Queensland manufacturers across the state are registering their willingness to assist and supply materials and equipment to help in the fight against COVID-19.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was terrific to see Queensland manufacturers stepping up to the plate.
"We're seeing Queensland businesses making products from hand sanitiser to masks to help protect our frontline workers," the Premier said.
"Queensland ingenuity and innovation is a very important part of our response to COVID-19 and is supporting local businesses and local jobs."
Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the Queensland Government had reached out to manufacturers, suppliers and producers to fill gaps and help keep production lines moving.
"We have received an amazing response from Queensland manufacturers who are developing solutions by retooling and pivoting their focus to new products, and offering engineering and design expertise," Mr Dick said.
"We have received over 250 enquiries from industry and connected more than 150 businesses to potential suppliers since the Manufacturer's Supply Matching webpage was launched three weeks ago.
"To help further, a request to the market is being undertaken through the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway, which will connect businesses across industries with suppliers to continue operations.
"We currently have 16 work packages promoting Queensland supply opportunities directly to manufacturers via the ICN Gateway.
"Many of these packages focus on the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including health care products such as face masks, hand sanitiser, face shields, ventilators, gowns and protective eyewear.
"Operated by QMI Solutions, ICN has over 80,000 businesses nationally, and more than 22,000 of those are Queensland based businesses registered on their database ready to step up and help," Mr Dick said.
Executive Director Shay Chalmers said QMI Solutions is pleased to play a key role in the effort against COVID-19, through connecting our manufacturing community to supply chain opportunities.
"Our online database is being engaged to find essential goods and services as the demand from government, other manufacturers and frontline health workers continue to arrive," Ms Chalmers said.
"We are delighted with the response from our local manufacturing community. In less than a week we have had 40 companies submit 72 expressions of interest on the Queensland Government's ICN Gateway COVID19 page.
"There have been over 3000-page views to the site since it has been created, which demonstrates high levels of engagement.
Mr Dick said ICN Queensland and government will continue to monitor industry needs in order to swiftly match supply and demand.
"The generosity, creativity and agility of industry and business has been nothing short of inspiring these past few weeks, but we need to continue spreading the word about our online register," Mr Dick said.
"I'm hopeful that the work we are doing now here in Queensland – and Australia – concerning supply chains, manufacturing and other measures will leave us better placed in the weeks and months ahead."
The following services will remain open for registrations until further notice.
Suppliers able to help fill supply gaps can register at the ICN Gateway here www.qldcovid19.icn.org.au
Manufacturers or businesses having difficulties accessing supplies please visit www.qld.gov.au/qld-supplies
