Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher met with Queensland manufacturing leaders for the first time at a Ministerial Manufacturing Council meeting which took place on Thursday.
Speaking at the online meeting, Mr Butcher thanked all council members for their dedication and support for the manufacturing sector, especially during the coronavirus outbreak.
“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,” Mr 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.”
Mr Butcher said the Ministerial Manufacturing Council would continue to play ‘an important advisory role’ to drive the ongoing transformation and diversification of the manufacturing industry.
“The council has already done a great deal for the industry,” he said.
“The council has supported the development and implementation of strategies for craft brewing, beef processing and hydrogen.
“It has also supported the implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives including the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub.
He said the Council would work diligently to ensure that Queensland’s manufacturing industry is self-reliant in the face of any future challenges.
“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,” Minister Butcher concluded.
