- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a new Manufacturing Hub for the Wide Bay Burnett region at Manufacturing Skills Queensland's Centre of Excellence.
- $925 000 State Budget investment will support more than 990 local manufacturers to grow and innovate.
- The Crisafulli Government is reviving Queensland's manufacturing industry and delivering a stronger economy through investment in regional Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is strengthening Queensland's manufacturing capability, announcing a new Manufacturing Hub that will help businesses across the Wide Bay Burnett innovate, grow and create more jobs to repaid Labor's Skills Shortage.
The new Manufacturing Hub will be located at Manufacturing Skills Queensland's Centre of Excellence in Maryborough.
Backed by a $925,000 investment in the 2026-27 Budget, the new Wide Bay Manufacturing Hub will provide local manufacturers with the expertise, connections and practical support needed to adopt new technologies, improve productivity, strengthen workforce capability and expand into new domestic and international markets.
Under the former Labor government, Queensland's manufacturing industry was forgotten and major opportunities to grow sovereign capabilities and bolster our supply chains went offshore.
While Labor left Queensland with a major skills shortage, the Crisafulli Government is delivering real, targeted investment and engagement to revive one of our largest industries and return heavy manufacturing to our state.
The investment delivers on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to grow regional manufacturing, ensuring businesses have the confidence to invest, expand and create secure jobs closer to home.
The Wide Bay Burnett is home to hundreds of manufacturing businesses, with strengths spanning food and beverage production, agricultural manufacturing, metal fabrication, plastics, timber products and the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
The announcement represents the third expansion of Queensland's Manufacturing Hub network under the Crisafulli Government, following new hubs established in Toowoomba and on the Sunshine Coast.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was delivering targeted investment to leverage Queensland's competitive advantages.
"Regional Queensland is the engine room of our economy and this investment ensures manufacturers in the Wide Bay Burnett have every opportunity to grow, innovate and compete," Minister Last said.
"Under Labor, regional manufacturers were overlooked by a government that couldn't take its southeast corner blinkers off, but the Crisafulli Government knows Queensland doesn't start and end in Brisbane.
"We are backing industry with practical support that helps businesses expand, employ more Queenslanders and secure future investment.
"This is about building a stronger regional economy, creating more opportunities for local businesses and delivering a better lifestyle for the Wide Bay."
Member for Maryborough, John Barounis said the new Manufacturing Hub was a major win for local businesses and workers.
"Manufacturing is part of our identity. For generations, local businesses have built products that have supported Queensland and Australia, and today we're making sure that legacy has an even stronger future," Mr Barounis said.
"I have been working closely with local manufacturers who have told me they want practical support to grow their businesses, adopt new technologies and attract the skilled workers they need. This Hub delivers exactly that.
"The Crisafulli Government has listened to our community and backed Maryborough with an investment that will help local businesses compete expand and create secure jobs."
Director of Allweld Manufacturing Josh Linwood said the new Manufacturing Hub would help build on Maryborough's strong manufacturing heritage.
"Maryborough has a proud manufacturing history and this Hub is an opportunity to build on that legacy," Mr Linwood said.
"By bringing together industry, training providers and government, we can create a stronger manufacturing ecosystem that supports local supply chains, creates jobs and keeps advanced manufacturing capability right here in regional Queensland.
"One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today is attracting and developing skilled workers. This Manufacturing Hub will play an important role in building capability across the region by creating pathways for apprentices, upskilling existing workers and ensuring local businesses have access to the talent they need to succeed.
"Regional Queensland has the skills, innovation and determination to be a powerhouse of Australian manufacturing.
"The establishment of a Manufacturing Hub in Maryborough will create new opportunities for local businesses to grow, adopt new technologies and compete for major projects across Australia and internally."
