Queensland announces resources and manufacturing budget

As part of the 2025 state Budget, the Queensland Government has announced a $595.2 million Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development Budget that includes a $79.1 million investment in a Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Program to facilitate pathways for export opportunities and enabling reshoring and on‍-‍shoring by Queensland manufacturers.

The government says the Budget delivers on a key election commitment for a Manufacturing Hub in Toowoomba and an additional hub also on the Sunshine Coast to further strengthen Queensland’s regional manufacturing footprint, with a $10 million investment. $117.8 million is also allocated to support Natural Resource Management groups.

Among other initiatives, $4.8 billion has been allocated to the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program and a further $5.1 million will go towards accelerating mineral exploration, through targeted geoscience initiatives and data technologies to provide industry-ready data.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development, Dale Last, said the Budget backed industry, removed red tape and strengthened Queensland’s economy.

“This Budget sends a clear signal Queensland is open for business and is serious about growing the industries that underpin our economy,” he said. “We’re unlocking a new wave of high‍-‍value manufacturing jobs with … the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Program, and expanding our regional footprint with new hubs in Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.”

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