Manufacturing grants growing Queensland industry

• Scenic Rim and Gold Coast-based manufacturers awarded funding as part of new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program. 
• State’s manufacturing sector is set to shine this September during Queensland Manufacturing Month with more grant recipients to be unveiled. 
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.  

More Queensland manufacturers are transforming their businesses through the Crisafulli Government’s new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP), with more than half of the recipients based across regional Queensland.  

It comes as Queenslanders prepare to celebrate the State’s manufacturing prowess during Queensland Manufacturing Month this September.  

Lightwave Group, who manufacture luxury performance sailing catamarans and industrial fiberglass composite products at Yatala, have been awarded $735,000 to install automated equipment to streamline its composite manufacturing process.  

Over the next five years, the project is expected to create 14 new jobs and lead to the upskilling of its workforce.  

Bromelton-based Terra Firma Fertilisers has also secured $1.31 million to install a new production line for granular fertiliser products for the broadacre market, creating 10 new jobs in the process.  

A total of $12.5 million has been awarded in the inaugural grant round to 18 manufacturers, with 11 of the businesses based in regional Queensland.  

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.   

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program was about supporting industry to take their operations to the next level.  

“Manufacturing is one of Queensland’s largest and longest serving industries – from small family businesses to major industrial operations, and these grants will support small to medium enterprises to lift productivity, upskill staff and upgrade equipment and processes,” Minister Last said.  

“Manufacturing delivers $29 billion to our economy annually and supports more than 171,000 Queensland jobs, including more than 76,000 in regional Queensland.  

“Importantly, over half of the round one grants have been awarded to regional Queensland businesses – this means more jobs secured and more money flowing to our regions. 

“Lightwave and Terra Firma are two of 18 companies that are benefiting from the first round of our new program, allowing them to innovate and boost their capabilities. 

“We are delivering targeted investment to the manufacturers who know Queensland best - empowering them to take our sector to new heights and ensure manufacturers across our State keep pace with the advancing industry." 

Member for Coomera Michael Crandon said the Northern Gold Coast was host to a diverse range of businesses championing advanced manufacturing across defence, aerospace, marine and modular construction.  

“We have a host of highly skilled manufacturers on the Northern Gold Coast, and it is great to see Yatala-based Lightwave Group receive a grant from the Crisafulli Government to purchase new automated equipment," Mr Crandon said. 

“These grants are all about our local manufacturers levelling up their operations, future-proofing their success and creating more local employment opportunities.  

"I am looking forward to following Lightwave as they streamline their manufacturing processes.” 

Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said local manufacturers were at the heart of regional Queensland and the grants would help them upscale their essential businesses.  

"Manufacturing is a key industry for regional Queensland with many family run businesses like Terra Firma providing jobs and economic benefits to the local community," Mr Krause said.  

"Importantly, Terra Firma manufacturer organic fertilisers which are critical to Queensland's agricultural industry, and it is great to see such a deserving recipient of the Crisafulli Government's new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program." 

Lightwave Group General Manager Ned Overell said the new automated equipment would help the company transform the way it manufactured its composite products. 

“Demand for high-quality local Queensland-made products continues to grow and at Lightwave we are always trying to stay at the forefront of advanced manufacturing,” Mr Overell said.  

“This grant will help us significantly improve our productivity and we are grateful for the Queensland Government’s continued support that will allow us to continue to invest in innovation while also building a highly skilled workforce.” 

Terra Firma Fertilisers General Manager and Agronomist Ruby Earsman said the grant would help the company meet growing demand from the broadacre industry while laying the foundation for continued growth. 

“It will allow us not only to establish a dedicated granular fertiliser production line, significantly increasing our capability and capacity, but also create new skilled jobs in our region,” Ms Earsman said. 

“Importantly, the investment gives us a strong and scalable foundation from which we can continue to grow our production capabilities as demand develops. 

“The Queensland Government’s support gives us the confidence to accelerate our growth plans and continue investing in our manufacturing capability here in the region.” 

More grant recipients will be announced throughout September during Queensland Manufacturing Month, with the second round of the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program to open soon.  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Eloise Linneth, 0458 592 640