Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today welcomed the $25 million North Coast Jobs and Investment package by a re-elected Coalition Government.
“This is something I have been advocating for a while,” Mr Hogan said.
“The package will attract State Government and private sector contributions which will see the total investment in the region expected to exceed $50 million.”
“The jobless rate in the Clarence Coffs area has fallen to 4.2% – well below the NSW and national average (4.95% and 5.5% respectively). Since July almost 2500 people in Page have found on-going work through the Coalition’s Jobactive programme. But more still needs to be done.
“I set up a local Job Strategy Group over six months ago to bring companies looking to expand to the North Coast. This package will certainly be an incentive for those businesses that have been thinking about making the move but aren’t ready to commit,” he said.
“One of those companies that have shown a keen interest is Sydney-based Adaptapack Pty Ltd.
Adaptapack chief executive Katie Walls says with the right incentives, the Australian-owned robotics business could expand their operations to the North Coast and create a substantial number of new, highly skilled jobs.
“This is exactly the type of company we want to attract to our community,” Mr Hogan said.
“This package will not only create local jobs for local people, it will also create career opportunities for young people in our communities.”
“We already have a great university and TAFE sector that could provide local training for the high skilled workforce that a company like Adaptapack needs. This means lots of well-paying jobs for our community.”
“The regional jobs package is also great news for our existing innovative local businesses which can use it as an opportunity to expand, pursue export opportunities – and importantly create more jobs in our community,” he said.
Mr Hogan set up the Jobs Strategy Group 12 months ago comprising all our local councils, Southern Cross University, Regional Development Australia – Northern Rivers and the NSW Business Chamber – Northern Rivers.
