News

Australia’s manufacturing sector continued to expand in December, marking a second consecutive month of modest improvement in manufacturing conditions, according to the latest S&P Global Australia Manufacturing PMI data.

Manufacturing in Western Australia is set to play a central role in the State’s public transport expansion, with the WA Government awarding a $66 million contract to Henderson-based shipbuilder Echo Marine Group to design and manufacture five electric ferries for the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project.

Amaero Ltd has received a AUD 4.6 million purchase order from Titomic Limited for refractory alloy powders, strengthening manufacturing activity under the companies’ five-year exclusive supplier and development agreement. 

Austal Limited has been awarded a $1.029 billion Design and Build Contract for 18 Landing Craft Medium vessels under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia, according to a statement released by the company.

Lockheed Martin has completed the Block 8.1.1 upgrade for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet, a program the company says enhances the aircraft’s capability and supports the ongoing operational requirements of Australia’s tactical airlift force.

Australians have increased access to safe battery recycling, according to new data released by the Battery Stewardship Council through B-cycle’s latest Positive Charge Report, which outlines the current reach and performance of the national voluntary battery stewardship scheme.

Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas has been granted a Therapeutic Goods Administration licence to manufacture therapeutic goods, clearing the way for GMP-compliant manufacturing at its Brisbane biomedical facility and supporting the progression of clinical trials for its proprietary high-density microarray patch technology.

Virescent Ventures has joined an AUD 50 million funding round for Melbourne-based IND Technology, supporting the expansion of the company’s Australian-developed manufacturing of Early Fault Detection (EFD) systems for energy utilities worldwide.

Container Exchange has announced a 12-month pilot to trial the use of renewable diesel in trucks transporting containers across South East Queensland as part of the state’s Containers for Change scheme.

Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has released the draft GenCost 2025-26 Report for public consultation, outlining updated estimates on the cost of new-build electricity generation and pathways to meeting Australia’s renewable energy and emissions targets.