- New advanced metal manufacturing and fabrication facility in the pipeline for Townsville thanks to funding support from Palaszczuk Government's Industry Partnership Program
- Project unlocks opportunities to service defence and construction contracts
- $415.5 million flagship program growing Queensland industries and jobs
Townsville's defence and aerospace industries will reach new heights with a new manufacturing plant set to get off the ground with Palaszczuk Government support.
With funding from the Industry Partnership Program (IPP), Garbutt's Bridgeman Agencies will build an advanced metal manufacturing and fabrication facility in Townsville, with plans to service local construction and defence contracts. The project cost is estimated to be $1.7 million.
The project will create 14 jobs and position the Indigenous-owned company to grow its supply chain into defence and aerospace industries in North Queensland.
The IPP, part of the Queensland Jobs Fund, is focused on growing priority industries, strengthening local supply chains, encouraging collaboration between all levels of government and industry and leveraging private sector investment.
This year's State Budget included a $53.5 million boost to continue the successful program.
The next allocation of IPP funding opened in August, with a focus on unlocking opportunities presented by new global demand driven by the shift to decarbonisation.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:
"This is another example of an important new project being brought to life with IPP support, creating good, secure jobs and more secure supply chains.
"Since the launch of IPP in 2021, more than $1.1 billion worth of projects have been approved with the potential to create more than 1,850 ongoing jobs.
"Importantly, the program paves the way for companies to leverage further funding from sources such as Commonwealth Government programs – ensuring our Queensland industries get their fair share of these national funding programs.
"Bridgeman's project will build on the pipeline of fantastic projects taking shape with IPP support, including Vecco Group's Townsville vanadium battery electrolyte manufacturing facility.
"With our $53.5 million boost to make this program even bigger and better, we'll be seizing more opportunities and supporting more projects in emerging industries that will supercharge Queensland's economic future."
Quotes attributable to Townsville MP Scott Stewart:
"Our communities in regional Queensland know this program is creating high value jobs and bringing new skills and capabilities to established and emerging industries.
"With this new capability, Bridgeman plans to service construction and defence contracts from Townsville, strengthening local supply chains and growing the region's economy.
"Defence industries provide far-reaching benefits for Queensland, especially in Townsville which is Australia's largest garrison city, and there are great opportunities for companies to leverage the city's strong defence presence.
"The Palaszczuk Government has a strong record of targeting projects that will deliver results for our industries and our economy."
Quotes attributable to Bridgeman Owner & Managing Director, Adam Sarota:
"We are very honoured to be awarded the Industry Partnership Program grant by the State of Queensland.
"Bridgeman's manufacturing expansion project will develop our manufacturing capability, deliver positive economic outcomes and create new jobs for Townsville and Northern Australia.
"We are committed to capitalising on regional strengths to build capability, sustainability, and resilience. Our Townsville site will enable Bridgeman to create further full-time employment opportunities for Townsville and local communities for the long term.
"As a Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, Bridgeman is dedicated to encouraging partnerships between industries and other Indigenous companies along the supply chain and working alongside Queensland Government agencies to deliver training and career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"Without the support of the Queensland Government's Industry Partnership Program grant funding, we would have been unable to expand into Townville, develop our manufacturing capability and create new jobs for North Queensland that deliver long-term tangible and positive outcomes for the region."
