Queensland announces September to be 'Manufacturing Month'

The Queensland Government recently announced September as ‘Manufacturing Month’ to put a spotlight on the industry, which contributes around $20 billion a year to the Queensland economy and employs 180,000 Queenslanders.

Manufacturing Month will highlight many of Queensland’s leading manufacturers and feature a range of events to showcase the Queensland manufacturing sector’s capabilities. This includes:

• Inside Advanced Manufacturing: Starting today until 15 September, 21 advanced manufacturers and 10 manufacturing support organisations across Queensland have opened their doors to fellow Queensland manufacturers to explain how Industry 4.0 technology and techniques have grown their business.
• Manufacturing Parliamentary Showcase: More than 25 exhibitors will demonstrate and display their products and capabilities as part of a Manufacturing Expo at Queensland Parliament House.
   

Austrack Equipment joined Glenn Butcher, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, to launch the month-long event. The Pinkenba‑based company manufactured the SafeVac pipe lifters which are assisting work on the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline. Two vacuum-lifters are currently onsite and Austrack will be providing another two lifters in the coming months.

The SafeVac lifting machine eliminate the danger of lifting practices as it removes the need to have workers below attaching chains to the pipe. The machine also produces zero emissions.

“I’m so passionate about the manufacturing industry and it’s not simply because I have a background in this industry,” Butcher said. “The manufacturing industry is one of our biggest industries, and supporting its growth means more secure Queensland jobs.

“Queensland manufacturers are innovative, hard-working and, above all, resilient. Their creativity during the COVID pandemic to pivot to other products to capitalise on new opportunities is testament to this.”

Ongoing support for manufacturers is available through Queensland Government initiatives, including Regional Manufacturing Hubs and Made in Queensland grants.