The future of the Gold Coast manufacturing sector has been given a further boost with the Palaszczuk Government announcing permanent funding for the Gold Coast Manufacturing Hub, as part of a more than $17 million statewide boost for manufacturing.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in Manufacturing Hubs and Made in Queensland Grants has created and supported nearly 6,000 jobs to date.
“The work done by these hubs is vital to building and strengthening Queensland’s booming manufacturing sector and creating local jobs.
“Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state’s economy and employees and we want to see that grow even further,” Minister Butcher said.
Minister Butcher was joined by Environment Minister and Gaven MP, Meaghan Scanlon, at local manufacturing business, SimTech Creations, to make the announcement.
SimTech manufactures spectacular LED lighting for sporting stadiums, buildings and casinos, including exporting products to the world’s largest casino, The Sands, in Las Vegas.
“I want to congratulate SimTech Creations for taking advantage of this program, to help modernise and grow,” Minister Scanlon said.
“I know the team at the Gold Coast Manufacturing Hub has worked really hard to get these fantastic results and, since engaging with the Hub last year, SimTech has experienced great growth and is looking to expand their workforce.
“Ninety Gold Coast locals are employed by this business, and we know that ongoing funding, for programs which helped keep Queenslanders employed, are so important to the future of the manufacturing sector.”
SimTech Creations Director and co-founder Janelle Curtis, who built the business with her husband John, said the Gold Coast Manufacturing Hub had proved to be a hugely valuable resource to the business.
“The Manufacturing Hub team are enormously helpful, especially at times such as when we need to employ new people. The team helps us with resources, and gives us great advice,” Ms Curtis said.
“They are always ready to let us know when relevant local expos are coming up or industry events that are just fantastic for us,” she said.
“The Hub also hosts workshops and the great Women in Manufacturing events that we enjoy supporting,” she said.
Minister Butcher said this funding will ensure manufacturers on the Gold Coast and surrounding regions continue to receive the services offered by the Hub on a permanent basis.
“We want Queensland businesses to remain nationally and internationally competitive and arm them with the tools to take advantage of the exponential growth opportunities through Queensland becoming the manufacturing state of choice and recognised as global leaders.
“The Hubs are bringing together the state, industry partners, local governments, local businesses and educational institutions to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing,” Mr Butcher said.
Funding of $17.75 million will enable the Queensland hubs, including the Gold Coast, to continue to support regional manufacturers to grow their businesses and create local jobs. Each hub has established itself to build on the current economic strengths of their regions.
“The Manufacturing Hubs are bringing together the industry partners, state and local governments, local businesses and educational institutions to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing,” Mr Butcher said.
The Manufacturing Hubs build stronger and sustainable regional businesses and develop connected industry ecosystems to increase national and international competitiveness, lift productivity, stimulate sustainable job growth, and attract private sector investment.
