Northern economic plan aims to create 15,000 jobs with $24m cash injection

It’s been a long time coming, but the State Government this morning announced a raft of measures aimed at boosting the northern economy.

17.11.2015. SA Premier Jay Weatherill. Unley are hosting a vigil for Paris at soldier memorial garden.Photo Sam Wundke

A $10 MILLION small business fund, a $4 million disability hub and a $2 million trial of electric and diesel bus prototypes are among the initiatives that will help minimise the looming jobs crisis in Adelaide’s north, the State Government says.

The projects are part of the government’s much-anticipated Northern Economic Plan, which were unveiled by Premier Jay Weatherill in Salisbury South this morning.

The blueprint, which aims to cushion the fallout of the closure of Holden’s Elizabeth manufacturing plant in 2017, includes more than $24 million in state money for new projects.

It is understood Cabinet signed off on the funding on Monday.

The plan aims to create 15,000 jobs by 2025 – the closure of Holden is expected to put about 13,000 people out of work.

Mr Weatherill said the investment would be a catalyst for the economic transformation of the region.

“We know that northern Adelaide is dynamic and diverse, and our investment in new projects to advance our 10 economic priorities will help to deliver job opportunities for the people who live, work, study and invest in our northern suburbs,” he said.

The Government will inject $2 million to support an alliance of northern businesses to trial electric and diesel bus prototypes, manufactured in northern Adelaide.

It will also contribute $4 million to create a new Disability Employment Hub in the region to train former automotive workers, upskill existing workers and encourage university students to work in the disability sector.

A further $10 million will go towards a Small Business Development Fund for the north to encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs.

Automotive Transformtion Minister Kyam Maher said the plan built on the region’s strengths.

“The plan identifies key industry sectors that could help deliver a viable future for northern Adelaide and new careers for auto workers – agriculture, food and beverages; health, ageing and disability; construction and urban renewal; defence; tourism, recreation and culture; and mining equipment and technology services,” he said.

The Government will also spend $7 million to attract businesses to a 40-hectare food park at Parafield Airport and promote the use of renewable energy and energy solutions for the precinct.

It revealed plans for the Northern Adelaide Food Park, which would allow for the co-location of food manufacturers, packaging specialists and transport companies, in October last year.

A $50,000 youth program run by Port Adelaide Football Club will also be rolled out and $100,000 will go towards supporting live music in the region.

An advanced modular construction industry alliance, focusing on the mining, resources and energy sector, will also be formed in the region courtesy of a $500,000 grant.

Up to $1 million will go towards supporting a key naval ship building supplier to upgrade infrastructure and equipment to put the company in a position to expand its commercial shipbuilding business.

This funding is contingent on the company winning a commercial contract.

Holden announced in 2013 it would shut its Elizabeth plant towards the end of 2017, a move that was expected to result in 13,000 job losses across the company and its supply chain.

The Northern Economic Plan was created by the government with input from Playford, Salisbury and Port Adelaide Enfield as well as the business sector.

It was due to be released in December but was not ready in time.

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said State and Local Government, as well as businesses and industries have a mutual understanding of what needed to be done to future-proof northern Adelaide.

“Local families want jobs that provide for today as well as the economic stability needed to build bright and secure futures for their children,” he said.

“It’s time to work side-by-side and help make the north the best it can be.”

Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge said the plan would secure the future of the north.

“There are tremendous opportunities for growth in northern Adelaide and through the Northern Economic Plan we are creating community and business confidence in the future by providing leadership and ongoing support for our region,” she said.

Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson said the plan was a “clear determination of the will of the State Government and Local Government to work together, and with business, for job creation and to encourage new industry”.

“The City of Port Adelaide Enfield will continue to play its role in the plan by supporting projects listed and by working closely with businesses and the defence sector to enhance economic growth,” he said.

As reported in the Northern Messenger last week, the government will also launch a new website today that aims to make it easier for companies and individuals to invest in the north.

The website will show maps of the Playford, Salisbury and Port Adelaide Enfield Council districts, highlighting various projects in the districts, such as the $985 million Northern Connector project and $25 million worth of public housing upgrades.

It will also showcase available land in the three districts, as well as zoning information, so investors wanting to build in the area can see what is on offer.

The Northern Economic Plan is available online at www.looknorth.com.au.