The subsea industry group in Perth, WA, just got a huge wave of support from the Federal Government. The grant, delivered through CORE Members Subsea Energy Australia, is worth $1,400,000, and will be used to create a subsea Export Hub, designed to offer small to medium enterprises the opportunity to access international markets.
This welcome announcement arrives just as State and Federal Governments finalize plans to re-open Australia for business. As Australian industry begins recovery from disruptions caused by COVID-19, Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Science, and Innovation, says “These grants will help get businesses back on the front foot after the disruption caused by this unprecedented pandemic.” Minister Andrews went on to say “I’m confident demand for Australian goods and services will be even stronger when we come out the other side of this pandemic, and the Government is committed to helping businesses develop export opportunities and connections.”
SEA will work closely with sister organisation Subsea Innovation Cluster Australia to roll-out these opportunities which will create jobs, promote Australian Subsea innovation, and help the sector hit the ground running in the effort to navigate the current economic climate. This strategic funding will empower SMEs to reach international audiences, open the door to collaborative projects, and enhance the already competitive demand for Australian goods and services.
Chairman of SICA, Dr Ross Waring is thrilled with the boost ; “SICA greatly welcomes the Government’s support to establish Subsea Energy Australia as an export hub, directly supporting and accelerating our innovative and creative SMEs in promoting Australian grown technologies and expertise across the world”, said Dr Waring.
Marius Martens, who is the Chairman of SEA, said the export hub will promote opportunities and assist businesses to upskill and harness potential on a global scale: “A large proportion of the gas that has made Australia one of the biggest exporters of LNG in the world is extracted subsea; and when I say subsea, we’re talking some of the deepest, cyclone prone and remote conditions in the world. The skills and technologies, which makes this possible are unique and can be exported internationally to bring further jobs to Australia,” said Mr Martens.
CORE Innovation Hub couldn’t be more excited for SEA and SICA, and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead for the Australian Subsea industry!
