Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner

Supporting Innovation And Creating Jobs Into The Future

Victor P Taffa

A world-first commercial 3D printer that was invented in the Territory has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing technology, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said today.

Chief Minister Gunner said the printer which the Northern Territory Government is investing in will form the centrepiece of a new industrial research hub to be based at Charles Darwin University.

New industrial research hub will pave the way for the creation of jobs into the future for Territorians as well as generating new and exciting economic opportunities in the Northern Territory.

Chief Minister Gunner today joined CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks to announce a $400,000 Northern Territory Government grant for the purchase of the LightSPEE3D Printer from Darwin innovative start-up company SPEE3D.

“Territory Government was elected on the promise of creating jobs and supporting initiatives that will drive innovation and future economic opportunities is central to this.” Chief Minister Gunner said.

“We want to partner with local enterprises to drive innovation here in the Territory. By diversifying the economy through innovation we are opening the door to new economic opportunities for Territorians both now and into the future.”

“3D printer is ground-breaking manufacturing technology and, significantly, the inventor is a Territorian who was a previous recipient of the Northern Territory Government’s BISI innovation grants.”

“Machine will provide a new industrial transformation research hub for advanced manufacturing in the Territory, delivering new tools, skills and technologies, and generating highly skilled jobs.” Chief Minister Gunner said.

Printer which allows for the rapid and low-cost production of metal parts without tools was invented by Steven Camilleri from SPEE3D.

Together with CDU, SPEE3D has formed the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA), which will be based on CDU’s Casuarina Campus.

“Northern Territory Government funds both through our Business Innovation grants that contributed to the machine being invented, and through purchase of the machine for CDU will help accelerate research to assist with commercialising the technology.” Chief Minister Gunner said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the AMA also would work to develop applications for the use of the new technology in remote areas improving supply chains and lowering operating costs.

He congratulated the Northern Territory Government for its critical role in bringing the project to fruition.