A STATE government grant to a Nelson Bay military technology company has strengthened the Hunter’s bid for the joint strike fighter international service hub.
Bohemia Interactive Simulations makes gaming software for military training that is used by most western countries.
The funding, announced on Friday by Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, has allowed the company to move from an office above a fish and chip shop in Nelson Bay to the Williamtown Aerospace Centre.
Six new high-skilled jobs will be created by the move as Bohemia expands into specialised training.
Mr Stoner said it was good to see the growth of high-tech industries in the Hunter.
‘‘Their product is in high demand from the other defence agencies… and
they are located in the new aerospace centre at Williamtown,’’ Mr Stoner said.
Mr Stoner said the state government’s investment in the Williamtown hub put it in a strong position to lobby the Federal government for future opportunities in defence ‘‘including those arising from the joint strike fighter contract’’.
‘‘We will continue to work with the Hunter defence industry and with the Hunter Business Chamber to pursue those opportunities with the Federal government,’’ Mr Stoner said.
Hunternet director Tony Cade said it was encouraging to see state government recognise the Hunter’s hidden champions.
‘‘In particular to support new military hardware and software given the impending arrival of the F35 joint strike fighters,’’ Mr Cade said.
‘‘What we are seeing is a significant shift in evolving the Hunter’s manufacturing sector…we have hidden champions like Bohemia that are leading the way in developing new products for global customers.’