$12 million to help new companies establish at Tonsley

The 2015-16 Mid-Year Budget Review (MYBR) includes $12 million to help more companies establish operations at South Australia’s internationally-renowned innovation hub, Tonsley.

The funding will allow more tenancies or “pods” to be built in Tonsley’s Main Assembly Building for companies keen to take advantage of the Australia’s first innovation district.

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said negotiations were underway with a number of companies.

“Since it was launched in February 2012, the State Government’s Tonsley project has experienced significant development and is now home to more than 800 high-value jobs and more than 8000 students,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Flinders University, Siemens, the new State Drill Core Library, and TAFE are among Tonsley’s tenants.

“Recently, Micro X, the developer of an ultra-lightweight medical x-ray announced it would establish its headquarters at Tonsley, creating advanced manufacturing jobs.

“Signostics, Zen Energy, Hegs Pegs, and a number of start-up ventures are also at Tonsley, with many based in the Co-Hab working space — established by Innovyz to provide affordable and collaborative accommodation for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

“This $12 million funding will enable new tenancies to be built in the Main Assembly Building, providing further options for companies looking to invest in the precinct.”

Mr Koutsantonis said Tonsley’s success was helping to create a diverse and internationally competitive economy for South Australia.

“Tonsley is at the heart of our efforts to transform South Australia from our heavy manufacturing past to the advanced, high-value manufacturing of the future, backed by innovation and collaboration,” he said.

“Tonsley is also central to delivering the State Government’s economic priorities, especially a global leader in health research, the Knowledge State, and growth through innovation.”

The work to attract new companies to Tonsley is focused on four key manufacturing sectors:
•Mining and resources
•Clean technologies, including sustainable building products and services, and renewable energy
•Health and medical technology and assistive devices
•Software and simulation.

Tonsley has also been certified as Australia’s first mixed use six-star Green Star community.

Today’s funding follows the recent announcement that Tonsley will also benefit from a cutting-edge simulation hub, which will help local business to create higher value products and services, and connect with global supply chains.

The simulation hub is a partnership between the State Government, global advanced manufacturing giant Siemens, and Simulation Australia, the peak industry association for simulation and modelling in Australia.

It also comes as Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher returns from a Tonsley investment mission to Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom to build awareness about Tonsley and meet with business leaders with the aim of attracting more companies to establish a presence at the precinct.