Made in Queensland grants growing good secure jobs in Cairns

• Made in Queensland (MiQ) round 6 guidelines now available
• Local manufactures set to benefit from another $20 million on offer for round 6
• MiQ is a hugely successful program with a total investment of $101.5 million

The Palaszczuk Government’s successful Made in Queensland grants program is set to deliver more jobs across Queensland, with the release of the round 6 guidelines today.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher was in Cairns today to meet with local manufacturers and share the good news about the expansion of the Made in Queensland grants program.

Made in Queensland grants have already awarded $2.4 million in funding to Cairns manufacturing businesses, creating and supporting over 600 jobs. Those numbers are expected to grow further thanks to a further $20 million in funding becoming available through round 6. 

The Palaszczuk Government’s support for manufacturers through this program has seen a total of $101.5 million committed to this program, creating and supporting 5,900 jobs and leveraging over $110 million in private sector investment. 

Made in Queensland grants are just one of the ways the Palaszczuk Government is backing Queensland manufacturers, with businesses across Queensland also benefitting from the $28.5 million Manufacturing Hubs Grants Program and the invaluable support provided through the Government’s $60 million investment in the six manufacturing hubs established in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and the Gold Coast.

Manufacturers will also benefit from the $2.5 million that has been set aside in this round for projects that don’t involve the purchase of equipment. This can include, software, system improvements, lean manufacturing, professional advice, improvement planning and more. Engagement with manufacturers across previous rounds has shown that investment in these projects is crucial to business success.

The benefit of the Palaszczuk Government’s direct investment in manufacturing businesses is clear for all to see, with examples like:

• Cairns based manufacturer, Status Signs, using their Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program funding to purchase the equipment necessary to bid for bigger jobs, including the signs that are now proudly on display at the revamped Cairns Convention Centre. This grant allowed them to put on 5 extra staff including 2 apprentices; and
• CSF Industries in Cairns that received over $700,000 through the Made in Queensland grants program to install an integrated robotic steel fabrication and advanced welding system. This investment has created and supported 129 jobs in the region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:

“Thanks to our investment in Made in Queensland grants, 136 projects have been supported so far.

“The results speak for themselves with 5,900 jobs supported and created from this job generating investment.

“It’s such an exciting time for Queensland’s manufacturing industry. From the Palaszczuk Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan, our record $89 billion Big Build, or Queensland Train Manufacturing Program right through to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“There’s opportunities for Queensland manufacturers everywhere you look.

“We want to make sure that manufacturers in Cairns and right across Queensland are in the best possible position to work on these major contracts.”

Member for Cairns, Michael Healy encouraged Cairns manufacturers to start preparing their applications now.

Quotes attributable to Member for Cairns, Michael Healy:

“There are more than 800 manufacturing businesses, employing around 5,700 workers in Cairns. I want to see as many of them as possible reach the next step of their business.

“Whether its purchasing CNC routers, robotic welding equipment or implementing system improvements, the Palaszczuk Government is backing our local manufactures.” 

Further information:

Made in Queensland Round 6 application guidelines are available now.  Applications will open on 16 October 2023 and close on 11 December 2023.

For more information visit: www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/miq

ENDS

Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004