Australia’s growing clean energy sector has received a boost with the announcement today of an Interim Advisory Board and Centre Director – Dr Gillian Sparks – for the national $20 million Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre.
The Clean Energy Innovation Centre, based in Newcastle, is part of the Rudd Government's Enterprise Connect network – which provides practical advice and assistance to small to medium sized enterprises in various sectors.
"The future of Australian manufacturing lies in innovation, and great opportunities are emerging in the clean energy field in particular," Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr said.
“This is a great step for Australia’s clean energy sector, a sector with enormous growth potential and crucial in addressing future environmental challenges.
"The eleven board members and centre director will bring high-level, practical business and research skills to the table."
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson MP was pleased with the board's diverse representation – consisting of clean energy representatives Australia-wide.
“This is a great opportunity for Newcastle and I look forward to working with the board members and director to support their work in this crucial area," Ms Grierson said.
Interim Advisory Board Chairman Mr Philip Pledge said, that "the board members bring expertise in renewable energy, low emission technology as well practical experience in establishing SMEs and in the research sector.”
Centre Director, Dr Gillian Sparkes, has had a 28-year career in the manufacturing industry and has held senior management roles with private and public groups including BHP Steel, Brambles and EPA Victoria.
Dr Sparkes chaired the Victorian Water Industry, Sustainable Energy Use Working Group, which developed a framework for greenhouse gas reductions and was a member of the Reference Group for the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability in Victoria.
To see how your business can benefit from the Enterprise Connect, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call the hotline on 131 791.
A list of members can be found below.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister Carr, 0417 181 936
Nick Kachel, Sharon Grierson MP, 0412 673 614
Paula Thomas, Enterprise Connect, 0419 288 374
Clean Energy Innovation Centre - Interim Advisory Board
Chairperson
Mr Philip Pledge SA Water Board Board Chair
Board Members
Name Organisation Title
Mr Terry Kallis Petratherm Ltd Managing Director
Mr Michael Fielden Acquasol Infrastructure Ltd Managing Director
Dr Tom Denniss Oceanlinx Limited Chief Technology Officer
Mr Vincent Hawksworth Hydro Tasmania Chief Executive Officer
Mr Leighton White Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd Technical Director
Ms Janine Ricketts Department of State and Regional Development
Executive Director – Policy and Resources
Ms Peta Ashworth CSIRO Team Leader – Social Research Projects
Prof Rod Hill Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor – Industry Engagement and Commercialisation
Mr Nixon Apple Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union Industry and Economic Adviser
Mr Jan Dekker Cleantech Ventures Pty Ltd Principal