The Morrison Government is backing the establishment of the Australian Satellite Manufacturing Hub, helping the nation get its share of the growing global space sector.
The Government has today announced it will invest $23.6 million in the $71.4 million Hub, jointly led by Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and Nova Systems, which will see manufacturing facilities built at the South Jerrabomberra Innovation Precinct outside Canberra and UTS Tech Lab at the Sydney Innovation and Technology Precinct based in Botany, NSW.
Partnering with Gilmour Space Technologies, the Hub will become home to the local design, manufacture and testing of large satellites up to 500 kilograms.
Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Morrison Government has been working hard to triple the size of the local space sector by 2030 to $12 billion which will create 20,000 new jobs.
“Every day when Australians use navigation systems in their cars or smartphones – or farmers want to monitor crops, or emergency workers respond to bushfires – they are using space technologies such as satellites,” Minister Taylor said.
“Funding for the Australian Satellite Manufacturing Hub will further help lift our credentials as a leading space nation.
“This Hub will help grow capability in our space sector, support the development of new high-skilled jobs and enable the space supply chain a place where collaboration to build large satellites is right here at home.”
Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the project reinforced the Morrison Government’s commitment to securing Australia’s sovereign capability, as well as creating jobs.
“This investment is yet another example of the Morrison Government’s commitment to growing space capability here in Australia, so we can remain safe and secure and create important economic opportunities,” Senator Molan said.
“This project will create the foundation of industry know-how for more complex space missions in the future. That means more knowledge and expertise and more local jobs right here in Eden-Monaro in this critical industry.”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government is investing $22.86 million in the project that will position the state as a global leader in the manufacturing field.
“We are serious about delivering record infrastructure and jobs and this legacy project will create 125 direct jobs during construction, with half of those outside the Sydney basin, as well as 375 ongoing jobs once operational,” Mr Toole said.
“The manufacturing facility will be located within the South Jerrabomberra Regional Jobs Precinct, positioning it as one of the State’s major defence, space and cyber-security jobs precinct.”
NSW Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the support would deliver metro and regional benefits to drive new investment and attract the brightest minds to NSW.
“As part of the project a dedicated R&D facility will be developed at the UTS Tech lab adjacent to Sydney’s Tech Central which will foster collaboration across academia, industry and our growing skilled workforce,” Mr Ayres said.
“This project will enhance our manufacturing capabilities, drive commercialisation of space R&D and act as a catalyst for investment in priority space and defence sectors.”
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said it was fantastic to welcome so many highly skilled jobs to the region.
“Five hundred jobs are a major win for the region and a huge boost for employment in this growing specialised industry,” Ms Overall said.
Liberal Candidate for Eden-Monaro Dr Jerry Nockles said the local region is proud of what EOS and Nova Systems, both Australian owned companies, have achieved.
“ EOS is a great company that came from the heart of Queanbeyan and is now at the forefront of Australia’s high tech defence industry,” Dr Nockles said.
“It’s not only exciting for our community to be part of this innovative industry, it will also put food on the table for hardworking Australians.
The 2022-23 Budget demonstrated the ongoing commitment to manufacturing with an additional $1 billion for the Morrison Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy, including an extra $750 million for the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
The global space sector is expected to grow from US$350 billion to US$1 trillion by 2040.
This latest investment comes after the Morrison Government committed $1.2 billion in the 2022-23 Budget for Australia’s first ever National Space Mission for Earth Observation – which will include Australia designing, building and operating four satellites.
All up the Morrison Government has committed well over $2 billion to growing the civil space sector since establishing the Australian Space Agency in July 2018.