The Victorian Council of Greater Geelong has showcased its clean economy initiative –the Clean Economy Business Support program – and provided clean economy insights to a US Governor on a trade mission.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan, will welcome The Honourable Tim Walz, Governor of the State of Minnesota, on the 15 November.
Mr Walz is leading the state’s first ever trade mission to Australia (10-18 November) to establish new relationships with businesses in clean technology and sustainability, medical technology and health care, higher education and agriculture.
The delegation includes 35 organisations in these priority areas.
Minnesota has a growing clean energy and hydrogen ecosystem and is a leader in research and innovation. Delegates representing organisations such as Delta Airlines, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and Minnesota Trade Office will sit down for a working lunch to learn about the City of Greater Geelong’s Clean Economy Business Support program.
The program works to develop local markets for clean technology and deliver positive economic growth and sustainability outcomes, offering access to Clean Economy Grants for scalable demonstration projects and capacity building activities, such as ClimateLaunchpad to support new entrants to the market, and stimulates demand for innovative solutions through procurement.
Between 2014-2021, the benefits to the Greater Geelong community included 658 jobs created/maintained, 25 projects initiated, $18.6 million increase in sales, 49 businesses expanded and the attendance of more than 2,000 people at workshops and mentoring sessions.
A second presentation to the trade mission will delve into Cleanaway’s hydrogen initiative that is expected to commence operations this year. Cleanaway is a foundation partner in the development of Australia’s first publicly accessible, green hydrogen refuelling station for heavy vehicles in Geelong.
Mayor Sullivan said it is an honour to meet with the Minnesota Governor’s delegation.
“Our working lunch is an unmissable opportunity to showcase the region as a leader in clean technology and innovation as we work towards a low carbon future,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“Council hopes this valuable trade mission will pave the way for mutually beneficial relationships to develop that have the potential to attract investment and create local jobs.”
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Anthony Aitken, said innovation was critical to create jobs as Council transitions to a clean economy.
“Greater Geelong has world-class advanced manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities and educational programs, as well as businesses looking for opportunities to diversify,” Cr Aitken said.
“These are all factors that make us the place to be for local, national and international cleantech and circular economy businesses.”
