Power source strengthened for Maryborough munitions factory

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $9 million to upgrade energy supply and connection for a soon-to-be-built shell forging plant in Maryborough, supporting industrial growth in the region.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said investing to ensure local industries could continue and expand was investing in future jobs.

"We want to see more jobs in more industries," the Premier said.

"We announced support for the timber industry when we were here for community cabinet and now we're giving even more support to the Maryborough manufacturing industry. 

"Bruce Saunders always talks to me about more support for Maryborough and I'm pleased my government can deliver this latest boost for the community."

Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the $60 million Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions (RNM) facility will create up to 100 advanced manufacturing jobs for Maryborough.

“Maryborough has enough power, but because the facility’s energy needs are complex we want to strengthen supply and safeguard connection,” Mr Dick said.

“We worked with Ergon Energy and RNM to best understand what the plant needed in terms of connection to the grid, and we’re now investing $9 million to facilitate it.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to growing manufacturing jobs in Maryborough and the Wide Bay.

“We welcome the new 100 jobs set to be created, and we’ll keep working to bring more work to this region.”

This latest investment from the state will see an additional Maryborough substation and a dedicated 11-kilovolt connection built for the plant.

This follows a $7.5 million commitment through the Palaszczuk Government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to bring the facility to the city.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said construction will begin in March 2020, with the plant to commence full production in 2022.

“The plant will produce 30,000 155-millimetre artillery shell cases annually for both the Australian Defence Force and Rheinmetall’s international supply chain,” Mr Saunders said.

“Most importantly though, it will produce more jobs for Maryborough, continuing the Palaszczuk Government’s great work to boost manufacturing locally.”

RNM Deputy Chair and Director Robert Nioa said the new facility was a complex project that required detailed consideration of its technical specifications by both Ergon Energy and RNM.

“Through these considerations the exact nature of the facility’s electricity connection requirements became apparent,” Mr Nioa said.

“We’re very pleased the Queensland Government was able to facilitate the negotiations between all stakeholders and take the necessary steps to secure the plant’s connection requirements.”

Learn more about the Palaszczuk Government’s future plans for advanced manufacturing and defence industries in Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561

Artist impressions of the facility.