The Queensland Government is expanding the state’s manufacturing capabilities by providing specialist engineering products for the resources sector at its new Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub.
Located in the Darling Downs mining region, the hub is a part of the recent budget’s $10 million investment for implementing new manufacturing hubs across the state.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last says this investment is paving a new pathway for the state’s economic future by restoring and strengthening the mining industry.
“The Toowoomba Hub will focus on supporting the unique strengths and needs of Darling Downs where there is existing regional capability in food and beverage, steel fabrication, advanced composites and specialist engineering products for the resources sector,” Last says.
Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki says implementing a manufacturing hub in the Darling Downs region will boost the area’s industrial capabilities.
“Investing in the Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub is a major step toward building a stronger manufacturing sector in regional Queensland,” Janetzki says.
“We want more Queensland-made products, more secure regional jobs, and a stronger, more self-sufficient state.”
Manufacturing hubs central to mining operations allow for reduced costs, improved efficiency, and bolsters local jobs for both parties, contributing to the region’s circular economy.
As reported by the Queensland Treasury, Mining was valued at $61.6 billion in Queensland across 2023-24, naming it as the state’s largest industry for the grounds that produces a diverse range of commodities including coal, gold, copper, zinc, and nickel.
Queensland turned over $71.8 billion into the state’s economy from coal exports alone in 2021-22, which equals to 70% of total resources exports.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
