News - page 3 of 3

Members can now download their invitation to the December 16th Members' Dinner at Sandilands at 6pm. Please download and print out the invitation, and RSVP Anita Rank before the 12/12/08.

Our Newsletter for November 2008 is now available for download. Please click the link below to download.

$245 million lifeline for Victorian industry, jobs

November 19, 2008 - 1:00PM
The Victorian government has thrown the state's flagging industry and manufacturing sector a $245-million lifeline to help secure local business and jobs.
- $245m for industry, manufacturing
- Will help stimulate jobs: Brumby
- Commitment to local tenders
Victorian Premier John Brumby announced the long-awaited industry and manufacturing strategy this morning, saying it would help stimulate jobs and make the sector internationally competitive in the face of tough economic conditions.
A key point of the strategy is the government's commitment to favour local bidders for state contracts over offshore tenders.
Mr Brumby said this would mean sourcing 40% of materials for new trains and rail locally.
"When two or more bids are comparable in terms of quality and whole-of-life pricing the government will continue to give preference to bids that maximise local industry benefits," he said.
"Major projects that are declared of strategic significance will have additional criteria that can include minimum local content requirements and an additional weighting given to local content."
The strategy includes $123 million for a manufacturing action plan, including a $50-million fund to help companies move into emerging markets, $97 million for the services sector and $25 million to help local industries expand into export markets.
"The Victorian government is taking action to ensure industry and manufacturing can turn the rapidly changing global economic conditions into opportunities to build future growth, secure and create new jobs and develop more innovative industries," Mr Brumby said.

This is just a short note to update you on how the meeting at Essendon airport went and also to say thank you so much for all those who attended.

There were well over 80 supporters in attendance to the meeting, the
meeting went for a short 35 minutes and there were a variety of speakers including Peter Ryan the leader of the National party.

Other Guests Included

Mr Malcolm Sharp - Sharp Airlines
Dr Graham Dennerstrein - Doctor
Mr Peter O'Rorke - Australian Airports Association
Mr Paul Tyrell - Regional Aviation Association Of Australia
Mr Marcus Rentsch - Southern Grampians Mayor

Supporters had the opportunity to ask questions and stress there concerns with the proposed closure of the airport. Based on our first meeting we are now arranging meetings across Regional Victoria to give the voice of the Country.

One other thing is that we are now running two petitions, a online petition and a written petition. Even if you have signed the online petition please download the written one from the website and pass it around your family, friends and work colleagues and help us gather signatures. Once the form is complete please fax or email it back to us. If you received a email about the online petition being taken offline please ignore this as we are now running two petitions. The online petition can be used as supporting and miscellaneous documents so both petitions can be tabled in parliament.

The full meeting can be watched online through our website, just logon to www.saveessendonairport.com.au and click on the new youtube channel. Once again thank you so much for all who attended and have supported us and we look forward to seeing you all at further meetings. One last thing if you attended the meeting I would appreciate any feedback on the meeting so we can make sure we incorporate your suggestions in the next meeting.

If you have any further questions or would like to find our further
information please email us via our website or phone us on 0437 078 832.

Kind Regards,
Save Essendon Airport

Welcome to our New Members:

Kelcar
Porthaul
Portland Ocean Steel
Portland Retravision
Strang International
Iluka
Exile Concrete Pumping
Portland Observer
LG & BA McIIroy

Congratulations to our Community Members:

Portland Education Network - Marg Millard
Portland/Heywood Ministers Association - John Simpson
Kyeema - Lionel Gee

Thank you to our In Kind Members

Peter Reefman - Energised Web Design
Andrew Bryant - Portland Signworks

Welcome to our new website! You'll not only find out everything possible about the Committee for Portland, but also about Portland itself.