The Territory's push to become an advanced manufacturing powerhouse has picked up pace, with a highly-respected local business woman appointed this week to lead industry development and accelerate economic growth.
Charmaine Barrett will take up the role of Northern Territory Director for the Commonwealth's Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), as part of a new five year partnership signed with the Territory Government. Charmaine has over 15 year's of industry experience having previously held positions as Operations Manager and Business Development Manager for the Industry Capability Network (ICN) NT.
In her new role, Charmaine will lead a five year, $8.75 million program to fast track investment and commercialisation of advanced manufacturing opportunities across the Territory.
"Over the past 15-years I have seen firsthand the potential of NT businesses. A program such as this is exactly what we require to spur innovation, investment, and prosperity for the region. I look forward to getting to work with AMGC and the Northern Territory Government." - Charmaine Barrett, AMGC NT Director
The program will deliver critical research, enable pilot projects and commercialisation of advanced manufacturing opportunities including in the critical minerals processing, agribusiness and carbon based industries. Funding will also be made available to industry stakeholders through a competitive grant program managed by AMGC due to commence in September 2021.
This program delivers on the recommendations of the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission's final report, expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities in the Territory, attract new investment, create new jobs and grow the economy.
"The Northern Territory is certainly leading ahead of other jurisdictions when it comes to understanding the potential of manufacturing. Charmaine brings with her a deep understanding of the Territories industrial landscape, and she is the perfect person to convert this potential into outcomes" - Dr Jens Goennemann, AMGC Managing Director
Over the past three years, AMGC has facilitated more than 340 national collaborations and co-funded over 80 industry projects, creating more than 2,300 jobs. It has invested over $66.8 million into manufacturing projects, resulting in an estimated $1.2 billion in additional national revenue.