Grants in Manufacturing

As part of the State Budgets for 2022–23 and 2023–24, the government has allocated $122 million to establish an Economic Recovery Fund (ERF). This fund aims to stimulate growth in key sectors, promote the creation of well-paying jobs, enhance productivity, boost exports, and drive the adoption of innovative, value-added technology in South Australia. Round 1 is dedicated to empowering manufacturing and regional tourism businesses to expedite their growth, tap into their potential, and create new opportunities supporting South Australia's economic expansion. A substantial funding pool of $20 million will be accessible through either grants or low-interest loans, channelled into two distinct streams: Manufacturing Innovation and Regional Tourism Infrastructure Development.

The Australian Government is fully dedicated to taking ambitious climate action, with clear targets of reducing emissions by 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, followed by achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, the government is actively leading efforts to transition to a net zero economy by implementing emission reduction measures and investing in low-carbon opportunities. Recognising the complexity of this task, the government acknowledges that a diverse range of technologies and tools will be required. One effective technological approach in this domain is carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS). CCUS encompasses a variety of advanced solutions engineered to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes or directly from the air. These captured emissions can be utilised in the production of innovative products or securely stored in underground geological formations for long-term sequestration.

The Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem (AME) Fund's primary objective is to enhance advanced manufacturing capabilities, stimulate investment and productivity in the Northern Territory's advanced manufacturing sector, and bolster the number of advanced manufacturing jobs within the region. This funding opportunity is specifically tailored to small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises seeking to advance their capabilities in the Northern Territory. Eligible businesses can access funding support of up to 50 percent of their project costs, with grant amounts ranging from $25,000 to $500,000.

As a pivotal component of the Singapore Australia Green Economy Agreement, Go-Green Co-Innovation Program (GGCIP) seeks to incentivise and facilitate collaborative innovation among SMEs from both countries. The program will play a crucial role in establishing or expanding business operations and commercial activities that promote bilateral trade in green goods and services. Grants are available for financing initiatives aimed at advancing the decarbonisation of economic activities and facilitating the transition of Singapore and Australia toward achieving net zero emissions. These initiatives encompass the development and commercialisation of products, services, or solutions.

The Powering the Regions Fund (PRF) is committed to advancing the growth of emerging clean energy sectors. An extensive funding allocation of $200 million has been assigned to the Critical Inputs to Clean Energy Industries (CICEI) initiative, covering the Cement, Lime, Alumina and Aluminium sectors (CLAAS). This funding is intended to bolster the resilience of these sectors within Australia, ensuring their ongoing provision of vital components for infrastructure and supply chains. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in strengthening Australia's position as a frontrunner in the realm of renewable energy.

Operated under the auspices of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) is diligently bridging critical voids within Australia's recycling infrastructure. An infusion of $60 million has been designated for the RMF's Plastics Technology stream, constituting the subsequent stride in the Government's strategic endeavours to grapple with the quandaries of plastic recycling rates and pollution. The focal point of this advancement entails the provision of backing to cutting-edge and inventive technologies that specifically target the complexities associated with recycling obstinate plastics that pose challenges in reprocessing.

The Australian Government has launched a grant initiative in accordance with the Powering the Regions Fund’s (PRF) goal of fostering the growth of new clean energy industries. The Critical Inputs to Clean Energy Industries (CICEI) Program has been allocated $200 million to the Primary Steel Production Sector (PSPS) to ensure its continued presence in Australia and its ability to supply the necessary infrastructure and supply chains for Australia to become a leader in renewable energy.

The Industry R&D Infrastructure Fund will encourage businesses in Victoria to invest in new or improved R&D infrastructure to support the expansion of Victoria’s R&D capability across important industry sectors and increase company R&D spending. The funding with grants up to 50% of project costs, ranging from $250,000 to $2 million can benefit a business, an industry, or both. However, it must demonstrate how the project will increase Victoria’s business expenditure on R&D in the medium to long term.

The NSW Government commits $305 million in funding to support developing and deploying decarbonisation projects for high-emitting industries that prioritise emissions reduction.