The future of the Mackay manufacturing sector has been given a further boost with the Palaszczuk Government announcing permanent funding for the Mackay Manufacturing Hub as part of a $17 million statewide boost for manufacturing.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in Manufacturing Hubs and Made in Queensland Grants has created and supported nearly 6,000 jobs to date.
“The work done at these hubs is vital to building and strengthening Queensland’s booming manufacturing sector and creating local jobs.
“Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state’s economy and employees and we want to see that grow even further,” Minister Butcher said.
Minister Butcher was joined by Mackay MP, Julieanne Gilbert, at local manufacturing business, Bryan Industries, which specialises in mining and machinery fabrication.
“I want to congratulate Bryan Industries for taking advantage of this program, to help modernise and grow,” Ms Gilbert said.
“I know the team at the Mackay Manufacturing Hub have worked really hard to get some great results and working with businesses like Bryan Industries brings many rewards.
“Sixty Mackay locals are employed by this business and we know that ongoing funding, for programs which helped keep Queenslanders employed, are so important to the future of the manufacturing sector.”
General Manager Clinton Venz, said the Mackay Manufacturing Hub had proved a valuable resource in helping the business plan for growth.
“The team at the Hub introduced us to the Entrepreneurs Program with Neil Pratt and we now have developed a roadmap that is focused on growing our business,” Mr Venz said.
“From that we’ve also been successful in achieving a growth grant and this will help us increase our capability and capacity.
“We’ve also found the Hub’s business events to be very informative and helpful and will use the principles we have learned when designing our new facility.”
Minister Butcher said this funding will ensure manufacturers in Mackay and the surrounding regions continue to receive the services offered by the Hub on a permanent basis.
“We want Queensland businesses to remain nationally and internationally competitive, and arm them with the tools to take advantage of the exponential growth opportunities through Queensland becoming the manufacturing state of choice and recognised as global leaders.
“The Hubs are bringing together the state, industry partners, local governments, local businesses and educational institutions to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing,” Mr Butcher said.
The Manufacturing Hubs build stronger and sustainable regional businesses and develop connected industry ecosystems to increase national and international competitiveness, lift productivity, stimulate sustainable job growth, and attract private sector investment.
By 2026, Queensland will be international market leaders in the delivery of advanced manufacturing technologies, systems, products and services that are innovative, sustainable, and embedded in local and global supply chains.
