WHEN rail manufacturer UGL vacated their former Lansdowne site back in October 2013, they shut the doors on the plant leaving everything from machinery to coffee cups behind.
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Another heavy manufacturer has subsequently stepped into the vacated lot to switch the power back on, and is proposing expanding business for an international market.
It is a project it says will bring around 400 new jobs to the Manning, but only with a bit of state and federal government help.
"We'd like to create a heavy metal industry in the area, and are in the final negotiations with a multi-national company to use the site. But to secure the longevity of the project, we need a government commitment to help get this off the ground," said Cara Dale, spokesperson for the company.
The unique site has a rail spur which joins onto the North Coast rail line, and 28,000 square feet of factory.
"This is a real opportunity to be an international exporter of product, whose benefits make it worth putting in the money. We wait only for our State and federal sitting members to act," said Steve Attkins, Manning Valley Business Chamber's economic development officer and Independent candidate for the seat of Myall Lakes.
Neil Hanington, the Economic Development Partnership Board chairman, says that when there is an application for major jobs and investment in an area, local State members generally organise introductions between interested parties and relevant ministers at the right level. Representations are made, and briefings are delivered.
"That's how it works," he said.
"And if we have investors willing to invest in the Manning, then they should have every level of support."
Around $25 million is required to ensure 403 staff are recruited within the first 12 months. Contracts currently under negotiation will be secured due to the availability of state of the art machinery, ensuring the business remains efficient for 20 to 30 years with a high level of productivity and quality.
"This kind of equipment is not cheap," Ms Dale said.
According to Ms Dale, Greater Taree City Council has given the multi-million dollar project its support, and federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie and further federal contacts have assured them they are firm contenders for assistance in upcoming funding rounds.
However she says that nothing but words had been forthcoming from the State government, despite its current propensity for funding promises in the lead up to Saturday's election.
"It's quite normal for authorities such as the NSW Department of Trade and Investment to provide financial assistance to companies when they are offering significant employment opportunities to the local region, and change local economies for the better," she said.
"There is normally a certain amount of discretionary funding a government can tap into."
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said that he had spoken with the Deputy Premier's office, who were well aware of the project.
He said that although the government was in caretaker mode, departmental work continues regardless and he had advised Ms Dale to get their application in.
"Nobody on earth can give a business money without seeing an application with supporting evidence for figures," he said.
Mr Bromhead said that the application was due to be sent to the department last week. It would then conduct its own assessment before forwarding it on to the relevant minister's office.
"The people linked to this business are very very confident of their numbers. I asked them to send me a copy of their application, but I haven't yet received it," he said.
Ms Dale said that the application for a grant had been submitted, but that they would also like to see a discretionary funding commitment in the lead up to the election. The private consultant and lobbyist suggested that if Myall Lakes was a marginal seat, then promises and pledges would be more readily attained.
"It's important to have pledges made, as the first 100 days of a new parliament is when most things get done," she said.
Whilst the company is confident of receiving federal assistance, Ms Dale said that if state government support is not forthcoming the site risks being converted into a distribution and storage facility, with limited impact on the local economy.
"But that's our Plan Z," she said.
Obviously missing from this discussion is the name of the Australian owned company which has purchased the site. Ms Dale however said that until state and federal commitments were secured, negotiations with interested parties would remain sensitive as contracts would not be able to be secured.
Regardless, her message was clear.
"Aside from direct wage benefits of $50 million dollars, there are also opportunities for local Taree businesses to be involved in the supply chain for the site, providing those businesses with new opportunities including hiring additional staff. A financial commitment and active support of the project will really put Taree on the map, not just for the jobs, but as a pivotal manufacturing hub in Australia for the future.
"I believe the state government should be assisting manufacturing. As a candidate, I would like to say, 'here's a commitment'" said Mr Attkins.
Mr Bromhead said the project had his full backing.
"I fully support this project 100 per cent. If I could support it more, I would," he said.
Ms Dale has also approached Labor candidate Dr Keegan for his party's support. Dr Keegan was the medical officer for twenty factories in the area including UGL over a number of years.
"The project presents some extremely exciting possibilities. It's well planned and thought out, with excellent access and employment opportunities to the skilled workforce living nearby," he said.
Dr Keegan has passed the facts and figures onto the Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment Mick Veitch, and would be pushing for some commitment.
In the meantime, the site's rail line will be given a stress test this week to check it is still up to the task, taking the project one step closer to fruition.