FNQ manufacturers ready to maximise growth off the back of state funding

A timber processor and an agricultural supplier from Far North Queensland will upgrade their work practices to create more jobs for Queenslanders after securing $770,558 in combined funding from the Palaszczuk Government.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the $46 million Made in Queensland (MiQ) grants program was crucial to keep manufacturing strong in the region.

“Ravenshoe Timbers on the Atherton Tablelands has been awarded a $650,000 MiQ grant to assist with the installation of a state-of-the-art finger jointing line at its timber processing facility,” Mr Healy said.

“This new technology is expected to significantly increase production and create seven additional jobs over five years.

“Another great FNQ business, agricultural products and machinery company North Queensland Agricultural Supplies, will invest $120,558 into new advanced manufacturing systems that will transform their operational efficiency.

“The Cairns-based business is an important supplier to the north and Far North Queensland agricultural sector, so the system improvements will be of significant benefit to local producers.”

Ravenshoe Timbers Director David Simms said the new finger-jointing line would increase production capacity while reducing operating costs.

“We’ll be able to install a new high-capacity line in our timber processing mill that will allow us to join timber into longer continuous pieces,” Mr Simms said.

“This means we’ll be able to increase our range of finished timber products and our production capacity, allowing us to employ more people.”

Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said MiQ is helping local manufacturers expand, upskill and employ.

“Since 2017 the Palaszczuk Government has supported around 75 projects across Queensland through MiQ,” Mr Dick said.

“The grants, which are matched by the manufacturers, will help create more than 930 new jobs over the next five years and are expected to generate approximately $92 million in private sector investment.”

Shortlisted applicants for MiQ Round 3 will be invited to submit detailed applications in November.

MiQ complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. To learn more visit the Made in Queensland webpage.

ENDS

Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284