Call for manufacturing centre

GREATER Dandenong’s manufacturing heartland needs a manufacturing centre.
This was one of the findings from stage one of the Future of Manufacturing in South East Melbourne project, commissioned by Southern Melbourne Regional Development Australia (SMRDA) Committee in partnership with South East Business Networks (SEBN) and the South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance (SEMMA).
Stage one analysed data relating to the industry in the region and also found that manufacturers needed to drive manufacturing forward, and collaboration between government departments, agencies and stakeholders was critical for success.
SEMMA was the lead agent during stage one.
Late last year, SEMMA executive officer Paul Dowling said many companies had participated in working groups.
“These groups have already identified the urgent need for the physical presence of a manufacturing centre to be located among manufacturers,” he said.
“(Greater Dandenong CEO) John Bennie has already addressed this with Federal Government and other agencies.”
Stage two, from January to July, will create an action plan for the next two years, using the input and resources from a cross section of manufacturers and alliance partners.
“We believe advanced manufacturing can build a society that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable and restorative,” Mr Dowling said.
“Success in the global manufacturing economy requires a determination to lead the race to the top – to be the best in innovation, research and development, and production of complex products.
“Success also requires engagement with stakeholders at all levels of society.
“Governments don’t drive – they follow and hopefully support manufacturers’ initiatives.”
Therefore, he said, manufacturing groups would look to companies for support in a variety of ways to move the industry forward.
Mr Dowling said many companies were struggling, but many were also thriving.
“2013 offers a window of opportunity for both sides of federal politics to show much-needed leadership, especially their vision and practical, sustainable policies for Australian manufacturing,” he said.
“It is not about throwing money at manufacturing. It is all about working with manufacturers for manufacturing.”
He said SEMMA would be working tirelessly throughout the year with both sides of federal politics to ensure they understood “the critical need for a vibrant local manufacturing sector and how we can all work together to achieve this”.
South east Melbourne is home to about 40 per cent of Victoria‘s manufacturing sector.
The key outcome from Future of Manufacturing in South East Melbourne project is a strategy with supporting material that will be used to influence all levels of government, and assist the SMRDA’s work with peak manufacturing bodies and local industry.