Defence Industries Circle For Round Table
Sun Herald
Sunday March 9, 2008
THE new round table for regional defence industries will hold its first meeting in the Hunter.
The State Government hopes to protect defence industry jobs in NSW by establishing the round table to share information from the various regions and to discuss ways of taking advantage of new opportunities.Regional Development Minister Tony Kelly said the round table was a chance for regional stakeholders to ensure businesses continued to benefit from defence projects."While many defence activities are based in capital cities, there are also many regional opportunities, particularly near defence bases," Mr Kelly said."There are a number of businesses in the Hunter that pitch for, and are involved in, defence projects which bring economic benefits to the region and create much-needed jobs."The industry has an important impact on regional economies. "In the Hunter region alone, defence-related turnover has been valued at approximately $1.6 billion, with associated employment of more than 3000 people."The round table will comprise representatives from government, economic development agencies, regional defence bases, the Department of Defence and organisations involved in the industry, with a particular focus on regional NSW.Local frontrunners for the table include representatives from the Hunter Economic Development Corporation and Hunter Net. Newcastle state MP Jodi McKay said the round table showed that the Hunter had a large role to play in defence opportunities in the state. "In the Hunter we are on the frontline of defence in terms of having Williamtown here and also the Singleton Army Base, but also in terms of manufacturing for the defence market," she said."It's important that we have a co-ordinated approach so we can be competitive in this area and in our strategic approach, which previously hasn't happened."A forum like this also allows us to develop strength in areas that are there but we haven't looked at before. It's recognition that the Hunter has a significant role to play in this area." The first meeting of the round table will take place on March 31.
© 2008 Sun Herald