KEEPING manufacturing in our state’s regions has gained a boost with a $5 million injection of Made in Queensland manufacturing grants.
The State Government aims to support home-grown manufacturing and attract new business to Queensland, with an expansion of the program central to that.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last announced the grant roll-out last week, selling it as a boom for the state’s manufacturing industry.
“The Queensland manufacturing grants will boost capability, productivity, and innovation, and generate high-skilled jobs for the future,” Mr Last said
“Our plan includes expanding the footprint of manufacturing hubs in regional Queensland by establishing new facilities and supporting existing ones to better meet the needs of local industry and create more jobs.
“A focus on manufacturing will deliver a robust strategy to support our regional and rural economies.”
Mr Last said a key focus was driving-down costs for businesses to create investment certainty, attracting more manufacturing to Queensland.
“We are determined to make Queensland the most attractive state for manufacturers to invest in,” he said.
“Make no mistake, our doors are open, and we’ll be doing all we can to attract new manufacturers, while supporting the world-class industry that already exists here.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the recent announcement of grants had been welcomed by Ipswich businesses.
“Ipswich has been a manufacturing hub of Queensland for more than 150 years,” she said.
“From railways and many defence industry organisations to recent investments in our city from global names such as JBS, Suntory Oceania and L’Oreal, as well as the ongoing success of local businesses such as Trisco Foods.
“This grant program is focused on giving a leg up to small and medium manufacturing businesses in Queensland, and I would strongly encourage local businesses to fully explore this opportunity for future funding.”
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the initiative was one introduced by the former government.
“The former Queensland Labor Government introduced these grants in 2017 to grow advanced manufacturing across Queensland and since then they’ve delivered 160 advanced manufacturing projects and supported more than 6500 jobs,” Ms Howard said.
