- The Crisafulli Government has opened Maryborough's Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.
- $5 million upgrade delivers world-class training and pathways to jobs in rail and advanced manufacturing.
- Additional $2.1 million investment supports Manufacturing Skills Queensland to operate the facility.
- The Crisafulli Government is building a pipeline of skilled workers and delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for regional Queensland with better training opportunities following the official opening of Maryborough's Manufacturing Centre of Excellence today.
The $5 million upgrade, backed by a further $2.1 million investment to operate the facility, will provide world-class training in advanced manufacturing, and create pathways to high-demand careers in rail, defence, and energy.
The Centre features state-of-the-art equipment for precision machining, welding, and automated manufacturing processes, giving students hands-on experience with the same technology used in modern factories. It will support the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program and the region's growing manufacturing sector.
After a decade of decline under Labor, when Maryborough's potential was ignored, critical manufacturing projects stalled or blew out, and the skills shortage worsened, the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of securing the pipeline of skilled workers and delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the Centre was central to the Crisafulli Government's plan to develop a pipeline of skilled workers.
"We are delivering the skills Maryborough needs to lead Queensland's manufacturing future," Minister Bates said.
"This is about real jobs for local people, real careers in modern industry and a better lifestyle through a stronger regional economy.
"Under the Crisafulli Government, Queensland is open for business and regional communities like Maryborough are essential in underpinning that story."
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Centre was another example of the Crisafulli Government listening, planning, and delivering for regional Queensland.
"We are backing regional Queensland with investment that drives innovation and secures the workforce for tomorrow," Minister Last said.
"This facility is crucial to ensuring we have the skilled workforce to deliver the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program and upcoming advanced manufacturing opportunities across our state.
"The Crisafulli Government is saving the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program after Labor's mismanagement and cost blowouts sent the project off the rails. Our focus is on creating local jobs and making sure Maryborough and the Fraser Coast remain a manufacturing powerhouse for decades to come."
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the facility was going to help local industry adapt, innovate, and stay competitive.
"We are building a workforce that keeps Maryborough competitive and creates real opportunities for locals," Mr Barounis said.
"This Centre means better training, better jobs and a stronger future for our region."
Downer Executive General Manager, Passenger North/QTMP Project Director, Kamal Habibullah, said the centre would help develop the specialist skills needed for the workforce at the new QTMP train manufacturing facility in Torbanlea.
"Downer is proud to be Founding Partner for the MSQ Centre of Excellence in Maryborough."
"While the Centre will ensure we have the talent pipeline for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, its benefits will extend well beyond, to wider manufacturing industry and the Maryborough region.
