Positive signs for Cairns businesses as Palaszczuk Government unlocks $10M of manufacturing grant funding

• Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher has visited Cairns business Status Signs, to announce that Round 3 of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) is open.
• Status Signs won $134,461 under round 1 of the MHGP, which funded a a CNC routing machine, which cuts objects into 3D shapes, as well as a 3D UV printer, and a CNC laser cutter along with some automated software.
• $10 million in funds for the next two years is now available to help even more regional Queensland manufacturers take the next step in transforming their business.

Cairns manufacturers have access to $10 million in total funding, under Round 3 of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher officially announced the next round of the MHGP when he visited a former grant recipient, Status Signs, in Portsmith

The MHGP gives local manufacturers a new opportunity to get financial help for business-expanding initiatives, which will create more good jobs and better services in the region.

The funding boost, which was secured in the 2022/23 Queensland Budget, meant even more manufacturers would have financial support as they modernised and transitioned to manufacturing 4.0 processes.

Cairns’ Status Signs has been able to hire five new staff, including two apprentices, since securing $130,000 in funding from the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) in Round 1 in 2021.  

Quotes attributable to Minister Butcher:

“Manufacturers in Cairns are looking to grow their business and modernise. Our funding helps them do that faster and more efficiently,” Mr Butcher said.

“I’m thrilled to announce another $10 million in funds for the next two years to help even more regional Queensland manufacturers take the next step in transitioning their business to 4.0 technology.

“Remembering some of the challenges of 2021, it’s commendable that the Status Signs team was able to take a visionary approach to the business and take that step to expand and grow.

“This program is also more evidence that our Manufacturing Hubs, which the Palasazczuk Government has permanently funded, are absolutely critical to the prosperity of local businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns MP Michael Healy:

“Status Signs has made the most of the funding opportunity, identifying new customers and new markets to target with the new products created by the purchased equipment.

“This is just one of many example of proof that the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program is an outstanding success.”

Quotes attributable to Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt:

“Manufacturing contributes $20 billion a year to the state’s economy and, to date, 20 FNQ businesses have benefitted from nearly $7 million in funding thanks to manufacturing grants programs funded by the Palaszczuk Government.

“That’s helped to create or support more than 1,100 good jobs and significantly boost services.”

Quotes attributable to Status Signs Director Rhys Carmady:

“We are now more competitive and have a broader product offering thanks to the funding helping us to buy important equipment for our factory. We purchased a CNC routing machine, which cuts objects into 3D shapes, as well as a 3D UV printer, and a CNC laser cutter along with some automated software,” Mr Carmady said.

“Since the funding announcement, we’ve added another five jobs to the business, including two new apprentices, and attracted new customers.

“We’ve really made the most of the funding opportunity and we would definitely encourage others to think about this as a way to expand their business.”

Further information:

To date, the MHGP has awarded more than $13 million to 49 projects, including for business development, technology adoption, skills and training across the five eligible regions throughout Queensland.

Following a review of Rounds 1 and 2, the application process for Round 3 has been simplified to ensure as many people as possible can access grant funding.

To learn more about the MHGP, contact the local Manufacturing Hub and speak to one of the friendly staff.

For more information visit: www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/regional-development/mhgp 

ENDS

Media contact – Emilia Hutchinson 0435 060 437