Manufacturing Queensland

30/07/2026

Critical minerals are more than a resources story – they're a manufacturing story too.

The Queensland Government's new Delivering Queensland's Critical Minerals Future 2026–30 outlines a vision to strengthen the state's position in global supply chains while expanding local processing, refining and advanced manufacturing capability.

From aerospace and defence to batteries, energy systems and emerging technologies, access to secure critical mineral supply chains will help underpin the next generation of manufacturing in Queensland.

As Queensland continues to move up the value chain, manufacturers have an important role to play in turning the state's mineral wealth into high-value products, jobs and economic growth.

Mining Queensland

For industry, investors and partners, confidence matters.

Confidence in the pipeline of opportunity. Confidence in project pathways. Confidence that government is focused on creating the conditions for long-term growth.

That's why the launch of 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 2026–30 is such an important milestone.

The document outlines a coordinated whole-of-government approach to accelerating project delivery, attracting investment, strengthening regional capability and supporting growth across the critical minerals value chain.

Queensland has the resources, industrial capability and ambition to play a leading role in global critical minerals supply chains.

The opportunity goes beyond extraction alone, spanning the full value chain these minerals enable—from processing and refining through to advanced manufacturing.

Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gCR9aHbk

Manufacturing Queensland

30/07/2026

Spider-Man is swinging into cinemas again – a perfect time to celebrate another kind of everyday hero…

Queensland manufacturers create the products we use every day and the equipment that keeps major industries moving. From pantry staples and skincare to orthotics, printed materials, and mining machinery, their impact is everywhere.

No superpowers required – just innovation, skill and a whole lot of Queensland know-how.

23/07/2026

𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 – 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Next up in our spotlight on Queensland’s Manufacturing Hubs…

Mackay is known as Australia’s sugar capital, producing over a third of the nation’s cane sugar, and built on strong agricultural foundations.

Over decades, this capability has grown into the Southern Hemisphere’s densest cluster of Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) businesses, supporting the Bowen Basin and mining operations across Australia and overseas. Today, that innovation is extending into emerging industries like bio commodities and space, alongside a lifestyle enriched by boating and abundant wildlife.

This depth of industry and capability underpins the Greater Whitsunday region’s $82.9B economic output.

The Queensland Manufacturing Hub team in Mackay works alongside local businesses – from coffee roasters to global tech developers – helping them transition to advanced manufacturing through subsidised training and education, workforce pathways and access to automation technology.

Connect with your local manufacturing hub to learn what support is available near you: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/contact-us -hubs

22/07/2026

📢 Introducing the new Catalyst Manufacturing Benchmark Program.

This fully subsidised program will help eligible Queensland manufacturers benchmark their business performance against industry peers, identify opportunities for improvement and build capability for long-term growth.

Participants will receive tailored insights and practical support to strengthen productivity, competitiveness and business performance.

Find out more and submit an expression of interest today: www.qld.gov.au/manufacturing-grants

15/07/2026

Looking to build your future workforce?

The Queensland Manufacturing Hub is hosting a free online lunch and learn session for manufacturers on Tuesday 11 August exploring the ins and outs of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Education and industry representatives will share practical insights into how student apprenticeships work, the benefits for employers, and how early engagement with young people can help strengthen your future workforce pipeline.

Whether you're considering hosting your first school-based apprentice or looking to expand your workforce strategy, this session will provide practical information to help you get started.

Find out more and register online: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/events

14/07/2026

Join us on the Gold Coast to celebrate women in manufacturing and the important role they play in shaping the future of the industry.

The Gold Coast Women in Manufacturing Breakfast on Tuesday 4 August will bring together manufacturers, students and industry leaders for an engaging morning of discussion, networking and shared insights.

Hear from an inspiring panel of industry leaders and change champions, take part in an interactive Q&A session, and connect with peers and future workforce representatives passionate about the manufacturing sector.

Open to all manufacturers and students, this event is an opportunity to champion greater diversity in manufacturing while exploring the innovation, opportunities and careers shaping Queensland's manufacturing future.

Find out more and register online: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/events

10/07/2026

Sunshine Coast, Logan and Brisbane manufacturers, registrations are now open for the Queensland Government Supplier Readiness and Profile Improvement Workshops happening near you.

This workshop is designed to help local manufacturers position themselves for upcoming supply opportunities. The interactive session facilitated by Industry Capability Network Queensland (ICN QLD) provides manufacturers with practical guidance on how to strengthen your Gateway by ICN profile and clearly showcase your business capabilities.

You’ll gain valuable insights into procurement processes, EOI readiness, how buyers engage with suppliers, and the support available to help you compete for opportunities across Queensland and nationally.

Build your supplier readiness and make sure your business is visible when opportunities arise.

Find out more and register online: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/events?keyword=supplier&sortByProp=start_date

08/07/2026

The Queensland Manufacturing Hub will deliver subsidised 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) training programs for local manufacturers in Rockhampton, Townsville, Roma and Burdekin this July and August.

The course provides participants with a practical introduction to CAD, covering both 2D drafting and 3D modelling fundamentals.

Upskilling staff in CAD can help manufacturers improve design accuracy, streamline product development, reduce time spent on revisions and support faster project delivery. Developing these digital design skills also strengthens workforce capability and helps businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving manufacturing environment.

Find out more and register online: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/events?keyword=cad&sortByProp=start_date

07/07/2026

Do you work in Queensland's manufacturing industry? Your experience can help shape its future.

Whether you're on the factory floor, in the office, leading a team, programming robotics or supporting customers, we want to hear from you.

Complete our short survey and have your say on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

⏰ The survey closes this Friday, so don't miss your chance to contribute.

Complete the survey here 👉 https://perspective.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GSrZZbzJ0Qn3SK?SOURCE=Facebook_Org

02/07/2026

Flashback Friday ⏳ When boots were built to last and breaking them in was the real workout.

These snapshots - from James Hunter’s Queen Street boot shop in 1889 to the Antill & Freeman factory in South Brisbane in 1900 - capture Queensland’s early foundations in shoes and textiles manufacturing.

That spirit of craftsmanship and capability continues across the state today. Manufacturing remains one of Queensland’s largest industries – supporting jobs, innovation and communities across every region.



Photos: Queensland State Archives