Queensland manufacturing leaders have held the first Ministerial Manufacturing Council meeting to put forward ideas on supporting the sector during COVID-19.
Chairing the online meeting, new Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher thanked all council members for their dedication and support for the manufacturing sector.
“Queensland’s manufacturing industry employs over 165,000 people and has contributed around $20 billion per annum to the state economy across the last decade,” Butcher said.
“I appreciated everyone’s willingness to put forward their ideas for Queensland’s manufacturing sector as we continue to find solutions to recover the state’s economy in the wake of COVID-19.”
Minister Butcher said the Ministerial Manufacturing Council would continue to play an important advisory role to the Queensland government.
“The council has supported the development and implementation of strategies for craft brewing, beef processing and hydrogen,” he said.
“Right now we have a huge opportunity to reshape and strengthen the manufacturing industry in Queensland to ensure we are self-reliant in the face of any future challenges and to create secure long-term job opportunities for Queenslanders.
“In partnership with industry, the government will continue to deliver initiatives that support companies build competitiveness, respond to emerging challenges such as COVID-19 and access new supply chain opportunities into the future.”
The Ministerial Manufacturing Council has supported the implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives, including the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub.