FEDERAL Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says local manufacturers with shovel-ready projects to increase their productivity and grow jobs are being reminded to apply for a Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) grant.

Businesses will be able to apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology, as the Morrison Government continues to support the post-COVID-19 comeback.

Mr Conaghan said applications close on January 21.

“I am calling for all eligible local businesses to make sure they’ve looked into how this program could help them grow and deliver more local jobs,” Mr Conaghan said.

“We want to help take hard-working manufacturers like those in Cowper to the next level, because we know if they prosper our community prospers.”

“Cowper is home to home 411 manufacturing businesses, employing 2504 people.

“By helping our manufacturers become more competitive, we not only create more direct jobs, but jobs in businesses right along the supply chain – from our farmers to our truckies.”

He said the Government is backing businesses to back themselves and grow.

Round One of the MMF in April saw the Government invest $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million.

These projects are expected to create about 2,600 new jobs.

The big change between Round One and Round Two is that this time we will play to our nation’s strengths, with the projects needing to align with the National Manufacturing Priorities announced as part of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

The National Manufacturing Priorities are Resources Technology & Critical Minerals Processing; Food & Beverage; Medical Products; Recycling & Clean Energy; Defence; and Space.

Applications for Round Two of the MMF will close on January 21, 2021.

For more information on the MMF, including how to apply, visit business.gov.au/mmf.