"As a person who was going to live here, to make it a centre of excellence in the research and the high echelon work in agriculture, chemicals and now in mechanics.

"It's part of my plan. Whether its APVMA, this type of research, CSIRO, whether it's UNE, it's making sure Armidale has a lot of strings to its bow. I want to have a lot of PhDs and high level scientists in one centre.

"I'm fighting very hard for 3ME Technology (formerly Energetique Mining Vehicles) access for a grant to further promote specialised heavy-duty, lithium-ion batteries for electric mining vehicles.

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"That could appreciably be top end work. The Research work could be done in Armidale, the construction would be done in Newcastle, and these are incredibly important for electric vehicles to improve working conditions by decreasing exposure to diesel particulates."

Mr Joyce said there were a range of places vehicles could be used, but their major benefits would be felt in the mining sector where emissions in confined spaces were particularly hazardous.

3ME Technology CEO Justin Bain confirmed his company was establishing its production centre in Newcastle after over a decade of Research and Development projects conducted in Armidale.

"We've had good co-operation with UNE over the years. If the appropriate resources are allocated, and a place like that has the right amount of leadership, then it certainly has strong potential," he said.