This month we are pleased to share exciting news regarding two local companies, Downer Group, which has been successful in its bid to build Melbourne's new High Capacity Metro Trains and Socobell OEM which has received funding through the state government's Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program (ASCTP).
There are a number of opportunities available for local businesses to improve their sustainability, including the introduction of Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) in Hobsons Bay and ongoing funding for Council's Light$mart program, which continues to deliver results for local businesses.
Please note that Council elections take place on 22 October and that the next Business e-Works edition will be published early November.
If you have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay or how Council can assist in helping your business grow, please contact us on 03 9932 1285 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
|
|
|
|
|
Following a year-long tender process, Newport-based Downer Rail as part of the Evolution Rail consortium has been successful in its bid to build Melbourne's 65 new High Capacity Metro Trains.
The announcement of Evolution Rail as the preferred consortium for the project is welcome news for the local manufacturing industry, with 1,100 local jobs expected to be created by the project.
Downer's Newport manufacturing facility will also undergo a significant upgrade. It is really great news for the west.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The nine companies announced will receive funding to assist them in identifying future opportunities and new markets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) is an agreement between a building owner, a bank and the building owner’s local council that facilitates a building upgrade to improve environmental performance.
Businesses can apply for an EUA to implement a number of pre-approved renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. A range of other building upgrade works may also be implemented with approval from an Independent Expert Reference Panel.
For more information on the EUA program, click here or contact the Sustainable Melbourne Fund on 9658 8740.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy savings and Lagoon Confectioners
Here's something not everyone will know...Hobsons Bay is home to the Sherbet Bomb! Lagoon Confectioners have been operating in their modern manufacturing facility at Williamstown North since 2000.
Through Council’s Light$mart program, Lagoon has replaced almost 70 lights throughout their factory, warehouse and office space with new, energy efficient LED lights, reducing energy and maintenance costs and saving greenhouse gas emissions.
Each year, Lagoon Confectioners will now be saving an additional approximately $6,000 in energy and maintenance costs, more than 23,000 kWh of electricity
and 29 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Victorian Government is partnering with Transurban to build the $5.5 billion Western Distributor Project, which includes the Monash Freeway Upgrade and upgrades to Webb Dock, and Expressions of Interest are now open for opportunities that will arise through the project.
The state government has announced that the Project will have a minimum of 89% local content and will bring an $11 billion boost to Victoria's economy.
If you are interested in participating in this and other major projects, you can register an Expression of Interest with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) by clicking here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating our past, designing our future: the program for the inaugural Art and Industry Festival has been launched, with events taking place across Hobsons Bay between 18 and 27 November.
Join the arts community and some of the region's most high profile businesses, including Mobil, Qenos, Toyota, Scienceworks, Seaworks,The Substation and more as we consider and celebrate the industry of Hobsons Bay.
Save the Date - Wednesday 23 November
As part of the 2016 Art and Industry Festival, Council will be hosting an Industry Speed Networking event, run in partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI).
Industry Speed Networking: Art and Industry Style will bring together business leaders and industry representatives from across Hobsons Bay for a morning of networking at the Substation with the backdrop of some stunning photographs that form a legacy exhibition commissioned by Toyota Australia.
Booking information will be provided in early November but save that date, 8.30am Wednesday 23 November.
|
|
|
|
|
The Australian Government's Business Consultation website connects you with the Government by bringing consultations on policy and regulation changes to one handy place!
Through the Business Consultation website, you can find consultations on policies and regulations under development, and have your say.
Between 14-17 September 2016, the State Government of Victoria will host Food and Beverage Trade Week - Australia's premier inbound trade mission program, bringing buyers, distributors and industry professionals from around the world to Victoria.
Food and Beverage Trade Week takes you beyond the displays, directly to Victoria’s farms and processing facilities. See for yourself the world-class standards and practices that make the food industry in Victoria world renowned for its quality, reliability, safety and competitiveness.
MassChallenge is a global startup incubator that focuses on high-impact early-stage entrepreneurs. The Bridge to MassChallenge competition will bring together international judges and Australian ecosystem leaders to identify the top startups from across the country.
Finalists will receive intensive mentorship and training at boot camps in locations throughout Australia, with a particular focus on tracks in Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne.
The Premier’s Design Awards recognise and reward Victorian designers and businesses using exemplar design effectively and sustainably.
Across eight categories, the awards provide an opportunity for businesses and the community to better understand the role of design in making products and services more functional, efficient and attractive, and increasing productivity and business outcomes.
The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) programme provides funding for activities and projects that help girls and women to explore their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Funding will support outreach projects that target girls and women to foster their interest in entrepreneurship, develop their innovation and entrepreneurial skills and build their professional networks.
The WISE programme was announced as part of the Inspiring all Australians in Digital Literacy and STEM element of the National Innovation and Science Agenda. For more information visit business.gov.au
The Global Innovation Linkages (GIL) programme provides funding of up to $1 million per project for Australian businesses to collaborate with global partners and research organisations on research and development projects.
The programme will support projects focussed on developing high quality products, services or processes that will respond to industry challenges. Projects must focus on selected priority areas and be in collaboration with global partners from selected priority economies.
For more information or to apply, visit business.gov.au
The veski inspiring women fellowships provide an opportunity for female leaders to remain competitive in their field, enhance the current talent pool and affect cultural change.
Candidates must be linked to Victoria’s innovation and knowledge base or technological strengths, have plans for collaboration and translation of work or research programs, have potential for engaging and fostering the next generation of scientists in Victoria, and have international recognition and standing in their peer group.
The veski inspiring women fellowship program offers each fellow up to $150,000 over three years. For more information or to apply, visit veski.org.au
The International Mining and Resources Conference is Australia’s largest mining conference and includes Mines and Money Australia, the country’s largest mining investment forum.
Join over 2500 mining leaders, policy makers, financiers, technical experts, innovators and educators to hear from over 200 international speakers for four days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking.
The Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) encourages SMEs to develop innovative solutions for government policy and service delivery challenges.
SMEs are invited to submit proposals to address specific challenges.The selected businesses will receive grants of up to $100,000 to complete a feasibility study of their proposed solution within three months. Businesses that successfully complete a feasibility study are then eligible to apply for a further grant of up to $1 million to develop a proof of concept within 18 months.
Businesses will keep the intellectual property (IP) rights to their solutions for future worldwide sales. Five challenges are currently open for applications.
For more information on the current challenges and how to apply, visit business.gov.au
|
|
|
|
|