Ai Group has encouraged Queensland manufacturers to apply for a share of $5million in state government funding announced today.
Eligible manufacturers in the Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay and Gold Coast regions can now access grants of up to $500,000 through Round 4 of the Manufacturing Hubs Grants Program (MHGP).
The program is open to small-to-medium manufacturers looking to improve productivity, adopt innovative processes and technologies and create and maintain high-performing workplaces.
It has already supported more than 100 regional manufacturing projects, created and supported over 1700 jobs and generated more than $42 million in private sector investment.
Ai Group leaders in Queensland have encouraged eligible manufacturers to apply.
Head of Queensland Michelle Farquhar, pictured third from right at today's Women in Manufacturing networking event in Townsville, said: “Queensland manufacturers have been able to shift their operations up a gear with previous rounds of grant funding.
“I’d encourage any Queensland manufacturer with under 200 staff to look at this opportunity; it may provide the bridge to the next chapter for your business,” she said.
Ai Group Head of Northern Australia Dean Deighton said he commended the Queensland Government and Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, for the latest round of funding.
“As an industry representative for Northern Australia, I see this program as an enabler for the adoption of manufacturing technology and processes,” Mr Deighton said.
“This will support the regions by creating sustainable manufacturing employment outcomes and allow manufacturers in the north to be globally competitive.”
Mr Butcher said the program injects vital funds that achieve real and practical outcomes for regional manufacturers.
MHGP Round 4 is open until June 30 next year or until funding is fully allocated.
Click here for further information and to apply.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
