Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development

The Honourable Dale Last

01 September 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT: Best of industry on show during Queensland Manufacturing Month 

  • Queensland’s manufacturing sector is set to shine this September during Queensland Manufacturing Month.
  • Events to be held across the State showcasing leading technologies and highlighting new opportunities for women and students in manufacturing.
  • The Crisafulli Government is reviving the State’s manufacturing industry and delivering investment in regional Queensland.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor. 

Queensland’s manufacturing prowess will be on show during the month of September as the State celebrates Queensland Manufacturing Month. 

Manufacturing is one of Queensland’s economic powerhouses, supporting nearly 170,000 jobs and contributing around $29 billion annually to the economy. 

A highlight of the month is Inside Advanced Manufacturing (1–11 September), where leading businesses from Warwick to Townsville will open their doors to showcase advanced processes, robotics and cutting-edge technology. 

The program gives manufacturers the chance to share knowledge and drive innovation, while tertiary students and educators can explore manufacturing as a future career path. 

Regional events will also shine a spotlight on women in the industry, while across the State, Queensland Manufacturing Hubs will be hosting networking events that will bring together local manufacturers to share ideas and information about upcoming programs and incentives to support their business growth. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor. 

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was making sure the world knows Queensland is made for manufacturing.   

“For a decade, Labor talked about supporting Queensland manufacturing but failed to give the sector the focus and confidence it needed to grow,” Minister Last said.  

“This year has really been all about showcasing what our mighty manufacturers can do, from hosting Australian Manufacturing Week for the first time, through to Queensland Manufacturing Month. 

“Whatever you can think of, Queensland makes it – from defence rocket manufacturers to medical equipment suppliers and food and beverage products. 

“The Crisafulli Government is reviving the State’s manufacturing sector through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy. 

“We’ve just awarded nearly $12.5 million in Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants to 18 companies across the state to grow, innovate and boost their capabilities. 

“This is backed by our expansion of Queensland’s Manufacturing Hubs to Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast and Maryborough. 

“We will always back Queensland-made as part our world-leading manufacturing sector.”  

ARM Hub founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said the month of September was about celebrating the people who make up the Queensland Manufacturing sector.   

“Manufacturing Month is an opportunity to showcase the strength and depth of Queensland’s industrial capability—and celebrate our manufacturers turning innovation and expertise into great businesses,” Professor Stewart said. 

 “Queensland manufacturers are highly skilled problems solvers, using new technologies and developing products and services that compete on the national and global stage.  

“The greatest opportunity for Queensland manufacturing lies in connecting industry with research, skills, investment and technology—accelerating great Queensland ideas from concept to commercial production and building more of what Australia and the world needs right here.” 

For more information visit: www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/events.