- The Government recognises the vast potential of the Hunter and is committed
to supporting the region's continued growth. The Government, through NSW Trade
& Investment oversees a range of initiatives which support local
manufacturing and investment in the Hunter region. Key programs include the
Regional Industries Investment Fund (RIIF), which provides financial assistance
for projects that result in or promote economic growth in the region and
payroll tax relief provided to manufacturing businesses taking on new employees
through the Jobs Action Plan.
Other initiatives supported by NSW Trade
& Investment include:
- A roundtable discussion of 15 of the Hunter's leading exporters hosted by
RDA Hunter, which focused on a range of issues that will assist the region to
grow as an export hub;
- A stakeholder roundtable convened by RDA Hunter in November 2013 that
explored opportunities for growth in the Hunter region;
- The Hunter Infrastructure Forum, Mining Industry Forum and Defence Forum
meetings, which are held monthly by HunterNet to inform local businesses about
investment opportunities;
- Hunter Stakeholder group monthly meetings, in which NSW Trade &
Investment, Ausindustry, Enterprise Connect, the Office of Environment &
Heritage and Austrade collaborate to provide assistance to local manufacturing
and other key industry sectors;
- The HunterNet Defence Project, which helps accelerate supply chain
collaboration by identifying opportunities, building relationships, enhancing
skills and helping SMEs win defence related contracts; and
- Support for the annual Hunter Manufacturing Awards which showcase best
practice in manufacturing.
- The Government provides support to HunterNet, founder of the HunterNet
Group Training Company which provides companies with structured on the job
training programs and connects apprentices and trainees on behalf of employers
throughout the Hunter region. The company ensures that training is tailored to
satisfy the needs of employers, apprentices and trainees.
The Government
also supports the RDA Hunter ME Program, a path for high school students to
experience and explore career opportunities in the manufacturing industry.
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