Manufacturers in Townsville are reaping the rewards of Queensland Government initiatives, with more than $3.1 million awarded in 11 grants to local businesses, which have created or supported more than 200 jobs.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher released the numbers on day one of Australian Manufacturing Week, highlighting that the Townsville Manufacturing Hub has contributed significantly to the local economy.
“Townsville Manufacturing Hub staff have connected with local businesses more than 1500 times, helping guide and support their teams to adopt advanced manufacturing technology and practices, and connect with peers in the local area to foster growth and develop a collaborative regional network.
“Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state’s economy and we want to see that build even further,” Mr Butcher said.
Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the booming industry is going from strength to strength, thanks to support from the Queensland Government.
“The Manufacturing Hub and Made in Queensland Grants are helping a number of local businesses to build capacity, and expand their offering, something that they otherwise might not have been able to do so quickly.”
Most recently, Townsville glazier business Well Hung Glass & Aluminium was awarded a $458,000 Manufacturing Hub Grant, to be used to purchase new equipment.
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the permanent funding announced to the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs has given locals confidence in the industry.
“The hub staff have used their expertise to help local manufacturers more than 1500 times. This has helped to grow business, create jobs, capture more customers and develop leading edge processes and efficiencies.”
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper congratulated local businesses on taking up the opportunities created by the State Government.
“A number of north Queensland manufacturers are already making their mark in the global market and I want to see that number grow because this region has so much to offer,” Mr Harper said.
Townsville Manufacturing Hub Skills Development and Training Officer Crissy Avery said the past three years since the Hub launched had been a busy time getting to understand what each local manufacturer needed and how best to meet those needs.
“We’re a support service, with a clear focus on helping manufacturers modernise, guiding them using our own experience and expertise and connecting them with other leaders as well as possible funding help,” she said.
“These successes so far are just the beginning. Bringing so much manufacturing work to the region, helping the sector thrive, this is all part of building Queensland as the home of manufacturing in Australia.”
Demonstrating the Palaszczuk Government’s strong commitment to manufacturing, the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs received permanent funding, to the tune of $17 million, so they can continue to support regional manufacturers to grow their businesses and create local jobs.
“The Hubs are bringing together stakeholders to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing,” Mr Butcher said.
“Building local businesses, strengthening their capacity and capability helps local economies by delivering long-term, local jobs,” Mr Butcher said.
More than $54 million has been awarded through Queensland Manufacturing Hub and Made in Queensland Grants, creating or supporting more than 5,500 jobs.
“Our government is focused on delivering critical support to regional manufacturers, after the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure they have the tools they need to grow and thrive,” Mr Butcher said.
“Australian companies are increasingly looking to local manufacturers to step up and fill gaps exposed in supply chains, so it’s fantastic to see these manufacturing businesses in regional Queensland build and grow, to meet demand.”
