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| Press Release |
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PRIVATE MEMBERS STATEMENT - Ms Jodi McKay, State Member for Newcastle
4 December 2007
Ms JODI McKAY (Newcastle) [5.19
p.m.]: I bring to the attention of the House the work of HunterNet in New South Wales. Newcastle is the home of
this networking and training organisation that is a model for industry clusters
nationally, a cluster that is forging new investment, new jobs and new
opportunities in the Hunter. HunterNet, which began in 1992, is a self-funded,
not-for-profit cooperative of manufacturers, engineers, information technology
providers, electrical and consulting companies. The Federal Government and the
New South Wales Government, through the Department of State and Regional
Development, provided initial funding to set up the network, which continues to
this day with ongoing support. The organisation provides networking, training
and lobbying services for its 95 members. It has been integral in expanding the
manufacturing and engineering base for the Hunter. Fundamental to its success
is John McColl, the recipient of
this year's Harvey Knox Award, presented in memory of the outstanding
contribution to HunterNet by Harvey Knox. Today John continues to serve as
chairman on the HunterNet group training company.
The manufacturing and engineering industry in Australia has experienced some
difficulties in the face of increased imports. HunterNet took the lead some 15
years ago to tackle this issue by putting aside local competition and
individual interests to work together for increased opportunities through
collaboration and cooperation. I recently attended HunterNet's annual awards
night, where MIM Management Services took out the Innovation Award, recognising
its cutting edge processes and modern management technologies. MIM was also
commended for its support and involvement in HunterNet projects, "Model
for Action" and "Innovate the Hunter".
A significant part of HunterNet is its group training company, which was
founded in 1996 to address the need for apprentices and appropriate training
among its members and industry generally in the Hunter region. Over the past 10
years the company has trained around 1,000 apprentices through Newcastle TAFE.
It currently has 105 apprentices and trainees, and these young, smart, capable
and enthusiastic men and woman are the future of our region. Another winner on
the night was Pegasus, which picked up the 2007 Training Award for the support
it has provided to HunterNet. This is HunterNet at work, professional
organisations supporting each other for the advancement of industry.
As members would know, it is imperative Australian companies employ best
practice systems and operations to compete internationally. The importance of
establishing international benchmarks in safety was recognised when Tomago
Aluminium was awarded the Occupational Health and Safety Award for its
significant achievement of two million working hours without losing time due to
workplace injuries. A key ingredient in HunterNet's success is its ability to
connect industry in the Hunter with the objective of sharing information,
resources and skills. Central
Coast company Avoca
Engineering was awarded the Networking Award for its strong networking
achievements within the HunterNet group.
Many Hunter industries are national export leaders. The Hunter is the home of
Dywidag Systems International [DSI], a global business and Australia's
largest manufacturer of Strata reinforcement products to underground coal and
metal mining companies. The power of HunterNet also lies in its advocacy,
promoting its members' skills and technologies and sourcing opportunities of
benefit to the region. The organisation has successfully promoted local
capability for major project tenders such as the MineHunter project, the Hawk
Lead-in-Fighter project and the State Government's $3.6 billion contract for
the supply of 626 rail carriages—which was won by EDI Rail at Cardiff. HunterNet has also played a key role
in the region's coal loader projects to support the Hunter's $6 billion coal
industry.
HunterNet aims to foster innovation in order to develop and secure the
manufacturing and engineering industry in our region. The Iemma Government is
committed to fostering business investment in New South Wales and is determined to create
stronger regional economies. The work of HunterNet complements the priorities
of the Government and the State Plan. It provides a great example of how
innovative approaches can stimulate economic growth and increased opportunities
for business. The State Plan places a particular emphasis on innovation. A key
aim of this strategy is to increase the State's attractiveness as a location
for new firms, thereby increasing private business investment in New South Wales. I
commend the member companies of HunterNet for seizing opportunity through
collaboration for the benefit of the Hunter and this State.
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