Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash has announced funding to the tune of $1.5 million for four mining business in Mackay, Queensland: MyneSight, Active Adrenaline, Split Spaces and Macdonald Cordell.
Half of the money will come from industry contributions, with the rest being matched by the Turnbull Government under its Growth Centres initiative. MyneSight will receive the biggest contribution at $785,000 for its underground training tech. Active Adrenaline will receive $312,400 and Macdonald Cordell and Split Spaces will receive $200,000 each.
The businesses are to receive the funding from government-backed group METS Ignited as part of its Bowen Basin Cluster Program joint venture with the Queensland Government. The program is designed to bring companies from the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector together to overcome industry challenges.
METS Ignited is currently operating on a 10-year sector competitiveness plan announced in 2016 that is designed to encourage Australia as a global player in the METS sector.
The pilot program will see the four businesses explore areas such as the development of conveyor spillage solutions, rapid prototyping solutions, underground mining training (including a mining simulator) and health and safety.
A cluster development manager will be appointed during the Queensland Government-funded second phase of development to facilitate long-term support for the projects.
“When businesses in this sector can come together, pool knowledge and innovate for their customers, the results are world-class solutions and notable business growth,” said METS Ignited chief executive officer Ric Gros.
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane also commented positively on the investment, stating that Mackay was an ideal location to invest in new projects.
“It’s been a stellar week for Mackay,” he said.