Monash Bulletin - 14 August 2007

Monash: The Technology Capital Of Australia

The City of Monash has been under a (mega) microscope with the official opening of the $207 million Australian Synchrotron by Victorian Premier, John Brumby in Clayton on July 31.

Council's Economic Development Manager, Jeff McAlpine, said the Synchrotron is producing a "flow-on effect" for the City of Monash in terms of attracting other significant research and development organisations, an influx of skilled workers and further investment in the municipality.

The Synchrotron's potential for significant discoveries has the capacity to bring science and innovation to a new level in this country and will create 2,500 jobs, attract 3,000 scientists annually and contribute approximately $110 million each year to the economy.

Mr McAlpine said, in addition to the benefits for the scientific community, it will also open many other business opportunities locally via the Technology Capability Alignment Project (TCAP).

"TCAP is a Monash City Council initiative that has united all three levels of government, advanced technological organisations such as the Synchrotron and small to medium manufacturing businesses. The project links business and science to improve market competitiveness, innovation and the capabilities of local businesses to expand into international markets." he said.

"The TCAP initiative will facilitate business growth and employment as well as developing new partnerships between local businesses and research organisations to drive the regional expansion of knowledge-based industries." Professor Robert Lamb, Facility Director of the Australian Synchrotron, is a member of the reference committee for the Technology Capability Alignment Project. Professor Lamb was also the keynote speaker at the Sir John Monash Community Lecture on 1 August.

Manufacturing businesses wanting to uptake available technologies and knowledge to enhance their local, national or international competitiveness should register their interest by contacting Monash Council Economic Development Manager Jeff McAlpine on 9518 3454.

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Published: 13 August 2007

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