Govt supports venture to create 15 new jobs in Armidale

Member for Northern Tablelands has welcomed government support for a facility to manufacture water efficiency technology products in Armidale creating 15 new local jobs.
Minister for Port and Waterways, Paul McLeay announced the funding for ICT International at the State Plan Meeting at the Armidale Bowling Club last night
The company has developed leading edge technology to monitor water flowing in the stems and roots of a wide range of trees and plants, in various environmental conditions, including drought.
It also manufactures technology and equipment to create water usage efficiencies and to measures soil moisture, soil water potential, water flows, and soil salinity.
Mr Torbay said new green industry and research was ideally located in country regions and said the new ICT facility was a great addition to the research capacity of Armidale and the region.
The Minister also announced $238,000 to upgrade roads and power supply to Moree’s Evergreen Precinct for development of an artesian water desalination plant.
Mr McLeahy was in Armidale to launch the New England North West Local Action Plan, a response to State Plan consultations held in the area two months ago.
The Plan identifies priorities including support for growing and existing industries, investment in infrastructure and services including health and roads, attracting and retaining frontline workers including doctors, nurses and mental health workers.
Balancing development and sustainable management of natural resources and strengthening local communities are also listed as priorities in the Plan. Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said the document reflected many of the findings of the Rural and Regional Taskforce and it was good to see collaborations with TAFE and UNE included.
“It was good so see so many local government and community representatives from the area at the launch,” he said.“Our communities responded positively to engage constructively with this project and are keenly interested in seeing the Plan implemented.”
The NSW State Plan is available at www.stateplan.nsw.gov.au
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