The Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council has held its first meeting for the year, with the Queensland Government saying discussions with industry leaders will help inform the future direction of manufacturing across the state.
According to the Queensland Government, the meeting brought together representatives from across the manufacturing sector to discuss innovation, advanced technology and job creation opportunities linked to the state’s $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program.
The government said the council provides strategic advice and practical industry insights aimed at supporting the growth and diversification of manufacturing while contributing to economic, regional and employment development across Queensland.
Dale Last said the council played an important role in ensuring policy decisions were informed by the experiences of manufacturers.
“Queensland manufacturers are at the forefront innovating, growing and creating jobs, and the Crisafulli Government is backing them in,” 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.”
The meeting was hosted at the new Acacia Ridge facility of Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, where participants discussed current industry trends and opportunities.
Xanny Christophersen, CEO and managing director of Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, said the session helped set the tone for industry discussions in 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,” 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.”
Industry representatives also highlighted the importance of ensuring regional manufacturers have a voice in policy discussions.
Louise McMahon, general manager of MFE Pty Ltd, said the council allowed regional manufacturers to share their perspectives directly with government.
“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,” 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.”
The Queensland Government said half of the funding from the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program will be directed toward regional businesses as part of its broader efforts to support manufacturing investment and jobs across the state.
Queensland’s manufacturing sector will also be highlighted in May when the state hosts for the first time.
