Liberals promise manufacturing boost for Geelong

A RE-ELECTED Morrison Government would revive Geelong’s manufacturing industry by funding an Australian Army defence project that would create up to 350 job opportunities for the region.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced earlier this week that the Liberals will commit to delivering a new self-propelled howitzer artillery system for the nation’s military force that will be built and maintained in Geelong.

“We will acquire 30 self-propelled howitzers and their supporting systems, and we will build them and maintain them in Geelong, drawing on the large manufacturing skills base in the region,” the Prime Minister said.

“By reviving this project – which was cancelled under Labor – we will deliver the Army the capability it needs.

“By building it in Australia, we will create up to 350 jobs as part of growing our defence industry across the nation.

“Under my Government, defence capability is back on track and Australia’s defence industry is growing, creating a highly skilled workforce.”

Australian Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds said the outcomes from the “Protected Mobile Fires” project will be used as a starting point of an “accelerated approval process”.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson MP welcomed the announcement and said the investment would help to support manufacturing in the region.

“This massive new investment is good news for manufacturing in our region,” she said.

“I am so proud that yet again my strong advocacy has resulted in this hugely significant announcement for Corangamite and Geelong.

“Manufacturing is so important – not just for local job creation and investment, but for the future economic prosperity of our region.”