Members of the Ballarat manufacturing industry will meet with Minister for Manufacturing, Export and Trade Hon Richard Dalla-Riva tomorrow.

The roundtable session will provide an opportunity for Minister Dalla-Riva and members of the Ballarat manufacturing industry to discuss manufacturing, exports, productivity and competitiveness.

It will also allow industry representatives to have input directly to the Minister on the business environment within the region.

Ballarat Mayor Councillor Craig Fletcher said the region was very fortunate to have Minister Dalla-Riva visiting and expects local manufacturing businesses to get a lot out of the day.

“The visit will be the perfect opportunity for members of the Ballarat manufacturing industry to discuss the issues most important to them with the relevant Minister – not a chance we get every day”.

Manufacturing is currently the third highest contributor to the Central Highlands economy but job opportunities are not expected to grow over coming years.

Mayor Fletcher said it was important for both Council and members of the industry to keep conversation on the subject open with the Government and to position the industry for growth.

“With 30,000 people expected to move to Ballarat over the next 20 years, we must look at the opportunities this provides for industries like manufacturing and come up with strategies that allow us to best capitalise on this”.

Minister Peter Ryan today launched the government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund in Ballarat, which includes initiatives to support industries in transition such as manufacturing.

As part of his visit to Ballarat, Minister Dalla-Riva will also undertake site visits at two local manufacturing plants, taking a first hand look at the manufacturing industry in the Ballarat region.