SENATOR Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, earlier this week invited north east Tasmanian businesses with employment creating projects to apply for grants under the $3.7 million North East Tasmania Innovation and Investment Fund.
The Fund provides grants of $50,000 and above to support investment projects that will generate sustainable, new jobs in north east Tasmania, particularly in the Scottsdale area.
Senator Carr said the merit-based grants program will provide financial support for a range of business initiatives.
“Successful applicants under the North East Tasmania Innovation and Investment Fund might include a business expansion or development of a new product that creates jobs for the region.
The Fund will promote sustainable employment and economic development,” Senator Carr said.
“We expect that applicants will also contribute funding towards their projects and the extent of co-investment will be a factor in assessing applications.
“Applications that involve timber industries will be considered favourably.”
Jodie Campbell, Member for Bass said the Fund will do much to secure the long term future of Scottsdale and the north east. Initiatives that provide employment opportunities for workers displaced by the closure earlier this year of Auspine’s Tonganah sawmill, will be welcomed.
“We understand that workers and their families are under increasing pressure and we are committed to providing practical, targeted assistance and to creating high-skill, high wage jobs,” Ms Campbell said.
Advertisements calling for applications will appear in local newspapers and information sessions for potential applicants will be run in Scottsdale on 30-31 October.
Applications close on 12 December 2008.
The fund will be administered by the Australian Government through AusIndustry’s Tasmanian State Office.
Application forms and further information on the North East Tasmania Innovation and Investment Fund is available by phoning the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 or by visiting AusIndustry’s website.
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