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The Western Australian government’s dream of establishing a world-class hub in the Bunbury-Geographe area is one step closer to realisation after the decision was made to move forward with planning the facility.
State Regional Development Minister, Don Punch, announced Deloitte as the successful tendered to deliver a detailed feasibility study and business case for a possible Advanced Manufacturing and Technology (AMTECH) hub, a state government media release stated.
Mr Punch said regional Western Australia is the “powerhouse of the state’s economy and deserves access to infrastructure, technology and training that unlocks opportunity for industry”.
“I am pleased that planning is moving forward in support of the vision for an AMTECH in the South West,” he said, adding the project is “another great example of industry and government working together with the aim of producing economic outcomes that will transform industry prospects and unlock business and quality job opportunities in the future”.
Deloitte has been tasked with investigating the preferred model, location, structure and services for an AMTECH in the region, with this work to build on planning efforts already undertaken, including a preliminary assessment report to identify key areas of focus.
The expectation is for the AMTECH facility to elevate industry competitiveness for local businesses by providing them with “access to cutting-edge infrastructure, industry 4.0 technology, research, education and training”.
Clive Brown, chair of the South West AMTECH steering group, labelled the announcement an “exciting step towards delivering an advanced manufacturing and technology hub for Bunbury and the wider region”.
“The state government has identified technology and advanced manufacturing as a priority to further help diversify Western Australia’s economy and create jobs,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with government, industry and the local community to unlock the potential of the South West’s manufacturing sector through the AMTECH project,” Mr Brown added.
The South West Development Commission is the lead agency for the proposal and will continue to work directly with the consultant, industry and other stakeholders as planning progresses.
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