Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub to open soon: state government

The Queensland government says it will establish a new Manufacturing Hub in Toowoomba, following a funding allocation of $10 million in last week’s state budget.

No opening date was given in the update on Tuesday. The statement from manufacturing minister Dale Last said the Toowoomba hub will “soon begin working with local manufacturers to strengthen industry capability, unlock innovation and drive job creation across southern inland Queensland” and will deliver on an election commitment “to support manufacturing in the Darling Downs”.

The government announced in the 2025-26 budget that it will establish new hubs at Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.

Last said: “The Toowoomba Hub will focus on supporting the unique strengths and needs of Darling Downs where there is existing regional capability in food and beverage, steel fabrication, advanced composites and specialist engineering products for the resources sector.” 

State MP for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts, added that the city “is home to more than 1000 manufacturing businesses, making it a critical hub for Queensland’s regional manufacturing economy… This hub will ensure manufacturers across the region get the practical, targeted support they need to thrive.” 

There will be nine Manufacturing Hubs in the state after Toowoomba’s opens. According to the state government website they offer support to “optimise your processes, advance your team’s skills, and identify new business opportunities”.

Picture: credit TAFE Queensland