Queensland government announces $25 million in new funding for manufacturing programs in final budget

The Queensland government has announced what it says is $25 million in new funding for manufacturing programs in the state budget, handed down on Tuesday.

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced $52 million for existing and new grant programs in the budget, the last before the October 26 election and the first with Steven Miles as premier.

The $25 million in new funding included $20 million for the Made in Queensland Grant Program, which offers matched funding of between $50,000 to $2.5 million for projects that “increase international competitiveness, productivity and innovation” at companies.

The remaining $5 million in new funding is to continue the Manufacturing Hub Grant Program, which offers matched grants between $10,000 and $500,000 to eligible manufacturing SMEs in selected regional locations. 

“The Premier’s first Budget highlights our government’s rock-solid commitment to manufacturing,” said manufacturing minister Glenn Butcher. 

“We always put our money where our mouth is and we back our manufacturers because if we can make it in Queensland, we should.”

The remainder of the $52 million funding included $7.1 million for the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program and $10 million for the recycling-focussed ReMade in Queensland Grant Program, as well as $2.2 million for the The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub.

Picture: credit Manufacturing Skills Queensland/Michael Chambers​