Manufacturing drives Hunter jobs surge

A JOBS boom bucking an industry trend has confirmed the Hunter as Australia’s premier manufacturing region.
Figures show 53,000 people lost their jobs in the manufacturing sector throughout Australia in the 12 months to September 2011.

In the same period, trend data showed 4000 Hunter workers gained employment in the manufacturing workforce, which is the second-largest employer in the region behind healthcare.

In the Hunter, 11.1per cent of the workforce is employed in manufacturing compared with 8.9per cent across Australia and it has an unemployment rate (2.8per cent) that is almost half of the national average (5.3per cent).

The Hunter Business Chamber – sourcing information from the Hunter Valley Research Foundation, Australian Bureau of Statistics and elsewhere – has outlined the jobs surge in its submission to the state government’s Manufacturing Industry Action Plan.

‘‘The Hunter has long held the reputation as the powerhouse of the NSW economy and ranks highly as one of the most valued, diverse and resilient regions in Australia,’’ chamber president Richard Anicich said.

‘‘This perfect storm for manufacturing has been brewing for a considerable period of time and those within the industry have been working hard to alert governments at all levels.’’

Tomago Aluminium and Hydro Kurri Kurri are the largest manufacturers in the Hunter and combine to produce 30per cent of Australia’s aluminium.

Work on defence projects has been the driving force behind the dramatic increase, with Forgacs adding 600 employees to its 1000-strong workforce in the past two years.

Forgacs is building the majority of the blocks for three air warfare destroyers and mining and government transport jobs have also contributed.

‘‘If you have a look at what’s happening in Newcastle at the moment it’s what keeps me buoyant about the place,’’ Forgacs general manager Tony Lobb said.

‘‘While ever the mining industry keeps going at the pace it is then manufacturing will continue to grow, but it’s the other projects that have made such a big difference.’’

Newcastle Trades Hall Council secretary Gary Kennedy said the likelihood of the Joint Strike Fighter contract coming to Newcastle would only add to the Hunter’s reputation.

‘‘After the BHP closed, instead of sitting around on their hands and doing nothing, Newcastle businesses diversified and moved forward with a lot of innovation,’’ Mr Kennedy said.


By NEIL GOFFET

26 Nov, 2011 04:00 AM

Original article: http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/manufacturing-drives-hunter-jobs-surge/2371358.aspx?src=email