A new collaboration project between business, industry and Deakin University is a huge
leap forward for Australia and it is all happening in regional Victoria at the University’s
Waurn Ponds campus, according to Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie.
Senator McKenzie was speaking after the official opening of Deakin University’s new
pilot carbon fibre manufacturing line, Carbon Nexus, which she attended with Victorian
Premier Denis Naphtine and other dignitaries on Wednesday.
“This is a very exciting insight into Australia’s potential to compete in world class
innovation in the 21st Century,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Australia’s economy and research base are much smaller than those of the USA, Asia
and China, but when we pick niche areas like carbon fibre and create smart partnerships
between stakeholders, we can lead the world. This is what still makes Australia’s the
clever country.”
“Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander and her team should
be congratulated alongside their industry partners, the Victorian Centre for Advanced
Materials Manufacturing”.
The $34 million facility was made possible with the financial support of the
Commonwealth and Victorian governments.
Carbon Nexus has already directly led to a $23.8 million investment and 150 jobs at the
Carbon Revolution wheel production facility in the Geelong Innovation Precinct on
campus at Waurn Ponds.
Carbon Nexus is part of the $103 million Australian Future Fibres Research and
Innovation Centre at Deakin.
Carbon fibre is most notably used to reinforce composite materials. The global demand
for carbon fibre is estimated to be worth more than $19 billion annually.
“What Deakin University and its partners understand is that nothing is beyond us when
play on our strengths and specialise – this is a great model for others to follow,” Senator
McKenzie concluded.