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Council notes progress in Geelong’s developing biotechnology capability
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
3:45 PM
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The City of Greater Geelong has reinforced its support for BioGeelong in its efforts to identify and secure funding for projects that promote biotechnology investment and major jobs growth in the Geelong region.
A resolution adopted by Council noted the next steps in growing Geelong’s Biotechnology capability, including the preparation of a feasibility study for the development of a National Centre for Disease Control in Geelong.
It also outlined the latest moves to investigate the potential for Geelong to take a lead in Victoria’s industrial biotechnology development.
Cr Bruce Harwood, who holds Council’s portfolio for Strategic Development, said that taking a leadership position in biotechnology would drive Geelong’s transition to a forward-looking, knowledge-based economy.
He said significant work had been undertaken by Council and industry stakeholders to grow Geelong’s biotechnology capability.
Cr Harwood said key activities in this area had included the establishment of BioGeelong in 2005; the undertaking of a study tour to North Carolina in 2008; preparation of the 2009 Bio Geelong Growth Strategy and ongoing partnership building with key biotechnology stakeholders.
He said Council’s participation in a delegation to the 2009 Bio International Convention in Atlanta had provided an important opportunity for Geelong to consolidate its position as a serious global and domestic player in biotechnology sectors.
He said it had also enabled members of the Geelong delegation to learn from other jurisdictions and organisations that were also seeking to grow their respective biotechnology capabilities.
“One of the key messages to come out of the Bio International Convention was the importance of specialising in a particular biotechnology area,” Cr Harwood said.
He said the report to Council noted that the proposed development of an Australian Centres for Disease Control facility in Geelong would leverage off the skills and capabilities that already existed in the Geelong region.
“It is also likely that such a facility will also draw around it other companies and organisations such as associated service providers and suppliers,” Cr Harwood said.
Cr Rod Macdonald, who holds the portfolio for Economic Development, said that from an economic development perspective, developing Geelong’s biotechnology capability would drive long-term, high-value job creation and investment for the future.
“The Biotechnology industry is having a significant impact on Geelong’s economy,” Cr Macdonald said.
“In the past four years, the number of people employed in Geelong’s biotech industry has doubled from 400 to 800,” he said.
“These figures do not include the supporting industries such as maintenance and service providers. It should also be pointed out that Geelong’s biotech industry attracts more than $18 million in external funding per annum,” Cr Macdonald said.
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