining industry with a strong track record of integrity and collaboration with the community, to ensure we can keep supporting local economies and creating jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020