Manufacturers in Mackay and on the Gold Coast have received a boost with delivery of a $15.5 million election commitment by the Palaszczuk Government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the locations of the two newest Regional Manufacturing Hubs to provide local manufacturers with expert advice and support as they look to grow their business and expand into new markets and create secure, long term local jobs.
"My government continues to invest in regional manufacturing, because our manufacturers create sustainable jobs and significantly contribute to the growth of regional economies," the Premier said.
"We have already successfully established regional Manufacturing Hubs in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Gladstone for local manufacturing businesses to receive expert advice and support.
"Building on the success of these hubs we are delivering on our election commitment to create two additional manufacturing hubs — one in Mackay and one on the Gold Coast.
"The Mackay Hub will be located at the Resource Centre of Excellence in Paget, while the Gold Coast Hub will be located in Nerang and help to deliver new jobs and new investment for each region."
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to securing the long-term future of the manufacturing industry in regional Queensland.
"The Palaszczuk Government's Regional Manufacturing Hub Network is delivering regional growth right across the state," Mr Butcher said.
"These commitments for two new manufacturing hubs are over a three-year period and will give the opportunity for manufacturers in the Mackay and Gold Coast areas to become more productive and create the jobs of the future.
"The Regional Manufacturing Hub Network supports manufacturers to adopt new technologies, including robotics and autonomous systems, develop skills and training, and access new supply chain opportunities."
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the new hub would help support existing manufacturers and provide important support for new businesses to thrive.
"This new hub will support our local manufacturing businesses to achieve real outcomes including improved productivity, increased international competitiveness, stimulate job generation and attract private sector investment," Ms Scanlon said.
"The Gold Coast has a strong manufacturing industry and the new hub will provide even greater support for the significant local sector from the border north along the coast to Beenleigh."
Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the establishment of the hub would be a huge boost for local industry in the region.
"The Centre of Excellence's focus on driving innovation, collaboration and advancement in the mining industry and our hub's focus on growing the advanced manufacturing sector will ensure local businesses have every opportunity to grow, invest and employ more staff," Ms Gilbert said.
"The hub will provide support services to manufacturers in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday council areas, ensuring a strong network of manufacturers and supply chains for the region."
The new hubs will be operational by 2021 and with a new round of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program by open by August 2021.
