Queensland manufacturing council meets to plot industry growth

The Queensland Government reports that the Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council held its first meeting for the year in which members discussed the innovation, advanced technology and job-creating opportunities for Queensland businesses off the back of the state government’s $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program.

The Council aims to bring together industry leaders from across Queensland who will provide strategic advice and real-world knowledge to grow and diversify manufacturing, with the aim of driving economic, regional and employment growth throughout the state.

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Council was playing an important role in making sure decisions are informed by the businesses doing the heavy lifting on the ground.

“Queensland manufacturers are at the forefront innovating, growing and creating jobs,” he said. “Through our Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we’re laying out a clear pathway to make Queensland the most attractive place in the country to manufacture, invest and expand.

“QMAC gives us direct access to the experience and expertise of industry leaders, with an ear on the ground to the issues that matter most to manufacturers, especially in regional Queensland.”

Xanny Christophersen, CEO and Managing Director, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, said the first QMAC meeting had set the tone for the year ahead.

“We were thrilled to welcome the Queensland Minister for Manufacturing, the Honourable Dale Last and members of QMAC to our new Acacia Ridge facility to share what modern food manufacturing looks like for the Council’s first offsite meeting,” she said. “The roundtable sparked some great ideas and honest conversations about where the industry is heading and we’re proud to showcase the innovation happening right here in Acacia Ridge.”

Queensland’s manufacturing industry will be on display this May, as the state hosts Australian Manufacturing Week for the first time.

Image credit: iStock.com/Amorn Suriyan