The Minns Government is investing more than $6.38 million in two major projects in the New England region to strengthen the local economy and create new jobs, as part of its broader plan to drive economic development across regional NSW.
This funding reflects the Government’s commitment to working with local partners to deliver smart, targeted investments that make a real difference to regional communities.
Through the NSW Regional Development Trust, the Government will contribute $6.38 million, with the two local businesses adding a further $7.16 million — bringing total investment to $13.5 million to support new training, skills development and job creation in the New England region.
The two projects receiving funds are:
- International Flight Training Tamworth – $6.61 million for major upgrades to the Tamworth facility to attract new tenants and investment
- Upgrades will include new lighting, replacing heating, and new ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure the facility meets industry standards.
- The project will bolster the Tamworth Aviation Precinct’s reputation as a leading pilot training hub in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region, creating new employment opportunities and driving economic growth while meeting critical global demand for Australian-trained pilots.
- The investment will increase pilot training capacity to over 200 pilots annually, creating direct and indirect business and employment opportunities.
- NSW Government will contribute $5 million and the Tamworth Council will contribute $1.61 million to the project
- Medicinal cannabis manufacturing company, ABC CAN – $6.93 million to invest in infrastructure and create 20 jobs at its Armidale facility
- Facility upgrades will include improvements to cultivation areas, processing rooms and secure storage, helping to strengthen efficiency, quality and future export readiness.
- The improvements will see the company significantly increase throughput to meet growing domestic and export demand and create 20 new jobs on top of its existing 80 staff across cultivation, manufacturing, quality and logistics.
- The project will also grow local capability by expanding in-house curriculum and practical training for specialised roles in cultivation and manufacturing, supporting career opportunities in a regional industry with national growth potential.
- NSW Government will contribute $1.38 million and ABC CAN will contribute $5.55 million to the project
Investments through the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust represent a new approach by the Minns Government to funding shovel-ready regional projects that create jobs and attract fresh investment.
For more information go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“This funding is about delivering new jobs and investment for regional communities.
‘Working with two local dynamic and innovative businesses we are supporting projects that create jobs, grow local businesses and improve essential services.
“By investing in infrastructure and innovation, we’re helping communities thrive now and into the future.
“The International Flight Training investment is about securing NSW’s place as a leader in aviation training.
“By upgrading international training facilities we’re helping ensure NSW remains at the forefront of global aviation standards.
“ABC CAN is doing incredible work to provide safe, high-quality medicinal cannabis for patients who need it.
“By supporting this company we are also supporting the New England region in diversification of crops and industries to help grow economic resilience.”
Tamworth Region Mayor, Russell Webb said:
“We are grateful to the NSW Government for this investment in the International Flight Training Tamworth, a facility our community is very proud of.
“With over 300 favourable flying days annually, Tamworth is the ideal setting for cadets looking to take off in their aviation careers.
“Funding infrastructure like this supports regional communities like Tamworth to contribute to the growth and success of the aviation industry locally, and internationally.”
ABC CAN Chief Financial Officer, Max Taylor said:
“We are honoured to be a recipient of this grant, which represents a strong endorsement of our contribution to regional NSW and Australia’s emerging medicinal cannabis industry.
“As Australia’s largest exporter of medicinal cannabis and one of Armidale’s largest employers, we are committed to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and advancing the development of a skilled regional workforce.
“This investment will help accelerate sustainable growth, create high-quality jobs and enable the delivery of premium-grade, Australian-grown plant medicine – supporting both local and international demand.”