18 October 2018

Latrobe Valley-based start-up business, EnviroMicroBio Lab, has today opened a laboratory at Federation Training’s Yallourn campus. The laboratory was officially opened by Harriet Shing MP, Member for Eastern Victoria.

Thanks to $50000 funding provided through the State Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund, EnviroMicroBio will be be investing in analytical equipment to grow the capacity for anaerobic digestion in Victoria. Anaerobic digestion is a technology which produces renewable energy from waste organics.

EnviroMicroBio’s Chief Executive, Ms Emily Scholes, said the company aims to assist industry on matters involving wastewater, water, organic and trade waste.

“We specialise in the provision of analytical services, process problem solving, biological monitoring and technical training,” Ms Scholes said. “We have experience in industrial and domestic wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, membrane filtration and reverse osmosis.”

EnviroMicroBio’s current client base is between Caulfield and Bairnsdale with a central focus around the Latrobe Valley, and it was one of three successful projects to be funded under the New Energy Jobs Fund, after calls for project submissions were announced in September 2018.

Other successful projects include:
•Latrobe Valley Engineering Services and Sundermann Water Power
•Federation Training – supporting businesses by halving the cost of the October Solar PV installers course for participants.

The $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund is designed to support Victorian-based projects that create long-term sustainable jobs, increase the uptake of renewable energy generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in new energy technologies.

The Latrobe Valley Authority is also helping to deliver the program in the Latrobe Valley region, and ensure local businesses are engaged and aware of funding available for their projects.

For more information on the New Energy Jobs fund go to: http://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/future-industries/new-energy-technologies

For more information on EnviroMicroBio visit www.enviromicrobio.com.au

Quotes attributed to Harriet Shing MP, Member for Eastern Victoria

“The opening of the EnviroMicroBio Lab at Federation Training is the start of another new business in a growth industry for Gippsland and we are proud to have been able to support it through the New Energy Jobs Fund and the Latrobe Valley Authority.”

“As technology advances, it’s important to create as many local opportunities as possible and this lab will continue our work to bring jobs, innovation and new expertise to our region.”

Karen Cain, Chief Executive Officer, Latrobe Valley Authority

“We are supporting our local businesses to access funding for projects which make a real difference in our community.”

“We have seen some really innovative projects put forward by local businesses, and we will continue to support them to ensure they get off the ground.”

Grant Radford, Chief Executive Officer, Federation Training

“Federation Training is proud to support EnviroMicroBio by providing high-quality work spaces for this targeted start-up business to grow and meet future industry needs in Gippsland.”

“Partnering with local industry and the business community is crucial in developing the technology pathways and training opportunities to support future employment in our Gippsland region.”

Emily Scholes, EnviroMicroBio

“EnviroMicroBio would like to thank Federation Training, the LVA, the New Energy Jobs Fund and the member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing. The support shown today will enable us to grow ahead of schedule whilst providing clients a high grade of scientific advice”.

“EnviroMicroBio is proud to be establishing a laboratory in the Latrobe Valley. Our community will benefit from embracing renewable energy and the capacity to utilise advanced technologies such as DNA sequencing.”