Eleven industry leaders will help shape the future of Queensland’s manufacturing industry as part of the State Government’s newly formed Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council, which met for the first time yesterday.
The Council will provide strategic advice and real-world knowledge to grow and diversify manufacturing, with the aim of driving economic, regional, and employment growth throughout the state.
Members of the Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council are:
- Angela Bailey, Dewatering Operations Manager, Weir Minerals Australia
- Xanny Christophersen (pictured), CEO, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights
- Sharon Dawson, Director and CEO, Dawsons Group of Companies
- Louise McMahon, General Manager, MFE Pty Ltd
- Mick Murray, Director, Mick Murray Welding
- Richard Parker, General Manager, TEi Services Pty Ltd
- Emily Pullen, Director and CEO, Mighty Good Food Group
- Aaron Thompson, Managing Director, Ferra Engineering
- Thomas Northcott, Managing Director, Vecco Group
- Rebecca Andrews, CEO, Manufacturing Skills Queensland
- Shay Chalmers, CEO, GLT Trailers
Manufacturing is one of Queensland’s largest industries and employs more than 180,000 people, with about a quarter of these jobs in regional and rural areas.
Minister for Manufacturing, Dale Last said the group had been tasked with working with the Government to drive economic and employment growth in Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
“The Crisafulli Government is determined to make Queensland the most attractive state for manufacturers to invest in,” Minister Last said.
“Building a strong and advanced manufacturing sector not only creates skilled jobs for Queenslanders – it also builds to supply chain resilience and Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capacity.
“QMAC will play a vital role in advising government on the real-world issues facing manufacturers, especially in regional areas.
“This group includes trailblazers and industry leaders with decades of manufacturing experience. These appointments will ensure QMAC had the skillsets, experience, and passion to achieve its mission.
“The members bring a wealth of skills, knowledge, and experience to and will focus on strengthening manufacturing in Queensland’s regions.
“Manufacturing has been a part of our state’s economy since before Federation and I want to see this rich history continue long into the future.
“We’re backing manufacturing, and this is part of our commitment to creating jobs and rebuilding industry confidence right across Queensland. When you support natural resources, enable manufacturing and strengthen rural communities, you build long-term prosperity,” he said.
