Illawarra industry has an opportunity to benefit from the Gillard Labor Governments $1 billionPlan for Australian Jobs.

Illawarra MPs Sharon Bird and Stephen Jones have today announced that the next round of applications to host one of the up to eight Industry Innovation Precincts proposed by the Gillard Labor Government is now open.

Today the Government has invited the next round of industry-led applications to establish an Industry Innovation Precinct, said Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird.

Industry Innovation Precincts will be industry led and will bring industry, firms, research institutions, technology experts and government agencies together they will work to achieve the innovations, connections and scale that our businesses need to succeed in the future she said.

ThePlan for Australian JobsPlan builds on Labors strong support for industry since coming to office including the $1 billion package to help manufactures cut energy costs and improve competitiveness Ms Bird said.

Precincts will be selected through a two stage competitive application process. Stage one will involve industry identifying potential industries or sectors for a Precinct as well as proposed organisations and locations Member for Throsby, Stephen Jones said.

The second stage of the selection process will involve facilitation to develop a final Precinct proposal. This could involve the combination of applications from stage one where this combination is required to create the critical mass for that industry or sector to be competitive in the future Mr Jones said.

Stage one of the IIP selection process will close for applications on 5 June 2013.

More information can be found at www.aussiejobs.innovation.gov.au