Manufacturing boost helps North Queensland’s Outback Pies grow

• Leading North Queensland bakery Outback Pies to benefit from new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program.
• The grant will help the company install new equipment to improve pastry production processes.
• The Crisafulli Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program is delivering better services through a stronger economy. 

The Crisafulli Government is backing a Townsville-based bakery to rise to the occasion and meet growing demand through the new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP). 

The Outback Pie Co. is one of Australia's leading innovative baked goods manufacturers, servicing petrol and convenience, grocery and food service distribution channels. 

The company will receive around $524,000 to install equipment that will automate dough handling, filling, forming and packaging processes, increasing productivity while improving product consistency, efficiency and workplace safety. 

The project is expected to create 24 new jobs and lead to the upskilling of its existing workforce, and is 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 18 companies have been successful in securing a share of the $12.5m on offer as part of the first round of TQMGP, with 11 based in regional Queensland. 

“To have 119 companies apply for the first round is a vote of confidence in our vision to supercharge innovation, lift productivity, support export opportunities and create good, secure jobs right across Queensland,” Minister Last said, 

“The 18 grant recipients represent the variety of Queensland’s manufacturing sector from food and beverage producers to skin care manufacturers, and suppliers to construction, resource and medical companies. 

“Importantly, the successful projects are expected to create more than 300 new jobs and lead to the upskilling of more than 550 existing workers. 

“The Outback Pie Co. is a North Queensland success story, and this grant will help them supply even more of their famous baked goods to supermarkets and convenience stores around the country.”  

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the investment was another example of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to supporting local manufacturers to grow. 

“This investment supports The Outback Pie Co. to take the next step, increasing production, improving productivity and, importantly, creating up to 24 jobs right here in Townsville,” Mr. Baillie said. 

“Growing our local manufacturing industry creates jobs, strengthens our economy and builds a stronger future for businesses across Townsville and North Queensland.”