SOTO Consulting Engineers Chief Operating Officer Jim Allan has been appointed to a state committee and an expert panel, demonstrating the company’s commitment to driving a prosperous future for the region.

Mr Allan has been appointed to the Illawarra Regional Expert Panel of the NSW Government’s Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund. In addition, he is now a committee member of the NSW branch of the Australian Industry and Defence Network.

With a strong background in the coal mining industry and an active member of i3net, the Illawarra Innovative Industry Network, Mr Allan’s appointments demonstrate his and SOTO’s desire to build strong networks and relationships for the region.

The Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund will have $25 million a year from coal mining royalties to support coal mining towns and regions. The four expert panels – the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West regions – will have a say in how the money is invested in projects and programs that support new industries and employment
opportunities.

Each panel comprises members with diverse skills, expertise, and local knowledge to advise government on how projects from their area will support the growth of future industries and career opportunities.

“When you look at the membership of the expert panel, you’ll see that it’s quite a combination of skill sets, and all of the people have a real passion for the region,” Mr Allan said.

“We all want to see the distribution benefit the Illawarra. All the members of the expert panel come with knowledge and background in the area and are all currently engaged in fields that are working toward benefiting the whole region. They’re not just looking at a single company or industry’s gain. The people on the panel are sharing knowledge to support the entire region.”

Similarly, the AIDN plays a role in supporting new opportunities for businesses and industries in defence projects. The AIDN supports its members in developing capabilities to qualify for defence contracts, as well as advising governments on policy and strategic plans to deliver a capable national defence industry.

Mr Allan said the Illawarra is well positioned geographically and has the right mix of skills to attract defence industry opportunities.

While the Illawarra’s economic base has diversified to include significant contributions from education and tourism, Mr Allan said that was an important opportunity to leverage the area’s location and growing expertise in science and engineering.

“The Illawarra has evolved from purely heavy industry to now having a research-focused university and a robust tourism economy,” Mr Allan said. “Connect that with our port, our proximity to key defence and government sites in Nowra, Canberra, and Sydney, and you start to wonder why Wollongong doesn’t have greater involvement in defence.

“Local representation on industry boards, committees, panels, and the like is vital because we can bring key decision-makers to the region and demonstrate our capabilities. Already member businesses and organisations of groups like i3Net and the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group are starting to collaborate really well and share the view that defence is a real economic opportunity for the region.”

In 2023, SOTO is celebrating its 25th anniversary. A local success story built on strong relationships and understanding that every business and organisation’s success contributes to the region’s prosperity.

“We can’t simply think things are ok now, and that’s how it will stay. We have to build those networks and relationships that position us all to thrive in a world that is changing very, very fast.”