Deakin launched its recycling and clean energy hub this week at its Waurn Ponds Campus ManuFutures facility.
The $380 million Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) is expected to generate more than $1.4 billion in revenue in the next decade, as well as 2500 jobs in the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Warrnambool regions.
Backed by a $50 million federal Trailblazer Universities Program grant, REACH aims to solve some of the nation’s biggest environmental challenges, reducing landfill, fossil fuel emissions and the effects of global warming.
Assistant minister for education and regional development Anthony Chisholm, who officially opened the hub on Monday morning, said REACH was bringing together the brightest university minds to support Australia’s transition to net zero by 2050.
“Each year Australians contribute more than 7.6 million tonnes of food to landfill annually, costing over $36.6 billion and producing 17.5 million tonnes of CO2,” he said.
“Developing sovereign capability here in Australia is making our manufacturing greener and creating new job opportunities for the industries of tomorrow.”
Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker said she was proud the Labor government was supporting “some of the best problem-solvers across the nation”.
“Investing in sustainable manufacturing is a key focus of the Albanese Government; we want to see our local economies strengthened, more innovation from our universities, and an uptick in jobs for those with the skills to make things here in Australia,” she said.
“That’s what this facility is all about – creating a sustainable, productive, and innovative local economy that can compete on the world stage, boost job opportunities for locals, and encourage our youngest community members to consider a future in research and development.”
