Government releases $24 million plan to save northern suburbs jobs in wake of Holden closure

A DISABILITY employment hub, small business fund and subsidies to attract tenants to a new “food park” are key measures in a $24 million government plan to create jobs in the wake of Holden’s closure.

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A DISABILITY employment hub and subsidies to attract tenants to a new “food park” are key measures in a $24 million government plan to create jobs in the wake of Holden’s closure.

Employment Minister Kyam Maher today released the State Government’s Northern Economic Plan, pitched as “a catalyst for the economic transformation of the region”.

It states “creating jobs is a key goal” and the plan has a target to expand employment in northern Adelaide by 15,000, to reach 165,000, by 2025.

The most expensive item is $10 million for a small business development fund.

The only detail contained in the Government’s 68-page Look North for operation of the development fund is that it will “encourage small business to grow and create sustainable jobs” and that it is due to commence operation sometime in the middle of the year.

A $7 million fund is on offer to attract businesses to the government-established Northern Adelaide Food Park and “promote the use of renewable energy and energy storage solutions”.

The Government 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.

The disability employment hub will spend $4 million to “train former automotive workers,

upskill existing workers, and encourage university students to work in the disability sector”.

Holden manufacturing plant at Elizabeth, which is due to close late next year. Picture: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

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

Up to $1 million will be spent to “support a key naval shipbuilding supplier to upgrade

infrastructure and equipment” if the company wins a commercial contract.

An “advanced modular construction industry alliance in northern Adelaide” focused on mining, resources, and energy will receive $500,000 in establishment funds.

A live music activation strategy will receive $100,000, and $50,000 will be spent on “youth resilience and empowerment program” backed by the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Premier Jay Weatherill said the northern suburbs faced “many significant challenges”.

“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.

Mr Maher says the plan “highlights the region’s strengths”.

“The Holden closure, along with the end of car manufacturing across the country, will have a deep impact on South Australia, and northern Adelaide in particular,” he said.

“It’s not just the people working on the Holden production line or the workers in the car

components industry likely to be affected — it’s also those people working in a range of

businesses that support the automotive industry.”

He said it built on $93 million invested in the north as part of the State Budget, including upgrades to schools, children’s centres, and housing across the region.

Opposition employment spokesman Corey Wingard said the Government had been too slow in coming up with a meaningful plan for the north and was “spinning its wheels”.

Holden is due to close late next year.

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.

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.”

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