QLD manufacturing gets gov funding boost

The Queensland Government is injecting nearly $600 million to boost its industries and regional and rural areas as part of its latest budget.

The state is targeting manufacturing with close to an $80 million investment in a new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing program, opening new pathways for export, “and enabling reshoring and onshoring by Queensland manufacturers,” the state government said in a statement.

It will also provides an additional $10 million for a promised Manufacturing Hub in Toowoomba as well as another hub on the Sunshine Coast to boost the state’s regional manufacturing capabilities.

“We’re unlocking a new wave of high-value manufacturing jobs with $79.1 million for the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Program, and expanding our regional footprint with new hubs in Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast,” QLD minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development, Dale Last, said.

The budget also locks in $4.8 billion to support the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, strengthening the town of Maryborough's locally built train industry and aiding employment in the area.

The train building program recently took a major step forward after unveiling a full-scale mock-up to test accessibility features for the state’s next generation of passenger trains built in the town.

“This Budget sends a clear signal Queensland is open for business and is serious about growing the industries that underpin our economy,” Last said.