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A Palaszczuk Government manufacturing grant has helped Rockhampton herbicide manufacturer Cirrus Ag create new jobs and attract interstate customers and now more businesses can apply.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher congratulated Cirrus Ag on their booming success while on a visit to the Kawana work site today and announced applications are now open for Made in Queensland round 5.

“Five new jobs have been created – that’s five central Queenslanders who are in work and spending their money in the community, benefiting more local businesses, thanks to a Made in Queensland grant of nearly $1 million in 2020,” he said.

“They’ve also brought manufacturing attracted interstate clients, thanks to their first-of-its-kind automated granular manufacturing facility, right here in Rocky,” he said.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said Cirrus Ag’s success is good encouragement for other CQ manufacturers to apply for Queensland Government grants.

“I want to see as many local businesses follow in the footsteps of Cirrus Ag.

“Round 5 of the Made in Queensland grant program opened on Monday and I’m encouraging manufacturers to get on board.

“Cirrus Ag is a shining example of how well a business can grow after receiving the right support at the right time,” he said.

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga echoed the sentiment and said with the Queensland Energy and Jobs plan rollout fast approaching, now is the time for businesses to get ready.

“We know our Central Queensland manufacturers are going to play a huge role in the clean energy revolution and I believe the materials can and should be made right here.”

Minister Butcher said Cirrus Ag is a great example of how well a business can grow after receiving the right support at the right time.

“A common criticism of grant programs is that money is given out with a short-term view, but this success proves that our manufacturers are thinking carefully about the grant they apply for and our team in the department is ensuring rigorous processes are followed so money isn’t wasted,” he said.

“We love to see our local manufacturers succeeding and when it’s a business that is as forward-thinking and innovative as Cirrus Ag, we’re even more thrilled,” he said.

Cirrus Ag Director, Paul Hubbard said the business was thriving thanks to their innovative approach to manufacturing.

“Thanks to the Efficient Granule Manufacture Project we have won clients over and brought manufacturing work across the border to Queensland. The introduction of an innovative, automated process has reaped rewards.

“The business can now use just-in-time manufacturing and respond to the seasonal needs of growers, which means resources aren’t tied up making products where demand has fallen away,” he said.

Made in Queensland Round 5 applications are open until 9am on Monday 12 December 2022.