THE Ford recovery train rolled into Broadmeadows last Friday, with state MP Frank McGuire setting off the starter’s gun as he tossed a bag of money for new industries and better jobs on the table.
What started as a plan for Broadmeadows morphed into a full-scale regional rebranding of Melbourne’s north as key stakeholders rolled up their sleeves and committed to working through the countdown to the American car giant’s closure at the end of 2016.
All three tiers of government and leading industry, training and education sector heads turned out for the unveiling of an investment and restructure strategy that will offer capital investment and expansion assistance to established and emerging producers and manufacturers, as well as a job support service.
The federal government’s $24.5 million merit-based investment and job creation program directed a further $450,000 towards business development, while more than $600,000 will be invested in social capital ventures, including $412,500 for Banksia Gardens to provide childcare programs and a share of a $863,000 social media collaboration among six councils.
“One-third of Victoria’s exports come from Melbourne’s north,” Mr McGuire told the audience of about 50.
“Even though Ford is departing, there are iconic companies here that are world leaders,” he said.
Melbourne Airport’s masterplan promises a new $500 million investment in the north with chief executive Chris Woodruff forecasting “the most exciting period since the airport was built” between now and 2020 when current plans are realised.
The new Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market at Epping was cited as another major economic anchor for food producers and the food technology sector.
And Broadmeadows MP McGuire spoke of forging ties with business drivers from California’s Silicon Valley and Israel.
Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou said access to the $51.9 million automotive industry structural adjustment program would provide automatic job services support to Ford employees and suppliers to the company.
Ford workers hotline: 1800 269 564.
