The Queensland Government has announced a new Manufacturing Hub to help businesses across the Wide Bay Burnett better innovate will be built 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, said Minister for Manufacturing, Dale Last.
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, following new hubs established in Toowoomba and on the Sunshine Coast.
“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.”
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,” he said.
