Extra firepower for Geelong’s $20b army contract bid

A $60,500 grant will add firepower to Geelong’s bid for a $20 billion army manufacturing project.
Member for Western Victoria David Koch announced the funding as Geelong continued rallying its troops to win the Land 400 armoured combat vehicle project.
Geelong is battling Adelaide to win the work, which could provide a lifeline for workers losing their jobs as manufacturers such as Ford close shop in the city.
The State Government grant will help pay for a project consultant to steer Geelong’s bid.
Mr Koch said Land 400 was an “enormously significant opportunity for Geelong”.
“It will have substantial business and employment opportunities if successful, which will have huge ramifications for the local, state and national economy.
“Importantly, this contract has the potential to leverage the manufacturing skill base of the local workforce at a time when both Geelong’s and Victoria’s economy is in transition.
“Establishing Geelong as the hub of the contract will identify the city as pivotal in co-ordinating a local, state, national and global approach to this massive contract platform.
“The project consultant will compile a regional capability audit, and liaise with defence stakeholders in Canberra and Melbourne to win the most Australian content in the Land 400 platform and deliver it by harnessing Victoria’s highly skilled manufacturing workforce.
“This project will generate new jobs and multiple economic benefits across all sectors of the local and Victorian economy by attracting investment by large defence manufacturing companies.
“By winning the contract, Geelong will be able to transition the city’s existing manufacturing skills and fast track the local economy to a 21st century advanced manufacturing economy.
Mr Koch said the project consultant would work with a steering committee comprising members with various representatives including Avalon Airport, which had committed “time and resources to progress the project to this point”.
The project bid has $135,150 in funding including contributions from Geelong’s council and a Regional Growth Fund.