The Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council has held its first meeting for the year, as it works to shape the future of the industry.
Council members discussed the innovation, advanced technology and job creating opportunities for businesses off the back of the State Government’s $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program.
The Council brings together industry leaders from across Queensland who 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.
Minister for Manufacturing, Dale Last said the Council was playing an important role in making sure decisions are informed by the businesses doing the heavy lifting on the ground.
“Queensland manufacturers are at the forefront innovating, growing and creating jobs, and the Crisafulli Government is backing them in,” Minister Last said.
“Through our Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we’re laying out a clear pathway to make Queensland the most attractive place in the country to manufacture, invest and expand.
“QMAC gives us direct access to the experience and expertise of industry leaders, with an ear on the ground to the issues that matter most to manufacturers, especially in regional Queensland.”
Xanny Christophersen CEO and Managing Director, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights said the first QMAC meeting had set the tone for the year ahead.
“We were thrilled to welcome the Queensland Minister for Manufacturing, the Honourable Dale Last and members of QMAC to our new Acacia Ridge facility to share what modern food manufacturing looks like for the Council’s first offsite meeting,” Ms Christophersen said.
“The roundtable sparked some great ideas and honest conversations about where the industry is heading and we’re proud to showcase the innovation happening right here in Acacia Ridge.”
Louise McMahon General Manager, MFE Pty Ltd said QMAC was important in delivering real, practical outcomes for regional manufacturers.
“As a regional manufacturer based in Chinchilla that works in partnership with Queensland’s strong resources industry, there are a lot of opportunities to grow our business, employ additional staff and deliver our world-class services to more customers,” Ms McMahon said.
“The QMAC meetings give us an opportunity to directly voice concerns with the Government about the challenges we face as regional manufacturers and explore ways we can address these challenges to support the continued economic growth of the industry across regional Queensland.”
Queensland’s manufacturing industry will be on display this May, as the state hosts Australian Manufacturing Week for the first time.
