A Domestic Manufacturing Centre of Excellence could be on the cards for The Hunter if Labor wins the state election.
NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns, was joined by Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, local MPs Tim Crakanthorp, Sonia Hornery, Yasmin Catley, and Jodie Harrison, and Candidate for Lake Macquarie Stephen Ryan, for the announcement at Downer EDI's Glendale factory this morning.
$42.7 million has been pledged, to help develop three advanced manufacturing centres of excellence in NSW, including one in the Hunter.
The party plans to bring bus, rail and ferry manufacturing back to the region, whilst giving TAFE a much-needed boost, and providing a new fleet of local jobs following the closure of power stations and other local manufacturing enterprises.
Chris Minns said manufacturing done overseas has proven costly and ineffective long-term.
"There is a proud tradition of train building in the Hunter; it's been happening in this region for over 100 years. I firmly believe that Australians are world-leaders when it comes to engineering and manufacturing," Mr Minns said.
"My message to the voters of NSW is clear; we can build trains in NSW, but it does require a change of government. We're going to the people of NSW with a changed direction. We recognise this is a big undertaking, as there hasn't been a government in this state for a decade that wants to buy local and back local, and it means we do need to have an investment in vocational training."
The Labor Leader didn't confirm how new manufacturing works will be paid for, but said the Opposition was opposed to more privatisation in the sector.
