Townsville’s defence and aerospace industries will reach new heights with a new manufacturing plant set to get off the ground with Queensland Government support.
With funding from the Industry Partnership Program (IPP), Garbutt’s Bridgeman Agencies will build an advanced metal manufacturing and fabrication facility in Townsville, with plans to service local construction and defence contracts.
The project cost is estimated to be $1.7 million.
The project will create 14 jobs and position the Indigenous-owned company to grow its supply chain into defence and aerospace industries in North Queensland.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles spoke about the announcement.
“This is another example of an important new project being brought to life with IPP support, creating good, secure jobs and more secure supply chains,” he said.
“Since the launch of IPP in 2021, more than $1.1 billion worth of projects have been approved with the potential to create more than 1,850 ongoing jobs.
“Importantly, the program paves the way for companies to leverage further funding from sources such as Commonwealth Government programs – ensuring our Queensland industries get their fair share of these national funding programs.
“Bridgeman’s project will build on the pipeline of fantastic projects taking shape with IPP support, including Vecco Group’s Townsville vanadium battery electrolyte manufacturing facility.
“With our $53.5 million boost to make this program even bigger and better, we’ll be seizing more opportunities and supporting more projects in emerging industries that will supercharge Queensland’s economic future.”
The IPP, part of the Queensland Jobs Fund, is focused on growing priority industries, strengthening local supply chains, encouraging collaboration between all levels of government and industry and leveraging private sector investment.
This year’s State Budget included a $53.5 million boost to continue the successful program.
The next allocation of IPP funding opened in August, with a focus on unlocking opportunities presented by new global demand driven by the shift to decarbonisation.
Bridgeman Owner and managing director, Adam Sarota spoke of his excitement.
“We are very honoured to be awarded the Industry Partnership Program grant by the State of Queensland,” he said.
“Bridgeman’s manufacturing expansion project will develop our manufacturing capability, deliver positive economic outcomes and create new jobs for Townsville and Northern Australia.
“We are committed to capitalising on regional strengths to build capability, sustainability, and resilience. Our Townsville site will enable Bridgeman to create further full-time employment opportunities for Townsville and local communities for the long term.
“As a Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, Bridgeman is dedicated to encouraging partnerships between industries and other Indigenous companies along the supply chain and working alongside Queensland Government agencies to deliver training and career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Sarota said.
“Without the support of the Queensland Government’s Industry Partnership Program grant funding, we would have been unable to expand into Townville, develop our manufacturing capability and create new jobs for North Queensland that deliver long-term tangible and positive outcomes for the region.”