Deakin University to be home of $380m, Australia-first research hub with REACH launch

Deakin University is set to become home to a $380m, Australian-first clean energy and recycling “ecosystem” with the launch of research and development hub.

Corangamite MP Libby Coker speaking at the launch of Deakin University's Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub. Picture: supplied/Reg Ryan.

Deakin University will be home to the largest recycling and clean energy advanced manufacturing “ecosystem” in Australia, with the launch of a $380m research and development hub on Monday.

The Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) was officially opened by assistant minister for education and regional development, Anthony Chilsholm.

The federal government will contribute $50m to the scheme, which is expected to create 2500 jobs and generate $1.4b in revenue over the next decade.

Of those jobs, 300 are being generated in the Geelong region, however jobs will also be spread across Ballarat, Warrnambool and other regional centres.

The federal government’s $50m contribution will be bolstered by contributions from Deakin University and organisations including VIVA Energy, JET technology, Clean Energy Resources Australia, Federation University and the CSIRO.

Deakin University vice-chancellor Iain Martin, Corangamite MP Libby Coker and assistant minister Anthony Chisholm at the launch of Deakin University's Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub. Picture: supplied/Reg Ryan.

Mr Chisholm said Deakin’s focus on advanced manufacturing reflected the legacy of Geelong.

“When I think of Geelong, I think of that manufacturing hub and what it’s provided for many decades,” Mr Chisholm said.

REACH is one of six projects given $50m in funding by the federal government, as part of its Trailblazer Universities Program.

Among the projects facilitated by REACH, Deakin is partnering with Viva Energy to explore “innovative biofuel solutions” to reduce emissions, with Li-S Energy to produce lightweight lithium sulphur batteries, with Xefco to develop “waterless processes” in textile manufacturing to eliminate water pollution and carbon emissions.

Mr Chisholm said that REACH is was aimed “solving some of our biggest environmental challenges” including landfill and fossil fuel dependency.

“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.”

“Developing sovereign capability here in Australia is making our manufacturing greener and creating new job opportunities for the industries of tomorrow.”

Corangamite MP Libby Coker said the investment was about bringing together the “brightest university minds” to “empower industry leaders” to solve problems not just facing Australia, but the world.

“To be working in an environment where you’re actually helping to sustain our world and to create innovative products is a great thing,” she said.

Ms Coker said the opportunity to boost local capacity for recycling projects was an important forward step for the wider Geelong region.

“Our region is home to some of the best problem-solvers across the nation and I’m proud that

“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.”

Originally published as Deakin University to be home of $380m, Australia-first research hub with REACH launch