Industry Capability Network Victoria - Tariff registrations, tariff concession, Project bylaw systems

The ICN 2008 Awards & Opportunities Forum was a huge success, with representatives from a range of industry sectors gathering at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre to congratulate the four award winners, learn about opportunities with some of Victoria’s biggest current and upcoming projects, and take advantage of networking opportunities.

John Lenders MP, Victorian Treasurer and Acting Minister for Industry & Trade, provided the keynote speech, including details of the Government’s newly announced VIMS initiative and changes to the VIPP – Victorian Industry Participation Policy - that will strengthen ICN’s future role in the process.

ICN’s awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated a strong commitment to local industry through local sourcing or import replacement. Four companies were awarded under the following categories:

Presentations provided the audience with information on four of Victoria’s largest projects and the opportunities for local businesses and industry involvement. The new Royal Children’s Hospital, Victoria’s Desalination Project, Solar Systems’ Large Scale Solar Project and the Shanghai World Expo 2010 were discussed.

ICN Award Winners. From left to right: Nicholas Grzegorczyn, Gasco; Rex Atkins, VicRoads; ICN Chairman Tim Piper; John Lenders MP, Treasurer and Acting Minister for Industry & Trade; Richard Vasta, Abgiroup; Roger de Maid, Mitchell Water Australia; ICN Executive Director Peter Yates.

Regional Company Category – Mitchell Water Australia

Established almost 40 years ago, Mitchell Water Australia is a pipeline design and construction contractor with unrivaled long-distance pipeline experience.

As part of the Victorian Government’s ‘Our Water, Our Future’ plan open water channels in the Wimmera-Mallee are being replaced by reticulated pipeline. Engaged under the Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP), Mitchell Water Australia was awarded the contract to install the pipeline. ICN assisted Mitchell Water meet the policy requirements, nominating suitable local suppliers of the products and services needed.

Over the last two years Mitchell Water has installed over 4,500km of Pipeline and 20 Pump Stations – achieving a construction timeframe 7 years ahead of initial estimates. Its commitment to local sourcing resulted in the involvement of around 500 local businesses in the project.

SME Company Category – Gasco

Gasco is an independent, 100% Australian owned company and one of the world’s leading combustion and processing engineering companies, offering a comprehensive range of equipment and services to clients worldwide.

Gasco has participated in trade missions to China, Russia and the Middle East, with the company proving successful both locally and internationally. It has provided equipment throughout Asia, North and South America, Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Africa to clients that include Shell, Mobil, BP, Toyota, Ford, Boeing, BHP Billiton and the Australian Defence Department.

Gasco’s dedication to local sourcing ensures its continuing success is shared with local companies.

Large Company Category – Abigroup

Abigroup Contractors is a major Australian engineering and construction group, offering a broad range of services. Established in 1961, Abigroup has since earned its reputation as a leading multi-service construction.

Abigroup has a strong presence in Australia’s property development and construction industry, and is one of the country’s largest and most experienced engineering contractors.

Abigroup places a strong focus on recruiting locally whenever possible, and when it was awarded major contracts for the construction of the Geelong Ring Road it approached ICN for assistance locating competitive local suppliers that could meet their requirements.

This commitment to local sourcing resulted in over $17M of contracts for local businesses in the past year.

VIPP Category – VicRoads

VicRoads is responsible for managing Victoria’s road network, implementing road safety strategies and vehicle registration and licensing services.

VicRoads state their purpose as being to deliver “social, economic and environmental benefits to communities throughout Victoria” and as part of this they are committed to the implementation of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP).

With VicRoads commencing many contracts each year, their consistent adherence to the policy has equated to considerable benefits for the State, bringing jobs along with the transfer of skills and technology. VicRoads works with ICN to ensure all contractors are able to fulfill the VIPP requirements. This commitment to industry has benefited many local companies over the last 12 months.

Projects

New Royal Children’s Hospital

Due for completion in 2011, the new Royal Children’s Hospital is being built adjacent to the existing site on Flemington Road. It is one of the biggest hospital developments in Victoria and will have the capacity to treat an additional 35,000 patients a year.

The $1 Billion project will include more space and conveniences for patients and their families as well as new facilities such as a two-storey coral reef aquarium, a bean-bag theatre, a 90 room family hotel, research and teaching facilities and a range of interactive playgrounds.

Work on the construction of the new hospital is now underway and there are numerous opportunities for local industry. To ensure maximum local involvement an ICN consultant is currently based at the site, assisting with procurement and evaluating supplier interest.

Solar Power Project

Solar Systems is responsible for building what is set to be the largest and most efficient photovoltaic power station in the world in north west Victoria. The $420M project is supported by the Federal and Victorian Governments as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, and will be capable of meeting the annual needs of over 45,000 homes.

This investment brings significant opportunity for local suppliers, with the potential to create many jobs. There will be opportunities for regional and state based businesses to become involved in both the construction & ongoing operation of the site. A wide range of products and services will be sought; ranging from civil & structural works, electrical and mechanical services to accommodation, catering and maintenance services.

Victoria’s Desalination Project

Desalination is the centrepiece of the Brumby Government’s plan to achieve water security for all Victorians. That’s because it doesn’t depend on rainfall.

Construction of the Victorian Desalination project is due to commence in 2009 with the first water expected to flow at the end of 2011. The project will provide many opportunities for local communities, with the construction phase expected to create 3,180 full time equivalent jobs and give the Victorian economy a $1 billion boost. Operation and ongoing maintenance of the plant is anticipated to provide up to 150 full time equivalent jobs.

Opportunities for local industry are plentiful and diverse. New jobs and increased spending with local businesses have already resulted from the Victorian Desalination Project as over $17 million worth of contracts have gone to local and regional companies.

Shanghai World Expo 2010

The Shanghai World Expo, which runs from 1 May to 31 October 2010, will be the largest in history. Over 220 countries and organisations are expected to take part, and organisers predict up to 70 million visitors will attend.

Australia will seize this unprecedented opportunity to strengthen bilateral links through a striking national pavilion. The total project cost is $83 million, which is the largest investment Australia has ever made in a world expo. The Government intends to take full advantage of this platform to raise Australia’s profile, showcase Australian capability, and to support Australia’s commercial interests in the China market.

The project presents a broad range of opportunities for Australian industry involvement. ICN, supported by DFAT’s Shanghai World Expo 2010 Unit and a SAMP Global grant, is developing a program to ensure maximum opportunity for Australian industry participation.